Cartridges Patents (Class 102/430)
  • Patent number: 5259288
    Abstract: A plastic cased metal headed ammunition casing for high powered rifle and cannon cartridges is described in which the plastic case has a pressure regulating baffle or wall in the forward and thereof to regulate and control the development of chamber pressure and directs pressure into a space around the bore of the projectile prior to movement of the projectile. The cartridge is charged with a given charge of powder and the cap or head securely fastened to the rearward portion of the plastic casing. An expandable sleeve may be used to stabilize the head-casing interfit. The head provides sufficient resistance to the residual pressure after firing so that the cartridge can be used in rapid fire automatic weapons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Marlo K. Vatsvog
  • Patent number: 5247888
    Abstract: Cartridge case member with a combustible tube, ammunition with a semicombustible cartridge case incorporating this member and process for filling this ammunition.The present invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates more particularly to that of dart-shell semicombustible ammunition.The invention relates to a cartridge case member (3) with a combustible tube (6) comprising a bottom (7) which has a central opening (8) and a side opening (9). A hollow component (4) enters the said member (3) through the central opening (8) without obstructing the side opening (9). This hollow component (4) is a shell of revolution which comprises, over its entire height, a central cavity on the wall of which are arranged means (18) for fastening a separate component.The invention also relates to semicombustible ammunition (1) comprising a member (3) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventor: Bernard Conil
  • Patent number: 5239928
    Abstract: A slug assembly is disclosed which is easily reloadable and which has enhanced features for achieving an accurate and dependable flight path when fired from a firearm. The slug assembly includes a hull, a projectile assembly, and a wad assembly, wherein the projectile assembly and wad assembly are secured within a cavity formed in the hull. The wad assembly includes an overpowder cup having a predetermined volume for receiving, measuring and retaining in the hull cavity a predetermined quantity of propulsive charge. The projectile assembly includes a break away area having a predetermined tensile strength such that the projectile assembly is structurally weakest at the break away area, wherein at a predetermined time after ignition of the propulsive charge inside the hull, the projectile assembly tears at the break away area. The present invention includes the slug assembly, and also includes the hull, the projectile assembly, and the wad assembly which comprise the slug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Vero Ricci
  • Patent number: 5189249
    Abstract: An insensitive gel propellant composition based on a fine-particle detonating high explosive which contains from about 10 to 15 wt. % water, and which will not ignite until subjected to a temperature of about 900 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: William C. Burkhardt, Michael W. Diehl, Wesley F. Spence
  • Patent number: 5179250
    Abstract: The cartridge assembly of the present invention comprises two or more combustible cartridge case segments, the front of which is fastened to the projectile assembly and the rear of which contains a primer assembly and a charge of propellant. The two segments are automatically joined together during loading into a gun chamber via velcro rings at a butted interface between the segments. Extending axially throughout each of the segments is a distributed plurality of flexible combustible ignition strands which, when ignited, propagate the ignition flame front at an extremely high rate, on the order of between 3 to 6 thousand feet per second, ensuring virtually simultaneous ignition of the propellant in each segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph F. Campoli
  • Patent number: 5165040
    Abstract: A pre-stressed cartridge of the invention generally comprises a cylindrical liner wrapped with a plurality of layers of wound fibers or high tensile wires. These high tension wrapped windings put the walls of the cartridge liner into compression, thus pre-stressing the cylindrical liner. A cartridge constructed in this fashion may develop an ultimate strength in the circumferential direction which approaches ten times the ultimate strength of a typical solid metal cylinder alone. Special reinforcing elements may also be provided, located at the points where the maximum stress is developed upon detonation. Various modifications of this structure include fabricating the liner out of ceramic instead of aluminum, incorporating a steel cup containing the explosive at the base of the internal space of the cartridge, and combining the composite windings with the steel cup to provide a cartridge consisting of a steel cup with the rest of the cartridge being composite fiber windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corp., Air Defense Systems Division
    Inventors: Norman H. Andersson, S. D. Mack, Edward W. LaRocca, deceased
  • Patent number: 5163165
    Abstract: A telescoped ammunition cartridge, including a generally cylindrical cartridge casing closed at its rear section by a base, a full caliber projectile disposed within the cartridge casing, the projectile having an aft section and a tapered fore-section, at least one annular sleeve fitted inside the casing at a fore-section thereof, wherein only the tapered fore-section of the projectile is located within the annular sleeve, a detachable nose fairing fitted inside and contacting the at least one sleeve to define a nose fairing sleeve assembly. The nose fairing is integral with the projectile and is located substantially at the tapered fore-section of the projectile, and defines the sole support of the tapered fore-section of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Michel Desevaux, Pierre Ducros
  • Patent number: 5162604
    Abstract: A cartridge case assembly suitable for use in recoilless weapon systems iuding large caliber weapons is provided which includes an elongated cylindrically shaped inner cartridge case having a plurality of spaced perforations substantially about the periphery of the case wall and opposite open ends; an elongated cylindrically shaped shell member mounted about the inner cartridge case to envelope the periphery thereof and provide an annular propellant charge chamber therebetween, the shell member being of sufficient strength to constrain the passage of propellant gases outwardly from about the wall of the cartridge case upon ignition of a propellant charge within said propellant charge chamber; and a plurality of spaced elongated ignitor tubes associated with said cartridge case along the length thereof, each of ignitor tubes having a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough for distribution of ignition gases to the propellant charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David Wilson
  • Patent number: 5157224
    Abstract: A device for holding and guiding a sub-projectile in a cylindrical casing and in a weapon barrel, which includes a sabot having a sub-projectile within the sabot, a cylindrical casing within which is disposed a projectile, which comprises the sub-projectile and sabot, the sabot having a plurality of arms substantially in the aft section for providing stability and guidance to the projectile inside the weapon barrel, means within the casing for providing stability for the aft section of the projectile, and an annular bush within the fore section of the cylindrical casing cooperating with the fore section of the sabot for providing stability of the sub-projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Michel J. Desevaux, Pierre Ducros
  • Patent number: 5155295
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly is provided, in one embodiment, comprising a combustible casing with an open forward end and an open breach end, enclosed at the breech end by a thin metal stub casing, a projectile assembly mounted in the forward end, an igniter assembly, a resilient obturator pop riveted to the casing, and annular sabot, and a plurality of flexible combustible priming tubes immersed in a propellant charge and extending the length of the casing. In another embodiment, the combustible casing comprises two separate casings joined together with fasteners, each casing having a set of flexible combustible priming tubes, an interface portion defined between the two where respective ends of combustible priming tubes abut. In both embodiments, the priming tubes combust rapidly producing complete ignition of the propellant charge and resultant stable projectile flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph F. Campoli
  • Patent number: 5136920
    Abstract: A water cannon assembly is described which includes a stand used to support and air a water cannon, and a replaceable cartridge which may be placed in the cannon. When the cartridge is set off, the cannon shoots out a concentrated liquid jet which may be used to disable the detonator of an explosive device, such as a bomb. The stand may have a base suitable for a hard flat surface, or it may include a spike for positioning the cannon on soft ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Custom Engineering and Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen K. Breed, Herman Stoeckle, Donald Tuttle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5129324
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly is provided, in one embodiment, comprising a combustible casing with an open forward end and an open breech end, enclosed at the breech end by a thin metal stub casing, a projectile assembly mounted in the forward end, an igniter assembly, a resilient obturator pop riveted to the casing, an annular sabot, and a plurality of flexible combustible priming tubes immersed in a propellant charge and extending the length of the casing. In another embodiment, the combustible casing comprises two separate casings joined together with fasteners, each casing having a set of flexible combustible priming tubes, an interface portion defined between the two where respective ends of combustible priming tubes abut. In both embodiments, the priming tubes combust rapidly producing complete ignition of the propellant charge and resultant stable projectile flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Ralph F. Campoli
  • Patent number: 5090323
    Abstract: A containment bag has two sections. A forward section with one end secured positively in the sabot-obturator interface region during the assembly of the sabot, obturator, projectile and casing adapter. The other end of the forward section has a circumferential securing band, for example a band of loops of the type marketed under the trademark Velcro. An aft bag section is secured to the cartridge casing at one end in a conventional manner and the other end has a circumferential securing band; Velcro hooks for example. The bands join the two sections of the bag together when the cartridge casing is brought into position to be bonded to the cartridge adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: 501 Alliant Techsytems Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Kallevig, James L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5090327
    Abstract: A cartridge comprises a cartridge case having a bottom, a top, and a hollow interior, the top being open and receiving a projectile, and the hollow interior containing a propellant charge. A metal ignition tube extends from a primer cap on the bottom of the cartridge case for about one-third the length of the cartridge case. The metal ignition tube terminates in an open end. A detonating agent is contained within the metal ignition tube, but does not completely fill it. An empty channel is formed in the propellant charge and extends from the open end of the metal ignition tube to within proximity of the projectile. Preferably, the empty channel is constituted by a closed tube having walls made from a combustible material. When the cartridge is fired, a darting flame is produced in the metal ignition tube which passes through the open end unhindered into the empty channel, thereby igniting all of the propellant charge surrounding the channel practically simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG
    Inventor: Elmar Bilgeri
  • Patent number: 5069137
    Abstract: A cartridge case 64 for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. Cartridge case 64 includes a casing 12 having inwardly tapering conical end portions 14, 16 and end seals 20, 22 which undergo elastic deformation when round 10 is fired from a gun. A plurality of spring fingers 62 are formed on portions 14, 16. Conical portions 14, 16 fit into seals 20, 22. Casing 12 is secured to seals 20, 22 by the tips 66 of spring fingers 62 fitting into catch grooves 56, 56' of seals 20, 22. A control tube 24 is secured to rear seal 20 and a primer 30 is mounted in control tube 24. Projectile 26 is mounted within round 10 with its piston 28 located within control tube 24. Main propellant charge 36 is positioned around control tube 24 and round 26. A booster charge 32 is positioned with control tube 24. Axial growth of casing 12 compresses spring fingers 62 retract end seals 20, 22 after firing. Radial expansion of cartridge case 64 is accommodated by elastic deformation of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Wilford E. Martwick
  • Patent number: 5067408
    Abstract: A cartridge case 68 for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. Cartridge case 68 includes a hollow cylindrical casing 12 fabricated from a material which undergoes elastic deformation when round 10 is fired from a gun, a rear seal 20 and a front seal 22. A control tube is secured to rear seal 20 and a primer is mounted to be in communication with the interior of control tube 24. Casing 12 has an axis of symmetry 18 which is also the axis of symmetry of round 10, and control tube 24. Seals 20, 22 each have side walls 48, 48' in which crimp grooves 56, 56' are formed. Each crimp groove includes a cam surface 58, 58'. Rear and front portions 14, 16 of casing 12 are crimped into grooves 58, 58'. A projectile 26 provided with a booster piston 28 is mounted within round 10 with piston 28 being located within control tube 24. The main propellant charge 38 is positioned around control tube 24 and round 26, and a booster charge is positioned with control tube 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Wilford E. Martwick
  • Patent number: 5063848
    Abstract: An igniter bag for a cannon cartridge is disclosed which comprises a generally toroidal annular bag of combustible fabric such as cotton or rayon containing an ignition powder. The bag has a plurality of radial seams separating the bag and the powder contained therein into separate adjacent compartments within the bag so that movement of the powder within the bag is substantially restricted. This construction prevents side to side shifting of the ignition powder during storage, handling and loading of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Tucker, Robert M. Musgrave
  • Patent number: 5062366
    Abstract: A control system compensates for temperature dependent propellant burning characteristics by adjusting the chamber volume available to the propellant in an ammunition round. The control system includes a control tube housing, a piston assembly slidably mounted relative to the housing for movement through a drive stroke and being drivingly coupled to a trailing end of the projectile, and components responsive to the temperature of the round for adjusting the length of the drive stroke of the piston assembly in proportion to the temperature and thereby adjusting the position of the projectile and volume of the chamber in proportion to the temperature of the round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin T. Candland, Kim L. Christianson, James L. Kennedy, David A. Smith, Francis J. Nosan, Steven F. Overend
  • Patent number: 5050502
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a primer for igniting a propellant charge of an ammunition unit which includes a cartridge case, a shell located in the forward end of the cartridge case, a tracer cartridge secured to the rear surface of the shell, a propellant charge in the cartridge case, a primer having an elongate primer tube extending in the case through the propellant charge and a space defined in the longitudinal direction of the case between the tracer cartridge and the primer tube. The apparatus comprises a sleeve member having a first end portion mounted onto a forward end of the primer tube and a second end portion adapted to be applied over the tracer cartridge and a partition member provided inside the sleeve member intermediate the end portions for preventing displacement of the sleeve member with respect to the primer tube and therefore preventing collision between the tracer cartridge and the primer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventors: Ulf Hellman, Christer Sundell
  • Patent number: 5048423
    Abstract: A cartridge case for a telescoped ammunition round has a generally tubular case wall and an axially extending elongate score line in said wall to provide pressure relief during firing of the round. The elongate score line has a radial depth less than the radial thickness of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Loral Aerospace Corp.
    Inventor: Harold E. Garrett
  • Patent number: 5033386
    Abstract: A plastic cased metal headed ammunition casing for high powered rifle cartridges is described in which the plastic case has a pressure regulating baffle or wall in the forward end thereof to regulate and control the development of chamber pressure movement of the bullet into the rifle barrel. The cartridge is charged with a given charge of powder and the cap or head securely fastened to the rearward portion of the plastic casing. The head provides sufficient resistance to the residual pressure after firing so that the cartridge can be used in rapid fire automatic weapons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Marlo K. Vatsvog
  • Patent number: 5033385
    Abstract: Method for air dispersion of filamentary type organic material from an initial compressed form comprising a component of a propellant and/or air-activated shell-like structure.An invention comprised of a plurality of compressed filamentary organic materials, a vehicle for storing and dispersing said materials and a method for effecting air dispersion of such materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: Fevzil Zeren
  • Patent number: 5033355
    Abstract: A pulsed high pressure, supersonic plasma jet for accelerating a projectile through an elongated confined bore is derived from a dielectric structure including a capillary passage having an interior wall surface from which plasma forming material is ablated in response to a discharge voltage applied to first and second electrodes respectively forming a nozzle and plug at opposite ends of the passage. The nozzle injects the plasma into the bore behind the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: GT-Device
    Inventors: Yeshayahu S. A. Goldstein, Derek A. Tidman
  • Patent number: 5031541
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge comprises a tubular case having a head end and an open mount end, at least two propellant charges contained within said case, and a hermetic barrier means installed between the charges for separating the charges from one another and preventing premature crossflow of gases. One embodiment of the barrier means comprises a formed-in-place solid layer of polymeric resin material. This layer is formed in place on top of a first propellant charge, conforms to the surface contour of the first charge and extends radially across the charge to the tubular case.Another preferred barrier means comprises a collapsible flexible polymeric disk extending radially across the case between the charges. This disk has a diameter at least equal to that of the inside of said case and a tubular outer rim operably engaged with said tubular case to provide a circumferential seal between the charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Gardner, David E. Merrill
  • Patent number: 5029530
    Abstract: A cartridge case 76 for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. Cartridge case 76 includes a hollow cylindrical outer casing 12 the axis 18 of which is also the axis of symmetry of round 10. The inner surface of outer casing 12 has a longitudinal groove 50 formed in it along which groove 48 outer casing 12 splits when round 10 is fired. A front seal 20 closes the front end of casing 12 and a rear seal 22 closes the rear end of casing 12. A hollow cylindrical control tube 24 is secured to rear seal 22 so that control tube 24 is symmetric with axis 18. Three bolts 52, 53, 54 which are made of a material having a yield strength greater than the maximum stress to which the bolts 52, 53, 54 are subjected when round 10 is fired interconnect front and rear seals 20, 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Wilford E. Martwick, Brian B. Tasson
  • Patent number: 5016536
    Abstract: A practice round and firearm system wherein the round [10] includes a casing [11] forming a cavity [16] to receive a movable insert [20]. The insert forms a recess holding a projectile [30] and by detonation of a primer cap [36], the resulting expanding gases propel the insert and projectile forward toward the barrel passage until the insert strikes the chamber forward wall [46 to allow the projectile to continue through the barrel passage. The casing and insert thereafter move rearward with the slide [50 for automatic extraction of the spent casing from the chamber [44].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Rainier International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Brighton
  • Patent number: 4986186
    Abstract: A notched cartridge or casing is provided to mitigate the shock damage to a gun barrel or firing chamber when a cartridge with large amounts of explosive or propellant is fired. The cartridge or casing comprising a generally cylindrical shell with an open top end and a closed base is provided with an annular area near the base and a circular area on the base which have reduced wall thicknesses compared to the rest of the cartridge. The annular and circular areas have external surfaces which are inwardly displaced with respect to the outer surface of the remainder of the cartridge. Upon firing of the cartridge, the areas of reduced wall thickness expand outwardly and are plastically deformed without touching the barrel or firing chamber. Damage to the barrel and/or breech is prevented and the cartridge is easily removed for reloading of the gun system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Air Defense Systems Division, Pomona Facility
    Inventors: Edward W. LaRocca, Norman H. Andersson
  • Patent number: 4982666
    Abstract: An active protection system (10) is disclosed as having a launch tube (12) with a round inner bore (44) that tapers from an open muzzle end (42) thereof toward a closed rear end (40) to facilitate loading of a cartridge (26) and to permit ejection thereof after firing. The cartridge (26) utilized has a metal case (28) that provides a liner for the launch tube and includes a sabot (116) for lauching at least one projectile (120, 122) upon ignition of a propellant (114) by an ignitor (126). Transverse force is generated by utilizing a plurality of projectiles (120, 122) preferably embodied by an outer ring of cubical projectiles (120) and spherical projectiles (122) received within the outer ring so as to provide projectile dispersion that increased the probability of an impact with the intended target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Johann F. Wohler
  • Patent number: 4974517
    Abstract: An article of ammunition with propulsion mechanism, incorporating a fin-stabilized projectile, the propulsion mechanism, a casing for a propellant, and a propellent charge, and wherein the propulsion mechanism includes an empty volume or open void intermediate front and rear guidance segments thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Josef Kraft, Wolfgang Stein, Adolf Weber
  • Patent number: 4972777
    Abstract: A round of ammunition is provided including a stub cartridge case carrying a primer, a booster, and a projectile having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves in its base which are obturated by the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Algera
  • Patent number: 4955938
    Abstract: Ammunition preferaqbly for use in high-angle fire to be fired from a cannon suitable for flat trajectory ammunition and with direct participation of the cannon barrel, the ammunition being made of one piece as an ammunition unit having the same outer dimensions as a comparable ammunition unit which is intended to be fired from the same cannon exclusively with an essentially flat trajectory, the ammunition unit including a propellant charge and a payload projectile having a rear portion occupying a region corresponding to that occupied by a portion of the propellant charge of the comparable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Romer, Wilfried Becker, Bernhard Bisping
  • Patent number: 4947752
    Abstract: The ammunition features a chamber (1b) having substantially along its full length a constant and uniform internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of a cartridge (2), in order to avoid building up high pressure, the said cartridge (2) being filled with pyroxylin powder and fitted with a primer (3) overcharged with a fulminating compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Verney Carron
    Inventor: Pierre Richert
  • Patent number: 4942800
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an explosive cartridge in a tubular casing, including mixing a solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizable organic material, and at least one precursor monomer of a gelling agent; and reacting the at least one precursor monomer to form macromolecules of the gelling agent in situ in the tubular casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Interox (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Edmond Bouillet, Jean-Claude Colery, Claude Declerck, Pierre Ledoux
  • Patent number: 4938145
    Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition round includes a propellant charge disposed in a tubular case. The case is composed of a skin tube and end caps on opposite ends of the tube. The case defines a chamber that contains the propellant charge. The charge has an axial bore containing a control tube at least at an aft portion of the bore. The control tube is attached at least at its aft end to the aft one of the case end caps. A projectile is housed within a forward portion of the axial bore of the propellant charge, and a primer is disposed within an aft portion of the control tube. The primer is actuatable for igniting the propellant charge to cause firing of the projectile forwardly from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Wilford E. Martwick
  • Patent number: 4938146
    Abstract: An ammunition comprises a cartridge casing and a propellant unit disposed in the cartridge casing including a propellant housing having a length oriented codirectionally with the length of the cartridge casing, a rear terminal portion held in a rear base of the casing and a frontal terminal portion provided with an external thread. The ammunition further has a projectile housing having a rear length portion received in the frontal end portion of the cartridge casing; and an annular sleeve affixed to the exterior face of the projectile housing base and being in alignment with the propellant housing. The annular sleeve has an internal thread being in a threaded engagement with the external thread of the propellant housing and weakened portions immediately adjacent the exterior face for causing a rupture of the annular sleeve in response to a predetermined propelling force seeking to separate the projectile housing from the cartridge casing upon igniting the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gunther, Wolfgang Graupner
  • Patent number: 4928597
    Abstract: A ring fuze for firearm ammunition comprises a hollow fuze ring, which contains a primer. A functionally reliable ring fuze which can easily be manufactured and can be used without a need for a separate abutment is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and its axially extending inner leg and preferably also its bottom are thicker than its axially extending outer leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Zedrosser
  • Patent number: 4909152
    Abstract: A cartridge for the expulsion of liquids under pressure, including a chamber for a propellent charge and a separating arrangement which is located intermediate the chamber for the propellent charge and a liquid chamber. The separating arrangement is constituted as a propulsion mechanism which consists of a driving member, and a closure element which is detachably connected therewith at the end surface of the former.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Mauser-Werke Oberndorf GmbH
    Inventor: Ingolf Reuter
  • Patent number: 4907510
    Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition round includes a propellant charge disposed in a tubular case and having an axial bore containing a center sleeve attached at its opposite ends to the opposite ends of the case. A projectile is housed within a forward portion of the center sleeve and a primer within an aft portion thereof. The primer is actuatable for igniting the propellant charge to cause firing of the projectile. Features are provided to ensure dimensional recovery of the tubular case after firing of the projectile. One feature relates to the center tube being composed of a material which provides sufficient elasticity to stretch and contract uniformly from and to dimensions allowing ejection of the tubular case from the gun chamber. Another feature relates to longitudinal structural members provided to extend between and fasten to opposite ends of the case, and spaced circumferentially about and between the center sleeve and the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Wilford E. Martwick, Brian B. Tasson
  • Patent number: 4899660
    Abstract: A practice round [10] for use in firearms including a casing [11] holding a projectile [16]. A standard primer cap [20] is detonated to propel the projectile forward. A vent hole [40] in the casing limits the pressure buildup in the casing cavity [17].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Rainier International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Brighton
  • Patent number: 4898097
    Abstract: A modified propellant increment for the propulsion system of an ammunition round includes a body composed of combustible propellant material and having a hollow interior, and a plurality of holes defined through the body which communicate the exterior of the body with the hollow interior thereof. The hollow interior of the body is empty of any propellant other than the propellant material composing the body. The holes are arranged in first and second arcuate rows on opposite planar end portions of the body and ensure complete combustion of the body upon burning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Norman M. Jordan, Donald McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 4892038
    Abstract: Cartridge ammunition 1 for a grenade pistol includes a casing 10 made, for example, of plastic, the casing having an opening. A projectile 11 disposed in the casing opening and includes a tracer charge and/or delayed-action charge 11b. A primer 13 and a propelling charge 14 the disposed in a cup 12 at the base of casing 10. The cup 12 is composed of two mutually concentric sleeves 12a, and 12b, with the inner sleeve 12b being mounted so as to be slidable in the outer sleeve 12a and extendable in the manner of a telescope. The outer sleeve 12a has a free end section which is provided, with an external thread 100 followed by an annular, predetermined, circumferential break location 12d. The base of projectile 11 includes a sleeve 17 provided with an internal thread which can be screwed onto the outer sleeve 12a of cup 12. A firing channel 12c is provided in the bottom or end wall 12e of the cup-shaped inner sleeve 12b, with such firing channel being oriented toward the tracer and/or delayed-action charge 11b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Jurgen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willi Lubbers
  • Patent number: 4887534
    Abstract: An improved ignition system for a fin-stabilized, high intrusion projectile (10) comprises an elongated boom (14) and a hollow fin assembly (16) which extends rearwardly into an external cartridge case (28) containing a consumable containment bag (30) filled with granular propellant (34), and which fits slidably over a primer (54). The primer (54) comprises a stub flash tube (56) extending through the base (40) of the external cartridge case (28) and a long igniter cartridge (58) fitted within the axial bore of the stub flash tube (56). The outer walls of the igniter cartridge (58) are fabricated from a combustible material such as paper, and the interior of the igniter cartridge (58) is filled with strands of benite or a similar explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Dickovich, Steven P. Neubauer
  • Patent number: 4864934
    Abstract: An industrial shotshell has a load, such as an iron slug, assembled with a press-fitted, wad column-containing outer cup and housed with the cup in its shell. The outer cup encloses a wad column and, when pressed fitted onto a larger diameter rearward portion of the slug, seals the gases and supports the wad column during slug setback. A concavity formed in the interior of the base end of the outer cup provides empty space into which the wad column can compress during slug setback. The outer cup holds the wad column to the slug and remains attached thereto during flight, adding a degree of drag stabilization for improved accuracy of the slug and helping to stabilize the slug by changing its center of gravity. An obturating cup is formed integral at the rearward exterior of the base end of the outer cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Theising
  • Patent number: 4862805
    Abstract: This cartridge includes a tubular casing with a firing pin member fixed within the casing intermediate its ends. A frangible projectile is frictionally and sealingly retained in the front compartment of the casing. A piston is located in the rear compartment and consists of a transverse wall exposed at the rear end of the casing, and of a forwardly-extending sleeve slidable within the rear compartment. A primer cap is located within the piston sleeve and has a transverse deformable wall abutting against a boss rearwardly projecting from the firing pin member. The latter includes passages communicating the rear and front compartments. When a plunger actuated by the firing arm pushes the piston forwardly, the firing boss deforms the primer cap transverse wall and cause detonation of the propellant charge. The propellant gases first move the piston rearwardly to uncover the firing cap housing, whereby the gases are expanded in the rear compartment before reaching behind the projectile in the front compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Attila Szabo
  • Patent number: 4848237
    Abstract: A cartridge comprises a preferably closed case, which contains a propellant charge and a priming material and which at its head end constitutes a bushinglike socket for receiving a projectile. In order to provide a reliable cartridge which can be manufactured in a simple manner and can be radially or tangentially ignited, the case comprises adjacent to its periphery at least one peripheral annular groove, which is open to the interior of the case and contains the priming material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Zedrosser
  • Patent number: 4846069
    Abstract: An improved cased telescoped ammunition round includes a propellant charge disposed in a tubular case and having an axial bore. The case is composed of a skin tube and forward and aft end caps on opposite ends of the tube. The case defines a chamber that contains the propellant charge. Separate forward and aft tubes are disposed in the case extending at least partially through the axial bore of the propellant charge from respective forward and aft ends of the bore. The separate tubes are attached respectively to the forward and aft end caps of the case. A projectile is housed within the separate tubes and the axial bore of the propellant charge, and a primer is disposed within an aft end of the aft tube. The primer is actuatable for igniting the propellant charge to cause firing of the projectile forwardly from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Brian B. Tasson, J. Bruce Warren
  • Patent number: 4846068
    Abstract: A cartridge (1) comprises a cartridge case (2), which is closed at its rear end and contains a propellant charge (3) and a primer (7). The tip portion of the cartridge case defines a socket (4), which accommodates a full-bore projectile (5). The tip portion (2b), terminates adjacent to the nose of the projectile in an end face that is normal to the axis of the cartridge. That tip portion has an outside peripheral surface, which tapers with a substantially concave contour toward said forward end face. To provide a cartridge (1) which can easily be manufactured and can reliably be fired and can be gas-tightly inserted into the chamber of the firearm, the tip portion (2b) is formed in its rear end portion with a peripheral annular groove (6), which is open to the interior of the cartridge case and which contains the primer (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Zedrosser
  • Patent number: 4815387
    Abstract: Cartridge ammunition 1 for a grenade pistol includes a casing 10 made, for example, of plastic, the casing having an opening. A projectile 11 is disposed in the casing opening and includes a tracer charge and/or delayed-action charge 11b. A primer 13 and a propelling charge 14 are disposed in a cup 12 at the base of casing 10. The cup 12 is composed of two mutually concentric sleeves 12a and 12b, with the inner sleeve 12b being mounted so as to be slidable in the outer sleeve 12a and extendable in the manner of a telescope. The outer sleeve 12a has a free end section which is provided with an external thread 100 followed by an annular, predetermined, circumferential break location 12d. The base of projectile 11 includes a sleeve 17 provided with an internal thread which can be screwed onto the outer sleeve 12a of cup 12. A firing channel 12c is provided in the bottom or end wall 12e of the cup-shaped inner sleeve 12b, with such firing channel being oriented toward the tracer and/or delayed-action charge 11b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Jurgen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willi Lubbers
  • Patent number: 4803927
    Abstract: An improved telescoped ammunition round having a projectile comprising an aft recess to receive a booster tube that is affixed to the cartridge case and which remains stationary relative to the cartridge case throughout the firing sequence. The booster tube is provided with a primer to ignite the booster charge and is positioned within the projectile recess to initially propel the projectile and subsequently ignite the main propellant within the cartridge case after the projectile has been forced at least partially into the gun barrel.An improved method of manufacturing such an ammunition round utilizes an aluminum alloy seamless tube as a cartridge case and at least one case end seal. The seal is configured to have a unique angled slot and the case end is conically shaped by a mandrel to be press fit into the seal slot. Once mated in this fashion, the cartridge case and seal are firmly secured to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Washburn
  • Patent number: H940
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for positioning and protecting a plurality of flexe burn cords in an ammunition shell. The burn cords ignite propellant in the ammunition. The positioning apparatus includes a closing plug which is secured to the base of the ammunition shell, a cover plate which extends over a cavity in the closing plug, and a plurality of legs which secure the cover plate in place. The burn cords extend into the closing plug cavity through openings in the plug, and are ignited by a separate combustion initiator which is also secured in the shell base. This positioning apparatus allows for safeguarding of the ammunition shell against inadvertent ignition by removal of the combustion initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Carl H. Roller