Patents by Inventor Richard D. Kirkendall

Richard D. Kirkendall has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4936220
    Abstract: A saboted projectile having an elongated sub-projectile having a double-r sabot mounted thereon. The sabot includes a main body portion having a radially extending forward scoop and a central bulkhead between which a toroidal-shaped cavity is formed. A self-sealing container extending between the scoop and the bulkhead encloses the cavity in which a solid propellant is contained. A through-hole, formed in the bulkhead, extends from the cavity to the rear surface of the bulkhead. The through-hole has an opening at the rear of the bulkhead for housing a blow-out plug. An igniter is mounted in the plug for igniting the solid propellant contained in the cavity after a predetermined delay. Ignition may also be achieved via pores or openings in the container which may contain a deterred propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bruce P. Burns, Richard D. Kirkendall
  • Patent number: 4450770
    Abstract: The invention is an improved means for the efficient discard of multi-segt sabots. The invention consists of a ring-like mechanism that holds the aft end of the sabot segments in place around the projectile. The ring-like mechanism also serves to seal the interface between the sabot and the projectile. In operation, after the projectile and sabot exit from the muzzle of the launch device, the ring-like mechanism acts as a hinge device which causes the individual sabot segments to pivot about their aft extremity and finally discard as the pivot ring releases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard D. Kirkendall, William H. Drysdale, Louis D. Kokinakis
  • Patent number: 4372217
    Abstract: A segmented sabot utilizes a double ramp configuration and a centrally poioned obturating band in alignment with the center of gravity of an in-bore projectile to improve the uniformity of the shear traction forces at the interface between the sabot segments and a subcaliber projectile, to reduce propellant gas blow-by and to enhance projectile in-bore and trajectory stability. The increased uniformity of shear traction forces between sabot and projectile interfaces and propellant gas self-sealing design permits a reduction in sabot weight of sufficient magnitude to increase the velocity of the projectile at the muzzle exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard D. Kirkendall, William H. Drysdale, Louise D. Kokinakis, Bruce P. Burns
  • Patent number: 4360954
    Abstract: The invention deals with the manufacture of fully segmented sabots used in he launching of subcaliber projectiles. The prior method required the machining of individual sabot segments and fitting them on to the sub-projectile. The improvement involves the casting of the sabot segments with the shimmed sub-projectile pre-positioned in a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bruce P. Burns, Richard D. Kirkendall
  • Patent number: 4284008
    Abstract: A segmented sabot utilizes a double ramp configuration and a centrally poioned obturating band in alignment with the center of gravity of an in-bore projectile to improve the uniformity of the shear traction forces at the interface between the sabot segments and a subcaliber projectile, to reduce propellant gas blow-by and to enhance projectile in-bore and trajectory stability. The increased uniformity of shear traction forces between sabot and projectile interfaces and propellant gas self-sealing design permits a reduction in sabot weight of sufficient magnitude to increase the velocity of the projectile at the muzzle exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard D. Kirkendall, William H. Drysdale, Louise D. Kokinakis, Bruce P. Burns