Abstract: An pressure reducing component for a firearm that includes one or more vent apertures formed through a side wall or the forward assist cover of an upper receiver. The vent aperture(s) may be completely open to allow gases to be vented from within the upper receiver or may be adjusted to allow a desired amount of gas to be vented from within the upper receiver.

Abstract: A weapon having a barrel or launch tube for a projectile or shell preloaded therein together with a propellant charge. An active vent is configured on the barrel for preventing accidental firing of the shell if the weapon becomes overheated.

Abstract: A combination sabot and launch seal is taught that is made from a single piece of molded flexible material mounted to the interior of a launch capsule. The sabot portion of the invention is defined by multiple flexible appendages that are joined together at one end in a domed shape and positioned over the nose of a missile in a launch capsule. During a launch, the appendages separate and fold back over the lip of the forward aperture of the launch capsule.

Abstract: Paintball or non-lethal gun or marker apparatuses are disclosed to prevent projectiles from being inadvertently discharged from a paintball or other non-lethal gun or markers.

Abstract: Paintball or non-lethal gun or marker apparatuses are disclosed to prevent projectiles from being inadvertently discharged from a paintball or other non-lethal gun or markers.

Abstract: A paintball gun or marker end cap apparatus is disclosed, where the end cap apparatus includes tubular member having an opened, closed end and a penetrator, where the opened end is designed to be fitted over the end of a paintball barrel and a sleeve designed to be tightened causing the opened end of the tubular member to locking engage the barrel with sufficient force to hold the apparatus on the barrel until the sleeved is loosened and the penetrator is designed to rupture any inadvertently fired paintballs. The apparatus can also include at least one vent disposed near the closed end to vent any gas or liquid associated with a ruptured paintball.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to lock a dust cover in a firearm housing are disclosed. An example firearm disclosed herein comprises a housing constructed substantially from non-magnetic material and defining an opening; a dust cover to cover the opening in the housing, the dust cover being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; and a magnetic lock to secure the dust cover in the closed position.

Abstract: A firing head for a perforating gun includes a detonating block having a first end and a second end, with the second end being structured and arranged so as to be located adjacent to a detonation material. A central passage extends through the detonating block from the first end to the second end. A detonator is located and restrained in the passage so as to be adjacent to the detonating material. At least one venting passage extends from the central passage to an exterior of the detonating block.

Abstract: The bolt of a blowback operated weapon is driven rearward by multiplying the area acted upon by pressurized gas generated by a subcaliber bulleted cartridge or a blank cartridge fired in a subcaliber barrel inserted into the weapon barrel and attached to the weapon barrel muzzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater weapon having a barrel with n opening through which a projectile is discharged. The weapon further has an apparatus for pressurizing the interior of the barrel to a pressure greater than the ambient pressure to keep water from entering the gun barrel at any point around the circumference of the muzzle opening. The pressurizing apparatus includes a source of gas, a pressure regulator for adjusting the flow of the gas and the pressure within the barrel, and a distribution network for distributing the gas near the muzzle opening and at an end of the barrel remote from the muzzle opening.

Abstract: Structures subject to a high operational stress, such as weapon launchers, ombustion chambers, artillery barrels and the like, are strengthened dynamically by a counter-pressure generated simultaneously with the load causing the operational stress. The counter-pressure causes a dynamic stress which is effective temporarily to counteract the operational stress. In a weapons launcher, for example, the operational stress occurs in a launching tubular member and the counteracting stress occurs simultaneously in a second tubular member surrounding the first launching tubular member.