Abstract: A muzzle loaded ammunition round having a bullet and a consumable cartridge case. The cartridge case is hollow and is filled with at least one propellant composition, the cartridge case being constructed from a consumable material, such as foamed celluloid. The bullet is commonly engaged to the propellant composition at least via the cartridge case, the propellant composition having a charge weight.

Abstract: An ammunition round assembly with alternate load path is disclosed herein. The ammunition round assembly includes a projectile, a body engaging the projectile, and a non-combustible base at least partially enclosing the body. A structural member having first and second engagement portions opposite to each other is positioned inside an interior space defined by the body and the base. The first engagement portion firmly engages the base, and the second engagement portion firmly engages the projectile to provide an alternate load path between the projectile and the base.

Abstract: An ammunition round assembly with alternate load path is disclosed herein. The ammunition round assembly includes a projectile, a body engaging the projectile, and a non-combustible base at least partially enclosing the body. A structural member having first and second engagement portions opposite to each other is positioned inside an interior space defined by the body and the base. The first engagement portion firmly engages the base, and the second engagement portion firmly engages the projectile to provide an alternate load path between the projectile and the base.

Abstract: An ammunition round assembly with alternate load path is disclosed herein. The ammunition round assembly includes a projectile, a body engaging the projectile, and a non-combustible base at least partially enclosing the body. A structural member having first and second engagement portions opposite to each other is positioned inside an interior space defined by the body and the base. The first engagement portion firmly engages the base, and the second engagement portion firmly engages the projectile to provide an alternate load path between the projectile and the base.

Abstract: An elastic retention ring for the combustible casing of a piece of ammunition with respect to a base, the ring including two concentric substantially ring-shaped portions, one internal the other one external. The portions are linked by radial arms, and are continuous or not and have different diameters. The external portion incorporates at least one plane part and the radial arms form an angle with respect to the plane of plane part.

Abstract: A transport container with a removable cover which is repeatedly removable and refastenable to the transport container. The transport container is sized to accommodate a plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder. Each of the plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder comprises a tube which is open at least one end thereof and the at least one open end of the tube is sealed with a removable cap once a suitable quantity of the loose granular charge of gunpowder is loaded therein. Each individual premeasured charge of gunpowder is loaded with gunpowder which has a relatively low moisture content to facilitate reliable and substantially complete ignition of all of the gunpowder ignition, upon detonation of a firearm.

Abstract: An ammunition round assembly having a combustible cartridge is provided. In one embodiment, the ammunition round assembly comprises a cartridge body made of a combustible material consumed in combustion upon firing the ammunition round assembly. A base is releasably connected to the cartridge body's bottom end portion. A retention member is positioned in a locking groove defined by groove in the cartridge body and the base. A projectile is positioned adjacent to the top end portion of the cartridge body. An attachment sleeve releasably connects the projectile and the cartridge body. The attachment sleeve has a connection member releasably engaging the connection member on the top end portion of the cartridge body. The attachment sleeve is configured to resist longitudinal motion of the projectile relative to the cartridge body until the ammunition round assembly is fired.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in filling and capping artillery charge system modules or the like including a lower fixture carried by a base plate for receiving a module with an open center core tube and fixing the module in place relative to the base plate for filling and capping. An upper fixture is carried by a pivot plate for capping a filled module, the pivot plate being hingedly attached with respect to the lower fixture to enable the upper fixture to swing clear of the lower fixture during module loading and thereafter addressing a fixed module to cap same. The lower fixture further includes a centering rod that carries a peripherally disposed flexible expanding member and a shaped cam lock member which operate the expander member to receive, lock and unlock a center core tube to the centering rod to capture and fix the module in place. The cam lock member also aligns the system for lid insertion by an adjustable stroke air cylinder mounted on the pivot plate.

Abstract: A system and method for use in providing a peripheral seal between the case and lid of a MACS modular unit or other workpiece interface, the system including a workpiece holding device for carrying and moving a workpiece of interest in relation to a solvent dispensing system and a solvent dispensing system for dispensing a metered amount of solvent into the interface to be sealed on the workpiece, the solvent dispensing system further including a metering device for dispensing a predetermined known amount of the solvent, a stationary dispensing valve for dispensing solvent supplied from the metering device over a predetermined time, a re-supply system for reloading the metering device of the known amount of liquid solvent; and a control system for controlling the operation of the workpiece holding device and the solvent dispensing system.

Abstract: A tank cartridge is described which is capable of withstanding rough handg during loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: A modular artillery charge system consists of two distinct solid propellant harge modules. Each module consists of a three-piece combustible cartridge case design and bi-directional center core core ignition system. The three-piece combustible cartridge case consists of a combustible case body, having an open end and a end; a cap, having a closed end and an open end; and a center tube. The closed ends of the body and the cap have a hole in the center. The center core tube is positioned longitudinally through the combustible case body, and contacts the closed ends of both the cap and the body. The bi-directional center core ignition system comprises a core igniter bag and two end igniter bags. The core igniter bag occupies the center core tube, and the end igniter bags contact the core igniter bag. The bi-directional center core ignition system may be ignited by percussion primers or a laser ignition system. The first module is used individually or in groups of two.

Abstract: A preformed unitary pellet formed from an appropriate propellant for use in muzzle loading firearms. Particular formulations, dimensions, densities, and other parameters for specific applications are set forth. A method of manufacture is also included.

Abstract: A live powder propellant charge combustible container for field artillery ammunition,having substantially the same overall dimensions as a conventional slow powder propellant charge container used for long range firing and having,means (R, E) to reduce its inner volume (7) to enclose the quantity of live powder necessary for the field artillery to be used to carry out short range firing, and somemeans (R, E) to be able to differentiate it, visually and by touch, from a conventional slow powder container.

Abstract: A case for use with a propellant charge has a substantially cylindrical envelope. The envelope is formed from a combustible material. At least one support, that is formed from a combustible material, is coated to a substantially uniform thickness on at least one reception section with an anti-wear additive. A mechanism, formed from a combustible material, positions the support relative to the envelope such that, after assembly, at least one empty space is defined between an inner surface of the envelope and the anti-wear additive.

Abstract: A new joint for use in combustible cartridge case munitions which reduces e risk of combustible cartridge case and case base and seal assembly separation during routine handling and minimizes the problems related to dechambering, comprised of a seal mated to the case base and into the exterior of the combustible cartridge case.

Abstract: In cannon ammunition including a cartridge case containing a propellant charge, a case bottom to which the cartridge case is connected, a charge igniter, and a primmer element positioned in the case bottom, the improvement in which the cartridge case is combustible, is connected to the primer element, and includes a combustible material and a pyrotechnical mixture which is embedded within the combustible material and which is composed of at least one reducing agent and at least one oxidizing agent which form a pyrotechnical redox system; and the charge igniter consists of the cartridge case.

Abstract: A system and method for launching projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode in the air into a pyrotechnic display. The projectile includes a shell constructed from a binding agent and an explosive additive which explodes the shell into small particles. The explosive additive, which may be nitrocellulose, causes the exploded particles to be rapidly burned and consumed to form lightweight, inert flakes that fall harmlessly to the ground. The projectile is aimed and launched by a launcher to rapidly expel the projectile from a launching tube. Once in the air at a predetermined location in the sky, a fuse inside the projectile operates to detonate the projectile into its intended pyrotechnic display. The fuse is extremely accurate and enables detonation of the projectile at precise altitudes. An electronic control system controls launching and detonation of the projectiles in a precise and repeatable manner.

Abstract: A container manufacturing process includes forming a tubular case of combustible material; forming two covers of combustible material, each cover including a base integral with a cylindrical edge having an external diameter equal to the internal diameter of the case. Each cover has at least one edge of sufficient length to permit the positioning of the cover with part of the edge located outside of the case to be able to receive a tubular extension integral with another container or another interconnecting ring. Positioning of the covers with respect to the case is achieved using structure allowing selective positioning of at least one cover in at least two different axial positions that include selected positions in which the base is outside of the case, the base is inside the case or the base is at the ends of the case. The covers and the case are connected using attachment structure such as glue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combustible container elements (24) for artillery ammunition.The said elements, obtained by felting, compacting and stoving, have a plane axisymmetric part (2,7), an outer wall (5,10) and an inner neck (4,9) which are integral. Two complementary elements thus make it possible to obtain combustible containers which are easy to charge with loose powder (25) and which present no problem in positioning the central channel since the latter consists of the inner necks (4,9). A complementary combustible ignition tube (26) made of agglomerated powder is advantageously positioned inside the central channel thus defined.The invention also relates to a method of obtaining these elements by using a specially adapted felting mould.

Abstract: The serial arc plasma injectors device disclosed herein enables the formation of a segmented, isolated chain of plasma arcs which are incubated to form a specified energy level of plasma discharge tailored to initiate ignition and establish efficient combustion in a particular segment of a propellant mass. The device includes a capillary in which a conductive path comprising electrodes is maintained. Particularly, specialized electrodes provide geometric and dimensional flexibility to establish plasma arc and plasma discharge characteristics that are compatible with different zones of the propellant mass. The specialized electrodes in combination with discharge vents enable the development of a series of regions in the capillary through which plasma discharge is introduced into the propellant mass to selectively initiate ignition and promote efficient combustion.

Abstract: A performance enhanced ammunition unit composed of a front ammunition component (1) and a rear ammunition component (2) which each include a combustible propelling charge casing (7, 12), with the rear ammunition component being filled with propelling charge powder that has been compressed into a compressed member (15). The rear ammunition component (2) has a casing bottom (13) which accommodates a bottom igniter (14) and the compressed member (15) accommodates a combustible ignition tube (16) for the propelling charge igniter (16, 17), with the combustible tube 16 being in operative engagement with the bottom igniter (14) and extending along substantially the entire axis of the bottom component. Both ammunition components (1, 2) are separated by a combustible disk (18), the front ammunition member (1) is filled in its cylindrical section (8) filled with powder rods (10) and in its section (a) ahead of the powder rods with bulk propelling charge powder (11).

Abstract: A multi-layered cylindrical propellant casing comprising an inner propellant-holding layer of polymer layer(s) obtained by lay up, blow molding, or similar fabrication of an energetic or nonenergetic type layer, coated with (an) intermediate adhesive layer(s) of an energetic or non-energetic type, and covered by an outer, concentrically arranged, coat or layer having a higher resistance, than said inner layer, to circumferential expansion; plus a corresponding method for increasing the amount of fragmentation and combustion rate of such propellant casing when exposed to a firing sequence.

Abstract: A modular propellant charge (10) composed of N propellant charge modules (1; 11-16) each having a length Lo. In order to obtain an economical, durable, easily released connection between the propellant charge modules (1; 11-16), a displaceable sleeve (6; 17-22) of a length L is axially slidably arranged on the exterior of each propellant charge module (1; 11-16) with the relationship ##EQU1## applying for the length L. The displaceable sleeves are utilized to interconnect adjacent modules.

Abstract: Cartridge case member with a combustible tube, ammunition with a semicombustible cartridge case incorporating this member and process for filling this ammunition.The present invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates more particularly to that of dart-shell semicombustible ammunition.The invention relates to a cartridge case member (3) with a combustible tube (6) comprising a bottom (7) which has a central opening (8) and a side opening (9). A hollow component (4) enters the said member (3) through the central opening (8) without obstructing the side opening (9). This hollow component (4) is a shell of revolution which comprises, over its entire height, a central cavity on the wall of which are arranged means (18) for fastening a separate component.The invention also relates to semicombustible ammunition (1) comprising a member (3) according to the invention.

Abstract: A unitary propellant charge module for use in separate ammunition comprises a combustible container having a generally hollow cylindrical shape, a generally cylindrical charge body of interconnected compacted spheroidal propellant grains disposed within the container, each of the grains having an uncompacted propellant grain diameter of at least 100 mils, and at least one generally tubular center core igniter body of interconnected compacted spheroidal propellant grains having an unrolled grain size between about 20 to less than 100 mils in diameter. The igniter body is disposed within a central bore extending along the longitudinal axis of the charge body.

Abstract: Cartridge case member with a combustible tube, ammunition with a semicombustible cartridge case incorporating this member and process for filling this ammunition.The present invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates more particularly to that of dart-shell semicombustible ammunition.The invention relates to a cartridge case member (3) with a combustible tube (6) comprising a bottom (7) which has a central opening (8) and a side opening (9). A hollow component (4) enters the said member (3) through the central opening (8) without obstructing the side opening (9). This hollow component (4) is a shell of revolution which comprises, over its entire height, a central cavity on the wall of which are arranged means (18) for fastening a separate component.The invention also relates to semicombustible ammunition (1) comprising a member (3) according to the invention.

Abstract: An energetic combustible cartridge case comprises a tubular body of a plastic nonfelted sheet propellant and an outer coating portion of a thermoset polymeric resin such as a polyurethane. The sheet propellant is a colloidal nitrocellulose composition which preferably contains a large portion of nitroglycerine and diethylene glycol dinitrate.

Abstract: An electrothermal-chemical propulsion apparatus and method for propelling a projectile through a gun tube. The apparatus comprises a vaporizable energy coupling device between a projectile and at least one chemical propellant module. Vaporization of the coupling device creates a plasma which augments the gas expansion behind the accelerating projectile at a predetermined time after ignition of the chemical propellant. The coupling device is preferably a pair of concentric extensible sleeves telescopically folded and collapsed behind the projectile, each having one terminal end connected to the rear of the projectile and the other terminal emd connected through the propellant module to electrodes in the breech of the gun and in turn to an electrical power supply.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is provided, in one embodiment, comprising a combustible casing with an open forward end and an open breach end, enclosed at the breech end by a thin metal stub casing, a projectile assembly mounted in the forward end, an igniter assembly, a resilient obturator pop riveted to the casing, and annular sabot, and a plurality of flexible combustible priming tubes immersed in a propellant charge and extending the length of the casing. In another embodiment, the combustible casing comprises two separate casings joined together with fasteners, each casing having a set of flexible combustible priming tubes, an interface portion defined between the two where respective ends of combustible priming tubes abut. In both embodiments, the priming tubes combust rapidly producing complete ignition of the propellant charge and resultant stable projectile flight.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge is disclosed comprising a projectile threadably attached to a combustible case body via a threaded combustible case adapter. At least one of the adapter end have an uniform density of polyurethane resin to provide strength and sufficient support for the threads. The combustible case body may also have an uniform resin density to support threads corresponding to those on the rear end of the adapter. The preferable uniform polyurethane density is about 0.75 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A receptacle for the propelling charge for large caliber gun ammunition is combustible, and includes a barrel-protection coating which is applied directly to the interior surface of the receptacle. The coating is composed of a mixture of wax and titanium dioxide. In order to prevent the propelling charge powder in the receptacle from directly contacting the coating, the coating is covered with a thin metal foil, such as a thin lead foil.

Abstract: A traveling charge projectile utilizes a microprocessor and a plurality of sequentially fired igniting-priming-expelling charges to initiate respective charge segments containing propellant, such as granular propellant, of predetermined grain size, to produce a more nearly constant pressure against the projectile base. Traveling charge propellant segments attached to the projectile move with the projectile as it accelerates in the gun barrel. At appropriate intervals during barrel transit, a firing signal initiates a charge which propels the aft most propellant segment away from the projectile into the hot gases and flame behind the projectile to fully ignite the propellant charge and repressurize the expanding breech volume immediately aft of the accelerating projectile. This design maintains a higher average pressure on the base of the projectile during barrel transit, and results in a higher projectile muzzle velocity.

Abstract: A propelling charge case for a munition, which charge case has a body made of nonwoven nitrocellulose-based fibers and formed to have an axial cross section with at least one curved portion, and a reinforcement member of metal or plastic assembled with the body at the curved portion and configured to not interfere with residue-free combustion of the body.

Abstract: A cartridged ammunition for machine weapons, particularly for automatic weapons comprises a combustible casing composed of a casing cover, a cylindrical casing jacket and a casing base, glued to one another at annular contact regions and enclosing a propelling charge. The cartridged ammunition is manufactured by securing the tail section of the projectile in a recess of the casing cover and gluing the tail section thereto, axially inserting the projectile and casing cover into the cylindrical casing jacket through a rear open end thereof and gluing the casing cover to an inwardly extending radial shoulder of the casing jacket, filling the casing with the propelling charge and closing the rear open end of the combustible casing by gluing the casing base to the casing jacket.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates chiefly to the manufacture of bottoms or covers for combustible cases.According to the invention, a combustible article is manufactured by pressing in a die 10 at least one sheet 21 of combustible paper containing nitrocellulose and having the shape of a disc, by virtue of a rigid movable punch 20 exerting a compressive force on a deformable flexible punch 22 arranged inside the said die 10 between the sheets 21 and the said movable punch 20. The flexible punch 22 is in the shape of a substantially cylindrical thick disc, consists of neoprene or a silicone resin and has a hardness of between 55 and 65 Shore at 20.degree. C. The pressing operation is accompanied by a thermoforming operation carried out at approximately 115.degree. C.The process is particularly suitable for the production of bottoms of combustible cases bearing studs or grooves on their side faces.

Abstract: Certain classes of organic acids, and salts of those acids and in particular ascorbic acid and erythorbic acid and the salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, which have certain antioxidant and food preservative properties, have been found to be capable of being reacted together with sources of nitrate, including inorganic nitrates, ammonium nitrate, organic nitrates, and the like, at temperatures below 480.degree. F. to produce compositions which are capable of being molded into specific shapes or used in a powdered form as a gunpowder substitute, an explosive or a propellent when properly ignited.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of combustible articles by embossing combustible paper and combustible articles thus produced.The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of combustible dish-shaped articles of revolution with circular external outlines from combustible paper containing nitrocellulose by embossing at least one combustible paper disc 11 comprising a central part 12 and a peripheral part consisting of a plurality of portions 13 separated from each other by radial slits 14 the length "L" of which is smaller than the radius "R" of the said disc 11 and the width "e" in which is at least equal to the minimum width required to prevent the overlapping of the said portions 13 when the disc 11 is deformed by embossing.The invention also relates to combustible dish-shaped articles of revolution with circular external out-lines, consisting of at least one sheet of combustible paper containing nitrocellulose and in particular those produced by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to combustible or semi-combustible cases intended in particular for artillery ammunition. More specifically, the invention relates to combustible cases bodies obtained by spirally winding combustible paper tapes containing nitrocellulose and having an improved mechanical resistance relative to previous combustible tape bodies, thanks to the fact that the combustible paper tapes form three distinct coaxial layers in terms of their density and structure. The case bodies according to the invention are obtained by spiral winding around a mandrel 80 a sheet 70 consisting of an uncalendered combustible paper tape 41 and six calendered combustible paper tapes 42-47 with density between 0.9 and 1.2 g/cm.sup.3, the tapes being pasted to each other according to a helical angle .alpha. such that the helical pitch P is larger than the width w1 of the tape 41 which thus forms a helix with turns which are not joined together.

Abstract: Caseless ammunition for cannons, in particular automatic weapons with a selective single or bipartitioned cartridge chamber into which a projectile and a propellent charge are separately introduceable. The ammunition consists of a projectile member with a directly attached, fixedly interconnected propellent charge, and which is completed through a base detonator fuse which is separate from the projectile. The separation between the base detonator fuse and the projectile is undertaken in such a manner that, for the longest employed shell there are always formed two approximately equally lengthy parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of combustible objects used in weaponry and in particular to the field of combustible cartridge cases.The combustible objects according to the invention are covered with a thin layer of varnish, based on an organic binder, containing hollow microbeads, the said varnish being based on a binder chosen from the group comprising chlorinated rubbers, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulosic binders, glycero-phthalic binders, polyurethane resins and polyepoxy resins. The varnish contains between 5 and 20% by weight, preferably about 10%, of hollow microspheres, relative to the dissolved polymer, and optionally between 2 and 15% by weight of an energy-producing charge having a self-ignition point above 200.degree. C.The combustible objects according to the invention exhibit delayed self-ignition if they are placed in contact with a hot wall, without their thermodynamic properties being adversely affected.