Abstract: Firearm bolt assemblies and firearms including the same are described. In embodiments the firearm bolt assemblies are configured to localize compressive forces applied during a transition from an initial position to a firing position to a first cam system on one side of the firearm bolt assembly, and to localize compressive forces applied during a transition from the firing position to the initial position to a second cam system another side of the firearm bolt assembly. Localizing the forces in that manner enables the use of a first cam system that is relatively robust compared to the second cam system.

Abstract: A gun-tube extension has (1) a body portion, (2) a first end configured to connect to an end cap of a gun tube, and (3) a second end configured to be connected to a sub-assembly. The gun-tube extension may rotate either by the operation of gravity on weights or by a motor. The gun-tube extension may include an orientation-detection device, such as an accelerometer, which may be part of an addressable switch. A ground for a gun tube or gun-tube extension may include a bow spring attached to and in electrical communication with the gun tube housing or the gun-tube extension housing. An end cap may include indexing indicia to orient a gun tube to a desired rotational position and/or may be structured to fit different diameter gun tubes.

Abstract: A valve sleeve for a CT40-type cannon that functions in association with a detonation assembly to activate a firing pin. The valve sleeve incorporates a receiver to ensure the mechanical support of the cannon's firing pin during firing events, the firing pin being coupled to the valve sleeve and translatable in relation to it, the receiver being constituted by a cylindrical firing pin sleeve, a firing pin valve, and a firing pin assembly inserted in the substantially cylindrical sleeve and the firing pin being inserted both in the valve and in the firing pin assembly, this receiver being revolving.

Abstract: A drogue parachute assembly may comprise a canopy housing and a mortar. The mortar may include an inner mortar tube and an outer mortar tube configured to telescope relative to the inner mortar tube. The canopy housing may be coupled to the outer mortar tube. A guide plate may be configured to contact an interface surface of the canopy housing and pivot the mortar about a pivot joint.

Abstract: An engine propulsion system is configured to utilize bursts of media in order to create mechanical energy. The engine propulsion system includes at least one cannon, wherein each cannon is configured to displace the media and further includes a firing pin casing configured to accommodate a firing pin. The firing pin is configured to create the mechanical energy when moved thus allowing the media to exit the cannon.

Abstract: A pistol is disclosed comprising a rod, including, in an end opposite to the trigger, a tip and a crosswise arm, wherein the crosswise arm is projected from the longitudinal body of the rod, towards the pistol central portion, and includes a front surface, able to interfere with the finger, and a flap, facing the crosswise arm and projecting downwards, in the middle region having an oblong hole; a rod guiding pin, with its crosswise axle parallel to the pistol length, crosses the oblong hole, to limit the movement upwards and downwards of the crosswise arm; and a rod ramp, in the shape of an oblong laminar body, fixed to a lower end on a crosswise axle and having a fold in the opposite and upper end, projecting away from the center of the pistol, defining a contact surface that mechanically acts against the tip.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target impact of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from an axial vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; and determining if the munition has axially impacted a target based on the output.

Abstract: A munition including: a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; a processor operatively connected to the power supply for initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time.

Abstract: Disclosed are a soft recoil system and a cannon having the same. The soft recoil system includes: a cannon barrel returning device mounted to a recoil device for absorbing a recoil force occurring when ammunition is fired, and configured to backward press a breech ring, such that the cannon barrel is fixed to a preset position; a cannon barrel fixing device installed at the recoil device, and configured to fix the cannon barrel when the cannon barrel returns to the fixed position; and a forward momentum generator connected to the recoil device and the breech ring, respectively, configured to forward move the cannon barrel by applying a force to the breech ring, such that the ammunition is fired while the cannon barrel forward moves, and configured to reduce a recoil force by partially attenuating recoil momentum resulting from the firing of the ammunition, by forward momentum.

Abstract: In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion-estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion-estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.

Abstract: An upper receiver is provided for cooperatively engaging a lower receiver, wherein the lower receiver includes at least a trigger and a lower hammer. The upper receiver includes an upper sear movable in response to movement of the lower hammer, thereby permitting an upper hammer in the upper receiver to actuate a valve in the upper receiver and pass a motive gas to a firing chamber and thereby expel a projectile through a barrel of the upper receiver.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a semi-automatic firearm supports the weight of a firing unit (receiver, barrel and trigger) in a slide stand on or from a support structure so that a user does not have to bear any or at least a significant portion of the firearm's weight. Through a sliding interface, the firing unit is manually pushed by a user's thumb(s) to slide forward in the slide stand until a trigger actuator depresses the trigger. The trigger actuator may include a rod or a rest for a user's finger. Recoil energy from a discharged bullet pushes the firing unit rearwardly back to the starting position. The slide stand can include a convex or articulating base for variable aiming, or a fixed base for sharp-shooting.

Abstract: An apparatus for weaponizing a mobile robotic platform with a mechanically triggered weapon and a firing circuit provides a weaponized mobile robotic platform, in which the mechanically triggered weapon can be fired in a safe, secure, and controlled manner in response to a single electrical pulse from the firing circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a percussion lock installed on a firearm, and more particularly, to a percussion lock wherein the hammer is operated through a link member so that operation of the firearm is possible in a small area, making it possible to design a firearm flexibly and reducing the volume and weight of the firearm. According to the present invention, the percussion lock installed on a firearm to fire a bullet by hitting a firing pin comprises a housing mounted in fixed state to a firearm, a hammer installed on the upper part of the housing for hitting a firing pin, a link member linking the hammer and the housing so that the hammer moves on a curve maintaining horizontal state, and an elastic member supporting the link member with elastic force.

Abstract: In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.

Abstract: A means for actuating fire of a projectile, such that power input for said firing be supplied via foot operated pedal. This energy is transferred to impart minor rotation in a large ratchet wheel, the rotation thereof oscillating a lever. The positive phase of said oscillation displaces a spring powered cock, such that subsequent counter motion thereof drive a firing pin into a primer, thereby igniting the latter and a secondary charge adequately to propel a projectile.

Abstract: A steerable projectile comprises a pressure chamber to hold gas in a pressurized state; and a body section coupled to the pressure chamber, the body section having a flight system to use the pressurized gas for adjusting a trajectory of the projectile. The pressure chamber comprises an orifice in a wall of the pressure chamber; and a check valve corresponding to the orifice, the check valve configured to allow gas that results from ignition of a propellant to enter the pressure chamber via the corresponding orifice and to prevent the gas, once inside the pressure chamber, from exiting the pressure chamber via the corresponding orifice.

Abstract: A striker assembly for a firearm and a method of assembly the striker assembly is disclosed. The striker assembly includes a generally cylindrical body having a first distal end, a middle portion, and a second distal end. A coaxial spring encompasses the middle portion of the body and abuts an annular ring on the first distal end. The striker assembly also has a spacer having a first side and a second side with the first side of the spacer abutting a ridge on the second distal end of the body. A snap ring holds the spacer in place on the spacer's second side, and the snap ring is secured by a circumferential groove in the second distal end of the body. Finally, the striker assembly includes a cap that abuts the coaxial spring and encompasses the second distal end of the body, the spacer, and the snap ring.

Abstract: A percussion device for a medium or large caliber weapon incorporating a firing pin, spring means and a drive cam for the firing pin enabling its displacement in translation up to an “armed” position and the compression of the spring means, such device wherein it incorporates means to immobilize the firing in the “armed” position, these means being supported by the weapon breech and able to take up a position in which they immobilize the firing pin and another in which they release the firing pin.

Abstract: A firing pin assembly with a firing pin having a shaft with a distal bearing thereon. The firing pin has a standby position, a load position, and a fire position. A cam engages the bearing and is configured to drive the shaft between the standby position and the load position. A spring about the shaft is compressed when the shaft is driven into the load position. A driver turns the cam when energized to drive the shaft from the standby position to the load position and then to turn the cam further whereupon the compressed spring urges the firing pin to fire.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating a non-firing event of a munition from a firing event. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining whether the munition is to be fired based on the calculation.

Abstract: A method is provided for validating a firing of a munition and duration of firing of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining one or more of whether the munition has been fired and the duration of firing based on the calculation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stackable projectiles having a warhead and a propulsion unit. An adaptor enables the warhead to be coupled to propulsion units made of different materials. Furthermore, an adaptor couples different profiles of warheads and propulsion units and allows projectiles to be stacked without need for design modifications. The assembled projectile can be fired electrically or mechanically.

Abstract: A remote digital firing system includes a firing circuit operative to fire remote mission payloads, a firing control panel linked to the firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to communicate with the firing circuit and firing control panel. The firing circuit can generate, write and store one-time random session variables to the digital code plug. The firing circuit validates digital messages received from the firing control panel by comparing one-time random session variables embodied in the messages with the stored one-time random session variables, before firing the payload.

Abstract: The present invention is a rail mounted forward trigger mechanism featuring in-line linkage between the primary and secondary triggers. Access to adjustment features provides adjustability while simultaneously allowing the mechanism to remain installed. The linkage is also hinged and mounted coaxially with the disconnect pivot point of a weapon, thereby allowing field stripping the weapon without removing the linkage. Connection to the primary trigger of the host weapon is ideally accomplished with a can and roller assembly for smoother and more controlled actuation. An electrical embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: An out-of-battery lock for a primer feed mechanism having a drive shaft and a drive shaft housing surrounding the drive shaft, the out-of-battery lock including a housing having an opening therethrough for attachment to the drive shaft; a pair of wings disposed on opposite sides of the housing; a plunger slot formed in the housing; a plunger movably disposed in the plunger slot, the plunger including a central bore therein and a pair of tabs disposed on opposite sides of the plunger; and a compression spring disposed in the central bore in the plunger, the compression spring providing a force to bias the plunger towards the drive shaft housing.

Abstract: A removable gas supply for a weapon simulator, wherein the gas system cycles the bolt or slide of the firearm to provide recoil, actuate a hammer/trigger mechanism and provide realism of the original weapon functions. The weapon simulator has a housing defining a piston chamber and a piston positioned in said chamber and connected to the bolt. The simulator also includes a valve chamber in the housing connected with said regulated gas supply and said bolt, and a recoil valve positioned in the valve chamber to control the release of gas from said regulated gas supply to said piston chamber to generate recoil in the weapon simulator.

Abstract: A module housing is adapted to be inserted into an operating position in the trigger group receiving area of a firearm. The module housing includes at least one pin receiver defined by two openings formed in the module housing, one on each lateral side of the housing. A module pin is received in the pin receiver and at least one trigger group component is mounted or supported for rotation on the module pin. The pin receiver is located on the module housing so as to align with a pin receptacle of the firearm when the module housing is in the operating position. By locating the pin receiver in the module housing so as to align with a corresponding pin receptacle of the firearm when the module housing is in the operating position, the trigger group module and the trigger group components housed in the module housing may be readily supported by the OEM pin receptacle.

Abstract: An attachment for a semi-automatic firearm converts the firearm into a weapon of rapid fire. The attachment includes a crank driving a cam assembly in which the cam is mounted for limited relative movement to the crank. A spring in the attachment acts to bias the cam assembly relative to a follower to a safe non-firing position. The follower is acted on by the cam assembly to manipulate a linkage for pulling a trigger of the firearm in response to rotation of the crank. The follower and cam are designed to minimize the time of maximum movement of the follower thereby maximizing the time allowing the firearm to reset. In one embodiment, a timing mechanism is provided to insure that the bolt of the firearm is in its chambered position before the cam is allowed to actuate the firearm trigger.

Abstract: A trigger assembly comprises a trigger frame having a body with a cavity therein, a handle connected to the body, a trigger guard on the body defining a space with which a portion of the cavity is in communication, a connection member on the body, a slot member on the body, and abutment surfaces within the cavity. It also comprises a trigger pivotably mounted and movable within the trigger frame and comprising a body portion, a pivot connection means on the body portion connectable to the connection member of the body, a lever extending from the body portion for contact by a user, an engagement portion for engaging a firing mechanism to initiate discharge, and a rod connection means associated with the body portion for connecting the trigger to a rod to initiate re-arming.

Abstract: The method of firing a paintball marker uses a grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilises an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and re-cock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun trigger for use with a bolt-action gun. The trigger of the present invention has a finger element with an extension and a catch. The catch has a front strap and a rear strap. One or more openings are between the front and rear straps. One or more braces can be across the one or more openings. The trigger also has a head. A socket is formed in the top of the head, and a ball is received within the socket. The height of the ball relative the bottom of the socket can be adjusted. There is practically no friction between the trigger and a sear. The trigger of the present invention may be made by remanufacturing existing conventional triggers.

Abstract: A mortar bomb retention apparatus for retaining a mortar bomb in a mortar tube includes a lever arm; a lever positioner in which the lever arm is rotatably mounted; a generally cylindrical housing having a central opening therethrough, the central opening comprising a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, the lever positioner being fixed to the housing; a shoe disposed in the central opening in the housing; a compression spring disposed around the shoe in the large diameter portion of the central opening; and a shoe cap attached to an end of the shoe, one end of the compression spring bearing against the shoe cap, a portion of the lever arm contacting the shoe cap wherein rotation of the lever arm is operable to force the shoe downward.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for a firearm having a spring pressed firing pin comprises a sear engagable with the spring pressed firing pin in its cocked position and releasable by the sequential release of a cocking lever and a sear release lever through an abutting contact of a portion of the trigger element with the sear release lever. The initial and final positions of the trigger, as well as the spring bias imparted to the trigger, are readily adjustable, without disassembly. All adjustments of the trigger positions, and the spring force on the trigger, are readily adjustable by screws which are accessible through the between of two horizontally spaced trigger housing plates.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, means for receiving a priming composition, and means for compressing the priming composition with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant is placed in the hollow interior and ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: Devices and methods of converting semi-automatic firearms to a double-fire mode where a firearm fires a shot upon a single pull of a trigger, and fires a second shot upon a release of the trigger. A clip attachment can be constructed from a single component shaped to fit and mount onto the trigger and extend to protrude between and separate the foot of the safety-sear from the top of the trigger plate affecting the distance between the hammer engaging notch of the safety-sear and the hammer engaging notch of the trigger-sear which allows the firearm to discharge upon release of the trigger. Another version has a spacer pre-built onto a bottom portion of the pivotal safety sear.

Abstract: A pistol comprises a basic housing (1) and a barrel slide (2) which is guided movably on the basic housing (1). An insert piece (8) is mounted in the barrel slide and contains a firing pin (20) and a firing spring (33). In order to improve the reliability while at the same time reducing the production costs, the insert piece (8) forms an open internal cavity (15) in which there are guide surfaces (16, 17, 18) for the firing bolt (20). The firing bolt (20) has mating surfaces (26, 27, 28), which rest on the guide surfaces (16, 17, 18) of the cavity (15) and, on its upper face, defines a free space (24) which runs in a longitudinal direction. The free space (24) contains the firing spring (33), whose front end (34) is supported on the firing pin (20) and whose rear end (35) is supported on an opposing bearing (14).

Abstract: A semi-automatic firing and disconnecting device for a non-hammer fired machine. A first trigger member coupled to the weapon's firing pin and a second trigger member adapted for engagement by a user of the weapon move relative to one another from a first position, in which the trigger members are operably connected to one another, to a second position, in which the trigger members are not operably connected to one another, and back to the first position as a result of firing the weapon. The configuration of the second trigger member, upon the trigger members' returning to the first position from the second position, is altered so that the trigger members are not enabled to fire unless and until the user releases and reengages the second trigger member.

Abstract: A trigger stop connector for semi-automatic firearms that have an enclosed striker assembly. Incorporated into firearms without major structural changes, the trigger stop connector is designed to increase firing speed and prevent a fulcrum effect caused when a trigger mechanism travels a distance beyond the point of firing of the firearm, thus increasing target precision when discharging the firearm. The trigger stop connector, replacing a common connector, is designed with specific contact points to prevent overtravel of the trigger bar when operating in cooperation with the trigger of the firearm.

Abstract: A window assembly for transmitting light into and from a vessel containing a high pressure, high temperature, highly reactive environment includes a truncated conical window which is substantially transparent to radiation, a truncated conical metal seal which circumferentially engages the window, and a case to which the window and the seal are secured. To facilitate automatic cleaning of the window, the surface of the window which is exposed to the high-pressure environment is seated substantially flush with the high-pressure surface of the case. By initially seating the window assembly by means of mechanical pressing, then subjecting the window assembly to a series of successively higher transient combustion pressures, a window assembly can be fabricated which can withstand prolonged service in a harsh environment such as that encountered in a large caliber artillery cannon or equivalent scientific and industrial applications.