Patent Grant
10921073
Firearms have historically been designed with a single-bore barrel. This has been the case due in part to technical difficulty of boring a long straight hole through a piece of hard metal, and the problem of cutting or impressing a rifling pattern on the interior of the bore without affecting the trueness of the barrel and hence its accuracy potential. The number of variables involved in those processes is so large as to render the specialized field of barrel making as much an art as a science. That situational difficulty is compounded to near impossibility in the attempt to bore a second hole in the same metal piece, if both bores are to be straight and accurately aligned. For those reasons, accurate multi-bore barrels have never been successfully manufactured.
All successful battle rifle designs, from the time of the smooth-bore matchlock until the present day, have been of the single-bore, single-barrel type. These firearms have reached a high degree of refinement after centuries of development, and share the use of cartridge ammunition, which is a useful solution to the problem of how to quickly reload a barrel for firing. Cartridge ammunition is likewise highly refined after a long development. The modern battle rifle has resulted from the combination of a single barrel designed to be loaded with cartridge ammunition from the breech, a mechanism or “action” that inserts and replaces cartridges into the barrel, and a magazine that contains numerous cartridges.
Existing rapid-fire mechanisms require considerable energy to function. A heavy steel bolt must be quickly moved against a powerful spring. Relatively long and heavy cartridges must be inserted into deep chambers, and then rapidly removed. The total motion of the bolt for each shot can be 6-8 inches or more. At the same time, a firing hammer must be cocked against its own heavy spring, and then released by another linkage. All this back and forth consumes so much energy that the modern battle rifle emerged only after the invention of the gas operating system. The gas system provides the needed energy by using high pressure gas from the bore to move a piston or other mechanism which then moves the action. While ingenious, the gas action has its own problems.
An action powered by the high pressure and extremely hot gas produced by the propellant has the force needed to power a complex action. However, that same gas is contaminated with metal vapors and particulate matter that may foul the delicate inner workings of the action. This can result in jamming and other undesirable failures that require frequent field maintenance. Furthermore, the need to clean a weapon in the heat of battle may have fatal consequences.
Cartridge ammunition requires a chamber machined into the bore at the breech end of the barrel where the interior dimensions of the chamber closely match the exterior dimensions of the cartridge type chosen for the weapon. The weapon designer must select a cartridge type with ballistic characteristics approximating the desired performance of the intended weapon design, considering both the trajectory and terminal ballistics. The weapon must then be designed to accommodate the exact physical dimensions of the cartridge, including the standardized (SAMMI) maximum pressures created by the selected cartridge. This situation in turn imposes a set of parameters under the weapon design, such as general size and weight, material selection, magazine type, action type, barrel length, firing rate and magazine capacity. These factors, and others, have led to a design convergence toward a popular basic layout of a single-bore barrel with a gas-operated action, a box magazine containing 30 cartridges or so, and .22 to .30 caliber cartridges of approximately 3,000 FPS velocity. These specifications are mostly a result of all the compromises required to achieve a practical design.
The role of cartridge ammunition in the functioning of the weapon is important in defining the limitations of a single bore design. The cartridge case not only contains propellant and other components, it also performs the critical function of sealing the breech during firing. When the propellant is ignited and pressure builds within the cartridge case, its walls are forced outward against the interior of the chamber and form an adequate seal as long as the pressure is sufficient to keep the case expanded. There is a period at the beginning and another at the end of the propellant burning cycle when the pressure is elevated but insufficient to form or maintain the seal. This results in hot gasses flowing through the action and consequent fouling. This is not a minor detail because these weapons function in a sequential progression with each step dependent upon the successful completion of the previous step. Any failure in any step brings the entire process to a halt until the cause is ascertained and corrected.
A rate of fire adequate for combat consumes significant quantities of ammunition and can quickly overheat the weapon, which can result in jamming. The effective rate of sustained fire is a very important measurement of the combat capability of a weapon in practical use. A rate of fire restricted to avoid overheating or including cooling periods may be considered to be the effective rate of fire, which over a sustained period of operation will always be less than the maximum cyclic rate of the weapon (and in most cases considerably less). Because the effective rate of sustained fire is always less than the maximum cyclic rate of the weapon, the buildup of heat is the limiting factor in combat capability. The overheating problem is an unavoidable consequence of the basic design of the single-bore cartridge ammunition weapon type, and the reasons are straightforward. Much of the intense heat produced by the combustion of the propellant passes through the cartridge case and is absorbed by the walls of the chamber. Importantly, the heat is generated on the interior of chamber and bore and must be conducted through the heavy steel walls of the chamber and barrel before it can escape. Steel is a relatively poor conductor of heat and interior surfaces can overheat before significant exterior cooling can occur.
A rapid rate of fire adds heat much more quickly than can be dissipated by conduction or convection, raising the temperature of the chamber walls. The chamber can become hot enough to ignite fresh cartridges upon entry or soon after. The pre-ignition of the cartridge (also known as “cook offs”) can result in cartridge feeding problems, and unintentional discharge of the weapon. With some designs, especially high cyclic-rate types, cook-offs can occur in as few as 150 rounds.
Overheating in ordinary single bore weapons is a limiting factor and an unsolved problem. The situation remains because it is the inevitable result of the basic design. For example, friction from the projectile and hot gas flow through the bore following discharge can add more heat to the barrel. The extreme heat generated within the cartridge upon firing is absorbed by the chamber then conducted to the rest of the barrel. The faster the firing rate and the more powerful the cartridge, the worse the situation becomes. The problem is acute in the chamber where most of the heat is concentrated. The chamber walls must be extra thick to maintain integrity when hot, and active cooling is not effective when heat is added more rapidly than it can be conducted away. Further, the size, weight and complexity penalties of active cooling are not worth the results for light arms. Moreover, the high heat loads in the chamber of a single bore, sequential feeding cartridge ammunition firearm inevitably affects the functioning of the action. A chamber can become hot enough for the softer metal of a cartridge case to melt and adhere to the chamber wall, jamming the firearm.
In the attempt to improve the effective rate of sustained fire and address some of those issues, multi-barrel firearms have been designed and built by Gatling, General Electric and others. A set of parallel barrels with conventional integral chambers, fastened together and rotated (in modern designs by an electric motor) around a central axis, are fed with cartridge ammunition by a complex mechanism. Each barrel fires in its turn and not again until all the others have fired, thus dividing the duty cycle of each barrel by the number of barrels. The mechanism performs the loading, firing, and unloading operations in different barrels simultaneously as the set rotates. Misfires or defective ammunition can process through the system normally and not cause a stoppage. Such an arrangement improves the rate of sustained fire by integrating the firepower and ammunition capacity of several automatic firearms together into a single machine. Also integrated are much of the size, weight and complexity of those several firearms, a large heavy magazine, as well as the additional weight and complexity of the electric drive and control systems and their associated power supply.
A multi-bore firearm, with several bores within a single barrel, could potentially exhibit many of advantages of a multi-barrel design, while reducing the size, weight and complexity disadvantages. Moreover, a multi-bore firearm with a single, fixed barrel containing bores that are precisely and permanently aligned to one another would eliminate accuracy challenges arising from the difficulty of achieving and maintaining he alignment of multiple moving barrels to each other and to the gunsights; from non-uniform warpage of the various use-heated barrels; from the centripetal forces acting on the barrels at their mounting points in a direction perpendicular to their axes; and from the angular momentum conserved by a projectile exiting a rotating system. Multi-barrel systems are considered very accurate if the projectile dispersion angle is in the range of 5-8 mils., while a multi-bore system has shown a dispersion angle of <1 mil in field testing of a non-optimized prototype.
A firing pin and miniature electromagnetic striker for each charge with overall electronic fire control eliminates the need for a heavy and complex mechanical firing system, while the use of charge blocks eliminates the need for cartridge ammunition and the necessary integral chambers and heavy reciprocating action. Hot charge blocks are ejected once exhausted, removing excess heat from the firearm. The total heat load of the barrel is divided among the multiple bores, reducing wear and facilitating cooling. Without integral chambers or the need to load cartridge ammunition, barrel heat does not affect the function of a charge block firearm, preventing cook-offs and allowing for near-continuous operation.
The energy required to activate the miniature electromagnetic strikers, camshaft actuator and electronic fire control circuits is low enough to permit the use of a lightweight onboard power supply sufficient to allow extended operations, many thousands of discharges and energy to operate various electronic firearm accessories.
Cartridge ammunition must be loaded into magazines before it can be used in self-loading firearms. Long term storage of cartridges in magazines is not recommended as this can weaken the magazine spring, and allow the accumulation of foreign matter in the magazine, which cannot be effectively sealed. In order to have the ability to quickly reload the firearm, an operator typically pre-loads by hand numerous magazines to carry along with the firearm. Many also carry a container of loose cartridges to reload the magazines, if necessary. To exchange an exhausted or partly exhausted magazine, an operator must handle both if he wishes to reload the ejected magazine later. Charge block ammunition does not require a magazine for transportation or storage. Charge blocks can easily snap together to form stacks that may be carried as is. The magazine can remain attached to the firearm and be refilled at any point by retracting the load knob and inserting fresh charge blocks through the ejection port. An empty or partially empty magazine can be quickly refilled with a pre-assembled stack of the correct size; if a partial refill, any extras can be snapped off. Individual charge blocks may be loaded by the same method. Release the load knob and the firearm is in the ready condition. Charge blocks are sealed units and may be transported or stored indefinitely either individually or in stacks.
Some embodiments of the invention include a firearm system comprising a receiver complex including a receiver coupled to a forward receiver, a feed port positioned between the receiver and the forward receiver, and a striker coil assembly positioned proximate the receiver including a plurality of strikers extending at least partially through a coil, and a barrel coupled to the forward receiver forming a breech.
In some embodiments, the firearm system includes a breech that comprises a plurality of side-by-side bores. Some embodiments include a barrel that comprises a plurality of side-by-side bores. In some embodiments, the barrel is interchangeable and comprises five side-by-side bores.
Some embodiments include a firearm system comprising a magazine coupled to the receiver complex adjacent the feedport. Further, the magazine is configured and arranged to simultaneously feed more than one dischargeable projectile into the feedport. In some embodiments, the magazine comprises at least one charge block comprising a plurality of dischargeable projectiles. In some embodiments, the charge block comprises five projectiles. In some embodiments of the invention, the charge block comprises a plurality of chambers, where each of the chambers are configured and arranged to house a unit of ammunition.
In some embodiments, the firearm system further comprises an action cam positioned in the receiver. The action cam comprises a single lobe extending the length of the cam, a plurality of firing pin clearance cuts, and at least one timing pin or lobe.
In some embodiments, the firearm system further comprises a recoil shield comprising a plurality of firing pin holes and positioned in the receiver and coupled to the action cam. Further, the firearm system further comprises a plurality of firing pins, wherein at least one of the plurality of firing pins is positioned at least partially within at least one of the plurality of firing pin clearance cuts. In some embodiments, least one of the plurality of firing pins extends through at least one of the plurality of firing pin holes.
Some embodiments include a firearm receiver comprising a receiver coupled to a forward receiver, a feed port positioned between the receiver and the forward receiver, and an action cam positioned in the receiver. The action cam comprises a single lobe extending the length of the cam and a plurality of firing pin clearance cuts. Further, the firearm receiver comprises a recoil shield positioned in the receiver and coupled to the action cam. The recoil shield comprises a plurality of firing pin holes. Further, the firearm receiver comprises a breech comprising a plurality of bores extending through a barrel.
In some further embodiments, the firearm receiver comprises a striker coil assembly positioned in the receiver complex proximate the receiver. The striker coil assembly includes a plurality of strikers each extending at least partially through a coil. In some other embodiments, the firearm receiver comprises a plurality of firing pins, where at least one of the plurality of firing pins is positioned at least partially within at least one of the plurality of firing pin clearance cuts. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of firing pins is positioned at least partially within at least one of the plurality of firing pin holes. In other embodiments, at least one of the plurality of strikers is positioned in alignment with at least one of the plurality of firing pins.
Some embodiments include a firearm system assembly method comprising providing a receiver complex comprising a receiver and a forward receiver, forming a feed port positioned between the receiver and the forward receiver, and forming a barrel comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bores. Further, the method includes coupling the barrel to the forward receiver and forming a breech including the plurality of bores. The method includes providing an action cam comprising a single lobe extending the length of the cam and a plurality of firing pin clearance cuts. The method further includes positioning the action cam in the receiver and coupling to a recoil shield, where the recoil shield comprises a plurality of firing pin holes. The method further includes providing a plurality of firing pins, where at least one of the plurality of firing pins is positioned at least partially within at least one of the plurality of firing pin clearance cuts and at least one of the plurality of firing pin holes. The method further includes assembling a striker coil assembly proximate the receiver. The striker coil assembly includes a plurality of strikers each extending through a coil, where at least one of the plurality of strikers is positioned in alignment with at least one of the plurality of firing pins.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises coupling a magazine to the receiver complex adjacent the feedport, where the magazine is configured and arranged to substantially simultaneously feed more than one dischargeable projectile into the feedport by feeding a single charge block comprising a plurality of projectiles.
Some other embodiments include a firearm ammunition assembly comprising a first charge block including a projectile end and a primer end, where the charge block includes a plurality of chambers extending from the projectile end to the primer end. The assembly comprises at least one of a guide rail slot and a feed groove, at least one castellation configured to couple the first charge block with a second charge block, and a plurality of projectiles positioned within the plurality of chambers.
In some further embodiments, the ammunition assembly includes a plurality of chambers that are substantially aligned along an axis positioned substantially perpendicular to an axis along which the first charge block is configured to be fed into a firearm.
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives that fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.
Beginning from the rear of the firearm system 10, the buttstock 1100 can be used primarily to support the firearm system 10 during use. The buttstock 1100 can also provide a convenient and mechanically robust location to house various components of the firearm system 10. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can comprise an onboard power source such as a conventional battery (not shown). In some embodiments, a battery housing stock tube 1300 can be used to store at least one battery for providing power to at least a portion of the firearm system 10. As shown in
In some embodiments, the battery housing stock tube 1300 can be positioned between the buttstock adapter 515 and the end of the buttstock 1100 comprising a butt plate 1325 coupled to a butt pad 1335. The butt plate 1325 coupled to a butt pad 1335 can serve to cover sensitive portions of the firearm system 10, while providing a contoured shape for comfortable and safe handling of the firearm system 10. In some embodiments of the invention, the battery housing stock tube 1300 can be coupled to an electronic chassis 1200.
In some embodiments of the invention, the electronic chassis 1200 can support and house various electronics and control circuits used for operating and controlling the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the electronic chassis 1200 can extend from the buttstock adapter 515 bounded by the battery housing stock tube 1300 on one side and the butt plate 1325 and butt pad 1335 on the opposite side. In some embodiments, the buttstock 1100 can include an electronics bay 1250 supported by the electronic chassis 1200, with electronic bay removeable cover 1265 on one side of the buttstock 1100, and a driver cover 1275 on the opposite side of the firearm system 10.
Some embodiments of the invention include various mechanical and electro-mechanical components to enable an operator to control the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the operator can interface with and actuate one or more mechanical and electro-mechanical components to discharge ammunition from the firearm system 10. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can be configured to discharge ammunition using an electro-mechanical trigger 600. As shown in at least
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can comprise various supports and coupling points for various adjustable modular components and accessories. For example, in some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can comprise a forestock Picatinny rail 850 that can be used to mount various accessories, including, but not limited to weapon lights, laser range finders, vision optics, scopes, and cameras, etc. As illustrated in
Referring also to
Some embodiments of the invention can include an optics rail 950 that can be used to support or mount various accessories of the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the optics rail 950 can include various attachment points for coupled components, including, but not limited to attachments for lighting, range finding, scoping and viewing, and recording. For example, in some embodiments, the optics rail 950 can be used to mount various accessories such as weapon lights, illuminators, laser range finders, optical scopes, digital scopes, cameras, video recorders, etc. For example, as illustrated in at least
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can include electronics and control circuits used for controlling the firearm system 10. For example,
With the driver cover 1275 removed, the various functional components of the driver board 1470 supported in the electronics chassis 1200 can be viewed, shown surrounded by the various components of the buttstock 1100, including the battery housing stock tube 1300, the butt plate 1325, and the butt pad 1335. In some embodiments, the driver board 1470 can comprise inputs 1485 and outputs 1490 into various components of the driver board 1470. In some embodiments, the driver board 1470 can include ultra-fast diodes 1473, coupled to drive transistors 1475, Darlington transistors 1480, and driver electrodes 1495. In some embodiments, driver board 1470 can control various functions of the firearm system 10 based at least in part on an operator's input (e.g., input through the trigger 600). For example, in some embodiments, the driver board 1470 can control current from at least one power source (e.g., a battery positioned in the battery housing stock tube 1300) to at least one striker coil 3050 in the striker coil assembly 3000.
In some embodiments of the invention, the driver board 1470 can couple with at least one trigger control system to control operation and discharge of the firearm system 10. With the electronic bay removable cover 1265 removed, various functional components of the trigger board 1410 can be viewed. For example,
Some embodiments of the invention include a trigger board 1410 that can comprise control circuitry that can respond to or sense a mechanical actuation of the trigger 600. In some embodiments of the invention, the trigger board 1410 can sense actuation of the trigger 600, and can generate at least one signal or pulse to discharge at least a portion of the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the trigger board 1410 can be secured to the circuit board mounting chassis 1400 within the electronics chassis 1200 using any conventional mechanisms include screws, clips, rivets, and/or quick-release latches. In some embodiments, the trigger board 1410 can be mounted for rapid replacement and/or swap-out or repair during use. For example, in some embodiments, the trigger board 1410 can comprise a replaceable trigger board 1410 that can be rapidly swapped with a new or used trigger board 1410 in the field.
In some embodiments, the trigger board 1410 can comprise at least one logic chip (sequencer) 1430, and at least one solid state relay 1455. The trigger capacitor 1435 and power supply 1437 are shown mounted on the trigger board front end 1415, with ribbon cable to trigger 1450, and coil harness 1440. In some embodiments, the trigger board 1410 can control operation of the firearm system 10 based on the position of and/or an actuation of the trigger 600. In some embodiments of the invention, the use of at least one optoisolator (not shown) can enable the firearm system 10 to operate safely by optically isolating portions of the trigger board 1410 (e.g., the trigger circuit) from the rest of the circuitry. In this instance, spurious or random electrical pulses that may trigger an unwanted or unplanned actuation of the striker coil assembly 3000 can be avoided.
Other electrical interconnections are shown including ribbon cable to drivers 1445. In some embodiments, at least one operational aspect of the firearm system 10 can be optically communicated to an operator. For example, in some embodiments, annunciators 1425 can be illuminated based on one or more functions of the firearm system 10, and an annunciator window 1420 can enable a user to view the annunciators 1425. In some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can also include a ready light 1465 viewable by an operator, that can be configured to light based on the operational readiness of the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can comprise a reset button 1460 (shown extending through the circuit board mounting chassis 1400). In some embodiments, at least one controller and/or function of the firearm system 10 can be reset using the reset button 1460.
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can be discharged by an operator using a trigger mechanism.
In some embodiments, the trigger 600 can be actuated by an operator to discharge the firearm system 10 using a trigger contact assembly 630. In some embodiments, when an operator pulls the trigger 600 (e.g., by moving the trigger body 620 at least a partial distance towards the pistol grip 500), the trigger body 620 can pivot on the trigger pivot bolt 655, and move the various trigger components of the trigger contact assembly 630 to a closed position (illustrated in
Referring to
Some embodiments of the invention can include a movable recoil shield and camshaft assembly. For example, in some embodiments, a recoil shield 3300 can be assembled into the inner region 4005 of the receiver 4000 at least partially surrounding the action cam 5400, the at least one bushing 5800, and the at least one headspace shim 3500. In some embodiments, the recoil shield 3300 can be free to slide forward and backward within a range limited by the action of the action cam 5400. In some embodiments, the action cam 5400 can be mounted within the inner region 4005 behind the recoil shield 3300. In some embodiments, the axis of the camshaft can be positioned within the plane of the bores 260 of the barrel 250 and can be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bores 260.
In some embodiments, the recoil shield 3300 can contain a series of firing pin holes corresponding in number and location to the primers in the charge block 9000. In some embodiments, the recoil shield 3300 can be positioned in the frame just far enough from the breech end 265 to allow the charge block 9000 to pass through the openings in the frame between the breech end 265 and the recoil shield 3300. In some embodiments of the invention, a frame can be attached to the breech end 265 of the barrel 250 and to which all the other parts can be coupled. In some embodiments, the frame can include an opening at the breech end 265 of the barrel 250 to allow the passage of the charge block 9000.
In some embodiments, a feed control mechanism can be mounted to the frame and can control the motion of the charge block 9000 into and out of the frame and alignment with the bores 260. In some embodiments, a fire control mechanism can control the operation of the action cam 5400 and the plurality of firing pins 3200. In some embodiments of the invention, in operation, the feed control mechanism can move a charge block 9000 into position between the barrel breech (breech end 265) and the recoil shield 3300. In some embodiments, the forward part of the charge block 9000 (containing the charge holes with the projectiles 9400 and propellant) can face the breech end 265, while the rearward part of the charge block 9000 (containing the primers) can face the recoil shield 3300. In some embodiments, with the charge block 9000 in place, the charge holes can precisely aligned with the bores 260 of the barrel 250. The camshaft 5425 can be rotated, which can force the recoil shield 3300 forward, and can trap the charge block 9000 between the breech of the barrel 250 and the recoil shield 3300. In some embodiments, the metal-to-metal contact between the charge block 9000 and the breech can serve to seal the gap between the two parts, which in some embodiments can prevent the escape of hot propellant gasses. This feature can serve several purposes in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, this feature can help to reduce fouling of the action by the hot gasses. In some further embodiments, this feature can reduce the transfer of heat to the working parts of the action. Further, in some embodiments, this feature can reduce the erosion of action parts by the cutting effect of hot gasses flowing under high pressure. Finally, in some embodiments, this feature can help to reduce the report produced by the firearm system 10.
In some embodiments, the camshaft 5425 can rotate to lock parts together and then can stop in that position. In this instance, the action is “In Battery” and ready to fire. In some embodiments, firing can be accomplished by the operation of the plurality of firing pins 3200 by the fire control mechanism. In some embodiments, the plurality of firing pins 3200 can be actuated sequentially. In some further embodiments, the plurality of firing pins 3200 can be actuated substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, the plurality of firing pins 3200 can be actuated until all charges in the charge block 9000 are exhausted. In some embodiments of the invention, after firing is completed, the camshaft 5425 can be rotated in the opposite direction, unlocking the action, withdrawing the recoil shield 3300 and releasing the charge block 9000. In some embodiments, the feed control mechanism can then expels the empty charge block 9000 and replaces it with a fresh one, completing the cycle.
In some embodiments, the Barlows equation for pressure within vessels and pipes can be used to define one or more structural parameters and/or dimensions of the charge block 9000. For example,
A=(2ST)/Do, (equation 1)
And
B=(2ST/DoSf) (equation 2)
Where
S is the ultimate tensile strength (lb. in2), T is wall thickness (inches), Do is outside diameter (inches), A is burst pressure (kpsi), B is working pressure (kpsi), Sf is safety factor. Further, bb—Tubular bobbin center section 0.015 or 0.045 wall thickness. Secondary structural component of pressure vessel: sf 1.5. Contributes to “Cwp”. Anterior flange sf 1.5 steel bobbin component. Posterior Flange sf-NA is more robust than the anterior flange. In some embodiments of the invention, any bobbin can be supported in the battery by the breech face 268 and/or the composite charge block body. Further, during discharge events, bobbins (within charge block 9000) will be under axial compression forces from the action cam, as well as circumferential tensile forces within the pressure vessels.
In some embodiments, the barrel 250 of the firearm system 10 can be cooled. For example, some embodiments of the invention can comprise a personal weapon (e.g., a battle rifle) that includes enhancements such as a method of barrel cooling. For example, in some embodiments, the encasement of the barrel 250 can be encased in a thermally conductive material such as aluminum, with a maximized surface area to transfer excess heat to the atmosphere. For example, in some embodiments, the casing of the barrel 250 can include one or more fins. For example, in some embodiments, the casing of the barrel can include a plurality of fins (similar to the cylinder of an air-cooled piston engine). In some embodiments, the light alloy can conduct heat resulting in an effective air-cooled barrel with no moving parts. In some embodiments, the barrel 250 can be no heavier than a solid steel barrel from a conventional single-bore rifle. In some embodiments, the barrel 250 can be fired continuously with no loss of function for as long as necessary.
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can include various mechanisms for igniting and discharging ammunition. Some embodiments of the invention include various electromechanical assemblies that can be controlled by the firearm system 10 in response to an operator's selection of a firing preference. In some embodiments, the electromechanical assemblies can comprise electromechanically operated strikers that can be positioned within the receiver complex 2000 adjacent or proximate the receiver 4000. For example,
In some embodiments, the striker coil assembly 3000 can comprise at least one striker 3160. In some embodiments, the at least one striker 3160 can be positioned within the striker coil assembly 3000, extending out of the at least one least one striker coil 3050 proximate or adjacent the coil plate 3150. Further, in some embodiments, the striker coil assembly 3000 can include at least one firing pin flange pocket 3170, and the at least one striker 3160 can be positioned within the striker coil assembly 3000, extending out of the at least one least one striker coil 3050 proximate or adjacent the at least one firing pin flange pocket 3170.
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can include firing pins for firing and discharging ammunition from the firearm system 10. For example, as shown in
Referring again to
Referring again to
The assembly of components with the receiver 4000 described above and depicted in
Further details of the action cam 5400 are illustrated in the various views shown in
In some embodiments, the action cam 5400 includes firing pin clearance groove 5750, and knob screw clearance cut 5760. Referring to
When assembled with the receiver 4000 coupled with the first side wall 4075 and the second side wall 4080, the feed control carriage 5200 can facilitate movement of charge blocks 9000 within the feedport 2500 of the receiver complex 2000.
In some embodiments, each charge within a charge block 9000 can be fired by its own firing pin. In some embodiments, the number of firing pins can equal the number of charges of the charge block 9000. Referring to
In some embodiments, the plurality of firing pins 3200a, 3200b, 3200c, 3200d, 3200e can be aligned with and assembled with the plurality of firing pin holes 3320. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the first firing pin 3200a can be assembled into the first firing pin hole 3320a, and the second firing pin 3200b can be assembled into the second firing pin hole 3320b. Further, the third firing pin 3200c can be assembled into the third firing pin hole 3320c, the fourth firing pin 3200d can be assembled into the fourth firing pin hole 3320d, and a fifth firing pin 3200e can be assembled into the fifth firing pin hole 3320e as shown. As shown, the plurality of firing pins 3200 can be positioned in the recoil shield 3300 extending away from the shield body 3310 and between and generally parallel with the wings 3315. In some embodiments, with the wings 3315 being positioned perpendicular to the shield body 3310, the plurality of firing pins 3200 can be positioned extending from the shield body 3310 towards one or more sides of the shield body 3310. For example,
In some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can include removable housing for storing and feeding ammunition into the firearm system 10. For example, in some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can include a removable and/or replaceable magazine that can be used to store ammunition, and help feed ammunition into the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the magazine can feed ammunition including dischargeable projectiles into the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the magazine can be pre-loaded with ammunition when uncoupled from the firearm system 10.
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can load and discharge ammunition that comprises a combination of chamber and ammunition.
In some embodiments, the above described ammunition magazine 1750 can be used to hold, store, and/or feed ammunition into the firearm system 10 for discharge of ammunition. In some embodiments, the ammunition magazine 1750 can feed ammunition from at least one charge block 9000 including one or more projectiles into the firearm system 10. In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can discharge at least one projectile from the ammunition comprising a charge block 9000. Further, as shown in the view of
In some embodiments of the invention, each charge block 9000 can contain a plurality of side-by-side “charges.” As used herein, side-by-side shall mean any substantially aligned configuration whether disposed horizontally, vertically or otherwise. In some embodiments, each charge can comprise at least one projectile, propellant, and primer. In some embodiments, each charge can comprise at least one projectile, propellant, and primer arranged as in a conventional cartridge. In some embodiments, each charge hole can be substantially the same diameter as the bores 260, and can be open at the top, closed at the bottom, and deep enough to contain a projectile with propellant below. In some embodiments of the invention, a series of primer pockets are arranged along the opposite edge of the charge block corresponding in number and spacing to the charge holes. In some embodiments, each primer pocket is connected to the closed end of the corresponding charge hole by a flash hole. In some embodiments, each primer pocket is fitted with a standard primer of the boxer type.
In some embodiments of the invention, the charge block 9000 can be positioned behind the breech of the barrel 250 of the firearm system 10. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, each charge can align with one of the five matching bores (e.g., such as bores 260 of a barrel 250 illustrated in
In some embodiments of the invention, the charge block 9000 can comprise a plurality of chambers 9425. In the example embodiments of
In some embodiments of the invention, the charge blocks 9000 can be arranged to substantially match the configuration of the bores 260 of the barrel 250. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, where the bores 260 of the barrel 250 are positioned horizontally (i.e., the bores 260 of the barrel 250 are positioned in a side-by-side arrangement), the charge blocks 9000 can be arranged horizontally and stacked horizontally. In other embodiments where the bores 260 are positioned vertically (i.e., the bores 260 of the barrel 250 are positioned successively on top of each other), the charge blocks 9000 can be arranged vertically, and multiple charge blocks 9000 can be stacked vertically. In some embodiments, by dropping charge blocks 9000 into position for firing successively, a fresh charge block 9000 can replace an exhausted or partially exhausted charge block 9000. Other embodiments can be used in other applications, such as a light machine gun (squad weapon), or a heavy machine gun (vehicle mounted), where various feeding arrangements (such as breech configurations that require feeding from the side or lifting the charge blocks from below) can be used.
In some embodiments, each charge within a charge block 9000 can be fired by its own firing pin. In some embodiments, once some or all charges are discharged, the charge block 9000 can be replaced with another charge block 9000 that is at least partially charged (e.g., includes at least one charge comprising a dischargeable projectile). In some embodiments, since each charge block 9000 is replaced after five shots or discharges, chamber overheating is not an issue. In some embodiments, because each charge block 9000 is not reused, there is no requirement to withstand repeated heavy pressures. In some embodiments, an ordinary chamber must be robust enough to safely fire every cartridge used over the entire life of the barrel 250, perhaps many thousands of rounds, under any and all conditions. In some embodiments, the charge blocks 9000 are used only once, and so can be thinner. In some embodiments, the charge blocks 9000 are disposable. In some embodiments, the disposability of the charge blocks 9000 can remove the issue of chamber overheating, although in some embodiments, the problem of barrel heat remains. In some embodiments, barrel heat is less of a concern than chamber heat as it has little effect on function, but continuous firing could eventually result in reduced accuracy, bore erosion, ignition of flammable materials, etc.
In some embodiments, the use of charge blocks 9000 in a firearm system 10 can reduce the energy needed to operate the action of the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, the charge blocks 9000 can slide into position using the energy stored in the magazine spring 1900. In some embodiments, the charge block 9000 can be replaced once every five shots or less, with a total movement of only about 0.5 inch. In some embodiments, the motion is about 60 to 80 times less than what is needed for the same five shots in a conventional weapon and the time required can be substantially equally less.
In some embodiments, the charge block 9000 can comprise a width of about 50.8 mm, and a length of about 35 mm. In some embodiments, the charge block 9000 can comprise a thickness or height of about 12.7 mm. In some other embodiments, the width, length, and thickness or height of the charge block 9000 can be different than that illustrated. In some embodiments, the charge can be positioned substantially evenly spaced within the chamber block. For example, in some embodiments, the charges can be positioned so as to include a center to center distance between the each adjacent charge block of about 9 mm. Further, in some embodiments, the primer end of the charge block 9000 can include a spacing of about 1.6 mm between the primer end of each end positioned charge block 9000 and the edge of side edge of the charge block 9000.
In some embodiments, each charge within a charge block 9000 can comprise at least one projectile 9400, one or more propellants, and at least one primer charge. In some embodiments, the charge blocks 9000 can comprise Kevlar or carbon fiber composites, providing very lightweight blocks that can be stronger than steel. In some embodiments, the charge blocks 9000 can be a generally flat rectangular shape enabling them to be stacked like pancakes into a magazine similar in size and shape to an ordinary box magazine (such as magazine 1750 described earlier). In some embodiments of the invention, a magazine about the same length as an M16 (i.e., about 7 inches) can be used. This type of magazine can hold as many as 70 shots, and can be no heavier than a conventional M16 magazine of this size. In some embodiments, the charge blocks 9000 can utilize a pre-assembled cartridge, such as a 0.22 WMR cartridge. This type of cartridge fires a projectile of similar diameter and weight to a 0.556 NATO round, but at a lower pressure and velocity. The lower pressure can allow the charge block 9000 to be machined from a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy, and are reloadable to facilitate development and testing. In some embodiments, alloying elements can include other light weight metals, such as magnesium, copper, zinc, or chromium. In some further embodiments, heavier metals, such as iron (steel), zirconium, tungsten, and other rare earth metals can be used.
Some embodiments of the invention can include a charge block 9000 with a charge that comprises one or more reinforced bobbins and at least one pressure vessel. In some embodiments, an individual reinforced bobbin can be a self-contained segment comprising a pressure vessel of the charge block 9000 that enclosed a projectile. In some embodiments, several different bobbin types can be used. For example,
In some embodiments, the bobbin 9600 shown in
Some embodiments of the invention can include methods of manufacturing charge blocks 9000. In some embodiments, each bobbin for a charge block 9000 can include a fiber/epoxy composite reinforcement. In some embodiments, the bobbins 9500, 9600, 9700 can comprise an anodized metal alloy. In some further embodiments, the anodized alloy bobbins are wound with a continuous strand of aramid or carbon fiber epoxy composite to form a strong reinforcement cylinder encasing the propellant chamber. In some embodiments of the invention, bobbins (such as bobbins 9500, 9600, 9700) comprising steel or steel-based alloy can be wet wound with a parallel orientation continuous filament aramid and/or carbon fiber polymer composite reinforcement cylinder to a specified diameter. In some embodiments, the cast fiber polymer composite main body of the charge block 9000 can add reinforcement and physical protection to the imbedded reinforced bobbins. In some embodiments of the invention, after curing, reinforced bobbins are assembled into an alignment jig. In some embodiments, the assembled set of bobbins is wet wrapped with two adjacent parallel orientation continuous filament aramid or carbon fiber polymer composite reinforcement bands to a specified thickness. In some embodiments, after curing, the assembled and aligned bobbin set can be removed from the jig and installed into a resin transfer precision die mold.
In some embodiments of the invention, non-directional fiber reinforced polymer can be pressure injected into the evacuated mold to fill the spaces between and around the assembled bobbins, forming the edges, slots, grooves and other surface features.
Some embodiments of the invention include methods to form reinforced bobbins by assembly together in a die mold. In some embodiments, a charge block 9000 can be fabricated using non-directional fiber reinforced epoxy that is injected into a die mold to form a completed charge block 9000. In some embodiments, flanges comprising a metal alloy are exposed on each end, and all other exterior features are molded.
In some embodiments of the invention, one or more castellation matching sockets can be incorporated (see for example
In some embodiments, each bobbin can be loaded with a primer, propellant and projectile. Intended for multi-bore firearms, charge blocks 9000 can be assembled from two or more bobbins (e.g., such as bobbin 9600 or bobbin 9700). As a result, in some embodiments of the invention, the charge block 9000 can include one or more guides, slots, or grooves to facilitate loading, coupling, alignment, and transport within the firearm system 10 (e.g., such as when stored and transporting within the ammunition magazine 1750. For example, in some embodiments, the block body 9025 can comprise at least one guide rail slot 9150, and/or at least one feed groove 9200 positioned in the sides 9125. Referring to
In some embodiments, as the charge block 9000 is transported within the ammunition magazine 1750, movement of the charge block 9000 can be guided by the at least one guide rail slot 9150. Further, in some embodiments, as the charge block 9000 is transported within the ammunition magazine 1750 into the receiver complex 2000, the at least one feed groove 9200 can facilitate feeding of the charge block 9000 into the feedport 2500. Further, in some embodiments, the charge block 9000 can comprise an ejection ramp 9250 (shown in
In some embodiments, coupling and alignment of charge blocks 9000 (e.g., to form a plurality of charge block 9050) can be facilitated by one or more surfaces, sides, and/or structures coupled to or integrated with the charge block 9000. For example, in some embodiments, the charge block 9000 can comprise at least one castellation 9450 extending from at least one of the surfaces 9100. In some embodiments, multiple charge blocks 9000 can be coupled to form a plurality of charge blocks 9050. The plurality of charge blocks 9050 can provide a convenient storage of charge blocks 9000, and/or can enable a user to transport and load more than one charge block 900 into the firearm system 10. For example,
In some embodiments, one or more charge blocks 9000 of the plurality of charge blocks 9050 can include at least one projectile 9400. For example, in some embodiments, the charge block 9000 can comprise at least one projectile 9400 positioned in any one of the first chamber 9425a, the second chamber 9425b, the third chamber 9425c, the fourth chamber 9425d, or the fifth chamber 9425e. In some other embodiments, the charge block 9000 can comprise two or more projectiles 9400. For example, in some embodiments, the charge block 9000 can comprise a fully loaded charge block where a projectile 9400 is positioned in each of the chambers 9425a, 9425b, 9425c, 9425d, and 9425e. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of charge blocks 9050 can be full charged when each of the charge blocks 9000 comprise chambers 9425a, 9425b, 9425c, 9425d, 9425e that include a projectile 9400.
In some embodiments, the projectile 9400 can comprise any conventional bullet. For example, in some embodiments, the projectile 9400 can comprise a conventional round, flat, or tipped nose bullet comprising conventional bullet materials such as lead or copper. In other embodiments, the projectile 9400 can comprise a nose configured to penetrate and expand on impact. For example, in some embodiments, the projectile 9400 can comprise a soft-point, hollow-point, bronze-point, or open point expanding bullet. In some embodiments, the projectile 9400 can comprise a lead alloy, such as a lead alloy hardened with antimony. In some embodiments, the projectile 9400 can comprise a jacketed or semi-jacketed bullet. For example, in some embodiments, the projectile can comprise a copper-alloy or aluminum jacket.
In some embodiments, a single charge block 9000 or plurality of charge blocks 9050 can be positioned to be loaded into the firearm system 10 using the ammunition magazine 1750. For example,
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can discharge one or more projectiles 9400. For example, in some embodiments, a projectile 9400 can be discharged from any of the chambers 9425a, 9425b, 9425c, 9425d, 9425e that include a projectile 9400 (i.e., that are in a loaded state). Upon discharge, one or more projectiles 9400 exiting from a charge block 9000 can travel out of the firearm system 10 through at least one bore positioned in at least one barrel 250. In some embodiments, projectiles 9400 can be sequentially discharged from a charge block 9000 positioned in the firearm system 10. In other embodiments, more than one projectile 9400 can be discharged from the charge block 9000 at substantially the same time. For example, in some embodiments, two or more projectiles 9400 can be discharged from the charge block 9000 at substantially the same time. In some embodiments, all projectiles 9400 of the charge block 9000 can be discharged from the charge block 9000 at substantially the same time.
Some embodiments of the invention include a firearm system barrel 250, and methods of manufacture of the firearm system barrel 250. Some embodiments of the invention include a multi-bore, selective-fire, high capacity firearm system 10. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can comprise multiple bores within a single barrel. In some embodiments, the bores can be arranged planar and parallel in a vertical array. In some other embodiments, the bores can be arranged planar and parallel in a horizontal array. For example,
In some embodiments of the invention, the barrel 250 can include lightweight arrangements with a hard steel core and a complex cast outer housing (for cooling and structural support). For example, some embodiments of the invention include a barrel 250 that can comprise an inner core of hard steel, through which the bores 260 pass. In some embodiments, the inner core is embedded in a cast light alloy casing. For example, some embodiments of the invention comprise a barrel 250 that comprises an inner core with bores 260 comprising steel or steel-based alloy, or nickel or nickel-based alloy (e.g., including beryllium nickel) that is embedded in a cast light alloy casing comprising an aluminum-based alloy.
Some embodiments of the invention include methods of barrel fabrication using a process that includes the use of commercially available computer-controlled electrical discharge milling (hereinafter “EDM”). EDM is extremely accurate and induces virtually no stress into the work piece. This can eliminate a major constraint of the existing lathe-based boring methods (such as turning, boring, drilling, milling, etc.), and can permit great flexibility in barrel design. Traditional methods of barrel fabrication require a symmetrical cylindrical barrel blank, subsequent stress relief, bore drilling, further stress relief, rifling, and additional stress relief, followed by a limited amount of exterior machining. In some embodiments of the invention, barrels of almost any configuration and material can be fabricated, stress relieved, and then finally bored and rifled. Because the EDM machining induces virtually no stress in the barrel 250, straight bores 260 can be made and aligned. Multiple bores 260 bring the power and ammunition capacity of several single-bore rifles together into one weapon with little, if any, weight penalty. For example, in the case of five bores 260 shown in the example embodiment of
In some embodiments of the invention, projectiles 9400 that have been discharged can exit the charge block 9000 and enter at a bore 260 of the barrel 250 of the firearm system 10 prior to exit from the firearm system 10. The bores 260 and their entry and exit of the barrel 250 can be seen more clearly in
Some embodiments include a method of assembly of the firearm system 10. For example,
In some embodiments, a receiver annex and buttstock step 10900 includes threading the stock tube 1300 into receiver annex 5000, and sliding the stock adapter over the tube to engage with receiver annex 5000. The operator can fasten the conduit adapter to the electronic chassis 1200 and insert the assembly into the stock adapter. In some embodiments, the operator can then align the buttplate with the receiver annex 5000, fasten it to the stock tube 1300 and electronics chassis 1200, and install a conduit lock screw. In some embodiments, the operator can install circuit board mounting grommets into electronics chassis 1200, fasten coil driver and controller circuit boards on opposite sides of mounting grommets (driver board 1470 and trigger board 1410), with the coil driver board 1470 to the right, the trigger controller board 1410 to the left, and electronic chassis 1200 in between.
In some embodiments, the operator can fasten the driver board cover to electronic chassis 1200, fasten the action rod mounting bracket to the receiver annex 5000, and insert a spring nut compression spring and action rod spring nut into mounting bracket. In some embodiments, the operator can then proceed to assemble the slide action rod expansion spring onto action rod, install a rod spring anchor screw, slide the action rod through mounting bracket and rod spring nut, thread the action rod spring into rod spring nut three turns, and thread the action rod thumb pad 475 onto action rod. Proceeding with the trigger housing step 11100, in some embodiments, the operator can fasten the trigger guard 560 to the trigger housing 545, temporarily position the pistol grip 500 on the trigger housing 545, and press the set switch and trigger switch circuit boards into respective mounts and fasten mounts to trigger housing 545.
In some embodiments, the operator can proceed with trigger assembly and installation in step 11100 by inserting set switch and trigger switch impulse pistons into respective pockets in trigger body 620. In some embodiments, the operator can cover both with a duplex leaf spring, and fasten the spring to trigger 600. The operator can then insert a trigger rebound spring into trigger housing 545, and slide the trigger body 620 through a slot in the housing 545. In some embodiments, the operator can then rotate the trigger to preload rebound spring, and install the pivot bolt. In some embodiments, using the wiring harness step 11200, the operator can pass the pigtail from control board and reset switch through the conduit, the receiver annex access port, the trigger housing 545 and the pistol grip 500. Further, in some embodiments, the operator can pass the trigger and reset switch pigtails through receiver annex access port and conduit to the control board. In some embodiments, the operator can then pass striker coil leads through conduit to driver board output pigtail, and pass the striker coil common through the access port, trigger housing 545, and pistol grip 500. With harness 575 in place, the operator can temporarily separate the pistol grip 500 from the trigger housing 545.
In some embodiments, in the modules step 11300, the operator can position the receiver annex/buttstock assembly over the striker array and fasten securely to receiver 4000. The operator can fasten the trigger housing 545 to the assembled receiver/receiver annex 5000, fasten the pistol grip 500 to the trigger housing 545, connect the harness 575 to an external power port socket, and fasten the socket to the pistol grip 500. Further, in some embodiments, the operator can position the optics rail 950 along the top of the receiver complex 2000, and fasten the rail 950 loosely to the receiver annex 5000. In some embodiments, the operator can position the forward receiver 300 and barrel 250 assembly into the receiver/receiver annex assembly, and loosely fasten the forestock Picatinny rail 850 and receiver 4000 to the forward receiver 300. In some embodiments, the operator can then fasten the optics rail 950 and receiver 4000 to the forward receiver 300, and fasten the forestock Picatinny rail 850 to the trigger housing 545. The operator can then torque to specified values all fasteners, and attach the control board cover to electronic chassis 1200.
Some embodiments of the invention include an assemble magazine step 11400 where an operator can fasten at least one quick release latch 1790 to base ring 1840 coupled to the main housing 1760 at one end of ammunition magazine 1750. In some embodiments, the operator can slide a magazine spring 1900 over a magazine follower spring guide cup to position the magazine spring 1900 in the main housing 1760. In some embodiments, the operator can position the follower on the magazine guide rails, and press the magazine spring 1900 and follower entirely through the main housing 1760 until follower contacts end stops. In some embodiments, the operator can then slide the magazine end cap guide cup into the protruding compression magazine spring 1900, and preload the magazine spring 1900 by pressing the end cap into the main housing 1760, and install fasteners. Finally, in some embodiments, the operator can proceed with an install magazine step 11500, and push the magazine 1750 fully into the receiver loading port (feedport 2500) until the base ring 1840 contacts the receiver 4000 and the quick release latches 1790 click into position.
In some embodiments of the invention, in order to propel one or more projectiles (such as projectile the 9400) when discharging the firearm system 10, the firearm system 10 can be coupled to an ammunition assembly such as magazine 1750. In some embodiments, the ammunition assembly can be prepared using one or more charge blocks 9000 (shown in
In some embodiments of the invention, prior to discharging the firearm system 10, an operator can proceed with at least one operation procedure to check or monitor of at least one component of the firearm system 10 and/or to configure the firearm system 10 to a readiness to fire state. For example,
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can be operated in using an operator selectable single-action mode, a semi-automatic action mode, and/or in an automatic action mode.
Some embodiments include a separate firing pin, an electromagnetic striker, and a drive transistor provided for each bore. In some embodiments of the invention, a single operator controlled trigger 600 can activate alternately one of a pair of normally open single pole single throw momentary tactile micro switches. In some embodiments of the invention, when the trigger 600 is forward, one switch is held closed and completes a circuit to charge a capacitor, and the other switch remains open. In some embodiments, as the operator pulls the trigger 600 to the rear, the closed switch opens first, and then the other switch closes.
In some embodiments of the invention, the capacitor discharges through the closed switch, a resistor, and an optoisolator to define a single, reliable, consistent square-wave pulse of intended potential and duration. In some embodiments, the clean pulse can then serve to directly control the switching of the solid state relay, and simultaneously stimulate the controller. The controller can then sequentially direct a signal to enable each drive transistor in turn, advancing one step per pulse until the series is complete, then immediately or promptly resetting.
In some embodiments of the invention, the solid state relay, various drive transistors and associated electromagnetic strikers can be coupled in series parallel with the high energy DC power source. In some embodiments, the synchronous switching of the solid state relay in combination with one of the various drive transistors can direct a clean high current pulse to the electromagnetic striker coupled to that particular drive transistor. Thus, in some embodiments, each trigger 600 pull pulses only one electromagnetic striker at a time, advancing through the sequence until all the various strikers have been pulsed in the order of their respective positions in a desired sequence. In some embodiments, enabled by the final pulse of the sequence, the controller can immediately reset to its initial state. In some embodiments of the invention, the reset signal can activate an action electro-activator to replace an emptied or partially emptied charge block with a fresh one.
In some embodiments of the invention, each electromagnetic striker contains a solenoid which converts the high current pulse into a temporary magnetic field. In some embodiments, a pair of linear, cylindrical iron cores within the solenoid (one stationary and the other dynamic) can be separated by an air gap and a compression spring. In some embodiments, the presence of the magnetic field converts the two cores into temporary magnets of opposite polarity across the air gap. In some embodiments, under the influence of the magnetic field, the dynamic core can move to close the air gap, compressing the spring. Further, in some embodiments, absent the magnetic field, the compressed spring can expand, accelerating the dynamic core to strike the corresponding firing pin.
Referring to the semi-automatic process 30000 of
In some embodiments of the invention, the power on clear 30150 includes an RC circuit that provides a positive signal level pulse to reset terminal of a 4017 controller to ensure initial state condition on start up or manual reset. Some embodiments include a +5 VDC power supply 30200 that can comprise a 11-14 VDC input, +5 VDC output, and provides regulated power to the front end.
Some embodiments of the invention include a mechanical trigger forward 30250. In some embodiments, an operator controlled mechanical trigger 600 is normally held in the forward position by a trigger rebound spring. In some embodiments, the mechanical trigger forward 30250 controls a pair of single pole single throw momentary switches. In some embodiments, one switch is held closed when in forward position, and the other switch remains open.
Some embodiments of the invention include a charge capacitor 30300. In some embodiments, a closed forward-trigger switch completes the circuit from the power supply to a charge capacitor in the front end. In some embodiments, a pull down resistor ensures a ground state of circuit absent intended charge voltage. In some further embodiments, a series resistor value regulates capacitor charge time.
Some embodiments include a trigger pull mechanism 30350. Some embodiments include an operator controlled motion of the mechanical trigger 600 from the forward position (“charge” switch closed, “discharge” switch open) to the rearward position (“charge” switch open, “discharge” switch closed) with a segment within the range of motion where both switches are open. In some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can be controlled so that at no point in the range of motion is it possible for both switches to be closed simultaneously.
Some embodiments include a capacitor discharge 30400. In some embodiments, once the “trigger pull” closes the “discharge” switch, the charged capacitor can discharge through the switch, current limiting resistor and LED within optoisolator to ground.
Some further embodiments include a time function 30450. In some embodiments, when connected to ground between the “discharge” switch and a current limiting resistor, the value of the timing resistor controls the discharge rate of capacitor, and therefore the output pulse duration.
Some embodiments include an optoisolator 30500 comprising a light emitting diode proximate to a phototransistor. In some embodiments, the light emitting diode can be energized by a timed discharge of a trigger capacitor that illuminates the phototransistor, and can enable current flow through the phototransistor only when illuminated by LED. In some embodiments, the optoisolator 30500 can electrically isolate +5 VDC trigger circuit from +12 VDC (nom.) controller, driver and SSR circuits. Further, in some embodiments, the optoisolator 30500 can directly translates a +5V signal level pulse from the trigger 600 into a +12V pulse of sufficient current to directly enable SSR transistor, and to simultaneously stimulate the clock input of a controller (such as synchronous decade counter 4017 I/C shown as controller 30550.)
In some embodiments, the controller 30550 can be utilized to individually enable the various drive transistors in a predetermined repeating sequence. For example, referring to
Some embodiments include a current limiting resistor (in some embodiments, 4700) 30600. In some embodiments, the controller output current is insufficient to directly enable a drive transistor. In some embodiments, a high gain Darlington power transistor can be provided to boost current. In some embodiments, the current limiting resistor on the controller output can be used to adjust the Darlington output to properly bias the TIP35NPN bipolar drive transistor (shown as 30650). In some embodiments, the Darlington NPN transistor 30650 can be required to boost signal level controller output (<10 mA) to ≈1.0 ADC needed to properly bias a TIP35NPN drive transistor 30700.)
In some embodiments of the invention, the power transistor TIP35NPN 30700 can act as a switch to route high current pulse from a solid state relay to a particular electromagnetic striker. In some embodiments, conduction can be enabled by a boosted signal output from the controller, synchronous with the solid state relay on the positive transition of the pulse.
Some embodiments of the invention include a solid state relay 30750. In some embodiments, a heavy duty 75A switching transistor can be directly controlled by the +12 VDC output pulse from the trigger circuit. In some embodiments, conduction is enabled on the positive transition of the pulse, and disabled on the negative transition. In some embodiments, the solid state relay 30750 can be wired in series with high voltage power supply, the various electromagnetic striker solenoids and their associated drive transistors. In some embodiments of the invention, a conventional ultra-fast clipping and clamping freewheeling diode is employed to eliminate any “ringing” or reverse currents due to the collapse of the magnetic field generated by the solenoid at the negative transition of the pulse.
In some embodiments, solenoid 30800 can include two parallel coils of 28 GFI copper magnet wire, 680 turns each, with a combined DC resistance of 2.80, operating at +56 VDC with a current of 20 A, and resulting in MMF 27.2 k amp-turns. In some embodiments, when energized, the dynamic core (striker) can move to close the air gap, compressing striker spring. In some embodiments, a de-energized striker is released to impact the firing pin.
In some embodiments of the invention, a dynamic core 30850 can comprise a mild steel cylindrical mass accelerated by low-magnetic stainless-steel striker spring. In some embodiments, the dynamic core 30850 can rest against firing pin flange when inactive, and can be contained within a sealed tubular solenoid bobbin. In some embodiments, a clearance between the core and bobbin can permits airflow around the core to reduce friction and other resistance when in motion. In some embodiments, a co-axial suspension with a powerful magnetic field prevents contact with bobbin tube when solenoid is energized, further reducing friction. In some embodiments, full compression of the striker spring is needed to accelerate the core to sufficient velocity to successfully ignite a primer. In some embodiments, an uncompressed striker spring holds the core (striker) in a neutral position at all times except when in actual operation, precluding unintended discharge. In some embodiments, sealed construction prevents liquid or particulate intrusion due to external conditions, ensuring reliability.
Some embodiments include firing pin 30900. In some embodiments, this transmits impact energy from electromagnetic striker to the charge block primer, initiating ignition of the propellent charge and discharging the firearm. In some embodiments, a large flange on the striker end of the firing pin is confined within a pocket in the receiver limits the range of motion. In some embodiments, it is held in a neutral position away from primer by a return spring. In some embodiments, a ball near the primer end of the firing pin rides in a matching socket in the rear face of the recoil shield 3300, and can prevent binding due to motion of the recoil shield 3300 and maintain precise alignment of the firing pin tip. In some embodiments, an O-ring within recoil shield socket can help to prevent liquid or particulate intrusion into action.
In some embodiments, a current limiting resistor tied to #5 output 30950 (the output of the controller) correctly biases small signal switching transistor 2N2222A (voltage follower), increasing current available to operate an RC circuit, and isolating the input to 2N2222A transistor. Some embodiments also include a voltage follower 3096. In some embodiments, the RC circuit 30975 (time control) produces a short pulse to the reset input of the controller, resetting the controller to the initial state and energizing the a output of the controller, illuminating the green “ready” LED in the annunciator display.
In some embodiments of the invention, the firearm system 10 can include at least one selective fire operation. For example,
In some embodiments of the invention, after an operator selects a firing mode using the selector switch step 40225, the firearm system 10 can proceed with a selective fire process 40000. In some embodiments of the invention, the charge-cap process step 40025 can comprise charging of at least one firing capacitor. In some embodiments, following an open step 40050 and pull step 40075, the firearm system 10 can include a capacitor discharge step 40100. In some embodiments, following an optoisolator step 40125, the firearm system 10 can proceed with a pulse step 40150. Further, in some embodiments, after a fire control switch step 40175, and check for a selector switch step 40225 set to mode “0”, the firearm system 10 can proceed to a fire control board step 40210 if the selector switch 40225 is not set to mode “0”. Further, in some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can then proceed to a controller/sequencer step 40375, or the firearm system 10 can proceed directly to the controller/sequencer step 40375 if the selector switch 40225 is set to mode “0”. In some embodiments, after a firing pulse is directed to forward to driver # in sequence step 40400, the firearm system 10 can proceed with steps through a 470 ohm-SMT step 40425, Darlington NPN step 40450, TIP transistor step 40475, and Voltage (pwr/batt) step 40500. In some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can then proceed to an energize coil step 40525, and finally a striker to firing pin step 40550.
Some embodiments of the invention can comprise one or more controllers for operating and/or monitoring one or more components of the firearm system 10. In some embodiments, at least one controller can control and operate one or more firing pins within the firearm system 10. Further, for example, in some embodiments, at least one controller can control the firing and firing sequence of one or more charges within the charge block 9000. For example,
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments of the invention, the energy needed to operate the firearm system 10 can comprise electric pulses that can actuate electric hammers (strikers 3160) and rotate a locking cam. In some embodiments, each pulse can fire one shot, and one pulse can unlock the action to replace each charge block 9000. In some embodiments, the electric pulses are controlled by an electronic sequencer. In some embodiments, a small battery pack (similar to those found in conventional power tools) can store and provide power to produce the pulses. Extensive lab testing of the strikers 3160 has established pulse wave profiles, and thus the resultant energy consumption rate.
In some embodiments, the use of battery power can prevent stoppages due to misfires. In some embodiments, the firearm system 10 can continue to process ammunition regardless of the occurrence of misfires. In some embodiments, an on-board power supply (such as a battery) can provide a standardized voltage power source for one or more electronic accessories. For example, in some embodiments, the power source can be used to power attached flashlights, night scopes, range finders, laser target designators, infrared illuminators, etc. In some embodiments, these devices can include standard mounting rails. In some embodiments, the battery pack can be disposable and/or exchanged for a spare battery pack.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/992,713, filed on Jan. 11, 2016, and entitled “FIREARM SYSTEM AND METHOD”, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,060,689, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Child | 16115483 | US |
