Buffers And Brakes Patents (Class 89/198)
  • Patent number: 8215224
    Abstract: A recoil brake includes a control rod disposed in a central opening in a piston and cylinder assembly. A fluid passage leads from the piston to the control rod. A long stroke body is fixed to the piston and defines a long stroke orifice around the control rod. A short stroke body is removably disposed in the long stroke orifice. The short stroke body defines a short stroke orifice around the control rod, the short stroke orifice being smaller than the long stroke orifice. The recoil brake may be used with a 120 mm gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard W. Tortorici, Jr., Ronald Gast, Edward Hyland, Richard W. Tortorici, III
  • Patent number: 8104568
    Abstract: A seismic gun assembly comprising a barrel and guide tube assembly for delivering a projectile to the bottom of a bore hole with a non-line-of-sight section. The guide tube being either a large diameter guide tube or a tight fitted guide tube. The large diameter guide tube allowing the projectile to perform shallow angle bounces to reach the bottom of a non-line-of-sight bore hole. The tight fitted guide tube allows the projectile to ride the inner wall of the guide tube to reach the bottom of a non-line-of-sight bore hole. The projectile comprises an outer jacket and a frangible core. The seismic gun barrel assembly additionally comprises a fluid exclusion puck for preventing fluids from entering the guide tube, a suppressing collar for suppressing seismic noise, and a method for modulating recoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Luchini, Richard Morley
  • Patent number: 8096222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer for reducing muzzle blast and noise of firearms or similar devices. The present silencer has a hollow cylindrical or other shape casing comprising front and rear end caps and an opening aligned along a longitudinal axis defining a passage for a projectile and propellant gases to emerge from the muzzle opening. A plurality of serially placed baffles of symmetrical or slanted orientation and intervening coaxial spacers are positioned within the casing and define a multitude of chambers among the baffles, spacers, and outer housing. The baffles shear propellant gases away from the projectile path and through openings or ports into additional chambers formed between the spacers and outer housing. The arrangement of baffles and spacers provides flow-impeding paths, dispersion, and controlled expansion of gases and lowers gas temperature to reduce audible noise and observable signature of the muzzle blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Armament Corp., LLC.
    Inventor: Robert Silvers
  • Patent number: 8037806
    Abstract: A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Robert B. Davies
  • Patent number: 7874238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer for reducing muzzle blast and noise of firearms or similar devices. The present silencer has a hollow cylindrical or other shape casing comprising front and rear end caps and an opening aligned along a longitudinal axis defining a passage for a projectile and propellant gases to emerge from the muzzle opening. A plurality of serially placed baffles of symmetrical or slanted orientation and intervening coaxial spacers are positioned within the casing and define a multitude of chambers among the baffles, spacers, and outer housing. The baffles shear propellant gases away from the projectile path and through openings or ports into additional chambers formed between the spacers and outer housing. The arrangement of baffles and spacers provides flow-impeding paths, dispersion, and controlled expansion of gases and lowers gas temperature to reduce audible noise and observable signature of the muzzle blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Armament Corp., LLC
    Inventor: Robert Silvers
  • Patent number: 7681351
    Abstract: A hydraulic recoil buffer assembly for a firearm having a receiver and a fixed or collapsible stock assembly including an end cylinder adapted to be secured to the pistol grip or receiver of the firearm and slidably translatable with respect to the extension tube, and a hydraulic shock absorption assembly operative to produce a hydraulic resistance to a rearward movement of the end cylinder during recoil of the firearm. The hydraulic shock absorption assembly has an orifice restricted fluid flow passage and a piston head that compresses a return spring as the end cylinder moves rearward against a recoil coil spring. The recoil buffer assembly stores a portion of the recoil energy through compression of the recoil spring and the return spring, and dissipates a portion of the recoil energy through the resistance provided by fluid flow through the orifice restricted flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Enidine, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Bucholtz, William W. Shurmatz, Gregg F. Johannes
  • Patent number: 7661349
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for easily, quickly and reliably attaching a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device there from. My invention also provides for adjusting the host firearms point of impact by changing the orientation of the noise suppressor in relation to the host firearms bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Armament Corp., LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Tyson Brittingham
  • Patent number: 7587969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer for reducing muzzle blast and noise of firearms or similar devices. The present silencer has a hollow cylindrical or other shape casing comprising front and rear end caps and an opening aligned along a longitudinal axis defining a passage for a projectile and propellant gases to emerge from the muzzle opening. A plurality of serially placed baffles of symmetrical or slanted orientation and intervening coaxial spacers are positioned within the casing and define a multitude of chambers among the baffles, spacers, and outer housing. The baffles shear propellant gases away from the projectile path and through openings or ports into additional chambers formed between the spacers and outer housing. The arrangement of baffles and spacers provides flow-impeding paths, dispersion, and controlled expansion of gases and lowers gas temperature to reduce audible noise and observable signature of the muzzle blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Silvers
  • Patent number: 7530299
    Abstract: A muzzle brake includes three primary structural components, namely a main body, a baffle, and an end cap. The components are preferably integrally fabricated into a single piece device, or alternatively may be fabricated separately and assembled. A muzzle brake in accordance with the present invention comprises a generally cylindrical muzzle brake assembly attachable to the muzzle end of a firearm. The muzzle brake assembly forms two expansion chambers, each of which is bounded by a peripheral sidewall defining opposing left and right vent apertures and a converging end wall. The end walls define axially aligned openings sized slightly larger than the diameter of the projectile for allowing the projectile to pass from the firearm muzzle, through the muzzle brake, and onward down the target line toward the intended target. The first chamber defines opposing left and right vent apertures for venting gases generally upward and rearward to reduce muzzle jump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Poff
  • Patent number: 7493845
    Abstract: A recoil mechanism for a gun with a frame, a barrel and a slide, has a cylinder with a rear with external flange and an internal diaphragm spaced forwardly of the flange and between a rear chamber and a front chamber in the cylinder. A nut is fixed to the frame and an axle has a rear end threaded to the nut and extends in the cylinder. The axle has a collar trapped in the front chamber by the diaphragm. A first spring around the cylinder, has a front end abutting the slide and a rear end abutting the flange. A second spring extending at least partly in the rear chamber has a rear end abutting the nut and a front end abutting the diaphragm. A third spring in the front chamber, is shorter in length than the front chamber. A recoil adjusting plug is used with or without the recoil mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Dimitrios Mantas
  • Patent number: 7478495
    Abstract: A weapon includes a receiver having a bolt carrier assembly therein; a buttstock disposed behind the receiver, the buttstock having a tubular opening adjacent an end of the bolt carrier assembly; a larger diameter spring disposed in the tubular opening; a smaller diameter spring disposed in the larger diameter spring; a rod disposed in the rear end of the smaller diameter spring; a bumper attached to the rod; and a cap disposed in the front end of the spring, the cap having a head wherein a front side of the head engages the end of the bolt carrier assembly and a front end of the larger diameter spring bears against a rear side of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ronny Alzamora, John Heinsohn, Brian Donovan, Kevin Russell, Adam Foltz
  • Patent number: 7343844
    Abstract: An anti-recoil system for counteracting recoil in firearms and weapons using a gas actuated piston assembly is disclosed. A recoil piston is acted upon by gas pressure routed from the receiver/barrel. High pressure gas causes forward movement of the recoil piston thereby generating a force opposing the recoil generated upon firing. A shock absorbing bumper connected to the piston engages the weapon's rearwardly moving bolt assembly. The bolt assembly forces the recoil piston rearward and compresses the bumper and expanded gas in the recoil piston chamber thereby absorbing additional recoil forces. Upon reaching a rear most position a gas relief valve is opened allowing venting of the compressed gases at which point the bolt operating main spring propels the bolt assembly forward, stripping the top round out of the ammunition magazine, loading the next round, locking the bolt and freeing the firing pin to fire the next round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Poff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7213498
    Abstract: A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Robert B. Davies
  • Patent number: 7207258
    Abstract: Silencers are provided for a weapon having a combustion chamber and a barrel. The weapon is configured to launch a projectile with combustion gases generated in the combustion chamber. An exemplary silencer includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the silencer to the barrel, the distal end being configured to allow the projectile to pass therethrough, and at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The at least one vortex chamber includes a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gases expelled from the combustion chamber during launch of the projectile. The vortex impedes flow of the combustion gases from the barrel such that acoustic energy associated with the launch of the projectile is dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Michael V. Scanlon
  • Patent number: 7131367
    Abstract: A hydraulic bolt buffer assembly for an automatic firearm, the firearm including a receiver having a longitudinal chamber, a bolt and carrier assembly mounted in the chamber for reciprocating movement between a recoil position and a battery position, a spring for urging the buffer into contact with the bolt and carrier assembly for movement therewith and for biasing said bolt and carrier assembly toward the battery position. The buffer assembly includes a housing having an inner cavity, as well as a piston disposed within the inner cavity of the housing that is movable between an extended position and a depressed position, the piston being in contact with the bolt and carrier assembly. The buffer further includes a spring for biasing the piston in the extended position, as well as a bearing member in fixed relation in the housing and permitting a fluid tight seal with the interior of the buffer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Enidine, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Boerschig, Brian C. Bucholtz
  • Patent number: 7055422
    Abstract: An improved Barrett anti-armor gun that is modified to function from the open bolt with advanced primer ignition, wherein the forward momentum of the recoiling masses at the moment of firing offset a significant portion of the recoil impulse from firing. The modification reduces the recoil energy absorbed by the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frank Dindl, Sergio Aponte
  • Patent number: 6901689
    Abstract: An inexpensive generally retrofitable drop-in cartridge-unit of light-weight pneumatic-cylinder design for replacing the conventional metal/compression-spring member housed within the frame of a gun, thereby providing significantly smoother, quiter, more rapid, and more reliable cyclic-action upon firing of the gun. The preferred embodiment cartridge-unit is internally configured whereby a near constant spring-load rise is provided as the bolt-action slides aftward, thereby effectively spreading resultant recoil-action inertial-kickback more evenly throughout the bolt-travel. Hence, substantially reducing disturbing kickback, enabling a more rapid succession of shots per given shot-grouping owing to the shooter's improved recovery-time. Various iterations are set forth, including those of single, double, and tripple telescopic-action, and a hybrid/metal-pneumatic variant, as well as generic-variants providing manual and automatic pneumatic-pressure adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Jason Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 6848351
    Abstract: A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Robert B. Davies
  • Patent number: 6802406
    Abstract: A recoil brake isolation system for the hydraulic recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun, includes two sets of hydraulic valves disposed respectively within the inlet valve block and return valve block of the hydraulic cylinder, an orchestrated combination of which together block the flow of hydraulic fluid to or from the hydraulic cylinder during the recoil/counterrecoil cycle or upon failure of the hydraulic circuit. A method of hydraulically isolating a recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun for survivability and improved weapon performance and a gun incorporating such a system are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventor: Joel Martin
  • Patent number: 6758126
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 is provided for initially slowing a backwards extraction movement of a bolt group 12 of a weapon which moves backward automatically after firing and against a force of a return drive spring 14. The apparatus includes first and second longitudinal members 16, 30 having respective distal ends and proximal ends. A mounting mechanism is provided for mounting the first and second members for longitudinal movement of the first member relative to the second member and adjacent the drive spring, with the drive spring urging the first and second members apart and against the bolt group. A retarding mechanism 36 is provided for retarding an initial backwards movement of the first proximal end relative to the second distal end, and for allowing a relatively free further backwards movement of the first proximal end relative to the second distal end as the bolt group moves backwards after firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Gary J. Houtsma
  • Patent number: 6742297
    Abstract: A mechanism embodying a shock absorber, gas spring, mechanical spring or other dampening device connected between slidably connected structural components of a firearm constitutes the basis of the firearm recoil reduction mechanism claimed in this application. The slidably connected structural components may be the firearm barrel, chamber, frame, action or stock. Discharge recoil force reduction is accomplished by connecting slidably connected structural components via a dampening device such as a gas spring/shock. As the relative motion between the slidably connected components progresses, the shock absorber/dampening device is activated resulting in energy adsorption, dispersion of the recoil over a longer time period, and attenuation of the total recoil force. The net recoil force is reduced as a result of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Janos I. Lakatos, E. Clay Slade
  • Publication number: 20040069137
    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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jan Henrik Jebsen, Renaud Kerbrat, Klaus Jeny
  • Publication number: 20040069138
    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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jan Henrik Jebsen, Renaud Kerbrat, Klaus Jenny
  • Patent number: 6715399
    Abstract: A firearm includes a moveable bolt assembly that absorbs energy associated with the discharge of the firearm. An energy absorbing mechanism within the bolt assembly may include a dampening spring that provides recoil energy dissipation. With this arrangement, one or more actuators may be provided that are operative to compress the dampening spring with respect to the bolt assembly in response to the discharge of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Rolin F. Barrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6668478
    Abstract: An inexpensive generally retrofitable drop-in cartridge-unit of light-weight pneumatic-cylinder design for replacing the conventional metal/compression-spring member housed within the frame of a gun, thereby providing significantly smoother, quiter, more rapid, and more reliable cyclic-action upon firing of the gun. The preferred embodiment cartridge-unit is internally configured whereby a near constant spring-load rise is provided as the bolt-action slides aftward, thereby effectively spreading resultant recoil-action inertial-kickback more evenly throughout the bolt-travel. Hence, substantially reducing disturbing kickback, enabling a more rapid succession of shots per given shot-grouping owing to the shooter's improved recovery-time. Various iterations are set forth, including those of single, double, and tripple telescopic-action, and a hybrid/metal-pneumatic variant, as well as generic-variants providing manual and automatic pneumatic-pressure adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 6595103
    Abstract: A contained Davis gun system enables misfire and hang-fire handling for fire out of battery (also known as soft recoil). The gun system decreases structural dynamic activity of the gun barrel during launch with resulting increases in system accuracy. The gun system further presents synergistic advantages when combined with a conventional recoil system in a double recoil design. The gun system includes a non-recoiling barrel and a recoil system engineered to contain a recoiling inertial breechblock capable of translating within the gun barrel. The recoil system includes a brake and a spring secured to a mount fixture. The breechblock enables the loading of the propellant and the projectile within the barrel, and further enables pressure to be contained within the barrel during firing. The recoil system applies a load to the breechblock, which is a function of the breechblock position and its velocity within the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Eric L. Kathe
  • Patent number: 6536324
    Abstract: The invention relates to anti-recoil devices for guns and martars. The anti-recoil device has a brake with a principal cabity which houses a principal piston pierced with holes. The small chamber of the brake is connected by an opening to a subisdiary chamber closed by a fluid-tight piston. The principal cavity and the subsidiary chamber are filled with a liquid whilst a gas under pressure, located on the other side of the fluid-tight piston with respect to the subsidiary chamber, tends to push back the subsidiary piston. A valve partially obturtes the holes of the principal piston, during the return to firing position, in order to brake that return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: TDA Armements S.A.S.
    Inventors: Bruno Boissiere, Eric Metroz, Jean-Marie Poussard, Pascal Rondet
  • Publication number: 20020178901
    Abstract: An inexpensive generally retrofitable drop-in cartridge-unit of light-weight pneumatic-cylinder design for replacing the conventional metal/compression-spring member housed within the frame of a gun, thereby providing significantly smoother, quiter, more rapid, and more reliable cyclic-action upon firing of the gun. The preferred embodiment cartridge-unit is internally configured whereby a near constant spring-load rise is provided as the bolt-action slides aftward, thereby effectively spreading resultant recoil-action inertial-kickback more evenly throughout the bolt-travel. Hence, substantially reducing disturbing kickback, enabling a more rapid succession of shots per given shot-grouping owing to the shooter's improved recovery-time. Various iterations are set forth, including those of single, double, and tripple telescopic-action, and a hybrid/metal-pneumatic variant, as well as generic-variants providing manual and automatic pneumatic-pressure adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Inventech/USA
    Inventor: Jason Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 6443045
    Abstract: A rammer for an artillery piece with a barrel that can be elevated. The rammer has a cradle upstream of the barrel. The cradle is aligned with the powder chamber, has an accommodation for the shell, travels subject to a guide along a track that parallels the axis of the barrel, is coupled to a piston-and-cylinder mechanism that accelerates it toward the barrel, and is provided with a brake. The piston-and-cylinder mechanism is controlled by pneumatic controls that accommodate a rapid-opening valve. The valve diverts air back and forth between a source of compressed air and a vent. There is a pressure-reduction component with an electrically controlled proportional pressure-regulation valve between the source of compressed air and the rapid-opening valve. Signals from a fire direction system or position generator are forwarded to the electric controls. The pressure-regulation valve is then activated, reducing the ramming pressure in accordance with a prescribed formula as elevation decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Kraus-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kohltsedt, Arno Borner, Karl Lieberum
  • Patent number: 6418833
    Abstract: An improved recoil spring tube assembly for an auto-loading firearm includes a recoil spring slideable within a recoil spring tube and including a recoil spring follower all manufactured of a corrosion resistant material. The bore of the recoil spring tube and the contact surface area of the guide collar of the recoil spring follower are honed or polished to provide a surface having an average surface roughness between 1.0 &mgr;in. and 30.0 &mgr;in. The recoil spring tube assembly is configured such that the recoil spring has a spring rate greater than 0.80. In one embodiment of the invention, the recoil spring tube assembly includes a recoil spring follower sized and configured so as to have a mass that results in an assembly wherein the ratio of the recoil spring follower mass to the recoil spring rate, or displacement constant is in the range of 0.10-0.30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hajjar
  • Patent number: 6314859
    Abstract: An unlocked self-loading pistol and a conversion kit for modifying a locked self-loading pistol adapted for firing normal and powerful cartridges into an unlocked self-loading pistol capable of firing weak cartridges as well as normal and powerful cartridges is disclosed. The unlocked self-loading pistol includes a return spring which is closely surrounded on the outside by a sleeve composed of an elastomer material. The length of the elastomer sleeve corresponds approximately to the length of the compressed return spring. The sleeve absorbs a part of the movement energy of the breech and passes it on into the grip. The conversion kit can be used to convert a locked self-loading pistol into an unlocked self-loading pistol as stated above and vice versa. The disclosed conversion kit includes: an alternate barrel which does not come into locked engagement with the breech, the abovementioned elastomer sleeve, and, optionally, a substitute return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Weichert, Ernst Mauch, Helmut Weldle, Hans-Peter Bantle
  • Patent number: 6250198
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mount releasably attached to a launcher/spotting rifle assembly. The mount, when released, allows for the barrel of the spotting rifle of the launcher/spotting rifle assembly to be adjusted in a spherical manner, and when tightened, rigidly affixes the barrel to the launcher/spotting rifle assembly, while at the same time provides shock absorbing means which absorbs high stress from the firing shock typically created by the discharge of the launcher/spotting rifle assembly. The shock absorbing means acts to preserve the rigid and accurate attachment of the barrel to the launcher/spotting rifle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Vincent J. Vendetti, Michael M. Canaday
  • Patent number: 6227097
    Abstract: The technical scope of the invention is that of devices to regulate the counter-recoil rate of an artillery cannon according to the temperature. The regulation device according to the invention comprises a buffer co-operating with a ring, so as to ensure the gradual braking of the cannon at the end of the counter-recoil operation by rolling the brake oil through a leakage section located between the buffer and the ring. It is characterized in that it incorporates at least one modulation device comprising a heat-sensitive element made in a shape-memory alloy, such element ensuring, by its distortion, an increase in the leakage section when the temperature drops below a given threshold. Application to recoil mechanisms of artillery cannons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Joël Brianne, Alain Charton
  • Patent number: 6212991
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for reducing recoil on a firearm or gun and to increase rate of firing. The invention uses a dual mass system to dynamically balance the gun wherein some of the energy of firing is absorbed within springs and thereby reduces the recoil force imparted to the gun user. The apparatus also comprises an ejector mechanism for ejecting a spent round and reloading a new round from the gun magazine with increased speed over conventional designs. The apparatus is applicable to automatic and semiautomatic handguns as well as rifles and machine guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Taylor Frazier, III
  • Patent number: 6196108
    Abstract: A damped spring device for a firearm is disclosed. The damped spring device includes a housing, a cylindrical outer tube fixed to the housing and defining a cavity, and a cylindrical barrel slidably disposed within the outer tube cavity such that the outer tube and the barrel define therebetween an annular space. The barrel is moveable longitudinally through a portion of the cavity between a rest position and a recoil position in response to the firing of the firearm. A prestressed elastomeric spring is disposed within the annular space and operatively engages the outer tube and the barrel for biasing the barrel toward the rest position and for braking the relative movement between the barrel and the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Murello
  • Patent number: 6192780
    Abstract: Positioned on a rear portion of a front receiver lug post on a gun so that when the bolt carrier springs forward the impact of the bolt carrier striking and abruptly stopping against the receiver lug post will be minimized. The forward receiver buffer comprises, an elongate attachment member having an attachment arm on a front end portion and, a shock absorption block attached to the rear end portion of the elongate attachment member. In use the receiver buffer is pressed over the lug post on the receiver of the gun so that the shock absorption block covers a rear end portion of the lug post. In a preferred aspect of this invention the gun has a bolt cover and the attachment member comprises a thin strip so that when it is operatively positioned laterally over the lug post the cover may enclose and hold the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Bryan S. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5909002
    Abstract: A buffer assembly for use with firearms such as the M-16 rifle, for reducing the cyclic rate of firing in full-automatic operation. The buffer assembly includes a unit of length selected to stop the bolt carrier at the desired full-recoil position, and a mass movable relative to that unit. When the bolt carrier stops at full-recoil, inertia causes the mass to continue moving rearwardly while further compressing the action spring. The action spring then returns that mass forwardly to contact the fixed portion of the buffer assembly, returning the bolt carrier to battery position. The bolt carrier remains at rest in recoil while the moveable weight slides rearwardly and then returns forwardly relative to the bolt carrier, thereby increasing the cycle time of firing and correspondingly reducing the cyclic rate of fire for the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Maxwell G. Atchisson
  • Patent number: 5827992
    Abstract: A known gas operated firearm has been modified to be of more compact size and reduced weight while retaining the firepower, the features, and most of the components of its predecessor. A bolt assembly reciprocably mounted in a longitudinal cavity of a receiver assembly for movement between recoil and battery positions has a forwardly facing pressure surface and first and second longitudinally extending coaxial bores. The annular flange of a firing pin is slidable in the second bore and the bolt assembly includes a transversely extending retaining pin engageable by the annular flange to define an aftward terminal position of the firing pin. A recoil assembly includes a pair of tungsten weights mounted in the longitudinal cavity for rectilinear movement with the bolt assembly between the recoil and battery positions and includes means to bias the bolt assembly toward the battery position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Harris, James F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5710389
    Abstract: A breech bolt and lock assembly for a gas-operated firearm is provided. The ssembly is contained within a bolt housing which in turn contains a bolt operating spring and a two-part bolt mechanism. The two-part bolt has a cylindrical outer bolt which encloses the inner bolt and firing pin. A second spring operates the firing pin. During firing, the inertia of the firing pin and inner bolt prevents the sudden rearward movement of the discharging cartridge. There is no other locking of the breech, however, the weight of the inner bolt and pin assembly may be changed to accommodate different propellant loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael Canaday
  • Patent number: 5608180
    Abstract: A maneuvering device for a recoiling mass of a piece of artillery. The maneuvering device includes first and second ends that are attachable, respectively, to a recoiling mass and a cradle of the piece of artillery. The present invention is applied to the inspection of correct functioning of the recoil mechanism of a large or medium caliber piece of artillery during the counter-recoil of the recoiling mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Balbo, Philippe Grelat, Guy Malassenet, Fabienne Mandereau
  • Patent number: 5513730
    Abstract: A nonlinear shock absorber is disclosed. The device has a housing filled with hydraulic fluid and contains a relatively heavy mass or piston supported by a helical coil. The helical coils disposed and shaped so as to provide a nonlinear resistance to a shock applied to the housing. During shock absorption fluid flows contra to the piston movement with a corresponding elongation of the helical coil spring causing the coil spring to engage an inner wall of the housing to provide for frictional dampening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Paul A. Petrovich, David L. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5505118
    Abstract: A damping device for a gun barrel (1) having a muzzle brake (2) comprises a recoil brake (3) and a vibration damper (9) to prevent natural vibrations in the gun barrel when firing a shot, from propagation to the recoil brake. The connection of the vibration damper to the recoil brake (3) and the gun barrel breech (5) is such that the force transfer coupling between the breech and the recoil brake is reduced with respect to said natural vibrations. The vibration damper (9), which may take the form of a column of Belleville springs (10) is dimensioned so that the damping device as a whole has a rigidity substantially less than the recoil brake alone and forms a vibratory system with a natural frequency substantially lower than the frequency of said natural vibrations of the gun barrel when firing a shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt
    Inventors: Gert Arnesen, deceased, Bjorn Bergersen
  • Patent number: 5465645
    Abstract: A recoil buffer for a semi-automatic pistol having conventional, relatively moveable slide and frame with opposing abutment surfaces limiting rearward movement of the slide in response to firing the pistol. The recoil buffer is a layer of firmly resilient material mounted in covering, contacting relation to the frame abutment surface. The layer of material is disclosed in the form of a washer mounted upon a portion of the slide return spring guide rod. In one embodiment, the washer has a through cut to permit its radial insertion over a stem portion extending between flange and head portions, and the recoil buffer may include a second, resilient washer axially inserted on the guide rod to be positioned against the forward surface of the flange, for contact by the slide abutment surface in the rearward position of the slide. In a further embodiment, the washer is axially inserted on a stem extending rearwardly from the guide rod flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph E. Cominolli
  • Patent number: 5457901
    Abstract: A shotgun, such as a pump shotgun, has the recoil thereof controlled a spring system. The shotgun includes a breech bolt that is locked to an operating arm during cocking, but is then released from that operating arm when in the battery location and is held in the battery position by the spring system. The spring system includes springs that are engaged with an element that moves in response to the firing of the shotgun, and are sequentially released from that moving element as that element recoils. One form of the invention includes a pump shotgun in which the breech block moves in a recoil movement in response to firing the shotgun, with the springs engaging the moving breech block and sequentially disengaging from that moving breech block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: Terry M. Gernstein, William Scarpino
  • Patent number: 5390583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for rapid loading of separate-loading ammunition in artillery guns, the shell and propellant charge being placed after one another on or in a carrier being accelerated up to a high velocity centered about the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel. Thereafter, the carrier is rapidly retarded to arrest while the shell and the propellant charge are allowed to continue in the direction of the acceleration to their respective ramming positions in the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventor: Bengt Berglund
  • Patent number: 5279202
    Abstract: A semiautomatic firearm including a recoil spring acting on the bolt for closing the breech after the ejection of the case. The repositioning device includes an auxiliary resilient member which cooperates with the recoil spring, so that although a low-rigidity spring suitable for weak cartridges is used, the weapon works correctly even when firing powerful cartridges. The device thus allows to use a wider range of cartridges and reduces the negative effects of recoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Benelli Armi S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Bellardi, Sergio Scaramucci, Rolando Caldari
  • Patent number: 5168120
    Abstract: A device is employed in a recoil system for large-caliber ordnance, to effectuate damping of the recoil system during its rearward movement with simultaneous storage of energy obtained from the recoil kinetic energy of the recoil system. The device then supplies thus stored energy, to the recoil system on its recuperative movement which follows the recoil movement. The device may also supply energy to other energy consumers disposed on or in the proximity of the gun. The device may also receive additional energy in the event of energy supply shortage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: AB Bofors
    Inventor: Ulf Rossel
  • Patent number: 5159148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a recoil suppressing mount for an automatic weapon. The mount consists of a cradle assembly supported by a pin assembly to a fork means. There are also provided shock absorber means connecting the inner cradle relative to the outer cradle. The pin and shock absorbers are arranged so that the recoil forces from the weapon are substantially suppressed to prevent the transfer of moment forces from the weapon to the outer cradle to maintain the weapon in the sight line during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Vinghogs MEK. Verksted AS
    Inventor: Geir Vinghog
  • Patent number: 5155292
    Abstract: A heavy support weapon, for example, of 30 mm caliber, designed for firing from conventional machine gun mounts without undue recoil loads transferred to the gun mount. The weapon is designed for first round accuracy whether in the automatic open bolt or semi-automatic closed bolt mode. The weapon 10 includes a barrel 13 joined to a barrel yoke 21 in a receiver 14 aft of a front housing assembly 15. The recoil system includes a main recoil spring 30, a secondary spring 23, a buffer group including rods 60, springs 61 and plate 63. A slide bolt assembly 40 includes a slide 41, a bolt 42, a face 43, bolt face levers 44 and actuating pins 45, all within the receiver 14. The bolt face 43 is driven vertically by the bolt face levers 44 to receive a new round, load it and remove and discharge a spent casing. The slide bolt assembly 40 travels forward and aft during the firing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Greyden International
    Inventors: Charles E. Rostcil, William C. Baldwin, John H. Peck
  • Patent number: 5085123
    Abstract: A device used especially in a large caliber weapon for controlling the train of motion of an ammunition unit during the ramming thereof in the weapon, and of the case of the ammunition unit on firing of the gun includes an impact arrangement which upon ramming of the ammunition unit enter into interaction with and retard the ammunition unit. An energy storing device is chargeable through the impact with kinetic energy existing in the retarding ammunition unit. In response to energy transmitted from the energy storing device the closing of the breech block is activated. The breech block in the closed position retains the case of the ammunition unit during the firing and during a predetermined portion of the rearwardly directed movement in the gun effected on firing. The impact arrangement includes an impact member interactable with a flange on the case and displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the gun, and an impact spring means interactable with the impact member and with an impact piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventors: Ulf Rossel, Mats Karlsson, Johan Ternsjo