Cartridges Patents (Class 102/430)
  • Publication number: 20110174184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in the electrical ignition of a propellent charge (1) provided with an electrically conductive surface coating (5) and comprising one or more propellant components (3), ensuring that ignition and progressive combustion of the propellent charge take place. The method is characterized in that said electrically conductive surface coating, when ignition of the propellent charge is desired, is connected to an electrical high-voltage source (6), in that said high-voltage source is made to generate at least one high electrical pulse to said connected electrically conductive surface coating, and in that said at least one high electrical pulse produces an instantaneous flashover ignition of the electrically conductive surface coating of the propellent charge and of all its propellant components, simultaneously. The invention also relates to a propellent charge and to an ammunition shot comprising the propellent charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ola Stark, Lennart Gustavsson, Johan Dahlberg, Lars-Peter Svanberg
  • Publication number: 20110167700
    Abstract: A light activated cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge is comprised of a metalcasing containing an explosive such as gun powder and holds a bullet at a first end. The second end of the casing includes a solid light transparent portion which may be a circular glass or polymeric component positioned in the casing where a primer is normally placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: KARL BOZICEVIC
  • Patent number: 7950329
    Abstract: A cartridge for launching from an electroshock weapon includes a housing adapted for operative connection with the electroshock weapon and having a chamber functioning as a barrel for a projectile unit. The projectile unit includes a conductive head member and an orderly packed wire assembly of electric wire connected with said head member and preferably in coil form. The head member includes a barbed needle for establishing an electrical connection with a target. The electric wire is connected at one end to the head member and at the other end to the housing whereby the wire is withdrawn from the coil as the projectile unit advances toward said target. The project unit is launched by a percussive cap at a rear end of said chamber ignited by the electroshock weapon. At the target an electrical connection is established through the wire to the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Oleg Nemtyshkin, Yury Ladyagin
  • Patent number: 7938067
    Abstract: A reduced signature weapon cartridge is provided which, when fired, produces little or no muzzle blast or noise signature. In particular, a reduced signature weapon cartridge of the present invention comprises a movable piston disposed within the cartridge, disposed in between the high pressure chamber and the projectile. When fired, propellant gases rapidly force the piston forward within the cartridge case, thereby launching the projectile at a subsonic velocity, thereby eliminating the conventional noise signature associated with supersonic velocities. Thereafter, the propellant gases are slowly released from the cartridge case via perforations formed within the piston, grooves formed in the periphery of the piston, or via a gap between the piston and cartridge wall, thereby reducing or eliminating the conventional muzzle blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: Frank J Dindl, Kenneth R Jones
  • Publication number: 20110100246
    Abstract: A primer composition that includes stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus, at least one oxidizer, at least one secondary explosive composition, at least one light metal, and at least one acid resistant binder. The stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus may include particles of red phosphorus, a metal oxide coating, and a polymer layer. The metal oxide coating may be a coating of aluminum hydroxide, bismuth hydroxide, cadmium hydroxide, cerium hydroxide, chromium hydroxide, germanium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, manganese hydroxide, niobium hydroxide, silicon hydroxide, tin hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The polymer layer may be a layer of epoxy resin, melamine resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyurethane resin, or mixtures thereof. A percussion cap primer that includes the primer composition, a tertiary explosive composition, and a cup is also disclosed, as are ordnance devices including the primer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Randall T. Busky, Tod R. Botcher, Joel Sandstrom, Jack Erickson
  • Patent number: 7905043
    Abstract: The boresight laser aiming system for firearms provides a laser aiming beam through the mechanical action (20), chamber, and barrel (36) of the operable firearm (10) and through a specially configured live rimfire cartridge within the chamber, enabling a marksman to place the laser upon the target and fire the weapon simultaneously. The laser device (12) may be installed concentrically with a light passage through the bolt (22), hammer, or other mechanism of the firearm, or may be offset with the light path guided by one or more reflective mirrors, prisms, etc. The firearm may comprise a rifle (10), semiautomatic pistol, revolver, etc. The live cartridge has concentric inner and outer tubes defining a toroidal explosive charge-containing chamber therebetween and a light passage through the innermost tube, and a bullet having a passage therethrough allowing light to pass through the live cartridge assembly when placed in the firearm chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: David K. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20110030571
    Abstract: Provided is ammunition capable of increasing the movement velocity and shooting range of a bullet and enhancing the target hitting rate. The ammunition includes a case having a propellant chamber and a front mouth, a propellant charged into the propellant chamber of the case, a primer installed in the case for exploding the propellant when a physical or electrical impact is applied thereto, a bullet arranged in the front mouth of the case, the bullet having a streamlined tail portion for reduction of air resistance when the bullet is shot, and a wad fitted to the front mouth of the case for removably holding the bullet and closing the front mouth, the wad being separable from the bullet during explosion of the propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: KOREA NUCLEAR ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Se-Chan Lee
  • Publication number: 20110017090
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to cartridges for use in projectile-launching devices, such as ammunition cartridges, flare cartridges, and the like, including components of the cartridges, and methods for their manufacture. For example, the cartridges of this disclosure can be ammunition cartridges such as shotshell cartridges, which include an obturating medium which functions to seal the compressed but expanding hot gases and can be used without a pre-formed gas seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Publication number: 20110005383
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to cartridges and modifications for an M16/AR15 rifle. In one embodiment, a modified M16/AR15 rifle or carbine includes a bolt having a maximum outside diameter greater than that of a standard M16/AR15 bolt; and a bolt extractor pivoted to the bolt. The bolt and the bolt extractor are operable to: transport a cartridge from a magazine to a barrel, and eject a spent cartridge from the barrel. The rifle or carbine further includes a barrel extension configured to receive the bolt; a standard M16/AR15 upper receiver coupled to the barrel extension; a standard M16/AR15 lower receiver coupled to the upper receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence S. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20110000390
    Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least one nano-size non-coated fuel particle having natural surface oxides thereon, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Erickson, Joel Sandstrom, Gene Johnston, Neal Norris, Patrick Braun, Reed Blau, Lisa Spendlove Liu
  • Publication number: 20100300319
    Abstract: A primer composition with reduced toxicity suited for reduced-energy ammunition comprises bismuth (III) oxide as the principal oxidizer and contains a portion of propellant composition mixed therein. This composition may also be used in a cartridge which is otherwise substantially free of any other propellant compound and preferably produces a residue which is substantially free of toxic substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Louise Guindon
  • Publication number: 20100288152
    Abstract: The invention relates to cartridged ammunition, particularly blank ammunition, having a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) placed therein. A propellant chamber (4) accommodating a pyrotechnic of a propellant charge (5) is disposed in the cartridge shell, such charge being ignitable by an ignition device (13) also containing pyrotechnic material that generates propellant gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile and propel the shot out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device from self-igniting at high ambient temperatures, particularly in a fire, thus tearing apart the cartridge shell and projectile and being flung away, an inert, meltable material is mixed into the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Luebbers
  • Patent number: 7832337
    Abstract: A shellcase body for use as part of an ammunition cartridge, which includes a base portion at one end, a middle portion having a substantially straight sidewall and joined with the base portion, and a shoulder portion joined to and extending from the middle portion. A neck portion may be joined to and extend from the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is typically annularly shaped and includes a semi-circular sidewall that extends between an aft end and a fore end. The semi-circular sidewall has a curvature that is defined by a circular arc having a predetermined radius and a center that is positioned a distance away from the shellcase body center longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion is joined with the straight sidewall at a secant point of the circular arc, i.e., the straight sidewall defines a secant line that intersects the circular arc at the aforementioned secant point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Stock, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100282112
    Abstract: A cartridge for a firearm comprises a case having a base located at one end and a projectile mounted at the other end. A specific volume of propellant is contained in the case and is ignitable via a primer located in the base. The ignition of the propellant causes the projectile to be propelled from the case. The case comprises a wall defining a plurality of circumferential flutes that extend around outer and inner surfaces of the case in a helical or vertical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Vin Battaglia
  • Publication number: 20100269723
    Abstract: A munition includes a penetrator casing; and a payload, the payload composed of an explosive material dispersed in a metallic binder material. Related methods are also described. A method is also provided that includes forming an energetic material, combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture, and shaping the mixture to form a composite structural munition component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: George D. Hugus, Edward W. Sheridan, George W. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20100212530
    Abstract: Ammunition with structural and functional features such as to optimise the propellant combustion process when the weapon is fired, resulting in accelerated delivery of the combustion gases. For this purpose, advantageously, the ammunition at issue is fitted with an innovative firing system (4), the incendiary operation of which allows to ignite the entire quantity of propellant (7) in a homogeneous and capillary manner. In this operational circumstance, a considerably larger quantity of propellant (than that occurring with the known art) is therefore ignited in a shorter time. This results in accelerated delivery of the gases, such as to transmit to the projectile (5) an extremely fast burst of thrust, resulting in greater ballistic yield of the projectile and greater damage to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Salvatore Tedde
  • Publication number: 20100107916
    Abstract: A shellcase body for use as part of an ammunition cartridge, which includes a base portion at one end, a middle portion having a substantially straight sidewall and joined with the base portion, and a shoulder portion joined to and extending from the middle portion. A neck portion may be joined to and extend from the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is typically annularly shaped and includes a semi-circular sidewall that extends between an aft end and a fore end. The semi-circular sidewall has a curvature that is defined by a circular arc having a predetermined radius and a center that is positioned a distance away from the shellcase body center longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion is joined with the straight sidewall at a secant point of the circular arc, i.e., the straight sidewall defines a secant line that intersects the circular arc at the aforementioned secant point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Stock, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100101443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to stackable projectiles having a warhead and a propulsion unit. An adaptor enables the warhead to be coupled to propulsion units made of different materials. Furthermore, an adaptor couples different profiles of warheads and propulsion units and allows projectiles to be stacked without need for design modifications. The assembled projectile can be fired electrically or mechanically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Rene Rosales, Ben Bishop
  • Publication number: 20100018429
    Abstract: To increase the function and safety of a weapon, it is proposed that the molded part, as connecting site particularly between a projectile and a preferably combustible sleeve containing a driving mechanism, be constructed in such a way that, in a predefined region, said molded part has a felt with an energetic material and/or an inert material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: NITROCHEMIE ASCHAU GMBH
    Inventor: Walter Lebacher
  • Patent number: 7607392
    Abstract: A shellcase body for use as part of an ammunition cartridge, which includes a base portion at one end, a middle portion having a substantially straight sidewall and joined with the base portion, and a shoulder portion joined to and extending from the middle portion. A neck portion may be joined to and extend from the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is typically annularly shaped and includes a semi-circular sidewall that extends between an aft end and a fore end. The semi-circular sidewall has a curvature that is defined by a circular arc having a predetermined radius and a center that is positioned a distance away from the shellcase body center longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion is joined with the straight sidewall at a secant point of the circular arc, i.e., the straight sidewall defines a secant line that intersects the circular arc at the aforementioned secant point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Stock, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090229484
    Abstract: A safety cap for a small arms cartridge fits over the primer end of the cartridge casing and includes a cushioning material and a rigid material. The cap holds the two materials over the primer and prevents a firing pin from igniting the primer; thereby, rendering the cartridge safe. Furthermore, the added circumference around the end of the cartridge will, in most cases, prevent the cartridge from fitting in a magazine or being chambered in the weapon for which it is sized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Michael L. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20090211482
    Abstract: A blank cartridge (1) comprises a cartridge casing (2) with a first primer (18); a piston (9) with a head (10) and an arm (11); and an expansion chamber located between said primer (18) and the head of the piston (10), wherein, following detonation of the primer, the piston slidably displaces substantially within the casing (2) of said cartridge (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: UTM IP Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Publication number: 20090173250
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for defeating enemy missiles and rockets, particularly rocket propelled grenades (RPG's). The first step is to identify the firing of a missile by the use of sensors that give the approximate distance and bearing of the incoming missile. A non-lethal cloud of pellets is then launched from the target, which can be a building or vehicle or the like, in the general direction of the missile. The pellets are housed in a series of warhead containers mounted at locations on the target in various orientations. The warheads are triggered to fire a low velocity cloud of pellets toward the incoming missile. The pellets then collide with the missile a certain distance away from the target causing premature detonation of the missile, and/or possible severe damage to the missile, and/or deflection of the missile, due to the relatively high velocity of the missile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: William Donnelly Marscher, William Joseph Kelly, Paul James Guthrie, Joseph John DeLorenzo, George DeMassi
  • Patent number: 7533614
    Abstract: The present invention provides a memory enhanced ammunition cartridge. The memory enhanced cartridge can be manufactured using a conventional bulk processing methodology. The bullet of the cartridge contains therein a memory within it. This memory can be programmed with the retail purchaser identification at the point of sale, thereby avoiding the need for a database of information relating to purchasers of ammunition. After the cartridge has been used, the ejected bullet can be located at the target, and the memory read to determine the identity of the purchaser, and potentially the user, of the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald E. Reich
  • Patent number: 7481146
    Abstract: A device for disrupting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with a projectile, which serves to penetrate and/or destroy at least part of the IED. In addition, an accelerator is provided, which accelerates the projectile when the device is actuated and propels it through a barrel. The accelerator is a cartridge filled with propellant. The cartridge is stored in a magazine and contains an initiator for initiating the acceleration. A primer, which is located at the base of the cartridge, serves as the initiator. Initiation occurs when the primer is struck by a firing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Weiss
  • Publication number: 20080282926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the production of radially perforated, cylindrical propellant tubes (1, 23, 31). The invention is based on the underlying idea that the respective propellant tube (1, 23, 31) must be fixed and centred between its own open ends and thereafter to be perforated in stages in a large number of consecutive perforation operations by means of one or more pins (13) capable of displacement in a pin die (10) relative to the propellant tube towards and at least through the major proportion of the cylindrical wall of the propellant tube. Also included in the invention is the requirement for the displacement, between each perforation operation, of the propellant tube and the pin die (10) used for the preparation operation in such a way relative to one another that the propellant tube, after a complete perforation operation, shall be covered in its entirely by perforations (32, 33, 35, 36), which lie at a predetermined e-dimension distance from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: EURENCO BOFORS AB
    Inventor: Johan Dahlberg
  • Publication number: 20080006169
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a data link system according to various aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into a cartridge system. The cartridge system may comprise a case and a projectile. The data link system may be connected to the case and the projectile to provide signals. The data link system a first connection point and a second connection point disposed on the case and an electrical connector connected to the first connection point and the second connection point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Chris E. Geswender
  • Patent number: 7316093
    Abstract: The firearm and munitions kit is a cartridge and a barrel insert for a firearm adapted to fire munitions comprising a 223 round. The cartridge has an axis, a neck, a shoulder, a body, an extraction groove, and a slight frustoconical shape extending axially from the widest body diameter to the beginning of the shoulder. The barrel insert is appropriately chambered and provided for operability with the cartridge and round. A chamber of the barrel insert has an axis, a neck bore, a shoulder bore, and a body bore. The shoulder and the shoulder bore are formed at an angle of approximately 29°, ±0.5° with respect to the axis of the chamber. Upon firing a firearm equipped with the barrel insert and munitions of the present invention, the round is capable of reaching a minimum velocity of greater than 2,000 fps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Paul E. Kightlinger
  • Publication number: 20070181029
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for expelling a projection from an air gun by striking a primer cap filled with a shock-sensitive explosive compound, causing the cap to explode, which in turn rapidly compresses a volume of air located between the projectile and the cap, causing the projectile to exit from the barrel of the air gun at a high rate of speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Mcaninch
  • Patent number: 7240619
    Abstract: This invention is intended to provide an identifiable bullet which is unduplicatable by a third party. The means is to place plural (two or more) kinds of identification codes onto or into a bullet and to make the identification codes mutually related. By this means the bullet remains identifiable. Next, the means is to make at least one kind of the identification code or codes ciphered. By this means the mutual relations among the identification codes become confidential to a third party, so that the bullet becomes unduplicatable. In one embodiment, each identification code is placed in a different kind of material, and this enables an investigator to detect and compare the identification codes more easily after shooting of the bullet. In another embodiment, each kind of identification code or codes is placed in a different kind of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Haruyuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7207272
    Abstract: This identifiable bullet which is unduplicatable by a third party places plural (two or more) sets of identification codes onto or into a bullet and to make the identification codes in concordance. Thus, the bullet remains identifiable. At least one set of the identification code or codes can be encrypted. In this way, the mutual relations among the identification codes become confidential to a third party, so that the bullet becomes unduplicatable. In one embodiment, each identification code is placed on a different kind of material, and this enables an investigator to detect and compare the identification codes more easily after shooting of the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Haruyuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7150409
    Abstract: The invention in general relates to various injection systems and devices that can be used, for example, in needleless injection systems for human, and for domestic and farm animals. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an injection device comprising: an injector defining a first cavity and an orifice; a movable member in the first cavity; a housing defining a second cavity proximal of the movable member; and a charge in the second cavity, the charge comprising at least two discrete materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: BioValve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Gonnelli, David Lipson, Vasu Nishtala, Ciro Dimeglio
  • Patent number: 7146897
    Abstract: This invention relates to a visible light or UV/visible light and anaerobically curable composition for encapsulating the surface of the primer mix disposed in the primer cup, particularly for use in center fire ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Shabbir Attarwala, Ronald E. Belek
  • Patent number: 7143697
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to identifying ammunition. In one embodiment, an identifiable ammunition cartridge includes a bullet having a first identification surface, a casing having a second identification surface, and an identifying code positioned on at least one of the first and the second identification surfaces. In another embodiment, a method for identifying ammunition includes selecting a first code portion and a second code portion, and combining the first code portion with the second code portion to form an identifier that may be applied to the ammunition. In still another embodiment, a method for tracking ammunition having an identifier includes storing the identifier and a corresponding identity of a first custodian in a data storage system, transferring the ammunition to a second custodian, associating the ammunition identifier with an identity of the second custodian, and storing the identity corresponding to the second custodian in the data storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Ravensforge LLC
    Inventors: Steve Mace, Russell H. Ford
  • Patent number: 7111423
    Abstract: An indicia for marking on an object, such as a cartridge case, for representing selected information, such as identification indicia identifying the firearm that discharged the cartridge, and methods and apparatus for generating, imprinting and reading the identification indicia. An indicia includes a multi-dimensional array of encoded marks, including encoded marks determined by spectral encoding variables representing the selected information wherein each spectral variable is spectrally distinguishable from others of the spectral variables representing variables, and an encoded pattern of the encoded marks is determined by algorithmic transformation of the selected information. An indicia may also include hologram related artwork. An indicia may be an encoded hologram multi-dimensional barcode, an encoded hologram or an encoded concentric circular barcode and may be formed of a single indicia or as an array of indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Identification Dynamics, LLC
    Inventors: Todd E. Lizotte, Orest Ohar
  • Patent number: 7093541
    Abstract: A solid explosive munition casing for an explosive charge, the inner surface of the casing including a material that is highly reflective in the optical and infrared spectrum. Through this reflectivity, electromagnetic radiation generated by the detonation process is redirected back into the interior of the munition to increase its explosive output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Herbelin
  • Patent number: 7086336
    Abstract: A firearm cartridge has a case configured with a relatively straight-walled portion and a shoulder portion for housing a quantity of propellant. The case further includes a neck for retaining a bullet. The straight-walled portion defines a base cavity having an interior base diameter. The interior base diameter is approximately twice or more the neck diameter. The diameter ratios of the base and neck optimize combustion efficiency to reduce heat and acceleration losses. The cartridge body cavity is sized and configured to contain a sufficient quantity of propellant such that igniting the propellant causes formation of a propellant plug having a diameter that is approximately the diameter of the bullet, and wherein the propellant plug shears free from unburned propellant that is disposed adjacent the relatively straight-walled body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Superior Ballistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Smalley, Jr., Michael McPherson
  • Patent number: 7004074
    Abstract: A modified gas delivery cartridge. A conventional straight-sided brass cartridge case is primed and then filled with solid propellant. A burst cup is then inserted in the case mouth. The burst cup is embossed with a cross or other shape to promote predictable rupture. Once the burst cup is in place, the upper edges of the cartridge case are rolled over the burst cup. In operation, the propellant is ignited to produce pressure within the sealed case. This pressure builds steadily until the embossed cross in the burst cup ruptures. The propellant gases are then vented in a metered fashion through the ruptured burst cup. However, the burst cup is retained by the case so that no solid object escapes the high pressure cartridge. In addition, by carefully designing the shape of the burst cup and the components surrounding it, it is possible to create an efficient expansion nozzle to better meter the propellant gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Martin Electronics
    Inventor: Bruce G. Van Stratum
  • Patent number: 6971314
    Abstract: Mines are fabricated in the form of munitions, specifically including cartridges for firearms and several types of grenade, including both hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades, the cartridges containing either very high energy explosives or very high temperature burning materials, that upon ignition will at least destroy the firearm in which fired or may exert lethal force against the user, while such mines in the form of grenades will explode immediately upon being activated rather than exhibit the expected time delay, both types of mines being supplied surreptitiously to an enemy force for its unknowing use, thereby to direct the lethal effect of such munitions against those enemy forces rather than the friendly forces as the enemy forces would have intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Brian Maguire
  • Patent number: 6959647
    Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, and a receptacle for receiving a priming composition. Anvils or projections are provided in the casing to compress the priming composition between the end member and the projection or anvil with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant in the hollow interior is ignited by the compressed priming composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventors: S. Paul Reynolds, George L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6862993
    Abstract: A shell for bullets of automatic or semiautomatic firearms with inertial closure, comprising a hollow cylindrical body which is closed, at one of its axial ends, by a head and is adapted to accommodate a bullet at the opposite axial end, the head being centrally provided with a cap that accommodates the primer. At least the portion of the shell which is extracted from the firing chamber when the fired bullet leaves the barrel is provided with reinforcement means to prevent accidental bursting of the shell at the end of the firing action and when the extraction of the shell from the firing chamber begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Antonio Cudazzo
  • Patent number: 6860207
    Abstract: A shot shell such as would be utilized in a shotgun or the like, wherein the cartridge forming the shell has a collapsible extension removably or permanently engaging the shot end of the cartridge, with the cartridge configured to provide a un-compressed length of, for example, 2.50 inches (the minimum length of shell for conventional automatic or semi-automatic, magazine fed shotguns. The collapsible extension is configured to be compressed when placed in a spring-fed magazine, so as to provide increased magazine capacity when compared to standard length shells, while expanding when removed by from the magazine during a loading cycle, so as to facilitate reliable placement of the shell into the breach from the magazine. The collapsible extension in the loaded cartridge of the present invention is configured to be ejected from the barrel upon firing of the cartridge. The present system thereby provides a means to increase the capacity of conventional automatic or semi-automatic (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6857370
    Abstract: A primer assembly including an ignition element assembly, a primer head assembly and a tubular body, is presented. The primer head assembly has an exterior diameter and an internal chamber containing the ignition element assembly. The tubular body has an open head end, a closed tail end and a wall defining an internal chamber. The internal chamber of the tubular body contains an ignition charge and the head end includes an internal diameter for receiving the exterior diameter of the primer head assembly. When the primer assembly is assembled, the tubular body encloses the primer head assembly and the primer head assembly seals the internal chamber. In one embodiment, the tubular body is a one-piece, seamless metallic tube having a wall of a thickness of about 0.150 to 0.160 inch and, preferably, about 0.155 inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert D. May
  • Patent number: 6832556
    Abstract: Passive coatings accelerate burning at interfaces between rapidly burning propellants and thermally conductive or endothermic inert surfaces. The coatings, useful in firearm cartridges, firearm chambers, and solid rocket motors, reflect infrared energy from the combustion gases to reduce heat loss to the case or chamber and to accelerate ignition of the propellant. The reflective coating has a thermal breakdown temperature higher than the propellant ignition temperature. Firearm cartridges and chambers may have radial shoulder configuration that focuses a shockwave below a bullet base to reduce heat loss to the bullet and support bullet retention in the neck for a longer period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Superior Ballistics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Smalley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040244626
    Abstract: A propellant charge batch for an explosion-operated setting tool includes a socket member (10) in an inner space which there are provided a first chamber (11) filled with a nitrocellulose propellant charge (13), and a second chamber (12) filled with an ammoniumnitrate powder (14), with at least the second chamber (12) being closed medium tightly; and at least one ignition element (15) for igniting the propellant charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Gerhard Ehmig
  • Publication number: 20040237827
    Abstract: A firearm cartridge has a case configured with a relatively straight-walled portion and a shoulder portion for housing a quantity of propellant. The case further includes a neck for retaining a bullet. The straight-walled portion defines a base cavity having an interior base diameter. The interior base diameter is approximately twice or more the neck diameter. The diameter ratios of the base and neck optimize combustion efficiency to reduce heat and acceleration losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Robert B. Smalley, Michael McPherson
  • Patent number: 6810816
    Abstract: A tracking system for ammunition cartridges where the cartridge casings are provided with serial indicia on an inside surface such that spent casing found at a crime scene can be tracked to the purchaser of the ammunition via a machine scannable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Carl J. Rennard
  • Publication number: 20040200376
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bullet for infantry ammunition comprising a bullet core (1), a bullet tip (13), and a metal case (2). The aim of the invention is to create a durable connection between the bullet core (1) and the metal case (2). To this end, the metal case (2) is a shell, which is open at the front and which is pulled onto the bullet core (1) from the rear. The bullet tip (13) projects away from the metal case (2), and a constriction (4) is provided on the bullet core (1). The case end (5) that is open at the front projects into this constriction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Heinz Riess, Erich Muskat, Erich Zeiher
  • Publication number: 20040144281
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for an air bag in which an operating performance is excellent and an amount of NOx to be generated is reduced. The gas generator for an air bag comprises a housing having a gas discharging hole, an ignition means activated by an impact, and a combustion chamber accommodating a gas generating agent (its combustion temperature is 1000 to 3000° C.) which is ignited and burnt to generate a combustion gas, wherein the ignition means includes an igniter and a transfer charge, the transfer charge is a mixture of transfer charge powder (mixture powder of boron and niter) and gas generating agent molded article, and the gas generating agent molded article generates a gas of 1.2 moles/100 g or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Naoki Matsuda, Masato Hirooka
  • Patent number: 6745697
    Abstract: A cartridge with a propellant case (4) that contains a propellant charge (3) and an electrothermal ignition device, wherein several ignition channels (9) are provided in the charge (3), and extend axial-symmetrical in the direction of longitudinal axis (8) of cartridge (1), with each channel comprising a propellant tube (10) and an electrically conducting layer (11). To achieve a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the cartridge (1) in the chamber of the respective weapon, electric arcs (21) that form during the ignition operation in the ignition channels (9), are decoupled in that the electrically conducting layer (11) is composed of successively connected rhombi or other shapes (circles, ovals, etc.) that electrically function as decoupling resistances. When current flows through such a structure, the current bridges (20) arranged in the current-flow direction between the individual rhombi (15) etc. initially break apart explosively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Karl Haak, Alexei Voronov