Abstract: A cartridge or ammunition casing is made of two components, one forming the outer casing sleeve and head end and the other comprising a plug seated within the head end to protect the outer casing material from propellant gases. The outer cylindrical sidewall and end panel of the casing may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, steel, pre-coated carbon steel, brass or brass-type alloys, aluminum, hardened aluminum alloys, and suitable polymeric plastic material such as nylon derivatives and VECTRA™. The inner plug may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, brass, steel, stainless steel, and suitable polymeric materials.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device and method for firing firearm ammunition using a plasma torch generator. In a particular embodiment, the device relates to the control or management of the rate of fire and number of rounds fired in a burst firing mode for automatic firearms. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to provide precise control of the rate of fire. The device and method can be applied to conventional mechanical primer ammunition or used without the need for a primer, particularly in field artillery, aircraft, and watercraft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a visible light or UV/visible light and anaerobically curable composition for encapsulating the surface of the primer mix disposed in the primer cup, particularly for use in center fire ammunition.

Abstract: A cartridge munition, particularly practice round, includes a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) inserted into it. A propulsion chamber (4) is provided within the cartridge shell that receives a propulsive charge (5) that may be ignited by means of a pyrotechnic igniter (13) and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge (5) because of the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, it is proposed by the invention to provide exhaust channels (14) between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell (3) that are filled with a fusible material, particularly a fusible metal (15). The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter (13) and of the propulsive charge (5).

Abstract: A low-impulse, non-lethal telescoping cartridge for deployment of non-lethal ordnance. The cartridge includes a payload cup containing at least one non-lethal projectile. The payload cup is telescopically mounted upon a cartridge case base. When fired, the payload cup telescopes out from the base and releases the non-lethal projectiles at a non-lethal velocity. The telescoping feature of the cartridge allows the cartridge to be fired from an automatic weapon, such as a 40 mm MK19 grenade machine gun.

Abstract: A modified gas delivery cartridge. A conventional straight-sided brass cartridge case is primed and then filled with solid propellant. A burst cup is then inserted in the case mouth. The burst cup is embossed with a cross or other shape to promote predictable rupture. Once the burst cup is in place, the upper edges of the cartridge case are rolled over the burst cup. In operation, the propellant is ignited to produce pressure within the sealed case. This pressure builds steadily until the embossed cross in the burst cup ruptures. The propellant gases are then vented in a metered fashion through the ruptured burst cup. However, the burst cup is retained by the case so that no solid object escapes the high pressure cartridge. In addition, by carefully designing the shape of the burst cup and the components surrounding it, it is possible to create an efficient expansion nozzle to better meter the propellant gases.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, means for receiving a priming composition, and means for compressing the priming composition with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant is placed in the hollow interior and ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, and a receptacle for receiving a priming composition. Anvils or projections are provided in the casing to compress the priming composition between the end member and the projection or anvil with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant in the hollow interior is ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a visible light or UV/visible light and anaerobically curable composition for encapsulating the surface of the primer mix disposed in the primer cup, particularly for use in center fire ammunition.

Abstract: A primer assembly including an ignition element assembly, a primer head assembly and a tubular body, is presented. The primer head assembly has an exterior diameter and an internal chamber containing the ignition element assembly. The tubular body has an open head end, a closed tail end and a wall defining an internal chamber. The internal chamber of the tubular body contains an ignition charge and the head end includes an internal diameter for receiving the exterior diameter of the primer head assembly. When the primer assembly is assembled, the tubular body encloses the primer head assembly and the primer head assembly seals the internal chamber. In one embodiment, the tubular body is a one-piece, seamless metallic tube having a wall of a thickness of about 0.150 to 0.160 inch and, preferably, about 0.155 inch.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, and a receptacle for receiving a priming composition. Anvils or projections are provided in the casing to compress the priming composition between the end member and the projection or anvil with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant in the hollow interior is ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: An ignition device for a propellant charge contained in a cylindrical case of a munition, said device comprising at least one linear energetic element and means to ignite said element, and characterised in that the ignition means comprise a tubular part, placed at a bottom cap part of the case and delimiting a chamber that communicates with a pyrotechnic igniting component, said tubular part comprising an axial hole intended to allow the passage and entry into the chamber of the linear igniting element or elements arranged substantially along the case axis.

Abstract: A gas generating initiator includes a generally cylindrical body defining an initiator chamber therein, the body being open at one end and closed at a second end by a base, the body having a longitudinal axis; the base including a generally centrally located first passage therethrough having one end on an interior surface of the base and a second end on an exterior surface of the base, a longitudinal axis of the first passage being substantially coincident with the axis of the body; and a plurality of second passages in the base, the second passages having one end on an interior surface of the base and a second end that intersects the first passage at the second end of the first passage, wherein longitudinal axes of the second passages form angles with the longitudinal axis of the first passage and wherein a diameter of the first passage is greater than diameters of the second passages.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of hot tapping a conduit and inserting a sensor is disclosed wherein the conduit is hot tapped and the sensor inserted in one step. The apparatus includes a first cavity, a propellant disposed in a first end of the first cavity, a plunger, and a second cavity adapted to contain a sensor. The plunger includes a shearing surface and an aperture. The propellant propels the plunger from the first end of the first cavity towards the second end of the first cavity, creating an aperture in the conduit. When the plunger is disposed at the second end of the first cavity, the first and second cavity are in fluid communication with each other and the apertures in the plunger and the conduit are aligned with the second cavity, and the sensor is then automatically propelled through into the conduit by the propellant.

Abstract: A high-performance propulsion system includes propellant charge powder arranged in a case (1) and multiple pyrotechnic igniters (9) for igniting the propellant charge powder, each igniter (9) containing a primer (5) and optionally a booster charge (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a primer tube (1), notably for the propellant charge (4) of artillery ammunition (2). The primer tube (1) is formed of a tubular body (8) accommodating a priming composition (14). It is characterized in that the tubular body (8) incorporates at least one receiving surface (25) oriented so as to receive the propellant gas pressure generated when the propellant charge (4) is ignited, said gas acting to propel the primer tube (1). The pressure receiving surface (25) is a disk (20) arranged substantially radially to the tubular body (8).

Abstract: A propellant charge ignition device having one or more ignition means and incorporating one or more diffuser tube(s) extending through a part of the propellant charge. The structure permits a flame generated by the ignition means to be guided up to a propellant charge receiver zone. There is also disclosed a propellant charge incorporating one or more block(s) of agglomerated propellant powder, the block having at least one closed-ended ignition channel for receiving a diffuser tube of the propellant charge ignition device.

Abstract: A multi-ignition cartridge and associated methods for use with a firearm are provided. The cartridge preferably includes a casing having an interior cavity which at least partially encloses at least one projectile. Chances of misfire and cold fire are substantially reduced by including in the casing a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers preferably is in fluid communication with the cavity and containing an ignitable substance to ignite a main charge in the casing to propel the projectile from the casing. The ignitable substance in a chamber is ignited by striking a strike plate that can be positioned in contact with the casing. Related methods are provided for propelling the projectile of a firearm by simultaneously increasing pressure in multiple chambers of a cartridge casing so as to ignite in at least one chamber the ignitable substance contained in each so as to ignite a main charge that propels the projectile.

Abstract: A reverse ignition cartridge for firearms is provided, in which the shape of a powder charge is secured by a diaphragm, made of fast burning material. Shot initiation is produced by igniting the diaphragm by a primer flash through a flash tube disposed in an aperture of said diaphragm. The flash tube extends coaxially through the powder charge from primer to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, means for receiving a priming composition, and means for compressing the priming composition with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant is placed in the hollow interior and ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides UV/anaerobic dual cure adhesives, particularly well-suited for sealing the ring around the primer cup in center fire ammunition by UV cure and the primer cup in the cartridge by anaerobic cure.

Abstract: A joining device for a sealing base, notably for a large calibre munition having a combustible case, device in which the case carries or is fitted with a cup having a central opening, said device being characterised in that support means are fastened to the cup by first linking means, said supporting means being in the form of a rod incorporating a cylindrical support onto which a bore of the base is positioned, said base being made integral with the support means by second linking means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a primer tube (1), notably for the propellant charge (4) of artillery ammunition (2).

Abstract: A cartridge assembly 10 includes a shell 12 containing a propellant charge 19. At a rear, open end, the shell 12 holds a force amplifying initiating device 20, in turn holding a rim fire primer 22 in operative association with the propellant 19. A firing pin body 40 is movably held within the device 40 to expose a rear of the body 40 to a shock wave to initiate the devise 20. A fore end of the body 40 includes a taper formation 48 having a rounded fore point 50 aligned with an inactive surface of the primer 22 centrally within a firing rim. Inadvertent (mechanical) actuation of the firing pin 40 will fail to cause sufficient and sufficiently fast impingement on the primer to initiate the primer. Only a shock wave can cause initiation. The primer 22 is held in a collar 34 allowing it to flare open upon initiation and holding it within the shell 12 after initiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for use with firearms capable of firing 0.22 caliber rimfire cartridges. The cartridge includes a bullet connect to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet and a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member. A flange extends radially outwardly from the cylindrical wall at the end member. A projection connected with the wall extends inwardly into the hollow interior. A recess for receiving priming composition is formed by the projection and the end member. A firing pin configured for firing the cartridge of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to manufacture an object using at least one granular material (16) having a large particle size, for example greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, such process being characterised by the following stages: the granular material or materials are placed in a mould (2) at the same dimensions as the object to be made and incorporating at least one evacuation opening (6), said opening being of a size that is less than the particle size of the material, a liquid-phase binder (21) is poured into the mould, the binder is mixed between the grains of material and the excess binder is drained off through the evacuation opening using suction means (11). Application in the manufacture of igniting tubes or propellant charges for artillery ammunition.

Abstract: This low impulse payload cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, an ogive, a payload cup, a payload, and a link. The payload cup and payload is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the payload and to accelerate the payload upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the payload. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.

Abstract: A sub-caliber projectile cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, a forward cavity/an inner bore in the piston, a sub-caliber projectile, and a link. The sub-caliber projectile is seated into the forward cavity/inner bore located in the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the sub-caliber projectile and to accelerate the sub-caliber projectile upon firing. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or another similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing.

Abstract: A primer assembly includes a head loading assembly including a frontward throughbore, and a rearward throughbore having a stop. A closing plug assembly includes a conically bored open frontward end and an open cylindrical rearward end including an outer flange between the frontward and rearward ends. The closing plug assembly is press fitted into the head loading assembly frontward throughbore. An ignition element assembly is press fitted into the head loading assembly rearward throughbore. The ignition element assembly has an ignition element portion that bears against the stop. The closing plug assembly and the ignition element are located to be captivated by threading a flashtube into a head loading assembly threaded portion.

Abstract: A flashtube liner for a primer assembly including a head loading assembly. A flashtube containing an ignition charge has an open rearward end connected to the head loading assembly. A closing plug assembly includes a conically bored open frontward end and an open cylindrical rearward end that may include an optional outer flange between the frontward and rearward ends. The closing plug assembly is attached to the head loading assembly located rearwardly of the flashtube. A flashtube liner has a flange at an open rearward end. The flashtube liner is inserted into the flashtube to line the inner wall of the flashtube. The flashtube liner is held in place by the flashtube impinging the flashtube liner flange between the head loading assembly or the optional flange, and the open rearward end of the flashtube. The flashtube liner is constructed of an extruded plastic material.

Abstract: An electric contact assembly in combination with a cartridge to be fired from a weapon barrel. The cartridge has a cartridge case including a metal bottom having an externally exposed outer face; and an electronic unit disposed in the cartridge case. The electric contact assembly includes a contact arrangement for establishing an electric connection between the electronic unit and an evaluating and control apparatus situated externally of the cartridge. The contact arrangement includes a contact ring disposed in the case bottom and surrounds the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The contact ring has an outer face which is approximately flush with the outer face of the case bottom. An insulation electrically insulates the contact ring from the case bottom. A magnetic field sensor emits a signal upon closing a breechblock of the weapon in which the cartridge is positioned. A switch is connected between the electronic unit and the contact ring.

Abstract: An electric contact assembly in combination with a cartridge to be fired from a weapon barrel. The cartridge has a cartridge case including a metal bottom having an externally exposed outer face; and an electronic unit disposed in the cartridge case. The electric contact assembly includes a first contact arrangement for establishing an electric connection between the electronic unit and an evaluating and control apparatus situated externally of the cartridge. The first contact arrangement includes a contact ring disposed in the cartridge bottom and surrounding the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The contact ring has an outer face which is approximately flush with the outer face of the cartridge bottom. An insulation electrically insulates the contact ring from cartridge bottom. A second contact arrangement establishes an electric connection between the electronic unit and the evaluating and control apparatus.

Abstract: A separate explosive charge within a cartridge is detonated to initiate motion of a projectile and effect delayed ignition of a larger volume of primary propellant. Steady burning of the ignited primary propellant after motion of the projectile is initiated, continues its propulsion with a pressure/displacement profile.

Abstract: A low impulse telescoping cartridge includes a case, a piston, a projectile, and a link. The projectile is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the projectile and to accelerate the projectile upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the projectile. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provide a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.

Abstract: A cartridge for a firearm includes a cavity at the rear end with an inwardly extending flange. The cartridge includes a cylindrical member having a first end for receiving a bullet and a second end defining a second end wall having an aperture. The second end of the cylindrical member includes a flange portion and defines a cavity with an inwardly extending flange around the circumference of an outer end of the cavity. The flange has an inwardly angled surface which is at an angle sufficient to allow an extractor member, associated with a firearm, to engage the cavity behind the flange.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge case capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 50,000 psi has two substantially cylindrical portions of significantly different diameters interconnected by a frusto-conical shoulder portion. The case has a ratio of its overall length to its diameter, at a location 1.25 inches from its base, of no more than about 4.2, giving it an unusually short, fat profile. The base of the case has a rim with an outer diameter substantially no less than the case diameter at the aforementioned location, to facilitate reliable feeding of the cartridge from the magazine. The corresponding firearm chamber which matingly accepts the cartridge is capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 65,000 psi.

Abstract: A propellant charge igniter for cartridge ammunition, includes an ignition tube; and a transfer charge disposed within the ignition tube, wherein the ignition tube is composed of a jacket tube having defined therein a plurality of ignition openings; and a protective tube which is positioned within the jacket tube so that the outside wall of the protective tube rests flush against the inside wall of the jacket tube and covers the plurality of ignition openings, which is thin-walled and has a wall thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, which is arranged to effectively protect the transfer charge against adverse external environmental influences including humidity, and which is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, oxide ceramic material, glass ceramic material, metal or metal alloy, and plastic. This arrangement provides a reliable sealing of the transfer charge against external environmental influences over a long time period, e.g., at least 10 years, even if handled roughly.

Abstract: A selectable cartridge is provided consisting of a cartridge head, a dual-bed propellant chamber, a primer, and a tube. The invention enables the user to select a launch velocity prior to chambering the round. A high-velocity projectile is launched by mechanically rotating the base cap and rotation band such that holes along the primer align with the larger of two propellant beds. A low-velocity projectile is launched by rotating the base cap and rotating band a quarter turn from the high-velocity setting such that the holes along the primer align now align with the smaller propellant bed. The invention is suited for use in shotguns.

Abstract: A priming mechanism for a propellant charge, notably for field artillery ammunition, comprising a tube (2) made of a combustible material, whose inner wall is lined with a priming charge which marks out a central channel (5) inside the tube (2), characterised in that the priming charge is formed of several successive layers (3) of black powder granules with a binder (4).

Abstract: An igniting unit for a propellent charge, including a central perforated flame guiding tube having propellant rods which are oriented in an axial direction arranged on the outer surface thereof. On the inner surface of the flame guiding tube and on the casing surface of the propellant rods, however, not on the end surfaces of the latter, there is provided an igniting coating, and in which the igniting coating which is provided on the inner surface of the flame guiding tube is enhanced by an igniting powder strip which is oriented to extend in an axial direction.

Abstract: An igniting system for a projectile propellant includes a combustible support tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of throughgoing apertures provided in the support tube; a free igniting channel coaxially surrounded by the support tube; and an ignition transfer charge formed of a pyrotechnical hard foam layer having a thickness between 1 and 3 mm and being carried on the outer surface of the support tube. The hard foam layer is composed of a large-pore inner layer and two opposite surface layers which are of densely closed structure and between which the inner layer is sandwiched.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant disposed in the case; a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom; and a coating of igniting substance applied to at least one part of the surface of the rear projectile length portion. A clearance defined by a distance between a frontal terminus of the propellant igniter and the rear terminus of the rear length portion of the arrow projectile is such that upon igniting the propellant igniter igniting flames emanating from the propellant igniter bridge the clearance and ignite the coating of igniting substance.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a case defining an inner space and having a case bottom; a propellant powder accommodated in the inner space; a propellant igniter centrally arranged on the case bottom and having a closure remote from the case bottom; a projectile held by the case and having a rear portion extending into the inner space; a tracer assembly held in the rear portion and being spaced from the closure; and an arrangement for preventing the propellant igniter from pressing propellant powder into the tracer assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant powder disposed in the case, a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; and an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom. At least those grains of the propellant powder which are situated axially beyond the propellant igniter are coated with an igniting substance.

Abstract: In cannon ammunition including a cartridge case containing a propellant charge, a case bottom to which the cartridge case is connected, a charge igniter, and a primmer element positioned in the case bottom, the improvement in which the cartridge case is combustible, is connected to the primer element, and includes a combustible material and a pyrotechnical mixture which is embedded within the combustible material and which is composed of at least one reducing agent and at least one oxidizing agent which form a pyrotechnical redox system; and the charge igniter consists of the cartridge case.

Abstract: A cartridge for a powder actuated tool having a cartridge case, a powder propellant, a bushing, and a piston. The piston has a tapered outer diameter that is larger in a rear end of the piston and is compressed inward by the cartridge case. A port extends through the piston and has an entrance to the port at a rear end of the piston with a semi-spherical shape to slow gas flow rate passing through the port and reduce the amount of propellant residue passing through the port. The piston has a main section and a cantilevered section. The cantilevered section has a general ring shape and forms a portion of the outer diameter of the piston.

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.

Abstract: A cartridge case especially for firing in handguns has a primer receiving pocket provided in the bottom or rear portion as a cylindrical recess, into the top of which at least one flash hole terminates, a primer cap mounted flush in the primer receiving pocket including a cup-shaped capsule having a capsule bottom and a cylindrical side wall, and with a primer charge and an anvil located inside the capsule.To improve gas tightness in the direction of the breech of the gun, especially in the use of pollutant-free primer charges, the primer receiving pocket is provided in the vicinity of a side wall of the capsule with an annular circumferential expansion zone, so that the anvil has room to deflect after ignition of the primer charge and expansion of the capsule.

Abstract: A primer including a primer head assembly and a hollow tubular one-piece body attached thereto. The outer surface of the body tapers to its smallest diameter at the forward end thereof and also includes a screw driver tip at its forward end to assist in the insertion of the primer into the propellant charge within the cartridge case as the primer is being attached to the cartridge case. The body is a high temperature, high glass high carbon composite thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Gas generators having mechanical triggering have a cylindrical casing in which the various component parts are accommodated. The assembly of known gas generators is rather complex because of the different component parts. In the gas generator according to the invention the individual component parts are distributed in such a manner that essentially three units are formed, namely a priming agent, a pyrotechnic charge and an ignition unit comprising a holder means and an ignition charge. The priming agent is separated from the pyrotechnic charge by the ignition unit. The gas generator constructed in this way permits simple charging of the casing with the priming agent, the pyrotechnic charge and the ignition unit.