Projectiles Patents (Class 102/501)
  • Patent number: 7748325
    Abstract: A projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm comprising a body including a nose portion and a tail portion separable from one another when the projectile strikes a target. The body further includes an interface disposed intermediate opposite ends of the body of the projectile and structured to removably interconnect the nose and tail portions. Separation of the nose and tail portions such as when striking a soft tissue or like material target is caused by the tumbling of the projectile and the cooperative structuring of the interface to facilitate separation of the nose and tail portions. Further, the interface is disposed, dimensioned and structured to define the primary area of contact of the projectile body with the rifling or interior surface of the barrel of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Liberty Ammunition, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Patent number: 7730839
    Abstract: An article and a process are provided for reducing the shear stress on an interface of a structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load. The article is in the form of a wedge that is forcibly placed against the sidewall of one end or both ends of the structural member. The wedge may take the form of a ring that can be placed on the inside or outside surface of a hollow cylindrical structural member. The process of forcibly placing a wedge against the sidewall at one or both ends of the structural member produces a transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall. The transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall attenuates the tendency of said sidewall to deflect when the structural member is subjected to a compressive load. A reduction in the deflection of the sidewall reduces the shear stress generated proximal to the interface of the structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load and increases the structural member load bearing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James M. Bender, James M. Sands, Robert B. Dooley
  • Patent number: 7728265
    Abstract: A MEMS type flow actuated out-of-plane flap apparatus includes a substrate defining a plane; a duct attached to the substrate, the duct and the substrate defining a fluid flow channel; and a rotatable flap having a flow receiving portion and an extension portion. The flow receiving portion being disposed in the fluid flow channel where, in an actuated position of the flap, a fluid flow against the flow receiving portion causes rotation of the flap and movement of the extension portion out of the plane of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael A. Deeds, David Herman
  • Publication number: 20100126372
    Abstract: A water-entry projectile capable of supercavitation and spin-stabilization comprises a forward section having one or more forward stepped sections, each stepped section being symmetrical in rotation about an axis and having a radius at an aft end that is different from a radius of a front end of an adjacent rearwardly located stepped section; an aft section having an aft stepped section, the aft stepped section being symmetrical in rotation about the axis and having a maximum radius larger than a maximum radius of the forward section; and wherein the aft section is located substantially aft of a center of gravity of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio Paulic, Alex Fu
  • Publication number: 20100078004
    Abstract: An apparatus for launching projectiles may incorporate a hermetically sealed launch tube, projectile or projectiles within the launch tube with their payload inside or connected via meaning of socket to projectile from outside. The space between the outer surface of the projectile inside the launch tube and the inner surface of the launch tube is filled with compressed gas and hermetically sealed with a fast removable lid. If outside payload is used, then it will be attached to inside projectile via a socket where inside projectile is located inside the launch tube and outside payload connected to the protruded via fast acting valve, portion of projectile and connected to it via the socket. Projectile may incorporate another meaning of control via controllable surfaces or propulsion or constant acting engines. The exhaust gas would be in addition to use for projectile stabilization or additional propulsion, by incorporation a exhaust gas organizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Vladislav Oleynik, Gennadiy Albul
  • Patent number: 7681504
    Abstract: Hard material can be displaced by firing a frangible projectile from a firing device. The projectile has a rear portion that engages the bore of the barrel of the firing device and a front portion that is rotatably journaled to the rear portion. The front portion can be frangible to allow maximum displacement of the hard material. Specifically, the front portion has a core and a plurality of fins extending from the core. At impact, as the fins penetrate the target, the fins separate from the core and spread radially outwardly from the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Machina, Kenneth W. Mitchell, Floyd P. Swiggett, Michael D. Burke
  • Publication number: 20100043662
    Abstract: A diffusion alloyed iron powder is provided wherein tungsten W is bonded to the surfaces of the particles of an iron or iron-based powder, and wherein the diffusion alloyed iron powder comprises by weight-%: 30-60 W, with the balance being essentially only iron and unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: HOGANAS AB (publ)
    Inventors: Johan Arvidsson, Hans Söderhjelm
  • Publication number: 20100043628
    Abstract: Clips for use with projectiles and projectile stacking systems in which individual projectiles are clipped together to form a stack are disclosed. The projectiles may be joined individually by a user before loading in a barrel, or during a loading process assisted by features on the breech of the barrel. The tail of each projectile includes a set of clips which engage the nose of a trailing projectile in the stack. Projectiles may be withdrawn from barrel and unclipped as required by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventors: Joseph F. Cronin, Sean P. O'Dwyer, Roger H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7665402
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing ammunition 10 for firing from the barrel of a weapon comprises forming a mould 32 having an interior surface, placing a core 42 in the mould 32 to produce a casting void 43 and pouring a liquefied solidifiable material into the casting void 43. Upon solidification of the material, the core 42 is removed to produce a projectile body 12 having a closed end and an opposite end. The removal of the core 42 also creates the cavity 18 in the projectile body 12 that opens onto the opposite end. The projectile body 12 is removed from the mould 32 and a quantity of propellant 22 is deposited into the cavity 18 through the opposite end. A seal 26 which incorporates a primer is pressed into the opposite end. Circumferential flanges 30a and 30b are integrally moulded with the projectile body 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Patent number: 7661368
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to gas-tightly join a jacket to a core of a hard core jacketed bullet comprising an illuminant composition in the area of the hole of the bore in the core to accommodate the illuminant composition. Said aim is achieved by pressing the material (15) of the bottom (11) of the jacket (4), which is displaced when the hole (10) is formed, against the wall of the hole by means of a reshaping process in the area of the hole (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: RUAG Ammotec GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Riess, Erich Muskat
  • Publication number: 20100026554
    Abstract: There is provided an active protection system and an active protection method preferably for airborne platforms. According to the embodiment of the invention, the active protection system is mounted onboard a platform for protecting the platform, and comprises a radar system configured for generating output data including threat output data corresponding to a velocity, a range, and an angle of the threat with respect to the platform in an airspace around the platform, the output data being useful for detecting, identifying and tracking of at least one threat approaching the platform; a countermeasure system capable of launching at least one non-fragmentation interceptor projectile in response to receiving a control command; and a control unit configured for receiving the output data from the radar system and for generating the control command and transmitting the control command to the at least one non-fragmentation interceptor projectile, thereby enabling countering the threat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: ELTA SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: David Longman, Jacob Tzlil
  • Patent number: 7645969
    Abstract: A method, device, and projectile having a device for guiding or piloting projectiles or missiles (self-propelled or non-self-propelled), to deflect, in a direction Y, a hypervelocity projectile operating in a gas, such as a shell, a bullet, or a missile, having a nose, generally in the shape of a cone, with a more or less pointed tip, by generating a first high-voltage discharge able to produce a plasma over a first limited sector of the projectile surface and in direction Y, maintaining the plasma, and generating another low-voltage discharge able to supply the plasma with energy over a second limited sector of the projectile surface and in direction Y, the first and the second sectors being different and may overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Franco-Allemand de Recherches de Saint-Louis
    Inventors: Patrick Gnemmi, Christian Rey
  • Patent number: 7640860
    Abstract: A projectile is provided, in accordance with the present invention that includes a gas seal, an absorption zone, a core material containment area, a mass of material within the containment area and an actuator member. The containment area is characterized by the ability to peel back upon itself on impact, thereby releasing the mass of core particles after impact. The actuator, is releasably fixed to the hull open end, and has a stem member that projecting into the mass of material. Prior to initial impact the actuator maintains the core material within the containment area hull and, up initial impact, the actuator is continues to be propelled forward, along with the core material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Charles H. Glover, Susan O. Hartley
  • Publication number: 20090308275
    Abstract: A projectile for fire arms formed in such a way that it includes a front portion of essentially convex axial cross-section that via a transition transforms into a rear portion of essentially cylindrical radial cross-section, which rear portion acts as a power belt for the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ake Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20090301338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a projectile made of steel or based on iron, for a hunting or sports cartridge, for the purpose of giving it a Vickers hardness at room temperature of between 40 HV 10 and 110 HV 10, preferably between 40 HV 10 and 85 HV 10, characterized at least by the following successive steps:—liquid pig iron or steel is used, hereafter called liquid metal, the carbon content of which is between 0.8 and 4.0% C by weight, preferably between 0.8 and 2.0% C by weight;—the liquid metal is cast using a steam or water-vapour granulation process to obtain spheroidal steel particles;—said particles are subjected to a heat treatment for softening the solidified metal by graphitization, while remaining in the ferritic range; and—optionally, said particles are subjected to a surface coating treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Centre De Recherches Metallurgiques asbl Centrum Voor Research In De Metallurgie vzw
    Inventors: Alain Schmitz, Gisele Walmag, Vittorino Tusset
  • Publication number: 20090301457
    Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for deploying a sub-module from a carrier vehicle generally includes: a sub-module projectile (100) housed within a carrier vehicle; a rolling diaphragm (115) sealed between a first pressure chamber volume (145) and a second sub-module containment volume (e.g., substantially formed on the opposing side of rolling diaphragm 115 relative to pressure chamber 145); and a release mechanism (500), wherein the sub-module projectile (100) is secured until releasable deployment from the carrier vehicle. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve ejection, deployment and/or dispersal of a variety of sub-modules from a variety of carrier modules. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide for the ejection and dispersal of kinetic energy rod warheads from a kill-vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Charles M. De Lair, Christopher P. Owan, Jeffrey P. Sowers, Derek L. Budisalich, Matthew B. Castor, Matthew P. Francis
  • Patent number: 7623059
    Abstract: A disruptive media dispersal system for aircraft which absorbs and scatters directed energy weapon beams such as tracking lasers and high energy lasers (HELs) is disclosed. The system may include laser detectors, laser beam propagation disruptive media and a dispersal system. When attacked by a directed energy weapon such as a laser, the laser detector system or vehicle operator deploys the disruptive media. The disruptive media is released by a feeder and dispersal system into the air in the path of the tracking and/or HEL weapon. For example, the dispersal system may be located onboard the aircraft near the front of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: John Frederick Klein
  • Publication number: 20090282719
    Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20090266264
    Abstract: A projectile for cap and ball revolvers and black powder rifles including but not limited to muzzleloaders, black powder cartridges etc. A soft lead body, cylindrical in form and having a front band designed to hold the projectile firmly in place prior to firing. During it's travel in the rifled bore, it then imparts spin to the projectile improving accuracy, range, and making the projectile stable during impact with intended target. Outside diameter of band is not drastic enough to negatively affect trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Wayne Hill
  • Patent number: 7603951
    Abstract: A projectile having a reactive material disposed therein is provided. The projectile includes a housing which defines a cavity, the cavity being open at one end of thereof. A reactive material is disposed within the cavity. A tip is coupled with the housing and substantially encloses the opening of the cavity. The housing, the reactive material and the tip are cooperatively positioned and configured so as to define a void space between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material. Upon impact with a target, the tip of the projectile is designed to become displaced within the cavity until it contacts the reactive material and transfers kinetic energy thereto, thereby causing ignition of the reactive material. The void space may be defined to provide a desired amount of time between initial impact of the projectile with a target and the subsequent ignition of the reactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Rose, Daniel W. Doll, James R. Hodgson, Robert K. Goodell, Randall T. Busky, Edward J. Bray, II, Daniel B. Nielson
  • Publication number: 20090254171
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal polymer composite having properties that are enhanced or increased in the composite. Such properties include color, magnetism, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, density, improved malleability and ductility and thermoplastic or injection molding properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Tundra Compsites LLC
    Inventor: Kurt E. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 7584922
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized correctible-trajectory artillery shell has a generator in the rotation-decoupled engagement region between a canard guidance unit and its munition body. The generator can be switched over to avoid load fluctuations between an adjusting motor and a substitute load. In order to avoid an additional heat source in the interior of the guidance unit the substitute load is in the form of an electrical resistance on, at or in canard surfaces behind the afflux flow edges. The canard surfaces are preferably formed on anti-spin canards which are not adjustably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Bär, Karl Kautzsch
  • Patent number: 7581501
    Abstract: A fin-stabilized projectile suitable for launching from a shotgun or similar weapon. The projectile may penetrate easily breakable materials but will not penetrate tougher materials. The projectile may be shot through an easily breakable surface to gain entry to a target location, but further penetration is inhibited. The projectile is equipped with an on board sensor. The halves of the projectile casing form a dipole antenna for transmitting information gathered by the on board sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald M. Boone, Carl Gotzmer, Kenneth B. Johnson, Leonard D. Lipton, Michael R. Scherr
  • Publication number: 20090200376
    Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Victoria J. Peters, Tim Lesser, Andrew W. York, Rick R. Regan
  • Publication number: 20090193995
    Abstract: An inertial delay mechanism for use in an explosive projectile is provided. The delay mechanism consists of an inertial delay fuse that is precise, doesn't require sensitive primary explosives and doesn't utilize electronic circuitry. The inertial delay fuse includes a free sliding charge element that strikes an anvil located opposite to the sliding charge element. A delay gap is provided between the sliding charge element and the anvil. Upon impact, the sliding charge element slides forward and impacts the anvil, thereby inducing a shock wave in an initiator charge that subsequently results in detonation of main charges. The design is mechanically simple and robust enough to withstand severe g-loading forces that occur during firing and penetration of a projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. BOHNET, Yeshayahu S. GOLDSTEIN, Mark H. MACHINA, Kristopher P. MOUNT, Kenneth W. MITCHELL
  • Patent number: 7568433
    Abstract: A finless projectile provides improved ease of use, aerodynamics, muzzle velocity, drag, target, and excursion accuracy, structural integrity, terminal effectiveness and safety, at lower cost. The finless projectile includes a slug, a forward projectile body, an aft projectile body, an obturator, and a pad. The finless projectile is a full bore projectile that defines a hollow core, but does not include a sabot nor does it carry explosives. The finless projectile functions by kinetic energy transfer from the projectile to the target by deforming the target. The center of gravity of the finless projectile is forward of the center of pressure to provide static stability to the finless projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Anthony P. Farina, Brian C. Wong, Stewart L. Gilman, Donald Chin, Joseph D. Wu
  • Patent number: 7541563
    Abstract: A hollow cylinder has an electromagnet to hold back a canister and either an induction heating linear actuator or a firing pin to ignite the primer-containing combustive material inside the canister to eject a locked piston from the cylinder. There is a motor-included turbogenerator around the cylinder, which converts the energy of the post-combustion gases into electricity to get stored and to power an integrated or separate annular stator assembly to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. Another device has a helically arranged, multi-pole permanent magnet assembly annularly integrated around the cylinder to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. In other forms, an annular stator assembly around the cylinder is supplied with switched, externally generated electric power without either a turbogenerator or the motor-included turbogenerator to respectively produce electricity or to provide gyroscopic stability to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Anadish Kumar Pal
  • Publication number: 20090126523
    Abstract: A mechanical deployment and actuation system may comprise a rotation module, a pinion module, a rack module, and a bevel module. The rotation module may be configured to couple to a housing and rotate about the principal axis of the rotation module relative to the housing. The pinion module may be configured to couple to the rotation module and selectively rotate about the principal axis of the pinion module relative to the rotation module. The rack module may be configured to dynamically couple to the pinion module and translate along the principal axis of the rack module in response to rotation of the pinion module. The bevel module may be configured to couple to the rotation module and selectively rotate the rotation module, wherein rotation of the rotation module rotates about the principal axis of the rotation module, the rack module, and the pinion module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: ERIK A. FJERSTAD
  • Publication number: 20090126595
    Abstract: In its simplest form the present invention comprises a new method for manufacturing projectiles (1, 11-12 and 19) provided with bands (4, 9, 16), whilst according to a further development of the invention, the facility is afforded for manufacturing artillery projectiles (1, 11-12) according to the same basic principle, which can alternatively be launched from a rifled barrel with or without any spin, along with the facility, according to a new method, for launching spin-free projectiles (6) from rifled barrels without the use of so-called slipping plastic bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventor: Lennart Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 7533849
    Abstract: An optically guided mortar comprising a three axis canard assembly, an optical seeker, a guidance and control processor, and a fuze mechanism. The optical seeker is a direct replacement for existing standard mortar fuzes. The resulting system significantly improves current mortar circular error probability (CEP) and results in overall reduction of cost of target prosecution, reduction in collateral damage, improved crew survivability, and adds compatibility against limited non-stationary targets. The optical seeker detects an optical illuminator located at a target and supplies signals to the guidance and control processor which through a guidance algorithm supplies steering commands to drive motors of the three axis canard assembly which move a plurality of guidance canards to accurately direct the munition toward a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Zemany, Mark A. Carlson, John A. Maynard
  • Patent number: 7520224
    Abstract: A firearm projectile includes a precision-machined outer component having a generally cylindrical body, a tip at the forward end of the body, a base at the rear end of the body, and a precision-machined cavity machined into the outer component. A precision-machined inner component is pressed into the cavity. The outer component includes a homogenous material that is softer than firearm barrel steel. The inner component includes a material having a higher density than the outer component and a higher density than an armor plate, such as solid tungsten, tungsten carbide and potential some Nanotechnology materials such as NanoSteel™. A cap may be attached to the outer component to seal the inner component inside the cavity. The cavity can be machined from the front or rear end of the outer component. The cap fits into the rear of the projectile or may be a bullet tip. The cavity and the inner component may be cylindrical or tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: John D. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20090078146
    Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Tepera, Steven D. Roemerman
  • Patent number: 7503521
    Abstract: The homing tag (1) has a transmissive housing (3), which is attached to a cartridge case (5). The transmissive housing (3) includes an aft body (7) to provide an interface with the cartridge case (5). Rotating bands (9) are located at a leading edge of the aft body (7). The transmissive housing (3) further includes a central body (11). The ogive-shaped nose (13) is formed of transparent material. A pluralit of slots (15) are provided for cooling the transmissive housing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Maynard, James M. Ortolf, Mark A. Carlson, Paul D. Zemany
  • Publication number: 20090064888
    Abstract: The invention relates to ammunition for missile weapon and firearm. The cavitating core of the invention comprises a head part conjugated with a secant nose surface along the cavitating edge, a central part, and an aft part with a gliding surface, wherein the caliber of the core is defined by the maximum diameter of the circle describing the core cross-section. The contour line enveloping the cross-sections from the cavitating edge to the core caliber in the plane of the core axial longitudinal section is limited by the dependence: Dx=d×[1+(Lx/d)×(2×sin ?/?)1/N]N, where Dx—is the current diameter of the core enveloping contour R, mm; d—is the cavitating edge diameter, mm; Lx—is the current distance from the cavitating edge to the core caliber, mm; ?=60° . . . 270°—is the apex angle of the tangents to the secant nose surface at the points of its conjugation with the cavitating edge measured from the side of the head part; N=(2?/?)0.4 . . . (2?/?)0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andrey Albertovich Polovnev, Vladimir Shaymukhametovich Khasiakhmetov
  • Patent number: 7500433
    Abstract: A cartridge has a shell casing with a primer end and a projectile end. A projectile mounted in the projectile end is made of four segments held together by first and second retainer rings. In one form each segment contains shot. One form of the projectile has an air brake which is deployed as the projectile leaves the muzzle. The air brake is partially deployed or fully deployed, depending of the shredding of third and fourth retainer rings which hold the air brake. When the shredder is inserted in a barrel in a first position, the last horizontal retainer ring is shredded and the air brake is partially deployed. When the shredder blades are further positioned in the barrel, both retainer rings which hold the air brake are shredded and the air brake is fully deployed. Additional positions of the shredder ring first shred the second ring, releasing the segments, and then shred the first retainer ring, releasing the shot and other contents from the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cerberus Institute for Research and Development (Inc.)
    Inventor: David Joel Forrester
  • Publication number: 20090052475
    Abstract: A device for directing a beam of radiation at a target. The device includes a fiber laser for producing the beam of radiation, an aiming mechanism, for aiming the beam of radiation at the target, that moves independently of the fiber laser, and an optical fiber for conveying the beam of radiation to the aiming mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: RAFAEL - ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.
    Inventor: Yehuda Nachshon
  • Patent number: 7484459
    Abstract: An ammunition projectile for a firearm comprising a projectile having a nose and a cap which is designed to slow down sufficiently, when traveling through air so as to be stopped by a bulletproof vest while the projectile still has a precise and reliable trajectory. The projectile (10) has a generally truncated nose (11) and a cylindrical cap (12). The nose (11) is provided with a central, essentially circular flat section (13) which can be made larger or smaller and which has a diameter of between 10 and 50% of the diameter of the projectile at the base of the nose (11) or the cap (12). The lateral face of the truncated nose (11) is provided with five indentations (14) which are disposed symmetrically in relation to axial planes and which are obtained by one of stamping, milling, or some other suitable machining method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Etat Francais Represente par le Ministere de l 'Interieur de la Securite Interieure et des Libertes Locales Represente par la Direction Generale de la Police Nationale
    Inventors: Christophe Fichot, Pierre Deloume, Jean-Jacques Dorrzapf
  • Patent number: 7478595
    Abstract: A projectile comprises a payload portion and an airburst fuze mounted on a rear of the projectile and explosively connected to the payload portion. The airburst fuze comprises an arming and firing electrical circuit including a setback generator; a slider that is movable from a safe position to an armed position, the slider including a detonator attached thereto; a setback lock and a spin lock that lock the slider in the safe position and, in response to a setback acceleration and a spin rate, respectively, unlock the slider; and an actuator that moves the slider to the armed position in response to a first input from the arming and firing electrical circuit; wherein a second input from the arming and firing circuit activates the detonator when the slider is in the armed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frederick B. Herr, David G. Tabao, Alan C. Reiter, Thomas Skokos
  • Patent number: 7467761
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the flight path of an unguided projectile, which comprises the steps of: (a) Measuring the magnitude and direction of the jittering of a projectile launch tube, at an ejection time of a projectile from the launch tube; (b) Measuring a velocity deviation of the projectile from a nominal velocity; (c) Measuring an angular deviation of the sight of the launch tube, being equal to the angular deviation between a line coinciding with the direction of gravity and a line passing through the center of the launch tube and the center of the sight; (d) Determining a compensating impulse vector to be applied to the projectile during an initial flight path thereof based on the magnitude and direction of the jittering, velocity deviation and angular deviation; and (e) Applying the compensating impulse vector to the projectile by activating a flight correction unit, the thrust developed by the flight correction unit suitable for adjusting the flight path of the projectile by a magnitude and direction
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd
    Inventors: Oded Yehezkeli, Irad Kunreich
  • Publication number: 20080308671
    Abstract: A guidable projectile has a nose member, a projectile body, and a nose member articulation assembly which couples the nose member to the projectile body. The nose member articulation assembly includes a stator attached to the nose member, a rotor attached to the projectile body, and rotational support hardware interconnecting the stator to the rotor. The stator defines a central axis. The rotational support hardware is constructed and arranged to guide rotation of the rotor around the central axis defined by the stator. Such a guidable projectile enables circuitry such as the driver of the stator and the power source to reside at fixed locations relative to the stator thus alleviating the need for slip rings which would otherwise present potential points of failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Harnoy
  • Patent number: 7448325
    Abstract: A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Publication number: 20080245257
    Abstract: A penetration-capable projectile has a casing and a fuze with a fuze housing lower part. An interface area between the casing of the projectile and the fuze housing lower part is formed with a shape and/or strength modification which prevents the fuze housing lower part from being pushed into the casing on impact with a target that is to be penetrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicants: JUNGHANS MICROTEC GMBH, DIEHL BGT DEFENCE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Frank Martin Kienzler, Alexander Zinell, Karl Kautzsch, Gerhard Heussler, Klaus Bar
  • Patent number: 7431237
    Abstract: A projectile has the ability to generate and provide power to components located in two sections of the projectile which have relative rotation to each other. The projectile has a pair of generators allowing the powering of components in two sections. The projectile has a force-producing device for altering the direction of the projectile as the projectile moves along the longitudinal axis of the projectile and the relative rotational position of the force-producing device on the projectile is controlled by a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Robert Mock, John Adams Marshall, Grant Allen Sweer
  • Patent number: 7428871
    Abstract: A pellet for at least one of a compressed gas and spring operated weapon includes a forward head portion and a cylindrical rearward tail portion which is disposed about a common centerline with the head portion and which has an air pocket formed therein. A frustoconical middle portion connects the tail portion to the head portion. The pellet design is adaptable for use with various commonly available caliber weapons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: L. Carl Dodson, David Phillips
  • Patent number: 7395762
    Abstract: An ammunition system for a rapid fire gun. The ammunition system includes a bullet having a tip that is stored in a retracted position and during flight is deployed to create an aerodynamic shape. Another aspect of the ammunition system is that the bullet has a cylindrical body having a first length in storage and a second longer length after ignition of the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Mark B. Key
  • Publication number: 20080156221
    Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20080148985
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080134928
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm projectile is disclosed that is composed of a multi diameter, hollow base solid copper bullet, the rear cavity filled with a material of low-density, and a gas pressure seal that separates the bullet from the powder charge. The majority of the bullet shank has a diameter less than the bore diameter of the firearm barrel to allow for ease of loading and alignment of the barrel and bullet axis; a narrow ring of material larger than the barrel bore diameter but less than the groove diameter is located at the junction of the bullet shank and nose profile that centers the bullet in the barrel and positively positions the bullet over the powder charge regardless of orientation of the firearm. The low-density material filling the rear cavity of the bullet acts as an expansion medium when impacted by the rear gas seal during the firing process causing the hollow shank of the bullet to expand and lock into the barrel rifling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Shiery
  • Patent number: 7380505
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm projectile is disclosed that is composed of a multi diameter, hollow base solid copper bullet, the rear cavity filled with a material of low-density, and a gas pressure seal that separates the bullet from the powder charge. The majority of the bullet shank has a diameter less than the bore diameter of the firearm barrel to allow for ease of loading and alignment of the barrel and bullet axis; a narrow ring of material larger than the barrel bore diameter but less than the groove diameter is located at the junction of the bullet shank and nose profile that centers the bullet in the barrel and positively positions the bullet over the powder charge regardless of orientation of the firearm. The low-density material filling the rear cavity of the bullet acts as an expansion medium when impacted by the rear gas seal during the firing process causing the hollow shank of the bullet to expand and lock into the barrel rifling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Shiery
  • Publication number: 20080121098
    Abstract: A system for launching a countermeasure device is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw a countermeasure payload, wherein the azimuth, elevation, and propulsive force of the electromagnetic catapult are controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randy L. Gaigler, George Raymond Root, Benjamin D. Skurdal, Leszek Stanislaw Basak