Multiple Barrel Guns Patents (Class 89/1.41)
  • Patent number: 10598467
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multiple shot projectile stun gun. The multiple shot projectile stun gun may include a dual-barrel stun gun comprising a first barrel and a second barrel. Further, the multiple shot projectile stun gun may include a magazine and a magazine-receiving cavity. Further, the magazine may include a first clip assembly and a second clip assembly, each including a tubular body and a drive mechanism. The tubular body may include an open end and a closed end. Further, the drive mechanism may be positioned within the tubular body. Furthermore, the tubular body of the first clip assembly may be laterally connected along the tubular body of the second clip assembly. Additionally, the open end of the first clip assembly may be positioned coincident with the first barrel. Further, the open end of the second clip assembly may be positioned coincident with the second barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NOVA PRODUCTS, INC
    Inventors: John Howard McDermit, Jason Edward Havens
  • Patent number: 10578398
    Abstract: The present invention is capable of containing, transporting, and deploying a plurality of kinetic energy impact drones capable of aerial navigation and swarm formations. The apparatus has a circular profile to accommodate fitting within the inherently circular profile of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) fuselage as well as to allow high rate of drone deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Sean Bradbury
  • Patent number: 10060689
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a firearm system and method of assembly of the firearm system including a receiver complex including a receiver coupled to a forward receiver. A feed port is positioned between the receiver and the forward receiver, and a striker coil assembly is positioned proximate the receiver, and includes a plurality of strikers each extending at least partially through a coil. An interchangeable barrel is coupled to the forward receiver forming a breech. In some embodiments, the firearm system includes a breech that includes a plurality of side-by-side bores of the barrel. Some embodiments include a magazine coupled to the receiver complex adjacent the feedport to simultaneously feed more than one dischargeable projectile into the feedport with a single charge block. In some embodiments, the charge block includes a plurality of chambers and a plurality of projectiles positioned within the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Grier
  • Patent number: 9897405
    Abstract: A delinking feeder of a minigun includes an access door mounted to a delinking feeder housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. The access door has an enclosed recess for receiving a tongue that is rotationally coupled to the access door and is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. When the access door is in the open position, the tongue is in the deployed position and a tongue first contact surface can contact and secure a linked cartridge positioned in the delinking feeder. When the access door is in the closed position, the tongue is in the retracted position and a tongue second contact surface can contact and guide a cartridge positioned in the delinking feeder. The enclosed recess is covered so that when the access door is in the closed position, the tongue does not protrude through the access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Profense, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Rowe, Arthur O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9719740
    Abstract: An improved delinking feeder receives a belt of linked cartridges, separates cartridges from the belt, and feeds the separated cartridges to a minigun for firing. The delinking feeder includes a feeder sprocket with a plurality of slots extending outward to an open end at an outer edge of the feeder sprocket body. Each of the slots is disposed along a curve. The curve decelerates a cartridge disposed in the slot as the cartridge moves outwardly in the slot. A feeder shaft is adapted to hold the feeder sprocket and a stripper. The shaft includes a section having a plurality of exterior splines, and the feeder sprocket includes an axial hole having a plurality of interior splines configured to mate with the plurality of shaft exterior splines. The stripper sleeve includes an axial hole having a plurality of interior splines configured to mate with the plurality of shaft exterior splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Profense, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Rowe, Arthur O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9322613
    Abstract: A system for firing shell-cased projectiles including multiple barrels and a breech assembly, which includes multiple detonators each aligned to a corresponding one of the barrels. Each detonator may include a plunger coupled to a firing pin, and a solenoid for driving the plunger and firing pin toward the corresponding barrel upon firing, and an actuator-driven mechanical safety device including a slide plate switchable between first and second lateral positions. The slide plate may include multiple entrapment pins, each corresponding to one of the detonators. When the slide plate is in the first lateral position, each of the entrapment pins are positioned so as to obstruct movement of the plunger in the corresponding detonator, thereby rendering the corresponding detonator inoperable to fire even if the corresponding solenoid is actuated. On the other hand, when the slide plate is in the second lateral position, each of the detonators is operable to fire when the corresponding solenoid is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: NONLETHAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Oberdick, Michael Scott Oberdick
  • Patent number: 9074843
    Abstract: There is a payload delivery device and system configured for projectile dispersion over a defined area. The device includes a launching platform configured to provide structural support. The device also includes a two-dimensional array of launching guides extending upwardly from the launching platform. Each launching guide of the array is fixed at a specific inclination angle and at a specific horizontal direction angle. The device includes a plurality of vessels functionally connected to the array of launching guides and is configured to launch therefrom. The launching platform includes a symbolic indicator associated with an operational characteristic of the device. The launching platform includes a mating structure configured to mate to another similar launching platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Jerry R Montgomery
  • Patent number: 9032856
    Abstract: A launcher comprising multiple barrels arranged on a rotatable plinth, each barrel configured such that its longitudinal axis can be moved through an arc from a first position where the axis is moveable through a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the plinth and barrel assembly rotates to a second position and wherein one or more of the barrels can be moved independently of others carried on the plinth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Chemring Countermeasures Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Barlow, Commodore Richard J. Lord
  • Publication number: 20150107446
    Abstract: A launcher comprising multiple barrels arranged on a rotatable plinth, each barrel configured such that its longitudinal axis can be moved through an arc from a first position where the axis is moveable through a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the plinth and barrel assembly rotates to a second position and wherein one or more of the barrels can be moved independently of others carried on the plinth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: CHEMRING COUNTERMEASURES LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Charles BARLOW, Commodore Richard J. LORD
  • Publication number: 20150059565
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing two or more gun barrels, the method comprising: machining (103) a single metal block to form a barrel preform having the outer shape of at least a first gun barrel and a second gun barrel; drilling (105) a first hole through the first gun barrel to form a first barrel bore; and drilling (107) a second hole through the second gun barrel to form a second barrel bore. Advantages include the barrels being integrally attached to each other and so a soldering operation to attach the barrels to each other is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Engineering Technologies & Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: James Anthony Stewart
  • Patent number: 8950311
    Abstract: This invention relates to a handgun comprising a weapon frame with a grip and a break-barrel unit (11) that can be tilted forward and that is comprised of at least two barrels. A firearm as per the invention provides for a bifunctional or multifunctional hammer unit, comprising at least two hammers (19) that can be moved independently of one another when the firearm is triggered; each hammer impacts only one firing pin (28) in each case of a firing-pin unit (27) comprising at least two firing pins (28, 29) in separated positions, wherein each firing pin is assigned to one barrel of the firearm in each case. A double-barrel or multi-barrel firearm is provided in a compact design in which the hammer unit is cocked with a relatively high amount of spring force with a relatively small amount of existing space. In addition, this invention provides a firearm that has less trigger weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: German Sport Guns GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Emde, Michael Swoboda
  • Patent number: 8899139
    Abstract: A disruptor system includes a plurality of launcher cartridges each including a casing having a closed rearward end and an open forward end defining a cavity. A propellant and payload are carried within the cavity proximate the rearward end. A mounting base is included, having a breach portion defining a back surface and a plurality of barrel portions terminating at a forward end. Each barrel portion defines a bore, the bore open at the forward end. Each bore receives one of the plurality of launcher cartridges. A firing mechanism is coupled to each of the plurality of cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Johnathan M. Brill, Howard D. Kent, Randolph J. Brill
  • Patent number: 8887615
    Abstract: Disclosed is a firearm having dual barrels comprising a firearm body which is equipped with a small caliber barrel and a large caliber barrel; a selector installed on one side of the firearm body to select the type of bullet and the mode of firing; a fire control system installed on the firearm body to enable aiming the target through detecting the target both at day and night time; a firearm switch unit installed on the firearm body to transmit the information on the firing of the bullet; a fuse setter installed on the firearm body to transmit the control signal of the fire control system to the fuse of the explosive bullet which is introduced into the large caliber barrel; and a sensor device unit installed on the firearm body to transmit the position of the selector and sensed firing signal to the fire control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: In Woo Kim, Suk Kyun Hong, Sung Bae Lee, Eui Jung Choe, Je Wook Chae
  • Patent number: 8863421
    Abstract: A firearm for firing caseless ammunition, the firearm comprising a stock which is capable of receiving one or more magazines of caseless ammunition, a frame connected to the stock, one or more barrels, each barrel having a respective central axis and each of the barrels being connected to the frame, one firing chamber for each barrel in communication with each respective barrel, and one or more blocking plates wherein the one or more blocking plates each perform at least two functions, (1) it prevents more than one round of ammunition from being loaded into each respective firing chamber, and (2) at least one surface of the blocking plate is a surface of the firing chamber and wherein the blocking plate is movable in a plane orthogonal to each of the barrel central axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: John Wadie Farage
  • Patent number: 8763508
    Abstract: An weapon system comprising: a plurality of barrels, wherein the barrels are disposed coaxially around a main shaft and wherein the barrels are held in place by at least one barrel rack; and a plurality of intermeshing, counter rotating cylinders, wherein the cylinders include a central hole for the main shaft or a lower shaft and a plurality of coaxial half-holes disposed around the central hole at the edge of the cylindrical shape to form a chamber when the cylinders mesh. An ammunition belt comprising: a first and second ammunition case, wherein each ammunition case comprises: a casing having a first and second end, wherein the first end is adapted to receive and hold a primer and the second end is adapted to receive and hold propellant and a projectile, wherein the first ammunition case is attached to the second ammunition case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Prometheus Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Coker, John Timothy Roberts, David M. Stevens, Charles C. McPherson
  • Publication number: 20140076133
    Abstract: A disruptor system includes a plurality of launcher cartridges each including a casing having a closed rearward end and an open forward end defining a cavity. A propellant and payload are carried within the cavity proximate the rearward end. A mounting base is included, having a breach portion defining a back surface and a plurality of barrel portions terminating at a forward end. Each barrel portion defines a bore, the bore open at the forward end. Each bore receives one of the plurality of launcher cartridges. A firing mechanism is coupled to each of the plurality of cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Johnathan M. Brill, Howard D. Kent, Randolph J. Brill
  • Patent number: 8516729
    Abstract: A gun that has a plurality of frangible barrels. At the proximal end of each barrel is a chamber that receives a cartridge. The cartridge has a reduced charge as compared to a conventional cartridge. Each barrel may have an inner sleeve formed from a malleable material. The out member of each barrel is comprised of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, a filled plastic. The inner sleeve is rigid enough to withstand the pressure of the reduced charge cartridge when fired, but is malleable enough to expand from the pressure generated by a standard charge cartridge. When the inner sleeve expands, the outer member fragments and destroys the weapon. The expansion of the inner sleeve and fragmentation of the outer member upon firing a standard charge reduces the propelling force in the bullet. As a result, the weapon is destroyed and the bullet is fired with a greatly reduced force. The barrels on the gun don not rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Brejon Holdings (BVI), Ltd.
    Inventors: John Hayes, David J. W. Lovinger
  • Patent number: 8490532
    Abstract: A launcher comprising multiple barrels arranged on a rotatable plinth, each barrel configured such that its longitudinal axis can be moved through an arc from a first position where the axis is moveable through a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the plinth and barrel assembly rotates to a second position and wherein one or more of the barrels can be moved independently of others carried on the plinth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Chemring Countermeasures Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Barlow, Richard J. Lord
  • Patent number: 8393107
    Abstract: A firearm assembly including a first weapon having a first receiver is disclosed. The first receiver includes a front end with a barrel attached to the front end and a front sight attached to the barrel. A second weapon is selectively mounted to the first weapon and movable between an engaged and disengaged position. The second weapon includes a second receiver and a mounting system having a first portion attached to the second receiver and a second portion coupled to the second receiver. The first portion is coupled to the front sight to define a first attachment point when the second weapon is in the engaged position. The second portion includes a first end coupled to the front sight to define a second attachment point and a second end coupled to the first receiver to define a third attachment point when the second weapon is in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Adcor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8381629
    Abstract: A bolt body for a double barreled bolt action rifle comprises a pair of forwardly extending breach bolts; a central body portion, from which the breach bolts extend; and a rear portion of the bolt body, housing a pair of cocking pieces. The rear portion has intersecting vertical and horizontal slots formed therein, defining a cruciform track in which the cocking pieces can travel. Each cocking piece has a vertical portion accommodated in said vertical slot and a horizontal portion in said horizontal slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Szecsei
  • Publication number: 20110146483
    Abstract: An ejectable device is provided having multiple ejection bays. The ejectable device includes an impulse cartridge having multiple charges that are independently activatable. The ejectable device further includes an orientation adapter that allows reliable connectivity between the impulse cartridge and a signal source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel R. Neff
  • Patent number: 7895788
    Abstract: A ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus includes an optical module adapted to provide visual feedback to a user to aim at an object. The ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus further includes a firing mechanism adapted to fire a projectile towards the object and a housing containing the firing mechanism. The ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Enforcement Video, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Cilia, Robert V. Vanman
  • Publication number: 20110030541
    Abstract: A launcher comprising multiple barrels arranged on a rotatable plinth, each barrel configured such that its longitudinal axis can be moved through an arc from a first position where the axis is moveable through a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the plinth and barrel assembly rotates to a second position and wherein one or more of the barrels can be moved independently of others carried on the plinth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Chemring Countermeasures Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Barlow, Commodore Richard J. Lord
  • Publication number: 20100288111
    Abstract: The present invention separates, absolutely, the functions of camouflage and jamming. This allows the use of a small-caliber munition (4) that exclusively deploys jammers (6). These jammers (6), or munitions (4), are preferably fired vertically upwards or laterally from the vehicle (object 9) to be protected. For this purpose, the launch barrels (2) are fitted and aligned vertically on the vehicle or the object (9) to be protected. An adequate light flash (8) is produced in the relevant spectrum by initiation of a pyrotechnic charge, with the initiation clocked in time and arranged offset in height, and with the light flash (8) interfering with the aiming mechanism of the approaching warhead. Alternatively, different heights of the break-up flashes can be generated above and/or to the side of the object (9) by a plurality of munitions (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Kunz
  • Patent number: 7793577
    Abstract: A cooling system for a Gatling machine gun can be use to retrofit an existing machine gun or can be incorporated in a newly manufactured gun. The system directs fluid through the housing assembly of the machine gun to a location intermediate barrels of the gun, and discharges the fluid to cool the barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Tracy W. Garwood
  • Patent number: 7533597
    Abstract: An adapter mechanism for use with an explosive ordnance disrupter arrangement. The adapter includes a yoke and a mount rotatable relative to the yoke to assume a desired angular orientation, which is locked in the desired position. The yoke may be mounted on an explosive ordnance primary disrupter. The mount carries a supplemental disrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Scott A. Strohman
  • Patent number: 7240601
    Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 7207256
    Abstract: A vehicular weapons platform (30) including a plurality of barrel assemblies (10), wherein each barrel assembly includes a barrel (11), a plurality of projectiles (14) axially disposed within the barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel (11) and discrete propellant charges (15) for propelling respective projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; and at least one of said plurality of barrel assemblies (10) includes a barrel which also forms a structural member of the weapons platform. In one preferred form, the weapons platform takes the form of a small combat aerial vehicle (SCAV) (30), wherein the barrel assemblies (10) form the airframe. A method of constructing a weapons platform from the barrel assemblies is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 7202809
    Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Schade, Thomas C. Winant, Jaime Alforque, Jeffrey Faul, Kenneth B. Groves, Valent Horvatich, Marco Albert Middione, Christopher Tarantino, James Robert Turner
  • Patent number: 7194943
    Abstract: An ignition arrangement for a barrel assembly (10) including a barrel (11) having a plurality of projectiles (15a, 15b, 15c) axially stacked within the barrel (11) together with respective propellant charges (20) for propelling the projectiles sequentially from the barrel, said ignition arrangement including a fuse (21, 22) disposed in a cavity (27) provided in a body (18) of each projectile, wherein the cavity (27) communicates both forwardly (28) and rearwardly (29) of the projectile body (18); whereby in use, said fuse (21) burns at a controlled rate in the cavity (27) and causes ignition of the propellant charge (20) associated with said projectile (15a), which in turn ignites the next following fuse (22) associated with a trailing projectile (15b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: Sean Patrick O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6935063
    Abstract: A break down triple-barrel shotgun includes three barrels, having two bottom barrels and one top barrel positioned on top of the two bottom barrels. In this respect, the triple-barrel shotgun has features of both side by side and over and under shotguns. The triple-barrel shotgun has simple break down mechanical features and provides increased shot opportunities with the reliability of a breakdown shotgun. As a result, the number of shells that are jammed is lowered or eliminated in comparison with conventional three shot shotguns. Also, the cleaning, maintenance, and care of a shotgun having a three shot capability is simplified in comparison with conventional three shot shotguns. The subject triple-barrel shotgun is especially useful for waterfowl hunting for which a maximum of three shot capability is mandated. The triple-barrel shotgun allows the use of three interchangeable choke tubes, that allow the shot patterns to be changed or adjusted with respect to pattern density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Steve M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6860187
    Abstract: A method of target specific fire fighting including the steps of providing a barrel assembly, suitably in a pod, which is capable of firing a plurality of projectiles. Each projectile having containment for matter or objects to be delivered to a target fire; loading the containments with matter or objects comprising fire retardants, dousing or extinguishing means; providing control means for aiming and controlling the rate of fire of projectiles and/or quantity of the projectiles fired; and firing the projectiles in a controlled manner from a remote location toward the fire so as to douse or extinguish the fire. The barrel assemblies of the projectile launching apparatus are of the type having a plurality projectiles arranged in-line within a barrel and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6829858
    Abstract: Grenade launchers and methods to secure a grenade launcher to a firearm are disclosed. In an example method, if the firearm has a first fixed bearing and a first movable bearing separated by a first distance, (a) a first adapter is secured to the grenade launcher, (b) the first fixed bearing is secured to one of the grenade launcher and the first adapter, and (c) the first movable bearing is secured to the first adapter. If the second firearm has a second fixed bearing and a second movable bearing separated by a second distance, (a) a second adapter is secured to the grenade launcher, (b) the second fixed bearing is secured to one of the grenade launcher and the second adapter, and (c) the second movable bearing is secured to the second adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Gablowski
  • Patent number: 6752137
    Abstract: The present invention is a projectile launching system having an independently operable gas powered less-lethal launcher, which is capable of firing projectiles containing either incapacitating, debilitating, or marking agents for use during those situations when lethal force would be an inappropriate response. The gas powered launcher is ergonomically designed and comprises a receiver housing and receiver that are detachable from a stand-alone stock so that it can be attached to a mounting bracket located underneath the barrel of a rifle and, therefore, integrated with such rifle in order to provide both a lethal and a less-lethal capability for the user. One of the ergonomic features of the receiver is that it is designed to releasably carry a compressed gas container in a way that presents a favorable profile and a convenient and efficient trigger location, even after attachment of the receiver to the barrel of a rifle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: James R. G. Brunette, Gary A Sniezak, Richard Vay Oney, Steve Doehler
  • Patent number: 6722252
    Abstract: A weapon comprising a transportable pod having a plurality of barrel assemblies (10) of the type including a plurality of projectiles (11) arranged in-line within barrel (12). Each projectile (11) is associated with a discrete, selectively ignitable propellant charge (13) for propelling each projectile (11) sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12). Each projectile (11) includes projectile body (22) which matter or objects may be transported. Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The pod can include a direction control means for selectively varying the relative alignment between barrel assembles (10) so as to selectively vary the relative delivered position of projectile (11) fired from different barrels (12). The weapon may be used for military or civilian applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6701818
    Abstract: Barrel assemblies (1) each include a plurality of projectiles (11) arranged in-line within barrel (12) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling projectiles (11) through the muzzle of barrel (12). Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The matter or objects contained within holding body (17) may include explosive charges for scismic exploration, fire retardants, fire extinguishing means, pyrotechnics, herbicide, insecticide, fertilizer or seeds. Methods of delivering loaded projectiles (11) for civilian purposes are claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6701661
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the relative positions of a first module and a second module on a firearm system includes an intermediate barrel adapted for mounting to the firearm system such that an axis of the intermediate barrel is fixed relative to the first module. A first adjusting cam is rotatably supported on the intermediate barrel and operatively engages the second module at an attachment point so as to displace the attachment point along a first adjustment line in response to rotation of the first adjusting cam. A second adjusting cam is rotatably supported on the intermediate barrel and is rotatable independently of the first adjusting cam. The second adjusting cam operatively engages the second module at the attachment point and is arranged to displace the attachment point along a second adjustment line in response to rotation of the second adjusting cam. The first and second adjustment lines are non-parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Murello
  • Publication number: 20030121404
    Abstract: Aircraft (10) carries at least two clusters of barrel assemblies. At least one cluster is oriented normal to the longitudinal axis of aircraft (10) and at least one other cluster is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of aircraft (10). Each cluster comprises a plurality of barrel assemblies, with each barrel having a plurality of axially disposed projectiles therein. Each projectile is associated with a discrete, sequentially activated propellant charge for propelling it through the muzzle of the barrel. Various methods of deploying a multiplicity of projectiles onto a target from aircraft (10) are also described and claimed. The projectiles deployment might occur at any time whils aircraft (10) is approaching the target, overflying the target, or departing from the target. The projectiles may include smoke canisters, high explosive canisters, flares, electronic and thermal countermeasures, mines, grenades or cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6557449
    Abstract: This invention provides a handgun assembly such as a rifle (9) which has a barrel assembly (24) including a cluster of barrels each supporting a longitudinal arrangement of aerodynamically shaped, directional projectiles (15) and interposed propellant charges (16) whereby the barrel assembly has longitudinal arrays or layers or projectiles and interposed propellant charges. Ignition means is provided for selectively igniting the propellant charges (16) including for simultaneously igniting the propellant charges in the leading layer of projectiles to provide a shotgun-like blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6543174
    Abstract: A barrel assembly (70) comprising a plurality of projectiles (75) axially disposed within a barrel (71) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (74) for propelling the projectiles from the barrel. The essence of the invention is the provision of a pressure relief valve, for example comprised by a port (73) and plug (76), associated with a chamber in which a propellant charge (74) is ignited. The pressure relief valve (73, 76) is designed to prevent catastrophic failure of the barrel (71) by exhausting via a chamber (72) in the event that the barrel is blocked by a projectile and detonation of one or more propellant charges (74) occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20030010185
    Abstract: A method of target specific fire fighting including the steps of providing a barrel assembly (10, 31), suitably in a pod (33), which is capable of firing a plurality of projectiles (11). Each projectile having containment (21) for matter or objects to be delivered to a target fire; loading the containments with matter or objects comprising fire retardants, dousing or extinguishing means; providing control means (37) for aiming and controlling the rate of fire of projectiles and/or quantity of the projectiles fired; and firing (34) the projectiles in a controlled manner from a remote location toward the fire so as to douse the fire. The barrel assemblies (31) of the projectile launching apparatus (33) are of the type having a plurality projectiles (11) arranged in-line within a barrel (12) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling the projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20020157526
    Abstract: A barrel assembly (70) comprising a plurality of projectiles (75) axially disposed within a barrel (71) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (74) for propelling the projectiles from the barrel. The essence of the invention is the provision of a pressure relief valve, for example comprised by a port (73) and plug (76), associated with a chamber in which a propellant charge (74) is ignited. The pressure relief valve (73, 76) is designed to prevent catastrophic failure of the barrel (71) by exhausting via a chamber (72) in the event that the barrel is blocked by a projectile and detonation of one or more propellant charges (74) occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6415701
    Abstract: A two-barrel gun for firing two types of ammunition includes a single breech locking mechanism for both barrels. The gun includes a selector lever for activating one of two bolts associated with the two barrels, and a single trigger for firing ammunition from a chamber associated with the activated bolt. The gun further includes two magazines for feeding ammunition to the chambers, and a pump-action forearm for ejecting spent ammunition and for loading a new round of ammunition into the chamber associated with the activated bolt. The single breech locking mechanism extends forwardly of the chambers, and the actual breech locking engagement occurs in front of the bolts. Therefore, the receiver section of the gun can be made more compact, and can more easily accommodate other essential components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Hesco Incorporated
    Inventor: David Dobbins
  • Publication number: 20020066361
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the relative positions of a first module and a second module on a firearm system includes an intermediate barrel adapted for mounting to the firearm system such that an axis of the intermediate barrel is fixed relative to the first module. A first adjusting cam is rotatably supported on the intermediate barrel and operatively engages the second module at an attachment point so as to displace the attachment point along a first adjustment line in response to rotation of the first adjusting cam. A second adjusting cam is rotatably supported on the intermediate barrel and is rotatable independently of the first adjusting cam. The second adjusting cam operatively engages the second module at the attachment point and is arranged to displace the attachment point along a second adjustment line in response to rotation of the second adjusting cam. The first and second adjustment lines are non-parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Johannes Murello
  • Publication number: 20010015126
    Abstract: A multiple-barrel mortar assembly for launching grenades and similar items and mounted on the side of a combat vehicle. Several modules that can rotate in azimuth are mounted in a mount. Each mount is provided with a barrel accommodated in a block. Each barrel extends at a prescribed acute angle to the base of the block. The angle establishes the assembly's elevation. Each block is secured in a frame. The frame can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the base of the block. A drive mechanism can rotate all the frames simultaneously through a prescribed range of angles around the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Jens Grunewald
  • Patent number: 6250194
    Abstract: A multipurpose weapon having a self-loading large-caliber self-loading rifle module or section and an assault weapon module or section attached to the front portion of the large caliber rifle is provided. A first trigger assembly of the large-caliber rifle is positioned for operation by a trigger hand of the user of the weapon, while a second trigger assembly of the assault weapon module is configured for operation by the non-trigger hand of the user. Alternatively, the assault weapon section or module can be equipped with a trigger that is selectively operable to fire either the assault weapon module or the large-caliber rifle module. Additionally, a detachable secondary module comprising a grip module which includes a grip and a trigger can alternatively be attached to the large-caliber module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Brandl, Heinz Matt
  • Patent number: 6237273
    Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit using different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Joanell Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. La Mura, Ronald Conrad Wallenburg
  • Patent number: 6199470
    Abstract: An apparatus for launching projectiles from a host aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a rotary launcher, a plurality of launch tube assemblies, a plurality of projectile retention means, and a plurality of ejection cartridges. The rotary launcher has a plurality of support fittings thereon, each for securing a tube assembly to the rotary launcher. Each projectile retention means securely retains each projectile within its respective launch tube. Each ejection cartridge is mounted to a respective launch tube assembly and interfaces with a projectile retention means to provide an ejection of that projectile retention means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Dewan, Richard N. Parke, William H. Stock