Projectiles Patents (Class 102/501)
  • Patent number: 6679179
    Abstract: A non-lethal active body which is equipped with a detonation-operated electrical pulse generator, and which is especially deployable as an article of submunition. The pulse generator is a piezo-generator having a detonation-operated inductive current amplifier and a capacitive pulse shaper connected to the output thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Bohl, Tilo Ehlen
  • Publication number: 20040007148
    Abstract: A novel concept for a projectile primarily suited for supersonic flight, such as a bullet, a shell, or a rocket. The configuration incorporates the model of the natural wave behavior. The leading edge of the projectile has a sharp tip which merges smoothly into a cylindrical body. The merging segment from the tip to the cylinder may be defined with a tangent function. The rounding of the surfaces promote proper fluid sheet formation along the surface and to reduce undesirable vortice formation and thus to reduce the value of several drag factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur Vanmoor
  • Publication number: 20040007149
    Abstract: A novel concept for a hydrodynamically and aerodynamically improved leading edge and trailing edge structure is primarily suited for high-speed motion, such as near Mach 1 and above, but also for slow-speed motion and for stationary operation, where stationary structures are subjected to fluid flow. The configuration incorporates the model of the natural wave behavior. The leading edge of the aircraft, of the train, of the submarine, or the like, has a sharp tip which merges smoothly into a cylindrical or rectangular body. The merging segment from the tip to the cylinder may be defined with a tangent function. The rounding of the surfaces promote proper fluid sheet formation along the surface and to reduce undesirable vortice formation and thus to reduce the value of several drag factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur Vanmoor
  • Patent number: 6657174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the range of air defense and artillery shells of the type which for reasons of firing technology have a rear surface which is at right angles to the shell axis, i.e. most conventional air defense and artillery shells. The invention also includes a design of air defense and artillery shells that corresponds with the said method. The invention is characterized by the rear surface of the shell which at the time of firing is at right angles to the shell axis being reformed to an aerodynamically more advantageous form (5, 9) when it has left the gun barrel and is on the way to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Bofors Defence AB
    Inventor: Torbjörn Olsson
  • Patent number: 6644205
    Abstract: A warhead (10) configuration for forming a large-diameter hole through a wall of a target includes a shaped charge of explosive material (12) presenting an annular front surface portion (16) circumscribing an axis of the charge. The annular front surface portion (16) exhibits a concave profile as viewed in cross-section through the axis, at least part of the concave profile being configured such that a vector projecting outward from the part normal to the annular front surface portion diverges from the axis. A liner (14) is provided adjacent to at least part of the annular front surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Zeev Ritman, Gershon Kliminz, Mordechai Avitan
  • Patent number: 6640724
    Abstract: A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W. Robinson, Jack D. Dippold
  • Publication number: 20030192448
    Abstract: A frangible projectile with a specific gravity similar to a lead projectile. The projectile comprises 34-94%, by weight, binder. The binder comprises poly ether block amide resin. The projectile further comprises 6-66%, by weight, ballast. The ballast comprises at least one member selected from a group consisting of tungsten, tungsten carbide, molybdenum, tantalum, ferro-tungsten, copper, bismuth, iron, steel, brass, aluminium bronze, beryllium copper, tin, aluminium, titanium, zinc, nickel silver alloy, cupronickel and nickel. The projectile can be prepared with a particularly preferred specific gravity of 5-14 and more preferably 11-11.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: John D. LeaSure
  • Patent number: 6588700
    Abstract: A tactical base for a guided projectile includes a base structure, and an adaptor structure for securing the base structure to a forward section of the projectile. The base further includes a plurality of fin slots, with a plurality of insert structures fitted into corresponding ones of the fin slots. A plurality of deployable fins are pivotally mounted to the base structure and supported within the insert structures for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James L. Moore, Gary H. Johnson, William S. Peterson, Rajesh H. Shah, Richard Dryer, Conlee O. Quortrup
  • Patent number: 6581522
    Abstract: A projectile for being propelled toward a target includes a cylindrical body of Type 55 Nitinol that has a soft martensitic state that is readily deformed by rifling in the bore of a gun barrel to form grooves which ride on the rifling to spin the projectile. The Nitinol has a low coefficient of friction with the steel barrel and is sufficiently strong to prevent shedding particles or depositing projectile material in the bore. On impact with the target, the Nitinol undergoes a strain-induced shift to an ultra-high strength state in which the projectile is capable of remaining intact and concentrating its full energy on the small area of contact for maximal penetration and damage to the target instead of mushrooming widely and spreading its energy over a wide area as conventional projectiles do. Projectiles in the form of bullets, shotgun slugs, penetrating warheads, caseless ammunition and artillery shells are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald J. Julien, Ronald H. Bondy
  • Patent number: 6553913
    Abstract: A weapon system and projectile are disclosed. The projectile incorporates a rheological fluid, the viscosity of which is adjustable in the presence of an appropriate field of energy. The weapon system includes a launching device (e.g., a gun) for firing the projectile and an energy field generator coupled to the launching device. The energy field generator provides the appropriate field of energy about the projectile to increase the viscosity of the rheological fluid. The projectile can be non-lethal when the rheological fluid has not been subjected to the field of energy and can be made more lethal when the rheological fluid has been subjected to the field of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael J. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 6529821
    Abstract: A method for establishing a path from a launch point to a destination point that can include multiple way points while avoiding landmass areas. Launch points and destination points can lie outside or inside the particular landmass areas. The method includes steps for defining tangents path areas to be avoided, extending those tangents to define way points and testing the individual way points to assure conformance to various conditions and constraints. A subset of paths are optimized. The shortest of the optimized paths becomes a final path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven W. Tomasi, Karen Benevides
  • Patent number: 6510797
    Abstract: A segmented, kinetic energy projectile is formed by stacking several liners in a single warhead, for effectively producing a longer penetrator capable of greatly enhancing penetration. Each individual liner forms a separate penetrator, so that the liners are successively fired and allow for a greater overall target penetration. In one embodiment, the flight path of at least one liner is diverted from the flight paths of the other liners, so that the liners could attack several adjacent targets or provide multiple penetrations. The EFP assembly has the additional capability of utilizing a single warhead that incorporates multiple hits mechanisms. The EFP assembly includes multiple liners that are separated by multiple separators. The separators are non-symmetrically disposed relative to each other, in order to divert the liners toward multiple targets. The liners are diverted from a reference trajectory because the separators impart different angles to the liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Richard Fong
  • Patent number: 6474593
    Abstract: A projectile having a plurality of micro electromechanical (MEMS) devices disposed about the axis of flight for active control of the trajectory of the projectile. The MEMS devices each form an integral control surface/actuator. Control circuitry installed within the projectile housing includes both rotation and lateral acceleration sensors. Flap portions of the MEMS devices are extended into the air stream flowing over the projectile in response to the rate of rotation of the projectile, thereby forming a standing wave of flaps operable to impart a lateral force on the projectile. MEMS devices utilizing an electrostatically controllable rolling flap portion provide a large range of motion while consuming a small amount of power. The MEMS devices may be arranged in longitudinal strips along an ogive portion of the projectile. Packaging concepts for projectiles as small as a 30 caliber bullet are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jay Lipeles, R. Glenn Brosch
  • Publication number: 20020152914
    Abstract: A self-destructing bullet for use with a firearm is disclosed. The self-destructing bullet comprises a body portion having a leading end, a spaced base portion, and a hollow chamber defined within the body intermediate the leading end and base portions thereof. The body of the bullet is formed of a low temperature melting point metallic material. A catalyst, comprised of a high temperature combustible material, is positioned within the hollow chamber of the bullet. A combustible fuse extends from the base portion of the bullet into engagement with the catalyst. In usage, when fired the gun powder charge of the firearm will ignite the fuse of the self-destructing bullet. After the bullet has traveled for predetermined period of time the fuse ignites the catalyst, and once ignited, the catalyst in turn combusts and melts or consumes the metallic material which comprises the body of the bullet to accomplish the self-destruction of the bullet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Todd Alan Cox
  • Patent number: 6456906
    Abstract: A satellite positioning-based guidance system and method that utilize a simulated inertial navigation system are disclosed. The trajectory of the body of a non-thrusted flight vehicle is used instead of a conventional inertial navigation system. The attitude of the flight vehicle is determined using a satellite receiver, and the Extended Kalman filter is used to implement the navigation function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation, LTD
    Inventor: Cuong Tu Hua
  • Patent number: 6453790
    Abstract: A system for communicating hardened, buried target arrival-related data from an airborne warhead device to a remote mission analysis location is disclosed. The communicated information especially relates to impact deceleration events encountered by a hardened target penetration warhead, events arising from the warhead impacting with the earth and then with one or more layers of hardening material such as concrete disposed in or adjacent a subterranean target. Verification of warhead detonation may also be included in the communicated data. The system includes ultra high radio frequency communication from the subterranean warhead to a repeater apparatus disposed at or above the point of warhead earth impact followed by conventional signal relaying of the collected warhead experience data from the repeater to a remote mission analysis facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: John L. Cesulka, Kenneth J. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20020129727
    Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes the casing off at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source which is put into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made from a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Ettmueller
  • Patent number: 6439126
    Abstract: A steel projectile assuming the general shape of a teardrop compensates for the lower density of the material as compared to lead and still achieves penetration into the target that is comparable to spherical lead pellets. Additional benefit of the elongated exterior geometry of the projectile is less scatter and less aerodynamic drag during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kennedy, Brian J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6439124
    Abstract: There is provided a lead-free projectile suitable for use as a bullet to be fired from a pistol or rifle or as a slug to be fired from a shotgun. The projectile core is formed from a high purity tin and has deformation properties similar to that of lead based projectiles without the environmental hazards associated with lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Enlow, Morris C. Buenemann, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020112639
    Abstract: A projectile including a body having a land segment, a tapered body segment continuous to and extending forward from the land segment and a conical nose segment continuous to and extending forward from the tapered body segment. The projectile may include a tapered tail segment continuous to and extending rearward from the land segment. The conical nose segment may be configured as a conical nose segment. The projectile may include an angular transition between the conical nose segment and the tapered body segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Warren S. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20020100389
    Abstract: Soft lead pellets with hard polymeric tips for use in air guns and the like are disclosed. The lead pellets have forward pointed tip portions made from a hard polymeric material. Tip portions are employed in three different configurations including a hollow and solid heads. The hard tip in each of the pellets enables the pellet when fired from an air gun to pierce the fur and skin of small game animals, for example, before the lead portions of the head and skirt portions begin to deform, imparting shock to the surrounding soft tissue, and shattering bone. The disclosed pellets provide both accuracy due to the ballistic tip, and power from the weight of the soft lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas R. May, Lee T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6422507
    Abstract: A smart bullet capable of in-flight maneuvers generated by the selective extension of a spoiler from a de-spun control section of the bullet into the stream of air passing the bullet. A micro gyro located in the control section provides a rotation signal used in the control of a motor rotatably attached between the control section and a spinning section of the bullet. A rearward facing lens and optical detector receive guidance information from a gun-mounted guidance system. The direction of extension of the spoiler is selectively controlled by controlling the operation of the motor in response to the guidance information. The detector and pre-amplifier circuit are bonded to the lens structure to minimize microphonic noise generation. An optical link is used to communicate information between the spinning and control sections of the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Jay Lipeles
  • Patent number: 6405654
    Abstract: The invention is an improved ammunition for use in muzzle-loader guns, where the invention is a muzzle-loader projectile that is substantially conventional in overall appearance to prior art, black powder projectiles, but differs significantly in that it has a plastic center that extends to the tip of the projectile, therein producing a lighter, streamlined projectile that has a higher muzzle velocity, and a truer, flatter trajectory than conventional solid lead projectiles; and, where said invention, on impact, mushrooms extensively, efficiently transferring all of its kinetic energy to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Tim T. Smith
  • Patent number: 6378435
    Abstract: A projectile fuze detects transitions between target layers by an electronic antenna radiating laterally into the target material and coupled to a pullable oscillator whose frequency shifts as the target material changes while the projectile penetrates. A frequency shift threshold detector relates the observed frequency shifts to a stored target profile to detonate the projectile after the desired layer penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Monty W. Bai, Gerald James Moore, Ralph Eugene Foresman
  • Patent number: 6367735
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, low-cost, small diverter capable of generating a relatively high impulse (1-5 N-sec) over a short time period. The diverter is adapted for installation in a projectile for steering the projectile in flight by ejecting an end cap in response to control signals from a guidance system. In one embodiment, multiple diverters are arranged in one or more bands about a flying projectile such as a rocket. Each diverter includes a header assembly providing a mounting surface and support for a plurality of electrical leads, a reactive semiconductor bridge mounted on the mounting surface of the header assembly and providing an electrical path for the electrical leads at a certain voltage across the bridge, a diverter body supporting the header assembly and containing a prime, wherein the reactive semiconductor bridge and the prime define a gap, and an end cap attached to the diverter body and containing a propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Quantic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Folsom, Charles Piper, III, Wm. David Fahey, Jared M. McGowan
  • Patent number: 6349651
    Abstract: A projectile for use in hunting is formed of a hard tapered first body, and second and third bodies disposed behind the first body. The three bodies are connected together by an axial stem extending rearwardly from the first body and a securing nut threaded onto its end to attach the bodies together. A chamber in the second body is closed by the first body. When the first body impacts a hard object, the chamber and air therein are pressurized to cause explosion of the second body to generate shrapnel. The outer surfaces of the second and third bodies have helical grooves for guidance and spinning of the projectile. At a rear end of the projectile, the outer surface is provided with an annular smooth area to fit complementarily with the smooth interior surface of the gun barrel, to prevent leakage of combustion gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Juan Martinez Garcia
  • Publication number: 20010039898
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized artillery projectile (11) can be easily subsequently fitted with an axially symmetrical aerodynamic braking device for reducing the ballistic trajectory if the tip (14) which is equipped with the fuse (13) and which is easily removable from the projectile body (12) is equipped at approximately half its height with flap-shaped sectors (24) which are pivotably mounted in such a way that they can be pivotably extended and which in their launch position fit snugly into the conical peripheral surface of the tip (14) and in the operative position are pivotably extended to form a radial ring which is closed or which has gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Bar, Jurgen Bohl, Karl Kautzsch
  • Patent number: 6308632
    Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a propeller assembly from a folded configuration to a deployed, operational configuration, the apparatus comprising a propeller assembly hub which in conjunction with a propeller hub nut maintains an aerodynamically efficient shape after the propeller assembly is deployed, the propeller hub nut which is diametrically large enough to allow assembly of a drive shaft and a drive shaft bevel gear and includes a cavity to accept a spring detent, a propeller blade which protrudes from a journal located in the surface of the propeller assembly hub where when in its folded configuration, the propeller blade is in the same parallel axial direction as the drive shaft and when deployed is nutated to a radially outwardly extending operative position in response to rotating of a propeller blade bevel gear, the drive shaft rotated about its axis where one end engages a prime mover and a second distal end engages the hub nut, drive shaft bevel gear fixed to the drive shaft near the distal end whic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: James E. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6298841
    Abstract: Light emitting rigid fracturable projectile-type marking ammunition are provided. The ammunition is a phosphorescent ball in the form of a spherical pellet or capsule that includes non-phosphorescent impact diffusing materials intimately admixed with phosphorescent materials. Non-phosphorescent pigments, fillers, and surfactants may also be included. The light emitting phosphorescent ball provides a luminous trail when discharged from the paintball gun and thus, may be used effectively in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Richard T. Cheng, James S. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6295933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-lethal projectile for a firearm composed of a novel, soft and elastic, composite material comprising a polymeric organic matrix and a pulverulent metallic filler, with a relative density of between 4 and 22, dispersed in the polymeric matrix. The composite material has a relative density of between 1.0 and 2.9 and a Shore A hardness of between 2 and 30. The polymeric organic matrix is a crosslinked polybutadiene comprising polybutadiene chains with a mass of between 500 and 10,000 connected by bridges. The projectile according to the invention makes it possible to neutralize an animal or a person without endangering his life and without inflicting serious injuries, even when firing at a short range of less than 5 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: SNPE
    Inventors: Bernard Dubocage, Jacques Maucourt
  • Patent number: 6293204
    Abstract: The invention is ammunition and ammunition components labeled so that either a projectile or a shell casing found at a crime scene can be associated with all documented handlers from the last documented recipient back to the manufacturer. The likely labeling code is a two-dimensional binary array with at least six cells (digits) in each dimension. Several different methods of imparting the label to a projectile at or near its rear end are described, some of which can be used in combination, including: adding a labeled identification member beneath the projectile's rear surface, embossing the projectile's rear surface, injecting pins through the projectile's rear end, embossing the projectile beneath the projectile's rear surface at a transition between metal layers of different melting temperatures, printing the projectile's rear surface with detectable material, etching the projectile's rear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: David M Regen
  • Patent number: 6260797
    Abstract: A transformable gun launched aero vehicle having a ballistic projectile configuration and an aeroplane configuration includes a cylinder forming a shell of the vehicle in the ballistic projectile configuration and wings deployable from the cylinder. The wings are capable of achieving sufficient lift for sustained flight in the aeroplane configuration. The cylinder forms a fuselage of the vehicle in the aeroplane configuration. A wing includes plural rib elements, plural inflatable tubes where each tube is braced by the plural rib elements, and a wind shell disposed around the plural inflatable tubes and the plural rib elements. The vehicle includes an inflatable tail section that is inflated while the vehicle is in the aeroplane configuration. The vehicle includes a parachute that is reversibly deployable from a nose portion of the vehicle. The vehicle includes at least one landing rod. Each landing rod is reversibly extendable from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventor: Miles R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6257146
    Abstract: A projectile for firing from an ammunition shell. The projectile includes an elongated hollow body of a resilient material, the hollow body further having a trailing end, a mid-portion, and a leading end, the leading end being closed and the trailing end having an aperture providing access to the interior surface. A propellant is included near the leading end of the hollow body and against the interior surface of the elongated hollow body, so that the interior surface of the hollow body between the trailing end of the hollow body and the mid-portion of the hollow body defines a hollow space. The projectile is adapted for placement within the ammunition shell to allow firing of the projectile from a shotgun or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Stoneco, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Stonebraker
  • Patent number: 6250229
    Abstract: The charge of the invention comprises a plate placed between the explosive charge and the liner. The diameter of the plate is equal to the internal diameter of the casing of the charge. The material used for the plate must be such that its density is lower than or equal to that of the material used for the liner and must have a volumetric compressibility modulus greater than or equal to 100 GPa, with the thickness of the plate greater than or equal to that of the liner at any point of a central area surrounding the axis of the charge, so as to ensure that upon initiation of the charge the centripetal deformation of the plate will be less than that of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Alain Kerdraon, Michel Vives
  • Patent number: 6244186
    Abstract: An air gun pellet with a head including two distinct structural features, providing overall improved performance. The first feature is a multiple section rim or cup on the head which enlarges or mushrooms upon impact. The second feature is a central driving point contained within the cup on the head. The combination of these features provides a synergistic effect resulting in a pellet having improved penetration, shock wave and tissue destruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph F. L. John Pichard
  • Patent number: 6240849
    Abstract: A projectile attachment is disclosed that has open-biased arm members that can be either mounted directly onto the projectile base or may be mounted to a mutual connection means which is then attached to the projectile base. The arms are compressed into a restrained position so that they may be inserted into the casing of the bullet. Upon firing, the arms extend to the unrestrained position. Upon impact the projectile penetrates the target then the extended arm members engage the target surface to cause widespread damage while slowing the projectile. The members may optionally have hook-like ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher A. Holler
  • Patent number: 6230630
    Abstract: An aerodynamic projectile, preferably a non-lethal projectile, including a projectile shell having an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity which exhibits improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy and which fractures in a predetermined pattern to disperse a fill contained therein. A method of making an aerodynamic projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Perfect Circle Paintball, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Gibson, Michael A. Varacins
  • Patent number: 6228140
    Abstract: A process of consolidating tantalum metal powder to essentially random texture, and the product thereby produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Ceracon, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry S. Meeks, III, Marc A. Fleming, Lucile Lansing
  • Patent number: 6223658
    Abstract: A non-lethal, light weight, paint ball weapon is attached to standard rifles and fits underneath the barrel of the rifle on existing hard points provided for M-203 forty millimeter grenade launchers. A separate triggering system allows the shooter to fire the non-lethal weapon while aligning sights upon an intended target. The paint ball is stabilized by a first immiscible high density component filling approximately one-third of the ball interior volume. Paint or some other liquid is used as a lower density component filling the remaining volume. The high density component may be talc powder, lead shot, sand, glass beads, or a high density substantially immiscible liquid, paste or gel. The specially adapted, stabilized paint ball includes a colorant or dye and, optionally, a skin irritant or odor producing liquid. The ball is enclosed by an elastomeric, fluid impermeable skin scored or marked to ensure immediate bursting and kinetic energy dissipation upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Steven P. Rosa, Francis B. Manion
  • Patent number: 6209459
    Abstract: A method of marking bullets and bullets marked by the method are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises coating the bullet of a cartridge with at least one coating material whose surface appearance contrasts with the surface appearance of the underlying bullet material. Characters are then selectively etched in, and generally substantially through, the coating, such as molybdenum disulfide. The characters are easily and quickly recognized because of the contrast between the surface appearances of the coating and that of the underlying material. The characters typically, but not necessarily, indicate characteristics of the bullet, such as bullet weight and design features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Kaufman, Jerry L. Hill, Steven R. Moore, Dennis K. Conley, Kenneth L. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6158351
    Abstract: A lead free ferromagnetic article is disclosed. The article is a compacted composite having a heavy more dense constituent that is preferably ferrotungsten and a less dense second constituent that is either a metal alloy or a polymer. The ferromagnetic constituent is present in an amount sufficient to impart the article with ferromagnetism. The ferromagnetic property allows fragments of the article, such as a projectile, bullet or shaped charge liner to be separated from dirt or other environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Mravic, Henry J. Halverson, Deepak Mahulikar
  • Patent number: 6158349
    Abstract: A gas generator adapted to be disposed in a rear part of a projectile for increasing the flight range thereof, includes a housing defining a combustion chamber and having a bottom and a longitudinal axis; a fuel accommodated in the combustion chamber; an outlet opening provided in the housing bottom for passage of combustion gases generated in the combustion chamber upon combustion of the fuel; and a plastic fuel-supporting tube extending axially from the outlet opening into the combustion chamber. The plastic material of the fuel-supporting tube is selected such that upon combustion of the fuel aided by a gas pressure of a projectile propellant and by a drag effect, the fuel-supporting tube is deformed and driven out of the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau, Siegmar Fischer, Gunter Sikorski, Ulf Hahn
  • Patent number: 6158350
    Abstract: The instant invention is a lightweight enhanced velocity bullet consisting of a hollow cylindrically shaped metal jacket component made of brass, the body of which is filled nearly to capacity with a malleable tin-copper-silver alloy material and with the body having a flattened posterior end and with there being a second end anterior to the body which said second end is hollow within, devoid of any alloy material and tapering symmetrically to a blunt point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Valentino Pulcini
  • Patent number: 6148731
    Abstract: An expansion projectile (1) with a projectile body (2) forms a central arbor (3) at its end face and a collar (4) coaxially surrounding the arbor (3), where the collar (4) has an outer shape (6) tapering towards the free collar edge (5), and between collar (4) and arbor (3) there is provided a cavity (7) open towards the front. In order to achieve a monobloc projectile free from lead with a high efficiency and a wide range of applications in an economic way, the arbor (3) consists of shaft (31) and tip (32) the collar (4) touches the arbor (3) at least in the transition area (33) between shaft (31) and tip (32), and the arbor (3) protrudes at least up to the axial height of the collar edge (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Udo Winter
  • Patent number: 6123289
    Abstract: An aerodynamic device, such as a projectile includes an elongated forebody, and an aft section secured to the forebody. The aft section acts as a d control device, and includes a connecting member that extends integrally in a conically shaped flared section, for generating a lift force to help stabilize the projectile during forward flight. The aft section further includes a flange that extends from the flared section, and that provides velocity decay and optimal drag, in order to limit the projectile flight and descent within a predetermined safety or emergency range. The flared section is defined between an innermost edge positioned adjacent to the connecting member, and an outermost edge positioned adjacent to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon Manole, William Rice, Stewart Gilman, John Dineen, Frank Renner, Mark Young, Anthony Farina
  • Patent number: 6112669
    Abstract: A lead-free projectile made from a composition containing about 5-25% by weight tungsten and more than about 97% by weight tungsten plus iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Mravic, Peter W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6101949
    Abstract: Composite spherical projectiles are provided for shotgun cartridges which are environmentally compatible, relatively inexpensive and have ballistic properties similar to lead shot or projectiles and which consist of metal particles dispersed in a biogradable polymeric solid matrix which includes a hydrocarbon binder containing ester functional groups which are linked to C.sub.1-20 aliphatic hydrocarbon chains, starch, and titanium dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventors: Jacques Maucourt, Claude Combette
  • Patent number: 6070532
    Abstract: A projectile having improved accuracy when fired over long ranges is formed from a monolithic block of a copper alloy. Proceeding from a nose to a heel of the projectile, is a fore portion with arcuate side walls, a body portion of substantially constant cross-sectional area that minimally contacts a rifled gun barrel, a drive band having a diameter effective to seal propellant gases and an aft portion that continuously decreases in diameter terminating at the heel. A cylindrical bore extends from an opened end at the nose to a closed end proximate to a transition plane between the fore portion and the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Henry J. Halverson
  • Patent number: 6071359
    Abstract: Tin and zinc based shot for use as ammunition having a diameter of from 1.5 to 5.5 mm, containing, by weight, in addition to tin and the usual unavoidable contaminants, from 12 to 60% of zinc and from 0 to 5% of aluminum, but less than 0.1% of copper, less than 0.1% of iron, and less than 1% of lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Grillo-Werke AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Wisniewski, Jochen Spriestersbach
  • Patent number: 6035785
    Abstract: A shaped charge, notably an explosively formed charge, incorporating an explosive charge arranged in a casing and onto which is placed a liner intended to be set into motion by the detonation of said explosive charge. The liner incorporates at least two plates, a rear plate which is in contact with said explosive charge and which is connected to said casing by attachment means and at least one front plate which is connected to said rear plate by bonding. The attachment means is positioned between a cylindrical peripheral surface of said rear plate and an inner cylindrical surface of said casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Sabathier, Thierry Soulat, Jean-Marie Montigny, Jean-Luc Renaud-Bezot