Plastic Cases Patents (Class 102/466)
  • Publication number: 20140069290
    Abstract: An example of a polymer-based machine gun link can include a first side having a finger to hold a cartridge and a second side, opposite the first side, having at least two fingers to hold a second cartridge. A stem can join the first side and the second side the two fingers are smaller than the finger and spaced along the stem so that the finger fits between the two fingers. All of the finger, the two fingers, and the stem are made from polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: PCP TACTICAL, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140060373
    Abstract: A subsonic ammunition cartridge casing having an engineered internal volume designed to allow for the introduction of precisely the amount of propellant necessary at precisely the desired location to reproducibly produce the desired projectile velocity and internal pressure is provided. The subsonic shell casing has an engineered internal propellant cavity built into the internal body of the casing itself that does not necessarily depend on the introduction of a separate volume reducing device such as tubing, filler, foam filler and the like. This ensures the integrity of the case, does not result in anything being expelled through the muzzle of the weapon other than the projectile, does not have any burning or combusting components, allows for very precise control of the internal volume and thus chamber pressure, and is economical to produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: MAC,LLC
    Inventors: Nikica Maljkovic, Joe Paul Gibbons, John Francis Bosarge
  • Publication number: 20140060372
    Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include a first end having a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, a shoulder extends below the neck and away from the first end. An inside of the shoulder can be shaped in at least one of a convex or concave shape. The shoulder can have unequal outside and inside shoulder angles. Further, the inside shoulder can be textured or coated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: PCP TACTICAL, LLC
    Inventor: PCP Tactical, LLC
  • Patent number: 8573126
    Abstract: A cartridge for ammunition has a base with an axial end section. An annular wall extends from the enlarged outer peripheral lip section to an opposite end. The axial end section has a primer cavity therein and a radially outwardly extending peripheral extraction lip. An annular ledge is axially positioned at an inner end of said primer cavity and radially extends inwardly from said annular wall. A passage has a reduced diameter compared to the primer cavity and extends through the annular ledge. A main charge cavity is at an opposite side of the ledge from the primer cavity. A knurl section is on an outer surface of said cylindrical wall. A cartridge case is attached to the base about said knurl section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: PCP Tactical, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Klein, Sy Wiley
  • Patent number: 8561543
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition cartridge and methods of making and using the same. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: True Velocity, Inc.
    Inventor: Lonnie Burrow
  • Patent number: 8522684
    Abstract: A base insert for a cartridge case comprises a base end having a lip and a groove proximate the lip and having a primer pocket defined in the base end and an insert end having a base wall and a cylindrical wall extending there from, the base wall and cylindrical wall defining a powder fill pocket. The base wall has a flash hole disposed therein and an inner surface facing the powder fill pocket. The cylindrical wall has an inner surface intersecting with the inner surface of the base wall and an outer surface defining the outer circumference of the base insert. The intersection of the inner surface of the base wall and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall is curved or forms an oblique angle, while the outer surface of the insert end is not curved and does not form an oblique angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nylon Corporation of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D Davies, Gregory J Biederman, Christopher A Coco
  • Patent number: 8516964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge having a propellant charge casing at least partially filled with a propellant charge powder, and a projectile part connected on a front of the propellant charge casing, wherein the propellant charge casing comprises a casing cover, a casing sheath and a casing base, and the casing sheath is connected to the projectile part via the casing cover and to the casing base via a spring steel sheet. In order to achieve different amounts of propellant charge powder filled into the same propellant charge casing without igniting the propellant charge at undesirable blast waves, a sack-shaped container that is completely filled with the respective amount of propellant charge powder is disposed inside the propellant charge casing so that the container, and thus also the propellant charge powder, extends in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Klaus-Achim Kratzsch, Michael Vagedes
  • Patent number: 8443730
    Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include a first end having a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, a shoulder extends below the neck and away from the first end. The cartridge can be have a frangible portion capable of being split upon discharge of a projectile. The shoulder can have unequal outside and inside shoulder angles. The casing can also include an insert having a rim at one end or a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally along a wall between the shoulder and the bottom of the cartridge and spaced radially from each other around a circumference of the wall. A projectile can be disposed in the mouth and a relief can be disposed on the neck near the mouth and projectile. The relief can form a gap between the neck and the projectile to receive an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: PCP Tactical, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Padgett
  • Patent number: 8408137
    Abstract: A cartridge for a firearm comprises a case having a base located at one end and a projectile mounted at the other end. A specific volume of propellant is contained in the case and is ignitable via a primer located in the base. The ignition of the propellant causes the projectile to be propelled from the case. The case comprises a wall defining a plurality of circumferential flutes that extend around outer and inner surfaces of the case in a helical or vertical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Vin Battaglia
  • Publication number: 20130014665
    Abstract: An ammunition article is provided which comprises a casing and a cap wherein the casing is formed from a polymeric material that has a room temperature notched Izod impact value greater than about 10 ft lbs/in and then has a ratio of notched Izod impact value at room temperature to notch Izod impact value at about ?40° C. of less than about 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nikica Maljkovic, Todd S. Rushing
  • Publication number: 20130014664
    Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing includes an upper component of polymer, a bullet of a standard weight, a lower component of polymer, and an insert. The upper component has a shoulder portion and an upper component inner wall has a first slope extending from the shoulder. The lower component has a lower component inner wall having a second slope. The upper and lower component inner walls form a propellant chamber; and the first and second slopes reduce a volume of the propellant chamber. The reduced volume of the propellant chamber permits only enough propellant to propel a bullet engaged in the cartridge casing at subsonic speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: PCP Ammunition Company, LLC
    Inventor: Tony Padgett
  • Patent number: 8240252
    Abstract: An ammunition article is provided which comprises a casing and a cap wherein the casing is formed from a polymeric material that has a room temperature notched Izod impact value greater than about 10 ft lbs/in and then has a ratio of notched Izod impact value at room temperature to notch Izod impact value at about ?40° C. of less than about 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Nikica Maljkovic, Todd S. Rushing
  • Publication number: 20120180687
    Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing includes an upper component of polymer having a first end with a mouth, at least a wall between the first end and a second end of the upper component opposite the first end, a sleeve extending longitudinally and radially about the wall, and at least one of an overlap portion and an underskirt portion extending from the wall near the second end. The lower component is molded from a polymer and includes at least one of a tapered portion and an outer tapered portion that engages at least one of the overlap portion and the underskirt portions, respectively, to join the upper and the lower components. Further, the sleeve reduces a volume of a propellant chamber formed by the wall. The reduced volume of the propellant chamber permits only enough propellant to propel a bullet engaged in the cartridge casing at subsonic speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: PCP AMMUNITION COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Charles Padgett, Sy Wiley
  • Publication number: 20120180688
    Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include a first end having a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, a shoulder extends below the neck and away from the first end. The cartridge can be have a frangible portion capable of being split upon discharge of a projectile. The shoulder can have unequal outside and inside shoulder angles. The casing can also include an insert having a rim at one end or a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally along a wall between the shoulder and the bottom of the cartridge and spaced radially from each other around a circumference of the wall. A projectile can be disposed in the mouth and a relief can be disposed on the neck near the mouth and projectile. The relief can form a gap between the neck and the projectile to receive an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: PCP AMMUNITION COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: Charles Padgett
  • Patent number: 8186273
    Abstract: Ammunition having an integrally formed, polymeric casing is provided. Plastic casings for ammunition may be made using injection molding processes for combat ammunition, target ammunition and blanks. The casings, in one embodiment, include a hollow tubular member with an open end and a closed end having an aperture for a primer cap. The base of the casing includes a conical shape within the tube that narrows toward the base. An annular groove and an annular rim are disposed about an outer periphery of the base. Plastic casings may be utilized for ammunition cartridges used in pistols, rifles and shotguns, and are lighter and less expensive to manufacture than traditional brass casings. Further, the polymeric casings may include any desired colorants to distinguish different calibers of ammunition by color, and the spent casings may be recyclable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Blaine Trivette
  • Publication number: 20120111219
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition cartridge and methods of making and using the same. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: True Velocity, Inc.
    Inventor: Lonnie Burrow
  • Patent number: 8161882
    Abstract: A propellant charge for use for ammunition, in which the propellant charge is separate from the projectile, has a propellant charge substance which can be initiated by a fuse. In order to solve the problem of providing a propellant charge for use in a two-part munition, which on the one hand can be produced easily and at low cost and on the other hand does not present any risk of damage when mechanically loaded before use, it is proposed that a propellant charge casing be provided which surrounds the propellant charge substance, with the propellant charge casing being in the form of a plastic part which is composed of a non-combustible, temperature-stable plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defense GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Axel Pfersmann, Alfred Eckel
  • Publication number: 20110290143
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge having a propellant charge casing at least partially filled with a propellant charge powder, and a projectile part connected on a front of the propellant charge casing, wherein the propellant charge casing comprises a casing cover, a casing sheath and a casing base, and the casing sheath is connected to the projectile part via the casing cover and to the casing base via a spring steel sheet. In order to achieve different amounts of propellant charge powder filled into the same propellant charge casing without igniting the propellant charge at undesirable blast waves, a sack-shaped container that is completely filled with the respective amount of propellant charge powder is disposed inside the propellant charge casing so that the container, and thus also the propellant charge powder, extends in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Klaus-Achim Kratzsch, Michael Vagedes
  • Publication number: 20110179965
    Abstract: Ammunition assemblies including ammunition cartridges are provided herein. According to some embodiments, ammunition cartridges may include a tubular casing having a first and a second end, wherein the tubular casing is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material, and wherein the tubular casing is adapted to receive and retain a propellant, a cap releaseably associable with the first end of the tubular casing, and a rim extending from the second end of the tubular casing, the rim and second end of the tubular casing cooperating together to form an extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of an extractor of a firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Mason
  • Publication number: 20100282112
    Abstract: A cartridge for a firearm comprises a case having a base located at one end and a projectile mounted at the other end. A specific volume of propellant is contained in the case and is ignitable via a primer located in the base. The ignition of the propellant causes the projectile to be propelled from the case. The case comprises a wall defining a plurality of circumferential flutes that extend around outer and inner surfaces of the case in a helical or vertical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Vin Battaglia
  • Publication number: 20100275804
    Abstract: Ammunition having an integrally formed, polymeric casing is provided. Plastic casings for ammunition may be made using injection molding processes for combat ammunition, target ammunition and blanks. The casings, in one embodiment, include a hollow tubular member with an open end and a closed end having an aperture for a primer cap. The base of the casing includes a conical shape within the tube that narrows toward the base. An annular groove and an annular rim are disposed about an outer periphery of the base. Plastic casings may be utilized for ammunition cartridges used in pistols, rifles and shotguns, and are lighter and less expensive to manufacture than traditional brass casings. Further, the polymeric casings may include any desired colorants to distinguish different calibers of ammunition by color, and the spent casings may be recyclable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Blaine Trivette
  • Patent number: 7712418
    Abstract: A closure wad is placed at the mouth of the launching end of a shotgun cartridge before the mouth is crimped down to seal the launching end of the cartridge. Both the walls of the closure cap and the walls at the mouth of the plastic envelope are crimped down together, thereby forming a substantially impermeable seal at the launching end of the cartridge. In addition, the inventive closure cap substantially reduces the detritus which is sometimes expelled when a launcher cartridge is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Combined Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Brunn
  • Patent number: 7610858
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge assembled from (1) a substantially cylindrical polymeric cartridge casing body defining a casing headspace with an open projectile-end and an end opposing the projectile-end, wherein the casing body has (A) a substantially cylindrical injection molded polymeric bullet-end component with opposing first and second ends, the first end of which is the projectile-end of the casing body and the second end has a male or female coupling element; and (B) a cylindrical polymeric middle body component with opposing first and second ends, wherein the first end has a coupling element that is a mate for the projectile-end coupling element and joins the first end of the middle body component to the second end of the bullet-end component, and the second end is the end of the casing body opposite the projectile end and has a male or female coupling element; and (2) a cylindrical cartridge casing head-end component with an essentially closed base end with a primer hole opposite an open end with a coupli
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Sengshin Chung
  • Publication number: 20090044717
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an ammunition article, includes forming a projectile of an ammunition article at a first station of an apparatus, transporting the projectile within the apparatus to a second station of the apparatus, and injection molding at the second station a cartridge casing body of the ammunition article around at least a portion of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Development Capital Managment Company
    Inventors: Nabil Husseini, David E. Byron
  • Patent number: 7461597
    Abstract: A closure wad is placed at the mouth of the launching end of a shotgun cartridge before the mouth is crimped down to seal the launching end of the cartridge. Both the walls of the closure cap and the walls at the mouth of the plastic envelope are crimped down together, thereby forming a substantially impermeable seal at the launching end of the cartridge. In addition, the inventive closure cap substantially reduces the detritus which is sometimes expelled when a launcher cartridge is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Combined Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Brunn
  • Patent number: 7441504
    Abstract: A base for a cartridge casing body for an ammunition article, the base having a ignition device; an attachment device at one end thereof, the attachment device being adapted to attach the base to a cartridge casing body; wherein the base is made from plastic, ceramic, or a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Development Capital Management Company
    Inventors: Nabil Husseini, David E. Byron
  • Patent number: 6845716
    Abstract: An ammunition article includes a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a first end and a second end, and a projectile attached to the first end of the cartridge casing body. The cartridge casing body is molded around at least a portion of the projectile. A molded plastic base for an ammunition article, a molded plastic blank cartridge, and a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a pronged web are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Natec, Inc.
    Inventors: Nabil Husseini, David E. Byron
  • Patent number: 6752084
    Abstract: An ammunition article includes a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a first end and a second end, and a projectile attached to the first end of the cartridge casing body. The cartridge casing body is molded around at least a portion of the projectile. A molded plastic base for an ammunition article, a molded plastic blank cartridge, and a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a pronged web are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Amtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Nabil Husseini, David E. Byron
  • Publication number: 20040011237
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to small arms technology and more particularly, is concerned with hunting and sporting cartridges having plastic cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Eduard Illarionovich Khvichia, Khvichia David Eduardovich, Khvichia Georgy Eduardovich
  • Patent number: 6600002
    Abstract: A combustible cartridge case is provided that includes at least one energetic thermoplastic homopolymer or copolymer derived from, at least in part, poly(bis-azidomethyloxetane) prepolymer blocks terminated with isocyanate-reactive groups, such as hydroxyl groups. Chain linking of the prepolymer blocks is performed with diisocyanates for end-capping the prepolymer blocks, and a difunctional linking compound for linking the end-capped prepolymer blocks. The energetic thermoplastic is preferably capable of being pressed, extruded, rotational molded, injection loaded, or otherwise shaped into a desired configuration. Also provided is a chain-extended poly(bis-azidomethyloxetane) homopolymer derived from bis-azidomethyloxetane prepolymer blocks, which are terminated with isocyanate-reactive groups and chain extended with at least one diisocyanate end-capping compound and at least one difunctional linking compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Sanderson, William W. Edwards, Paul C. Braithwaite, Jeffrey D. Akester, Jeff F. Widener
  • Patent number: 6526891
    Abstract: A cartridge for setting devices if formed of a pot-shaped plastics material cartridge housing (2), which has a surface (8) contacting the inner contour (12) of a cartridge chamber of the setting device. A sealing cover (3) closes off the housing (2) at its open end (4). The sealing cover (3) has a cylindrical section (6), which extends into the interior (5) of the housing (2) and expands under the pressure developed upon ignition of the cartridge, so that a positive connection results between the housing (2) and the sealing cover (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Ehmig
  • Patent number: 6305291
    Abstract: Shotgun cartridge cases are disclosed which are produced from a unitary body of plastic material. The shotgun cartridge cases include a cylindrical wall with a based portion which includes a central opening adapted to receive a primer, and a number of grooves extending axially from the end plane of the cartridge case and defining displaceable regions of the base portion whereby these displaceable regions are axially displaceable by means of powder charge gases released by the cartridge. Shotgun cartridges are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Tomscot HB
    Inventors: Roland Karlsson, Konny Johansson
  • Publication number: 20010013299
    Abstract: An ammunition article includes a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a first end and a second end, and a projectile attached to the first end of the cartridge casing body. The cartridge casing body is molded around at least a portion of the projectile. A molded plastic base for an ammunition article, a molded plastic blank cartridge, and a molded plastic cartridge casing body having a pronged web are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Nabil Husseini, David E. Byron
  • Patent number: 6164209
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge has a tube extending along a central longitudinal axis from an aft end to a fore end. The tube has an interior surface and an exterior surface. A metallic head has a sleeve portion secured to the tube along an aft section of the tube and has a centrally-apertured web portion spanning the sleeve portion so as to form a base of the cartridge. A basewad is contained within the tube and is separately formed therefrom. The basewad is located proximate the aft end of the tube. The basewad has a generally cylindrical exterior surface engaging the interior surface of the tube, an aft surface contacting the metal head, an interior surface. The interior surface extends from a generally forward-facing inner portion, forward and outward to a generally inward-facing fore portion so as to define a skirt portion of the basewad between the exterior surface and interior surface. At least one projectile is carried within a fore volume of the tube. A propellant charge is located aft of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Scott H. Mayfield, Brian B. Belknap, Morris C. Buenenmann, Jr., Robert J. Gardner, Alan J. Corzine
  • Patent number: 6012394
    Abstract: A casing for a propellant charge for a piece of ammunition comprises a projectile and a stub. The casing comprises a substantially cylindrical envelope and a closing cover. The cylindrical envelope is made of a plastic material and is in the shape of a lattice formed of strands defining openings. The lattice is formed by a repetitive rectangular mesh. The width of the mesh openings is less than a predetermined diameter of a grain of the propellant charge intended to fill the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Regis Aumasson
  • Patent number: 5969288
    Abstract: Cartridge case (1), especially for a smooth bore gun, comprising three elements made of plastic, namely a tubular body (2) with an assembly end (2a) which tapers into the shape of a cone frustum, a base (3) which has a frustoconical bore (3a) with substantially the same vertex angle as the tapering end (2a) of the tubular body, to which it is matched in order to act as a housing, and a bottom piece (4) with a frustoconical external profile of substantially the same vertex angle as the tapering end (2a) of the tubular body, and as the bore (3a) of the base (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Cheddite France
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Baud
  • Patent number: 5841062
    Abstract: A tank cartridge is described which is capable of withstanding rough handg during loading and unloading operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon Manole, Stewart Gilman, James Lee, Manuel Munoz, Peter Ngai, Anthony Vella, William Rice, Nick Zuback
  • Patent number: 5841063
    Abstract: A cartridge case for service ammunition is designed to reduce the damage effect on the environment in the event of an extreme pressure increase in the propellent powder forming part of the charged ammunition, upon accidental ignition of the propellent powder and to a method for reduction of the damage. The cartridge case comprises at least one longitudinal weakening in the case material, the weakening being designed in such a manner that the case material, when the case is supported by the cartridge chamber of the weapon during the combustion of the powder, withstands stresses from the internal gas pressure, but breaks under the same gas pressure if the propellent powder is ignited when the case is located outside the cartridge chamber, thus splitting open along the weakening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventors: Dan Hellkvist, Erik Loinder
  • Patent number: 5795923
    Abstract: A photo-degradable, molded, high strength plastic shotshell component having a degradation composition comprising as its combination of active ingredients linear polyethylene having a melt index of 0.1 to 5.0 and an ethylene-vinyl acetate-carbon monoxide terpolymer, the ratios by weight of which to said linear polyethylene is approximately 0.115:1 to 0.261:1 The ethylene-vinyl acetate-carbon monoxide terpolymer in its preferred composition has about 65% by weight of ethylene, 25% by weight of vinyl acetate, and 10% by weight of carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Federal Cartridge Company
    Inventor: Mohammed Shahid
  • Patent number: 5763820
    Abstract: A wrapped gas generant cartridge is incorporated in an inflator of a vehicle occupant restraint system. The gas generant cartridge includes a stacked, aligned plurality of substantially flat annular wafers of gas generant material having a central opening therethrough. A wrap of sheet material surrounds the plurality of wafers and has marginal end panels folded along the end surfaces of the plurality of wafers, leaving at least one end opening exposed for receiving an ignition tube of the inflator. The wrap of sheet material is selected from metal foil, expanded metal, cellulose, thermoplastics, including polyolefin shrink wrap, with tape, adhesive or adhesive laminates holding the wrap in position. The gas generant cartridge is received in a filter and screen pack within the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Autiliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Philpot, David W. Lindsey, Scott A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5708231
    Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed for use in a ballistic weapon system. The cartridge includes a tubular case and a ballistic projectile. The projectile has an annular groove which extends into an exterior periphery of the projectile. The tubular case has a cylindrical sidewall and a substantially closed rearward end. The cylindrical sidewall defines an interior cavity for receiving at least a rearward portion of the projectile. An annular lug is integrally formed with the cylindrical sidewall and inwardly extends from the sidewall into the annular groove of the projectile, interlocking the projectile and the tubular case. Longitudinal slits are formed in the forward end of the tubular case to allow the case to expand for receipt of the projectile until the annular lug is aligned with and then inserted into the annular groove of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Sigma Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Homer Koon
  • Patent number: 5549048
    Abstract: A shot-gun cartridge case is disclosed which is made by extrusion or equivalent pressure forming of high density polyolefin-based composition containing biodegradable starch, a fatty acid ester to initiate peroxide attack on the double bonds of the polyolefin and an anti-oxidant stabilizing compound. The composition is stable to biological and chemical degradation until the cartridge is fixed, upon which fixing, the anti-oxidant stabilizing compound is partially destroyed or dispersed so that degradation of said composition takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: The Kent Cartridge Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Arthur H. Godfrey-Phillips, Graham Chapman
  • Patent number: 5492065
    Abstract: A plastics cartridge has a cartridge body provided with a flange which has a plastic casing body, open on one side, is for accommodating a propellent charge and an ignition charge for igniting the propellant charge and has a plastics cover for closing the open end of the casing body. A flange is located on the end of the casing body on the cover side. if the cartridge body is inserted into the firing device, the flange extends into a space which passes out of a receiving chamber of a cartridge recess and is formed by cartridge recess and bottom of the breech of the firing device. In the section in which it extends in the propagation direction of the pressure wave arising on ignition of the propellent charge, the flange of the cartridge body is tapered--in the propagation direction--at least over a part of said section. The flange therefore forms a wedge which is inserted into the wedge-shaped space between the cartridge recess and bottom of the breech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Jena, Kurt Ballreich
  • Patent number: 5323707
    Abstract: A multi-layered cylindrical propellant casing comprising an inner propellant-holding layer of polymer layer(s) obtained by lay up, blow molding, or similar fabrication of an energetic or nonenergetic type layer, coated with (an) intermediate adhesive layer(s) of an energetic or non-energetic type, and covered by an outer, concentrically arranged, coat or layer having a higher resistance, than said inner layer, to circumferential expansion; plus a corresponding method for increasing the amount of fragmentation and combustion rate of such propellant casing when exposed to a firing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard V. Norton, William J. Worrell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5279201
    Abstract: A cartridge is made up of a synthetic resin case member and a synthetic resin lid. The case member contains a first receiving chamber for receiving an igniter charge and a second receiving chamber for the accommodation of a propellant charge. A synthetic resin ignition pin flexibly connected to the lid extends into the first receiving chamber. Upon the exertion of pressure by a striker on the rear end of the ignition pin, the pin is advanced further into the first receiving chamber, a pointed forward percussion end of this ignition pin acting on the igniter charge to ignite the charge. The igniter charge is accommodated in funnel shape in a conical depression of the first receiving chamber. The percussion end of the ignition pin, extending into the igniter charge, upon displacement, causes friction in the igniter charge material and thus generates frictional heat therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Jena, Kurt Ballreich
  • Patent number: 5272982
    Abstract: A telescoped ammunition cartridge, including a cylindrical cartridge casing having one end closed by a base, a full caliber projectile disposed within the casing, wherein the projectile has a cylindrical aft section and a tapered fore-section, at least one annular sleeve fitted in the casing at a fore-section thereof, wherein only the fore-section of the projectile is located within the annular sleeve. Further, the cartridge includes a detachable nose fairing fitted inside and contacting the annular sleeve to form a nose fairing sleeve assembly, wherein the nose fairing is integral with the projectile and is located at the tapered fore-section of the projectile, the assembly defining a support for the tapered fore-section of the projectile. The cartridge advantageously includes fixed supports defined by elongated ridges fitted between the nose fairing and the casing and extending to the aft section of the projectile to provide support therefor, wherein spaces are defined between the fixed supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Michel Desevaux, Pierre Ducros
  • Patent number: 5265540
    Abstract: A telescoped ammunition round including a plastic case having a cylindrical casing, a front end cap and a rear end cap, the front and rear end caps being fitted at front and rear ends of the casing. The round further includes a projectile, a propulsive charge and an ignition device disposed within the casing. Sealing means are provided to form a gas-tight seal between the front and rear end caps and the cylindrical casing to prevent escape of propellant gases generated from the propulsive charge. Importantly, axial retaining devices are included to prevent longitudinal movement of the front and rear end caps before firing, and allow movement thereof after firing, wherein the end caps are not completely separated from the casing after ignition of the propellant charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Pierre Ducros, Michel J. Desevaux, Chris G. De Veth
  • Patent number: 5233928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a telescoped ammunition round, comprising a case (2) made from plastic material made up of a cylindrical casing (3a, 3b) and two end caps (4a, 4b) disposed at opposite ends of the casing (3a, 3b). The case (2) is advantageously formed from two half-cases (2a, 2b) with each end cap (4a, 4b) forming a single piece moulded with the associated half-case (2a, 2b) and comprising axial expansion devices (12a, 12b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Pierre Ducros, Michel P. Giraudon
  • Patent number: 5216200
    Abstract: A device for igniting a propellant charge is provided with a housing defining a cavity wherein a piston is displaceably guided. The cavity is connected via a bore acting as a nozzle to a chamber wherein a case member of a cartridge is arranged for accommodating the propellant charge. A bottom wall of the case member is equipped with a bore aligned with the bore acting as a nozzle. A primer wafer is disposed on the inner surface of the bottom wall, this wafer being thinner in its central zone than in its marginal zone. The central zone of the primer wafer is a region under mechanical thermal stress during compression, the ignition energy being introduced to the primer wafer via this region in the form of hot compressed air from the compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignees: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft, Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Brede, Alfred Horr, Hans Jena, Bodo Preis, Wolfgang Spranger
  • 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