Target Marking Patents (Class 102/513)
  • Patent number: 5565649
    Abstract: The projectile, in particular a bullet, comprises a body (1) comprising a receiving cavity (6) containing a product (8) which is active on the organism of a live target, and means for releasing this product upon the impact of the projectile on the target. The body (1) of the projectile includes a propelling motor (5) and, along the length of the body, a portion (30) of smaller diameter followed by a shoulder (32) constituting a braking plane perpendicular to the direction of travel of the projectile. Application in bullets for disabling an opponent with no risk of fatal injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Ruggieri
    Inventors: Raymond Tougeron, Daniel Casenave
  • Patent number: 5546863
    Abstract: A line carrying projectile has an axially elongate hollow projectile rod for muzzle loading within the bore of an associated shotgun and an at least partially transparent container assembly mounted on the forward end of the projectile rod and containing a chemiluminescent flare. The flare is removed from the container and activated by bending after which it is reassembled within the container in its active condition preparatory to firing. A part of the projectile frictionally engages and grips an associated portion of the gun barrel to releasably retain the projectile in a launching position within the gun and regardless of barrel orientation until the projectile is fired from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Joslyn
  • Patent number: 5546358
    Abstract: A device for assessing an impact of a projectile with a target using optical radiation from the flash of the impact. The invention includes an optical radiation detector, which detects optical radiation from the impact flash using optical, electronic and optoelectronic devices. The optical radiation detector is situated on a tank firing the projectile at a target. Further included is an optical radiation augmenter, which is a pyrotechnic material, mountable on a projectile, for augmenting the flash of the projectile impact with the target. By analyzing the signatures of pyrotechnic materials using the optical radiation detector, one can easily identify which projectile impacted the target, determine a distance traveled by the projectile, and assess the projectile impact by ascertaining whether the projectile perforated the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of The Army
    Inventor: George M. Thomson
  • Patent number: 5522320
    Abstract: Smoke-producing compositions are disclosed that combine the low toxicity of an organic acid smoke and the high obscuration effect of a red phosphorus (RP) smoke. Phosphoric acid produced by RP is neutralized by an acid scavenger added to at least one of the RP or organic acid smoke formulations. To prevent chemical reaction between ingredients of the two smoke-producing formulations, they are separated in the apparatus of the present invention such that only the resulting smokes mix. Very small amount of a RP smoke formulation increases the obscuration index of organic acid smokes comparable to conventional hygroscopic chloride (HC) smokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Dillehay
  • Patent number: 5473989
    Abstract: An improved small caliber armor piercing projectile (10) having a fin stabilized sub-caliber high density rod penetrator (11) and an adequately large tracer cavity (23). The tracer cavity does not degrade the armor penetrating capability of the projectile. The rod penetrator core is supported structurally during gun launch by a minimum weight segmented sabot (13) which engages the barrel rifling, followed by a solid plastic obturator (15) which provides an uninterrupted gas seal and holds the segmented sabot components together around the rod penetrator prior to launch. The solid obturator is made from a low ductility homogenous plastic or plastic reinforced composite and is blown apart upon muzzle exit by entrapped propellant gas pressure retained in an internal aft cavity (19). The plastic obturator are located behind the structural sabot so that the propellant gas pressure will maintain the obturator under hydrostatic compression while in the barrel to ensure projectile in-bore stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Steven M. Buc
  • Patent number: 5461982
    Abstract: A semi-permanent market material is carried by a missile, along with a warhead, to a target and responsive to impact of the warhead with the target, the identification material is released and applied to the "killed" target thereby providing for instantaneous and also future identification of the "killed" target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Lynn L. Boyer, III
  • Patent number: 5448951
    Abstract: A target shooting capsule comprising a non-toxic, bio-degradable, injection molded shell of various shapes and forms having a dry wall thickness of from about 0.001 inches to about 0.1 inches, having a diameter from about 0.125 inches to about 1 inch, and containing a brightly colored water washable, non-toxic liquid dye fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Christy L. Olson
  • Patent number: 5445078
    Abstract: Payload delivery of a payload compartment containing a delivery device is initiated by a suitable fusing device which ejects the delivery device from a payload section by firing a gas generator in the section base to propel the delivery device forwardly, thereby shearing retaining pins and ejecting the delivery device from the payload section. The fusing device concurrently fires a time-delayed mechanism leading to a second gas generator in the center of the delivery device. The gas generator ignites after the chaff dispenser is clear of the payload section. The ignition reaction pneumatically blows chaff (e.g. metallized dipoles) out of wrapped bundles, leaving the wrapper bonded to the delivery device and disseminating the chaff in a cloud of hot gas and air turbulently mixed in the wind shear occurring in the wake of the delivery device. The delivery device survives the dispensing and dissemination processes without losing structural integrity. Thus, no harmful debris is ejected into the chaff cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Universal Propulsion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Marion
  • Patent number: 5394805
    Abstract: The sabot (16) relates to a projectile (11) which can be accelerated in an accelerator comprising a tubular preaccelerator followed by RAM acceleration tubes. It consists of an outer band (18) which is designed in a way to be attached to the radial fins (13) at the rear of the projectile (11) and to support the peripheral sealing elements (25) and a subcaliber base plate (31) of relatively small thickness, which is designed in such a way that it rests on the outer band (18) with its perimeter, and if necessary on the projectile base (7) with its center part, and that it separates from the projectile (11) and the outer band (18) before the projectile (11) enters into the acceleration tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Institut Franco-Allemand de Recherches de Saint-Louis
    Inventors: Marc Giraud, Hubert Simon
  • Patent number: 5388524
    Abstract: A practice projectile free of any explosive or bursting charge, adapted for shooting from aircraft against ground targets or for other kinds of practice shooting and comprising a hollow shell, a projectile base and a nose portion which engages the shell along a circumferential partition therebetween, wherein the base is a separate part relatively to the shell, whereby a circumferential partition between the base and the shell is formed. The base is fastened to or made integral with a rod or a tube which extends centrally and axially through the shell and is fastened to or made integrally with the nose portion, whereby the rod or tube keeps the projectile together as a unit, and the rod or tube, or a fastening member thereof situated on the nose portion, has a weakened portion which axially is situated approximately at the level of the partition between the shell and the nose portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventors: Kare R. Strandli, Inge M. Angard
  • Patent number: 5375529
    Abstract: A projectile for firing from a self-loading firearm is provided that will rmit the self-loading mechanism to function while delivering a targeting projectile of reduced range and striking capacity. These latter characteristics may be varied in accordance with a designer's preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: SNC Industrial Technologies Inc./Les Technologies Industrielles SNC Inc.
    Inventors: C. Reed Knight, Jr., Michael G. Adkins
  • Patent number: 5361700
    Abstract: A novel cartridge for conventional shot gun and other weapons, suitable for training and other applications, and containing a thin-walled ball encapsulating a substance to be ejected upon the ball hitting the target, provided with a folded fan enclosure for the ball and its holder within the cartridge which, upon expulsion of the ball-holder-fan unit upon firing, causes the ball to separate and continue to the target, while the folded fan segments spring open in free flight into an air-resistant disc and then pinwheel with the holder harmlessly to the ground within a short distance of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Academy of Applied Science
    Inventor: Alfred V. Carbone
  • Patent number: 5353712
    Abstract: A target shooting capsule comprising a non-toxic, bio-degradable, injection molded shell of various shapes and forms having a dry wall thickness of from about 0.001 inches to about 0.1 inches, having a diameter from about 0.125 inches to about 1 inch, and containing a brightly colored water washable, non-toxic liquid dye fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Christy L. Olson
  • Patent number: 5297492
    Abstract: An improved small caliber armor piercing projectile (10) having a fin stabilized sub-caliber high density rod penetrator (11) and an adequately large tracer cavity (23). The tracer cavity does not degrade the armor penetrating capability of the projectile. The rod penetrator core is supported structurally during gun launch by a minimum weight segmented sabot (13) which engages the barrel rifling, followed by a segmented plastic obturator (15), followed by a solid plastic obturator ring (17) which provides an uninterrupted gas seal and which holds all segmented components together around the rod penetrator prior to launch. The solid obturator ring is blown apart upon muzzle exit by entrapped propellant gas pressure retained in an internal aft cavity (19). All plastic obturator components are located behind the structural sabot so that the propellant gas pressure will maintain the segmented obturator under hydrostatic compression while in the barrel to ensure projectile inbore stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Steven M. Buc
  • Patent number: 5280751
    Abstract: A munition incorporating a miniature transmitter (25) and a piezoelectric power supply (45) which converts a portion of the kinetic energy of the projectile (20), upon impact, into radio frequency energy and radiates that energy into space. The transmitter (25) can be made in suitable sizes to fit various calibers of ammunition. Different caliber ammunition can be made to radiate different frequencies. The transmitted RF energy allows the point of impact of the projectiles to be located with a high degree of precision. This type of munition may be used in the scoring of air to ground gunnery in training environments by receiving the RF energy at several known locations and determining the point of impact using time of arrival or angle of arrival techniques. Frequency discrimination allows simultaneous scoring of multiple weapons from the same aircraft or from multiple aircraft. The munition may be employed in tactical applications by allowing the fall of fire to be located and adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: James O. Muirhead, Gerald E. Held
  • Patent number: 5265540
    Abstract: A telescoped ammunition round including a plastic case having a cylindrical casing, a front end cap and a rear end cap, the front and rear end caps being fitted at front and rear ends of the casing. The round further includes a projectile, a propulsive charge and an ignition device disposed within the casing. Sealing means are provided to form a gas-tight seal between the front and rear end caps and the cylindrical casing to prevent escape of propellant gases generated from the propulsive charge. Importantly, axial retaining devices are included to prevent longitudinal movement of the front and rear end caps before firing, and allow movement thereof after firing, wherein the end caps are not completely separated from the casing after ignition of the propellant charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Pierre Ducros, Michel J. Desevaux, Chris G. De Veth
  • Patent number: 5254379
    Abstract: A paint ball including a paint ball shell and an axis extending through the shell to define first and second poles. The paint ball shell fractures in a predetermined pattern upon the receipt of a fracturing force to form fracture lines from the point of impact circumferentially toward the first pole and from the point of impact circumferentially toward the second pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Perfect Circle Paint Ball Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kotsiopoulos, Gary E. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5235915
    Abstract: A plastic cartridge has a base with a primer pocket and a primer mounted therein. A propellant charge is located within the cartridge and a plastic, collapsible wad is positioned within the cartridge above the propellant charge. A strawlike fusing channel extends through the wad into the propellant charge and is packed with an igniter charge. The fusing channel communicates between the propellant charge and a tracer charge packed within a cavity in a lead shotgun slug. The wad has a plurality of upwardly extending petals which surround the slug within the cartridge and which engage with the rifling of a shotgun barrel when the round is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Robert D. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5136951
    Abstract: A nosecone/fairing for reducing the aerodynamic drag of an underwing mounted chaff and flare dispenser has the shape of a flattened paraboloid and covers only the generally square front of the chaff and flare dispenser. The nosecone/fairing is made of fiberglass and attaches to the chaff and flare dispenser by mounting holes in the nosecone/fairing located to align with preexisting holes in the unmodified chaff and flare dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Stephen P. Herrlinger
  • Patent number: 5121692
    Abstract: An extractable, reusable, two piece, plactic cartridge, housing a compression nozzle, chamber and pusher disc, having at one end of cartridge an opening to receive a compressionable, halved, hollow point projectile sleeve which contains a soft, compressionable, liquid marking projectile. A solid pusher disc located inside the cartridge, is secured to the interior wall of the cartridge by an elastic tube. The disc having a flat forward side which makes complete surface area contact with projectile sleeve. The aft side of disc being concaved is seated forward of a thrust port, smaller in diameter than the concaved section of disc. The thrust port is the smaller opening of two openings of a conical shaped compression nozzle, which has four equally spaced channels extending from the thrust port longitudinal to the larger opening which joins a circumferencially identical, partially closed end propellant chamber. The chamber, channels and compression nozzle contain the propellant charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: James M. DiCarlo
  • Patent number: 5122298
    Abstract: A smoke forming composition is provided suitable for being explosively dirsed in projectiles, bombs, grenades and the like munitions which is composed of a mixture of finely divided solid particles of smoke forming material and a liquid component in an amount sufficient to densify the solid particles of smoke forming materials to increase the bulk density thereof as well as reducing the danger of ignition or "flashing" of the smoke forming materials when explosively dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Raymond R. Fry, Jr., Werner W. Beyth, Merlin L. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5097766
    Abstract: A long rod penetrator projectile comprises an elongated main penetrator body, a stabilizing fin assembly attached to the rear of the main body, and a perforated canister carried within the fin assembly. A pyrotechnic material such as pyronol is contained within the canister. The pyronol ignites during impact. The burning pyrotechnic material spews forth through the perforations in the canister to provide improved after armor effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph F. Campoli, Earl R. Edmondson, David A. Edmonds, Joseph G. Buzzett
  • Patent number: 5090326
    Abstract: A lightweight training bomblet provided with a housing made of cardboard or plastic. Such training bomblet should be easily assembled and be able to withstand the high acceleration forces generated during transport into a target area. To prevent undue deformations of the bomblet housings made, for example, of cardboard, during air transport and the resulting premature ignition during ejection from a carrier projectile, both cardboard or plastic housing covers are connected with one another by means of a pre-tensioned connecting arrangement and their abutment faces are pressed against the end faces of a tubular housing shell, with the abutment faces of the housing covers possibly additionally containing a holding and sealing arrangement which is pressed into or against the end faces of the housing shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau, Ulf Hahn, Siegmar Fischer, Margret Palten
  • Patent number: 5070790
    Abstract: A marker that can be used to increase the precision and efficiency of the guidance of homing heads towards a target. In order to mark targets on land, this marker has: an ovoid casing provided with a firing fuse, and a magnet and a coil for detecting flux variations during an impact on a magnetic surface. Inside the casing there are: a battery, an electronic control and transmission circuit, and a cylinder of thrustors connected to one another by pyrotechnical delaying mechanisms. The cylinder opens out on to a single nozzle which is inclined with respect to the axis of the casing. After impact on the ground, the electronic circuit controls the firing of the first thrustor. The other thrustors cause leaps until the marker gets fixed to a magnetic surface, through the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventors: Guy Le Parquier, Jean Dansac, Jean-Pierre Murgue, Paul Sergent
  • Patent number: 5050502
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a primer for igniting a propellant charge of an ammunition unit which includes a cartridge case, a shell located in the forward end of the cartridge case, a tracer cartridge secured to the rear surface of the shell, a propellant charge in the cartridge case, a primer having an elongate primer tube extending in the case through the propellant charge and a space defined in the longitudinal direction of the case between the tracer cartridge and the primer tube. The apparatus comprises a sleeve member having a first end portion mounted onto a forward end of the primer tube and a second end portion adapted to be applied over the tracer cartridge and a partition member provided inside the sleeve member intermediate the end portions for preventing displacement of the sleeve member with respect to the primer tube and therefore preventing collision between the tracer cartridge and the primer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventors: Ulf Hellman, Christer Sundell
  • Patent number: 5035183
    Abstract: A nonlethal frangible projectile for delivering fluids and the like to a target is composed of a soft cap portion, and a stronger base portion which plugs the rearward end of the cap. Scoring and a thinned nose region facilitates rupture upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: David Luxton
  • Patent number: 5027710
    Abstract: A practice projectile without an explosive for firing against a practice target with large-calibered weapons, wherein the projectile incorporates a projectile body which is in the configuration of a cylinder and which possesses a conical nose cone. The projectile includes a nose cone which is constructed in the shape of a truncated cone having a flat leading end surface with a diameter of about 0.08 to 0.1 that of the projectile caliber, wherein the nose cone forms a sharp contact edge with the cylinder of the projectile; a ratio in the length of the nose cone to that of the cylinder of approximately 1:1.+-.5%; a location of the center of gravity of 3 to 3.5 times the projectile caliber, measured commencing from the leading end surface; and a ratio of 4.0 to 7.0 for the moments of inertia between the transverse and longitudinal moments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Wittmann, Wolfgang Mosig, Erich Bock
  • Patent number: 5018450
    Abstract: For use in marking nighttime impacts from easily ruptured paintball type projectiles that are fired from compressed air guns; this invention provides a double chamber projectile capsule that contains two chemical agents which, when mixed together on impact, provide a luminescent spot to visibly mark impacts at night; for police and military training, as well as the popular adult war games, based on the present paint ball and air gun equipment.The unique modifications are designed to fit into the present standardized paintball specifications, without adding unusual expense. A double barrier feature assures necessary shelf life and complete separation of the reactive agents; as well as increased ease of loading the two chemical agents during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Henry J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5018449
    Abstract: A paint dispersing training grenade includes a grenade body having dispersing passages extending between a central bore and an external surface of the grenade body, a plug threadedly received in one end of the bore, a piston resiliently urged by a spring toward the plug, a rupturable colorant containing capsule positioned between the piston and the plug, a separable release lever releasably pivotal on the grenade body and engaged with an abutment disk on a shaft extending from the piston, and an inertial delay mechanism engaged between the grenade body and the piston. The delay mechanism includes pivotable delay levers engaged with the piston at one end and having wheels rollably engaging a surface of the grenade body at another end. When the release lever is separated, movement of the piston by the spring is resisted by startup inertia of the wheels in rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Edward W. Eidson, II
  • Patent number: 5009165
    Abstract: A Jacketed paint pellet (10) comprising a jacket (12) having a paint pellet (14) attached thereto. The jacket (12) includes a body (16) having a trailing end (18) and a leading end (20) with a forward facing mounting surface (22). Ribs 28 project radially outward from the body (16) to support the body within the bore of a gun barrel and to guide and stabilize the jacketed paint pellet (10) in flight. Flange members (30) extend laterally from the ribs (28) for additional support and stability. A counterweight portion (36) extends axially in the interior (32) of the body (16) to counterbalance the weight of the paint pellet (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: James K. Morris
  • Patent number: 5009164
    Abstract: A projectile is described, which changes its shape upon impact on a target and thereby reduces the danger of penetration into a living target. The projectile is useful for the identification of individuals in crowds, by filling it with staining material which stains the target upon impact, and may further contain other liquid or gaseous materials, such as tear gas. The projectile of the invention is further useful for different uses, such as for gunfight simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: MNY Holdings and Agencies Limited
    Inventor: Oded Grinberg
  • Patent number: 5001880
    Abstract: The process for producing two compartment easily ruptured paintball type projectiles that are fired from compressed air guns; this invention provides a double chamber projectile capsule that contains two chemical agents which, when mixed together on impact, provide a luminescent spot to visibly mark impacts at night; for police and military training, as well as the popular adult war games, based on the present paint ball and air gun equipment. The unique modifications are designed to fit into the present standardized paintball specifications, without adding unusual expense. A double barrier feature assures necessary shelf life and complete separation of the reactive agents; as well as increased ease of loading the two chemical agents during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Henry J. Smith
  • Patent number: 4969398
    Abstract: A lane marker preferably for delivery by a CATFAE weapon, has a mechanical imed device which is positioned and rides in the rear section of the CATFAE weapon as it is launched to a specified position on the ground. At first contact of the CATFAE with the ground, the lane marker is ejected vertically a short distance away from the ground and then falls onto the ground. On the ground the lane marker attitude is controlled for effective employment. Spring-biased probes deploy the makers which typically comprise two flags and two chemiluminescent lights to mark the impact point of the CATFAE. The two chemiluminescent lights are activated mechanically by cloud detonation overpressure prior to deployment of the spring-biased probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Neal M. Lundwall
  • Patent number: 4944521
    Abstract: A war game marking grenade is set forth including an elongate elliptical housing with a central cylindrical well directed therein coaxially with the major axis of the housing with a piercing mechanism to pierce an enclosed gas cylinder and direct the gas from the cylinder into channels and impel gelatin enclosing fluid marking spheres exteriorly of the grenade for marking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventor: Donald R. Greeno
  • Patent number: 4942818
    Abstract: A bullet primarily composed of a filler powder embedded in a wax-based matrix, the powder comprising metal particles; the bullet being designed to disrupt upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Comte de Lalaing
    Inventor: Michael E. Saxby
  • Patent number: 4932329
    Abstract: A simulated hand grenade has a lightweight frangible outer shell of STYROFOAM (trademark), a small charge within the shell, fuse means for delayed detonation of the charge, and ignition means for activating the fuse means. In the preferred embodiment, there is a dye such as tempera powder within the shell. The fuse means is a lacquered igniter wire, commonly sold to hobbyists as "cannon fusing", which burns to provide a delayed detonation of in the range of two to ten seconds after ignition. The ignition means has a spring-loaded hammer arranged to impact a cap when released, to thereby explode the cap. The cap is positioned immediately adjacent to the end of an igniter wire such that igniter the wire is ignited by the explosion of the cap. The spring-loaded hammer is held against release by an overlying spoon pivotally installed on the top of the simulated grenade and secured against accidental release by a pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Glenn S. Logie
  • Patent number: 4899660
    Abstract: A practice round [10] for use in firearms including a casing [11] holding a projectile [16]. A standard primer cap [20] is detonated to propel the projectile forward. A vent hole [40] in the casing limits the pressure buildup in the casing cavity [17].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Rainier International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Brighton
  • Patent number: 4895076
    Abstract: A sub-caliber trainer round that includes a projectile with weighted means or weighting the projectile to the desired weight and the projectile having a rear piston like portion for sliding in a cylindrical bore and having a front portion as a marking means for marking the impact position of the projectile relative to a target. The projectile is designed to be mounted in a cylindrical bore as a shotgun shell with a primer and powder for launching the projectile in much the same manner as a shotgun shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Lonnie L. Looger, deceased, John W. Byrd
  • Patent number: 4892038
    Abstract: Cartridge ammunition 1 for a grenade pistol includes a casing 10 made, for example, of plastic, the casing having an opening. A projectile 11 disposed in the casing opening and includes a tracer charge and/or delayed-action charge 11b. A primer 13 and a propelling charge 14 the disposed in a cup 12 at the base of casing 10. The cup 12 is composed of two mutually concentric sleeves 12a, and 12b, with the inner sleeve 12b being mounted so as to be slidable in the outer sleeve 12a and extendable in the manner of a telescope. The outer sleeve 12a has a free end section which is provided, with an external thread 100 followed by an annular, predetermined, circumferential break location 12d. The base of projectile 11 includes a sleeve 17 provided with an internal thread which can be screwed onto the outer sleeve 12a of cup 12. A firing channel 12c is provided in the bottom or end wall 12e of the cup-shaped inner sleeve 12b, with such firing channel being oriented toward the tracer and/or delayed-action charge 11b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Jurgen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willi Lubbers
  • Patent number: 4882997
    Abstract: A tubular projectile suitable for use in training ammunition comprises a hollow tube having formed in the rear end of the tubular wall thereof a recess in which is embedded a tracer material.The projectile may be sabot launched.Constructions are described for igniting the tracer material directly or indirectly from the gases produced by burning of the main propellant charge when the projectile is fired from a gun, e.g. the RARDEN Gun of the Applicants.Example of suitable tracter materials and techniques for filling the said recess with them are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Royal Ordnance plc
    Inventors: James E. Baxter, Robert D. Poole
  • Patent number: 4869174
    Abstract: An exercise firing projectile containing a plurality of pyrotechnic fragmentation devices are expelled from the projectile casing above the target area by an ejection charge, and delay tubes of the fragmentation devices are ignited at the same time by this charge through a central igniter tube contained within the projectile. The active charge of the devices consist of a grainy composite with quick reaction time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH, & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Hanser, Peter Rayer, Norbert Wardecki, Peter Hug
  • Patent number: 4867034
    Abstract: A method for the marking of target objects against which guided projectiles or missiles are to be homed, and to an arrangement for the marking of target objects against which guided projectiles or missiles are to be homed. Target objects are marked through the application of radiators, which can be scattered over a target area through the use of carrier projectiles; for example, over an area within which there has been determined a collection of targets. Individual targets can then, without necessitating the technological demands for evaluating a target signature, be easily found by guided projectiles or missiles possessing target seeking devices which are directionally oriented towards the radiation energy of the marker, and homed thereon precisely targeted even when the target objects are already dispersed in a looser formation over a larger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bernhard Trosky, Clemens Wolfschmitt
  • Patent number: 4841866
    Abstract: A tracer shotgun shell includes an improved tracer element and a single, integral wad member, which supports the tracer element within a shot charge. The tracer element is in the form of a spherical ball with a cylindrically-shaped, radially extending tail. A hole is formed through the tail and into the ball, past its center, and an igniter compound is positioned centrally within the ball. A preferred form of the igniter compound includes a mixture, by weight, of 87% barium peroxide, 11% magnesium, and 2% strontium nitrate. The single, integral wad member includes a transverse base section, having a downwardly extending perimetric flange; an upper transverse section; and a stem interconnecting and spacing the two sections. A tracer element mounting platform is formed centrally atop the upper transverse section, and extends into the charge of shot so as to permit shot to laterally encircle the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Delbert W. Miesner
  • Patent number: 4815387
    Abstract: Cartridge ammunition 1 for a grenade pistol includes a casing 10 made, for example, of plastic, the casing having an opening. A projectile 11 is disposed in the casing opening and includes a tracer charge and/or delayed-action charge 11b. A primer 13 and a propelling charge 14 are disposed in a cup 12 at the base of casing 10. The cup 12 is composed of two mutually concentric sleeves 12a and 12b, with the inner sleeve 12b being mounted so as to be slidable in the outer sleeve 12a and extendable in the manner of a telescope. The outer sleeve 12a has a free end section which is provided with an external thread 100 followed by an annular, predetermined, circumferential break location 12d. The base of projectile 11 includes a sleeve 17 provided with an internal thread which can be screwed onto the outer sleeve 12a of cup 12. A firing channel 12c is provided in the bottom or end wall 12e of the cup-shaped inner sleeve 12b, with such firing channel being oriented toward the tracer and/or delayed-action charge 11b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Jurgen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willi Lubbers
  • Patent number: 4802676
    Abstract: A target or clay pigeon may comprise a stopper for hermetically sealing an outlet hole. The stopper may automatically or non-automatically open the outlet hole. In one embodiment, the outlet hole (91) is hermetically sealed by a film (92) with a thread integrated with this stopper, the free extremity of which departs from the film (92) and is connected to a weight (94). With the rotation of the clay pigeon or target, the weight (94) pulls on the wire and tears the stopper, thus freeing the colored material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Cibles Descos S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Rene Descos, Jean-Claude Laporte
  • Patent number: 4762068
    Abstract: Cartridged ammunition 1 for a grenade pistol includes a casing 10 made, for example, of plastic, the casing having an opening. A projectile 11 is disposed in the casing opening and includes a tracer charge and/or delayed-action charge 11b. A primer 13 and a propelling charge 14 are disposed in a cup 12 at the base of casing 10. The cup 12 is composed of two mutually concentric sleeves 12a and 12b, with the inner sleeve 12b being mounted so as to be slidable in the outer sleeve 12a and extendable in the manner of a telescope. The outer sleeve 12a has a free end section which is provided with an external thread 100 followed by an annular, predetermined, circumferential break location 12d. The base of projectile 11 includes a sleeve 17 provided with an internal thread which can be screwed onto the outer sleeve 12a of cup 12. A firing channel 12c is provided in the bottom or endwall 12e of the cup-shaped inner sleeve 12b, with such firing channel being oriented toward the tracer and/or delayed-action charge 11b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Jurgen Diederichs GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Willi Lubbers
  • Patent number: 4732086
    Abstract: A method of securing a tracer cup 26 and fin segments 32, 33 to armor piercing penetrator 21. The penetrator 21 is fabricated of tungsten, or steel, with fin segments 32, 33 and tracer cup 26 being fabricated of steel. The tracer cup 26 contains a pyrotechnic tracer mix 27. The mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 is placed over a second boss 24 projecting rearwardly from a first boss 23 at the aft end of the cylindrical body of penetrator 21. A cylindrical sleeve 30 is press fit over the tracer cup 26 and first boss 23, and pre-fabricated fin segments 32, 33 are positioned on the sleeve 30. The fin segments 32, 33, cylindrical sleeve 30, and mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 are laser welded to each other and to the first boss 23 of penetrator 20 in one step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Schiestl, Paul D. Ruffle
  • Patent number: 4722282
    Abstract: A payload-carrying projectile 1 includes a sensor 16 and a sensor carrier 15 disposed in a launch-resistant manner in a recess 14 in the tail section 11 of the projectile 1. After impact of the projectile, which is stabilized by extendable vanes 12, in the target area, where it may penetrate the ground as necessary, the object is to deploy the sensor from its protected position inside the projectile 1and to place it as high as possible above the surface of the ground. For this purpose, the sensor 16 is connected with a concertina bellows 15 which for its part leads into a reservoir 13a which is disposed in the projectile, and which is filled with polyurethane foam mixed with a propellant gas under high pressure. The connection of the reservoir 13 with the concertina bellows 15 is made via a valve 13c which is regulated by an electronic control element 13a containing, for instance, a timer switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Synofzik, Rolf Hellwig
  • Patent number: H489
    Abstract: A projectile capable of detecting toxic agents in the atmosphere at long ge, particularly halogen containing materials, containing therein a pyrotechnic composition comprising magnesium, calcium resinate and strontium nitrate. The projectile has an orifice therethrough along its longitudinal axis to enable the projectile to sample the atmosphere as it travels therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bruce W. Brodman, Thomas A. Doris, Jr.
  • Patent number: H770
    Abstract: A tracer training bullet which can be assembled into a conventional cartre case and fired in a conventional M2 machine gun is disclosed. The bullet consists of a main body of relatively low strength material which is segmented so that, if not restrained, it will bend under the centrifugal rotational force imparted to the segments by the spinning action of the projectile when fired. The bending of the projectile segments away from their central axis is ordinarily prevented by a retainer in the form of a spider. The spider is made of a relatively low temperature melting material, preferably aluminum, having a given thermal mass. The burn of the tracer material during the flight of the bullet toward a target weakens the retainer to the point of rupture after the bullet has travelled a given distance toward a target position. After the target position is passed, the securement member is destroyed by the high temperature burning action and the segments of the projectile bend or flex apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Roy W. Kline, Sung-Kwong Chung