Abstract: A method of manufacturing an improved lead-free primed rimfire cartridge for ammunition or industrial powerloads providing a gas source for driving fasteners with power-fastening tools. A lead-free priming mixture is consolidated into an annular cavity of a rimfire casing and dried in the cavity. The primer is secured in the cavity by tamping at least a portion of propellant into the casing against and over the dried primer. The tamping pressure per casing may range from 1,300 psi to 8,800 psi. Any remaining portion of required propellent is added over the tamped compacted propellant layer. The ammunition and powerload casings are then sealed and finished in a conventional manner. A rimfire cartridge for both ammunition and industrial powerload applications manufactured as described above is also provided.

Abstract: To improve the combustion behavior of a two-part large-caliber ammunition round (10) composed of a primary charge (20) and a projectile charge (30), an annular transfer charge (29) is provided in the primary charge (20) underneath a charge casing cover (28) which terminated the primary charge toward the top. The projectile charge (30) is also provided with an annular transfer charge (39) above its propelling charge casing bottom (38). The transfer charge (29) disposed in the primary charge (20) results in rapid destruction of the charge casing cover (28) and of the casing bottom (38). The annular transfer charge (39) disposed in the projectile charge (30) improves the ignition of the tubular propellant (32) disposed in the projectile charge (30) and of the loose powder charge (36) without noticeable time delays relative to the primary charge (20).

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.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to fin-stabilized projectile ammunition, in which fin-stabilized projectiles are arranged in a cartridge case filled with propellant charge powder. According to the present invention, the spaces between the fins of the tail plane (4) of the fin-stabilized projectile (13) are filled with prefabricated shaped bodies (7) made from propellant charge powders. These shaped bodies in the ammunition are adjacent to the propellant charge powder in the cartridge case, and permit optimal utilization of the free space between the tail plane fins (20) of the projectiles being filled with high-energy propellant charge. Furthermore, the shaped bodies according to the present invention prevent corrosion of the tail plane fins during the burning off of the ammunition, and facilitate the manufacture of the ammunition.

Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition in which a rigid liner fills the gap between the control tube and the metering tube. The liner comprises an energetic material which transfers the ignition stimulus from the control tube propellant to the main propellant. Energetic materials in the liner an be modified to increase the ignition stimulus for proper cold round performance or decrease ignition stimulus for an improved timed sequencing of the round's performance. Both double-based and single-based energetic materials may be used.

Abstract: A round for an expendable breech gun wherein a filament reinforced breeche is lined with propellant throughout its length whereby the burning rate of the propellant in effect varies with projectile speed within the breechcase. A metal or plastic honeycomb bonded to the inner wall of the breechcase provides mechanical support for the propellant and precludes axial progression of the flame front in advance of the projectile. An alternative construction employs a propellant lining having a succession of increasing burning rates from the breech end to the muzzle end of the breechcase.

Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition in which a rigid liner fills the gap between the control tube and the metering tube. The liner comprises an energetic material which transfers the ignition stimulus from the control tube propellant to the main propellant. Energetic materials in the liner can be modified to increase the ignition stimulus for proper cold round performance or decrease ignition stimulus for an improved timed sequencing of the round's performance. Both double-based and single-based energetic materials may be used.

Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition with a perforated forward control tube in which the main propellant gas and flame front ignites a propellant surrounding the tube through the perforations. Seals form annular segments of consolidated propellant surrounding the tube separated from each other and the main propellant charge. These seals prevent gas and flame front propagation from the main or rearmost charge of propellant, except through the control tube perforations or ports which have been passed by the obturator.

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.

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.

Abstract: A round for placement and firing in the barrel of a large caliber gun, the round comprising a cartridge case defining a cylindrical chamber having axially opposed open and closed ends, a plurality of axially-adjacent annualr explosive charges coaxially-disposed in the chamber, the charges defining a bore coaxial with said chamber and each charge being shaped to generate on detonation a predetermined shock wave in the case, a projectile disposed in the chamber proximate the closed end, the projectile having a trailing end shaped to convert shock waves generated by detonation of the annular charges to projectile acceleration, an explosive in the case for initially propelling the projectile axially through the bore toward the open, end, an electrical detonator for each annular charge responsive to an electrical signal, and a power source and circuit for generating the electrical signal in response to axial movement of the projectile in the bore.

Abstract: This invention provides an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun system, having a dual angle injection mechanism to provide both bore and chamber gas requirements with a single injection control valve. The dual angle feature assures a stable combustion zone. A flexible lip on the projectile is used in conjunction with the dual angle injection mechanism to positively eliminate backflow of propellant through the injection mechanism during the ignition phase of the gun cycle.

Abstract: A traveling charge projectile utilizes a microprocessor and a plurality of sequentially fired igniting-priming-expelling charges to initiate respective charge segments containing propellant, such as granular propellant, of predetermined grain size, to produce a more nearly constant pressure against the projectile base. Traveling charge propellant segments attached to the projectile move with the projectile as it accelerates in the gun barrel. At appropriate intervals during barrel transit, a firing signal initiates a charge which propels the aft most propellant segment away from the projectile into the hot gases and flame behind the projectile to fully ignite the propellant charge and repressurize the expanding breech volume immediately aft of the accelerating projectile. This design maintains a higher average pressure on the base of the projectile during barrel transit, and results in a higher projectile muzzle velocity.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun, of a check valve to permit liquid propellant under relatively low pressure to flow from the supply system into the combustion chamber and to preclude the pulse of pressure generated in the combustion chamber from feeding back to the supply system. This valve allows propellant to be removed automatically from the pumping chamber in the event of a misfire.Another feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun of a frangible stem which secures the projectile to the cartridge case. The stem breaks to release the projectile for travel down the gun bore when a predetermined level of combustion gas pressure has been developed in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A back-actuated forward ignition cartridge having a case, a puller sabot and rod penetrator projectile in the forward mouth end of the case, and a combination compacted propellant solid mass and loose propellant charge ignitable by back ignition through actuation of a rear primer and guided flame propagation through a guide tube extending through the compacted propellant mass and to the vicinity of the loose propellant charge, while preventing ignition of the compacted propellant mass as the flame passes along the tube therethrough. The guide tube has a booster ignition charge therein to assist in forward flame propagation and ignition of the loose propellant. Burning of the loose propellant charge effects pressurized constriction of the sabot about the projectile and drives the sabot/projectile from the case and along a barrel bore, thereby increasing the effective burning volume prior to ignition of the compacted propellant solid mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustible propellant charge casing particularly useful for cartridge ammunition.In order to simplify the manufacture of ammunition and to improve its storage capacity, a propellant charge casing made from a synthetic foil is provided. The invention achieves particularly advantageous mechanical strength and stability in the propellant charge structure when the casing is formed from a shrinking foil.

Abstract: A propellant charge and method of manufacture thereof by which the increase in maximum gas pressure within the upper use temperature range which occurs upon firing can be influenced until eliminated. The propellant charge is manufactured by compacting a first portion of the propellant charge which corresponds to between 50-80% of the total mass of the propellant charge, and then adding the balance of the propellant charge as loose powder on top of the first portion.

Abstract: A multi-range ammunition unit for firing at a high angle and with preselected muzzle velocities. The ammunition unit includes at least two partial propellant charges, a first one of which is fixedly mounted to the bottom of the shell casing and the second one or ones of which are fixedly mounted to the bottom of the projectile of the ammunition unit. All partial propellant charges are coaxially arranged with respect to the shell casing. Mechanical and/or electrical ignition means are provided to first ignite the first propellant charge and then selectively sequentially ignite the second propellant charge or charges.

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.

Abstract: A round of ammunition uses both a solid propellant and an oxygen-rich, lid monopropellant. The liquid propellant is held within a plastic container within the conventional case.

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.

Abstract: This specification discloses an ammunition round and a method of firing the ammunition round. Consecutive and reproducible firing of a primer charge and a main propellant charge is accomplished as a result of the physical movement of a divider physically separating the primer charge from the main charge. Firing of the primer charge causes movement of the divider, initiates movement of a projectile within the ammunition round, and, when the combustion gases of the primer charge are in communication with the main propellant charge, causes firing of the main propellant charge. The divider is retained within the ammunition round by a ring which limits movement of the divider.