With Magazine Patents (Class 89/33.1)
  • Patent number: 11768042
    Abstract: A cam race comprising a hardened material (harder than a material of an upper receiver) is provided to increase durability of a firearm. The cam race is fit within a groove within an interior sidewall of an upper receiver of the firearm. The cam race comprises a body that is fit within the groove, and a plurality of fastener pins extending away from a rear face of the body that fit within corresponding through-holes of the upper receiver. Distal ends of each of the fastener pins are deformed to form a riveted connection between the cam race and the upper receiver. The cam race defines a slide face along which a cam pin of the firearm slides during a firing process, thereby increasing the durability of the firearm against undesired formation of defects within the interior sidewall of the upper receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: WHG PROPERTIES, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Geissele
  • Patent number: 11592254
    Abstract: A bolt catch device for firearms, which is connected to a lower housing and includes a linkage portion and a release portion. The linkage portion is connected to the lower housing by a first pivot shaft and has an abutting member. The release portion is connected with the lower housing by a second pivot shaft, and has a pin and a bolt catch. When the user uses the trigger finger to move the bolt catch, the bolt catch performs a rotational displacement movement from a first position with the second pivot shaft as the center, so that the bolt catch is located at the second position. The abutting member performs a rotational displacement movement centered on the first pivot shaft, and the abutting member is away from the bolt, and the bolt moves to complete the feeding of the ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: KRISS INDUSTRIES ASIA LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Te Cheng
  • Patent number: 11408701
    Abstract: Provided is a fast cycling/low recoil pistol caliber carbine assembly. The carbine assembly may include an upper receiver, a lower receiver, a feed ramp, a bolt stop, a magazine, a control mechanism comprising a control lever, a control base, a control pivot pin, and a control spring, an ejector, a gap filler member. The assembly provides last round bolt hold open, trigger finger actuated bolt release, short stroke cycle, barrel ramp, ambidextrous magazine release, and uses Glock magazines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: GIBBENS ENGINEERING GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Gibbens, David W. Gibbens
  • Patent number: 10935336
    Abstract: An ammunition loading system for loading ammunition into a primary magazine in an automatic cannon includes at least one secondary magazine arranged in an ammunition store beneath the primary magazine of the automatic cannon, a hoisting device for transporting the aforementioned at least one secondary magazine from the ammunition store to the primary magazine, a docking and transfer mechanism for the docking of the secondary magazine with the primary magazine and for the transfer of ammunition between the secondary magazine and the primary magazine, as well as a common drive arrangement for synchronous driving of the secondary magazine and the primary magazine during the transfer of ammunition. A method for the aforementioned ammunition loading system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventor: Andreas Nilsson
  • Patent number: 10871337
    Abstract: A reloading system and method for reloading cartridges into a removable ammunition magazine of a gun. The reloading system has a storage container for holding a supply of cartridges. A collection chamber is fed from the storage container. The collection chamber has a magazine port for selectively interconnecting with the removable ammunition magazine. A plunger extends into the collection chamber. The plunger can be selectively advanced into the collection chamber to displace the cartridges out of the collection chamber and into the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Junsheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 9829261
    Abstract: A magazine dispenser for loading a magazine into a gun having an opening to receive and hold at least one magazine through an opening. Once at least one magazine is inserted, a flange of the magazine is received in a track provided by a slot region in the magazine dispenser. The magazine then rests on a retention bar disposed in the track which may impede the magazine from being dispensed or support the magazine to be dispensed from the magazine dispenser depending on circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Torrent Loading Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Shaskan
  • Patent number: 9389038
    Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a rotatable turret and weapon system. In one exemplary embodiment the system comprises a rotatable turret ring atop a gunner station in a supporting structure, and a gun mount at a first location on the turret ring adapted for mounting an automatic weapon accessible to a gunner. An ammunition mount adapted to interchangeably secure an ammunition magazine, or an adapter for holding multiple ammunition magazines, to the turret ring at a second location. The ammunition mount, gun mount, and turret ring move as an integral unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Dillon Aero, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Leavitt
  • Patent number: 9021731
    Abstract: A double-magazine (“Dmag”) able to house projectile ammunition for a projectile launcher having a first ammunition channel, a second ammunition channel, and a flexible projectile control bar (“FPCB”) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first ammunition channel contains a first set or column of projectiles and the second ammunition channel which is situated in parallel to the first ammunition channel is configured to house a second set of projectiles. Dmag also includes a follower with a follower lock capable of moving along the first ammunition channel. The follower is configured to push the first set of projectiles toward a first ammunition supply port of the first ammunition channel. The FPCB has a first flexible flap which keeps the first set of projectiles from reaching the loading port of the launcher until the follower lock is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Real Action Painball, Inc. (RAP4)
    Inventor: Omar Alonso Macy
  • Patent number: 9010006
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intentionally slowing the speed at which detachable ammunition magazines can be interchanged in a firearm receiver. A magazine catch assembly includes a latch adapted to engage a recess of a standard magazine in the magazine well. A hand-activated crank interacts with threads of a push-rod portion of the latch so that manual rotation of the hand crank in one direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) displaces the latch after a sufficient number of turns. Reverse rotation of the hand crank returns the latch to its engaged condition ready to automatically re-engage the next magazine inserted into the firearm receiver. Alternatively, viscoelastic foam or other mechanical time-delay feature can be used instead of screw threads to introduce a mechanically transmitted dwell period before the latch is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Carl D Michel
  • Patent number: 8991084
    Abstract: A magazine is disclosed including a storage tube and a biasing member positioned within the storage tube. A strip engages the follower and extends toward a distal end of the storage tube. A display member is coupled to the strip and is viewable through the storage tube. The display member displays a state of the strip. The strip may be coupled to the follower and wrap around an axle or spool engaging an axle. The display member may be a window such that a portion of the strip around the axle is viewable. The strip may include visual indicators that are visible through the window and indicate a number of rounds within the magazine. A switch may be selectively activated to illuminate a portion of the strip viewable through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Mark S. Williams
  • Patent number: 8943727
    Abstract: A magazine for a firearm is provided. The magazine includes a first wall and a second wall coupled to the first wall to define an enclosure. A first projection extends from a first portion of the first wall, a first end of the first projection being adjacent an end of the first wall, the first projection having a first angled surface opposite the first end. A second projection extends from a second portion of the second wall, a second end of the second projection being adjacent the first end, the second projection having a second angled surface arranged opposite the first angled surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Okay Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn H. Russell
  • Patent number: 8931467
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magazine rifle which includes a bullet loading mechanism and a firing mechanism interlinked to operate together by a single motor, thereby enabling single bullet firing, semi-automatic firing, and fully automatic firing. The magazine rifle includes a rotatable magazine, a bullet loading mechanism which loads a bullet received in the rotatable magazine into a cartridge chamber, and a firing mechanism which discharges compressed air from a compressed air cylinder according to manipulation of a trigger to allow the bullet loaded in the cartridge chamber to be fired through a barrel. The bullet loading mechanism and the firing mechanism are driven by a drive unit automatically driven by a single motor and a gear connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Si Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20140345445
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading an ammunition magazine via an ammunition hold. An ammunition holder is provided for receiving an ammunition body externally of the ammunition magazine in a receiving position. A swivel arm is provided for moving the ammunition holder out of the receiving position, along a lifting path, to a storage position, in the vicinity of the ammunition hold, that is disposed at a level higher than is the receiving position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Matthias Raczek, Jens Köster
  • Patent number: 8839543
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8826577
    Abstract: A rear stock for a shotgun that includes at least one tube adapted for the storage of shotgun shells. The rear stock may include a tube positioned on each side of the stock for the storage of a plurality of shotgun shells. A switch slideably mounted to the front of the stock may be moved toward one of the tubes to partially eject a portion of a shotgun shell positioned with the tube. A protrusion connected to the switch extends into a portion of the tube and movement of the switch towards a side of the stock engages the protrusion against a shell stored in the tube. The continued movement of the protrusion forces a portion of the shell against a tapered surface on an internal shoulder cause a portion of the shell to be ejected from the tube within the stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Krow Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: James K. Bentley
  • Patent number: 8683725
    Abstract: A magazine-latching assembly for a firearm is described. The magazine-latching assembly includes a latch body that is slideably disposed in a receiver. The latch body includes a notch that accepts an aft tab on a magazine. A locking member is pivotally disposed in the latch body and engages the receiver to lock the latch body in a forward position in which the magazine is locked into the receiver. The assembly includes a magazine-release lever that forms a portion of a trigger guard. Actuation of the magazine-release lever pivots the locking member out of engagement with the receiver, moves the latch body out of engagement with the aft tab of the magazine, and draws the forward tab of the magazine out of engagement with the receiver. The magazine-latching assembly is useable with twin-tab magazines and with bullpup-style firearms. The magazine-release lever is also configured for ambidextrous operation of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Seth Munson
  • Patent number: 8677880
    Abstract: A combination magazine and outer skin for a firearm including a magazine core adapted to releasably engage a firearm in communication with an action assembly associated with the firearm. Multiple cores are stackable end-to-end to define a continuous interior, with an end cap engaging an open bottom of a lowermost core. A design indicia exhibits an interior recess and is assembled around the stacked cores. A dual use follower is in use with an uppermost located magazine and maintains the assembly bolt in an open position and following the last cartridge being fired until such time as the magazine is removed. In the further variant, with a BHOA installed in place, the follower activates the BHOA and the bolt to remain in the retracted/open position, following magazine removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: 22 Evolution LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Bowles, John L. Overstreet
  • Publication number: 20140053716
    Abstract: An auto-loading firearm includes a bolt assembly that is both automatically operable and manually operable between a forward position closing the chamber of the firearm and a rearward position opening the chamber, and a fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism comprises a trigger plate assembly operably located between the chamber and a magazine that is capable of housing one or more additional rounds of ammunition. The trigger plate assembly includes a latch release and a carrier that is operable to lift a round from the magazine to the chamber. The fire control mechanism further includes a feed latch that is operable to release of a round from the magazine onto the carrier when disengaged by the latch release. The trigger plate assembly and the feed latch are configurable to control the release of rounds of ammunition from the magazine during manual operation of the fire control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent Norton
  • Patent number: 8635796
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8596184
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic charge magazine (1) for storage and handling of propellent powder charges of the modular charges and/or powder bag charges type, also termed increment charges (4), for projectiles, for example shells, which are arranged in a fireable manner, together with the increment charges (4), in an artillery gun, preferably of the vehicle-mounted artillery gun type, wherein the charge magazine (1) comprises a plurality of charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) arranged in a drivable revolving track, which charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) are arranged to assume feed-in and feed-out positions (2, 11) for the feed-in and feed-out of at least one increment charge (4) to and from the charge containers (5, 5?, 5?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventor: Lars-Olov Lindskog
  • Patent number: 8573109
    Abstract: An armament system for aircraft includes an ammunition system and a mount system for a machine gun. The ammunition system includes an ammunition canister and feed system, the canister having a pair of brackets releasably coupled to a pair of receivers supported by a vertical mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Buechler, Michael Holzmeyer
  • Patent number: 8479631
    Abstract: An explosion-driven setting tool includes a setting mechanism (12) driven by a propellant (23), an ignition unit (18) for igniting the propellant (23), a receptacle (15) for receiving a propellant holder (20), a data communication interface (31) for receiving and transmitting data of the propellant holder (20), and a data processing unit (30) for receiving data transmitted by the data communication interface (31) and connected with a display (50) for displaying the propellant supply level (27) of the propellant (23) in the propellant holder having a housing (21) with an interior space (22) for receiving the propellant (23), and a data storage identification unit (40) in which the propellant supply level (27) is stored for being read-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Ehmig, Tilo Dittrich
  • Publication number: 20130042747
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The holders include adjustable hinges attached to plates that moves the center of gravity of the ammunition holder to move underneath the gun until the holder is balanced relative to the gun. The plate deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun to deflect the spent cartridges to one side away from both the gun and the gun operator. The containers can be ammunition belt boxes or pouch bags. Frames can allow for bags to form a deflection surface to deflect spent cartridges away from the gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph R. Moody
  • Publication number: 20120325075
    Abstract: A propellant charge magazine having a magazine housing in which propellant charges are disposed and that can be cooled by a device for distribution and/or discharge of cooling air disposed in, or within the immediate vicinity of, the propellant charge magazine. A cooling air distribution system can be disposed in a combat compartment housing, with an air discharge device thereof being disposed in an upper portion of the housing for guiding cooling air into a lateral area of the housing. A deflector guides the cooling air downwardly in the lateral area and upwardly in a central area of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Matthias Raczek, Heinrich Heldmann
  • Patent number: 8336441
    Abstract: A gun mount for spanning an opening, such as a door or window, may include a generally tubular bar having a pivot and lock structure on one end. The bar may include a pair of slots formed on opposing sides of the bar. A locking sleeve may be slidable on the bar. A fastener may be fixed to the locking sleeve and translatable in the pair of slots in the bar. A second generally tubular bar may include a yoke at one end and a hinge assembly at another end. The yoke may be rotatably engaged with the pivot and lock structure. The pivot and lock structure may include a locking groove. A spring-loaded locking plunger may be translatably disposed in the yoke and may include a protrusion that is selectively engagable with the locking groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David Javorsky
  • Publication number: 20120174741
    Abstract: This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that allow a pan/tilt gun mount to be radio controlled by a plurality of frequencies. The invention can rapidly rotate and adjust elevation to aim a gun mount as directed by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: CHRIS ROGERS
  • Patent number: 8215225
    Abstract: An air, land, or sea vehicle may include a gun and a rotatable turret ring. An autoloader may be disposed in a basket fixed to the turret ring. The autoloader may include a turntable that rotates independently of the turret ring. An elevator having a track may rotate with the turntable. A carriage may be linearly translatable on the track of the elevator in directions toward and away from the plane of the turntable. A transfer device may be rotatably fixed to a pivot of the carriage. The transfer device may include a rail and a gripper that is linearly translatable on the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Roy Zangrando, William Burgermeister
  • Publication number: 20120167750
    Abstract: A magazine-fed launch or firing system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of magazines arranged radially around a central loading area. A first loading mechanism is provided for supplying a munition arranged within a magazine to the central loading area. A second loading mechanism is provided for delivering a munition arranged within the central loading area to a barrel of the system. A turret is provided for altering at least one of the azimuth and elevation angle of the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Gaigler, Leszek S. Basak, Corey A. Fleischer
  • Publication number: 20120137863
    Abstract: An armament system for aircraft includes an ammunition system and a mount system for a machine gun. The ammunition system includes an ammunition canister and feed system, the canister having a pair of brackets releasably coupled to a pair of receivers supported by a vertical mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: James Buechler, Michael Holzmeyer
  • Patent number: 8191297
    Abstract: A device for indicating a limited amount of remaining ammunition in a firearm magazine is disclosed. A switch is mounted within the magazine, to a plate at a bottom end of the magazine. The plate may be a magazine insert, a floor plate, a base plate or a base pad. The switch cooperates with or responds to a segment or portion of a magazine spring. An indicating terminal is coupled with the switch. A change in state of the switch activates and deactivates the indicating terminal. The indicating terminal may be electrically connected to an indicating device. The indicating device may be an LED, an incandescent bulb or a light. The “on” and “off” states of the switch correspond to differing positions of the segment of the spring relative to the switch or to the plate and attendant differing amounts of ammunition in the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Reese C. Gwillim, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8151684
    Abstract: An armament system for aircraft includes an ammunition system and a mount system for a machine gun. The ammunition system includes an ammunition canister and feed system, the canister having a pair of brackets releasably coupled to a pair of receivers supported by a vertical mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Buechler, Michael Holzmeyer
  • Patent number: 8091463
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns and weapons that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The ammunition holders include adjustable hinges attached side plates that both moves the center of gravity of the left side supported ammunition holder to move in a right direction underneath the machine gun until the ammunition holder is balanced relative to the machine gun. The side plate further deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun and instead deflect the spent cartridges to one side of the machine gun away from both the machine gun and an operator of the gun. The ammunition containers can be ammunition belt boxes. The ammunition containers can be ammunition pouch bags. Frames can allow for bags to be inserted therein and be pre-shaped to form a deflection surface by a built on side wall which functions as a deflection plate to deflect spent cartridges and shells sideways away from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Moody
  • Patent number: 8069601
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a glass fiber reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8061255
    Abstract: A firearm comprising a frame, a barrel joined to the frame, and a cartridge magazine selectively joinable to the frame; at least one cartridge contained within the cartridge magazine with the cartridge having a casing and at least one projectile, the casing having a cartridge case flange at one end and a mouth on the opposite end; and mechanism for lifting in selective communication with the cartridge and the barrel, with the mechanism for lifting having a ramp that is located adjacent to the end of the cartridge at the cartridge case flange, where the ramp acts selectively on the flange and casing; an extractor rib and barrel rib cooperating to keep extractor locked during cartridge ignition and unlocked substantially after ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Arne Bengt Boberg
  • Publication number: 20110078937
    Abstract: A modular magazine for a firearm is disclosed. The magazine has a tower and a magazine body. The tower and magazine body are modular and can be disconnected from each other. When disconnected, the tower can be paired with other magazine bodies. Also, the magazine body may be connected to other suitable towers. Different towers may allow a magazine to connect with a plurality of styles of firearm. Also, a plurality of styles of magazine may be used with a single firearm when connected to a suitable modular tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin Wayne Rich
  • Patent number: 7913609
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns and weapons that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The ammunition holders include a side plate that both moves the center of gravity of the left side supported ammunition holder to move in a right direction underneath the machine gun until the ammunition holder is balanced relative to the machine gun. The side plate further deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun and instead deflect the spent cartridges to one side of the machine gun away from both the machine gun and an operator of the gun. The ammunition containers can be ammunition belt boxes. The ammunition containers can be ammunition pouch bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph R. Moody
  • Patent number: 7908780
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a glass fiber reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael Mayberry, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7806036
    Abstract: A magazine for introducing a plurality of ammunition cartridges into a firearm is disclosed. Particularly, a magazine may include a first rotor configured for rotating about a first center of rotation and a second rotor configured for rotating about a second center of rotation, wherein a position of the first rotor and a position of the second rotor are fixed with respect to one another. Further, operation of the first and second rotor may cause at least one ammunition cartridge of a plurality of ammunition cartridges that are movable by the first and second rotor to move along a serpentine path. Firearm systems including such a magazine are also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of introducing an ammunition cartridge into a firearm. More specifically, an ammunition cartridge may be moved along a selected serpentine path prior to introducing the ammunition cartridge into a firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Browning
    Inventors: Ryan D. Cook, Dwight M. Potter
  • Patent number: 7694620
    Abstract: A magazine support reinforcement for a machine gun having a receiver. A magazine support is attached to the underside of the receiver. The magazine support reinforcement is connected to the magazine support. The reinforcement includes a front support, a rear support and a fastener for fastening the front support to the rear support. The front and rear supports include bracing members having a generally concave side and a lug portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Michael J. Narus
  • Publication number: 20100083552
    Abstract: A method of loading individual caseless cartridges sequentially into a firearm firing chamber by the expansive force of a small detonation in the magazine focused locally on the current top cartridge in a magazine without damaging remaining cartridges. Small individual propelling charges containing an igniter microchip located in the magazine behind each cartridge provides the loading thrust. More energetic charges containing igniter microchips are imbedded in the cartridges to fire the cartridge in the firing chamber at will.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: James M. Powers
  • Patent number: 7690290
    Abstract: A cartridge magazine includes a carrier member (20) having a plurality of receptacles (21) for receiving propellant-containing cartridges (11), longitudinal ribs provided on longitudinal sides of the recess (27) and limiting same; and a cover strip (30) for securing the cartridges in the receptacles and located in the recess (27) formed in a flat surface (23) of the carrier member (20) and extending in a longitudinal direction (L), for limiting the recess, and a cover strip (30) for securing the cartridges in the receptacles and located in the recess (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Kurt Oehri
  • Patent number: 7676973
    Abstract: A method of loading individual caseless cartridges sequentially into a firearm firing chamber by the expansive force of a small detonation in the magazine focused locally on the current top cartridge in a magazine without damaging remaining cartridges. Small individual propelling charges containing an igniter microchip located in the magazine behind each cartridge provides the loading thrust. More energetic charges containing igniter microchips are imbedded in the cartridges to fire the cartridge in the firing chamber at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: James M. Powers
  • Patent number: 7669512
    Abstract: An automatic clutch is integrated in a weapon system between an ammunition feed system and a cannon. A feeder feeds ammunition into the cannon. The clutch mechanism includes an actuator, a locking pin with an assisting spring or the like, and locking cams. The clutch mechanism allows the drum shaft of the cannon to be disengaged from the gear of the feeder between the cannon and the ammunition supply system and thus from the conveyance mechanism of the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Krause, Hans Häfeli, Michael Gerber
  • Patent number: 7568421
    Abstract: A cartridge feeding attachment for a firearm generally consisting of a housing attachable to the firearm having means for guiding a stack of cartridges into the cartridge chamber of the firearm along a first line of travel, a follower engageable with one of such cartridges and means disposed between the housing and the follower for biasing the follower along the first line of travel to feed a cartridge into the cartridge chamber; a sprocket supported on the housing having circumferentially spaced recesses each receiving a cartridge of a cartridge belt trained over the sprocket, and a rotational axis positioned so that upon rotational indexing thereof, a cartridge of the belt will be positioned along a second line of travel extending between the follower and a cartridge of the stack of cartridges; means displaceable along the second line of travel extending between the follower and a rearwardmost cartridge of the stack of cartridges; means displaceable along the second line of travel between a retracted positi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Cummings
  • Patent number: 7533598
    Abstract: A shell stripper assembly includes a shell stripper, a stripper guide, a stripper guide plate, and a magazine insert. The shell stripper strips the top round from the firearm magazine so that it can be picked up by the firearm breech bolt. The shell stripper slides between guide rails of the stripper guide, and its motion is controlled by the stripper guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Randall S. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20090120271
    Abstract: In order avoid ammunition feed from within a protective cell of a turret (1) or an ammunition magazine, a type of ammunition supply system (6) is disposed around the entire or partial circumference of the turret (1). The ammunition supply system (6) has at least one ammunition channel (10, 11) filled with ammunition (5), whereby a drive (13) is incorporated for the transport of the ammunition (5), if the weapon (3) is not designed to pull the ammunition (5) by itself. In this case, an endless chain (12) works together with the drive (13), wherein the endless chain is movable in two axes. This endless chain enables transport of the ammunition (5) around the radii (R) of the turret (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Diller, Jochen Kraus, Hans Saule
  • Patent number: 7513185
    Abstract: An automatic weapon (10), especially for caseless ammunition with the weapon (10) being guided so that it can move linearly in its longitudinal direction in a weapon housing (14), enabling the weapon (10) to recoil unrestrained over a defined recoil distance (P1, P2, . . . ) during a firing burst. A primary magazine (22) for a large number of powder charges (24) and a primary magazine (18) for a large number of projectiles (20) are attached to the weapon housing (14). The weapon (10) has a jointly moving magazine element (26) for a small number of powder charges (24), and a jointly moving magazine element (28) for a small number of projectiles (20) corresponding to the small number of powder charges (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Helmut Könicke
  • Patent number: 7509767
    Abstract: An improved base pad for a firearm magazine that more securely attaches to the bottom of a magazine tube in a manner which is easier and faster to attach or remove therefrom when cleaning the magazine. The improved base pad has a body member with a pair of ends and a pair of sides. The sides each have a groove configured to slidably receive, preferably snugly, the lips at the bottom of a standard magazine tube. One end of the base pad has an outwardly extending section with an upwardly facing, generally planar face. A securing mechanism at the outwardly extending section has an upwardly disposed projection that selectively engages one wall of the magazine tube to secure the base pad thereto when in its engaged position and allows removal of the base pad when in a disengaged position. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism is a detent device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: John Bolen
  • Publication number: 20090071321
    Abstract: An automatic weapon (10), especially for caseless ammunition with the weapon (10) being guided so that it can move linearly in its longitudinal direction in a weapon housing (14), enabling the weapon (10) to recoil unrestrained over a defined recoil distance (P1, P2, . . . ) during a firing burst. A primary magazine (22) for a large number of powder charges (24) and a primary magazine (18) for a large number of projectiles (20) are attached to the weapon housing (14). The weapon (10) has a jointly moving magazine element (26) for a small number of powder charges (24), and a jointly moving magazine element (28) for a small number of projectiles (20) corresponding to the small number of powder charges (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Helmut Konicke
  • Patent number: 7503138
    Abstract: A magazine aligner is positioned inside a pistol magazine loader for centering the open side of magazines of different widths and depths when mounted into the loader to be in line with a round-inserting plunger of the loader. The aligner comprises an inverted “V”-shaped element adapted to accept the open side of magazines from below and includes a spring for keeping tension on the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Guy Tal, Ran Tal