Cartridges Patents (Class 102/430)
  • Patent number: 4803926
    Abstract: A projectile assembly comprising a carrier and a projectile arranged for insertion in the unmodified breech of a gun, the carrier having a ramming piston which urges the projectile into the barrel of the gun ready for firing whereupon the carrier is ejected and replaced by a propellant cartridge for firing the projectile from the barrel. The assembly is suitable for use in a belt fed automatic gun in which projectile assemblies are alternately interspersed with propellant cartridges such that a projectile is placed in the gun barrel by the projectile carrier, the carrier is ejected and then the next item on the belt, a propellant cartridge is placed in the breech for firing the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: British Aerospace PLC
    Inventors: Arthur E. M. Barton, Spencer D. Meston
  • Patent number: 4782758
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: AeroJet-General Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Washburn
  • Patent number: 4777881
    Abstract: A temperature compensating ballistic control tube system for varying the volume containing primary propellant, for the purpose of affecting the effect of the propellant on the projectile in order to compensate for the effect of ambient temperature upon the performance of the primary propellant. The volume containing the primary propellant is changed by pushing the projectile away from the casing containing the primary propellant, down a gun bore by a piston of the ballistic control tube. The piston, pushing the projectile, is moved by an ignited secondary charge in the ballistic control tube. Electronic components detect initial movement of the piston and projectile and, after a certain delay, ignite the primary propellant thereby ejecting the projectile from the gun. A typical primary propellant, within a given volume, is temperature senstive, that is, it provides more force to the projectile at higher temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin T. Candland, Steven P. Neubauer, Warren E. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 4770099
    Abstract: A propellant charge igniter for ammunition including an ignition-conducting housing accommodating an electrical ignition system and an initiating charge therein, the housing being formed of an exothermally burning material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel AG
    Inventors: Uwe Brede, Alfred Horr
  • Patent number: 4763577
    Abstract: An improved cartridge ammunition which includes an at least partially combustible shell casing and a projectile with a fin-stabilizing tail section mounted in a neck portion of the shell casing which thereby forms a first connection between the projectile and shell casing. A second connection between the projectile and shell casing is formed by means of a support element which is form-lockingly connected to both. The shell casing has a support region axially extending forwardly inside the shell casing from its bottom. The support element being mounted on said support region and being instrumental in assuring, due to its form-locking connections, that a predetermined axial force occurs in said support of element prior to disintegration thereof, between the tail section and the support region due to gas pressure build-up in the shell casing at firing of the ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Romer, Juergen Winkelmann, Horst Sabinski
  • Patent number: 4762068
    Abstract: Cartridged 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 endwall 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: November 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Jurgen Diederichs GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Willi Lubbers
  • Patent number: 4756776
    Abstract: In a process for the production of a `water-in-fuel` or `melt-in-fuel` emulsion explosive a density-reducing agent is introduced and dispersed in the emulsion at an elevated temperature whereat the emulsion is essentially liquid, the explosive is cartridged and then subsequently cooled by means of a refrigerated fluid so that the continuous phase solidifies and stabilizes the dispersion of the density-reducing agent in the explosive. Preferably, when the density-reducing agent comprises gas bubbles the explosive is subjected to an elevated pressure before it is cartridged in order to ensure that the sensitivity of the explosive will not be impaired by disturbance of gas bubbles by any pressure drop which might occur during cartridging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: AECI Limited
    Inventors: Pieter S. J. Halliday, Carl H. Lubbe, Lynette Swartz
  • Patent number: 4742775
    Abstract: A power load for use with an underwater spear gun including a casing, explosive material within the casing, the casing having one closed end adapted to open when the explosive material explodes. The closed end is sealed with a sealing compound to prevent water from penetrating the casing. The closed end may be crimped closed or closed by means of a wad or plug of suitable material. The sealing compound may be a silicone rubber or polylvinylchloride which permeates the closed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Inventor: Paul C. Harris
  • Patent number: 4738202
    Abstract: A cartridge case and cartridge arrangement and method in which a base is joined along an annular intermating chevron-shaped joint with a sleeve. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment the base is metal and the sleeve is glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. The case has a propellant, projectile, and a percussive primer. A plurality of circumferentially spaced vent holes are formed in the plastic sleeve along a portion of the chevron joint as an aid to reducing excessive interface friction loads at the chevron joint during firing of the cartridge. A less preferred modification and mode of practice of the invention is disclosed in which the base is formed of plastic material or a composite glass-plastic or other composite plastic material, and the sleeve is formed of metal. A further less preferred modification and mode of practice is disclosed in which both the sleeve and the base are formed of similar materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: AAI Corp.
    Inventor: John R. Hebert
  • Patent number: 4726296
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge has a plastic case and a metal base having a plurality of grooves around the periphery thereof. The plastic case has an interference fit with the base. The plastic creeps into the grooves after being interference fit over the base to relieve the stress in the plastic. A stress modulator ring surrounds the plastic member in the area of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Action Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ervin Leshner, Reed E. Donnard
  • Patent number: 4712481
    Abstract: An additive sealing or packing sleeve for a propellent charge employed for large-calibered ammunition which is fired from a barrelled weapon or launch tube, which is glued into a shell or cartridge casing. The sleeve consists of a fabric constituting a support for a mixture of wax and titanium dioxide, in which the mixture is covered towards the inside by a polyethylene sheeting, and in which the side of the polyethylene sheeting facing inwardly towards the propellent charge is fully covered by a textile material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hansjorg Heinrich, Josef Kraft
  • Patent number: 4691638
    Abstract: In cased telescoped ammunition the improvement which comprises an arrangement for securing the cartridge casing to the end caps so as to enable and limit axial movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Meyer, Brian B. Tasson, Robert F. Vollmer, J. Bruce Warren
  • Patent number: 4688465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for production of cartridged propellant charges for barrel weapons with charge weights up to 1.4 kg/liter.According to the invention, more granular or particle-shaped propellant powder is driven down or compacted than can be housed in free-running condition within the same volume by means of a piston or plunger (6) in a single stage down into a case (4) the inside of which is coated with a friction-reducing coating. The piston or plunger (6) can then be provided with an elastically deformable leading part (7) of e.g. rubber and/or with a conically tipped leading end (7a). According to one variant of the invention the powder is pressed down into a bag (12, 13) of combustible fibre material which has been inserted in advance down into the case (4) coated internally with a friction-reducing coating or which has itself been impregnated with a friction-reducing coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventors: Ulf Melhus, Mats Olsson, Nils-Gunnar Bjorkqvist, Lars-Erik Bjorn, Dennis Taylor
  • Patent number: 4682545
    Abstract: An ammunition round for a small arms piece including a cartridge casing with a nose opening and base opening at opposite ends thereof and a casing defined internal chamber extending therebetween with the nose opening serving to snugly receive a pellet means and the base opening serving to snugly receive a primer means, the nose opening corresponding in cross-section with the original bore of the barrel of the small arms piece, the casing having an internal protruding displacement extending into the internal chamber adjacent the nose opening to provide a stop seat for the pellet means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas M. Jett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4681038
    Abstract: An ammunition round cartridge case having a stress riser in the form of at least one elongated recess adapted for preserving the seal of ignition gases within the cartridge case during initial stages of ignition and also adapted for allowing a splitting of the cartridge case wall surface at peak gas pressure within the cartridge case during firing whereby to permit easy extraction or push-through ejection of the cartridge case from the gun chamber subsequent to firing of the round. A preferred embodiment utilizes a unitary recess that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge case, longer than one-half of the length of the cartridge case and which has a triangular cross-section the apex of which extends more than halfway into the wall surface of the cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Washburn
  • Patent number: 4671179
    Abstract: The target-effective mass of cartridged ammunition is increased while maintaining a predetermined cartridge length.A projectile body has a projectile tail portion extending rearwardly on which a fin or wing-stabilization arrangement is mounted. This tail portion extends rearwardly towards the immediate vicinity of the propellant charge casing bottom. A projection extends rearwardly past the wing or fin-stabilization guide arrangement. This projection includes a massive portion which separates at firing from the propellant charge casing bottom. The rear portion of the projectile body is surrounded by a sheathing of combustible material forming the ignition element which sheathing extends from the cartridge case bottom up to at least the middle of the propellant charge casing and has a longitudinal extent l.sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Synofzik, Michael Schwenzer, Peter Wallow
  • Patent number: 4651454
    Abstract: A spear gun and a power load for use therewith, the spear gun including a breech, a barrel fixed to the breech, and a spear adapted to be received by a bore within the barrel. The breech includes a chamber for receiving an explosive power load, the chamber being in fluid communication with the bore. The spear is sized to substantially prevent the flow of gas between the spear and the bore and may include a gas restrictor proximate one end to further reduce the flow of gas past the spear. The power load has no projectile and includes an explosive sealed to prevent water damage to the explosive. A line retainer adapted to be carried by the spear includes a plurality of pins urged toward the spear, the pins being adapted to be received in a reduced portion of the spear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: Paul C. Harris
  • Patent number: 4646643
    Abstract: Unitary cartridge of plastic material for discharging a pyrotechnic mixture, smoke flare, chaff round, and the like is disclosed. A slidable piston is contained within a hollow casing forming the cartridge to engage with a portion of the casing to provide an internal integral seal for sealing a replaceable impulse cartridge and/or blank plug therein. A moisture proof seal is thereby maintained when the cartridge is armed by the insertion of an impulse cartridge or downloaded by the insertion of a blank plug. To facilitate the assembly of the cartridge, a rupturable closed end is provided with an internal lip adapted for engagement with an end plug to facilitate its alignment and positioning therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Proll Molding Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 4644865
    Abstract: A sabot-type cartridge has a one-piece body of thermoplastic material and a standard body configuration, such as that of a .44 Magnum, with a propellant chamber, primer, and an integral sabot of full caliber. The sabot is generally hollow, cylindrical in configuration, with radially extending ribs, separated by longitudinal grooves, the ribs supporting and centering a sub-caliber projectile, such as a .22 caliber. The annular mouth of the sabot is co-planar with the tip of the projectile to form a tapered funnel-like air inlet. A gas-actuated cutter means, in the form of a normally cupped metal member, is interposed between the projectile and the propellant chamber. There are sharp cutting edges on the multiple lobes of the member to slice the sabot free of the cartridge upon detonation of the propellant. As the sabot exits from the muzzle of the firearm, air pressure expands the sabot, in the manner of a spring collet, and releases the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Automation Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4640195
    Abstract: A rocket launching cartridge case is formed by attaching a cylindrical extension member to the open end of a cartridge case. The extension member conforms to cartridge receiving chambers of conventional weapons. A rocket assembly is releasably locked within the extension member at a predetermined axial position. The rocket assembly can be slideably positioned within the extension member and locked in place prior to attachment of the extension member to the cartridge case. The locking means establishes a rocket assembly and launching case overall length for use in particular conventional weapons. An obturator member on the rocket assembly engages rifling in the conventional weapon bore imparting a stabilizing spin when the rocket assembly is fired. The obturator is connected to the rocket assembly in a manner permitting slip rotation therebetween providing a predetermined rate of stabilizing spin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: General Defense Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph F. Campoli
  • Patent number: 4640180
    Abstract: Improved gun-firing system for electrically augmenting the energy released y ignited propellant of the system so as to increase the velocity of the projectile as it launches from the system thereby increasing the probability that it will strike a fast-moving target. The system is generally made up of a barrel and a breech. The breech is provided with a firing chamber for receiving a projectile and an ignitable propellant. In one embodiment, the breech of the system is generally comprised of a detonator, a pair of relatively spaced pressure-responsive switches and a helically wound electromagnetic coil. A power supply is connected by an interlock to the switches and coil such that the coil is not energized until both switches close. These switches close in response to the pressure of the plasma that has been progressively formed from igniting the propellant in the breech chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Millard F. Rose
  • Patent number: 4620485
    Abstract: An adaptation cartridge comprises a firing pin casing which is screwed into a cartridge chamber or cartridge chamber tube and is secured against rotation by a radially displaceable slide. The cartridge is used for training on a gun having a subcaliber barrel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Mauser-Werke Oberndorf GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Bertiller
  • Patent number: 4608762
    Abstract: The bore communicating primer pocket and the interior of the base of a cartridge case is internally threaded and a threaded shaft end is threaded through the bore to a position with the terminal end of the shaft spaced inwardly of the open end of the casing. A bullet is telescoped rearwardly into the open end of the casing an excessive amount into seated engagement with the shaft end and the entire combination comprising the shaft, casing and bullet is forwardly telescoped through the receiver of a rifle subsequent to the removal of the rifle bolt and to a position with the casing fully seated within the receiver of the rifle barrel. Thereafter, the shaft is threaded forwardly relative to the casing in order to gradually displace the bullet from the open end of the casing until such time as the maximum girth area of the bullet engages the rifling in the rear end of the rifle bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Robert F. Varner
  • Patent number: 4593621
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a cartridge assembly of a cartridge base of compressed polycarbonate, polyethylene and Teflon having at a forward end thereof a circumscribing annular flange mounted in a circumscribing annular recess within an inner wall surface of an open end of a plastic envelope of high-density polyethylene of which a distal-end of the plastic envelope has thin weakened walls extending along longitudinally-extending lines or of which a distal-end of the plastic envelope has mounted therein a slug (ball or bullet) of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Delmer B. Buchner
  • Patent number: 4587905
    Abstract: An assembly of a wad and a slug for a shotgun cartridge, the wad and the slug being coaxially connected to each other by means of male and female connectors provided on the wad and the slug without play between the connectors, the assembly comprising peripheral projections spaced from one another in the axial direction of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Nagatoshi Maki
  • Patent number: 4572078
    Abstract: A cased cartridge ammunition ignition booster includes a film of booster propellant that is case-bonded without insulation or liner to the inside wall and base of an ordinary brass, steel or plastic cartridge case and ignited by a conventional primer. Flame spread occurs from the case wall inward through the non case-bonded propellant bed, that is, the bed of the propelling charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Morton Thiokol, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank H. Bell
  • Patent number: 4553480
    Abstract: The device is a very low noise, no muzzle flash howitzer round and matching tube. It comprises a case, a propellant, a projectile, and a plunger which launches the projectile from the case. With a mount and breech it provides a way of firing projectiles so the enemy cannot discern their source. Rockets may also be launched by this device so their own propellants are ignited well away from the launcher. The device is near silent at muzzle velocities below the speed of sound and it has good range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Norvel J. McLellan
  • Patent number: 4553479
    Abstract: The specification discloses a plastic bullet having improved accuracy and reusability. The bullet comprises a projectile, including a body and a stud, and a casing, defining a chamber for closely receiving the projectile stud. The projectile body has a reverse frustoconical shape and a blunt forward end defining a spherical segment depression. A plurality of pockets are defined by the body about its circumference. Both the case chamber wall and the projectile stud include interfitting serrations having different axial spacings to improve compression and releasability during firing. The projectile is hollow having a wall-mass-to-diameter ratio providing an improved gyroscopic effect. The casing includes a thick-wall blast chamber providing improved strength and reusability and enabling the use of high force primers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: Tolcon Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Marshall O. Willoughby
  • Patent number: 4542696
    Abstract: A munitions round for a subcaliber projectile to be fired from a barrel-type weapon has a casing, of a uniform outer cross section substantially over its entire length, receiving the projectile which is at least partially surrounded by the gas-generating propellant charge. A drive body is mounted at the forward end of the projectile and has a rearward pressure-receiving surface which droops inwardly toward the projectile from an outer edge of the body which is engaged by the casing. The body is formed from a plurality of segments which form-fittingly hug the projectile and have confronting angularly spaced separating surfaces bridged by a sealing member. The forward end of the body, formed by the segments, is concave forwardly and has a leading edge which is disposed outwardly and axially ahead of the rearward inner edge of this surface which forms a pocket engaging the air upon propulsion of the projectile from the barrel to effect separation of the segments and dislodgment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Bisping, Peter Wallow, Klaus Gersbach, Rudolf Romer
  • Patent number: 4537134
    Abstract: A self-propelling projectile comprising a projectile body at the normally forward end of said projectile, a propellent charge at the normally rearward end of said projectile, and a primer element located between the ends of said projectile for ignition by side firing or percussion; there being means for maintaining said components in integrated relationship and with communication between said primer element and said propellent charge whereby upon explosion of said propellent charge the force of the latter will be directed against the base of the projectile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Giulio Fiocchi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Galluzzi
  • Patent number: 4531458
    Abstract: A round of ammunition comprising a missile 10, retaining means 11 for holding the missile, and a cartridge 12; and the cartridge 12 is an assembly comprising a hollow casing 13 within an intermediate portion of which is a gas storage space 18 disposed between a hollow discharge (front) end portion 14 and a base (rear) end portion 20 of the casing, discharge valve means 30 and actuating means 60. The actuating means generally comprises servo-piston means 61, servo actuating means 62 and discharge valve actuating means 63 arranged so that the means 62 is responsive to being struck by a firing pin 43 of a gun to allow the piston means 61 to utilize energy from compressed gas stored in the space to open the discharge valve means, and thus release the gas to expel the missile 10 from the retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Hilvenna Limited
    Inventor: Michael E. Saxby
  • Patent number: 4524695
    Abstract: The technical area of the present invention relates to an anti-tank weapon comprising a finned projectile of the arrow type and a launching shoe.The projectile of the invention comprises a shoe 2 the rear portion of which has fins 10 provided with pins 11 which rest against the compression cone 7 of the tube of the weapon. These fins make it possible to obtain practically constant compressive pressure and assure a proper guidance of the projectile during the barrel phase.Application to the field of armaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Etat Francais
    Inventors: Bernhard Bisping, Klaus Gersbach, Hans Luther, Walter Simon, Peter Wallow, Patrick Montier, Pierre A. Moreau, Jean C. Sauvestre
  • Patent number: 4494461
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a thin-walled, elongated member having superior strength properties from an age hardenable copper base alloy is described herein. A slug or billet of a slurry cast, age hardenable copper base alloy is formed into a semi-solid slurry having about 10% to about 30% of the alloy in a liquid phase. The semi-solid slurry is then thixoforged to form the thin-walled, elongated member. Thereafter, the member is age hardened to provide a product having desired strength properties. The process and apparatus of the instant invention may be utilized to form cartridge casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Pryor, Joseph Winter, Jonathan A. Dantzig
  • Patent number: 4485742
    Abstract: Ammunition having increased projectile velocity and energy without increasing the chamber pressure within a firearm such as a handgun, rifle, anti-aircraft gun, canon, etc. This is accomplished by simultaneously incorporating at least two of three interdependent modifications. The concept consists of using a specific gunpowder pseudo overcharge by adding more and/or faster burning explosive, in conjunction with a projectile having an internally jacketed axial bore. The jacketed bore must possess sufficient area to prevent the pseudo overcharge pressure from exceeding the predetermined pressure specification. The net result is a pressure and confident modification of the gunpowder burning parameters which produce much higher average propulsion pressure for any given peak pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Inventor: Anthony C. Mamo
  • Patent number: 4483251
    Abstract: A cartridge for use with a revolver, automatic or submachine gun which includes a casing having a substantially linear outer wall, a transition bevel at one end of the casing which terminates in an extractor groove area, the groove area is connected to a base which includes an annular rim, a primer pocket extending through the base which communicates with an interior of the casing through a flash hole, the interior including a powder charge area having a planar bottom wall extending radially outwardly from the flash hole and terminates in a substantially elliptical section, the elliptical section communicating with an end opposed to the bevel of the casing through a sloped wall and thereafter a further neck section which is adapted to receive the bullet therewithin, this last neck section being of uniform thickness and substantially parallel to the outer casing, so that upon combustion and discharging of the bullet, a thickened wall is provided along the base of the cartridge, the thickness tapering in a spec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Inventor: Don Spalding
  • Patent number: 4478150
    Abstract: A gas actuated cartridge, which is smokeless, flashless and noiseless in ration, contains a novel pusher cup of elastic material, such as butyl rubber. The pusher cup is folded back within itself and contains an exterior annular flange which fits into a groove in the bore of the cartridge case. A closure plug containing the propellant charge is threadably attached to the bore of the cartridge case and engages the interior of the cup in the flange portion to seal and anchor the cup in the bore. The elastic cup can propel a projectile by the unfolding action of the cup, and expands without rupture to contain the propellant gases and contracts when the volume of the gases reduces on cooling, whereby the cup shrinks back from the wall of the gun barrel and, hence, can be readily removed from the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William M. Sayler, John M. Hayner
  • Patent number: 4457233
    Abstract: A new aerial bomb for uses such as scaring birds and other such creatures away from airport runways, farmer's fields, and the like, is disclsoed. When detonated in a shotgun, the aerial bomb provides two reports; the first occurring when the propelling powder in the shotgun shell is ignited, and the second occuring when the ignited projectile bomb explodes several seconds later. A unique fuse is provided such that no physical connection is necessary in the shotgun shell between the propellant powder and the explosive projectile fuse. Furthermore, the casing of the shell is provided with visual observation means and the projectile is provided with position indicator means, so that the fully assembled aerial bomb may be readily inspected to verify proper installation of the projectile in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Inventor: Marshall Hyde
  • Patent number: 4454816
    Abstract: This invention relates to the safety of ammunitions.The projectile of a cartridge has a base which houses a safety stop consisting of a transversely slidable valve. A device ensures that the valve cannot be released until the projectile has been subjected to a powerful acceleration. Another safety device very advantageously ensures that the pyrotechnical chain inserted in the base functions only when the pressure of the ejection charge has been able to release a sealing-block.In particular, the invention may be applied to infra red window releasing cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Societe E. Lacroix-Tous Artifices
    Inventors: Alain A. A. Billard, Hubert C. G. Calmettes, Roland C. Encoyand
  • Patent number: 4449458
    Abstract: A cartridge case closure plug for closing a cartridge case, enhancing plug reakup in the shortest time span after ignition of the cartridge, and substantially reducing plug mass to reduce the impact loads exerted on the projectile by the plug. The plug is cylindrically shaped and constructed of a polymeric foam which may be covered with an elastomeric coating to lower the permeability of the plug. The plug is provided with a forward face, a rearward face and an outer cylindrical surface. The forward face of the plug is furnished with a centered depression which allows for center blowout and breakup of the plug upon ignition of the propellant contained in the cartridge case. The rearward face of the plug is provided with a tapered cylindrically-shaped cavity which reduces plug mass and enhances plug breakup while reducing the impact loads on the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael E. Buckley, Thomas N. Tschirn, Donald R. McClure, Michael S. Wieland
  • Patent number: 4444114
    Abstract: A munitions round for a subcaliber projectile to be fired from a barrel-type weapon has a casing receiving the projectile which is at least partially surrounded by the gas-generating propellant charge. A drive body is mounted at the forward end of the projectile and has a rearward pressure-receiving surface which droops inwardly toward the projectile from an outer edge of the body which is engaged by the casing. The body is formed from a plurality of segments which form-fittingly hug the projectile and have confronting angularly spaced separating surfaces bridged by a sealing member. The forward end of the body, formed by the segments, is concave forwardly and has a leading edge which is disposed outwardly and axially ahead of the rearward inner edge of this surface which forms a pocket engaging the air upon propulsion of the projectile from the barrel to effect separation of the segments and dislodgment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Bisping, Rudolf Romer, Klaus Gerbach, Peter Wallow
  • Patent number: 4444113
    Abstract: A high-pressure self-sealing obturator positioned to fit on the rear of a bot assembly in a discarding projectile assembly to prevent the obturator from backing off during initial impact of bore walls by the projectile assembly. The obturator includes an extension and a groove for snapping a case mouth into the extension. The outer surface of the obturator conforms with the bore of the gun. The extention of the obturator also includes a "V" groove which permits the separation of the extention with the case mouth during the initial low pressure which occurs early ignition. The self-sealing obturator provides efficient and improved obturation for a projectile when fired from a high pressure gun tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ralph F. Campoli
  • Patent number: 4444115
    Abstract: A cartridge-type munition comprising a casing and a projectile in which the casing at least in part is constituted of combustible and destructible material. According to the invention, a first connection between the projectile and the casing is formed by a neck engaging the periphery of the projectile which is also formed with a boss or projection at its rear end engaged by radial elements forming a second connection with the casing axially spaced from the first connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Romer, Jurgen Winkelmann, Horst Sabinski
  • Patent number: 4365559
    Abstract: A munition or round for a firearm comprises a shell casing of synthetic resin material formed internally with a plurality of axially spaced annular ribs which snap into corresponding grooves in the shank of the bullet. The bullet shank is also formed with axially extending grooves to vent the space between the base of the bullet and the bottom of the casing, this space receiving a moist firing charge whose solvent vaporizes through the gaps formed by the axially extending groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Inventor: Eric Gruaz
  • Patent number: 4361093
    Abstract: A round of ammunition in which a primer cap provides the sole means for propelling a lightweight missle from a cartridge casing shaped to fit into an existing firearms firing chamber. A removable insert in the cartridge casing 12 provides an elongate passage which moderates the force of the primer cap explosion to avoid damaging the missile. The casing is reloadable from the base to allow a fresh missile to be inserted, and in an alternative embodiment a two part insert is provided which likewise allows a missile to be inserted from the base end. In all embodiments the missile is preferable in the form of an air gun pellet, and the ammunition is preferably used with a liner assembly adapted to minimize damage to the missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: Hilvenna Limited
    Inventor: Michael E. Saxby
  • Patent number: 4356769
    Abstract: A self-propelling projectile comprising a projectile body at the normally forward end of said projectile, a propellent charge at the normally rearward end of said projectile, and a primer element located between the ends of said projectile for ignition by side firing or percussion; there being means for maintaining said components in integrated relationship and with communication between said primer element and said propellent charge whereby upon explosion of said propellent charge the force of the latter will be directed against the base of the projectile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Giulio Fiocchi, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Galluzzi
  • Patent number: 4338862
    Abstract: Small arms projectile wherein lead core thereof has its front or nose portion replaced with a structurally integral low-density plastic filler material, the filler material shearing from the lead core to provide a double wound tract upon slight penetration of the projectile into a soft target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard Kwatnoski, Robert J. McHugh
  • Patent number: 4301732
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge, having a projectile element secured to a shell which is loaded with a charge of powder and includes an ignition primer and a dessicant, is modified to include a cylindrical magnesium element extending downwardly from the projectile into the shell, the magnesium element has a cylindrical cavity in its lower portion which houses a substantially cylindrical pyrotechnic element, the pyrotechnic element is held in close proximity to the powder charge and ignites as the charge explodes and discharges the projectile, the burning pyrotechnic material creates a bright light which, because of openings in the magnesium element, can be seen through a theodolite by a surveyor at a remote point, the burning pyrotechnic element in turn ignites the magnesium element which also gives off a bright light when burning, that light also being observable from a remote point, the bright lights from these burning elements combining to produce a mementary vertical streak of predetermined height, the streak bei
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: Norman E. Van Sickle
  • Patent number: H61
    Abstract: A self supporting ammunition cartridge which need not be inserted into a mber for firing, but is simply lined up with the aft end of the weapon's barrel and fired. The cartridge case is a hollow cylinder of composite non-metallic construction with a primer at its aft end and a projectile recessed into its forward end, with propellant filling the remainder of the hollow cylinder. The cartridge case is sufficiently strong to withstand the pressure of firing without being inserted into a firing chamber. The weapon for firing this cartridge comprises a gap equal in length to the cartridge where the chamber would be located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ladd Yuhash, deceased, Salvatore Spignese, administrator
  • Patent number: H403
    Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator assembly includes a motor casing having an aft pening. A nozzle with a nozzle opening is seated in the aft opening of the casing and confines expanding gases produced by burning propellant in the casing to a configuration for applying a thrust to the casing. An aft pusher plate is connected to a plug which plugs the nozzle opening and which has an aft space for receiving expanding gases. A penetrator rod is connected to the forward end of the motor casing and includes a bore riding sabot having substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the pusher plate and an aft portion of the motor casing. The penetrator assembly is meant to be launched from a gun with expanding gases in the gun barrel pushing against the pusher plate and ejecting the penetrator at some velocity from the barrel bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Alan Glasser