Breech Closures Patents (Class 89/17)
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Patent number: 10948249Abstract: A delayed blowback mechanism integrated into a firearm bolt and carrier subassembly. A cam pin extends from the bolt and, upon initiation of the cartridge discharge cycle, engages a guiding clearance or pocket configured within the firearm upper receiver for providing recoil and discharge force attenuation in a radial delayed fashion during cycling of the bolt carrier group. Recoil attenuation between the cam pin and upper receiver clearance can be provided alone or assisted by chamfer or angled contour to either or both of the radially projecting and rear contact surfaces of the bolt locking lugs and the opposing inward projections configured within the barrel extension grooves. In any variant, the bolt and associated carrier retain sufficient inertia to cycle through the discharge cycle to the set position concurrent with reloading a subsequent cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2020Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: 22 Evolution LLCInventors: John L. Overstreet, Tyson Bradshaw, Jordan Wilson
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Patent number: 10941993Abstract: A delayed rotary blowback mechanism integrated into a firearm bolt and carrier subassembly. A plurality of radial locking lugs are configured at a rear end of the bolt and seat within a mating profile of an upper receiver interior or integrated trunnion in a fully chambered position. A plurality of chamfered locations are configured between the lugs and a receiving profile in the barrel or trunnion for influencing linear to rotational motion of the bolt. A cam pin extends upwardly from the bolt and seats through a circumferentially directed slot configured within the bolt carrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2020Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: 22 Evolution LLCInventors: John L. Overstreet, Tyson Bradshaw, Jordan Wilson
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Patent number: 9423193Abstract: An insert for a gun bolt according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a gun lock interface insert sized to be fixedly secured in a gun bolt. The gun lock interface insert includes a first guide structure and a second guide structure extending from a main body. The main body defines a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The first engagement and second engagement surfaces space apart the first guide and second guide structures. Each of the first engagement and second engagement surfaces is configured to selectively engage a breech lock. A method of repairing a bolt assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Inventor: Christ Stratis Gryparis
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Patent number: 9151553Abstract: Several improvements to the components and assembly method of a bolt-action firearm are disclosed. An improved bolt includes two separate members, which makes the bolt less expensive to manufacture while having a stronger extension handle. An improved takedown system and buttonless stop provide two easy ways to remove a bolt from a receiver when desired without misplacing any parts. An improved scope mount has a base connected to a receiver with two ends that substantially cover the top surface of the receiver and a middle portion that is narrowed over an opening to the receiver to accommodate a cartridge. A method of assembling a firearm involves providing a barrel with a threaded portion, fitting a crush washer over the threaded portion, inserting the threaded portion into a corresponding threaded portion of a receiver, and adjusting the barrel about the crush washer until a proper headspace is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Robert L. Constant, Richard A. Picard, John Pliska
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Patent number: 8826794Abstract: A breech mechanism sliding contact assembly that allows for ignition, gun ground, and ammunition data link circuits to be broken while the breechblock is open. The sliding contact assembly further allows these circuits to be reconnected when the breechblock is closed. The breech mechanism sliding contact assembly comprises two separate connectors: a block slide connector that assembles to the breechblock and a ring slide connector that assembles to the breech ring. The two connectors operate in compact, pre-existing headspaces between the breechblock and the breech ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the SecretaryInventors: David Marshall, Adam Blot
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Patent number: 8549977Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a breech block includes a cam follower, a housing, a first plunger, a rotation unit, a pressurizing unit, an open cam, a first elastic member, and a second plunger. In the present invention, in a state that the open cam is out of the range of a moving path of the cam follower so as to restrict rotation of the cam follower, the second plunger is inserted into the housing so as to support the pressurizing unit. This may allow a closed state of the breech block to be maintained after firing. Furthermore, in the present invention, a closed mode of the breech block may be converted into an open mode, through simple manipulations, e.g., by rotating the rotation unit, i.e., by moving the pressurizing unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Agency for Defense DevelopmentInventors: Sang-Tae Ahn, Kuk-Jeong Kang, Tae-Ho Han, Cheon-Gon Jeon
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Patent number: 8479633Abstract: A mechanism or drive (100) for a weapon is described, which is characterized by only a limited acceleration of the breech (20) and a jerk- and recoil-free operation, thereby reducing the inertia force and the required power and increasing the repetition rate. The reduction of the required power also results in a reduction of braking power in the case of a quick stop. For this purpose, the rotational motion of preferably a motor (50) or the like is converted to a forward or reverse motion of the breech (20) using the Scotch yoke principle. In order to allow rest periods of the breech in the end limit positions, the rod (3) and the yoke (1) are arranged radially and displaceable relative to each other so that the yoke radius changes when the yoke (1) is rotated. A control cam (6) radially guides the rod (3).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbHInventors: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann, Klaus Lawitzke, Heiner Schmees, Berthold Baumann
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Publication number: 20130160636Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a breech block includes a cam follower, a housing, a first plunger, a rotation unit, a pressurizing unit, an open cam, a first elastic member, and a second plunger. In the present invention, in a state that the open cam is out of the range of a moving path of the cam follower so as to restrict rotation of the cam follower, the second plunger is inserted into the housing so as to support the pressurizing unit. This may allow a closed state of the breech block to be maintained after firing. Furthermore, in the present invention, a closed mode of the breech block may be converted into an open mode, through simple manipulations, e.g., by rotating the rotation unit, i.e., by moving the pressurizing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventors: Sang-Tae AHN, Kuk-Jeong KANG, Tae-Ho HAN, Cheon-Gon JEON
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Patent number: 8459165Abstract: Breech guides for use with breech assemblies and firearms including such breech guides are disclosed. An example breech guide for use with a breech assembly of a firearm includes a support element positioned within the breech assembly and a control element on the support element, the control element is adapted to control a cartridge-feeder mechanism of the firearm. The example breech guide includes a guide element on the support element. The guide element is adapted to guide the breech assembly relative to guide rails of the firearm. The support element extends along an axis of symmetry substantially perpendicular to a bore axis. The control element and the guide element being substantially coaxially positioned relative to the axis of symmetry.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbHInventors: Stefan Doll, Martin Stussak
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Patent number: 8413565Abstract: A drive, having a quick stop mechanism, for a breech is axially adjustable relative to a weapon barrel, and includes a motor, two counter-rotating chains and sprocket wheels that guide the chains. Engaging cams and control cams are integrated into the chains. A slide mounted at the bottom of the breech is displaceable transversely to the direction of fire and has a groove that the engaging cams engage to entrain the breech in a forward or reverse motion relative to the direction of fire. The engaging cam transporting the breech forwards is displaced from the groove while the control cam displaces the slide simultaneously to its center position via its ascent ramp, thereby allowing breech rest periods in the forward limit position. Firing causes the slide to move from the center position to the left hand side whereas it remains in the center position when no shot is fired.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbHInventors: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann, Klaus Lawitzke, Heiner Schmees, Berthold Baumann
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Patent number: 8297163Abstract: A firing device for close-in defense ammunition, ammunition incorporating a rigid casing enclosing at least one projectile, casing integral with a base that can be joined by linking means to a firing device base incorporating means to prime the ammunition, device wherein it incorporates a tube capping the ammunition after this ammunition has been fixed onto the firing base, such tube that is itself made integral with the firing base by attachment means, such tube further carrying an articulated bipod enabling the orientation in elevation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Nexter SystemsInventor: Jean-Francois Cazalieres
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Publication number: 20120210859Abstract: Breech guides for use with breech assemblies and firearms including such breech guides are disclosed. An example breech guide for use with a breech assembly of a firearm includes a support element positioned within the breech assembly and a control element on the support element, the control element is adapted to control a cartridge-feeder mechanism of the firearm. The example breech guide includes a guide element on the support element. The guide element is adapted to guide the breech assembly relative to guide rails of the firearm. The support element extends along an axis of symmetry substantially perpendicular to a bore axis. The control element and the guide element being substantially coaxially positioned relative to the axis of symmetry.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Stefan Doll, Martin Stussak
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Publication number: 20120132062Abstract: A drive for a weapon is provided, wherein rotational motion of a motor is converted to a forward or reverse motion of the breech in a simple manner using the Scotch yoke principle. In order to allow rest periods of the breech in the end positions, the crank radius is defined by a control cam, which changes when the crank is rotated. The hinge pin of the crank may be externally driven via a pinion shaft. A yoke pin is arranged in a groove of the crank so as to be radially displaceable and carries the breech carrier or the breech in a groove extending transversely to the direction of fire via a sliding block. Two rollers are arranged on the crank pin and run in control cams in the weapon or crank housing. The control cam is subdivided into different sectors/sections, thereby achieving the desired motion of the breech.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBHInventors: Ralf Joachim HERRMANN, Heiner SCHMEES, Berthold BAUMANN
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Publication number: 20120132061Abstract: A mechanism or drive (100) for a weapon is described, which is characterized by only a limited acceleration of the breech (20) and a jerk- and recoil-free operation, thereby reducing the inertia force and the required power and increasing the repetition rate. The reduction of the required power also results in a reduction of braking power in the case of a quick stop. For this purpose, the rotational motion of preferably a motor (50) or the like is converted to a forward or reverse motion of the breech (20) using the Scotch yoke principle. In order to allow rest periods of the breech in the end limit positions, the rod (3) and the yoke (1) are arranged radially and displaceable relative to each other so that the yoke radius changes when the yoke (1) is rotated. A control cam (6) radially guides the rod (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBHInventors: Ralf-Joachim HERRMANN, Klaus LAWITZKE, Heiner SCHMEES, Berthold BAUMANN
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Patent number: 8141469Abstract: The breech end of a gun may include a quick-release spindle assembly. A carrier may have a locking collar rotatably disposed therein. The locking collar may have a through-bore and one or more projections extending into the through-bore. The locking collar may be rotatable between spindle lock and spindle release positions. A spindle may be translatably disposed in the through-bore of the locking collar. The spindle may include one or more projections extending radially outward from a rear outer surface of the spindle. In the spindle lock position of the locking collar, the projections of the spindle may be aligned with the projections of the locking collar to thereby prevent translation of the spindle in a forward direction. In the spindle release position of the locking collar, the projections of the spindle may not be aligned with the projections of the locking collar to thereby allow translation of the spindle in a forward direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Edward W. Holmes, Wayland P. Barber, Leslie C. Blahut
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Publication number: 20110314996Abstract: A drive, having a quick stop mechanism, for a breech is axially adjustable relative to a weapon barrel, and includes a motor, two counter-rotating chains and sprocket wheels that guide the chains. Engaging cams and control cams are integrated into the chains. A slide mounted at the bottom of the breech is displaceable transversely to the direction of fire and has a groove that the engaging cams engage to entrain the breech in a forward or reverse motion relative to the direction of fire. The engaging cam transporting the breech forwards is displaced from the groove while the control cam displaces the slide simultaneously to its center position via its ascent ramp, thereby allowing breech rest periods in the forward limit position. Firing causes the slide to move from the center position to the left hand side whereas it remains in the center position when no shot is fired.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBHInventors: Ralf Joachim HERRMANN, Klaus LAWITZKE, Heiner SCHMEES, Berthold BAUMANN
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Publication number: 20110290103Abstract: A drive for a breech/breech carrier renders it axially adjustable relative to a weapon barrel. The drive includes a motor, two engaging cams mounted on a chain arranged below the breech and guided around two sprocket wheels. A slide is mounted in a guide at the bottom of the breech/breech carrier so as to move at a right angle to the direction of fire, with a groove extending over its entire width. The respective engaging cam entrains the breech in forward motion relative to the direction of fire, or in reverse motion, once the shot is fired, and transports the breech forwards, is displaced from the groove, and moves backwards without the breech, thereby allowing breech rest periods in a forward position. During firing, the slide moves, whereas it remains stationary when no shot is fired so no further engaging cam can entrain the breech backwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBHInventors: Ralf Joachim HERRMANN, Klaus LAWITZKE, Heiner SCHMEES, Berthold BAUMANN
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Publication number: 20110030542Abstract: Projectile stacking systems in which individual projectiles are clipped together to form a stack. The projectiles may be joined individually by a user before loading in a barrel, or during a loading process assisted by features on the breech of the barrel. The tail of each projectile includes a set of clips which engage the nose of a trailing projectile in the stack. Projectiles may be withdrawn from barrel and undipped as required by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2007Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Joseph F. Cronin, Sean P. O'Dwyer, Roger H. Thompson
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Patent number: 7637197Abstract: It is proposed that a loading chamber of a weapon with a breech mechanism no longer be part of a cannon tube but rather that it form, together with a breechblock, a unit, which additionally contains a device for firing ammunition and which can move relative to the bore portion of the cannon tube. This design solution can be used in all weapons with various and different breech mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbHInventors: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann, Heiner Schmees, Hans Hülsewis
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Patent number: 7594465Abstract: A weapon system having a gun barrel and an in bore air regulation system. The gun barrel has a first end and a second end. The gun barrel has a bore formed therein that extends from the first end towards the second end. The bore is adapted to receive a round. The in bore air regulation system is operably attached to the gun barrel so that the in bore air regulation system is in communication with the bore to regulate air pressure in the bore and thereby control the position of the round in the bore.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.Inventors: Dennis W. Borgwarth, John F. Revolinski, Chad L. Hellwig, Jeffrey V. Ireland
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Patent number: 7584691Abstract: A weapon system is provided with a rotary lock bolt driven by a bimodal cam way.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: General Dynamics Armament and Technical ProductsInventors: David L. Steimke, Parke R. Warner
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Patent number: 7526990Abstract: A contact safety device between two mechanical parts mobile which respect to one another to guarantee the internal kinematics, by the release or activation of control means, wherein said device incorporates a safety unit connected to one of said two mechanical parts enclosing a probe activated by one of said two mechanical part and amplifying means constituted by an amplifying lever activated by said probe and an immobilizing lock activated by said amplifying lever meshed on said control means so as to transform a rectilinear micro-movement into a circular movement of large magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: CTA InternationalInventors: Michel Lenoble, Michel Baubois
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Patent number: 7331135Abstract: A bolt locking housing (16) on a gun, behind the chamber (4) thereof, for receiving a bolt (6) including an extractor (10) having an extractor hook that grips a corresponding extractor groove (21) of a cartridge (2) within said chamber (4), characterized by said bolt locking housing (16) being asymmetrically machined internally, such that there is provided at least a first protrusion (18) that becomes co-aligned with and serves to support head of extractor (10), when bolt (6) is fully closed and lugs (7) thereon are interlocked into bolt locking housing (16), thereby preventing deformation of casing of said cartridge (2) after detonation.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Israel Weapon Industries (I.W.I.) Ltd.Inventor: Eitan Shimi
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Patent number: 7316091Abstract: A firearm includes a barrel having an end coupled to a receiver. A reciprocating bolt carrier is carried by the receiver and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The bolt carrier includes a buttress formed in a top surface thereof. A key includes a base having a rearward end and is coupled to the bolt carrier with the rearward end abutting the buttress.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Inventor: Frank Desomma
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Patent number: 7296506Abstract: A make-break device includes a first component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered face and a second component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered faces, where the first component first edge and the second component first edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating radial meshing engagement of the first and second components and where the first component second edge and the second component second edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating axial meshing engagement of the first and second components. A cannon employing the make-break device and a method of selectively coupling/decoupling stationary electric drive assemblies from associated shiftable driven assemblies are included.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.Inventor: Victor E. Lindblom
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Patent number: 7243589Abstract: An assembly for effecting a variable volume chamber for use in a cannon having a breech assembly operably coupled to a chamber, and includes the chamber having a certain size being partially defined by a constant diameter for a known depth dimension and having a known volume and a breech plug assembly disposable in the chamber to a selectively variable depth, the depth being less than the known depth of the chamber such that the plug fills a first selectively variable portion of the known volume of the chamber, thereby leaving a second variable portion of the known volume of the chamber free and defining a chamber variable volume. A Cannon including the variable volume chamber and a method of effecting a variable volume chamber are further included.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.Inventors: Jeff Ireland, Dave Burger, Lonnie Hannah
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Publication number: 20040244572Abstract: A weapon system having a gun barrel and an in bore air regulation system. The gun barrel has a first end and a second end. The gun barrel has a bore formed therein that extends from the first end towards the second end. The bore is adapted to receive a round. The in bore air regulation system is operably attached to the gun barrel so that the in bore air regulation system is in communication with the bore to regulate air pressure in the bore and thereby control the position of the round in the bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Dennis W. Borgwarth, John F. Revolinski, Chad L. Hellwig, Jeffrey V. Ireland
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Patent number: 6571676Abstract: A gun system has a two piece cannon assembly that is separated between a removable chamber instead of a traditional breech, and a projectile forcing cone. The chamber has a plug at one end that can accommodate any type of ignition system, and the other end is open and is attached to the barrel with a connection fitting. High pressure gases created by combustion of the propellant are sealed with a high-pressure gas compression seal at the interface between the chamber and the barrel. The connection fitting provides an attachment for a rear cannon bearing slide, which rides on rails attached to the main support structure, and also reacts any torque induced into the barrel from the actuation of the chamber/barrel locking collar. A turntable upon which are mounted two chamber elevating/support mechanisms and two projectile loader/rammer mechanisms is positioned around one of the main support structure legs.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventors: Lawrence R. Folsom, Martin Hughes, Clive Tucker, Steven L. Adams, Robert J. Kogut, George R. Wilson, Jr., Robert E. Thompson
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Patent number: 6212989Abstract: A window assembly for transmitting light into and from a vessel containing a high pressure, high temperature, highly reactive environment includes a truncated conical window which is substantially transparent to radiation, a truncated conical metal seal which circumferentially engages the window, and a case to which the window and the seal are secured. To facilitate automatic cleaning of the window, the surface of the window which is exposed to the high-pressure environment is seated substantially flush with the high-pressure surface of the case. By initially seating the window assembly by means of mechanical pressing, then subjecting the window assembly to a series of successively higher transient combustion pressures, a window assembly can be fabricated which can withstand prolonged service in a harsh environment such as that encountered in a large caliber artillery cannon or equivalent scientific and industrial applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Richard A. Beyer, Gregory C. Burke, John J. O'Reilly, David C. Smith, Henry Kerwien, Mark Todaro
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Patent number: 6186041Abstract: A weapon includes a barrel; a breech ring attached to a rearward end of the barrel; a groove provided in the breech ring; a movable breechblock mounted in the breech ring and having open and closed positions; a slide mounted in the breech ring and being guided by the breech ring groove for displacements relative to the breech ring; a connecting element for coupling the slide to the breechblock for causing motion of the breechblock between the open and closed positions by the displacements of the slide; and a control cam rotatably supported in the breech ring. The control cam has a cam track coupled to the slide for effecting displacements of the slide upon rotation of the control cam Further, an external drive is provided for rotating the control cam.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbHInventor: Horst Menges
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Patent number: 6006645Abstract: A large-caliber weapon includes a barrel having a longitudinal barrel axis; a cradle supporting the barrel; a breech ring mounted on an end of the barrel; a breech wedge disposed in the breech ring for linear displacements transversely to the barrel axis; a control lug affixed to the breech wedge; and an opening lever pivotally mounted on the cradle for angular displacements about a lever axis oriented perpendicularly to the barrel axis. The opening lever is disposed externally of the breech ring and has an initial position and an actuated end position. The opening lever is engaged by the control lug of the breech wedge in a position of rest of the barrel such that upon motion of the opening lever from its initial position to its actuated end position, the breech wedge is moved from a closed position into an open position.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbHInventors: Heinz-Gunter Breuer, Hans Hulsewis
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Patent number: 5965836Abstract: A method provides for shooting a missile-rocket. The missile-rocket has two movable parts and a propellant. The propellant is disposed between the one movable part and the first end of the other movable part. The missile-rocket undergoes three phases of acceleration. During the first phase, the method includes the steps of activating the propellant, moving one of the movable parts in response to the activation of the propellant, and urging the one of the movable parts to engage the other one of the movable parts. During the second phase, the method includes the step of urging the other one of the movable parts in response to the engagement. During the third phase, the method includes the step of releasing gases formed by activating the propellant from the missile-rocket to further urge the missile-rocket. The movable parts are preferably a shell and a core. In one embodiment, the core is moved in response to the activation of the propellant and urged to engage the front end of the shell.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Inventor: Mikhail A. Rakov
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Patent number: 5952601Abstract: A recoilless and gas-free projectile propulsion device is provided. A hol pressure vessel is sealed on a first end to an aft end of a projectile in a launch tube. The pressure vessel is further open on a second end. A propellant charge-filled pressure chamber, defined in a forward portion of the pressure vessel, has holes venting to the pressure vessel aft thereof. A piston, sealed within the pressure vessel for sliding movement therein, is spaced apart from the pressure chamber to define a volume therebetween that receives gases produced during the burning of the propellant charge via the vent holes. A pressure valve divides the volume into a forward section adjacent the pressure chamber and an aft section adjacent the piston. The pressure valve remains closed until a threshold pressure is reached in the forward section at which point the pressure valve opens to join the forward section with the aft section. A countermass is positioned between the piston and the second end of the pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Larry E. Crabtree, Roger L. Ellis, James F. Cahill
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Patent number: 5877696Abstract: A weapons security system composed of containers for storage of warheads or warhead material. The containers are equipped to detect breaches in the enclosure walls and to transmit an alarm signal in the event of a breach. The alarm signal is received by a local control center for transmission to a central weapons command. The central weapons command may also receive the alarm directly. The central weapons command despatches forces to counter the threat identified by the alarm. Also, the central weapons command dispatches electronic authorization or opening codes to the containers or their local guardians. The containers may be equipped with entry deterrent devices and warhead destructive devices which are triggered by the detection of a breach in the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventor: Roger A. Powell
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Patent number: 5663519Abstract: A modular concept for a gun which uses a breech conversion kit allows the firing of cased and caseless ammunition with the same gun. The cannon has 2 breech mechanism (10) which includes a first sliding breech-block (19) which engages the rear end (15) of a cartridge case in the firing position. Said first sliding breech-block (19) is interchanged for a second sliding breech-block (21) when firing caseless ammunition. Said second breech-block is in contact with a scaling member (23) which is mounted pivotally on an axis (27) which is located on the upper face of breech ring (11).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignees: Denel (Proprietary) Limited, Octrooibureau Kisch N.V.Inventor: Ernst Johann Heinrich Muller
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Patent number: 5604326Abstract: A striker device for a firearm of the type having a loading chamber for a munition includes a detonator cap provided with a percussion cap and a translationally movable assembly comprised of a striker equipped with a striker tip and associated with a part or valve in which the striker is axially guided and that is itself guided in axial displacement in a passage of a striker body located to the rear of the loading chamber. The striker and valve are respectively mounted by the front and rear faces of striker body and joined to each other by a removable connector of the bayonet type.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Giat IndustriesInventor: Jean-Francois Lescure
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Patent number: 5551179Abstract: An improved bolt carrier for a gas operated automatic or semi-automatic firearm of the AR15 or M16 type having a substantial increase in the number and area of lands in the forward end of the bolt carrier. This results in increased accuracy of the firearm and makes the action smoother and more consistent.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Inventor: Daniel H. Young
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Patent number: 5396830Abstract: A gas-propelled line deployment device is operable for orthogonally deplog two antenna lines to a distance of greater than one hundred feet. The device includes first, second and third tubes, closed at one end and open at one end, the first and second tubes being arranged perpendicular to each other and the third tube being arranged along the resulting vector of the axes of the perpendicular tubes. The first and second tubes have wire-carrying projectiles received therein and the third tube has a recoil piston received therein, said projectiles and piston making a gas tight seal with their respective tube. The recoil piston has a larger cross-sectional area than each of the first and second wire-carrying projectiles. The device further includes a retainer mechanism which is operable for retaining the wire-carrying projectiles and the recoil piston within their respective tubes until a predetermined gas pressure is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Jeffrey S. Kornblith, Stephen Soszynski
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Patent number: 5322002Abstract: A tube launched rocket system which uses a plurality of small propellant charges located within the tube to propel the rocket. The charges form part of the outer wall of a traveling propulsion chamber. The rest of the chamber is substantially defined by a propulsion housing, which includes a forward plate that abuts the projectile, and an aft nozzle for venting gases from the interior of the chamber. Alternative embodiments also contain baffles for directing the flow of combustion gases, and may employ an electronic ignition system for igniting the propellant charges in sequence. As charges adjoining the propulsion chamber are ignited, the resulting combustion gases thrust into the interior of the chamber, forcing the housing forward as they flow aftward through the nozzle. As the propulsion housing travels through the tube, additional propellant charges are ignited as they effectively become part of the outer wall of the propulsion chamber. The housing pushes the projectile ahead of it through the tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1993Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Thiokol CorporationInventors: Herman L. Miskelly, Jr., Richard L. Alldredge
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Patent number: 5162604Abstract: A cartridge case assembly suitable for use in recoilless weapon systems iuding large caliber weapons is provided which includes an elongated cylindrically shaped inner cartridge case having a plurality of spaced perforations substantially about the periphery of the case wall and opposite open ends; an elongated cylindrically shaped shell member mounted about the inner cartridge case to envelope the periphery thereof and provide an annular propellant charge chamber therebetween, the shell member being of sufficient strength to constrain the passage of propellant gases outwardly from about the wall of the cartridge case upon ignition of a propellant charge within said propellant charge chamber; and a plurality of spaced elongated ignitor tubes associated with said cartridge case along the length thereof, each of ignitor tubes having a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough for distribution of ignition gases to the propellant charge.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1992Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: David Wilson
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Patent number: 4843946Abstract: A venturi section or cone for a lightweight firearm such as a recoilles gun which is subjected to high transient pressures and temperatures on firing is formed from a resin impregnated multi-filament fiber material. The material in the form of an elongated tow is wound on a mandrel, cured, and then removed from the mandrel for subsequent operations such as machining or assembly. During manufacture, a hot gas erosion preventing layer is first formed on the mandrel and a plurality of layers of two are helically wound thereon at a helix angle selected to provide adequate axial and hoop strengths for resisting axial thrust and hoop loads produced on firing. Lightweight recoilless guns using such venturi cones are lighter and cheaper to fabricate than conventional guns and will fire more rounds before excessive erosion causes them to be unusable.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1987Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defense of Her Majesty's Canadian GovernmentInventors: David H. Gladstone, Raymond Langlois, William J. Robertson
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Patent number: 4672881Abstract: A recoilless rocket launcher including a rocket launch tube which is resintly coupled to a support member. Points of contact to the gunner who fires the rocket from a rocket launch tube are to the shoulder and the hand which grips a hand grip which is part of the firing mechanism integrally attached to the support member. The resilient coupling for support member is comprised of a resilient material selected from the group consisting of a butene-diolefin copolymer, rubber, plastic, leather, or fiberous paper. The resilient material disposed in spaced relation adjacent opposite ends of the support member resiliently couples the support member to the launch tube. The nonrigid coupling effects the transfer mechanisms to result in a time offset, extended reaction time, and a reduced total impressed impulse transferable to the gunner prior to rocket exiting the rocket launch tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1986Date of Patent: June 16, 1987Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Robert E. Betts, Jerrold H. Arszman
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Patent number: 4574681Abstract: A gun barrel weapon for firing a projectile by means of a liquid propellant medium. The weapon includes a coaxial first member which defines a propellant medium combustion chamber. This first member also functions as a breech or breech block. A second member defining a projectile chamber is disposed between the first member and the gun barrel. The combustion chamber is adapted to hold a liquid propellant medium and includes a neck portion of narrowed cross-section which throttingly communicates with the projectile chamber. The first member also includes a plurality of through-bores which form conduits between the projectile chambers and the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1983Date of Patent: March 11, 1986Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbHInventors: Edwin Gundrum, Karlheinz Reinelt
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Patent number: 4554860Abstract: Pressure damper for recoilless weapon designed to reduce the pressure in the area around and immediately to the rear of the muzzle of the barrel. A container with liquid is placed in the barrel close to its muzzle or in a forward extended portion of the barrel and arranged to be burst when the weapon is fired so that the liquid is suddenly released and mixed with the gases from the powder.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1982Date of Patent: November 26, 1985Assignee: Forenade FabriksverkenInventors: Borje Johansson, Torbjorn Pramskog, Jan-Erik Sandberg
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Patent number: 4527457Abstract: A recoilless electromagnetic projectile launcher is provided with a pair of projectile launching conductors, a source of high current, a sliding armature for conducting current between the conductors and propelling a projectile, and a structure which creates a force which is equal but opposite to a recoil force created as the projectile is accelerated. This structure includes a second pair of conductors for accelerating a recoil mass in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the projectile or, alternatively, an expansion chamber and nozzle for accelerating hot gases resulting from the creation of a plasma armature, in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the projectile.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1983Date of Patent: July 9, 1985Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: Douglas A. Fikse
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Patent number: 4508215Abstract: Mechanism for locking individual rounds of ammunition in a bank of storage ubes disposed in an ammunition supply vehicle. A gang type lock actuator system can be operated to lock all ammunition rounds in place while the vehicle is in transit. Individual rounds can be unlocked when it is desired to transfer a specific number of rounds to a combat vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1983Date of Patent: April 2, 1985Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Richard L. Swarthout
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Patent number: 4344528Abstract: A locking assembly is disclosed for securely holding a projectile within a cylindrical tube. The locking assembly is attached to and associated on an one-to-one basis with a particular cylindrical tube. The locking assembly includes a control rod extending parallel to the center line of the tube. The control rod rotates from an unlocked position to a locked position. In the locked position the control rod will cause a cam to move a shoe into frictionally engagement with a projectile placed in the tube. Also disclosed is a configuration for a plurality of such projectile storage cylindrical tubes and associated locking assemblies wherein the use of available space is optimized.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1980Date of Patent: August 17, 1982Assignee: Harsco CorporationInventors: Ayyala Perisastry, Richard A. Vishe, Peter J. Hoet
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Patent number: 4328736Abstract: An explosive propellant cartridge for use in propellant-actuated devices. e cartridge contains only the explosive propellant which is stable and safe when not confined in a vessel capable of high pressure containment and does not contain the less stable fusing element. The propellant is contained in an annular space between concentric tubes with the inner tube being perforated. An elongated fusing element is inserted into the inner tube after the cartridge is secured in the propellant-actuated device.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1980Date of Patent: May 11, 1982Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Daniel G. True, Robert J. Taylor
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Patent number: 4157054Abstract: A hypervelocity rocket system with velocity amplifier including a launch e with a projectile mounted therein by sabot means and a rocket motor with an energy absorber at one end and mounted in the launch tube for impacting the projectile and causing velocity amplification of the projectile through momentum transfer as it is propelled from the launch tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1978Date of Patent: June 5, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Bernie J. Cobb
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Patent number: 4151780Abstract: A device providing for the recoilless firing of a missile from a launching tube and comprising a gas generator surrounding a rear portion of the tube, with a plurality of apertures formed in the tube and positioned to allow high pressure gas to pass from the gas generator into an area behind the missile to provide a sufficient launch force.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1977Date of Patent: May 1, 1979Assignee: AB BoforsInventor: Claes R. Andersson