Rifling Or Driving Means (e.g., Band) Patents (Class 102/524)
  • Patent number: 11359897
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bullet. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bullet including concentric and sequentially ordered cylindrical fore, intermediate and aft portions. The aft portion comprises a cross-sectional diameter about equal to the diameter measured across the rifle landings of the riffled barrel operatively to create a gas pressure build up there-behind while the rifling grooves and lands deform and/or cut the aft portion thereby to impart spin to the bullet about the central axial axis thereof. The intermediate portion comprises a cross-sectional diameter smaller than that of the aft portion, which acts as a bearing surface for operatively riding along the rifling lands thereby to inhibit yawing of the bullet while operatively travelling through the rifled barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Fernando Ferreira Mendes
  • Patent number: 11035654
    Abstract: This invention relates to a combination of a gun having a rifled barrel and a round of enhanced performance ammunition, and to a projectile for use in the combination. The invention is especially, but not exclusively related to an improved form of projectile for small arms ammunition. There is provided a projectile with a nominal calibre, for use in a rifled barrel, the projectile comprising: a monolithic body, said monolithic body comprising a. an ogival portion forming the front of the monolithic body; said ogival portion at a point of intersection abuts with b. an elongate cylindrical core, said elongate cylindrical core comprising at least three bands located circumferentially thereon, said bands protruding radially outward therefrom; and said elongate cylindrical core abuts c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Neil McLaren, Simon France Parker
  • Patent number: 10989507
    Abstract: A bullet with grooves to create more surface area to reduce drag, thus keeping a flatter trajectory that reduces the effects of wind, temperature, elevation and angle. Groves would be manufactured into the bullet and bullet jacket twist would need to match the barrel twist. For example, 1 in 8 twist, 1 in 8½ twist, 1 in 9 twist, 1 in 10 twist, 1 in 11 twist etc. Groves would be over the ogive of the bullet prior to where the bullet contacts the barrel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Mark Thompson
  • Patent number: 10041773
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to manufacturing an insert-molded expanding projectile. Aspects of the disclosure include locating a portion of a projectile body within a converging tip mold, the projectile body including a metal jacket extending from a tail portion to a nose portion and surrounding an interior solid core. The metal jacket and nose portion may be tapered in a forward direction to an annular forward edge defining an opening to an undercut interior cavity. Melted polymer may be injected into the converging tip mold and allowed to cool thereby forming a polymer tip having a main portion forward of the opening and a tip retention portion filling the undercut interior cavity and having a shape corresponding to the undercut interior cavity to retain the polymer tip in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventor: Bryan P. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9746295
    Abstract: An extended range, enhanced lethality 40 mm ammunition round. The round features controlled guidance and camera front end, which can be fired as fin stabilized with no appreciable spin, from an M320 grenade launcher. The round has a launching sleeve with an oversized propellant cup, to essentially double or triple conventional range, with sharp accuracy provided by the guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon Manole, Wilfredo Toledo, Arthur Ricardo Pizza, Ronny Alzamora, Gary Anthony Pacella
  • Patent number: 9228814
    Abstract: A projectile such as a paintball including a ball-shaped capsule and a round-shaped disc capable of facilitating accuracy of projectile travel direction is disclosed. The ball-shaped or substantial ball-shaped capsule, in one embodiment, having a head and a tail is able to store and deliver colored markers upon an impact between the projectile and an object. The round-shaped disc is positioned at a place so that allowing a portion of the round-shaped disc to extend above outer surface of the capsule. The disc is able to catch at least airflow when the projectile is launched. The round-shaped disc, in one example, uses the direction of the airflow to facilitate travel direction of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Real Achon Paintball, Inc. (RAP4)
    Inventors: Omar Alonso Macy, Loc T. Pham
  • Patent number: 9021961
    Abstract: A cartridge launched in an M203/M320 gun launcher device, which cartridge has fins of 1-5 inches in length to insure flight stability without spinning the cartridge. The non spin makes the cartridge capable of having a guidance navigation and control, canard actuating system added between the body and nose. The guidance navigation and control, canard actuating system features now make the cartridge suitable for successfully attacking stationary and moving targets not heretofore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon Manole, Arthur Ricardo Pizza, Ernest Lee Logsdon, Gary Anthony Pacella, Anthony J. Sebasto, Wilfredo Toledo, John Shelp
  • Patent number: 8950335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile (6) provided with a slipping rotating band (1) which is designed for firing from a weapon system with a rifled barrel. The rotating band (1) comprises an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) that seals against the barrel. The outer ring is fitted on the outer surface of the inner ring and the inner ring is slippably fitted on the projectile. The rotating band (1) is configured to remain fitted on the projectile (6) from launcher to target by virtue of the fact that the inner ring (2) is made of fibre-reinforced polymer composite or particle-reinforced polymer composite, or fibre-reinforced metal matrix composite or particle-reinforced metal matrix composite. The invention also relates to a slipping rotating band (1) and to a method for producing a slipping rotating band (1) in which the outer ring (3) is affixed to the inner ring (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Sven Strömberg, Lars-Åke Carlqvist, Johan Lidgren, Andreas Nilsson, Lars-Peter Svanberg
  • Patent number: 8893621
    Abstract: A projectile comprised of an ogive section, a bearing surface section and a boattail section. A cavity is formed inside the projectile from an aperture on the aft end of the boattail section and forward to about the transition point (shoulder) between the ogive section and bearing surface section. The cavity is centered about the centerline of the projectile and open on the aft end of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Rolando Escobar
  • Publication number: 20140326158
    Abstract: A bullet has a cylindrical body portion and a conical tip monolithically formed with the body portion. The bullet is hollowed out to form an internal cavity. A sidewall defines the structure of the body portion and the conical tip. Bullet structure provides for a bore size, low weight, high velocity, and low recoil projectile having a full-bore size that does not have to expand to a larger diameter during firing in order to transfer its energy to a larger wound channel. In one embodiment, a plurality of recesses is provided on the body portion and extends through the sidewall. The recesses are disposed circumferentially in the radial direction and are offset longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the bullet. The internal cavity includes a plurality of trusses extending in a radial direction. Instead of or in addition to, the trusses, the wall of the internal cavity may include one or more ridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Randy R. FRITZ
  • Publication number: 20140318402
    Abstract: A lightweight projectile having an integrated driving band positioned around the exterior of the polymer base of the projectile for engaging the rifling of a barrel to impart spin stabilization to the projectile. The driving band protrudes from the polymer base to minimize the contact between the polymer base and the rifling to reduce friction between the barrel and the projectile as the projectile is fired. The reduced friction allows the lightweight projectile to be propelled with minimal propellant force while still retaining the ballistic advantages of a spin stabilized projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Erik K. Carlson, Joshua L. Edel, Lawrence P. Head
  • Patent number: 8844444
    Abstract: A reusable test projectile may be used for spinning and non-spinning shots in a soft catch system. The projectile may include a body having an integrally formed base and a removable nose. The body may define a generally cylindrical open area between the nose and the base. A generally circular cargo retaining ring may be disposed in the open area, normal to a longitudinal axis of the projectile. A cargo area is defined between the cargo retaining ring and the base. The solid bulkhead includes a front surface that forms a rear end of the cargo area and a rear concave surface. A driving band seat can be added on the exterior surface of the body at the bulkhead, for each repeated launch of the projectile, as may be desired. A slipped obturator seat may be formed on the exterior surface of the base rearward of the driving band seat, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ryan Hooke, Tyler Myers
  • Patent number: 8695507
    Abstract: A lightweight composite sabot useful in large, medium and small caliber rifled gun systems, wherein each of the sabot segments are reinforced with thin aluminum, or other, metal wedges to increase the torsional strength of the sabot body to survive the torsional forces created when fired from a rifled gun tube. And, which composite sabot also has a metal bulkhead about the periphery thereof, to reduce the spin and resulting hoop stresses, and to help protect the composite material during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Saif Musali, Munasir Harhara, Nicholas Payne, Roger Joinson, Velan Mudaliar, Daniel Prillaman, Shri Singh
  • Patent number: 8640589
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard Dryer, Chris E. Geswender
  • Patent number: 8573129
    Abstract: A self sealing projectile having an adjustable sealing band about the projectile. The adjustable sealing band having the ability to deform and provide a seal between inside surfaces of the firearm and the projectile. The projectile includes a front receiving groove between the adjustable sealing band and the front end of the projectile, where the front receiving groove is in proximity to the adjustable sealing band to receive a portion of the adjustable sealing band during deformation of the adjustable sealing band. The projectile includes a rear receiving groove between the adjustable sealing band and the rear end of the projectile, where the rear receiving groove is in proximity to the adjustable sealing band to receive a portion of the adjustable sealing band during deformation of the adjustable sealing band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel J. Smitchko
  • Publication number: 20130206030
    Abstract: A bearing system for a spin-stabilized projectile including bearing configurations that permit selective relative rotation between a spindle and a body portion and which facilitate automatic centering of the spindle. Each bearing configuration includes a conical bearing surface rotatable with respect to a corresponding conical body surface. One bearing configuration is in a forward portion of the body portion and selectively engages a first body surface upon the projectile experiencing set-back forces to direct forces away from bearing elements, and another bearing configuration is in a rearward portion of the body portion and engages a second body surface upon the projectile experiencing set-forward forces to direct forces away from the bearing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Edwy Buttolph, John Christiana
  • Publication number: 20130167747
    Abstract: A round of ammunition for use in a 5.56 NATO-specification chamber comprises a cartridge casing and a bullet having a casing engaging segment, a sealing band and a groove. The sealing band encircles the casing engaging segment. The casing engagement segment of the bullet is engaged within a bullet receiving opening of the cartridge casing with a rear surface of the sealing band abutting a front edge of the cartridge casing. The groove encircles the casing engagement segment. A rear portion of the sealing band intersects a front portion of the groove. A front face of the sealing band is substantially flat. An angle of the front face of the sealing band is approximately the same as an angle of a neck-to-throat transition portion of the 5.56 NATO-specification chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ENGEL BALLISTIC RESEARCH INC.
    Inventor: ENGEL BALLISTIC RESEARCH INC.
  • Patent number: 8474380
    Abstract: A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Patent number: 8415598
    Abstract: A stabilizing fin deployment apparatus may include a base assembly for attachment to the rear end of a projectile. The base assembly may include a base, a spacer, a fin mount, a gas cavity and an opening that extends from the rear end of the base to the gas cavity. A retention nut may engage the base and secure the fin mount and spacer to the base. A retention plug may be disposed in the opening in the base assembly. The retention plug may include at least one gas conduit between an outer surface of the retention plug and the gas cavity. A retention bolt may extend through the retention plug and may be fixed to the base. A plurality of fins hubs may be rotatably fixed to the base. A plurality of fins may be translatably connected to the fin hubs. When deployed, the fin hubs may rotate forward and the fins may translate outward far into the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert Terhune, Michael Hollis
  • Publication number: 20130055917
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate these payload delivery systems. In one aspect, the payload delivery system can comprise a payload cup and a pleated cup nested within the payload cup and having a pleated side wall. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Publication number: 20130055916
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate the payload delivery systems. The payload delivery system can comprise a stabilizer having a longitudinally cut side wall defining a series of vanes that are folded forward in the pre-launched configuration. Other aspects combine a payload cup nested within the forward folding stabilizer. Still other aspects integrate the payload portion and the stabilizer portion into a single piece that constitutes a stabilized payload cup. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Patent number: 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
  • 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: 20110290142
    Abstract: A bullet comprises a casing engaging segment, a rifling leade mating segment, and a tip segment. The rifling leade mating segment has a frusto-conical shape tapering from a first diameter at a first end portion thereof to a second diameter at a second end portion thereof. The rifling leade mating segment extends from a first end portion of the casing engaging segment. The tip segment extends from the second end portion of the rifling leade mating segment. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Chris Luchini, John Whitworth Engel
  • Publication number: 20110214582
    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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Alan Z. Glasser
  • Patent number: 7975616
    Abstract: A projectile for cap and ball revolvers and black powder rifles including but not limited to muzzleloaders, black powder cartridges etc. A soft lead body, cylindrical in form and having a front band designed to hold the projectile firmly in place prior to firing. During it's travel in the rifled bore, it then imparts spin to the projectile improving accuracy, range, and making the projectile stable during impact with intended target. Outside diameter of band is not drastic enough to negatively affect trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Wayne Hill
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7921780
    Abstract: A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7748325
    Abstract: A projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm comprising a body including 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 and structured to removably interconnect the nose and tail portions. Separation of the nose and tail portions such as when striking a soft tissue or like material target is caused by the tumbling of the projectile and the cooperative structuring of the interface to facilitate separation of the nose and tail portions. Further, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Liberty Ammunition, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Patent number: 7681504
    Abstract: Hard material can be displaced by firing a frangible projectile from a firing device. The projectile has a rear portion that engages the bore of the barrel of the firing device and a front portion that is rotatably journaled to the rear portion. The front portion can be frangible to allow maximum displacement of the hard material. Specifically, the front portion has a core and a plurality of fins extending from the core. At impact, as the fins penetrate the target, the fins separate from the core and spread radially outwardly from the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Machina, Kenneth W. Mitchell, Floyd P. Swiggett, Michael D. Burke
  • Patent number: 7665402
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing ammunition 10 for firing from the barrel of a weapon comprises forming a mould 32 having an interior surface, placing a core 42 in the mould 32 to produce a casting void 43 and pouring a liquefied solidifiable material into the casting void 43. Upon solidification of the material, the core 42 is removed to produce a projectile body 12 having a closed end and an opposite end. The removal of the core 42 also creates the cavity 18 in the projectile body 12 that opens onto the opposite end. The projectile body 12 is removed from the mould 32 and a quantity of propellant 22 is deposited into the cavity 18 through the opposite end. A seal 26 which incorporates a primer is pressed into the opposite end. Circumferential flanges 30a and 30b are integrally moulded with the projectile body 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Publication number: 20090308275
    Abstract: A projectile for fire arms formed in such a way that it includes a front portion of essentially convex axial cross-section that via a transition transforms into a rear portion of essentially cylindrical radial cross-section, which rear portion acts as a power belt for the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ake Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20090145323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in firing artillery projectiles, such as various types of shells (1, 26), from rifled barrels (5a, 5b) for preventing the degree of wear of the barrel from which the projectiles are fired from having a negative effect on the muzzle velocity of the projectiles. The invention also encompasses a number of artillery projectiles or shells (1, 26) designed according to said method, and a method of manufacturing these. The invention encompasses a number of different variants for solving the stated problem, the basic principle of all of these variants being to adjust the band positions of the shells to the degree of barrel wear, so that a perfect propellant gas obturation is at all times obtained between the band (9, 11-14, 19-21, 23 and 33) and the origin of the rifling in the barrel, regardless of the degree of barrel wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventors: Lennart Gustavsson, Ulf Heiche, Torsten Ronn
  • Patent number: 7503262
    Abstract: Sealing band for a projectile, the band being characterized in that it comprises a front sub-band containing at least two sectors, the sub-band having at least a conical profile in a tight fit with the matching profile of a groove of the projectile, the cone tip being placed towards a rear section of the projectile, with the sub-band attached to the projectile by a cylindrical skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Nicolas Eches, Jean-Paul Fauchon
  • Patent number: 7448325
    Abstract: A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Publication number: 20080134928
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm projectile is disclosed that is composed of a multi diameter, hollow base solid copper bullet, the rear cavity filled with a material of low-density, and a gas pressure seal that separates the bullet from the powder charge. The majority of the bullet shank has a diameter less than the bore diameter of the firearm barrel to allow for ease of loading and alignment of the barrel and bullet axis; a narrow ring of material larger than the barrel bore diameter but less than the groove diameter is located at the junction of the bullet shank and nose profile that centers the bullet in the barrel and positively positions the bullet over the powder charge regardless of orientation of the firearm. The low-density material filling the rear cavity of the bullet acts as an expansion medium when impacted by the rear gas seal during the firing process causing the hollow shank of the bullet to expand and lock into the barrel rifling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Shiery
  • Patent number: 7380505
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm projectile is disclosed that is composed of a multi diameter, hollow base solid copper bullet, the rear cavity filled with a material of low-density, and a gas pressure seal that separates the bullet from the powder charge. The majority of the bullet shank has a diameter less than the bore diameter of the firearm barrel to allow for ease of loading and alignment of the barrel and bullet axis; a narrow ring of material larger than the barrel bore diameter but less than the groove diameter is located at the junction of the bullet shank and nose profile that centers the bullet in the barrel and positively positions the bullet over the powder charge regardless of orientation of the firearm. The low-density material filling the rear cavity of the bullet acts as an expansion medium when impacted by the rear gas seal during the firing process causing the hollow shank of the bullet to expand and lock into the barrel rifling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Shiery
  • Patent number: 7331294
    Abstract: A rifled slug is provided with a metal head (1) and a plastic rear part (2), which is made as a single piece from a pin-shaped front part (5), with a rod-shaped middle part (6) joined to the rear of the front part, and with a plunger-shaped rear part (7). The front part (5) is inserted from the rear into a pocket hole of the metal head (1) and is joined thereto in a captive manner. This improves a rifled slug of the aforementioned type by increasing the precision, i.e. reducing the dispersion in the target. To this end, the front part (5) is provided in the form of a hollow body and is joined to the middle part (6) via a predetermined breaking point (14), whereby when shooting, the middle part (6) slides into the cavity of the front part (5) until the upper surface (19) of the rear part (7) strikes the lower surface (20) of the front part (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Brenneke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Mank
  • Patent number: 7273012
    Abstract: A projectile for a large caliber gun including a fall-back preventer ring disposed within a fall-back preventer recess defined by the projectile. The fall-back preventer ring engaging the barrel of the large caliber gun during a loading cycle and releasing from the barrel when the projectile is fired. The fall-back preventer ring is a multifaceted split ring device sized for both axial and radial movement within the fall back preventer recess. The present invention thus maintains the projectile safely within the barrel during loading and in the presence of other external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventor: Timothy E. Melody
  • Patent number: 7222573
    Abstract: A projectile for an air arm is integrally formed from a single piece of dense malleable material formed as a body of revolution about a longitudinal axis having a head portion dimensioned for free sliding in the bore of an air arm and a skirt-like portion of frusto-conical form. The rearward end of the skirt portion is dimensioned to be in slight interference fit with the bore and the forward end is joined with the head portion to define a reduced diameter waist. The frustum is shell-walled, having a central recess opening to the rear and extending forwardly into the head portion. The head portion has a parabolically shaped outer surface which transitions smoothly into a hyperbolically shaped outer skirt surface for aerodynamic efficiency. Vanes are formed on the head portion to enhance in-flight spiraling rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: James M. Pontieri
  • Patent number: 7210411
    Abstract: A round of ammunition for firing from a gun having a rifled barrel, especially a small arms weapon. The projectile (1) forming a part of the round is of steel or other material having a Vickers Hardness value not less than 550, and has a coating (13) of copper or copper alloy. The projectile has a forward body portion (9) which has a diameter similar to that of the lands of the rifling, and a rearward body portion (3) having a diameter which is similar to the diameter defined by the roots of the rifling grooves. The coating (13) is of a thickness not less than the depth of the said rifling grooves, so that the rifling engraves the coating but does not significantly engrave the underlying steel or other hard material. The advantages associated with a hard projectile material are thus obtained without substantially increasing barrel wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Derek Booth, Adrian David Smith, Robert Ashley
  • Patent number: 7197985
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reliably activating explosives includes providing one or more housing sections that define a sealed space. A first explosive element is provided in the sealed space, and a second explosive element has a first portion inside the sealed space, and a second portion outside the sealed space exposed to outside pressure. A gripping mechanism grips a surface of the second explosive element to maintain a position of the second explosive element that is exposed to the outside pressure in an axial direction of the second explosive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel C. Markel, Larry W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7089863
    Abstract: A non-lethal cartridge having sufficient discharge energy for use, without modification, in conventional firearms. When used with a firearm with a rifled barrel, the cartridge comprises a non-lethal projectile having a grooved outer surface and a dense powder ballast. Upon discharge, the dense powder ballast is dispersed. When used with a smooth bore firearm, the cartridge also comprises a cylindrical casing having rifling grooves on the inner surface thereof. These grooves will impose a spin on a projectile fired from the cartridge casing. The dense powder ballast will provide sufficient initial inertial mass to permit proper functioning of the firearm, but disperses and dissipates a portion of the discharge energy, simulating the recoil impulse and permitting the non-lethal projectile to simulate the trajectory of standard ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 7040237
    Abstract: The invention provides a self-aligning device for aiding the engagement of a munition into a rifled gun barrel on loading of the munition, absent the use of a driving band, as, for example, in the case of a munition which is fitted with aerodynamic tail fins. The device comprises at least one annular ring to surround the munition, and which, if desired, can be seated on a surface of the munition which allows the ring(s) to rotate. One or more of the rings has a number of elements which are capable of lying within the outline of the ring or rings to allow the munition to be readily loaded into a gun barrel but which can take the form of projections extending radially outwards from the ring(s) when they become coincident with the internal rifling of the gun barrel on further movement of the munition along with barrel or when the munition is rotated. The projections then engage in the rifling grooves and provide a sealing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventors: John Tilling, Stephen George Gladwell Smith, Peter Sutton, Stephen Richard Sutton
  • Patent number: 6889612
    Abstract: A long-distance blast banger including a cartridge loaded with a blast banger made up from plastic material. The blast banger encompasses a sound explosives cup and a delay cup. The sound explosives cup is loaded with a sound explosives agent having components including perchloryl potassium, magnesium powder and aluminum powder. A sufficient sound value is acquired through appropriate compacting of the sound explosives cup, and therefrom realizes uniform shattering of the cup into small fragments that are insufficient to cause injury. Furthermore, at least two helical grooves extending from a bottom to a top of the cartridge are defined on an inner wall thereof, and ear attachments are configured on a base of an outer wall of the blast banger so as to correspond with the helical grooves, thereby engendering a spinning stability effect during flight time of the blast banger, reducing wind resistance, and thus increasing flight range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The 204th Arsenal, Material Production Center Armement Bureau
    Inventors: Joey Liaw, Kuei-Fu Fan, Shi-Xing Chang, Shu-Fang Chen
  • Patent number: 6880468
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for improving—at least in part—the external ballistieds of primarily the type of artillery shells (1) that are fin-stabilised in their trajectory towards the target and thus have a slipping plastic driving band (6) which, during firing of the said shell from a designated barrel, constitutes the shell's direct contact with the inside of the barrel. The problem that it is the function of the present invention to resolve is that the slipping plastic driving band (6) normally detaches immediately outside the muzzle of the barrel used for firing, thereby leaving an open groove (4) that causes distrubing turbulence which is detrimental to the flight of the said shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Bofors Defence AB
    Inventor: Ulf Hellman
  • Patent number: 6796068
    Abstract: A muzzleloading bullet is provided with a pin at its back end for affixing a gas check thereto. Preferably, the pin is generally cylindrical in nature, and has a distal end that is larger compared to its proximal end that is attached to the body of the bullet. The pin therefore “expands” from its proximal to its distal end so that the resilient gas check may snap onto the pin for being secured to the bullet. Also, the expanding pin installed in a cylindrical central hole provides a small space or gap between the inner edge/surface of the central hole and the outer surface of the installed pin at one area or all the way around the pin near its proximal end. This gap increases the ease with which exploding gases from behind the gas check in the gun barrel enter the central hole of the gas check and exit between the pin and gas check when the gun is fired, which, in turn, deforms the gas check near the central hole and encourages the separation of the gas check from the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Harold Crowson, Mike McMichael
  • Patent number: 6776102
    Abstract: A projectile body having a groove-shaped recess (2), in which a guide band (3) is disposed. To permit use of a relatively wide guide band (3), while preventing the band from being destroyed as the projectile body (1) passes through the gun barrel, and preventing significant copper-plating of the barrel, the guide band (3) is assembled from two partial guide bands (5, 6), with the relatively narrow, first partial band (5), which faces the base (7) of the projectile, comprising copper or a copper alloy and providing a seal against the propellant gases acting on the projectile rear under high pressure. The second, considerably wider partial guide band (6) essentially comprises plastic, and includes at least one hollow space (11), which lends it adequate deformation reserves with respect to the high surface pressure acting on this partial guide band (6) when the projectile body (1) passes through the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiesen, Dieter Jungbluth