Practice Or Cleaning Patents (Class 102/529)
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Patent number: 7228802Abstract: A projectile comprising a shaft hollowed at one end with a male thread at the outer, or head, end. A plurality of fins are secured around the circumference adjacent the first shaft end or base, the fins being slightly canted to cause the projectile to spin as it leaves the launcher. A soft foam head is attached to the threaded end of the shaft. In a first embodiment, a hollow tip is removably attached to the head; in an alternate embodiment, the removable tip is made of a solid foam material.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Inventor: Vincent Montefusco
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Patent number: 7225742Abstract: The invention relates to ammunition for fire and pneumatic smoothbore weapon and can be used for producing bullets for hunting and sporting guns. The inventive method consists in deforming the rear part of a tubular blank in such a way that an aerodynamic empennage is formed and in arranging a core in the front part of said blank. The core is introduced into the tubular blank prior to deforming and is fixed in said blank by deforming the front and rear parts thereof. Deformation is carried out by pressing the blank wall without modifying the thickness thereof. The deformation of the tubular blank can be carried out by longitudinally clamping said blank between two crimping matrixes. Said core is embodied in such a way that an extractor in the form of an aerodynamic needle is formed in the material thereof, the core being inserted when said extractor is disposed outside the internal volume of the blank.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventor: Mihail Yur'evich Radchenko
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Patent number: 7197986Abstract: A method for lubricating gun barrel bores comprises burnishing dry lubricating ceramic particulate into the metal surface of the bore such that the particles of particulate substantially fill grain boundaries in the metal. The burnishing of the particulate may be done manually or mechanically. Mechanically burnishing the particulate includes firing particulate-coated ammunition projectiles or other ammunition-firing pieces coated with particulate.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Noel C. Calkins
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Patent number: 7194960Abstract: Projectile systems are provided herein employing an inhibiting and/or marking substance for impairing/marking a living target, such as a human or animal target. In preferred embodiments, the projectile system includes a generally frangible projectile that is optimally filled to at least about 50%, with the substance to be delivered to the target, such that the substance is radially dispersed into a cloud upon impact. In one implementation, the substance delivered comprises a powdered inhibiting substance, such as a powdered pepper. In one implementation, the powdered inhibiting substance comprises a substance having one or more capsaicinoids.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: PepperBall Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Vasel, Scott C. Nunan, Gregory A. Niederhaus, Peter G. Coakley
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Patent number: 7150234Abstract: A finless cone-nosed, ogival-nosed, or combination ogive-cone nosed training projectile is statically stable, yet has adequate spin rate to compensate for aerodynamic or mass asymmetries. In addition, the training projectile can be fired from smooth bore or rifled cannons of various calibers, including 120 mm and 105 mm. Spin torque and stability augmentation are provided by a radially angled slotted tail flange attached to the rear of the training projectile, providing high performance and improved accuracy at low cost for use in training exercises. The training projectile has a higher static margin than conventional devices, and provides the ability to train personnel with a training projectile that achieves flight ranges similar to its matching tactical projectile, and has improved accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stewart Gilman, Anthony Farina, Leon Manole
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Patent number: 7131381Abstract: A Shotgun Cleaning Shell for cleaning the bore of a shotgun, wherein the shell comprises: a cylindrical shell case, a head connected to an end of the case, a seal connected to the other end of the case, a bead contained within the case, a cord wherein an end of the cord is connected to the bead, at least one cleaning member connected to the cord, a squeegee connected to the other end of the cord, a tubular member connected to the squeegee and wherein the bead is contiguous the other end of the tubular member, a propellant device attached to the head and within the tubular member, wherein, the propellant device propels the bead through a bore of a shotgun, the bead exiting the bore, and wherein a user can propel the at least one cleaning member and the squeegee along the bore of the shotgun.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Inventor: Michael Nafziger
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Patent number: 7089863Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Frank J. Dindl
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Patent number: 7059251Abstract: A propelling charge support comprises horseshoe-shaped clips for engaging the tail fin and holding the propelling charges together for protection, a rounded saddle for holding the propelling charges of the cartridge, and winged edges to protect the propelling charges and aid in removal of the propelling charge support from the tail fin. The propelling charge support further comprises a flat outer surface on which the propelling charge support loaded with propelling charges can rest while being installed onto the tail fin. It comprises a fin engagement clip that interfaces with a fin blade when installed on the cartridge, and that prevents rotation of the propelling charge support and propelling charges about the tail fin axis during rough handling and transportation, preventing damage to the propelling charges.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Vishwa Khanna, Richard C. Dzury, David Ondre, Jason B. Runell
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Patent number: 6983700Abstract: A variable drag projectile stabilizer is utilized by a training projectile to match the trajectory of a tactical projectile for up to 3 km while having a range limitation of 8 km. The stabilizer applies supersonic flow phenomena to alter the aerodynamic characteristics of a training projectile while in free flight to fulfill this requirement. The stabilizer uses a cowling supported by struts to provide tail lift and ensure a stable flight path. Supersonic flow is established through ducts formed by the cowling and struts when launched from a weapon. The flow remains supersonic until the projectile reaches the desired range but then quickly becomes subsonic (choked) due to shock waves emanating from interior angles in the ducts. The geometry of the ducts can be designed to create different shock wave patterns within the ducts.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Gregory Malejko, Anthony Vella, Eric P. Scheper, Philip M. Donadio
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Patent number: 6892647Abstract: Lead free projectiles having a density less than lead, including preferred embodiments comprising a low ductility metal powder and a high ductility metal powder.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Stone
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Patent number: 6745698Abstract: A frangible projectile for gun ammunition wherein the projectile includes a core formed from one or more metal powders which are pressed into a self-supporting compact and incorporated into a metal jacket. The metal jacket is initially cup-shaped (generally cylindrical in overall geometry) with an open end and a closed end. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the closed end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile. In another embodiment, the closed end of the jacket becomes the leading end of the projectile. In either embodiment, that surface of the closed end of the jacket which faces inwardly of the volume of the jacket is indented and stressed over substantially its entire area in accordance with a pattern which enhances the frangibility of this closed end of the projectile when the projectile strikes a target.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Doris Nebel Beal Inter Vivos Patent TrustInventor: Harold F. Beal
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Patent number: 6691623Abstract: A frangible projectile comprising cold compacted powdered iron and a method for manufacturing is disclosed. The projectile is useful for target and training applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: RA Brands, LLCInventor: Jeffrey W. Stone
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Patent number: 6629669Abstract: A projectile and a method of launching a projectile from a barrel. The projectile of the present invention may be matched to a pre-selected barrel rifling to produce a controlled spin rate. Controlled spin rate is characterized by substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration. Substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration is characterized by an axial speed that decreases in relationship to the decrease in forward speed. Substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration produces a trajectory that is characterized by a gyroscopic stability factor that remains highly stable over a given distance of a trajectory. Gyroscopic stability is controlled during the projectile's flight by controlling the spin damping moment as a design element. Control of the spin damping moment may be achieved by incorporating physical features in the projectile's design and manufacture and/or may result from the incorporation of physical features imparted upon the projectile during launch.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Inventor: Warren S. Jensen
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Patent number: 6626113Abstract: A long-range training cartridge meets current US Army requirements. The long-range cartridge design enables its sub-projectile to be range limited to less than 8000 meters when fired at a 10-degree gun elevation. The long-range training projectile includes a three-piece aluminum or steel sabot with a similar exterior profile to the kinetic energy tactical sabot. The sabot encapsulates a light-weight sub-projectile comprised of a steel rod and an aluminum fin or cone. Since the sub-projectile is encapsulated in the sabot, it will not be subjected to differential pressures associated with interior ballistic gun gasses. As a result the sub-projectile will therefore have less bending and better flight characteristics. The sub-projectile meets the guidelines for target accuracy and precision at ranges beyond 3000 meters.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stewart Gilman, Leon R. Manole, Francis Renner, Anthony P. Farina
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Patent number: 6619211Abstract: A practice ammunition projectile comprises a head which bursts when the projectile strikes a target and contains a marking agent which optically indicates the point of impact after the head has burst. The marking agent consists of several chemical components (7, 8) which are each contained in separately breakable compartments (4, 5) within a burstable hood at the head of the projectile. When the compartments (4, 5) break open the components combine and undergo a chemical reaction which creates an optical mark. The hood is formed of an optically transparent material to enable the trajectory of the projectile to be tracked.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ted Haeselich
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Patent number: 6615739Abstract: The invention provides aerodynamic projectiles that include a projectile shell having an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, which exhibit improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which are suitable for non-lethal uses. Methods of making such aerodynamic projectiles also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Perfect Circle Paintball, Inc.Inventors: Gary E. Gibson, Michael A. Varacins
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Patent number: 6598536Abstract: A sabot projectile (10), comprising a sabot (12) and a shattering penetrator (14) arranged in the sabot (12). The shattering penetrator (14) has a penetrator casing (20), which can be broken into at least two casing portions (22*, 24*) upon impact of the shattering penetrator (14), to which end a predetermined casing breaking area (23*) is respectively arranged between two adjoining casing portions (22*, 24*). A central conduit (30) is arranged in the penetrator casing (20), in which a penetrator core (26) is received, whose core tip element (26.4) projects out of the penetrator casing (20) and constitutes a penetrator tip. The plastic material forming the penetrator core (26) is introduced into the conduit in a flowable state. The penetrator casing (20) is secured against break-up into the casing portions (22*, 24*) by the penetrator core (26).Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AGInventor: Jakob Burri
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Patent number: 6546874Abstract: Projectile systems are provided herein employing an inhibiting and/or marking substance for impairing/marking a living target, such as a human or animal target. The projectile systems provide effectiveness by impacting the target with sufficient force to cause the target to move into a simultaneously radially dispersing inhibiting/marking substance contained within a capsule of the projectile system. In preferred embodiments, the projectile system includes a generally spherical frangible projectile that is optimally filled to greater than about 50%, more preferably about 75% to 99% of its total volume, most preferably to about 90% of capacity, with the substance to be delivered to the target. One or more frangible projectiles are configured to fit with a shell casing configured to fit within a delivery device.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Jaycor Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Vasel, Scott C. Nunan, Gregory A. Niederhaus, Peter G. Coakley
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Patent number: 6543365Abstract: A non-lethal projectile system for non-lethally inhibiting a living target, multi-functional launching devices for delivering the non-lethal projectile systems to a target, methods of assembling the non-lethal projectiles, and tactical methods of the use of the non-lethal projectile, the non-lethal projectile consists of a projectile body to be impacted with a living target and an inhibiting substance within the projectile body, wherein upon impact with the target, the inhibiting substance is dispersed on and about the target. In a variation, the projectile body ruptures upon impact releasing the substance. In another variation, the inhibiting substance is a powdered substance comprising a powdered pepper derived substance, for example, oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Jaycor Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Vasel, Scott C. Nunan, Gregory A. Niederhaus, Peter G. Coakley, Eric Wenaas, Roger Behrendt
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Patent number: 6539871Abstract: A method for making a degradable practice mine including the steps of covering a flat work surface with a polyethylene sheet to serve as a release film, weighing out the materials in a ratio of 10 parts sand to 1 part polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), mixing 1 part PVA with 10 parts sand making a sand/PVA mixture, filling a mold with the sand/PVA mixture, consolidating the sand/PVA mixture to make a consolidated form in the shape of a mine, and heating the consolidated form to make a hardened mine form mimicking the shape and launching characteristics of a tactical mine.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Englar, Richard W. Rentfrow, Wesley G. Marquette, Robert E. Long
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Patent number: 6427600Abstract: The invention provides a blank pyrotechnic cartridge comprising a cartridge casing having a bullet-like projection extending forwardly therefrom, the bullet-like projection being retractable through an opening in the casing when the cartridge is fired, the cartridge being axially expandable in a rearwards direction in use to move the breechblock of a firearm to recycle the firearm. Also provided is a method of feeding blank ammunition into the barrel of a gun comprising the step of loading the gun with a blank cartridge, the blank cartridge comprising a cartridge casing having a bullet-like projection extending forwardly therefrom, the bullet-like projection being retractable through an opening in the casing when the cartridge is fired, the cartridge being axially expandable in a rearwards direction in use to move a breechblock of the gun to recycle the gun.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
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Patent number: 6393992Abstract: Projectile systems are provided herein employing an inhibiting and/or marking substance for impairing/marking a living target, such as a human or animal target, which projectile systems are optimized to provide maximum effectiveness by impacting the target with sufficient force to cause the target to move into a simultaneously radially dispersing inhibiting/marking substance contained within a capsule of the projectile system. In preferred embodiments, the projectile system includes a generally spherical capsule that is optimally filled to greater than about 50%, more preferably about 75% to 99% of its total volume, most preferably to about 90% of capacity, with the substance to be delivered to the target. The capsule is preferably formed as two about equal halves.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Jaycor Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Vasel, Scott C. Nunan, Gregory A. Niederhaus, Peter G. Coakley
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Patent number: 6371028Abstract: The invention provides a combination of a gun having a barrel and a propellant for launching a projectile from the barrel; and a non-lethal projectile; characterized in that the non-lethal projectile comprises a hollow outer casing formed from a resiliently deformable material, and a plurality of balls within the casing, the outer casing being deformed as it travels along the gun barrel under pressure from the propellant but being sufficiently resilient to resile to a substantially undeformed state upon leaving the gun barrel.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
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Patent number: 6371030Abstract: The present invention uses aerodynamic heating caused by air-friction during flight of a training projectile. The training projectile includes a nose, a body and a tail section. The body has a forwardmost end secured to the nose, and a rearwardmost end secured to the tail. Air friction during flight causes deployment of “passive” shape memory alloy (SMA) aerodynamic members in an assembly to induce drag of the training projectile thereby limiting an effective range of the projectile.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Stewart Gilman, Leon Manole
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Patent number: 6305290Abstract: The present invention is for a method of making a dummy ammunition round for a firearm which includes the steps of selecting a new or used metal casing of a used cartridge having a base end and an open end and then cutting an aperture in the base of the selected new or used metal casing. A polymer insert member is then formed having two end portions and shaped to fit into the selected metal casing with one end of the insert member having a protrusion sized to fit into the aperture cut through the casing base and the other end portion having a generally bullet shape for protruding from the open end of the metal casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventors: James S. Stimmell, Marshall F. Todd
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Patent number: 6302028Abstract: A very highly deformable projectile comprising at least one envelope that is fine, flexible, and elastic, filled with a divided solid substance, deformation thereof occurring only on impact, and of a diameter that is sufficient to limit penetration on impact with energy being rapidly spread out by instantaneous enlargement.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Isher (S.A.R.L.)Inventors: Richard Guillot-Ulmann, Gerard Hamy
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Patent number: 6298787Abstract: A non-lethal kinetic energy system comprises a propellant means in mechanical communication with the combination of a personnel target proximity detection means, an air bag carried in an uninflated condition, and a means to inflate the air bag responsive to a signal provided by the proximity detection means as the system approaches a personnel target. The system may include a delay element for selective adjustment of the kinetic energy delivered to the personnel target. The invention also provides a method of operating a non-lethal kinetic energy system comprising the steps of deploying the system toward a personnel target, sensing the proximity of the target, sending a signal to an air bag inflation means at a predetermined distance from the target, and inflating the air bag before impacting the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventor: Thomas J. Warnagiris
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Patent number: 6295933Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-lethal projectile for a firearm composed of a novel, soft and elastic, composite material comprising a polymeric organic matrix and a pulverulent metallic filler, with a relative density of between 4 and 22, dispersed in the polymeric matrix. The composite material has a relative density of between 1.0 and 2.9 and a Shore A hardness of between 2 and 30. The polymeric organic matrix is a crosslinked polybutadiene comprising polybutadiene chains with a mass of between 500 and 10,000 connected by bridges. The projectile according to the invention makes it possible to neutralize an animal or a person without endangering his life and without inflicting serious injuries, even when firing at a short range of less than 5 m.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: SNPEInventors: Bernard Dubocage, Jacques Maucourt
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Patent number: 6289819Abstract: A paint ball land mine capable of propelling standard caliber paint balls during simulated war games is disclosed. The present paint ball land mine is designed to simulate the function of a U.S. military Claymore anti-personnel mine for purpose of marking participants as out of the competition in the simulated war game. The paintball land mine includes a cylindrical discharge tube configured to receive a pyrotechnic charge in the form of a 12 gauge shotgun blank round and/or a .38 caliber blank round. In a preferred embodiment a firing pin is pivotally attached in operative relation to the pyrotechnic charge and spring-biased into contact therewith. A trigger mechanism including a trip pin fixedly attached to a trip wire is interposed between the pyrotechnic charge and the firing pin. When a participant comes into contact with the trigger mechanism the paintballs are propelled at a velocity up to 200 feet per second.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Daniel W. Dolderer
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Patent number: 6230630Abstract: An aerodynamic projectile, preferably a non-lethal projectile, including a projectile shell having an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity which exhibits improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy and which fractures in a predetermined pattern to disperse a fill contained therein. A method of making an aerodynamic projectile.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Perfect Circle Paintball, Inc.Inventors: Gary E. Gibson, Michael A. Varacins
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Patent number: 6155174Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of exercise munitions and more particularly to the color marker compositions for such munitions.The marker composition according to the invention comprises at least one container (12) holding a marker composition (14) and a dispersive explosive charge (16). It is characterized in that the container (12) is substantially cylindrical, the dispersive explosive charge (16) being situated at the level of the container axis and in that the marker composition comprises at least one pigment in the form a solid, coloring powder dispersed in water, the powder being combined with a water-soluble binder and with a rheological component which is also water-soluble and which is intended to agglomerate the pigments and to increase the composition's viscosity, the composition further including an antifreeze agent.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Giat IndustriesInventors: Ghislain Hervieu, Jean-Pierre Le Pezennec, Henri Thepin
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Patent number: 6123289Abstract: An aerodynamic device, such as a projectile includes an elongated forebody, and an aft section secured to the forebody. The aft section acts as a d control device, and includes a connecting member that extends integrally in a conically shaped flared section, for generating a lift force to help stabilize the projectile during forward flight. The aft section further includes a flange that extends from the flared section, and that provides velocity decay and optimal drag, in order to limit the projectile flight and descent within a predetermined safety or emergency range. The flared section is defined between an innermost edge positioned adjacent to the connecting member, and an outermost edge positioned adjacent to the flange.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Leon Manole, William Rice, Stewart Gilman, John Dineen, Frank Renner, Mark Young, Anthony Farina
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Patent number: 6074454Abstract: The invention relates to bullets having increased frangibility (or which can be easily fragmented) and to materials and processes for the manufacture of such bullets. The bullets of the present invention are typically made from copper or copper alloy powders (including brass, bronze and dispersion strengthened copper) which are pressed and then sintered under conditions so as to obtain bullets with the desired level of frangibility. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the bullets also contain several additives that increase or decrease their frangibility.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Delta Frangible Ammunition, LLCInventors: John T. Abrams, Anil V. Nadkarni, Roy Kelly
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Patent number: 6041712Abstract: The invention is a non lethal weapon cartridge comprising a projectile and means for propelling the projectile through a weapon barrel. A munition of this type can be employed by soldiers during operations-other-than-war, such as riot control during humanitarian missions, or by law enforcement personnel when a lethal response is not warranted. The projectile comprises a full-bore projectile body fitted with a compliant nose. The projectile is designed to be spin-stabilized such that it will fly, and impact, nose first, while describing a ballistic trajectory. The projectile is intended to be launched from a rifled weapon tube. The rifling imparts the spin necessary to achieve dynamic stability. The propulsion system utilizes a modern smokeless propellant in combination with a high-low technique to produce consistent interior ballistics.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: David H. Lyon
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Patent number: 6012395Abstract: A baton projetile comprises a case (1) of low density polyethylene, and a core (2) of a soft material such as a thermoplastic gel modified rubber. An air gap (4) is optionally formed at the front end of the baton projectile between the core (2) and the case (1). Upon impact with a target at acceptable forces the air pocket (4) reduces the speed of sound of the impact shockwave to reduce the risk of unaccepeablc bone injury to the target. At higher than acceptable impact forces, the case (1) ruptures and the core (2) spreads out to radially disperse the excess impact energy and to present a larger impact area to the target so that the risk of unacceptable penetration and trauma injury to the target is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Constantia (International) LimitedInventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
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Patent number: 5996503Abstract: A reusable gas-powered hand grenade is provided. A hand-held housing defi one or more launch tubes. A projectile is loaded in each launch tube with an obturator being positioned therein between the projectile and the launch tube's muzzle end. A sealed reservoir is maintained in the housing for storing a gas under pressure. A rupturing device is mounted in the housing for breaking the reservoir's seal upon impact therewith. A triggering mechanism coupled to the rupturing device maintains separation between the rupturing device and the seal until the triggering mechanism is activated. Once activated, the triggering mechanism moves the rupturing device to impact the seal so that gas pressure propels the projectile and obturator from the launch tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
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Patent number: 5965839Abstract: A power device includes at least two power conversion circuits respectively having at least one of switching elements, at least one of which switching elements in these conversion circuits being used in common as an element constituting the at least two different power conversion circuits, a control device providing at least a period in which at least one of currents flowing from at least one of the different power conversion circuits to the commonly used switching element has a polarity inverse to at least the other one of the currents flowing from at least the other one of the power conversion circuits, so as to cancel each other, and a unit for detecting the state of the respective conversion circuits. The operation of the switching elements is thereby made modifiable in accordance with a lowering in the resistance of a load of the device, and the withstand voltage of the elements can be prevented effectively from rising even upon any fluctuation in the load.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: JaycorInventors: Edward J. Vasel, Scott C. Nunan, Gregory A. Niederhaus, Peter G. Coakley
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Patent number: 5932836Abstract: A training projectile that utilizes flutes or flats to augment roll damping characteristics and thereby cause the projectile to crossover into a gyroscopically unstable trajectory pattern at a predetermined time. Prior to the crossover, the training projectile maintains a gyroscopically stable trajectory, which enables extrapolation to ascertain the trajectory of a non-training projectile that does not have an augmented roll damping section. The unstable trajectory pattern substantially reduces the distance the training projectile can traverse, thereby reducing the amount of area required for a training range.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Primex Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Charles O. White
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Patent number: 5929369Abstract: An assembly for generating an optical marking of the flight path of an air/space vehicle propelled by a power unit is associated with the power unit, and mixes the marking output of the generator with either the exhaust of the power unit or air streaming past the vehicle. The generator may generate smoke or steam. In the case of a smoke generator, the assembly may include an annular chamber surrounding a central passageway through which the power unit exhaust passes. The exhaust ignites a smoke-generating charge in the annular chamber, the smoke generated passing through bores in the annular chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft Vertreten Durch die SM Schweizerische Munitionsunternehmung der Gruppe RustungInventors: Josef Bissig, Rolf Oechslin, Walter Rauber
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Patent number: 5917143Abstract: A frangible projectile comprising cold compacted powdered iron and a method for manufacturing is disclosed. The projectile is useful for target and training applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Remington Arms Company, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Stone
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Patent number: 5907121Abstract: The invention concerns a blank cartridge for firearms, with a cartridge casing, whose dimensions correspond to a comparable live cartridge, a propellant charge, and a projectile which can decompose in the barrel of the firearm. The projectile is comprised of a material which contains particles of explosive material and, consequently, deflagrates automatically after the ignition caused by firing (while still in the barrel) and, thus, is consumed within an interval of time which is shorter than the time in which an otherwise identical noncombustible projectile requires to arrive at the muzzle. The decomposition of the projectile does not take place mechanically, but rather thermally and reactively, whereby only a mixture of gases comprising propellant gases and the gaseous remains of the projectile come out of the muzzle, thus substantially eliminating the need for any safety zone in front of the muzzle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Inventor: Wolfhart Fritze
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Patent number: 5874691Abstract: A collapsible training projectile includes a nose, a body and a tail. The dy has a forwardmost end secured to the nose, and a rearwardmost end secured to the tail. The body further includes one or more axial, longitudinal slots that extend radially through at least part of the body, such that when the projectile impacts with an object, the kinetic energy causes the body to plastically deform along the slots, thereby reducing the penetration energy of the projectile. In another embodiment, the projectile includes a wedge, a body and a tail. The forwardmost end of the body is secured to the wedge, and its rearwardmost end is secured to the tail.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Leon Manole, Stewart Gilman, Paul Valenti
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Patent number: 5852255Abstract: A non-toxic, highly frangible elongated soft-point training round bullet core which will disintegrate upon striking its target, for use in a training round in training exercises for law enforcement personnel and having a central heart of non-toxic metal selected from a group consisting of zinc, iron, steel, and copper with a plurality of wires of non-toxic metal selected from that group twisted around said heart throughout its length prior to being swaged into deforming and inter-engaging relation with the heart, and the core having been subsequently swaged into the shape of a soft-point nose of a bullet, with pressures sufficient to cause the strands of wire and the heart to inter-engage and deform while retaining their individuality at least to a limited extent, whereupon substantially all of the strands of the core, upon the core being fired and striking a target, will fragment along at least some of their original physical boundaries into discrete fragments smaller than the original size of the bullet.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Federal Hoffman, Inc.Inventors: John M. Hallis, Richard W. Proulx
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Patent number: 5834683Abstract: A projectile for firearms has a body (11) consisting of a plurality of disc-shaped elements (14) coaxially fitted in a holding cup (15) forcedly filled therewith.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Fiocchi Munizioni S.p.A.Inventor: Carlo Benvegnu'
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Patent number: 5798479Abstract: An undersized kinetic-energy practice projectile of the dart type includes a penetrator and a tail unit that can be dissociated from one another while the projectile is in flight. The penetrator and the tail unit can be separated after a predetermined flight duration, by relative rotation of the tail unit with respect to the penetrator in response to the aerodynamic forces being exerted on the tail unit. This can be achieved by an element that is integral with the penetrator and is screwed onto a threaded part of the tail unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Etat Francais represente par le Deleque General pour l'ArmementInventor: Jean-Pierre Bonamy
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Patent number: 5767438Abstract: A frangible projectile (1) is provided which has a conical nose (5) with an included angle in the range 40-41 degrees. The conical nose (5) has a forward end (9) which is blunt. The projectile is made from a mixture of a metal powder and a thermoplastic resin of nylon 11. The metal is about 80% by weight and the projectile has a specific gravity in the range 2.35 to 5.7.The projectile exhibits desired ballistic characteristics for distances up to about 150 m and can disintegrate on impact with solid objects. In addition a projectile made according to the preferred embodiment and fitted in a 5.56 mm.times.45 mm military cartridge case (equivalent to a 0.223 inch Remmington case) charged with a propellant such as type AR2207 (by ADI Ltd.) in the range of 25-26 grains, exhibits particularly suitable characteristics for use in firing ranges.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: ADI LimitedInventors: David Lang, Phillip John Mibus
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Patent number: 5760331Abstract: A projectile, such as a bullet, is made by combining two different metals in proportions calculated to achieve a desired density, without using lead. A base constituent, made of a material having density greater than lead, is combined with a binder constituent having less density. The binder constituent is malleable and ductile metallic phase material that forms projectile shapes when subjected to a consolidation force, such as compression. The metal constituents can be selected, rationed, and consolidated to achieve desired frangibility characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.Inventors: Richard A. Lowden, Thomas M. McCoig, Joseph B. Dooley
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Patent number: 5719352Abstract: Low toxicity shot or pellets for shotgun cartridges or the like comprises finely divided metallic particles, preferably a mixture of finely divided molybdenum and tungsten particles in a polymer matrix. The resulting pellets have a high density and are much less prone to damage the barrels of guns from which they are fired than prior suggested alternatives to lead shot. If desired, friction between the pellets and gun barrels may be further reduced by incorporating a lubricant, such as molybdenum sulphide or graphite in the polymer matrix.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: The Kent Cartridge Manufacturing Co. LimitedInventor: Gerald Joseph Louis Griffin
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Patent number: 5691501Abstract: A nonlethal long-range bullet designed to be fired from a conventional hipowered rifle or pistol spreads apart on impact, thereby delivering a nonlethal blow to the target. Prior to impact, the inventive bullet maintains its aerodynamic shape. The bullet includes a front section in a forward portion of the bullet, the front section having a tail that extends to a rear portion of the bullet; a solid section in the rear portion of the bullet, the solid section including most of the mass of the bullet and being substantially disposed around the tail; at least two longitudinal scribe lines that extend along the front section and the tail; and at least another two longitudinal scribe lines that extends along the solid section and are aligned with the at least two longitudinal scribe lines, wherein depths of the at least two and at least another two longitudinal scribe lines are such that the bullet maintains shape integrity during flight while readily deploying into a flattened shape upon impact.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Raine M. Gilbert
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Patent number: RE38261Abstract: A training projectile that utilizes flutes or flats to augment roll damping characteristics and thereby cause the projectile to crossover into a gyroscopically unstable trajectory pattern at a predetermined time. Prior to the crossover, the training projectile maintains a gyroscopically stable trajectory, which enables extrapolation to ascertain the trajectory of a non-training projectile that does not have an augmented roll damping section. The unstable trajectory pattern substantially reduces the distance the training projectile can traverse, thereby reducing the amount of area required for a training range.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: General Dynamic Ordnance and Tactical System, Inc.Inventor: Charles O. White