Target Marking Patents (Class 102/513)
  • Patent number: 7819065
    Abstract: The cartridge-type training round consists of a projectile and a cartridge shell into which the projectile is inserted. The projectile includes a one-piece cylindrical central body (2) and a one-piece basin-shaped projectile tip (5) that is pressed onto the central body and engages a circumferential engagement bead (7) with a circumferential engagement slot (8) located in the central body (2). The cartridge shell (20) is a one-piece basin-shaped part; it is also pressed onto the central body (2) and engages a circumferential engagement bead (22) with a circumferential engagement slot (23) of the central body (2). A receiver recess (25) is provided in an approximately cylindrical projection (24) that is inserted centered from the base to receive the propulsive charge (28) and its igniter (29). The round is of simple design, and may be manufactured inexpensively owing to its simple parts that may be largely of plastic without loss of function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diergen Diederichs & Co., KG
    Inventor: Detlef Haeselich
  • Publication number: 20100258024
    Abstract: A marking paint ball includes a shell made of non-water-soluble polymer material and having a substantially spherical shape. A marking paint composition is contained in the shell. The shell is made of an oxo-biodegradable material. A method for making such a ball is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: David Delhaye
  • Patent number: 7793591
    Abstract: A modified projectile round which is configured to function with a propellant cartridge such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,074. The projectile assembly uses a High-Low gas pressure cartridge to launch the projectile. When the high pressure cartridge is ignited, hot propellant gases rupture a burst cup and shoot propellant gases toward the aft end of the projectile. The hot propellant gases impinge against a delay carrier located in the aft end of the projectile. The contents of the delay carrier are thereby ignited. The delay carrier includes one or more delay columns ultimately terminating in an igniter charge. The delay columns burn as the projectile is in flight. A specified amount of time later, the igniter charge ignites an ignitable payload—such as a marker flare candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Martin Electronics
    Inventor: Bruce G. Van Stratum
  • Publication number: 20100218695
    Abstract: A coating designed to transfer on impact from a ballistic projectile onto a target. Due to the many possible applications for which this might find use, it has been designed to allow as open-ended a range of application as possible by separating the requirements of the marking system from the requirements of the projectile substrate. To this end the coating is designed to be applied to a wide range of materials and shapes. The coating itself is therefore independent of whatever carrier it is coated onto which allows the carrier to be selected for its own suitability for the application rather than conditional upon compatibility with the marking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: GRUDGE TACTICAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Kirkpatrick, Ruben Kinet
  • Patent number: 7784455
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved grenade which launches a plurality of pellet projectiles. The grenade includes a housing containing at least one spiral launch tube, said launch tube having a breech end and a muzzle end. A plurality of projectiles are loaded in the launch tube between the breech and muzzle ends. The grenade includes a gas reservoir for storing a compressed gas coupled to the breech end of the launch tube. A valve is interposed between the reservoir and the breech end of the launch tube for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the reservoir to the breech end of the launch tube. The valve is moveable between a closed state and an open state wherein said compressed gas enters the breech end of the launch tube to propel the projectiles from the muzzle end, the valve being biased towards its open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Carlton le Loong Chong
  • Publication number: 20100175577
    Abstract: Projectile with luminous marking of the impact area, in particular a medium-calibre or small-calibre projectile, consisting of a hollow cylindrical body (1) in which an inertial mass (2) can move, said inertial mass being subjected to a movement by the positive or negative acceleration involved in the firing process, which movement causes the tearing of a diaphragm (3, 4) separating two chambers (5, 6), each containing a liquid with the potential of emitting light by chemiluminescence when they are mixed together. Upon impact, the light-emitting mixture is expelled to the outside through suitable orifices (21, 23) through the action of internal pressure possibly caused by the chemical generation of gas resulting from the chambers being brought into communication by effect of the diaphragm tearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Jacques Ladyjensky
  • Patent number: 7743708
    Abstract: A non-lethal spread projectile has a center pin (1) as a guide on which a weight plunger (5) is caused by impact stop of gun-fired flight momentum to slide from an aft end (3) to a front end (2) of a spread projectile (4) for spreading fill material (9) in a fill bag (10) ahead of the weight plunger over a broad surface of an impacted target (25) for preventing damaging penetration of the spread projectile into the impacted target and to mark the impacted object predeterminedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: James R. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7735423
    Abstract: A munition has an external surface. The munition may be of any type. The external surface includes a coating on at least part of it. Coatings may be, for example, paints, tapes, appliqués or other materials. The coating on the munition includes one or more of reflective material, phosphorescent material and fluorescent material. The reflective, phosphorescent and/or fluorescent coatings are applied to the munition prior to its being deployed. The reflective, phosphorescent and/or fluorescent materials in the coatings are visible at a safe distance from the munition and help to identify unexploded ordnance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Kenneth Gold
  • Publication number: 20100132581
    Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
  • Patent number: 7694629
    Abstract: A new type of animal control system and a new method of use of the animal control system is presented for controlling small, wild animals and rodents without killing or maiming. The control system is in the form of a portable kit that includes a launching device, a plurality of thermoplastic hollow projectiles, a supply of a natural animal control agent for loading into the projectiles, and a means for transferring and storing the control agent. The method of use of the control system involves filling the projectiles with the control agent and then sealing the projectiles prior to loading the projectiles into the launching device. The launching device is then aimed at an area that is being controlled by the animal and then the projectiles are discharged from the gun so as to disperse the control agent about the area being controlled. The control agent causes a biological reaction in the animals and rodents when they detect the scent of the control agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Pawloski
  • Publication number: 20100083862
    Abstract: A Bioluminescent Paintball 10 includes a shell 12 defining an interior cavity 14, a liquefied substance 16 disposed within the interior cavity 14, a phosphorescent material 18 disbursed throughout the shell 12 for providing a visible “tracing” effect when the bioluminescent paintball 10 is ejected from a paintball discharge device, a neutralizing agent 20 disbursed throughout the liquefied substance 16 for neutralizing calcium disbursed throughout the liquefied substance 16 thereby preventing light emission before the paintball 10 impacts a target, and a photoprotein 22 disbursed throughout the liquefied substance 16 for reacting with calcium disposed upon a target after the bioluminescent paintball 10 impacts the target, thereby rupturing the shell 12 and allowing the liquefied substance 16 to engage the calcium to produce visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Paul M. Ciesiun, Ronnie E. Bayless
  • Patent number: 7690311
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile consisting of a solid capsule filled with a flowable payload. The solid capsule comprises a weakened area that ruptures upon impact with a target. The solid capsule also comprises an internal hydrodynamic structure. At the moment of impact, the internal hydrodynamic structure forces the radial movement of the flowable payload, from the center to the periphery, against the weakened area of the solid capsule, facilitating the rupture and reducing the pressure of projectile's point over target's surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Pedro de Oliveira Cronemberger
  • Publication number: 20100072895
    Abstract: A to a non-combustible, tactical flash device includes a non-spherical hollow main housing having a plurality of flat surfaces, adapted to hold internal functional components. The internal functional components include: (i.) an externally exposed activation component located on the main housing; (ii.) a power connected to the activation component and to a control chip; (iii.) the control chip also being connected to at least one speaker and at least one light source, the control chip including capabilities for delay of processing of other commands upon initiation of the activation component, and for subsequent processing of other commands including sound delivery to at least one speaker and/or light activation to at least one light source. Optionally, a beacon transmitter may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Nicholas Klementowicz, III, John A. Dapkins, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100058948
    Abstract: A paintball has one or more dimples or depressions formed on the outer surface of the paintball. In some embodiments, the depressions can have a uniform or non-uniform shape and be spaced equally about the circumference of the paintball. In some embodiments, each depression may provide increased lift and/or fragility to the paintball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: DYE PRECISION, INC.
    Inventors: David DeHaan, Eero Kaakkola
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7621220
    Abstract: A warhead includes a gas containing canister having a front end onto which is screwed a valve assembly having an interior which is in gas communication with the canister. A structure-penetrating nose connected onto the valve assembly. Positioned around a periphery of the valve assembly is a plurality of hollow frangible plugs. The nose includes a shoulder portion that shears the plugs upon impact with a target thus allowing gas within the canister and valve assembly to escape to an atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Zachary A. Spears, Pamela Johns
  • Publication number: 20090260536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a paintball comprising a shell containing an inner filler composition. The shell comprises a mixture of gelatin and mineral oil; the inner filler composition comprises a mixture of starch, oil, an emulsifying agent and a spreading and surfacting agent. The shell further comprises a non-crystallizing polyhydric alcohol, glycerine, and water. The inner filler composition may further comprise a pigment. The non-crystallizing polyhydric alcohol may be sorbitol, the oil is Soya oil and the emulsifying agent is emulsifying wax. The spreading and surfacting agent may be Tween® 20 and the pigment may be TiO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Black
  • Patent number: 7604556
    Abstract: A marking projectile is disclosed that comprises an elongated projectile body and a porous powder-releasing head fixed to a forward end of the projectile body with an attachment means. A powder reservoir is defined between the projectile body and the powder-releasing head for holding a marking powder, such as chalk. In one embodiment of the invention, a projectile head is fixed to the forward end of the projectile body, the powder reservoir being defined therebetween. The marking powder preferably has a particle size spread substantially uniformly between 170 and 900 microns. As such, upon impact of the marking projectile with an object, an adequate portion of the powder traverses the porous powder-releasing head to become fixed to the object, thereby visibly marking the object. The marking projectile may be shot with a projectile gun or thrown manually, for example, at the targeted object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: John Douglas Witzigreuter
  • Publication number: 20090223405
    Abstract: A paintball grenade having a bladder with a first end, a second end, and a cavity formed therebetween to be filled with a colored liquid. A first securing element is used to seal the first end of the bladder and a second securing end is used to seal the second end of the bladder. An end cap is placed over the second end of the bladder and secured thereto by a removable fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: KEE ACTION SPORTS I LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Tippmann
  • Patent number: 7543534
    Abstract: Described are flameless tracer munitions that are expelled from land mines or in hand thrown devices, which are used to mark an enemy person, vehicle body, or tires on the vehicle, with materials that emit infrared (IR) light, or heat emitting materials, or with a visible ink or a dye. The subjects are then identified and pursued because of the ink or seen with infrared reading or heat seeking devices. The devices are both long duration (several hours) and also have high light intensity tracing and marking. These munitions are non-impact and non-lethal; are non-toxic, and biodegradable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon R. Manole, Stewart Gilman, Kevin Stoddard, Ernest Logsdon, Mark Nicolich
  • Patent number: 7531108
    Abstract: Photoluminescent phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The phosphor powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the economic production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as display devices and lighting elements, incorporating the phosphor powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Toivo T. Kodas, James Caruso, Daniel J. Skamser, Quint H. Powell, Klaus Kunze
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7487728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of training military, law enforcement personnel, or the like, tasked with the accurate firing of small caliber munitions. A need exists for quantifying the ability of the trainees by detecting the accuracy with which they are able to strike their intended targets, especially in nighttime training situations. This invention relates to munitions which contain a chemical light producing system; particularly to small caliber munitions containing a chemiluminescent chemical light system; and most particularly to small caliber munitions having selectable, marking, tracing, or combined tracing/marking utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cyalume Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl Cranor
  • Patent number: 7475638
    Abstract: A training projectile includes at its head a hollow arched cavity or cap that defines a hollow cavity within the head of the training projectile, and that bursts when the projectile strikes a target. Into this cavity are placed a first chemically-inactive marking material and a second chemically-active marking material, whereby both marking materials are released upon bursting of the arched cavity. The first marking material creates, for example, a color effect by means of a colored powder; the second marking material produces a light effect by means of, for example, materials that interact to produce chemo-luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Detlef Haeselich
  • Publication number: 20080307995
    Abstract: Novel non-toxic, heavy-metal free, zinc peroxide-containing, IR tracer compositions are provided herein, which, when incorporated into a medium caliber IR tracer projectile and fired, produce a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer compositions comprise from about 65 to about 75% by weight, of zinc peroxide; from about 15 to about 25% by weight of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; and an effective amount of a binder which is selected from the group consisting of calcium resinate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The total percentage of the ingredients adds up to 100%. Medium caliber, i.e., 0.50 caliber, IR tracer projectiles containing such IR tracer compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Louise Guindon, Carol Jalbert, Daniel Lepage
  • Patent number: 7444938
    Abstract: A paintball grenade having an outer bladder and an inner bladder. The outer bladder has a first open end, an opposite second open end, and a cavity therethrough. The inner bladder has a closed end and an open end. The inner bladder is capable of being inserted into the outer bladder whereby the open end is adjacent the first open end of the outer bladder, and the closed end is adjacent the second open end of the outer bladder, the inner bladder being filled with a colored liquid. A securing element is used to secure the first open end of the outer bladder and the open end of the inner bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: KEE Action Sports I LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Tippmann
  • Patent number: 7441505
    Abstract: A case is formed of a side wall with a front and rear end. The case has a base. A projectile is formed of a side wall with a front end having a shaped section and a rear end with a base. The projectile is positioned within the case. The rear end of the projectile is spaced from the rear end of the case to form a rearward chamber. A firing assembly includes a charge within the rearward chamber and a firing means. An illumination assembly includes a source of illumination. An electrical assembly includes a timer and a switch. In this manner the source of illumination may be illuminated following igniting the charge and passage of time as determined by the timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Willard Thomas Rodgers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080257194
    Abstract: A novel non-toxic IR tracer composition is provided herein which, when incorporated into an IR tracer projectile which is then fired, generates a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer composition is a non-toxic, metallic-boron-containing, IR tracer composition comprising: from about 20 to about 30% by weight, or from about 45 to about 60% by weight, of potassium perchlorate; from about 5 to about 16% by weight of a metallic fuel which consists of metallic boron; from about 20 to about 25% by weight, or from about 40 to about 50% by weight, of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; from about 5 to about 10% by weight of a retardant which consists either of iron carbonate or magnesium carbonate; and an effective amount of binder, wherein the total percentage of such ingredients add up to 100%. A novel IR tracer projectile containing such IR tracer composition for generating a dim visibility IR trace is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Louise Guindon, Carol Jalbert, Daniel Lepage
  • Publication number: 20080229964
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of training military, law enforcement personnel, or the like, tasked with the accurate firing of small caliber munitions. A need exists for quantifying the ability of the trainees by detecting the accuracy with which they are able to strike their intended targets, especially in nighttime training situations. This invention relates to munitions which contain a chemical light producing system; particularly to small caliber munitions containing a chemiluminescent chemical light system; and most particularly to small caliber munitions having selectable, marking, tracing, or combined tracing/marking utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Earl Cranor
  • Patent number: 7426888
    Abstract: A firearm ammunition device includes a cartridge with a projectile that is loaded with a tracer agent. When the projectile is fired and strikes a game animal, the impact causes the release and dispersal of the tracer agent from the projectile. The dispersed tracer agent identifies an enhanced-visibility trail of the fleeing animal. In example embodiments, the cartridge is provided by a centerfire cartridge, a shotgun cartridge, and a muzzleloading cartridge. The tracer agent preferably comprises one or more compounds that produce visible light to the naked eye and/or under a black light source. Example tracer agents include biological stains that produce visible light upon contact with blood, luminol or another chemiluminescent compound that releases light by a chemical reaction such as may occur when contacting blood, a basic salt such as sodium carbonate or another effervescence-inducing agent, a phosphorescent compound, or a fluorescent compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: T&P Game Recovery, LLC
    Inventor: C. Timothy Hunt
  • Publication number: 20080217812
    Abstract: A spreader box and method form a bi-laminar paintball shell material. Walls of a box body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a first gel. Walls of a gate body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a second gel. Within the box, the first gel is kept separate from the second gel. The box body aperture dispenses the first gel as a continuous first layer. The gate body aperture dispenses the second gel as a continuous second layer that is adjacent and juxtaposed with the first layer, such that the first gel bonds with the second gel to form the bi-laminar paintball shell material. A paintball, containing a fill material, has a frangible bi-laminar shell including an exterior shell that completely surrounds and contains an interior shell. The paintball is adapted to withstand the normal range of forces sustained in being fired from a paintball gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: X.O. INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: Aldo PERRONE
  • Publication number: 20080196617
    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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Heinz Riess, Erich Muskat
  • Publication number: 20080150788
    Abstract: A system for tagging and locating a target that may include a projectile frangible on impact, a RF tagging system located in the projectile, and a bonding agent located in the projectile for bonding the RF tagging system to the target. The RF tagging system may include a RF circuitry, an antenna, and a power source to transmit the location of the RF tagging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Schaller Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Sumrall, Richard Schaller
  • Publication number: 20080053330
    Abstract: A projectile, particularly a practice round, has a projectile body that includes a hollow ogive that bursts upon striking the target into which marking material is inserted. The marking material is released when the projectile strikes the target and the ogive bursts. The marking material is covered by a protective cap that breaks when the projectile bursts on the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Detlef Haeselich
  • Patent number: 7331293
    Abstract: The invention provides a marker projectile comprising a hollow body (1) having an opening (5) at the front; marker substance (8) disposed within the hollow body (1); and an expelling member (7) such as a metal ball within the hollow body (1), behind the marking substance (8). The hollow body (1) and expelling member (7) being configured such that upon impact of the projectile with a target, the momentum of the expelling member (7) relative to the hollow body (1) carries the expelling member (7) forwardly to expel the marking substance (8) through the opening (5), and characterised by a separator (4) extending at least partly over the front opening (5), the separator (4) defining two or more spaces (42a, 42b, 42c) through which the maker substance may pass when expelled through the opening (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: UTM IP Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 7278358
    Abstract: A projectile of non-lethal composition includes an outer casing that is substantially sealed prior to impact with a target both when the projectile is in a static condition and when the projectile is in a dynamic condition. A marking material is encapsulated within the outer casing prior to impact. The outer casing is configured to deform and unseal upon impact such that the marking material disperses forward via hydraulic action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: PDT Tech, LLC.
    Inventor: Rick Huffman
  • Patent number: 7207274
    Abstract: A monitoring device and method comprising providing a projectile comprising a sticky medium, one or more sensors embedded therein, and a data transmitter receiving input from said one or more sensors, and firing the projectile at a target to which the medium will attach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Tara Y. Plew, Leslie D. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7191708
    Abstract: A diversion grenade (200) comprising: a transparent body (102) in which is located one or more charges of flash material (104); an internal power supply (114); a control circuit (126) that is responsive to one or more inputs, the control circuit (126) producing one or more output signals; and an external user operated trigger (110) for initiating a user input for activating the grenade (200). The grenade (200) may also include tracer lights (122) and sound emitters (201).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Ouliarin
  • Patent number: 7174835
    Abstract: A covert tracer round has an infrared emitter of radiation mounted to its front, side or back. The radiation (which may be coherent or incoherent) is detected by a sensor that displays an image of the target and the beam. The sensor receives the beam directly if the emitter is on the back of the round and by reflection off the target or nearby objects if the emitter faces forward. The round may include a fixed or moveable collimating lens. The emitter may radiate radially from the round to signal troops or devices located along its path. The round may include sensors that gather significant information about chemicals or biological agents, about magnetic or gravitational anomalies or any other remotely detectable property and transmit that information to the sensor by modulating the emitted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David James Knapp
  • Patent number: 7143699
    Abstract: A less lethal projectile to be fired from a launcher comprising a body having a concentric cavity to hold a fluid payload, a nose cap attached to the body, said nose cap having a plurality of slits therein, which will spread open upon impact, allowing the fluid to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: BNB Ballistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher V. Brock, Jaime H. Cuadros
  • Patent number: 7055438
    Abstract: A flameless tracer/marker provides heat mark chemicals with optional chemlucents chemicals that can be carried and delivered by a projectile to mark a target. This marking payload may be carried by small, medium and large caliber projectiles that are part of ammunition items including 20 and 40 mm grenade launched, 90 mm, 105 and 120 mm tank, 60, 81 and 120 mm mortar and 105 and 155 artillery ammunition. This ammunition is gun launched and the projectiles can provide a heat trace to the target and/or upon impact with the target the projectile breaks or shatters and leaves a heat signature on the target for up to several hours. Included with these heat chemicals may be optional chemlucents. This heat mark may be placed into a lethal and non-lethal projectile. This allows heavy and light armor targets, vehicles, buildings and personnel to be marked without extensive damage to the target and without seriously injuring a person. The target may now be heat marked and chemlucent marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon R. Manole, Stewart Gilman, Erinn Harbeck McCarthy, Steven Kelley, Remi Chian, Melissa Wanner, Ernest Logsdon
  • Patent number: 7017497
    Abstract: A paintball is preferably formed by forming a quantity of filling material into a desired shape and then freezing the shaped filling material. A shell material is preferably applied to the frozen filling material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6990905
    Abstract: A non-lethal marker projectile that provides site identification capability of a target upon impact includes a rear base made of plastic and a front end extending longitudinally from the rear base. The front end defines a space therein and includes an outer surface having a rear portion attached to the base and a nose portion. The front end also includes a breakable container system located in the space which contains separated chemiluminescent reagents which when mixed produce light. The front end further includes a foam filler which surrounds the breakable container system and which fills the space. The container system breaks on a setback impact that is exerted during firing and initial launch, causing the chemiluminescent reagents to mix and be absorbed into the foam filler, such that upon impact of the projectile with the target, the foam filler marks the target with the mixed chemiluminescent reagents diffused therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon R. Manole, Stewart Gilman, Robert Nodarse, Andrew Perich, Floyd Ribe
  • Patent number: 6931993
    Abstract: Small, medium and large caliber ammunition housing multiple projectiles are traced by means of a tracing/marking system utilizing chemlucent chemicals. The tracing/marking system also provides target marking when using small, medium and large caliber ammunition. Multiple projectiles are coated in a chemlucent chemical (referenced as the coating) and placed in the ammunition. Additionally, a liquid chemlucent chemical in a separate container is placed in the ammunition. When launched or fired from a gun or munition, the separate container breaks and the coating and the chemlucent chemicals combine, emitting light. The present system applies to multiple projectiles that are either launched in a scatter pattern from a gun or dispersed in a scatter pattern after the housing of the ammunition opens up outside the gun after firing. For military ammunition, the tracing/marking system may use buckshot, steel balls, or tungsten balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon R. Manole, Stewart Gilman, Kevin Stoddard, Ernest L. Logsdon
  • Patent number: 6880467
    Abstract: A covert tracer round has an infrared emitter of radiation mounted to its front, side or back. The radiation (which may be coherent or incoherent) is detected by a sensor that displays an image of the target and the beam. The sensor receives the beam directly if the emitter is on the back of the round and by reflection off the target or nearby objects if the emitter faces forward. The round may include a fixed or moveable collimating lens. The emitter may radiate radially from the round to signal troops or devices located along its path. The round may include sensors that gather significant information about chemicals or biological agents, about magnetic or gravitational anomalies or any other remotely detectable property and transmit that information to the sensor by modulating the emitted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David James Knapp
  • Patent number: 6871594
    Abstract: A reusable paint dispersing grenade of the type employed in paint ball games is constructed in such a manner as to avoid the use of any combustible materials, and also to avoid the requirement for access to a source of compressed air for operation. The paint grenade of the invention has a hollow, fluid-tight casing defining an enclosed cavity that is divided internally into a marking paint chamber, a first propellant component chamber, and a second propellant component chamber. The propellant component chambers are each filled separately with propellant components, but remain isolated from each other until the paint dispersing grenade is used. At that time the propellant components chemically react with each other in a noncombustible manner to produce a quantity of gas under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Randall P. Estrella
  • Patent number: 6799518
    Abstract: The preset invention discloses and claims a frangible projectile and method for delivering a wide array of selected agents to a target from stand-off distances. The frangible projectile includes fluorescent or optical powders and provides a method for covertly marking and detecting a target of interest. Alternately, the frangible projectile includes inert nano-powders and provides a method for preventing a high-order detonation of a target containing explosive material from stand-off distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Keith T. Williams
  • Patent number: 6736070
    Abstract: A specialty bullet is disclosed that is adapted to transmit a tranquilizing fluid upon impact with a target for purposes of immobilizing the intended target without causing great harm to the target or the surrounding area. The specialty bullet is sized and shaped like that of a conventional bullet so that it can be fired from a conventional firearm; however, the concept could work with innumerable types of ammunition. The disclosed invention includes a so-called “Collapsule” bullet, which is a molded, hollow cavity fabricated of a high-strength malleable plastic polymer that is filled with a tranquilizing fluid. The bullet is fitted with a so-called “Injectile,” which is a hypodermic injection spike (to transmit the tranquilizing fluid) that is backed and driven by an inertia base mass (i.e., lead core or other suitable) located at the base of the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph C. Baltos
  • Patent number: 6722283
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile includes a projectile body; a fuze disposed in a rear of the projectile body; an expelling charge disposed adjacent the fuze; a wad disposed adjacent the expelling charge; a dense powder ballast disposed adjacent the wad; a non-lethal payload disposed adjacent the dense powder ballast; and an end cap disposed on a front end of the projectile body; wherein the expelling charge expels the dense powder ballast and non-lethal payload and reduces the forward kinetic energy of the projectile body and the fuze to one of a near non-lethal or non-lethal level such that as the projectile body and the fuze travel from a burst point to a target impact a residual kinetic energy of the projectile body and the fuze is non-lethal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frank J. Dindl, Curtis D. Johnson, Piotr Frey
  • Patent number: RE40482
    Abstract: A practice ammunition projectile comprises a head which bursts when the projectile strikes a target and contains a marking agent which optically indicates the point of impact after the head has burst. The marking agent consists of several chemical components (7, 8) which are each contained in separately breakable compartments (4, 5) within a burstable hood at the head of the projectile. When the compartments (4, 5) break open the compartments combine and undergo a chemical reaction which creates an optical mark. The hood is formed of an optically transparent material to enable the trajectory of the projectile to be tracked. An ammunition cartridge comprising a hollow projectile and a cartridge case with a propellant charge, the projectile comprising a projectile head designed to withstand the forces applied when the projectile is fired from a gun and designed to burst when the projectile strikes a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Detlef (Ted) Haeselich