Fragmenting Patents (Class 102/506)
  • Patent number: 11953299
    Abstract: A procedure for producing a warhead with controlled fragmentation includes manufacturing an inner shell and filling it with an explosive substance. The procedure further includes providing a net around the outer surface of the inner shell as well as depositing a material on and around the net. A warhead is produced by the procedure and includes an inner shell. A material applied to the warhead comprises weak points for guided fragmentation of the deposited material upon detonation of the warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventors: Christer Thuman, Björn Johansson, Hamzah Hamdan
  • Patent number: 11879715
    Abstract: A less-lethal projectile is disclosed herein. The less-lethal projectile can include a case having an interior; a powder charge located in the interior; and a projectile located in the interior, adjacent to the buffer, wherein the projectile is formed from a material that includes plastisol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Avert Industries, LLC
    Inventor: John Doyle Rogers
  • Patent number: 11662190
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bullet which includes a bullet-shaped body having a forward-facing central cavity with at least one concentric socket formation defining an inverted frusto-conical shoulder and an elongated insert having a longitudinal trailing shaft portion receivable in a mouth of the forward-facing central cavity of reduced diameter. The elongated insert includes an expansion portion being defined by at least one ball-shaped segment extending forward from the trailing shaft portion, of which the expansion portion fits into the concentric socket formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Hermann Arthur Weidemann
  • Patent number: 11226182
    Abstract: A cartridge comprising a bullet, the bullet providing a radially expanding array of bullet fragments upon entering a target and also providing an increase in effective surface area of the bullet within the target by structural features that facilitate tumbling or mushrooming in the target. In an embodiment a pair of axial core members are aligned in a bullet jacket with the forward core member being segmented with separation junctures formed by engaged faces of adjacent segments. Impact causing fracturing of the segments from a base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventor: Bryan P. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11150063
    Abstract: An enhanced breaching round and techniques for manufacturing such are provided. A breaching round includes a case defining a volume, a propellant disposed in the volume of the case, and a projectile coupled to the case. The projectile may include a body disposed at least partially within the case and configured to enclose the propellant within the volume of the case. The body may be formed of a castable eutectic mixture configured to be melted and cast, wherein the body is configured to break into a plurality of fragments upon impact with a target. A cavity may be disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the body, and a reactive material disposed in the cavity, the reactive material comprising at least one oxidizer and at least one fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Scientific Laboratory, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Swanson, Jon Kosak, Robert R. Nellums, Kristina Wikstrom
  • Patent number: 11105597
    Abstract: A novel castable frangible projectile and techniques for manufacturing such are provided. A cartridge system includes a case defining a volume, a propellant disposed in the volume of the case, and a projectile coupled to the case. The projectile includes a body disposed at least partially within the case and configured to enclose the propellant within the volume of the case. The body is formed of a castable eutectic mixture, the castable eutectic mixture configured to be melted and cast, wherein the body is configured to break into a plurality of fragments upon impact with a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Scientific Laboratory, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Swanson, Jon Kosak, Robert R. Nellums, Kristina Wikstrom
  • Patent number: 10942014
    Abstract: A projectile that extends in the longitudinal direction and can be introduced into a cartridge by means of a casing. Moreover, the projectile has a projectile body that contains both a penetrator and an expanding medium. Characterizing the present invention, it is proposed to use metal foam, in particular air-foamed aluminum, as the expanding medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Stenzel, Tobias Litte
  • Patent number: 10670379
    Abstract: The present invention relates to longitudinally sectioned bullets and methods that pertain to a penetrable projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm and comprising at least two separable and penetrable, non-fused individual longitudinal body sections and at least one exterior binding element, including at the frontal region of said penetrable projectile, that holds the at least two non-fused individual longitudinal body sections together until they rupture inside of a target, thereby causing the penetrable individual longitudinal body sections to separate away from each other inside of the target as the projectile penetrates the target. The penetrable projectile is thus capable of controlled fragmentation against a soft target, and is optionally adapted to deliver at least one supplemental payload to a target to further damage said target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Darren Rubin
  • Patent number: 10527394
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kinetic and/or incapacitating projectile having high energy absorption including: a body (1) made up of at least one portion made of cellular material, foam or open or closed microstructures; a head, made of a resilient polymer material; at least one layer (3) which makes it possible to link the assembly made up of the body (1), the head (2) and optionally a rear portion by annular constriction, said layer being made of a thin material, the thickness of which is less than five hundredths of the diameter of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SECURINOV SA
    Inventor: Cyrille Raquin
  • Patent number: 10323918
    Abstract: Described are spherical projectiles such as used in birdshot, buckshot, or single ball spherical projectiles, including slugs, muzzle loading projectiles, or any close-to-bore diameter projectile, that is auto-segmenting or self-segmenting upon impact with a target. The projectile or shot disclosed herein retains its shape and structure during flight until impact with soft tissue, whereupon its individual sections separate or segment in a controllable manner, each portion of the projectile imparting or depositing a high amount energy to the tissue and target. The auto-segmenting spherical projectiles can be frangible or non-frangible. This disclosure also provides cartridges such as shotshells that are loaded with the projectiles described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Polywad, Inc.
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Patent number: 10168131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a core (1) for a projectile (2). So that the dividing behavior of the projectile can be set in a simple manner, wherein the core is lead-free, it is proposed that one or more wires or wire sections composed of a lead-free material are compressed to form a cavity-free core (1), wherein the wires or wire sections have one or more geometrical shapes (3) in the interior or on the outside diameter and/or predetermined braking points (4) obtained during the compression are provided in the core (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: RUAG AMMOTEC GMBH
    Inventor: Heinz Riess
  • Patent number: 9921040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to longitudinally sectioned bullets and methods that pertain to a projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm and comprising at least two separable longitudinal body sections and at least one binding element that holds the at least two longitudinal body sections together, such as before impact with a target. Said projectile is thus capable of controlled fragmentation against a soft target. Said projectile is adapted to also contain at least one supplemental payload deliverable to a target to further damage said target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Darren Rubin
  • Patent number: 9322623
    Abstract: A preferred projectile includes a toughened polymer resin comprising an elastomer-modified epoxy functional adduct formed by the reaction of a bisphenol A liquid epoxy resin and a carboxyl terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile elastomer; and a curative agent by which the toughened polymer resin is cured; wherein the cured toughened polymer resin is in the shape of a bullet. The projectile preferably has an average density less than the density of lead. A preferred ammunition cartridge includes a propellant and the aforesaid projectile fixed in position relative to the propellant; and an ammunition cartridge includes a primer; a propellant; and the aforesaid projectile; as well as a casing containing the primer, propellant and projectile, with the projectile projecting from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Einstein Noodles, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Jonathan Seeman, Dewey Privette
  • Patent number: 9273940
    Abstract: A gun firing method whereby four projectile segments that are contained in a cartridge case are fired simultaneously which creates a predetermined square pattern on a target to increase the hit probability of the dispersion. Two sets of projectile segments that are contained in the cartridge case, are fired by a gun, spin around the central longitudinal axis of each projectile segment, and provide a powerful square salvo of projectile segments. The dispersion produces a substantial increase in the hit probability when compared to a single shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Frank Sexton
  • Patent number: 9255775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to longitudinally sectioned bullets and more particularly pertains to a projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm and comprising at least two separable longitudinal body sections and at least one binding element that holds the at least two longitudinal body sections together, such as before impact with a target. Said projectile is thus capable of controlled fragmentation against a soft target. Said projectile is adapted to also contain at least one supplemental payload deliverable to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Darren Rubin
  • Patent number: 9103640
    Abstract: A gun firing method whereby multiple projectiles segments that are contained in a cartridge case are fired simultaneously to create a pattern on the target to increase the hit probability of the dispersion. Some of the multiple projectile segments are side by side within the cartridge case and have ends that are approximately 90 degrees to the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge. This causes the projectile segments to rotate around their for and aft axis upon leaving the gun barrel, improves their accuracy, and effectively provides the projectile segments with a higher ballistic coefficient and a higher sectional density, to strike the target at a higher velocity and with greater retained energy to efficiently penetrate the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Richard F. Sexton
  • Publication number: 20150083011
    Abstract: A bullet with controlled fragmentation has a core in the form of a generally cylindrical body having a forward end and a rear end and intermediate side portions extending there between, the forward end of the core defining a cavity, a jacket encompassing the rear end and at least selected portions of the sides of the core, the jacket having a sidewall having a first drive band portion having a first wall thickness, and a second portion immediately forward of the drive band portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the exterior of the jacket defining a cannelure groove encircling the bullet, and the cannelure groove being positioned forward of the first drive band portion. The drive band may have forward edge defining a step. The bullet of the present invention may also be received in the case mouth of a rimless case and be partially protruding therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: HORNADY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: David E. Emary
  • Patent number: 8910411
    Abstract: An auxiliary projectile for a firearm includes: an exhaust vessel to allow a bullet to pass through it yet capture muzzle blast, a barrel socket to slide onto the barrel of the firearm; and a ring magnet to attach to the end of the barrel. The exhaust vessel has opposed openings at each end to permit the unimpeded passage of the bullet discharged from a regular cartridge for a firearm. The opening nearest the muzzle is a muzzle-end opening and the opposite opening is an exit-end opening where the bullet exits. The barrel socket is attached to the exhaust vessel so as to surround the muzzle-end opening and project outward therefrom. The barrel socket is what slides over the muzzle end of the barrel of the firearm. The ring magnet fits within the barrel socket and is what attaches to the muzzle end of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: SPF Associates, Trustee for Supplemental projectile for a firearm CRT Trust
    Inventor: S. Mill Calvert
  • Publication number: 20140331883
    Abstract: An armor penetrating round includes an elongated core portion (e.g., a hollow tool steel core) defining a front end, an aft end, and a central cavity which extends from the aft end toward the front end. The central cavity has (i) an aft cross-sectional diameter adjacent the aft end and (ii) a front cross-sectional diameter adjacent the front end, the aft cross-sectional diameter being larger than the front cross-sectional diameter. The armor penetrating round further includes a slug portion (e.g., a pre-compacted pellet of powdered metal) which is disposed within the central cavity adjacent the aft end, and an outer jacket (e.g., a copper jacket) which extends around the elongated core portion to operate as an interface between the armor penetrating round and a gun barrel when the armor penetrating round is fired through the gun barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Textron Systems Corporation
  • Patent number: 8881654
    Abstract: Ammunition which includes a bullet having an effective caliber that is larger than its nominal caliber, comprised of a bullet body with a longitudinal cavity in the forward end, and one or more bores extending from the cavity to bore openings on the exterior of the bullet. In use, target media is gathered in the cavity and ejected under force through the bore openings, increasing the damage done by the bullet. Optional embodiments include filled, irritant payload, and jacketed embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LWS Ammunition LLC
    Inventor: Lueder Seecamp
  • Publication number: 20140326155
    Abstract: A frangible projectile includes a sintered mass of a plurality of copper or copper alloy plated iron or iron alloy core particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: OLIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Greg A. Smith, Victor D. Levin
  • Publication number: 20140261044
    Abstract: Ammunition which includes a bullet having an effective caliber that is larger than its nominal caliber, comprised of a bullet body with a longitudinal cavity in the forward end, and one or more bores extending from the cavity to bore openings on the exterior of the bullet. In use, target media is gathered in the cavity and ejected under force through the bore openings, increasing the damage done by the bullet. Preferably, the bullet cavity and bores are filled with a polymeric or elastomeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LWS AMMUNITION LLC
    Inventor: Lueder Seecamp
  • Patent number: 8833262
    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, aluminum bronze, beryllium copper, tin, aluminum, 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Genesis GRP LLC
    Inventor: John D. LeaSure
  • Patent number: 8794154
    Abstract: An artillery projectile for firing from an artillery gun, mortar or artillery rocket launcher. The artillery projectile includes a body, a payload with a number of inert fragments located within the body, a booster motor associated with the body for accelerating the body with the payload to a penetration velocity, and an opening arrangement associated with the body and deployed for initiating release of the fragments. The artillery projectile further includes a control system causally associated with the booster motor and the opening arrangement. The control system is configured to generate a first command to actuate the booster motor and a second command to actuate the opening arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Menachem Rotkopf
  • Patent number: 8789470
    Abstract: A segmenting slug has a body having a generally dome-shaped forward portion, a generally cylindrical rearward portion, and an opening in the rear of the body forming an interior chamber. There are a plurality of generally radially extending notches in the dome-shaped forward portion of the slug, and a longitudinally extending groove in the wall of the interior chamber substantially aligned with each notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Ben N. Frank
  • Patent number: 8640622
    Abstract: A projectile assembly 10 includes an individual projectile 20 and a composite projectile 30. The individual projectile 20 has a communicating portion 22. The composite projectile 30 includes at least one flechette 32. Prior to the projection of the projectile assembly 10, the composite projectile 30 is located adjacent to the communicating portion 22 of the individual projectile 20. The individual projectile 20 and the composite projectile 30 are structured and disposed for separating from one another after the initial projection of the projectile assembly 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 8640624
    Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator with a longitudinal axis may include a forward segment having a lateral surface, a rear surface, and at least one air bleed channel extending from the lateral surface to the rear surface. A second segment may be disposed aft of and torsionally engaged with the forward segment. The second segment may include a front surface adjacent the rear surface of the forward segment. The forward and second segments may each be asymmetric about the longitudinal axis of the penetrator. When the penetrator is in flight, bleed air through the bleed channels may impinge on the front surface of the second segment. The second segment may separate from the front segment. Kinetic energies of each of the forward and second segments may be less than about 75 joules upon impact with a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ahmed Hassan, Marco Duca, Mohan Palathingal, Daniel Vo, Anthony Vella
  • Patent number: 8640623
    Abstract: A multiple-purpose projectile assembly includes an anti-personnel projectile, an armor-penetrating projectile, a propellant, a base bleed gas, and a primer. The anti-personnel projectile includes a cavity having a scored surface and is made out of a soft metal. The armor-penetrating projectile is made from a hard metal and is housed partially within the cavity of the anti-personnel projectile prior to firing from a weapon. The propellant and the primer are both housed within the cavity. The firing of the projectile assembly causes the armor-penetrating projectile to drive into the primer, thereby detonating the primer, causing the detonation of the propellant, thereby increasing the pressure of the cavity and causing the two projectiles to separate after the projectile assembly leaves the bore of the weapon. The burning of the propellant releases a base bleed gas that reduces the drag experienced by the anti-personnel projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 8578856
    Abstract: The decomposition of a projectile in a target body, particularly a hunting projectile in wild animals after penetration therein, determines the energy output of the projectile and thereby the effect of the shot. For projectiles with double cores, the properties of the ingredients used in the cores decisively affect the decomposition and particularly the deformation behavior of the cores. According to the invention, a partial decomposition projectile comprising two cores is provided with one solid core (3) made of a material suited to said projectile and the other core (4;22) is divided up into two areas (4a,4b;22a;22b), whereby one area (4a;22a) is made of ball-shaped elements made of a metal material granulate (5;23) and the second area (4b;22b) is made of a metal or ceramic powder and the ball-shaped elements or granulates (5;23) are pressed to become free of shrink holes, in order to improve decomposition behavior control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ruag Ammotec GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Riess, Erich Muskat
  • Publication number: 20130255526
    Abstract: A gun firing method whereby multiple projectiles segments that are contained in a cartridge case are fired simultaneously to create a pattern on the target to increase the hit probability of the dispersion. Some of the multiple projectile segments are side by side within the cartridge case and have ends that are approximately 90 degrees to the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge. This causes the projectile segments to rotate around their for and aft axis upon leaving the gun barrel, improves their accuracy, and effectively provides the projectile segments with a higher ballistic coefficient and a higher sectional density, to strike the target at a higher velocity and with greater retained energy to efficiently penetrate the target. Rotationally orienting the cartridges in the chamber of the gun is a further embodiment that provides a predetermined symmetrical pattern of projectile segment strikes on the target to further increase the hit probability of the dispersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Richard F. Sexton
  • Patent number: 8468947
    Abstract: In making frangible objects, including lead-free bullets and other projectiles, powdered metal primary and powdered ceramic secondary phases are mixed and densified at an elevated temperature such that the ceramic phase forms a brittle network. Any combination of metal and ceramic phases may be used to achieve desired chemical and physical properties. Any appropriate mixing, forming, and/or thermal processing methods and equipment may be used. Degrees of frangibility, strength, and toughness can be adjusted to suit a given application by precursor selection, degree of mixing, relative amounts of metal and ceramic phases, forming method, and thermal and mechanical processing parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ervin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Hash, Trent Pearson
  • Patent number: 8413587
    Abstract: A bullet or a cartridge containing a bullet having an elongated body with a forward end and an opposed rear end. The body has an intermediate cylindrical portion between the rear and forward ends, and the front end of the body defines a cavity. A resilient nose element is received in the cavity. The nose element may be an elastomer, and may be a cylindrical body. The cavity may be a cylindrical bore, and the nose element may be closely encompassed within the bore. The forward end of the nose element may be flat, and may be flush with the forward end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hornady Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David E. Emary
  • Patent number: 8393273
    Abstract: Bullets, including lead-free bullets with frangible cores, are described herein. In some embodiments, a bullet includes a jacket having an inner surface defining a cavity having an open end and a closed end. The bullet also includes a lead-free core positioned within the cavity and extending from the closed end to a first intermediate portion of the cavity. The core includes a plurality of particles that are compacted within the cavity to form the core. The bullet also includes a seal positioned within the cavity and extending from the first intermediate portion to a second intermediate portion of the cavity. The seal abuts the inner surface of the jacket, thereby substantially sealing off the core within the cavity. The bullet may also include a polymeric tip having a forward portion projecting forward from the open end and a rearward portion extending rearward into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nosler, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Weeks, Robert Nosler, Mike Lake
  • Publication number: 20130055917
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate these payload delivery systems. In one aspect, the payload delivery system can comprise a payload cup and a pleated cup nested within the payload cup and having a pleated side wall. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Publication number: 20130055916
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate the payload delivery systems. The payload delivery system can comprise a stabilizer having a longitudinally cut side wall defining a series of vanes that are folded forward in the pre-launched configuration. Other aspects combine a payload cup nested within the forward folding stabilizer. Still other aspects integrate the payload portion and the stabilizer portion into a single piece that constitutes a stabilized payload cup. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Patent number: 8365672
    Abstract: This invention describes a frangible bullet made from particles of a copper-based metal powder with the aid of an organic lubricant, which have been pressed so that the pressed particles have a density of more than 6.9 g/cm3, where the composition has been treated with thermal oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aleaciones de Metales Sinterizados, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Calero Martinez, Joan Morato Ribas, Luis Allut Grillot
  • Patent number: 8347788
    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, aluminum bronze, beryllium copper, tin, aluminum, 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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: John D. LeaSure
  • Patent number: 8316770
    Abstract: A munition round includes a cartridge case; a canister disposed at a forward end of the cartridge case, the canister including a piston movable in the canister; a plurality of high-density spheroids having a diameter in a range of about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches; a rear container disposed in the canister adjacent the piston, and fully loaded with the high-density spheroids; a front container disposed in the canister and partially loaded with the high-density spheroids, a remaining volume of the front container occupied by a spacer disc disposed atop the high-density spheroids; and a cap that closes a forward end of the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Patrick Fisher, Meghan Abraham, Bhuvanesh Thoguluva, Keith Martin, Robin Zeto
  • Patent number: 8312815
    Abstract: A lead-free, frangible bullet is provided. The lead-free, frangible bullet is manufactured without sintering or external heating of the bullet. The bullet is prepared by blending a lead-free copper powder mixture and cold compacting the powder in a die to form a bullet. The copper powder can be atomized copper powder, electrolytic copper powder, or a combination of atomized and electrolytic copper powder. The atomized copper powder can be water atomized, air atomized, and combination of water and air atomized. Preferably, the frangible bullet has a fragmentation less than 5 grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: United States Metal Powders Incorporated
    Inventors: Jessu Joys, Barry Anshutz, K. Clive Ramsey
  • Patent number: 8307768
    Abstract: A bullet for a firearm includes a rear unit that comprises substantially a solid structure. Additionally, the bullet includes a front unit separate and discrete from the rear unit. The front unit defines a cavity and at least a portion of the rear unit is secured in the cavity of the front unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Cziglenyi
  • Publication number: 20120279412
    Abstract: In making frangible objects, including lead-free bullets and other projectiles, powdered metal primary and powdered ceramic secondary phases are mixed and densified at an elevated temperature such that the ceramic phase forms a brittle network. Different combinations of metal and ceramic phases may be used to achieve desired chemical and physical properties. Any appropriate mixing, forming, and/or thermal processing methods and equipment may be used. Degrees of frangibility, strength, and toughness can be adjusted to suit a given application by precursor selection, degree of mixing, relative amounts of metal and ceramic phases, forming method, and thermal and mechanical processing parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Ervin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Hash, Trent Pearson
  • Publication number: 20120266773
    Abstract: A multiple-purpose projectile assembly includes an anti-personnel projectile, an armor-penetrating projectile, a propellant, a base bleed gas, and a primer. The anti-personnel projectile includes a cavity having a scored surface and is made out of a soft metal. The armor-penetrating projectile is made from a hard metal and is housed partially within the cavity of the anti-personnel projectile prior to firing from a weapon. The propellant and the primer are both housed within the cavity. The firing of the projectile assembly causes the armor-penetrating projectile to drive into the primer, thereby detonating the primer, causing the detonation of the propellant, thereby increasing the pressure of the cavity and causing the two projectiles to separate after the projectile assembly leaves the bore of the weapon. The burning of the propellant releases a base bleed gas that reduces the drag experienced by the anti-personnel projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Publication number: 20120266772
    Abstract: A projectile assembly 10 includes an individual projectile 20 and a composite projectile 30. The individual projectile 20 has a communicating portion 22. The composite projectile 30 includes at least one flechette 32. Prior to the projection of the projectile assembly 10, the composite projectile 30 is located adjacent to the communicating portion 22 of the individual projectile 20. The individual projectile 20 and the composite projectile 30 are structured and disposed for separating from one another after the initial projection of the projectile assembly 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 8267015
    Abstract: A projectile has a leading part, a trailing part and a cylindrical interface that interconnects the leading and trailing parts. A non-round aperture having a predetermined longitudinal extent is formed in the trailing end of the leading part and a non-round peg having a predetermined longitudinal extent substantially equal to the predetermined longitudinal extent of the non-round aperture is formed in the leading end of the trailing part. The non-round peg is slideably inserted within the non-round aperture when the leading end of the cylindrical interface abuts the trailing end of the leading part and the trailing end of the cylindrical interface abuts the leading end of the trailing part so that the leading and trailing parts of the projectile rotate conjointly with one another when the projectile is rotating about its axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Liberty Ammunition, Inc.
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Patent number: 8250987
    Abstract: A Kinetic Energy penetrator round is shown effective in neutralizing incoming air borne threat munitions such as rockets, artillery, or mortars for instance, without posing a threat in urban environments to harm bystanders on the ground. There are also no hazards or expense with this round of cleaning up unexploded ordnance, which might have occurred with other types of rounds due to unreliability of self destruct mechanisms. Shown herein is a kinetic energy penetrator for air defense that merely self destructs beyond its operational range into fragments that are not lethal to personnel on ground; no pyrotechnic or energetic materials means are used to activate this self destruct process. A full bore projectile structure is shown that is composed of plural axi-symmetric circular disks stacked on each other and tied by a shape memory metal wire of Nitinol. While operational as a joined group, the disks are a formidable round to kill an incoming air target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Andrew Morley, Mohan J. Palathingal, Leon Manole, Ernest L. Logsdon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120199035
    Abstract: A segmenting slug has a body having a generally dome-shaped forward portion, a generally cylindrical rearward portion, and an opening in the rear of the body forming an interior chamber. There are a plurality of generally radially extending notches in the dome-shaped forward portion of the slug, and a longitudinally extending groove in the wall of the interior chamber substantially aligned with each notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Ben N. Frank
  • Patent number: 8225718
    Abstract: A lead-free, frangible bullet is provided. The lead-free, frangible bullet is manufactured without sintering or external heating of the bullet. The bullet is prepared by blending a lead-free copper powder mixture and cold compacting the powder in a die to form a bullet. The copper powder can be atomized copper powder, electrolytic copper powder, or a combination of atomized and electrolytic copper powder. The atomized copper powder can be water atomized, air atomized, and combination of water and air atomized. Preferably, the frangible bullet has a fragmentation less than 5 grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: United States Metal Powders Incorporated
    Inventors: Jessu Joys, Barry Anshutz, K. Clive Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20120180686
    Abstract: A frangible projectile, and weapon cartridge containing same, is provided, in which the frangible projectile is comprised of a hollow outer body composed of, for example, a plastic or polymeric material, configured to provide a payload material. Preferably, the hollow outer body has an interior surface having a divider formed or disposed therein, for controlling the movement of the payload material after firing. The hollow outer body of the frangible projectile, upon impact, rapidly fragments upon impact into relatively harmless pieces, and releases/mixes the payload material. However, the payload material may be chosen to provide sufficient mass, and accordingly sufficient kinetic energy, to provide desired target effects, such as powder metals. Alternatively, payload materials, such as reactive chemical components, marking agents, chemiluminescent compositions, incapacitants, multi component reactive compositions, etc., preferably contained within one or more payload containers, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Jones, Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 8171851
    Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator is provided comprising a consolidated body of a metal nanoparticles phase comprising metal nanoparticles and a metal carbide nanoparticles phase comprising metal carbide nanoparticles. Methods for making a kinetic energy penetrator as well as material compositions comprising a consolidated body of a metal nanoparticles phase comprising metal nanoparticles and a metal carbide nanoparticles phase comprising metal carbide nanoparticles are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Siddle, Christopher D. Dunn
  • Patent number: 8161885
    Abstract: A bullet or a cartridge containing a bullet having an elongated body with a forward end and an opposed rear end. The body has an intermediate cylindrical portion between the rear and forward ends, and the front end of the body defines a cavity. A resilient nose element is received in the cavity. The nose element may be an elastomer, and may be a cylindrical body. The cavity may be a cylindrical bore, and the nose element may be closely encompassed within the bore. The forward end of the nose element may be flat, and may be flush with the forward end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hornady Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David E. Emary