Gas Checks Patents (Class 89/26)
  • Patent number: 11953278
    Abstract: A method of firing a firearm includes rotating a trigger to force a latch pin lever to move; forcing a latch pin forward by the latch pin lever to force a cylinder forward toward a barrel; sealing or substantially sealing the barrel and the cylinder; and releasing a hammer to strike a cartridge while the barrel and the cylinder are sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Centre Firearms Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ryder Washburn, III, Juan D. Cabrera, Andrew Lees, Richard Ryder Washburn, II
  • Patent number: 10495394
    Abstract: Mid lock-up receivers have an elongated cylindrical body, the body defining a passage, the body having a first rear portion and a second forward portion adjacent to and forward of the rear portion, the first rear portion defining a first passage segment having a first diameter and the second forward portion defining a second passage segment having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a forward facing step surface defined at a forward face of the first rear portion, an elongated cylindrical sleeve defining a sleeve passage and received in the second passage segment, the sleeve having a rear end spaced apart from the step surface, and the sleeve being compressively received in the body wherein the body is in tension about the sleeve, and the sleeve is compressed by the body. The sleeve may be thermally bonded to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: VUDOO LABS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Bush
  • Patent number: 9140507
    Abstract: An obturator assembly for sealing the breech of a breech-loaded cannon includes a generally annular seal, a front split ring, a rear split ring, a rear inner ring, an annular disc, and a plurality of magnets disposed in the seal. The seal has a front portion with a leading angled surface and a rear portion. The rear portion includes a trailing angled surface and a flat surface. A plurality of magnets is disposed in holes in the leading angled surface of the front portion and in the flat surface of the rear portion. Magnets in the holes in the front portion hold the front split ring in abutment with the seal. Magnets in the holes in the rear portion hold the annular disc in abutment with the rear split ring and rear inner ring. The front split ring, rear split ring, rear inner ring, and annular disc may rotate with respect to the seal when the breech is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Edward William Holmes
  • Publication number: 20150033934
    Abstract: A blank handling device is provided for receiving and firing a blank cartridge for use in a non-gun. The handling device includes a housing having a blank receiving chamber sized and configured for holding the blank during firing. The blank receiving chamber includes a first axis and a first diameter. A gas discharging passageway capable of being coupled to a barrel of a non-gun, is provided that has a second axis and a second diameter. A gas flow passageway is fluidly coupled to and extends between the blank receiving chamber and the gas flow passageway for conducting gasses discharged by the firing of the blank cartridge between the blank receiving chamber and the gas discharging passageway. The gas flow passageway has a third axis and a third diameter. The third diameter is less than the first diameter for preventing the passage through the gas flow passageway of a projectile discharged in the blank receiving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: JASON P. HISCOCK
  • Patent number: 8863421
    Abstract: A firearm for firing caseless ammunition, the firearm comprising a stock which is capable of receiving one or more magazines of caseless ammunition, a frame connected to the stock, one or more barrels, each barrel having a respective central axis and each of the barrels being connected to the frame, one firing chamber for each barrel in communication with each respective barrel, and one or more blocking plates wherein the one or more blocking plates each perform at least two functions, (1) it prevents more than one round of ammunition from being loaded into each respective firing chamber, and (2) at least one surface of the blocking plate is a surface of the firing chamber and wherein the blocking plate is movable in a plane orthogonal to each of the barrel central axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: John Wadie Farage
  • Patent number: 8833227
    Abstract: A sealing ring obturates a propellant charge cartridge of an automatic firearm for caseless ammunition, in particular against an end face of a firearm element, in particular for a breech or a projectile cartridge. The sealing ring contains a sealing surface that can be brought into contact with the end face. The sealing surface contains a first region around an annular opening of the sealing ring and a second region around the first region. The second region is set back relative to a tangential surface to the first region. In addition, a propellant charge cartridge for an automatic firearm for caseless ammunition, has at least one of the sealing rings. The propellant charge cartridge preferably contains one or multiple, in particular two, propellant charge chambers, which are provided with a sealing ring on each of the breech side and the projectile cartridge side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Axel Pfersmann, Fritz Schlenk, Manfred Hechtl, Alfred Eckel
  • Patent number: 8656824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shell (1) intended for firing from a weapon (6), preferably a mortar weapon (6), the shell (1) being designed for securing the shell (1) in a mortar weapon (6) in order thereby to prevent movement of the shell (1) when adjusting the angle of elevation of the weapon (6). According to the invention this is achieved in that the shell (1) comprises a locking part (19, 28, 37), the locking part (19, 28, 37) forming an integral part of the shell (1) and being designed so that the shell (1) after ramming home is locked to a corresponding securing part (19) in the mortar (6). The invention also relates to a mortar (6) intended for firing said shell (1), the mortar (6) being characterized in that the mortar (6) comprises a corresponding securing part (19) for locking the shell (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventor: Nils Johansson
  • Patent number: 8621772
    Abstract: In a revolver having a frame, carrying a barrel and a revolving cylinder having multiple cartridge chambers therearound, the improvement comprising: a) a sliding sleeve positioned over an inner end portion of the barrel, said end portion of the barrel and inner diameter of the sliding sleeve closely mated; and, a) a sliding sleeve positioned over an inner end portion of the barrel, said end portion of the barrel and inner diameter of the sliding sleeve closely mated; and, b) said sliding sleeve having a front face having a central opening therethrough having an inner diameter nominally equivalent to marginally larger than, a bore through the barrel. Whereafter firing, the sliding sleeve is instantaneously driven back contacting its front face with the revolving cylinder, thereby eliminating any gap between the revolving cylinder and the barrel, preventing exploding gas from escaping therethrough, and substantially increasing bullet discharge velocity and energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel J. Kunau
  • Patent number: 8459166
    Abstract: A seal is proposed between the drum (2) having a plurality of cartridge chambers (3) and a weapon barrel (1) of a drum cannon, wherein the seal comprises at least one elastically pretensioned obturation ring (4). Each cartridge chamber (3) has an obturation ring (4) for drum-side integration, while one obturation ring (4) suffices for barrel-side integration. The obturation is integrated between the two and is pressed against the face (9) of the weapon barrel (1) or the face of the cartridge chamber (3) that is aligned with the bore axis of the weapon barrel (1) such that immediate sealing occurs even at low gas pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Joachim Herrmann, Hans Hülsewis, Heiner Schmees
  • Publication number: 20130014634
    Abstract: A sealing ring obturates a propellant charge cartridge of an automatic firearm for caseless ammunition, in particular against an end face of a firearm element, in particular for a breech or a projectile cartridge. The sealing ring contains a sealing surface that can be brought into contact with the end face. The sealing surface contains a first region around an annular opening of the sealing ring and a second region around the first region. The second region is set back relative to a tangential surface to the first region. In addition, a propellant charge cartridge for an automatic firearm for caseless ammunition, has at least one of the sealing rings. The propellant charge cartridge preferably contains one or multiple, in particular two, propellant charge chambers, which are provided with a sealing ring on each of the breech side and the projectile cartridge side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: DIEHL BGT DEFENCE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Axel PFERSMANN, Fritz SCHLENK, Manfred HECHTL, Alfred ECKEL
  • Patent number: 8096075
    Abstract: A muzzleloading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Laney, Gene L. Garland
  • Patent number: 7954269
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Laney, Gene L. Garland
  • Patent number: 7878102
    Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Dubois, Simon Micheal Muska, Gary E. Zukowski, John W. Avedisian, Brett Curry
  • Patent number: 7814694
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Thompson Center Arms Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Laney, Gene L. Garland
  • Publication number: 20100175549
    Abstract: A seal is proposed between the drum (2) having a plurality of cartridge chambers (3) and a weapon barrel (1) of a drum cannon, wherein the seal comprises at least one elastically pretensioned obturation ring (4). Each cartridge chamber (3) has an obturation ring (4) for drum-side integration, while one obturation ring (4) suffices for barrel-side integration. The obturation is integrated between the two and is pressed against the face (9) of the weapon barrel (1) or the face of the cartridge chamber (3) that is aligned with the bore axis of the weapon barrel (1) such that immediate sealing occurs even at low gas pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Joachim Herrmann, Hans Hülsewis, Heiner Schmees
  • Patent number: 7594465
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Borgwarth, John F. Revolinski, Chad L. Hellwig, Jeffrey V. Ireland
  • Patent number: 7555977
    Abstract: A gun for firing a round of caseless ammunition, a round of such ammunition having a projectile and a modular propellant, the projectile and a modular propellant being disposable for firing in a gun tube, includes an actuatable valve being selectively openable to the gun tube, the valve for drawing a negative pressure in the gun tube, the negative pressure acting to pull the round into contact with a breech face such that when a firing pin is forceably released, the firing pin reliably strikes a primer of the modular propellant, the primer igniting the modular propellant, the ignited propellant forcefully discharging the projectile from the gun tube. A firing pin and valve assembly and a method of operating a gun are further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Crotty, John F. Revolinski
  • Patent number: 7506571
    Abstract: This invention relates to a breech assembly of a gun adapted to fire caseless charges, ignited and enhanced with electrothermal chemical (ETC) charges. The gun utilizes charges as propellant and a plasma generator cartridge (PGC) for generating plasma when an electrical current is applied thereto. The breech assembly comprises a breech ring, a tilting block assembly, with a spindle installed and a sliding block for supporting or locking the tilting block assembly in a sealed position. The tilting block assembly is movable between a PGC firing orientation and a PGC loading/removal orientation. The breech assembly further includes a crank means, which includes a guide means for rotating the tilting block assembly from the PGC firing orientation to the PGC loading/removal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Denel (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventors: Frederik Gert Johannes Breytenbach, Ernst Johann Heinrich Müller
  • Patent number: 7478494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a repeating weapon, especially to a repeating rifle, with a cartridge chamber and a bolt block, which contains a bolt that can move relative to the cartridge chamber and that can be locked by means of a locking device in a closed position. For improving the safety against elevated gas pressure, the cartridge chamber is embodied such that a cartridge can be pushed completely into the cartridge chamber and the cartridge chamber has a rear sealing surface sealing flush with the case bottom of the cartridge for contacting a breech block on a front bolt head of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Blaser Finanzholding GmbH
    Inventor: Meinrad Zeh
  • Publication number: 20080276796
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann
  • Patent number: 7357058
    Abstract: A safety latch assembly locks a firing tray mechanism and prevents it from firing a primer prematurely if a breech is not safely closed. The safety latch assembly includes a latch body, a latch hook for locking a firing mechanism tray, and a shaft that connects the latch body to a housing. A torsion spring is secured to the shaft, to bias a first pin towards the firing mechanism tray. A second pin couples a circular rack to the firing mechanism tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Douglas F. Olcott
  • Patent number: 7357059
    Abstract: A mechanical initiating system (10) for caseless ammunition including a weapon breech block and a powder body chamber adjoining the weapon breech block. A firing pin is axially displaceably arranged in a through hole (26) formed in the weapon breech block. A powder body, which can be initiated by the firing pin and having a priming device, is arranged in the powder body chamber. In order to achieve a reliable and simple sealing between the firing pin and the inside wall of the through hole, the weapon breech block has a grease reservoir which is open facing towards the through hole, and the firing pin is peripherally provided with at least one grease groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Helmut Könicke
  • Patent number: 7275472
    Abstract: A bolt assembly for a direct gas firearm includes a plurality of sealing rings. In an embodiment, there are three rings with ring gaps cut at about a 45 degree angle and the middle ring is flipped so that the angle of the gap of the middle ring is approximately 90 degrees from the angle of the gap of the two outer rings. In an embodiment, the angle of the ring gap of at least one of the plurality of sealing rings is between 0 and 90 degrees and the ring is configured so that the ring gap is minimized once the ring is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rock River Arms, Inc.
    Inventor: James Finn
  • Patent number: 7254913
    Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Dubois, Simon Michael Muska, Gary E. Zukowski, John W. Avedisian, Brett Curry
  • Patent number: 7171886
    Abstract: To seal a pipe mortar, a sealing element (3, 6) is inserted between the pipe (1) and the base (2), with the element elastically balancing out the axial relative movements between the pipe (1) and the base (2). The sealing element (3) is preferably prestressed, with the gas pressure supporting the sealing effect. The sealing element (3, 6) can be a U-shaped or L-shaped steel ring. In the U-shaped sealing element (3), the legs (3.1) are axially prestressed to the extent that the sealing ring (3) and the pipe (1) or the base (2) are pressed together to produce an adequate seal. In the L-shaped sealing element (6), the inside leg (6.1) produces the gas-tight connection when the pipe (1) and the base (2) are screwed together. A sealing lips (6.2) of the sealing ring (6) elastically absorbs changes in length between the pipe and the base that occur during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann, Henning von Seidlitz, Marold Elspass, Rolf Bartolles
  • Patent number: 6851348
    Abstract: A firing apparatus (1.0) for a projectile-firing weapon of the type comprising a barrel (8) having a bore therein, the firing apparatus comprising a breech assembly (2.0) adapted to be secured to the barrel (8), a firing mechanism (5.0) adapted to initiate firing of the projectile from the bore, and a valve means (4.0)adapted to allow air within the bore, between the projectile and the firing mechanism (5.0), to be expelled from the bore during loading of the projectile through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd.
    Inventor: Teoh Hwa Ang
  • Patent number: 6363829
    Abstract: A system for sealing an indexing primer magazine and breech assembly of a barrel-type firearm to contain exhaust gases with the flow passage transfers the increased pressure into a sealing force between the insert and indexing primer magazine. Additionally, component parts of the seal are located out of the direct path of the formed exhaust gases to increase system longevity and safety. A seal is located within a recess of either the insert or indexing primer magazine, that is separated from the flow passage for the hot combustion gases from the primer or propellant charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Anthony R. Franchino, Thomas Tighe
  • Patent number: 6286743
    Abstract: An explosive powder charge-operated setting tool including a first part provided with a cartridge socket (3), an opposite second part having a mating surface (14) which partially covers an axial projection surface of the cartridge socket (3), a circular cut-out (7) provided adjacent to the first part, and at least one connection channel (13), and an annular sealing member (9) located in the circular cut-out (7) of the second part and displaceable parallel to a setting direction relative to the second part (2), with the sealing member (9) being supported on the first part outside of the cartridge socket (3), and with the at least one connection channel (13) extending from the cartridge socket (3) up to a working surface (16) of the sealing member (9) facing in a direction opposite to the setting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Ehmig
  • Patent number: 6223643
    Abstract: According to the invention there is a provided an obturation assembly for a gun of the type comprising a barrel of which a rear end defines a firing chamber having an obturation seat and the gun further having a breechblock, the obturation assembly comprising: an obturation set including an annular obturator pad for sealing against the obturation seat; an obturation spindle having a shaft and a head, the shaft extending coaxially through the obturator pad; a first shim for location between the obturation set and the breechblock, and a second shim for location between the obturation set and the head of the obturation spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Denel (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Ernst Johann Heinrich Müller
  • Patent number: 5929364
    Abstract: An obturator for guarding the primary sealing surfaces of a step wedge brhblock gun from post-firing residue buildup assures greater survivability of the obturator without the necessity of cleaning after each firing. The device includes an active tube insert for facilitating face seal force multiplication, out of bore lip and face seals, an inbore piston polymer with expanding residue guard, and an out of bore face seal with a residue-tolerant polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army.
    Inventors: Richard W. Tortorici, Edward J. Hyland
  • Patent number: 5777256
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the combustive gases of a caseless munition is mounted between a barrel and a firing chamber of a small caliber weapon. The sealing device includes a ring-shaped sealing element with a first end forming a radially extending sealing surface structured to press against the rear face of the barrel, and a second end includes an outwardly facing axially extending lip designed to press against an inner wall of the firing chamber. A cooling element reduces the rise in temperature of the sealing element, which comes into contact with the combustive gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.oise Simon, Franck Bouvard
  • Patent number: 5663519
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignees: Denel (Proprietary) Limited, Octrooibureau Kisch N.V.
    Inventor: Ernst Johann Heinrich Muller
  • Patent number: 5604326
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Lescure
  • Patent number: 5589656
    Abstract: A split wedge/breechblock for inserting and extracting the bridge seal from he powder chamber of a gun tube. The device includes a sealing mechanism for the sliding surfaces between the wedge and the breechblock, a bridge seal for use in the XM 297 gun system, and an improved stepped wedge and breechblock design which eliminates adverse downward forces during gun firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Richard W. Tortorici, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5544563
    Abstract: A first member, such as a primer cartridge (33), is inserted in an aperture in a second member, such as a chamber (8) in a gun breech block (4,5), by means of an apparatus such as a primer loader (52), comprising a tubular member whose bore (16) serves as a guide for positioning the first member and which is aligned with the aperture in the second member. A fourth member, such as a ramming rod (19), may be provided to move the first member into the guide and thence into the aperture as the fourth member advances from a first to a second position. In the case where the primer cartridge passes across a gap (18) in order to enter the aperture, the fourth member may be arranged to advance an additional distance to a third position wherein the additional distance is not less than the width of the gap, the additional distance being the permitted movement of a fifth member, such as a slidable bush (38), between two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignees: Vickers Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd., Royal Ordinance PLC
    Inventors: Edwin A. Richards, David J. Balch, Howard Atherton
  • Patent number: 5535660
    Abstract: A breech closure for a barrel-type firearm is described, in which a flow passage for an igniting jet from an igniting cartridge held in a magazine extends through a breechblock. The breechblock is formed on that side which faces the magazine with a cylindrical recess, which is coaxial to the flow passage for the igniting jet and contains a metal sealing cup, the side wall of which contacts the peripheral surface of the recess and which has a bottom, which is formed with a central through opening for receiving the igniting jet and constitutes a conical disk spring, which bears on the contacting surface of the magazine around said through opening, the rim of which is enlarged to form a bead on the inside of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Intertechnik Techn. Produktionen Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Reinhard Zierler
  • Patent number: 5513550
    Abstract: A firearm for firing cartridges (2) which may in at least one embodiment fire caseless cartridges (2), having a barrel (1) pivoting around a pivot point (11) from a firing position to a loading position, and back to the firing position. A fixed wall (16) is positioned behind chamber (19) when barrel (1) is in the firing position, which absorbs the recoil of a fired cartridge (2). A plug (6) may be used to seal chamber (19) when firing caseless cartridges (2). The pivoting movement of barrel (1) may be activated against spring (4) by gas pressure from a fired cartridge (2) escaping from a hole (3) in barrel (1). Residual gas in barrel (1) may be used to move rammer (7) against spring (8) and rammer (7) then chambers a cartridge (2). Barrel (1) then returns to the firing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Roger C. Field
  • Patent number: 5487232
    Abstract: An improved detonator assembly for a black powder firearm having a breech block, a receiver, and a nipple. The detonator assembly comprises a primer and a primer carrier. The primer carrier has an axial bore dimensioned to receive the primer at one end and slip over the firearm nipple at the opposite end. The primer carrier has a lip that abuts the breech block rear end. A tab laterally extends from the lip to provide a handle for installing and removing the assembly and a visual indication that the firearm is primed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: The Marlin Firearms Company
    Inventors: William E. Osborne, Harold J. Waterman, Jr., David Findlay
  • Patent number: 5398593
    Abstract: A bayonet-connector-like breech lock has a breech housing and a breech block with at least two radially projecting locking components. The enlarged region needed to rotate the locking components takes the form of an annular space wherein a locking sleeve is fitted to rotate between an open and a locked end position. The locking sleeve has a widened section for each locking component aligned with a widened part of the breech block bore in the open end position. The annular space is completely filled by the locking sleeve and the pushed-in breech block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignees: VOERE Kufsteiner Geratebau-und Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H., PSE Produkt-und Systementwicklungsgesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Nehemia Sirkis
  • Patent number: 5345854
    Abstract: A device for sealing the cartridge chamber of a small arms weapon that fires a caseless cartridge consisting of a propellant charge and a bullet that is connected to the propellant charge. The device includes a pot-shaped seal having a base and a side. The seal is disposed on the weapon's butt front edge so that at least a portion of the side's outer surface presses on an adjacent inner surface of the cartridge chamber when the butt is closed. The outer surface further sealingly engages the chamber adjacent inner surface in response to the gas pressure from the propellant charge when the cartridge is fired. The side's outer surface is defined by a first generatrix that is parallel to the chamber axis and the adjacent chamber inner surface is defined by a second generatrix, where the first and second generatrices converge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignees: VOERE Kufsteiner Geratebau-und Handelsgesellschaft m.b.h., PSE Produkt-und Systementwicklungsgesellshaft m.b.h.
    Inventors: Reinhard Schieferle, Nehemia Sirkis
  • Patent number: 5333531
    Abstract: In a revolver, a sleeve is attached to the outside rear section of the barrel and can be turned to adjust abutment with a forward portion of the cylinder of the revolver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Roger Field
  • Patent number: 5305679
    Abstract: A rapid fire mortar including an ammunition cylinder, each of whose chambers is provided at its rear end with a metal seal, of which the bottom forms a support for a round of ammunition. The seal is slidably mounted in the chamber to compensate for variations in the dimensions of the chambers and has walls which are elastically deformable by the gas pressure when firing in order to ensure gas-tightness between the chamber and a firing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Michel Begneu
  • Patent number: 5147971
    Abstract: An obturating arrangement for a gun barrel of the type having a right-angled obturating ring having its axially extending arm disposed within a recess in the base ring at the end of the gun barrel and its inwardly radially extending arm engaging, in a known manner, a breechblock wedge insert. In known arrangements of this type powder residues generated during firing, which may accumulate in the recess of the base ring and become lodged underneath the supporting face of the obturating ring arm projecting into the recess, may cause the basic play between the obturating ring and the breechblock wedge insert to be reduced, so that malfunctions during the closing of the breechblock wedge may occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Bartolles
  • Patent number: 5115715
    Abstract: A breech mechanism for large caliber artillery pieces is characterized by a specifically designed sealing function in the form of an intermediate layer between a main portion of the breech mechanism and a seating portion displaceable in relation thereto by the gas pressure in the gun. The seating portion, on being displaced towards the breech, compresses the intermediate layer disposed therebetween and consisting of an elastically deformable refractory material which, on its deformation, is urged into tight abutment against the rear portion of the gun barrel about the loading space of the gun along a gap between the seating portion and the main portion of the breech mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventors: Sven Lindberg, Kjell Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5058482
    Abstract: A blocking device for blocking the closing movement of a wedge-type breechblock of a gun if an obturating ring is missing. The blocking device includes a detector which is urged toward a recess in the gun barrel base ring and which enters the recess if the recess is not occupied by an obturating ring. In order to avoid damage to the sealing system of the base ring during the blocking process, the blocking device is configured as a synchronous mechanism so that, if the detector moves into the recess in the absence of an obturating ring, a blocking member simultaneously moves in the opposite direction and enters a recess in the breech ring of the gun. In one embodiment, the synchronism of the blocking device is produced by a gear which meshes with toothed regions on the detector and of the blocking member. In another embodiment, the synchronism is produced by a dual level member which extends into recesses in the detector and the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Bartolles
  • Patent number: 5054365
    Abstract: A gun includes a gun barrel having a breech end; a wedge-type breechblock disposed at the breech end; a flash bore in the breechblock; a seal disposed adjacent to and surrounding an inlet opening of the flash bore; a firing mechanism mounted on the breechblock; a propellant igniter magazine removably receivable in the breechblock and including a housing and an endless guide channel defined in the housing; and a plurality of casings received in the guide channel. The casings are arranged in a side-by-side contacting relationship with one another; each casing having opposite open ends and a chamber for receiving a propellant igniter cartridge therein. There is further provided an advancing mechanism for step-wise advancing the casings in the endless guide channel for moving each casing into and out of a firing position in which a respective casing is in alignment with the flash bore and in engagement with the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Wissing
  • Patent number: 5054366
    Abstract: An arrangement for axially adjusting play between an obturating ring of a gun barrel base ring and a wedge-type breechblock. The base ring has a threaded ring adjustably disposed in an annular groove adjacent the gun barrel for adjusting axial play existing between the obturating ring and the wedge-type breechblock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Bartolles
  • Patent number: 5042361
    Abstract: It is known to arrange a breech mechanism for a gun so as to be displaceable within a parallel guide arranged at a right angle to the bore axis of the gun barrel, and to bring a mushroom shaped head for obturation to the chamber in a partial circular arc. Due to the plurality of drive means for the mushroom head, complicated motion sequences result within the breechblock system which may lead to increased susceptibility to malfunction and do not permit high firing rates. Such a breech mechanism is not suitable or the use of a highly elastic obturator disposed in the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Egon Janssen, Heinz-Gunter Breuer
  • Patent number: 4982649
    Abstract: A tubular automatic weapon includes a barrel having a rear terminal portion defining a chamber, and a breech block having a breech block axis and being arranged for movement in axial alignment with the barrel. The breech has a block housing, a rotary head; an iron core secured within the head; a permanent magnet situated within the head and being movable relative to the iron core in inductive relationship therewith; an energy accumulator for storing the kinetic energy derived from the motion of the housing towards a rearward position; and a coupling arrangement for connecting the energy accumulator with the permanent magnet to cause the permanent magnet to be propelled forwardly relative to the iron core by the energy released by the energy accumulator, thereby generating a magnetic field for inducing an igniting current in a cartridge situated in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Koine
  • Patent number: RE37968
    Abstract: An improved detonator assembly for a black powder firearm having a breech block, a receiver, and a nipple. The detonator assembly comprises a primer and a primer carrier. The primer carrier has an axial bore dimensioned to receive the primer at one end and slip over the firearm nipple at the opposite end. The primer carrier has a lip that abuts the breech block rear end. A tab laterally extends from the lip to provide a handle for installing and removing the assembly and a visual indication that the firearm is primed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Marlin Firearms Company
    Inventors: William E. Osborne, Harold J. Waterman, Jr., David Findlay