Gas Piston Type Patents (Class 89/191.01)
  • Patent number: 8272314
    Abstract: An auto-loading firearm may obtain improved firing precision by using stored energy to cycle the firearm. The firearm may be partially cycled when the trigger is pulled. The firearm may be completely cycled only when the trigger is released. Sound suppression and/or sound reduction may be obtained by limiting the amount of gas escaping the breech during extraction as well as separating the noise of the firing event from the noise of the action cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hayes Gould
  • Patent number: 8272313
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kriss Systems SA
    Inventors: Jan Henrik Jebsen, Renaud Kerbrat
  • Patent number: 8261653
    Abstract: M-16/AR-15 firearms modified with a new gas operating system are described. The modification of the firearm with the new gas operating system has a forward mounted gas and recoil spring system in which high pressure propellant gases from the cartridge expand in the barrel and operate the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Vance Crommett
  • Patent number: 8245625
    Abstract: A gas pressure mechanism that receives and supplies gas pressure to a semi or automatic shotgun during the shotgun's reloading operation. The gas pressure mechanism includes twin body members having a front cylinder in fluid communication with a rear cylinder. Each rear cylinder includes a rear gas port disposed in communication with the interior of the shotgun barrel such that gases of combustion is bled through the rear gas ports from the interior of the barrel to the interior of the rear cylinders. Similarly, each front cylinder includes a front gas port disposed in communication with the interior of the shotgun barrel at a location to effectively recoil and counter-recoil the shotgun's piston or breech bolt to its rear most position. The rear cylinders, are situated immediately in front of the shotgun's shell chamber such that the rear gas ports capture and receive the gas pressure developed immediately behind the shell load as it travels through the barrel after firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Michael L. Winge
  • Publication number: 20120198990
    Abstract: A novel firearm handguard system includes a handguard and an integrated gas tube. In a particular embodiment, the gas tube includes fastening feature and the handguard includes a complementary fastening feature that is adapted to be coupled to the fastening feature of the gas tube. In a more particular embodiment, the gas tube includes an integral mounting rail and the handguard includes an integral mounting rail. In an even more particular embodiment, the gas tube and the handguard each include a feature for configuring removable rail systems thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Donald E. Brittin
  • Patent number: 8234808
    Abstract: A firearm assembly for a firearm can include a monolithic rail platform with a handguard portion and an upper receiver portion. The barrel of the firearm can be positioned through the handguard portion and secured with the upper receiver portion. A firearm assembly can also include a bolt assembly with a bolt carrier having minimized land area and a forward end sized for receipt in the barrel extension at the rearward end of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Karl R. Lewis, James Arend Seabold Bargren, Jacob A. Schafer, Neal David Hohl
  • Publication number: 20120180646
    Abstract: Weapons, weapon housing and methods of producing such weapons and weapon housings are disclosed. An example weapon housing for use with a firearm includes at least two housing shells. Each of the housing shells comprises at least one positioning recess. The example weapon housing also includes at least one connection block comprising connecting pins. On an assembly plane of the connection block, the housing shells are to be positioned and aligned on the connecting pins via the respective positioning recess to enable forces that are to act in or against a direction of fire to be absorbed by surfaces of at least one of the positioning recesses or one or more of the connecting pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Ernst Wössner, Stefan Doll
  • Publication number: 20120180647
    Abstract: An improved mechanism for charging a gas powered firearm, especially with regard to the Kalashnikov variants of rifles known as AK-47s, comprising a modified gas tube having a lateral aperture formed into its left side, a sleeve suitably adapted to fit within the modified gas tube over the shaft of the operating rod, and a modified charging handle suitably adapted to connect to the sleeve and to extend from the firearm through the lateral aperture, such that the firearm may be manually charged from the left side by drawing the charging handle rearward; and providing safety improvements and a method of retrofitting firearms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ethan A. Dublin
  • Publication number: 20120180645
    Abstract: A gas piston retrofit assembly is provided for a firearm having a bolt assembly mounted within a receiver, a barrel extending forward from the receiver, and a front sight block mounted on the barrel. The retrofit assembly includes a gas tube extending into the front sight block fluidly connected with the barrel, a piston cylinder having an arcuate-shaped piston chamber fluidly connected to the gas tube, a piston including an arcuate-shaped piston head extending forward from a piston body and telescopically received in the piston chamber, and including a piston rod extending rearward from the piston body and dimensioned and configured to extend into the receiver for engaging with a bolt assembly within the receiver. Upon firing a round of ammunition, pressurized gas within the barrel enters the piston chamber to move the piston rearward, for cycling the bolt assembly. A method of using the same is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Osprey Defense LLC
    Inventor: Ritchie Griffin
  • Publication number: 20120152105
    Abstract: A bolt carrier for use with the AR15/M16 family of firearms is provided. The bolt carrier includes an integrally formed carrier key and spherical strike face surrounded by a cylindrical counterbore made with a downward angle to act against the tilting force imparted by the operating rod of the firearm's gas operating system. The outer surface of the carrier includes upper and lower running rails that all extend fully to the front face of the carrier to lengthen the carrier's rail support or bearing surfaces against the receiver. To improve the robust operation of the firearm in over the beach operations, the bottom and rear of the receiver extension has drain holes formed through which water is forced out of the receiver extension by the reciprocating action of the bolt carrier when the weapon is fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Jesus S. Gomez, Jason Lee Miller, Robert S. Schilling, Michael R. Llewellyn
  • Publication number: 20120152104
    Abstract: An automatic or semi-automatic rifle. The rifle has a receiver and a bolt having a striking surface, the bolt enclosed within the receiver. A barrel has a bore, the barrel coupled to the receiver. An indirect gas operating system has a cylinder and a piston, the indirect gas operating system mounted with a mounting structure substantially independent of the barrel. The cylinder is in communication with the bore, and the piston is fitted to the cylinder and disposed for striking the striking surface and displacing the bolt assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Colt Defense LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Audibert, Michael Josey, Paul Hochstrate
  • Patent number: 8201489
    Abstract: The present invention is a gas system for a firearm comprising a hollow gas tube extending between a forward gas tap in a firearm's barrel and a rearward piston assembly to impinge upon and operate the firearm's bolt operating system. The system does not have a translation rod extending between the two components as in prior art systems nor does it have a rearward tap like others. As such, it balances cleanliness and weight reduction of the prior art systems and reduces moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Justin Juarez
  • Publication number: 20120137870
    Abstract: The invention relates to firearms and especially shotguns as well as devices or mechanisms for reducing felt recoil. In particular, the invention relates to a gas-operated device to reduce felt recoil using a recoil suppressing mass, or recoil mass, to create a counter-acting force to the recoil force. The recoil mass moves in response to the gas pressure in the barrel after firing, and more particularly the control of the flow of gas into a chamber to force the recoil mass to move and generate a recoil suppressing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy Lindsay, Quan Le, Jason Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120132068
    Abstract: A semi-automatic or automatic rifle. The rifle has a receiver having a receiver frame, a barrel removably connected to the receiver frame and a cover coupled to the barrel. A removable hand guard section extends over and generally surrounds the barrel, the removable hand guard section removably connected to the receiver. The removable hand guard section has a locating feature adapted to engage with the cover and locate the hand guard relative to the cover. The barrel has a locking collar adapted to removably position and lock the removable hand guard section relative to the receiver frame and the barrel. The removable hand guard floats in position relative to the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Colt Defense, LLC
    Inventor: Grzegorz Kucynko
  • Patent number: 8181563
    Abstract: A gas tappet system for use in an M16, M4, or AR-15 type rifle having a detachable piston eccentrically connected to an operating rod. A piston having a plenum therein and a releasably attached operating rod uses combustion or propellant gasses to move the piston in a long stroke, preventing damaging impulses to the bolt carrier and cycling rounds for automatic or semi-automatic fire. The operating rod, piston, cylinder, and mounting clamp permit easy installation on the rifle without any modification and can easily be removed for reinstallation of the original direct gas impingement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Technical Armament Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Peterken
  • Patent number: 8176667
    Abstract: A system for resolving at least one use parameter relating to a firing of a machinegun or of a semi-automatic firearm having a receiver, an action within the receiver and that includes a piston, and a buffer tube that receives at least a portion of the piston during a cycling of the action in response to a recoil. The system includes: a display configured to display at least an indication of at least one use parameter; a sensor disposed in the buffer tube, the sensor sensing a cycling of an action via movement of the piston in the buffer tube; a processor that receives sensed data from the sensor and, based on the received sensed data, calculates the at least one use parameter, the processor causing the display to display the at least an indication; and a power source disposed in the stock or the display and energizing the sensor, the processor, and the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Ibrahim Kamal, Chi-Jen Wong
  • Publication number: 20120111183
    Abstract: A rifle having a receiver with an integral hand guard and a barrel. The barrel is connected to the receiver. The hand guard extends over and surrounds the barrel. A removable hand guard is attached to the receiver by an attachment that stably holds the removable hand guard to the receiver. The attachment is arranged for allowing detachment and removal of the removable hand guard from the receiver without removal of fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Hochstrate, Laurance Robbins, Arthur F. Daigle
  • Patent number: 8161864
    Abstract: A gas piston operating system for an autoloading firearm. The gas piston system may include a barrel having a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas from the pathway to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. In one embodiment, the piston includes a head having an axially-extending protrusion projecting towards the passageway. The protrusion is configured for slidable insertion into the passageway. The piston is movable from a first actuation position in which the protrusion is inserted into the passageway to a second actuation position in which the protrusion is at least partially withdrawn from the passageway. The protrusion acts to pretension a mechanical linkage between the piston and a reciprocating bolt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Vuksanovich
  • Publication number: 20120085226
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a piston chamber assembly having a piston chamber and a pin receiving tube extending from the piston chamber. A gas transfer pin has a first end inserted in the pin receiving tube and a second end received in a rifle sight alignment bore. The gas transfer pin has a longitudinal bore in communication with the piston chamber. A piston member is slidably received in the piston chamber and includes a piston body with a piston member extension tube. The piston body includes a raised piston portion having piston rings, and a ring divider slot positioned between the piston rings. A rod assembly has a rod engagement end received in a piston member extension tube receiving bore. A piston clip has an arm extending through both the rod engagement end and the piston member extension tube connecting the rod assembly and piston member and a spiral end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: BRADHART PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Karl Thiele, Stephan Thiele
  • Patent number: 8141474
    Abstract: An improved mechanism for charging a gas powered firearm, especially with regard to the Kalashnikov variants of rifles known as AK-47s, comprising a modified gas tube having a lateral aperture formed into its left side, a semi-cylindrical sleeve suitably adapted to fit within the modified gas tube over the shaft of the operating rod, and a modified charging handle suitably adapted to connect to the sleeve and to extend from the firearm through the lateral aperture, such that the firearm may be manually charged from the left side by drawing the charging handle rearward; and providing safety improvements and a method of retrofitting firearms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ethan A. Dublin
  • Publication number: 20120048104
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for facilitating reloading and resisting recoil of a firearm include an elastic member in communication with a portion of the firearm. A contact member coupled to the portion of the firearm, the elastic member, or combinations thereof, is movable between a first position in which movement of the portion of the firearm is biased by the elastic member and a second position in which movement of the portion of the firearm is generally unaffected by the elastic member. An actuator can be used to move the contact member between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Bryant, James M. Buschow
  • Patent number: 8117958
    Abstract: A semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided the rifle having: a receiver having a hand guard portion; a barrel having a bore, the bore removably connected to the receiver, the hand guard portion surrounding at least a portion of the barrel; a gas block having a forward end and a rearward end aligned with the barrel; a sleeve removably secured to the forward end of the gas block; a piston slidably received within the gas block, wherein the gas block and the sleeve fluidly couple the piston to the bore of the barrel; wherein an increase in pressure in the bore of the barrel causes the piston to move away from the sleeve; and wherein the sleeve and the piston are each capable of being removed from the rifle through the forward end of the gas block without removing the gas block from the rifle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Colt Defense LLC
    Inventors: Paul Hochstrate, Laurance Robbins, Arthur F. Daigle
  • Patent number: 8104393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a charging handle assembly for a firearm. The assembly includes a handle mechanism having a pull rod to engage an action of a firearm, a handle and a stop surface. A latch mechanism is rotationally secured to the handle and is meant to be manually activated. When the latch mechanism is moved to an open position, a surface of the latch mechanism contacts the stop surface of the handle mechanism. A spring mechanism is used to maintain the latch mechanism in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Abrams Airborne Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Kincel
  • Patent number: 8056460
    Abstract: A kit for modifying a bolt carrier group actuating apparatus of a firearm manufacturer-configured with a gas-driven bolt carrier comprises a gas expansion assembly, an operating rod driven bolt carrier and an operating rod. The gas expansion assembly is configured for receiving combustion gases from an as-manufactured OEM gas block of the firearm and for facilitating expansion of said gases for generating a bolt carrier driving force. The operating rod driven bolt carrier includes an operating rod engaging lug. The operating rod driven bolt carrier is configured for being operably engaged within an as-manufactured OEM receiver body of the firearm with the operating rod engaging lug located in a gas tube lug receiving portion of the as-manufactured OEM receiver body. The operating rod is engagable between the gas expansion assembly and the operating rod engaging lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Herring
  • Publication number: 20110271827
    Abstract: A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm also includes an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle located forward on the firearm and positioned within the top rail for charging the firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Rock River Arms, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Larson, Lester Larson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110265365
    Abstract: Allows the reduction in the loss of precision of a discharge caused by the progressive heating-up of the barrel during a long succession of discharges, comprising at least: an interior rifled gunbore (1), an outer sleeve (2) mounted coaxially on the rifled gunbore (1) and configured with a high polar moment of inertia to support the strains in the rifled gunbore (1), while at the same time providing rigidity to the conjoined configuration, and a screwed union (3) adapted for the solid mutual fixation of said pieces. At least two holes (5, 6) are additionally provided which traverse the wall of the rifled gunbore (1) equilibrating the temperatures of said rifled gunbore (1) and said outer sleeve (2), in such a manner as to maintain the initially provided pre-strain of the barrel. The outer sleeve (2) may dispose an aperture for gases (1), adapted for the fitting of a repeat mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Juam Ramon Alonso Tricio
  • Publication number: 20110265639
    Abstract: An improvement to a firearm of the character having an upper receiver, an operating rod operably associated with the upper receiver for movement between a first position and a second position, and a lower receiver connected to the upper receiver. The improvement concerns a novel bolt and barrel lock and release mechanism carried by the upper receiver and a novel trigger mechanism carried by the lower receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Rubik Darian
  • Publication number: 20110209607
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rifle. The rifle includes a body receiver, a barrel, a bolt carrier system, a trigger assembly, and a gas system. The barrel extends from an end of the body receiver. The bolt carrier system is movably connected in the body receiver. The bolt carrier system includes a bolt and a bolt carrier. The trigger assembly is connected to the bolt carrier system. The trigger assembly includes a hammer and a sear. The trigger assembly is at a side portion of the bolt carrier. The gas system is connected between the bolt carrier system and the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Charles St. George
  • Publication number: 20110185886
    Abstract: A bolt carrier impingement device for a firearm has a body including a rearward facing surface. The rearward facing surface of the bolt carrier impingement device abuts the forward facing surface of the bolt carrier, thereby transferring all rearward force imparted to the front of the bolt carrier impingement device through only the forward facing surface of the bolt carrier. The rearward facing surface of the body may be a notch and the forward facing surface of the bolt carrier may be a buttress. The bolt carrier may include a cam aperture formed through a top surface rearward of the forward facing surface. A forward most portion of the impingement device may terminate in front of the cam aperture. A bottom surface of the body may form a slot that forms an arch over the cam aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: John M. Boutin, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110179945
    Abstract: A gas operating system for a firearm includes a gas block, a barrel nut that maintains the gas block at a predetermined axial position on a barrel of the firearm, a member that is movable with respect to the gas block axially with respect to the barrel in response to pressure exerted by expanding propellant gases conveyed thereto by the gas block and a mechanical linkage receiving a force form the member urging it in an axial direction of the barrel and coupled with a loading and ejection mechanism of the firearm to convey the force thereto for operating the loading and ejection mechanism. Various embodiments of gas block assemblies and operating rods for gas operating systems for firearms are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Bernard Iredale Clark, Paul Andrew Leitner-Wise
  • Patent number: 7975595
    Abstract: A firearm having a bolt carrier comprising an operating rod slot that is open at an end of the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier also includes a cam slot extending from the operating rod slot. The firearm includes a bolt having a protrusion extending from the bolt which enters and is movable within the cam slot. The firearm further includes an operating rod comprising a piston and a foot. The foot is disposed within the operating rod slot to prevent the separation of the bolt from the bolt carrier and to connect the operating rod to the bolt carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: RMDI, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Robinson, Darin G. Nebeker, Jon C. Holway
  • Patent number: 7975596
    Abstract: An improvement to a firearm of the character having an upper receiver, an operating rod operably associated with the upper receiver for movement between a first position and a second position, and a lower receiver connected to the upper receiver. The improvement concerns a novel bolt and barrel lock and release mechanism carried by the upper receiver and a novel trigger mechanism carried by the lower receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Rubik Darian
  • Patent number: 7971382
    Abstract: An improved firearm having a barrel coupled to an upper receiver where the receiver includes a passageway extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a guidance feature extending along the passageway generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The firearm also includes a lower receiver coupled to the upper receiver and a recoil spring assembly comprising a mating attachment structure and a disassembly button disposed on a lateral side of the upper receiver. The mating attachment structure is attached to an attachment structure of the lower receiver to attach the lower receiver to the upper receiver. Actuation of the disassembly button detaches the mating attachment structure from the attachment structure to detach the lower receiver from the upper receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: RMDI, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Robinson, Darin G. Nebeker, Jon C. Holway
  • Patent number: 7971518
    Abstract: A direct drive retrofit system for use with an M-16 or AR-15 rifle for conversion from an impingement system comprising: a gas block, the gas block having a barrel bore and a gas plug bore; a gas plug, the gas plug being inserted into the gas plug bore from the muzzle end; a bolt carrier key, the bolt carrier key being configured to mount directly to a bolt carrier; a rod, the rod being manufactured from a single continuous material stock; and a biasing means; wherein, the rod can be uninstalled without removal of a hand guard or the gas block by extracting the gas plug from the gas plug bore from the muzzle end, the actuating means releasing the rod, the rod being freely extracted thereafter by a user in a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Adams Arms, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Adams
  • Patent number: 7938054
    Abstract: The characteristic of one or more of the gas springs themselves used in a revolver cannon or breech cannon is adjusted while the system is in operation. This is done by a separate, self-contained system, which can adjust the gas spring from hard to soft, for example, and back to harder/hard and can thus adjust the characteristic of the gas spring without the loss of gas. In the simplest embodiment, this system has two additional elements, preferably a reserve tank and a connecting line that connects the reserve tank to the gas spring via a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventors: Marcos Trigo, Michael Gerber
  • Patent number: 7938055
    Abstract: A semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle includes a receiver having an integral hand guard portion, a barrel having a bore. The bore is removably connected to the receiver, the hand guard portion extending over and surrounding the barrel, an indirect gas operating system has a gas block and a piston. The gas block has a cylinder, the gas block is fitted to the barrel, the cylinder is in communication with the bore. The piston has a piston end and a striking end, the piston end is fitted to the cylinder and has a bolt carrier having a striking surface. When a cartridge is fired, gas displaces the piston end and causes the striking end to strike the striking surface displacing the bolt assembly, wherein, the cylinder and the piston are together removable as an assembly from the firearm without disassembly of the rifle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Colt Defense LLC
    Inventors: Paul Hochstrate, Laurance Robbins, Arthur F. Daigle
  • Publication number: 20110094373
    Abstract: A convertible gas piston conversion system for the AR-15, AR-10, or their variant rifle platforms is provided to convert the platform from a direct impingement gas system to a piston driven operating system. The conversion system includes a gas block having a barrel bore and two piston cylinder bores one on either side of the gas block. One of the piston cylinder bores is for utilization of the AR-15 rifle and the other of the piston cylinder bores is for utilization of the AR-10 rifle, making this piston system convertible for either the AR-15, AR-10, or any of their variant rifle platforms. A piston cylinder is inserted into the gas block via the piston cylinder bore and a piston is actuated inside the piston cylinder to cycle the rifle. A connecting link is coupled between the piston and an op-rod making the gas systems length adjustable by simply replacing the connecting link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Charles B. Cassels
  • Publication number: 20110083551
    Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a firearm actuation system is provided. The firearm actuation system, comprising a housing, a guide, a contoured actuation handle, and a bolt. The system provides an actuation mechanism for an AR-15 which is engagable by a shooter where the AR-15 is in a shouldered firing position. The contoured actuation handle may be retained in the retaining slot to provide an action-open-position. The housing may also comprise a mounting rail with a plurality of grooves, where each groove may be configured with a unique indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Sirochman
  • Patent number: 7921760
    Abstract: A compact gas block with rail interface has a first longitudinal bore for receiving a firearm barrel, the barrel having a gas port, the gas block having a second longitudinal bore for receiving a gas tube or operating element. The block includes a vertical bore aligned with the barrel gas port and connecting the first and second block bores and permitting passage of cartridge gas from the barrel gas port to the gas tube. The improved gas block includes a military rail, forward of the gas tube, the forward location permitting rail and accessories to lie close to the barrel, enabling handguard installation and removal, improving handling, and reducing firearm bulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jerome Benedict Tankersley
  • Patent number: 7900546
    Abstract: A charging handle for a rifle having a housing. The handle has a body with an elongated bar having a forward end and a rear end. The bar has a bolt engaging element at the forward end, and a crossbar having an intermediate portion connected to the rear end of the bar. The crossbar has opposed ends extending laterally of the bar. First and second latch elements are connected to the body. The first latch element has a housing-engaging element that engages the housing when the handle is in a forward position. The first and second latch elements are engaged to each other such that pivoting of the second latch element disengages the housing-engaging element from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Martin J. Bordson
  • Patent number: 7891284
    Abstract: A gas-operated firearm has a barrel defining a bore with a gas block defining a chamber communicating with the bore via a gas passage. A gas regulation element has a first position and a second position, and serves to provide different gas flow characteristics in the different positions. The latch element gives the user audible or tactile feedback upon installation of an accessory device when the gas regulation element is a correct position suited to use of the accessory, and not when in the other position unsuited to accessory usage. The accessory may be a sound suppressor, and the latch may serve to secure the gas regulation element against position change. The latch may engage a circular array of elements on the rear face of the suppressor, and may have an angled cam face to provide ratcheting engagement for installation, and to resist removal or loosening without deliberate actuation of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Gene Barrett
  • Publication number: 20110030546
    Abstract: The current invention is an improvement upon the M1 Garand semiautomatic rifle U.S. Pat. No. 1,892,141, and is related to the sighting and feed mechanism of that rifle. The M1 Garand semiautomatic rifle U.S. Pat. No. 1,892,141 has a problem with only being able to be loaded with an enbloc clip and not being able to mount a center line optical sight or other devices over the receiver of the rifle. The invention solves this problem by producing a trigger housing assembly, box magazine assembly, op-rod spring guide, operating rod catch and spring, and scope mount/rail as a unified system or kit for the rifle, that all function on the rifle without permanent alteration of the existing receiver or barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Lammers
  • Publication number: 20110017058
    Abstract: An automatic pistol essentially consists of an immovable barrel, a breech with a firing pin and a cartridge extractor, a breech frame, a spring-loaded device for the removal of gas with a gas piston and a gas cylinder, a firing mechanism and a magazine. The barrel is fitted with an end piece, which is located in the lower part of the rear end of the barrel. The design of the breech allows for the displacement of its front part downwards, when the breech is in its front end position. The front part of the breech is fitted with side locking lugs. The corresponding locking grooves are located in the cavities on the end piece of the barrel. The gas piston has an opening for ejecting the cartridge casing. In the course of the backward movement, the gas piston unlocks the breech and draws it back. In the forward movement, the breech is carried forward and pushed downwards. The gas cylinder is located at the front part of the barrel and encompasses the barrel. Along the length of the barrel gas ducts are fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Victor Anatolevich Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20110005383
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to cartridges and modifications for an M16/AR15 rifle. In one embodiment, a modified M16/AR15 rifle or carbine includes a bolt having a maximum outside diameter greater than that of a standard M16/AR15 bolt; and a bolt extractor pivoted to the bolt. The bolt and the bolt extractor are operable to: transport a cartridge from a magazine to a barrel, and eject a spent cartridge from the barrel. The rifle or carbine further includes a barrel extension configured to receive the bolt; a standard M16/AR15 upper receiver coupled to the barrel extension; a standard M16/AR15 lower receiver coupled to the upper receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence S. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20110005384
    Abstract: A firearm assembly for a firearm can include a monolithic rail platform with a handguard portion and an upper receiver portion. The barrel of the firearm can be positioned through the handguard portion and secured with the upper receiver portion. A firearm assembly can also include a bolt assembly with a bolt carrier having minimized land area and a forward end sized for receipt in the barrel extension at the rearward end of the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Karl R. Lewis, James Arend Seabold Bargren, Jacob A. Schafer, Neal David Hohl
  • Patent number: 7832326
    Abstract: A firearm has a body with a bolt assembly reciprocating within the body. A barrel having a bore extends from the body. A gas block with an elongated chamber is connected to the barrel, and a gas passage connects the barrel bore to the gas block chamber. An operating rod has a forward end portion closely received in the gas block chamber and a rear end positioned to operably engage the bolt assembly. The gas block chamber has a forward portion closely receiving the forward end portion of the rod, and the gas block chamber has a rear portion with a profile larger than the forward portion. The forward portion of the rod may be a cylinder, and the rear portion of the gas block chamber may be fluted to provide clearance for flushing out contaminants. The rod may rotate freely to prevent accumulation of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Gene Barrett
  • Publication number: 20100269682
    Abstract: A gas operated autoloading firearm having an improved bolt carrier. The gas piston system may include a barrel defining a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. The piston actuates a reciprocating bolt assembly including a bolt carrier slidably received in a receiver. The bolt carrier includes supporting and guiding surfaces configured to reduce receiver wear and bolt carrier drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Vuksanovich, Todd Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20100263527
    Abstract: An improvement to a firearm of the character having an upper receiver, an operating rod operably associated with the upper receiver for movement between a first position and a second position, and a lower receiver connected to the upper receiver. The improvement concerns a novel bolt and barrel lock and release mechanism carried by the upper receiver and a novel trigger mechanism carried by the lower receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Rubik Darian
  • Patent number: 7798045
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved charging handle for a firearm. The handle is generally non-reciprocating and features a user activated forward assist. The major components are an actuator to provide charging function and upon which other components are mounted, a spring biased lever with a hook which biases downward so that the hook may interface a bolt carrier when the lever is activated, and a blade upon which handle structure is mounted. In the preferred embodiment, the handle is ambidextrous and features a spring detent to keep it in stowed position until the user desires use. The handle will only reciprocate when the lever is activated, which in turn requires intentional user action, thereby providing a relatively safer weapon to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael Mayberry, Brian Nakayama, Eric Burt
  • Patent number: 7784211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Desomma