This invention relates to small and heavy caliber firearms and cannons as well as to improved methods and devices for reducing the consequences of recoil and improving performance in firearms and cannons. In a particular embodiment, the device relates to the control or management of the recoil forces for semiautomatic or automatic firearms.
Historically, firearms were built to be loaded and fired mechanically. Even today, many heavy caliber guns and cannons are loaded by hand or individually loaded. For automatic weapons, the rapid firing of successive cartridges induces various side effects that prove detrimental both to accuracy and effectiveness. Traditionally, a gun was considered to work like a heat engine, in which about thirty percent of the energy developed by the propellant powder is dissipated as heat, forty percent as muzzle blast and recoil, and only the remaining thirty percent was effectively used to propel the bullet out of the barrel. Successive designs of automatic weapons tried to make use of the vast amount of wasted energy to help make the automatic cycling operate better. Three general systems were used. Hiram Maxim was the first to use recoil forces to mechanize the ejection and loading actions in a machine gun, Browning put the muzzle blast to effective use, and Bergman devised the simple blowback action. Thus, the three basic ways of obtaining an automatic operation were developed from the use of recoil, gas, or blowback actuation.
Later applications of the blowback operation used either simple blowback or assisted blowback, with or without locked, delayed, hesitation or retarded blowback, and even blowback with advanced primer ignition. Gas operation leads to the use of long and short-stroke pistons and even, in more modern weapons, direct gas action, where the derived gas directly activates a bolt carrier in which an adequate recess is managed. Recoil operation traditionally provided the locking mechanism of the bolt to the barrel so that they can slide together under the thrust of the pressure when firing, either under a short or long recoil operation and with or without muzzle boosters or recoil intensifiers.
Throughout these improvements, a main issue was safety. Therefore, all systems were engineered to ensure an accurate duration of locking the breech to the barrel until the gas pressure falls to a safe level once the projectile has exited the barrel. The main breech locking systems used either separate revolving chambers, the rotation of which provides an adequate duration of protection, or toggle systems, rotating bolts, tilting breech blocks, lug systems, or even non-ramming breech blocks. A common but unsatisfactory feature among all theses mechanisms is that they do not prevent the undesirable side effects during automatic firing, which accounts for the adverse effects on accuracy and ease of use.
Thus, the mechanisms found on current firearms, although reliable and widely employed, nevertheless suffer from a number of deficiencies. For example, some mechanisms increase the length of the housing of the breech, resulting in interior clutter and increased weight. The amplitude of recoil is relatively critical due to its effect on accuracy, and the existing mechanisms fail to provide a satisfactory or optimum reduction in recoil, which permits the resulting upward movement of the barrel. More particularly, the direction of the recoil forces generally coincides with the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel. The gun barrel is generally located above the shoulder in a person firing a rifle or above the hand in a handgun, and more precisely above the gap between the thumb and index finger of a person firing a handgun. This configuration generates a moment that causes the upward jerking of the gun familiar to every user. Heavy caliber firearms and cannons experience the same upward forces upon firing, which often results in heavy strains on the mounting or emplacement apparatus. For these and other reasons, improvements in the design and operation of small and heavy caliber firearms and cannons are desired in the art.
The innovative approaches taken here make a more effective use of the available energy and, in particular, recycle, as much as practicable, the wasted energy by departing from the traditional and historical mechanisms. In one aspect, this invention provides new solutions, mechanisms, and systems for operating the firing action of a firearm and allows revolutionary changes in the use and ergonomics applicable to firearm design and control.
Taking into account all these adverse or secondary effects that impede the use of all firearms, and in particular automatic firearms, in which energy is essentially wasted beyond that necessary for propelling the projectile, the present approach is new and innovative. In general and in one aspect, the invention is aimed at addressing the design of a new firearm by taking advantage of available energy to help operate the firearm and consequently minimize and/or compensate for the adverse effects and improve control. A first innovation is the deliberate use and control of energy to address all the adverse effects during operation. This allows one to conceive of a new firearm design and implementation. This new approach also allows a firearm designer to address concerns and constraints as part of a whole rather than as individual problems, so as to take into account the advantages of an interface between firearm components during its operation. Considering the operation as a whole, as this invention exemplifies, allows completely new concepts and expands the universe of designs, configurations, and mechanisms possible for firearms.
The present invention addresses the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional firearms and weapon systems and provides improved devices for reducing recoil effects in a variety of firearms, cannons, and systems. The invention also facilitates the design and production of a more compact weapon and/or allows substantial reductions in the weight of the frame, which results in many new design and emplacement possibilities and improvements, and incorporating one or more of the many aspects of the invention into a firearm improves accuracy and/or reduces the total weight.
One of the fundamental principles of the present invention is the transfer of mechanical recoil forces to a direction outside of the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel. As can be seen in each of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the transfer of forces disperses or dissipates recoil forces and thereby reduces the moment responsible for the upward jerking characteristic of conventional firearms. The mechanism that transfers forces can be oriented to counteract the recoil forces along the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to effectively eliminate or compensate for the upward jerking of the weapon. For example, a pair of inertia blocks of substantially equal mass can be oriented such that their respective movements in response to firing will be synchronized, equal in magnitude, and with corresponding but opposite components of momentum oriented outside the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The net effect is that the opposite movement or displacement of the inertia blocks first absorbs the recoil forces and prevents the weapon from being pushed rearward. Second, the lateral momentum of one moving inertia block cancels the other, thereby inducing no net lateral force or even agitation of the firearm. Thus, the portion of the recoil forces beyond those used to operate the novel mechanisms or system of the invention is transferred in a direction outside the longitudinal axis of the barrel and effectively disposed of by being cancelled out, thereby significantly reducing or even eliminating the component of recoil forces along the longitudinal axis of the barrel that is responsible for the reactive jerking of the weapon when fired. One of skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary and that one or more of the foregoing principles can be applied in many variations to firearms of various calibers and applications.
In one embodiment, the device according to the invention is based on an arrangement of articulated parts constituting a mobile breech. The nature of the assembly allows displacement of at least one of the parts in the assembly, which acts as an inertia block, in a movement that alternates out of and in to alignment with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. This action is contrary to the action of conventional breech locking mechanisms in which the whole breech moves in translation true to the axis of the barrel.
A novel aspect of this new mechanism originates in the transmission of forces and energy from the action of recoil to the inertia block in the instant immediately following percussion by means of an impulse occurring in a direction other than along the axis of the gun barrel, ideally perpendicular to that axis, with the bolt head checked in its movement by a locking mechanism. To enhance the transfer of energy to the inertia block, and thus to induce its greater movement, the mechanism is engineered to produce a slight time-lapse (or phase displacement) in the initial movements of the inertia block and the bolt head through a delay in release of the locking mechanism. Accordingly, the inertia block of mass M is activated, rotating with an initial velocity Vm, its momentum running through a number of movements. Once the inertia block is in motion, the locking mechanism (the locking cylinder or spool in chambered position with the bolt or bolt head) unlocks to liberate the bolt head. The continuing trajectory of the inertia block then compels a translated displacement of the bolt head towards the rear of the weapon due to the nature of the means of its linkage with the inertia block. Continuing its rotation to maximum lateral extension, the inertia block encounters resistance due a mechanism for energy recuperation, ideally one of elastic counter-stress or a spring, which deflects the inertia block to fold itself again laterally on the gun. The nature of the linkage of the inertia block with the bolt head drives the latter forward, compelling insertion of a round in the firing chamber by conventional technique. Arrival of the inertia block at the end of its re-folding activates the locking mechanism, which secures the bolt head in firing position.
According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, a firearm or recoil control device or mechanism is composed of two like inertia blocks set symmetrically about the axis of the gun barrel. Each inertia block is linked to the bolt head in a similar fashion. Movement of the two inertia blocks is synchronized. Their respective rotation is complementary and mutually opposed. In this configuration, absorption of recoil is considerably enhanced.
This invention allows several parameters to be varied, notably the ratio between the masses of the inertia blocks and the mass of the bolt head, the ratio of the angle of extension of the deployed or extended inertia block(s) to the axis of the gun barrel, and/or the delay in the initiation or activation of movement in the locking cylinder or spool, or the delay in the initiation or activation of movement of the inertia blocks. The terms locking spool and locking cylinder are used interchangeably.
In one particular embodiment of the present invention, a recoil control device for use in a firearm comprises a bolt head configured to alternate between a forward position and a rearward position in response to the firing of one or more cartridges and an inertia block connected to the bolt head such that said bolt head imparts an impulse to the inertia block as it alternates between the forward position and the rearward position. The impulse imparted to the inertia block may have a component lateral or perpendicular to the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. Alternately, the movement of the inertia block may have a component lateral to or perpendicular to the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. In either case, the lateral transfer of momentum substantially reduces the reactive recoil forces.
The mobile breech comprises an inertia block that operates to transfer momentum or forces generated by the firing of one or more cartridges or rounds of ammunition to a direction outside of the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel. In a more basic aspect, the inertia block is a component part of a firearm, or more particularly a mobile breech, that moves in response to the force of firing and/or moves in response to the movement of a bolt head. The inertia block or mass allows for the absorption of recoil forces and directs those forces in the form of momentum in a direction outside the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Throughout this disclosure, the use of the term “inertia block” can refer either to a single or to multiple parts or masses. The component masses of the inertia blocks may optionally serve additional functions, such as providing armor protection to or housing components for gun or cannon emplacements equipped with the present invention.
In a system where the bolt head absorbs the recoil forces directly through contact with the spent casing of the cartridge, the bolt head is imparted with a rearward momentum along the longitudinal axis of the barrel. When the inertia block moves in response to the movement of the bolt head, the bolt head impulsively strikes the inertia block, either directly or through a linkage, and the momentum of the bolt head is then transferred to the inertia block. The bolt head is typically of significantly smaller mass than the inertia block or blocks. Because of the relative masses of the bolt head and inertia block, the inertia block will move with a different velocity than the bolt head.
An aspect of the present invention is the use of inertia block guides to constrain the movement that the inertia block follows to a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the barrel, thereby transferring the recoil forces out of the axis of the gun barrel and reducing the reactive jerking described above. Alternately, the initial impulse on the inertia block or blocks may be driven not by direct mechanical connection to the bolt head, but by a gas injection system. In that case, the expanding gases created by the firing of one or more cartridges are used to pressurize a gas injection system and the pressure is selectively applied to the inertia block or blocks to cause their movement in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the barrel. In any embodiment, the inertia block or blocks serve the same basic function—to absorb recoil forces and/or re-direct recoil forces out of the longitudinal axis of the barrel.
The path of the inertia block in response to the recoil impulse leaves the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel, thereby translating recoil forces out of this axis. Part of the space occupied by the inertia block during its back and forth trajectory can be located above or below the axis of the gun barrel.
The inertia block can move along a path defined by its guide. The guide can be a slot in a part of the firearm, or can be a rod or articulated part, or any other component designed to allow the inertia block to move back and forth from a loaded position to an end point of its movement. An inertia block guide can be configured so that the movement of the inertia block in response to the impulse can comprise a rotation or can be one of pure translation or the movement can be more complex in nature. In other words, there can be a direct connection possible between the bolt head and the inertia block that causes the movement of the inertia block to move along its guide, or there can be a simple linkage, such as a pin rod, or there can be more complex linkages, such as multiple rods and/or articulated parts. In a preferred embodiment, the displacement of the inertia block is an alternating pivot movement around a pivot. The inertia block's movement in turn governs the movement of the bolt head and/or vice versa, due to the manner of their linkage.
In one aspect, a phase displacement can be achieved by engineering the linkage between bolt head and inertia block with a slight play, for example, in the longitudinal direction. In another aspect, the phase displacement can be achieved through a delay in the direct contact of the bolt head with the inertia block enabled by the shape or configuration of the contact surfaces. The degree of phase displacement is a matter of design option, but some phase displacement is preferred.
The recoil control device's components can be advantageously prepared with comparatively large parts or large diameter spindles or rods, which simplifies manufacture. This advantage of the present invention greatly improves the reliability in service and the resistance to jamming by sand, mud, and other environmental contaminants and simplifies cleaning and dismantling of the firearm.
The mechanisms and aspects of the invention can be used to complement or improve existing or conventional firearms and can be combined with various arrangements, attachments, and combinations, including without limitation, internal release systems, loading systems, ejection systems, gas injection systems, recoil reduction systems, muzzle brakes, sighting systems, tripods, mounting systems, and firing mechanisms.
In one general aspect, the invention comprises an improved and novel recoil control device for use in a firearm, such as a semiautomatic or automatic firearm, in which, for example, a bolt head is configured to alternate between a forward position and a rearward position in response to the firing of one or more cartridges; and an inertia block is connected to the bolt head such that the bolt head imparts an impulse to the inertia block as it alternates between its forward position and its rearward position, the impulse having a component, or force distribution, or vectorial force component, lateral to the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The force transferred to the inertia block can be in any one of several directions and the inertia block can therefore traverse one of a variety of paths from the impulse imparted through the bolt head, including, but not limited to: a downward sloping, straight path toward the anterior of the firearm; a path comprising a rotation; a curved or curvi-linear path; a path extending outward from the barrel; a path moving inward toward the barrel; and a path crossing over the barrel. The path chosen relates to the design characteristics of the firearm desired.
Similarly, the inertia block or mass appropriate for a particular firearm relates to the design characteristics of the firearm. In one embodiment, the inertia block comprises a sloped or angled surface, or a leading sloped surface, that can be contacted by the bolt head to transmit the impulse from firing. In other embodiments, the inertia block comprises a part or parts that reciprocates between two or more positions and moves in response to the impulse from the bolt head. Multiple inertia blocks can also be used so that they move together in response to the bolt head. In another preferred embodiment, the recoil control device of the present invention can be incorporated into heavy caliber firearm and cannon mechanisms. For example, a heavy caliber rifle, such as a vehicle-mounted rifle or portable rifle of between .50 caliber and 155 mm, or even higher, can be produced with an inertia block to translate forces out of the axis of the barrel.
The transfer of the impulse of firing from the bolt head to the inertia block can be through direct contact between the two parts or through a simple or even a complex linkage. In one embodiment, one or more pin and rod assemblies are used. In another embodiment, a pin connected to the bolt head moves within a slot connected to the inertia block. In other embodiments, one or more reciprocating rods connect the bolt head to the inertia block.
For most firearms of the invention, the inertia block and bolt head are designed to automatically return to their resting or chambered position. A variety of mechanisms can be used to move the bolt head and/or inertia block in the return path. A preferred embodiment employs a spring operably connected to or contacting the inertia block, which can be referred to as the return spring. A variety of spring types can be adapted for this purpose. Alternative return or recovery mechanisms can be designed by one of skill in the art.
The recoil control device can be manifested as in one of the numerous Figures accompanying this disclosure. Also, numerous embodiments and alternatives are disclosed in the accompanying claims. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for making a recoil control device of the invention and/or incorporating into a firearm a recoil control device comprising one or more inertia blocks operably connected to a bolt head, or moving in response to other forces, in order to move in a manner that directs momentum outside of the longitudinal axis of the barrel.
Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description that follows and, in part, will be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.
For a more complete understanding of the invention and some advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Whether for smaller caliber handguns or rifles, in other words pistols, machine pistols and assault rifles, or for the preferred embodiments of heavy caliber rifles, machine guns, or cannons, the present invention advantageously reduces the consequences of recoil and/or eliminates, for all practical purposes, the weapon's reactive jerking and permits a more compact and lighter weapon for a given caliber ammunition.
Where heavy firearms are concerned, for example, machine guns and cannons, notably machine guns for land, water craft, or airborne platforms, the present invention enables a lighter frame for the weapon and a more compact and therefore more stowable or containable weapon. This allows moveable weapon systems to store more ammunition per sortie. Further, this invention enables a simplified construction for the base by diminishing the recoil tendency and dampening the stress acting upon the platform as a whole. This is especially advantageous when composite materials are used for the vehicles or craft carrying the weapons.
In one particular embodiment, the invention comprises a mobile breech made up of connected parts that comprise an inertia block and a bolt head. In this embodiment, the action of the mobile breech is unconventional in that it causes the inertia block to alternate out of and into alignment with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. This is contrary to the action of conventional mechanisms in which the parts making up a mobile breech move in translation along the axis of the barrel. The present invention translates forces generated by the recoil to the inertia block, M, in the instant following firing. This transfer of recoil forces from the bolt head, m, moving backward at an initial velocity, vi, to the inertia block is preferably made via contact between corresponding angled surfaces of the bolt head and inertia block. The impulse transferred to the inertia block translates to a force in a direction other than along the axis of the gun barrel. The configuration of the contact surfaces allows the articulated parts to guide the inertia block. The inertia block is thus imparted with a momentum, MvM, and the velocity vector, vM, has a component parallel to the axis of the gun, toward the back of the weapon, and a component perpendicular to the axis of the gun.
Terms such as “under,” “over,” “in front of,” “the back of the gun,” or “behind,” “anterior,” “posterior,” or “transverse,” are used here as somebody firing a gun would understand them, which is by reference to the longitudinal or firing axis of the barrel when the gun is held in the usual horizontal attitude. Furthermore, “firearm” as used here encompasses handguns, pistols, heavy caliber guns, rifles, sniper rifles, guns with automatic and semiautomatic action, mountable and portable cannons, cannons mounted on aircraft or naval vessels, cannons mounted on armored personnel carriers or other armored vehicles, and machine guns or cannons mounted on armored or non-armored vehicles or vessels. Also, a force component perpendicular to or lateral to the longitudinal axis of the barrel refers to a vectorial component or part of a force or momentum vector directed outside the longitudinal axis of the barrel.
Inertia block guides can be configured so that the movement of the inertia block in response to the impulse can be one of pure translation or more complex in nature. The inertia block's movement, in turn, governs the movement of the bolt head or vice versa, due to the manner of their linkage.
In one aspect, the present invention in particular allows two parameters to be varied: the ratio between the mass of the inertia block and the bolt head, and the angle between movement of the inertia block and the axis of the gun. Control or variance of such variables is not typical of present firearms technology. The recoil control device notably enables construction of automatic firearms of particular compactness for their caliber.
The positioning of the barrel of the weapon relative to the grip or stock of the weapon can effectively allow one to manage part of the recoil moment. For example, a conventional handgun grip can be placed behind a breech block of the present invention. In one embodiment of this invention, the barrel is not found above the grip, as it is conventionally in handguns, but in front of it, preferably at mid-height or at two-thirds the height of the grip. Preferably, the gun barrel axis is in line with the forearm of the person aiming the gun and not above it, the effect of which is to eliminate the upward jerking characteristic of the recoil response of conventional guns.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of embodiments designed specifically for handguns and of embodiments designed for heavy automatic weapons and cannons.
The following discussion addresses optional features and design factors one of skill in the art may employ in producing a heavy caliber firearm. Nothing in this discussion should be taken as a limitation to the scope of the invention and the parameters defined are merely examples of the many embodiments possible.
As the size of the ammunition increases, the percussive forces and momentum generated will also increase. Thus, the optimum weight of the bolt head and inertia block will similarly increase. One design option noted in the Figures for large caliber firearms and cannons is the use of multiple inertia blocks. These inertia blocks can be connected to the same bolt head, or each connected to a separate bolt head. The one or more guides for the inertia block(s) can be configured to move back and forth in a number of directions. In preferred embodiments, the movement traverses the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel by placement of the inertia block above the gun barrel. In another preferred embodiment, the movement of the inertia blocks extends out from the side of the gun barrel.
The initial impulse on the inertia block can be imparted by the use of gas pressure from the barrel, commonly referred to as gas injection. The expanding gases created by firing of one or more cartridges are used to pressurize a gas injection system and the pressure is selectively applied to the inertia block or blocks to cause their movement in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The gas injection components can also be combined with a muzzle brake to control the pressure build-up in the gas injection system and to further address the recoil forces.
Preferably a pair of inertia blocks of substantially equal mass are oriented such that their respective movements in response to firing will be synchronized, equal in magnitude, and with corresponding but opposite components of momentum perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The net effect is for the perpendicular components of the momentum of the inertia blocks to cancel each other and to impose no net lateral force or agitation on the weapon. Thus, a portion of the recoil forces are transferred in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel and effectively cancelled out, thereby significantly reducing or even eliminating the component of recoil forces along the longitudinal axis of the barrel that are responsible for the reactive jerking of the weapon. The longitudinal component of the momentum of the inertia blocks can be directed forward along the axis of the barrel to counteract any residual recoil forces in the longitudinal direction. In the present invention, the mass of the inertia blocks and the magnitude of their displacement can be varied to optimally reduce the reactive jerking of the weapon as well as to vary the firing rate of the weapon.
Exemplary Embodiments in the Figures
Having generally described the invention above and the design factors one can consider, what follows refers to specific embodiments of the Figures and Examples. As noted previously, the invention is not limited by the scope of the embodiments listed, the Figures, or the Examples. Rather, one of skill in the art can employ the principles and examples to design, make, and use a number of embodiments not specifically shown here that are fully within the scope of the present invention.
As illustrated in
The spindles (6) preferably are flexibly connected via elastic joints. Alternately, spindles (6) may be articulated with the chamber by placement in an oblong groove parallel to the axis of the barrel, which allows the spindles a limited translation in the longitudinal direction to facilitate the motion of the inertia blocks.
As shown in
Each inertia block (2) preferably bears a rotational axis about spindle (6), which is linked with a recovery mechanism (11) at spindle (7). The recovery mechanism is preferably a spring as shown, for example, in
The mechanism for extracting and ejecting the empty cartridge case M, not shown, may be of any design known in the art. An electromechanical or electropneumatic or other suitable triggering mechanism, CT, to govern the triggering or blocking functions, may be positioned at the rear extremity of the track for the bolt head. When the bolt head (3) reaches the end of its rearward movement, the mechanism is in the open position as shown in
The triggering mechanism CT for the return movement forward of the bolt head enables precise, efficient control of the firing rate. Similarly, once propelled by the initial impulse given by the bolt head, the inertia blocks (2) pivot about the spindles (6), linked with the chamber (5).
A further advantage of the present invention is derived from the simplicity of its design, which reduces weight. The embodiment of
It should also be noted, as in
Here, inertia masses (401) are placed on each side of the locking cylinder (406), where cartridge is chambered. In
Unlike the embodiment of
The bolt (407) preferably is connected to a transporter assembly that travels along a top tray/guide (409), which constrains the back and forth movement of the bolt head in response to the firing of one or more cartridges to be substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Each inertia block (401) is connected to the transporter assembly (407) by a rod (402). In this embodiment, each rod (402) is connected to the inertia blocks (401) by a transverse spindle, which slides in a slot (416) in inertia blocks (401). Each inertia block preferably also is connected to the frame of the weapon by a second rod.
As the bolt head (407) chambers a fresh cartridge, the inertia blocks are forced inward by a recovery mechanism, not shown, which restores the bolt head (407) to its forward position. As the inertia blocks (401) move inward, they cause the breech locking mechanism to rotate to the locked position.
When a round is fired, the expanding gases of firing pressurize the barrel and gas injection mechanism including gas tube (19), as shown in
It should be noted that by this point in the firing cycle the bullet has left the barrel on the way to its target and the barrel is effectively depressurized prior to unlocking the breech locking mechanism. With the breech locking mechanism in the unlocked position, the bolt head (3) is permitted to move in a backward direction along the axis of the gun barrel guided by transporter assembly (14). The inertia blocks (2) are connected to the transporter assembly (14) that ensures that any aftward movement of the bolt head (3) is substantially along the axis of the barrel. The inertia blocks (2) are connected to the transporter assembly by linkages such that when the inertia blocks are forced outward by the gas pressure from the gas injection system, the transporter assembly (14) will be moved backward along the axis of the gun barrel through the linkages. This backward movement will cause the bolt head (3) also to move backward, bringing along with it the spent cartridge, which is then ejected in conventional fashion. Once the inertia blocks (2) reach their outermost position, the recoil control device is in the open position as described above wherein the rods or linkages are in mechanical opposition blocking the recovery mechanism or return spring (11) from returning the mechanism to the pre-firing position. Optionally, the cocking catch (23) may be engaged at this point to hold the mechanism in the open position. Similar to the embodiment of
Thus, a gas injection system can be used to unlock the locking spool (17) as shown in
In this embodiment, two inertia blocks may be used to control the recoil of both barrels and may be of the shape as shown in
In similar fashion, when the recovery mechanism (11) forces inertia blocks (2) outward towards their pre-firing position, the left inertia block in
In yet another preferred embodiment, the foregoing principles can be applied to a quad barrel weapon, as shown in
The following Examples, and forgoing description, are intended to show merely optional configurations for the devices of the invention. Variations, modifications, and additional attachments can be made by one of skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the invention is not limited to any specific Example or any specific embodiment described herein. Furthermore, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment shown or described here.
Exemplary prototypes incorporating one or more elements of the invention are presented in the following characteristics:
A heavy caliber firearm is produced with an overall length of 1360 mm, and overall width of 120 mm (with extended or open inertia blocks approx. 360 mm), and a barrel length of 878 mm (without muzzle break). The total weight is approximately 25 kg and it is outfitted with a feeding device for 20 round magazines. The expected cycle rate is up to 1500 rpm.
A heavy caliber firearm is produced with an overall length of 1269 mm, and overall width of 160 mm (with extended or open inertia blocks approx. 360 mm), and a barrel length of 878 mm (without muzzle break). The total weight is approximately 25 kg and it is outfitted with a feeding device for 20 round magazines. The expected cycle rate is up to 1500 rpm.
One skilled in the art can devise and create numerous other examples according to this invention. Examples may also incorporate additional firearm elements known in the art, including muzzle brake, multiple barrels, blow sensor, barrel temperature probe, electronic firing control, mechanical firing control, electromagnetic firing control, and targeting system, for example. One skilled in the art is familiar with techniques and devices for incorporating the invention into a variety of firearm examples, with or without additional firearm elements know in the art, and designing firearms that take advantage of the improved force distribution and recoil reduction characteristics of the invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
0975/02 | Jun 2002 | CH | national |
1343/02 | Jul 2002 | CH | national |
0679/03 | Apr 2003 | CH | national |
This application is a Continuation application of Ser. No. 10/454,785, filed Jun. 5, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,698,987), which claims priority benefit to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/783,380, filed Apr. 9, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. 7,997,183), which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/454,780, filed Jun. 5, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,094), and claims priority benefit to pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/454,778, filed Jun. 5, 2003. Each of Ser. Nos. 10/454,778 and 10/454,780 claim priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. Ser. No. 60/459,969, filed Apr. 4, 2003, and priority benefit of Swiss Application No. 0975/02, filed Jun. 7, 2002, Swiss Application No. 1343/02, filed Jul. 31, 2002, and Swiss Application No. 0679/03, filed Apr. 15, 2003. Each of the above-listed prior applications are specifically incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
918760 | Mauser | Apr 1909 | A |
954543 | Ross | Apr 1910 | A |
1425627 | Bardelli | Aug 1922 | A |
1457961 | Browning | Jun 1923 | A |
1497096 | Eriksen | Jun 1924 | A |
1835715 | McCoy | Dec 1931 | A |
2365188 | Gorton | Dec 1944 | A |
2590981 | Lippert et al. | Apr 1952 | A |
2775166 | Janson | Dec 1956 | A |
3000268 | Robinson | Sep 1961 | A |
3489060 | Marocchi | Jan 1970 | A |
3554077 | Schlapia, Jr. | Jan 1971 | A |
3580132 | Vartanian | May 1971 | A |
3641867 | Junker | Feb 1972 | A |
3650060 | Schubert | Mar 1972 | A |
3661049 | Perrine | May 1972 | A |
3683534 | Davis | Aug 1972 | A |
3698285 | Wilhelm | Oct 1972 | A |
3709091 | Perrine | Jan 1973 | A |
4088057 | Nasypany | May 1978 | A |
4112605 | Staub | Sep 1978 | A |
4126077 | Quesnel | Nov 1978 | A |
4164825 | Hutchison | Aug 1979 | A |
4167890 | Adams | Sep 1979 | A |
4279091 | Edwards | Jul 1981 | A |
4301712 | Cristina | Nov 1981 | A |
4391180 | Koine | Jul 1983 | A |
4439943 | Brakhage | Apr 1984 | A |
4447975 | Ljutic | May 1984 | A |
4492050 | Kagehiro | Jan 1985 | A |
4503632 | Cuevas | Mar 1985 | A |
4514921 | Burkleca | May 1985 | A |
4604942 | Benelli | Aug 1986 | A |
4719841 | Perrine | Jan 1988 | A |
4769937 | Gregory et al. | Sep 1988 | A |
4840107 | Weldon | Jun 1989 | A |
4867038 | Metz | Sep 1989 | A |
4910904 | Rose | Mar 1990 | A |
4974493 | Yeffman | Dec 1990 | A |
4986018 | McDonald, Jr. | Jan 1991 | A |
5031348 | Carey | Jul 1991 | A |
5069110 | Menck | Dec 1991 | A |
5138931 | Brookshire | Aug 1992 | A |
5279202 | Bellardi et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
5343649 | Petrovich | Sep 1994 | A |
5519957 | Iannetta | May 1996 | A |
5524374 | Gernstein | Jun 1996 | A |
5581046 | Weldle et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5585590 | Ducolon | Dec 1996 | A |
5669173 | Rodney, Jr. | Sep 1997 | A |
5678345 | Gnade | Oct 1997 | A |
5682007 | Dobbins | Oct 1997 | A |
5722195 | Bentley et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5758447 | Venetz | Jun 1998 | A |
5768818 | Rustick | Jun 1998 | A |
5811720 | Quinnell et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5909002 | Atchisson | Jun 1999 | A |
5911173 | Westrom | Jun 1999 | A |
5952602 | Beretta | Sep 1999 | A |
5979098 | Griggs | Nov 1999 | A |
5983549 | Battaglia | Nov 1999 | A |
6044748 | Westrom | Apr 2000 | A |
6055760 | Cuson et al. | May 2000 | A |
6079138 | Meaker | Jun 2000 | A |
6079311 | O'Quinn et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6196108 | Murello | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6243978 | Vignaroli et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6269727 | Nigge | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6305115 | Cook | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6343536 | Rossier et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6357157 | Constant et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6418833 | Hajjar | Jul 2002 | B1 |
7698987 | Jebsen et al. | Apr 2010 | B2 |
20020053156 | McCarthy | May 2002 | A1 |
20020139241 | Butler | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20030051600 | Breuer et al. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20030056639 | Giza | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20040025680 | Jebsen et al. | Feb 2004 | A1 |
20040069137 | Jebsen et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
351672 | Jun 1928 | BE |
43050 | Apr 1909 | CH |
3309921 | Sep 1984 | DE |
969669 | Dec 1950 | FR |
1193803 | Nov 1959 | FR |
03104737 | Dec 2003 | WO |
03104738 | Dec 2003 | WO |
03104739 | Dec 2003 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20100258001 A1 | Oct 2010 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10454785 | Jun 2003 | US |
Child | 12762937 | US |