Composite Patents (Class 102/517)
  • Patent number: 8291828
    Abstract: A sub-caliber bullet with an aerodynamic shape has long-range accuracy due to a high muzzle velocity and reduced time of flight to a target. The bullet has forward and aft portions and a mid-portion. The forward portion has a density in excess of 10/cm3 while the mid-portion has a lower density. The bullet has an aspect ratio of at least 5:1 and a diameter, d, that satisfies a Power Law equation: d=D*(x/L)n where D is a maximum bullet diameter, L is the length, x is a distance rearward from a nose of the bullet and n is a Power Law exponent that is between 0.5 and 0.75. In some embodiments, a blind bore extends into the mid-portion from the aft portion and a sustainer propellant within the bore ignites as the bullet exits a gun muzzle to provide a velocity boost and to overcome aerodynamic drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Z. Glasser
  • 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: 8250985
    Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Hugus, Edward W. Sheridan, George W. Brooks
  • 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: 20120210902
    Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Machina, Michael Raleigh, Kristopher P. Mount, Kenneth W. Mitchell, Michael A. Bohnet
  • Publication number: 20120199034
    Abstract: An aerodynamic projectile is provided having a shell with an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, and which exhibits improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which is suitable for less lethal uses. The projectile shell has a closed front cavity housing a payload, such as a marking agent, therein. The projectile shell also has an open rear portion to provide access to the open rear cavity, and to decrease the weight of the projectile and appropriately locate the center of gravity. The projectile shell also includes a plurality of fins on a sidewall member to enhance the accuracy of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Gary E. Gibson, Michael A. Varacins
  • 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: 20120180691
    Abstract: A kinetic anti-projectile vehicle includes a body, and extendible arms that extend radially from the body. The arms include a foam material, such as a shape memory foam. The foam material may be heated to expand it. The foam arms may be mechanically restrained while being heated. The mechanically restraint may be removed by heating, for example including a fusible link or a shape memory sold material. The foam material arms may include solid material, either in the form of solid material particles, such as high strength particles, or in the form of supports or restraints in the foam material. The extension of the foam arms increases the effective area of the vehicle for impacting a projectile. Impact on the projectile from the body and/or one or more of the arms may be sufficient to destroy, divert, or otherwise disable the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Sar, Terry M. Sanderson, Philip C. Theriault
  • Publication number: 20120152144
    Abstract: A round of ammunition for an assault rifle or the like includes a cartridge and a bullet or projectile. The cartridge includes a rear portion and a forward portion with a reduced diameter while the rear portion is dimensioned to fit into the breach of a rifle and defines a hollow chamber or interior volume for a mass of gun powder and primer. The forward portion of the cartridge joins a bullet. The bullet includes a bullet shaped rounded lead tip and an aerodynamically shaped forward portion including a tapered shell and a solid cylindrically shaped lead middle portion. The forward portion also includes an axial steel rod between the tip and the middle portion. The bullet also includes a rear portion including a tapered shell surrounding a second hollow chamber with a small opening in the distal part of the bullet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Salem A.S. AlSalem
  • Publication number: 20120152145
    Abstract: A multi-component projectile is disclosed. The multi-component projectile is designed for use with a rifled barrel and is configured to, upon exiting the rifled barrel, utilize the spinning forces imparted on the projectile while in the barrel to expand until the multi-component projectile achieves a predetermined pattern that is larger than an area of the barrel from which the projectile was fired. Methods of manufacturing the multi-component projectile are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Todd KUCHMAN
  • Patent number: 8181576
    Abstract: A projectile for safe standoff destruction of explosive devices. The projectile's casing encloses a chamber containing combustible material located opposite a roughened surface on the chamber. The combustible material is mounted so upon the projectile impacting the explosive device, the combustible material flies onto the roughened surface, heating the material by shear forces and igniting the material. This creates pressure bursting the chamber, injecting combustion gases into the explosive fill within the device, thereby igniting the fill locally at the impact, and along cracks in the fill. This arrangement prevents a coherent detonation wavefront from forming within the fill, and a slower burn of the fill, whereby a rifleman has little chance of receiving a concussive shock, or shrapnel, from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian T. Amato, Steven Kim, Gerald Laib, Carl Gotzmer
  • Publication number: 20120090492
    Abstract: An improved projectile having a penetrator and a body is disclosed. The penetrator is secured to the body. Upon impacting a target, the penetrator travels into the body and deforms the body. The body optionally has one or more portions, such as slots in the body, to promote deformation of the body upon the penetrator impacting the target. The body optionally has a bore extending at least partially therethrough that permits attachment of the penetrator at a second end of the body opposite the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Rebar
  • Publication number: 20120085258
    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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: David E. Emary
  • Patent number: 8141494
    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 second core (4) is made of a powder (5) consisting of metal or ceramic ingredients, said powder being pressed to become free of shrink holes, in order to improve decomposition behavior control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: RUAG Ammotec GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Riess, Erich Muskat
  • Patent number: 8141493
    Abstract: A multi-component projectile is disclosed. The multi-component projectile is designed for use with a rifled barrel and is configured to, upon exiting the rifled barrel, utilize the spinning forces imparted on the projectile while in the barrel to expand until the multi-component projectile achieves a predetermined pattern that is larger than an area of the barrel from which the projectile was fired. Methods of manufacturing the multi-component projectile are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Todd Kuchman
  • Patent number: 8137598
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: KEE Action Sports Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Aldo Perrone
  • Patent number: 8122833
    Abstract: A munition, such as a projectile formed of at least one reactive material, is provided. In one embodiment, the projectile includes a body portion formed of at least one reactive material composition wherein the at least one reactive material composition defines at least a portion of an exterior surface of the projectile. In other words, a portion of the reactive material may be left “unbuffered” or exposed to the barrel of a gun or weapon from which it is launched and similarly exposed to a target with which the projectile subsequently impacts. In one embodiment, the projectile may be formed with a jacket surrounding a portion of the reactive material to provide additional structural integrity. The projectile may be formed by casting or pressing the reactive material into a desired shape. In another embodiment of the invention, the reactive material may be extruded into a near-net shape and then machined into the desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard M. Truitt, Benjamin N. Ashcroft
  • Patent number: 8119956
    Abstract: A multi-stage hyper-velocity kinetic energy missile (HVKEM) uses a ‘missile in a missile’ architecture in which the HVKEM includes a 1st stage flight missile and a 2nd stage kill missile that includes a KE-rod penetrator. The flight missile cruises at a relatively low velocity (less than Mach 1.5, typically less than Mach 1) to conserve propellant (weight) and to allow for effective guidance and maneuvering until the missile is in close proximity to the target. When the missile is within the lethal range of the KE-rod penetrator, the kill missile separates and boosts to a much higher velocity (greater than Mach 3, typically greater than Mach 5) and flies unguided to impact the target in less than a second. Waiting to boost the KE-rod until “the last second” reduces the total propellant (weight) needed to deliver the KE-rod on target and simplifies the guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard Janik, Doron Strassman
  • Patent number: 8117967
    Abstract: A projectile (10), where necessary covered with a jacket, possesses a front-side core (1) and a rear-side core (2). The rear-side core (2) here bears positively in a centered manner against the front-side core (1) and this rear-side core (2) fills the entire cylindrical and the frustoconically configured rear region (2) of the projectile (10). A contact zone (11, 12 is respectively configured on the two cores (1, 2), which contact zone allows the projectile (10) to be joined together in a press fit, a perfectly aligned external form (3) of the projectile (10) being obtained and the contact faces (15; 13; 11 to 12) of the cores (1, 2) directly touching one another substantially without a clearance or gap over the whole of the contact face (15; 13; 11 to 12). When the projectile (10) impacts upon a surface oriented in any chosen manner relative to the firing direction (20), the projectile (10) is split into two less dangerous projectile parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Saltech AG
    Inventor: Manuel F. Salvel
  • Patent number: 8109213
    Abstract: A single multipurpose ammunition projectile/warhead is provided, which has the capability of clearing a variety of different types of hardened targets. The single projectile of this invention may be used for breaching steel reinforced concrete walls; may be used against light armor targets; may be used for defeating bunkers; and may also be used for antipersonnel applications. Huge savings in time, money, inventory and logistics are realized through utilizing only this one multipurpose ammunition against all these types of targets. This multipurpose projectile, among other superb capabilities, is able to puncture an eight inch double steel reinforced concrete wall timed to then have its warhead explode into fragments. This allows fragmentation in a more effective, nearly ideal direction. The projectile warhead of made of extremely thick walled 300M steel; with the projectile center of gravity to be located equidistant between a pair of bourrelets, for increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Poulos, David Pfau, Eric Scheper, Stewart Gilman, Vladimir M. Gold, Ernest Baker
  • Publication number: 20120024185
    Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to a projectile that includes a frame and a first gimbal that is rotatably supported by the frame. The projectile further includes a second gimbal that is rotatably supported by the first gimbal. A sensor is supported by the second gimbal such that an adjustment mechanism is able to maneuver the first and second gimbals to adjust the position of the sensor. The projectile further includes a stop that is attached to the frame. The stop may be a cup that surrounds a bottom portion of the sensor. The cup provides a barrier to prevent the adjustment mechanism from maneuvering the sensor outside a designated area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Erik T. Dale, Ryan A. Egbert
  • Publication number: 20120017795
    Abstract: A method of modifying a projectile includes removing material from an aft end of the projectile, and coupling a device to the aft end. The method may be used to convert a spin-stabilized projectile into a fin stabilized projectile, by modifying the aft end of a spin-stabilized projectile to accept a fin kit. The modifying may involve removing material with lathe, and may include forming external threads on the aft end that may engage corresponding internal threads on the device, to effect the coupling of the device to the aft end. The modification method allows versatility in employing projectiles, including existing stocks of projectiles. In particular the method allows spin-stabilized projectiles to be converted to more accurate fin-stabilized projectiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Dryer, Chris E. Geswender
  • Patent number: 8096243
    Abstract: A sub-caliber bullet with an aerodynamic shape has long-range accuracy due to a high muzzle velocity and reduced time of flight to a target. The bullet has a forward portion, a mid-portion and an aft portion. The forward portion has a density in excess of 10/cm3 while the mid-portion has a lower density. The bullet has an aspect ratio of at least 5:1 and a diameter, d, that satisfies a Power Law equation: d=D*(x/L)n where D is a maximum bullet diameter, L is the length, x is a distance rearward from a nose of the bullet and n is a Power Law exponent that is between 0.5 and 0.75. In some embodiments, a blind bore extends into the mid-portion from the aft portion and a sustainer propellant within the blind bore ignites as the bullet exits a gun muzzle to provide a velocity boost and to overcome aerodynamic drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Z. Glasser
  • Patent number: 8082850
    Abstract: A projectile includes a leading part formed by a tip and a tip base that form a first annular shoulder where they meet. A trailing part of the projectile is formed by a base having a frusto-conical trailing end and a cylindrical leading end of truncate extent that forms a tail drive. A second annular shoulder is formed where a cylindrical rod meets the tail drive. A flat trailing end of the tip base and a flat leading end of the cylindrical rod abut one another when the projectile is assembled. A cylindrical interface has a leading extent abutting the first annular shoulder and a trailing end abutting the second annular shoulder. The tail drive and the trailing extent of the cylindrical interface are the only parts of the projectile that engage gun barrel rifling when the projectile is positioned in a gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Ammunition, Inc.
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Publication number: 20110271864
    Abstract: A base cone for a projectile including: a cone member being movable between a retracted position and an extended deployed position, the deployed position being longer in an axial direction than the refracted position; a member adapted to connect the cone member to a trailing portion of the projectile; and a release mechanism for releasing the cone member from the refracted position to the extended deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Richard T. Murray
  • Publication number: 20110252997
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a “two-part bullet” consisting of a projectile body and penetrator. In an embodiment the penetrator is composed of steel, hardened steel or tungsten carbide. The bullet projectile body is homogenously composed of copper, gilding metal alloy (copper and zinc), brass, bronze, or similar material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jeff Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110252995
    Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled deceleration projectile, in particular, a projectile having a nose-mounted fuze thereon, which initiates an ignition/expulsion charge via an ignition shaft in the interior portion of the projectile body at a preset distance from target impact, resulting in inflation of the projectile body with propellant gases to a level sufficient to either expand same, rupturing of a rupture ring, or sliding of the hollow projectile body rearwards relative to the ignition shaft, so as to create an annular opening between the projectile body side wall and projectile body forward end. The payload, which is preferably non-lethal, is then ejected from this annular opening, the resulting forward velocity of the expelled payload and propellant gases producing a rearward thrust on the projectile, and a concomitant deceleration thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Frank J. Dindl, Kenneth R. Jones, Christofer J. Strianse
  • Patent number: 8028626
    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: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ervin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Hash, Trent Pearson
  • Patent number: 7992500
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an apparatus and method for delivering a wide array of selected agents to a target from stand-off distances. The apparatus includes a self-destruct frangible projectile made of primary, binding, and active components. The primary component generally has a specific gravity greater than lead, and the binding component generally has a specific gravity less than lead. The active component may be a metal for penetrating the target, a dye for optically marking the target, or another specially selected agent for delivery to the target, depending on the particular embodiment. The frangible projectile self-destructs upon contact with the target, in proximity to the target, or after passing the target, depending on the particular embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Newtec Services Group
    Inventor: Keith T. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110155016
    Abstract: A projectile includes a leading part formed by a tip and a tip base that form a first annular shoulder where they meet. A trailing part of the projectile is formed by a base having a frusto-conical trailing end and a cylindrical leading end of truncate extent that forms a tail drive. A second annular shoulder is formed where a cylindrical rod meets the tail drive. A flat trailing end of the tip base and a flat leading end of the cylindrical rod abut one another when the projectile is assembled. A cylindrical interface has a leading extent abutting the first annular shoulder and a trailing end abutting the second annular shoulder. The tail drive and the trailing extent of the cylindrical interface are the only parts of the projectile that engage gun barrel rifling when the projectile is positioned in a gun barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: LIBERTY AMMUNITION, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Publication number: 20110155014
    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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: LIBERTY AMMUNITION, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Patent number: 7966937
    Abstract: A projectile is provided comprising a body with a channel that contains a non-Newtonian fluid. In various embodiments a plunger is located in the channel, wherein the plunger transmits a force to the non-Newtonian fluid upon interacting with a target, causing the non-Newtonian fluid to exert a pressure in the channel, and wherein the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid changes upon interacting with the target. By way of non-limiting example, the non-Newtonian fluid of embodiments of the present invention can comprise a shear-thickening fluid that increases its viscosity with at least the rate of shear upon interacting with the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Stewart Jackson
  • Patent number: 7950330
    Abstract: A projectile includes a compacted and sintered mixture of a plurality of tungsten particles that are from about 8 microns to about 30 microns in size; a plurality of iron particles that are from about 40 microns to about 200 microns in size; and a material additive. At least a portion of the plurality of iron particles are bonded together. There are no intermetallic compounds or alloys of the tungsten particles and the iron particles formed due, in part, to the size of the tungsten particles and the size of the iron particles utilized. The final density of the projectile is from about 8.0 grams per cubic centimeter to about 12.2 grams per cubic centimeter and the final hardness of the projectile is from about 10 HB to about 50 HB. The ratio of the mixture of tungsten particles to iron particles is, by weight, from about 30:70 to about 65:35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Continuous Metal Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy G. Smith
  • Patent number: 7947937
    Abstract: A laser guided projectile device and method for shooting the device through a percussion actuated non-electric disrupter or dearmer to disable or destroy improvised explosive devices, bombs, or other ordnance. The device can include a cartridge case, a laser housing, a laser module, and a projectile head. An aperture in the projectile head permits a laser beam to be emitted through the head and projected onto a target to facilitate increased shooting accuracy of the disrupter or dearmer. The device can include O-rings positioned around the laser housing and projectile head that assist in aligning the device within the disrupter or dearmer and that also provide a seal for gases that are emitted during detonation, thereby assisting in the propulsion of the device during firing. The projectile head can be interchangeable and can be rounded or cone-shaped or can comprise a shot cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: F. Richard Langner
  • Publication number: 20110107937
    Abstract: A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: David Thompson, Alexander Krstic
  • Patent number: 7934455
    Abstract: A sub-caliber projectile is described for insertion into a projectile receptacle (8) having a projectile head (1) and a tail unit (2) forming guide vanes (4), which engages in a cavity of the projectile head (1). To provide advantageous construction conditions, it is suggested that the guide vanes (4) of the tail unit (2) extend up into the hollow projectile head (1) and the projectile head (1) be folded clamped into the groin area between the guide vanes (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Udo Winter
  • Patent number: 7913626
    Abstract: A kinetic energy absorbing apparatus includes a body having a generally ogival exterior surface; and at least one kinetic energy absorbing structure (KEAS) extending generally rearwardly from substantially an interior surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Lyonel Reinhardt, Pasquale Carlucci, Nicholas Payne
  • Patent number: 7905182
    Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for providing a multi-mode munition generally includes a modular projectile assembly having an aft module suitably configured for mechanical and electrical engagement with a forward module. The aft module generally provides a common assembly for engagement with a variety of forward modules as well as engagement with cartridge casings of various calibers. Disclosed features and specifications may be suitably controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve optimization of artillery projectiles for a specific role. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide munition cartridges that may be augmented in the field with the utilization of specialized forward modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard Janik, Richard Dryer
  • Patent number: 7900561
    Abstract: A projectile includes a leading part formed by a tip, a tip base, and a leading rod. A trailing part includes a main base, a truncate base, and a trailing rod. A leading end of a cylindrical interface abuts an annular shoulder where the tip meets the tip base and a trailing end abuts an annular shoulder where the main base meets the truncate base. The tip base and the truncate base respectively support the leading and trailing ends of the cylindrical interface. A medial extent of the cylindrical interface is unsupported by the leading and trailing rods and is deformed radially inwardly by lands in a barrel when the projectile is fired. The leading and trailing ends of the cylindrical interface maintain contact with the lands and the medial extent does not, reducing friction between the projectile and the barrel without sacrificing spin of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Ammunition, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Publication number: 20110048272
    Abstract: A muzzle loading bullet gas check has external recess and ridge system, and/or an internal locking ridge system. The preferred gas check has an opening or recess on its front end for receiving and frictionally engaging a rearwardly extending post of the bullet, the opening also preferably including an internal radial ridge for gripping the post and/or locking with an indent on the post. The barrel-interacting part of the gas check has one or more external recesses and adjacent radial ridges/edges protruding relative to the recesses, which serves to reduce the total surface area of the gas check contacting the bore. The recesses do not touch the bore of the firearm, resulting in less friction and easier loading, while the outer ends/surfaces of the ridges/edges do touch the bore to retain the bullet in the bore during handling and hunting and to effectively capture gasses after the firing explosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel W. Hall, HAROLD CROWSON
  • Patent number: 7891299
    Abstract: A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W. Robinson, Jack D. Dippold
  • Patent number: 7886668
    Abstract: A munition includes a structural component formed from a composite material comprising a energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also provided that includes forming a energetic material, combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture, and shaping the mixture to form a composite structural munition component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Hugus, Edward W. Sheridan
  • Publication number: 20110023746
    Abstract: Projectile assembly apparatus comprising a projectile and a projectile head-protecting element surrounding at least a portion of the projectile and operative to separate from the projectile only as the projectile is launched, the projectile head-protecting element including a separation prevention device operative to prevent said projectile head-protecting element from separating from said projectile until a launch-indicative event has occurred
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Abraham HAYAT
  • Publication number: 20110023745
    Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator includes an elongated main body, a conical tip joined to the main body at the front end thereof, and fins located at the tail end of the main body. The tip is made of a hardmetal material which comprises hard particles including a first material and a binder matrix including a second, different material. A volume of the second material is from 3% to 40% of total volume of the hardmetal material. The hard particles include carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, or borides, or combinations thereof. The binder matrix includes Re, a Ni-base superalloy, Ni, Co, W, Ta, or Mo, or combinations thereof. The main body is made of a high density metal or alloy (Density>16.0 g/cc), such as pure W, W—Re alloy, W—Mo alloy, W—Mo—Re alloy, W—Ni alloy, W—Co alloy, W—Ni—Fe alloy, W—Ni—Co—Fe alloy, depleted U.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Shaiw-Rong Scott Liu
  • Patent number: 7874253
    Abstract: A projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm includes a body having a nose portion and a tail portion separable from one another when the projectile strikes a target. The body further includes an interface disposed intermediate opposite ends of the body of the projectile structured to removably interconnect the nose and tail portions. Separation of the nose and tail portions such as when striking a soft tissue is caused by the tumbling of the projectile and the cooperative structuring of the interface to facilitate separation of the nose and tail portions. The interface is disposed, dimensioned and structured to define the primary area of contact of the projectile body with the rifling or interior surface of the barrel of the firearm. Another embodiment includes one of the nose or tail portions structured to contain a supplemental payload that is carried to the target upon discharge of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Ammunition, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Publication number: 20100307367
    Abstract: A non-propulsive projectile and method of maneuvering the non-propulsive projectile. The non-propulsive projectile includes a divert system with a multiple of valves to maneuver the projectile in response to a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Alan B. Minick, Stephen Alan Hobart, Frederick Widman, Timothy S. Kokan, Frederic H. Massey
  • Patent number: 7845281
    Abstract: A gun firing method whereby multiple projectiles segments that are contained within a cartridge are fired simultaneously in a symmetrical pattern. Some of the multiple projectile segments are modified by moving the center of mass of the projectile segments away from the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge. This in combination with bring fired from a rifled gun barrel will impart velocity to the modified projectile segments upon exiting the gun barrel at right angles to the gun barrel. This velocity along with the higher muzzle velocity will cause the modified projectile segments to diverge away from the trajectory of a standard projectile segment and strike the target away from the bullseye. The magnitude of the divergence will vary with the distance the projectile segment's center of mass is away from the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Frank Sexton
  • Publication number: 20100300320
    Abstract: An invention in which a projectile device is deployed from a compressed air firing system that, upon impact of the projectile device into a target, the projectile device embeds itself in the intended target's outer surface or material. In one application, a GPS receiver and transmitter provided within the projectile device relays position data to a receiving apparatus that is monitored by a stationary or mobile conveyance. In another application, the projectile device, may include remotely operable explosives which are preferably triggered once the target is an area where the explosives can be detonated with minimal collateral damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Thomas McGarraugh, Barron Christopher Miller
  • Publication number: 20100282118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-pyrotechnic, self-illuminating projectile useful for marking, target illumination, or targeting adjustment which produces chemiluminescent light upon impact with an object. Because the production of light is delayed until impact, the projectile is not visualized until impact and the intensity of light upon impact is greater than light produced by projectiles that provide intermixing of light generating chemicals during flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jacques Ladyjensky, Joseph Cosimo Longo, Earl Cranor
  • Patent number: H2262
    Abstract: A penetrator instrument disposable in a projectile is provided for penetrating a target. The instrument includes a substantially cylindrical shell and a tip element. The shell includes a cavity at a fore end. The surface has an interior annular surface. The tip element is disposable into the cavity. The element has an exterior annular surface. The shell radially compresses the tip element along respective the interior and exterior annular surfaces that adjoin each other. The shell can optionally include an aft bore for mass balancing or containment of auxiliary materials. The element can be a ceramic or composed of reactive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Nicholas V. Nechitailo