Method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of ammunition, specifically to compositions of matter and methods of making metal cartridge cases by metal injection molding.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

None.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS FILED ON COMPACT DISC

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with projectiles made by injection molding for use in ammunition. Conventional ammunition casings for rifles and machine guns, as well as larger caliber weapons, are made from brass or lead that are machined.

Shortcomings of the known methods of producing ammunition cartridges include the limitation of materials that can be used and the lengthy time for manufacturing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The metal injection molded ammunition cartridge method further comprising the step of forming a shoulder in the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge. The metal injection molded ammunition cartridge method further comprising the step of forming a neck between the shoulder and the nose end aperture to form a projectile aperture. The metal composition comprises: a) 2-16% Ni; 10-20% Cr; 0-5% Mo; 0-0.6% C; 0-6.0% Cu; 0-0.5% Nb+Ta; 0-4.0% Mn; 0-2.0% Si and the balance Fe; b) 2-6% Ni; 13.5-19.5% Cr; 0-0.10% C; 1-7.0% Cu; 0.05-0.65% Nb+Ta; 0-3.0% Mn; 0-3.0% Si and the balance Fe; c) 3-5% Ni; 15.5-17.5% Cr; 0-0.07% C; 3-5.0% Cu; 0.15-0.45% Nb+Ta; 0-1.0% Mn; 0-1.0% Si and the balance Fe; d) 10-14% Ni; 16-18% Cr; 2-3% Mo; 0-0.03% C; 0-2% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; e) 12-14% Cr; 0.15-0.4% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; f) 16-18% Cr; 0-0.05% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; g) 3-12% aluminum, 2-8% vanadium, 0.1-0.75% iron, 0.1-0.5% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; or h) about 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium, about 0.25% iron, about 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium. In one embodiment the metal composition comprises 102, 174, 201, 202, 300, 302, 303, 304, 308, 309, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 405, 408, 409, 410, 415, 416, 416R, 420, 430, 439, 440, 446 or 601-665 grade stainless steel. In one embodiment the metal composition comprises 2-16% Ni; 10-20% Cr; 0-5% Mo; 0-0.6% C; 0-6.0% Cu; 0-0.5% Nb+Ta; 0-4.0% Mn; 0-2.0% Si and the balance Fe; 2-6% Ni; 13.5-19.5% Cr; 0-0.10% C; 1-7.0% Cu; 0.05-0.65% Nb+Ta; 0-3.0% Mn; 0-3.0% Si and the balance Fe; 3-5% Ni; 15.5-17.5% Cr; 0-0.07% C; 3-5.0% Cu; 0.15-0.45% Nb+Ta; 0-1.0% Mn; 0-1.0% Si and the balance Fe; 10-14% Ni; 16-18% Cr; 2-3% Mo; 0-0.03% C; 0-2% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; 12-14% Cr; 0.15-0.4% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; 16-18% Cr; 0-0.05% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; 3-12% aluminum, 2-8% vanadium, 0.1-0.75% iron, 0.1-0.5% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; or 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium, about 0.25% iron, about 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium. In one embodiment the metal composition comprises brass or a brass alloy.

The present invention provides a method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge comprising the steps of: providing an ammunition cartridge mold comprising a bottom portion having a primer recess extending into the bottom portion adapted to receive a primer, a flash hole positioned in the primer recess through the bottom surface; side walls extending from the bottom portion to a nose end aperture, wherein a propellant chamber is formed between the nose end aperture and the bottom surface; injecting a metal composition into the ammunition cartridge mold to form a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge, wherein the metal composition comprises 2-16% Ni; 10-20% Cr; 0-5% Mo; 0-0.6% C; 0-6.0% Cu; 0-0.5% Nb+Ta; 0-4.0% Mn; 0-2.0% Si and the balance Fe; 2-6% Ni; 13.5-19.5% Cr; 0-0.10% C; 1-7.0% Cu; 0.05-0.65% Nb+Ta; 0-3.0% Mn; 0-3.0% Si and the balance Fe; 3-5% Ni; 15.5-17.5% Cr; 0-0.07% C; 3-5.0% Cu; 0.15-0.45% Nb+Ta; 0-1.0% Mn; 0-1.0% Si and the balance Fe; 10-14% Ni; 16-18% Cr; 2-3% Mo; 0-0.03% C; 0-2% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; 12-14% Cr; 0.15-0.4% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; 16-18% Cr; 0-0.05% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; 3-12% aluminum, 2-8% vanadium, 0.1-0.75% iron, 0.1-0.5% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; or 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium, about 0.25% iron, about 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; and removing the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge from the ammunition cartridge mold.

The present invention provides a method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge comprising the steps of: providing an ammunition cartridge mold comprising a bottom portion having a primer recess extending into the bottom portion adapted to receive a primer, a flash hole positioned in the primer recess through the bottom surface; side walls extending from the bottom portion to a nose end aperture, wherein a propellant chamber is formed between the nose end aperture and the bottom surface; injecting a metal composition into the ammunition cartridge mold to form a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge, wherein the metal composition comprises a) 2-16% Ni; 10-20% Cr; 0-5% Mo; 0-0.6% C; 0-6.0% Cu; 0-0.5% Nb+Ta; 0-4.0% Mn; 0-2.0% Si and the balance Fe; b) 2-6% Ni; 13.5-19.5% Cr; 0-0.10% C; 1-7.0% Cu; 0.05-0.65% Nb+Ta; 0-3.0% Mn; 0-3.0% Si and the balance Fe; c) 3-5% Ni; 15.5-17.5% Cr; 0-0.07% C; 3-5.0% Cu; 0.15-0.45% Nb+Ta; 0-1.0% Mn; 0-1.0% Si and the balance Fe; d) 10-14% Ni; 16-18% Cr; 2-3% Mo; 0-0.03% C; 0-2% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; e) 12-14% Cr; 0.15-0.4% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; f) 16-18% Cr; 0-0.05% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; g) 3-12% aluminum, 2-8% vanadium, 0.1-0.75% iron, 0.1-0.5% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; or h) about 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium, about 0.25% iron, about 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; and removing the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge from the ammunition cartridge mold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

FIG. 1a depicts an exploded view of the polymeric cartridge casing.

FIG. 1b depicts an exploded view of the polymeric cartridge casing.

FIG. 2 is an image of a flat tip boattail projectile.

FIG. 3 is an image of a full metal jacket, expanding full metal jacket, spritzer, jacketed spritzer, armor piercing, armor piercing incendiary or a similar projectile having a pointed nose and a boattail configured end.

FIG. 4 is an image of a flat tip projectile with a flat base configured end.

FIG. 5 is an image of a full metal jacket, expanding full metal jacket, spritzer, jacketed spritzer, armor piercing, armor piercing incendiary or a similar projectile having a pointed nose and a flat base configured end.

FIG. 6 is an image of a boattail configured end projectile without a cannelure.

FIG. 7 is an image of a flat base configured end projectile without a cannelure.

FIG. 8 is an image of a boattail configured end projectile with rounded nose.

FIG. 9 is an image of a flat base projectile with a rounded nose.

FIG. 10 is an image of a flat base configured end projectile having multiple cannelures.

FIG. 11 is an image of a boattail configured end projectile having multiple cannelures.

FIG. 12 is a cut away image of a jacketed spritzer projectile.

FIG. 13 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile.

FIG. 14 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile.

FIG. 15 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile.

FIG. 16 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile.

FIG. 17 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile.

FIG. 18 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile.

FIGS. 19a-19s are images of a cut away image of different projectile types.

FIGS. 20a-20v are images of different embodiments of the projectiles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

As used herein the term “shell,” “bullet” and “projectile” are used interchangeably and denote a projectile that is positioned in an ammunition cartridge until it is expelled from a gun, rifle, or the like and propelled by detonation of a powdered chemical propellant or other propellant that may be non-powdered, solid, gaseous or gelatin. And includes payload-carrying projectiles contains shot, an explosive or other filling, though modern usage sometimes includes large solid projectiles properly termed shot (AP, APCR, APCNR, APDS, APFSDS and proof shot).

As used herein AP denotes Armor Piercing (has a steel or other hard metal core Military); API denotes Armor Piercing Incendiary (Military); APT denotes Armor Piercing Tracer (Military); APTI denotes Armor Piercing Tracer Incendiary (Military); BBWC denotes Bevel Base Wad Cutter; BT denotes Boat Tail; BTBT denotes Ballistic Tip Boat Tail; BTHP denotes Boat Tail Hollow Point; BTSP denotes Boat Tail Soft Point; FEB denotes Fully Encased Bullet; FMC denotes Full Metal Case; FMJ denotes Full Metal Jacket; FMJBT denotes Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail; FMJFN denotes Full Metal Jacket Flat Nose; FMJFP denotes Full Metal Jacket Flat Point; FMJRN denotes Full Metal Jacket Round Nose; FMJRP denotes Full Metal Jacket Round Point; FMJSWC denotes Full Metal Jacket Semi-Wad Cutter; FMJTC denotes Full Metal Jacket Truncated Cone; FN denotes Flat Nose; FNEB denotes Flat Nose Enclosed Base; FNSP denotes Flat Nose Soft Point; FP denotes Flat Point; HE denotes High Energy or high explosive; HP denotes Hollow Point; HPBT denotes Hollow Point Boat Tail; J denotes Jacketed; JFP denotes Jacketed Flat Point; JHP denotes Jacketed Hollow Point; JHPBT denotes Jacketed Hollow Point Boat Tail; JSP denotes Jacketed Soft Point; JSPF denotes Jacketed Soft Point Flat; L denotes Lead; LFN denotes Lead Flat Nose ; LFP denotes Lead Flat Point; LHP denotes Lead Hollow Point; LRN denotes Lead Round Nose; LSWC denotes Lead Semi-Wad Cutter; LSWC-GC denotes Lead Semi-Wad Cutter, Gas Checked; LTC denotes Lead Truncated Cone; LWC denotes Lead Wad Cutter; RN denotes Round Nose; RNFP denotes Round Nose Flat Point; RNL denotes Round Nosed Lead; RNSP denotes Round Nose Soft Point; SJHP denotes Semi Jacketed Hollow Point, Soft Jacket Hollow Point; SJSP denotes Soft Jacket Soft Point; SLAP denotes Saboted Light Armor Penetrating; SPTZ denotes Spitzer; Sub denotes Subsonic; SWC denotes Semi Wad Cutter; TC denotes Truncated Cone; TCMJ denotes Truncated Cone Metal Jacket; WC denotes Wad Cutter; AP denotes Armor piercing; API denotes Armor piercing incendiary; APIT denotes Armor piercing incendiary tracer; APT denotes Armor piercing tracer; CA denotes Copper Alloy; CAL denotes Caliber; GMCS denotes Gilding metal clad steel; HEAT denotes High-explosive anti-tank; HEI denotes High explosive incendiary; HEIT denotes High explosive, incendiary, tracer; RAP denotes Rocket Assisted Projectile; and TPT Target practice, tracer.

Reliable projectile manufacture requires uniformity from one projectile to the next in order to obtain consistent ballistic performance. In addition to projectile shape, other considerations, proper projectile seating and bullet-to-casing fit is required. In this manner, a desired pressure develops within the casing during firing prior to bullet and casing separation. Historically, projectile employ a cannelure, which is a slight annular depression formed in a surface of the projectile at a location determined to be the optimal seating depth for the bullet. In this manner, a visual inspection of a cartridge could determine whether or not the bullet is seated at the proper depth. Once the bullet is inserted into the casing to the proper depth, one of two standard procedures is incorporated to lock the bullet in its proper location. One method is the crimping of the entire end of the casing into the cannelure. A second method does not crimp the casing end; rather the bullet is pressure fitted into the casing, another method employs adhesive bonding to join the bullet to the casing.

FIG. 1a depicts an exploded view of the polymeric cartridge casing having an over-molded primer insert. A cartridge casing 10 suitable for use with rifles is shown manufactured with a casing 12 showing a propellant chamber 14 with a projectile 56 inserted into the forward end opening 16. The cartridge casing 12 has a substantially cylindrical open-ended bullet-end component 18 extending from the forward end opening 16 rearward to the opposite end 20. The forward end of bullet-end component 18 has a shoulder 24 forming a chamber neck 26. The bullet-end component 18 may be formed with coupling end 22 formed on substantially cylindrical opposite end 20 or formed as a separate component. These and other suitable methods for securing individual pieces of a two-piece or multi-piece cartridge casing are useful in the practice of the present invention. Coupling end 22 is shown as a male element, but may also be configured as a female element in alternate embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments the forward end of bullet-end component 18 includes the forward end opening 16 without a shoulder 24 forming chamber neck 26. The bullet-end component typically has a wall thickness between about 0.003 and about 0.200 inches and more preferably between about 0.005 and more preferably between about 0.150 inches about 0.010 and about 0.050 inches. The middle body component 28 is substantially cylindrical and connects the forward end of bullet-end component 18 to the substantially cylindrical opposite end 20 and forms the propellant chamber 14. The substantially cylindrical opposite end 20 includes a substantially cylindrical insert 32 that partially seals the propellant chamber 14. In a two piece design as shown in FIG. 1a the substantially cylindrical insert 32 is molded into the middle body component 28. The substantially cylindrical insert 32 includes a bottom surface (not shown) located in the propellant chamber 14 that is opposite a top surface (not shown). The substantially cylindrical insert 32 includes a primer recess (not shown) positioned in the top surface (not shown) extending toward the bottom surface (not shown) with a primer flash hole aperture (not shown) is located in the primer recess (not shown) and extends through the bottom surface (not shown) into the propellant chamber 14 to combust the propellant in the propellant chamber 14. A primer (not shown) is located in the primer recess (not shown) and extends through the bottom surface (not shown) into the propellant chamber 14. In some embodiments the coupling end 22 extends the polymer through the primer flash hole aperture (not shown) to form the primer flash hole (not shown) while retaining a passage from the top surface (not shown) through the bottom surface (not shown) and into the propellant chamber 14 to provide support and protection about the primer flash hole aperture (not shown). In other embodiments the coupling end 22 extends the polymer up to but not into the primer flash hole aperture (not shown) to form the primer flash hole (not shown) while retaining a passage from the top surface (not shown) through the bottom surface (not shown) and into the propellant chamber 14. The bullet-end 18, middle body 28 and bottom surface (not shown) define the interior of propellant chamber 14 in which the powder charge (not shown) is contained. The interior volume of propellant chamber 14 may be varied to provide the volume necessary for complete filling of the propellant chamber 14 by the propellant chosen so that a simplified volumetric measure of propellant can be utilized when loading the cartridge. The bullet-end and bullet components can then be welded or bonded together using solvent, adhesive, sintering, brazing, soldering, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques. The welding or bonding increases the joint strength so the casing can be extracted from the hot gun casing after firing at the cook-off temperature. An optional first and second annular grooves (cannelures) may be provided in the bullet-end in the interlock surface of the male coupling element to provide a snap-fit between the two components. The cannelures formed in a surface of the bullet at a location determined to be the optimal seating depth for the bullet. Once the bullet is inserted into the casing to the proper depth to lock the bullet in its proper location. One method is the crimping of the entire end of the casing into the cannelures. The bullet-end and middle body components can then be welded or bonded together using solvent, adhesive, sintering, brazing, soldering, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques. The welding or bonding increases the joint strength so the casing can be extracted from the hot gun casing after firing at the cook-off temperature.

FIG. 1b depicts an exploded view of a three piece polymeric cartridge casing. A cartridge casing 10 suitable for use with rifles is shown manufactured with a casing 12 showing a propellant chamber 14 with a projectile 56 inserted into the forward end opening 16. The cartridge casing 12 has a substantially cylindrical open-ended bullet-end component 18 extending from the forward end opening 16 rearward to the opposite end 20. The forward end of bullet-end component 18 has a shoulder 24 forming a chamber neck 26. The bullet-end component 18 may be formed with coupling end 22 formed on substantially cylindrical opposite end 20 or formed as a separate component. These and other suitable methods for securing individual pieces of the multi-piece cartridge casing are useful in the practice of the present invention. Coupling end 22 is shown as a male element, but may also be configured as a female element in alternate embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments the forward end of bullet-end component 18 includes the forward end opening 16 without a shoulder 24 forming chamber neck 26. The bullet-end component typically has a wall thickness between about 0.003 and about 0.200 inches and more preferably between about 0.005 and more preferably between about 0.150 inches about 0.010 and about 0.050 inches. The middle body component 28 is substantially cylindrical and connects the forward end of bullet-end component 18 to the substantially cylindrical opposite end 20 and forms the propellant chamber 14. The substantially cylindrical opposite end 20 includes a substantially cylindrical insert 32 that partially seals the propellant chamber 14. The substantially cylindrical insert 32 includes a bottom surface 34 located in the propellant chamber 14 that is opposite a top surface (not shown). The substantially cylindrical insert 32 includes a primer recess (not shown) positioned in the top surface (not shown) extending toward the bottom surface 34 with a primer flash hole aperture (not shown) is located in the primer recess (not shown) and extends through the bottom surface 34 into the propellant chamber 14 to combust the propellant in the propellant chamber 14. A primer (not shown) is located in the primer recess (not shown) and extends through the bottom surface 34 into the propellant chamber 14. When molded the coupling end 22 extends the polymer through the primer flash hole aperture (not shown) to form the primer flash hole (not shown) while retaining a passage from the top surface (not shown) through the bottom surface 34 and into the propellant chamber 14 to provide support and protection about the primer flash hole aperture (not shown). In other embodiments the coupling end 22 extends the polymer up to but not into the primer flash hole aperture (not shown) to form the primer flash hole (not shown) while retaining a passage from the top surface (not shown) through the bottom surface 34 and into the propellant chamber 14. The bullet-end 18, middle body 28 and bottom surface 34 define the interior of propellant chamber 14 in which the powder charge (not shown) is contained. The interior volume of propellant chamber 14 may be varied to provide the volume necessary for complete filling of the propellant chamber 14 by the propellant chosen so that a simplified volumetric measure of propellant can be utilized when loading the cartridge. The bullet-end and bullet components can then be welded or bonded together using solvent, adhesive, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques. The welding or bonding increases the joint strength so the casing can be extracted from the hot gun casing after firing at the cook-off temperature. An optional first and second annular groove (first and second cannelures) may be provided in the bullet-end in the interlock surface of the male coupling element to provide a snap-fit between the two components. The cannelures formed in a surface of the bullet at a location determined to be the optimal seating depth for the bullet. Once the bullet is inserted into the casing to the proper depth to lock the bullet in its proper location. One method is the crimping of the entire end of the casing into the cannelures. The bullet-end and middle body components can then be welded or bonded together using solvent, adhesive, sintering, brazing, soldering, spin-welding, vibration-welding, ultrasonic-welding or laser-welding techniques. The welding or bonding increases the joint strength so the casing can be extracted from the hot gun casing after firing at the cook-off temperature.

Although FIGS. 1a and 1b describes a polymer cartridge the present invention also applies to metal cartridges (e.g., made by metal injection molding, casting, machining, forging, 3-D printing, and any other mechanism used to make a cartridge) and hybrid cartridges that include a cartridge made from a combination of polymers and metal or any combination of polymers or copolymers and metals and/or alloys. The present invention may also be used in a traditional metal cartridge casing. The metal cartridge casing includes a metal casing having a propellant chamber with a forward end opening for insertion of a projectile. The forward end opening may include a shoulder forming chamber neck. The opposite end of the forward end opening in the metal cartridge casing includes a flange around the parameter and a primer recess with a primer flash aperture formed therein for ease of insertion of the primer (not shown). A primer flash hole aperture is located in the primer recess and extends into the propellant chamber to combust the propellant in the propellant chamber.

FIG. 2 is a general image of a bullet or projectile. For the purpose of description the general projectile shape is shown below as the projectile 50. The projectile 50 of the present invention includes all shapes and calibers. The present invention is not limited to the described caliber and is believed to be applicable to other calibers as well. This includes various small and medium caliber munitions, including 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, 308, 338, 3030, 3006, and 0.50 caliber ammunition cartridges, as well as medium/small caliber ammunition such as 380 caliber, 38 caliber, 9 mm, 10 mm and military style ammunition including 12.7 mm, 14.5 mm, 14.7 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 57 mm, 60 mm, 75 mm, 76 mm, 81 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 105 mm, 106 mm, 115 mm, 120 mm, 122 mm, 125 mm, 130 mm, 152 mm, 155 mm, 165 mm, 175 mm, 203 mm, 460 mm, 8 inch, 4.2 inch, 45 caliber and the like. Thus, the present invention is also applicable to the sporting goods industry for use by hunters and target shooters as well as military use.

The projectile 50 may have any profile but generally has an aerodynamic streamlined shape at the head and at the tail, e.g., spritzer, flat base spritzer, boat tail spritzer, tapered-heel spritzer, rounded nose, rounded nose flat base, rounded nose boat tail, rounded nose tapered-heel, flat nose, flat nose flat base, flat nose boat tail, flat nose tapered-heel, hollow point, hollow point boat tail, hollow point flat base, hollow point tapered-heel and so on. Although any head shape can be used, more common shapes include spritzer shape, round, conical, frustoconical, blunted, wadcutter, or hollow point, and the more common tail shape includes flat base, boat tail, tapered-heel expanded bases or banded bases. The bullets of the present invention may have any profile and weight dictated by the particular application. For example, the method and bullets of the present invention may be used in full metal jacket metal cased and full metal jacket both refer to bullets with a metal coating that covers all of, or all but the base of a bullet; metal cased (e.g., as used by REMINGTON® to refer to their full metal jacketed bullets); hollow point bullets have a concave shaped tip that facilitates rapid expansion of the round upon impact; boat tail bullets have a streamlined base to facilitate better aerodynamics; boat tail hollow point; full metal jacketed boat tail; point jacketed hollow point bullets are similar in design to regular hollow point bullets, but have a copper jacket that normally covers everything but the hollowed portion of the round; jacketed flat point rounds have a flat area of exposed lead at the tip; jacketed soft point bullets usually have a spire pointed tip of exposed lead. Jacketed spitzer point can refer to a jacketed spitzer point; spitzer meaning a sharply pointed bullet; jacketed round nose jacketed round nose bullets split the difference between jacketed flat point and jacketed spitzer point bullets and have a rounded tip of exposed lead boat tail soft point sometimes the letters in the acronyms are switched, so boat tail soft point may also be abbreviated as soft point boat tail. Expanding full metal jacketed rounds appear as and feed like a regular full metal jacket bullet, but have a construction that allows the case to collapse and the bullet to flatten upon impact. Wad cutter designs often appear to be nothing more than a cylinder, usually with a hollow base which is used in target practice to punch neat holes in the paper, rather than the ragged holes produced by more rounded designs. Semi wad cutter bullets have a rounded nose that comes down to a cylinder that is slightly larger than the rounded section, giving the bullet a more aerodynamic shape while allowing it to punch clean holes in paper targets. Rounded flat point bullets have a flat tip that is smaller than the bullet diameter and rounded shoulders. Armor piercing ammunition can have bullets with a variety of shapes, though in general they are spire pointed and full metal jacketed rounds that have a strong core designed to penetrate armor. Armor piercing incendiary ammunition has the same penetrating abilities of armor piercing bullets, but with the added function of bursting into an intense flame upon impact. Frangible ammunition is available under a number of trademarks; notably MAGSAFE®, GLASER®, and SINTERFIRE® and are characterized by a design that facilitates the rapid breakup of the bullet upon impact, thus, reducing the chances of over-penetration or a ricochet. Exploding ammunition includes delayed and aerial/above ground exploding ammunition plus ammunition that can penetrate an objective and have a delay before exploding after penetrating. Also included are jacketed designs where the core material is a very hard, high-density metal such as tungsten, tungsten carbide, depleted uranium, or steel.

FIG. 2 is an image of a flat nose boattail projectile. The projectile 50 includes an ogive 52 that extends from the nose 54 (flat tip) to the shoulder 56. The distance from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the nose 54 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 may be extended with a boattail 62, which tappers to heal 64 that curves to form a base 66. An optional cannelure 68 may be positioned on the bearing surface 60 below the shoulder 56.

FIG. 3 is an image of an full metal jacket, expanding full metal jacket, spritzer, jacketed spritzer, armor piercing, armor piercing incendiary or a similar projectile 50 having a pointed nose 55 and a boattail 62. The ogive 52 extends from the pointed nose 55 (pointed tip) to the shoulder 56. The distance from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the pointed nose 55 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 may be extended with a boattail 62, which tappers to heal 64 that curves to form a base 66. An optional cannelure 68 may be positioned on the bearing surface 60 below the shoulder 56.

FIG. 4 is an image of a flat nose flat base projectile. The projectile 50 includes an ogive 52 that extends from the nose 54 (flat tip) to the shoulder 56. The distance from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the nose 54 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 ends with a flat base 70. An optional cannelure 68 may be positioned on the bearing surface 60 below the shoulder 56.

FIG. 5 is an image of an full metal jacket, expanding full metal jacket, spritzer, jacketed spritzer, armor piercing, armor piercing incendiary or a similar projectile 50 having a pointed nose 55 and a flat base 70. The ogive 52 extends from the pointed nose 55 (pointed tip) to the shoulder 56. The distance from the pointed nose 55 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the pointed nose 55 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 ends with a flat base 70. An optional cannelure 68 may be positioned on the bearing surface 60 below the shoulder 56.

FIG. 6 is an image of a boattail projectile without a cannelure. The projectile 50 includes an ogive 52 that extends from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56. The distance from the nose 54 (blunt or pointed (not shown)) to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the nose 54 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 may be extended with a boattail 62, which tappers to heal 64 that curves to form a base 66.

FIG. 7 is an image of a flat base projectile without a cannelure. The ogive 52 extends from the nose 54 (blunt or pointed (not shown)) to the shoulder 56. The distance from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the nose 54 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 may be extended to flat base 70.

FIG. 8 is an image of a boattail projectile 50 with rounded nose. The projectile 50 includes an ogive 52 that extends from the rounded nose 72 to the shoulder 56. The distance from the rounded nose 72 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the nose 72 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 may be extended with a boattail 62, which tappers to heal 64 that curves to form a base 66. An optional cannelure 68 may be positioned on the bearing surface 60 below the shoulder 56.

FIG. 9 is an image of a flat base projectile 50 with a rounded nose 72. The ogive 52 extends from the rounded nose 72 to the shoulder 56. The distance from the rounded nose 72 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the rounded nose 72 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 may be extended to flat base 70. An optional cannelure 68 may be positioned on the bearing surface 60 below the shoulder 56.

FIG. 10 is an image of a flat base projectile 50 having multiple cannelures 68a-68c. The ogive 52 extends from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56. The distance from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the nose 54 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 terminates in a flat base 70. The cannelures 68a-68c may be positioned on the bearing surface 60 below the shoulder 56. Although 1 and 3 cannelures 68a-68c are shown as representative examples, any number of cannelures may be used, e.g., 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more cannelures having various thicknesses and depths.

FIG. 11 is an image of a boattail projectile 50 having multiple cannelures 68a-68c. The projectile 50 includes an ogive 52 that extends from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56. The distance from the nose 54 to the shoulder 56 is the head or ogive distance 58, with the distance from the shoulder 56 extending away from the nose 54 is the bearing surface 60. The bearing surface 60 may be extended with a boattail 62, which tappers to heal 64 that curves to form a base 66. Although 1 and 3 cannelures 68a-68c are shown as representative examples, any number of cannelures may be used, e.g., 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more cannelures having various thicknesses and depths.

These projectiles described herein may be made using a metal injection molding process. The metal injection molding process, which generally involves mixing fine metal powders with binders to form a feedstock that is injection molded into a closed mold, may be used to form a substantially cylindrical insert. After ejection from the mold, the binders are chemically or thermally removed from the substantially cylindrical insert so that the part can be sintered to high density. During the sintering process, the individual metal particles metallurgically bond together as material diffusion occurs to remove most of the porosity left by the removal of the binder.

FIG. 12 is a cut away image of a jacketed spritzer projectile. The projectile 50 includes a nose 55 that extends to a shoulder 56. A bearing surface 60 extends from the shoulder 56 to the base 70. The outer surface 73 of the projectile 50 is a metal jacket covering a metal core 74 that includes a spiral ridge 76a, 76b and 76c (alternatively it may be a spiral groove). In addition, at least a portion of the ogive 52 of the outer surface 73 may be of a softer metal to allow deformation at impact allowing the metal core 74 to penetrate the target.

FIG. 13 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile. The projectile 50 includes a nose 55 that extends to a shoulder 56. A bearing surface 60 extends from the shoulder 56 to the base 70. The outer surface 73 of the projectile 50 is a metal jacket covering a metal core 74 that encompasses a central projectile 78 having ridges or fins 80a, 80b and 80c that terminate at a tip 82 (alternatively the central projectile 78 may have spiral grooves or ridges). In addition, at least a portion of the ogive 52 of the outer surface 73 may be of a softer metal to allow deformation at impact allowing the metal core 74 to penetrate the target.

FIG. 14 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile. The projectile 50 includes a nose 55 that extends to a shoulder 56. A bearing surface 60 extends from the shoulder 56 to the base 70. The outer surface 73 of the projectile 50 is a metal jacket covering a metal core 74 that includes longitudinal ridges 76a, 76b and 76c (alternatively it may be longitudinal grooves). In addition, at least a portion of the ogive 52 of the outer surface 73 may be of a softer metal to allow deformation at impact allowing the metal core 74 to penetrate the target.

FIG. 15 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile. The projectile 50 includes a nose 55 that extends to a shoulder 56. A bearing surface 60 extends from the shoulder 56 to the base 70. The outer surface 73 of the projectile 50 is a jacket covering a metal core 74 that encompasses a central projectile 78 that terminate at a tip 82. In addition, at least a portion of the ogive 52 of the outer surface 73 may be of a softer metal to allow deformation at impact allowing the metal core 74 to penetrate the target.

FIG. 16 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile. The projectile 50 includes a nose 55 that extends to a shoulder 56. A bearing surface 60 extends from the shoulder 56 to the base 70. The outer surface 73 of the projectile 50 is a jacket covering a metal core 74 that encompasses a central region 84 that terminate at a tip 82. The central region 84 may contain a flammable composition that is ignited by ignition source 86.

FIG. 17 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile. The projectile 50 includes a nose 55 that extends to a shoulder 56. A bearing surface 60 extends from the shoulder 56 to the base 70. The outer surface 73 of the projectile 50 is a jacket covering a metal core 74 that encompasses a central region 84 that terminate at a tip 82. The central region 84 may contain pelleted materials 88 that may be ejected upon impact. In addition, at least a portion of the ogive 52 of the outer surface 73 may be of a softer metal to allow deformation at impact allowing more efficient ejection of the pelleted materials 88.

FIG. 18 is a cut away image of a jacketed projectile. The projectile 50 includes a nose 55 that extends to a shoulder 56. A bearing surface 60 extends from the shoulder 56 to the base 70. The outer surface 73 of the projectile 50 partially covers a central projectile 78 to allow the central projectile 78 to penetrate the target.

FIGS. 19a-19s are images of a cut away image of different projectile types. FIG. 19a is an image of a projectile 50 that is an armor piercing tracer having a boattail 62 configured end, a tracer element 90 and solid shot 92. FIG. 19b is an image of a projectile 50 that is an armor piercing high explosive projectile having a base fuse 94 and high explosive charge 96. FIG. 19c is an image of a projectile 50 that is an armor piercing high explosive projectile having a base fuse 94, high explosive charge 96 and an armor piercing shot 98 and armor piercing cap 100. FIG. 19d is an image of a projectile 50 that is a heat shaped charge projectile having a fuse 102, void space 104 and cavity 106 and a high explosive charge 96 surrounding a flash tube 108 connecting the fuse 102 and the booster 110. FIG. 19e is an image of a projectile 50 that is an anti-concrete projectile having a ballistic cap 112 housing a blunt nose 114 connected to a base fuse 94 and high explosive charge 96. FIG. 19f is an image of a projectile 50 that is a high-explosive and high capacity projectile having a high explosive 50 and a booster 110. FIG. 19g is an image of a projectile 50 that is a shrapnel projectile that includes a shrapnel projectile having a base ejection mechanism 116 and a shrapnel 118. FIG. 19h is an image of a projectile 50 that is a canister projectile having shot 120 disposed in the canister. FIG. 19i is an image of a projectile 50 that is an illuminating projectile that includes an ejection charge 122 and an illumination element 124 connected to a parachute 126 connected to a suspending cord 128. FIG. 19j is an image of a projectile 50 that is an armor piercing cap ballistic cap projectile having a base fuse 94, high explosive charge 96 and an armor piercing shot 98, armor piercing cap 100 and ballistic cap 112. FIG. 19k is an image of a projectile 50 that is a high velocity armor piercing projectile having a tracer element 90 and a light metal casing 130 over a hard dense core 132. FIG. 19l is an image of a projectile 50 that is a high velocity armor piercing arrowhead projectile having a tracer element 90 and a light metal casing 130 over a hard dense core 132. FIG. 19m is an image of a projectile 50 that is a high explosive projectile having a fuse 102, high explosive charge 96, a tracer element 90 and a rotation band 134. FIG. 19n is an image of a projectile 50 that is a high explosive chemical projectile having one or more chemicals 136 with a high explosive charge 96 and a high explosive burster 140, and a centering band 138. FIG. 19o is an image of a projectile 50 that is a smoke projectile having one or more smoke compositions 142 and a high explosive burster 140. FIG. 19p is an image of a projectile 50 that is a discarding sabot projectile having a hard core 132 covered by a outer shell 144 and a discardable carrier 146. FIG. 19q is an image of a projectile 50 that is a tapered bore projectile having a bourrelet 148 and a rotating flange 150. FIG. 19r is an image of a projectile 50 that is a rocket assisted projectile having a high explosive charge 96 and a rocket propellant 152 with venturis 154. FIG. 19s is an image of a projectile 50 that is a discarding sabot projectile having a hard core 132 with one or more fins 156 and a discardable carrier 146.

FIGS. 20a-20v are images of various projectiles of the present invention. FIG. 20a is a perspective view of a round point projectile. FIGS. 20b-20e are side views of a round point projectile. FIGS. 20f-20g are perspectives view of a blunt point projectile. FIGS. 20h-20k are side views of a blunt point projectile. FIG. 20l is a perspective view of a flat point projectile. FIGS. 20m-20p are side views of a flat point projectile. FIG. 20q is a cut through view of a hollow point projectile having relief grooves. FIG. 20r is a top view of a hollow point projectile having relief grooves. FIG. 20t is a perspective view of a hollow point projectile. FIGS. 20s, 20u and 20v are perspective views of one embodiment of a projectile of the present invention.

The present invention also provides MIMs of spin-stabilized projectiles. Spinning a projectile promotes flight stability. Spinning is obtained by firing the projectiles through a rifled tube. The projectile engages the rifling by means of a rotating band normally made of copper. The rotating band is engaged by the lands and grooves. At a nominal muzzle velocity of 2,800 feet per second, spin rates on the order of 250 revolutions per second are encountered. Spin-stabilized projectiles are full bore (flush with the bore walls) and are limited approximately to a 5:1 length-to-diameter ratio. They perform very well at relatively low trajectories (less than 45 quadrant elevation). In high trajectory applications they tend to overstabilize (maintain the angle at which they were fired) and, therefore, do not follow the trajectory satisfactorily so other rations may be used to account for this.

The present invention also provides MIMs of fin-stabilized projectiles to obtain stability through the use of fins located at the aft end of the projectile. Normally, four to six fins are employed. Additional stability is obtained by imparting some spin (approximately 20 revolutions/second) to the projectile by canting the leading edge of the fins. Fin-stabilized projectiles are very often subcaliber. A sabot, wood or metal fitted around the projectile, is used to center the projectile in the bore and provide a gas seal. Such projectiles vary from 10:1 to 15:1 in length-to-diameter ratio. Fin-stabilized projectiles are advantageous because they follow the trajectory very well at high-launch angles, and they can be designed with very low drag thereby increasing range and/or terminal velocity.

The present invention also provides MIMs of rocket-assisted projectiles to extend the range over standard gun systems and to allow for lighter mount and barrel design and reduce excessive muzzle flash and smoke by reducing the recoil and setback forces of standard gun systems. Since the ranges are different, the above two objectives represent opposite approaches in the development of rocket-assisted projectiles. Normally, one or the other establishes the performance of the rocket-assisted projectile under development although some compromise in the two approaches may be established by the design objectives.

The raw materials for metal injection molding are metal powders and a thermoplastic binder. There are at least two Binders included in the blend, a primary binder and a secondary binder. This blended powder mix is worked into the plasticized binder at elevated temperature in a kneader or shear roll extruder. The intermediate product is the so-called feedstock. It is usually granulated with granule sizes of several millimeters. In metal injection molding, only the binders are heated up, and that is how the metal is carried into the projectile shaped mold cavity.

Projectiles are molded by filling the mold cavity. Both mold design factors such as runner and gate size, gate placement, venting and molding parameters set on the molding machine affect the molded part. A helium Pycnometer can determine if there are voids trapped inside the parts. During molding, tool that can be used to measure the percent of theoretical density achieved on the “Green” or molded part. By crushing the measured “Green” molded part back to powder, you can now confirm the percent of air (or voids) trapped in the molded part. To measure this, the density of the molded part should be measured in the helium Pycnometer and compared to the theoretical density of the feedstock. Then, take the same molded part that was used in the density test and crush it back to powder. If this granulate shows a density of more than 100% of that of the feedstock, then some of the primary binders have been lost during the molding process. The molding process needs to be corrected because using this process with a degraded feedstock will result in a larger shrinkage and result in a part smaller than that desired. It is vital to be sure that your molded parts are completely filled before continuing the manufacturing process for debinding and sintering. The helium Pycnometer provides this assurance. Primary debinding properly debound parts are extremely important to establish the correct sintering profile. The primary binder must be completely removed before attempting to start to remove the secondary binder as the secondary binder will travel through the pores created by the extraction of the primary binder. Primary debinding techniques depend on the feedstock type used to make the parts. However, the feedstock supplier knows the amount of primary binders that have been added and should be removed before proceeding to the next process step. The feedstock supplier provides a minimum “brown density” that must be achieved before the parts can be moved into a furnace for final debinding and sintering. This minimum brown density will take into account that a small amount of the primary binder remnant may be present and could be removed by a suitable hold during secondary debinding and sintering. The sintering profile should be adjusted to remove the remaining small percent of primary binder before the removal of the secondary binder. Most external feedstock manufacturers provide only a weight loss percent that should be obtained to define suitable debinding. Solvent debound parts must be thoroughly dried, before the helium Pycnometer is used to determine the “brown” density so that the remnant solvent in the part does not affect the measured density value. When the feedstock manufacturer gives you the theoretical density of the “brown” or debound part, can validate the percent of debinding that has been achieved. Most Metal Injection Molding (MIM) operations today perform the secondary debinding and sintering in the same operation. Every MIM molder has gates and runners left over from molding their parts. So, you will be able to now re-use your gates and runners with confidence that they will shrink correctly after sintering. If the feedstock producers have given you the actual and theoretical densities of their feedstock, you can easily measure the densities of the gates and runners and compare the results to the values supplied. Once the regrind densities are higher than that required to maintain the part dimensions, the regrinds are no longer reusable.

Feedstock in accordance with the present invention may be prepared by blending the powdered metal with the binder and heating the blend to form a slurry. Uniform dispersion of the powdered metal in the slurry may be achieved by employing high shear mixing. The slurry may then be cooled to ambient temperature and then granulated to provide the feedstock for the metal injection molding.

The amount of powdered metal and binder in the feedstock may be selected to optimize moldability while insuring acceptable green densities. In one embodiment, the feedstock used for the metal injection molding portion of the invention may include at least about 40 percent by weight powdered metal, in another about 50 percent by weight powdered metal or more. In one embodiment, the feedstock includes at least about 60 percent by weight powdered metal, preferably about 65 percent by weight or more powdered metal. In yet another embodiment, the feedstock includes at least about 75 percent by weight powdered metal. In yet another embodiment, the feedstock includes at least about 80 percent by weight powdered metal. In yet another embodiment, the feedstock includes at least about 85 percent by weight powdered metal. In yet another embodiment, the feedstock includes at least about 90 percent by weight powdered metal.

The binding agent may be any suitable binding agent that does not destroy or interfere with the powdered metals. The binder may be present in an amount of about 50 percent or less by weight of the feedstock. In one embodiment, the binder is present in an amount ranging from 10 percent to about 50 percent by weight. In another embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of about 25 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the feedstock. In another embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of about 30 percent to about 40 percent by weight of the feedstock. In one embodiment, the binder is an aqueous binder. In another embodiment, the binder is an organic-based binder. Examples of binders include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic resins, waxes, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of thermoplastic resins include polyolefins such as acrylic polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene carbonate, polyethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Suitable waxes include, but are not limited to, microcrystalline wax, bee wax, synthetic wax, and combinations thereof.

Examples of suitable powdered metals for use in the feedstock include, but are not limited to: stainless steel including martensitic and austenitic stainless steel, steel alloys, tungsten alloys, soft magnetic alloys such as iron, iron-silicon, electrical steel, iron-nickel (50Ni-50F3), low thermal expansion alloys, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the powdered metal is a mixture of stainless steel, brass and tungsten alloy. The stainless steel used in the present invention may be any 1 series carbon steels, 2 series nickel steels, 3 series nickel-chromium steels, 4 series molybdenum steels, series chromium steels, 6 series chromium-vanadium steels, 7 series tungsten steels, 8 series nickel-chromium-molybdenum steels, or 9 series silicon-manganese steels, e.g., 102, 174, 201, 202, 300, 302, 303, 304, 308, 309, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 405, 408, 409, 410, 416, 420, 430, 439, 440, 446 or 601-665 grade stainless steel.

As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, stainless steel is an alloy of iron and at least one other component that imparts corrosion resistance. As such, in one embodiment, the stainless steel is an alloy of iron and at least one of chromium, nickel, silicon, molybdenum, or mixtures thereof. Examples of such alloys include, but are not limited to, an alloy containing about 1.5 to about 2.5 percent nickel, no more than about 0.5 percent molybdenum, no more than about 0.15 percent carbon, and the balance iron with a density ranging from about 7 g/cm³to about 8 g/cm³; an alloy containing about 6 to about 8 percent nickel, no more than about 0.5 percent molybdenum, no more than about 0.15 percent carbon, and the balance iron with a density ranging from about 7 g/cm³to about 8 g/cm³; an alloy containing about 0.5 to about 1 percent chromium, about 0.5 percent to about 1 percent nickel, no more than about 0.5 percent molybdenum, no more than about 0.2 percent carbon, and the balance iron with a density ranging from about 7 g/cm³to about 8 g/cm³; an alloy containing about 2 to about 3 percent nickel, no more than about 0.5 percent molybdenum, about 0.3 to about 0.6 percent carbon, and the balance iron with a density ranging from about 7 g/cm³to about 8 g/cm³; an alloy containing about 6 to about 8 percent nickel, no more than about 0.5 percent molybdenum, about 0.2 to about 0.5 percent carbon, and the balance iron with a density ranging from about 7 g/cm³to about 8 g/cm³; an alloy containing about 1 to about 1.6 percent chromium, about 0.5 percent or less nickel, no more than about 0.5 percent molybdenum, about 0.9 to about 1.2 percent carbon, and the balance iron with a density ranging from about 7 g/cm³to about 8 g/cm³; and combinations thereof

Suitable tungsten alloys include an alloy containing about 2.5 to about 3.5 percent nickel, about 0.5 percent to about 2.5 percent copper or iron, and the balance tungsten with a density ranging from about 17.5 g/cm³to about 18.5 g/cm³; about 3 to about 4 percent nickel, about 94 percent tungsten, and the balance copper or iron with a density ranging from about 17.5 g/cm³to about 18.5 g/cm³; and mixtures thereof.

In addition, the binders may contain additives such as antioxidants, coupling agents, surfactants, elasticizing agents, dispersants, and lubricants as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,063, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Suitable examples of antioxidants include, but are not limited to thermal stabilizers, metal deactivators, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the binder includes about 0.1 to about 2.5 percent by weight of the binder of an antioxidant. Coupling agents may include but are not limited to titanate, aluminate, silane, or combinations thereof. Typical levels range between 0.5 and 15% by weight of the binder.

For example, the metal injection molding process, which generally involves mixing fine metal powders with binders to form a feedstock that is injection molded into a closed mold, may be used to form a substantially cylindrical insert. After ejection from the mold, the binders are chemically or thermally removed from the substantially cylindrical insert so that the part can be sintered to high density. During the sintering process, the individual metal particles metallurgically bond together as material diffusion occurs to remove most of the porosity left by the removal of the binder.

The raw materials for metal injection molding are metal powders and a thermoplastic binder. There are at least two binders included in the blend, a primary binder and a secondary binder. This blended powder mix is worked into the plasticized binder at elevated temperature in a kneader or shear roll extruder. The intermediate product is the so-called feedstock. It is usually granulated with granule sizes of several millimeters. In metal injection molding, only the binders are heated up, and that is how the metal is carried into the mold cavity.

In preparing a feedstock, it is important first to measure the actual density of each lot of both the metal powders and binders. This is extremely important especially for the metal powders in that each lot will be different based on the actual chemistry of that grade of powder. For example, 316L is comprised of several elements, such as Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, P, Si, S and C. In order to be rightfully called a 316L, each of these elements must meet a minimum and maximum percentage weight requirement as called out in the relevant specification. Hence the variation in the chemistry within the specification results in a significant density variation within the acceptable composition range. Depending on the lot received from the powder producer, the density will vary depending on the actual chemistry received.

In preparing a feedstock, it is important first to measure the actual density of each lot of both the metal powders and binders. This is extremely important especially for the metal powders in that each lot will be different based on the actual chemistry of that grade of powder. For example, 316L is comprised of several elements, such as Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, P, Si, S and C. In order to be rightfully called a 316L, each of these elements must meet a minimum and maximum percentage weight requirement as called out in the relevant specification. Tables I-IV below provide other examples of the elemental compositions of some of the metal powders, feed stocks, metals, alloys and compositions of the present invention. Hence the variation in the chemistry within the specification results in a significant density variation within the acceptable composition range. Depending on the lot received from the powder producer, the density will vary depending on the actual chemistry received.

TABLE I

Material
Chemical Composition, %-Low-Alloy Steels

Designation Code
Fe
Ni
Mo
C
Si (max)

MIM-2200⁽¹⁾
Bal.
1.5-2.5
0.5 max
0.1 max
1.0

MIM-2700
Bal.
6.5-8.5
0.5 max
0.1 max
1.0

MIM-4605⁽²⁾
Bal.
1.5-2.5
0.2-0.5
0.4-0.6
1.0

TABLE II

Material

Designation
Chemical Composition, %-Stainless Steels

Code
Fe
Ni
Cr
Mo
C
Cu
Nb + Ta
Mn (max)
Si (max)

MIM-316L
Bal.
10-14
16-18
2-3
0.03 max
—
—
2.0
1.0

MIM-420
Bal.
—
12-14
—
0.15-0.4
—
—
1.0
1.0

MIM-430L
Bal.
—
16-18
—
0.05 max
—
—
1.0
1.0

MIM-17-4 PH
Bal.
3-5
15.5-17.5
—
0.07 max
3-5
0.15-0.45
1.0
1.0

TABLE III

Material

Designation
Chemical Composition, %-Soft-Magnetic Alloys

Code
Fe
Ni
Cr
Co
Si
C (max)
Mn
V

MIM-2200
Bal.
1.5-2.5
—
—
1.0 max
0.1
—
—

MIM-Fe-3% Si
Bal.
—
—
—
2.5-3.5
0.05
—
—

MIM-Fe50% Ni
Bal.
49-51
—
—
1.0 max
0.05
—
—

MIM-Fe50% Co
Bal.
—
—
48-50
1.0 max
0.05
—
2.5 max

MIM-430L
Bal.
—
16-18
—
1.0 max
0.05
1.0 max
—

TABLE IV

Nominal Chemical Composition, %-Controlled-Expansion Alloys

Material

Mn
Si
C
Al
Mg
Zr
Ti
Cu
Cr
Mo

Designation
Fe
Ni
Co
max
max
max
max
max
max
max
max
max
max

MIM-F15
Bal.
29
17
0.50
0.20
0.04
010
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.20
0.20
0.20

In addition to the specific compositions listed herein, the skill artisan recognizes the elemental composition of common commercial designations used by feedstock manufacturers and processors, e.g., C-0000 Copper and Copper Alloys; CFTG-3806-K Diluted Bronze Bearings; CNZ-1818 Copper and Copper Alloys; CNZP-1816 Copper and Copper Alloys; CT-1000 Copper and Copper Alloys; CT-1000-K Bronze Bearings; CTG-1001-K Bronze Bearings; CTG-1004-K Bronze Bearings; CZ-1000 Copper and Copper Alloys; CZ-2000 Copper and Copper Alloys; CZ-3000 Copper and Copper Alloys; CZP-1002 Copper and Copper Alloys; CZP-2002 Copper and Copper Alloys; CZP-3002 Copper and Copper Alloys; F-0000 Iron and Carbon Steel; F-0000-K Iron and Iron-Carbon Bearings; F-0005 Iron and Carbon Steel; F-0005-K Iron and Iron-Carbon Bearings; F-0008 Iron and Carbon Steel; F-0008-K Iron and Iron-Carbon Bearings; FC-0200 Iron-Copper and Copper Steel; FC-0200-K Iron-Copper Bearings; FC-0205 Iron-Copper and Copper Steel; FC-0205-K Iron-Copper-Carbon Bearings; FC-0208 Iron-Copper and Copper Steel; FC-0208-K Iron-Copper-Carbon Bearings; FC-0505 Iron-Copper and Copper Steel; FC-0508 Iron-Copper and Copper Steel; FC-0508-K Iron-Copper-Carbon Bearings; FC-0808 Iron-Copper and Copper Steel; FC-1000 Iron-Copper and Copper Steel; FC-1000-K Iron-Copper Bearings; FC-2000-K Iron-Copper Bearings; FC-2008-K Iron-Copper-Carbon Bearings; FCTG-3604-K Diluted Bronze Bearings; FD-0200 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FD-0205 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FD-0208 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FD-0400 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FD-0405 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FD-0408 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FF-0000 Soft-Magnetic Alloys; FG-0303-K Iron-Graphite Bearings; FG-0308-K Iron-Graphite Bearings; FL-4005 Prealloyed Steel; FL-4205 Prealloyed Steel; FL-4400 Prealloyed Steel; FL-4405 Prealloyed Steel; FL-4605 Prealloyed Steel; FL-4805 Prealloyed Steel; FL-48105 Prealloyed Steel; FL-4905 Prealloyed Steel; FL-5208 Prealloyed Steel; FL-5305 Prealloyed Steel; FLC-4608 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLC-4805 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLC-48108 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLC-4908 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLC2-4808 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLDN2-4908 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FLDN4C2-4905 Diffusion-Alloyed Steel; FLN-4205 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN-48108 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLN2-4400 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN2-4405 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN2-4408 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLN2C-4005 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN4-4400 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN4-4405 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN4-4408 Sinter Hardened Steel; FLN4C-4005 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN6-4405 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLN6-4408 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FLNC-4405 Hybrid Low-Alloy Steel; FLNC-4408 Sinter-Hardened Steel; FN-0200 Iron-Nickel and Nickel Steel; FN-0205 Iron-Nickel and Nickel Steel; FN-0208 Iron-Nickel and Nickel Steel; FN-0405 Iron-Nickel and Nickel Steel; FN-0408 Iron-Nickel and Nickel Steel; FN-5000 Soft-Magnetic Alloys; FS-0300 Soft-Magnetic Alloys; FX-1000 Copper-Infiltrated Iron and Steel; FX-1005 Copper-Infiltrated Iron and Steel; FX-1008 Copper-Infiltrated Iron and Steel; FX-2000 Copper-Infiltrated Iron and Steel; FX-2005 Copper-Infiltrated Iron and Steel; FX-2008 Copper-Infiltrated Iron and Steel; FY-4500 Soft-Magnetic Alloys; FY-8000 Soft-Magnetic Alloys; P/F-1020 Carbon Steel PF; P/F-1040 Carbon Steel PF; P/F-1060 Carbon Steel PF; P/F-10C40 Copper Steel PF; P/F-10C50 Copper Steel PF; P/F-10C60 Copper Steel PF; P/F-1140 Carbon Steel PF; P/F-1160 Carbon Steel PF; P/F-11C40 Copper Steel PF; P/F-11C50 Copper Steel PF; P/F-11C60 Copper Steel PF; P/F-4220 Low-Alloy P/F-42XX Steel PF; P/F-4240 Low-Alloy P/F-42XX Steel PF; P/F-4260 Low-Alloy P/F-42XX Steel PF; P/F-4620 Low-Alloy P/F-46XX Steel PF; P/F-4640 Low-Alloy P/F-46XX Steel PF; P/F-4660 Low-Alloy P/F-46XX Steel PF; P/F-4680 Low-Alloy P/F-46XX Steel PF; SS-303L Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-303N1 Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-303N2 Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-304H Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-304L Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-304N1 Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-304N2 Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-316H Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-316L Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-316N1 Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-316N2 Stainless Steel—300 Series Alloy; SS-409L Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; SS-409LE Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; SS-410 Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; SS-410L Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; SS-430L Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; SS-430N2 Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; SS-434L Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; SS-434LCb Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy; and SS-434N2 Stainless Steel—400 Series Alloy.

Titanium alloys that may be used in this invention include any alloy or modified alloy known to the skilled artisan including titanium grades 5-38 and more specifically titanium grades 5, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 35, 36 or 38. Grades 5, 23, 24, 25, 29, 35, or 36 annealed or aged; Grades 9, 18, 28, or 38 cold-worked and stress-relieved or annealed; Grades 9, 18, 23, 28, or 29 transformed-beta condition; and Grades 19, 20, or 21 solution-treated or solution-treated and aged. Grade 5, also known as Ti6Al4V, Ti-6Al-4V or Ti 6-4, is the most commonly used alloy. It has a chemical composition of 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, 0.25% (maximum) iron, 0.2% (maximum) oxygen, and the remainder titanium. It is significantly stronger than commercially pure titanium while having the same stiffness and thermal properties (excluding thermal conductivity, which is about 60% lower in Grade 5 Ti than in CP Ti); Grade 6 contains 5% aluminum and 2.5% tin. It is also known as Ti-5Al-2.5Sn. This alloy has good weldability, stability and strength at elevated temperatures; Grade 7 and 7H contains 0.12 to 0.25% palladium. This grade is similar to Grade 2. The small quantity of palladium added gives it enhanced crevice corrosion resistance at low temperatures and high pH; Grade 9 contains 3.0% aluminum and 2.5% vanadium. This grade is a compromise between the ease of welding and manufacturing of the “pure” grades and the high strength of Grade 5; Grade 11 contains 0.12 to 0.25% palladium; Grade 12 contains 0.3% molybdenum and 0.8% nickel; Grades 13, 14, and 15 all contain 0.5% nickel and 0.05% ruthenium; Grade 16 contains 0.04 to 0.08% palladium; Grade 16H contains 0.04 to 0.08% palladium; Grade 17 contains 0.04 to 0.08% palladium; Grade 18 contains 3% aluminum, 2.5% vanadium and 0.04 to 0.08% palladium; Grade 19 contains 3% aluminum, 8% vanadium, 6% chromium, 4% zirconium, and 4% molybdenum; Grade 20 contains 3% aluminum, 8% vanadium, 6% chromium, 4% zirconium, 4% molybdenum and 0.04% to 0.08% palladium; Grade 21 contains 15% molybdenum, 3% aluminum, 2.7% niobium, and 0.25% silicon; Grade 23 contains 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, 0.13% (maximum) Oxygen; Grade 24 contains 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium and 0.04% to 0.08% palladium. Grade 25 contains 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium and 0.3% to 0.8% nickel and 0.04% to 0.08% palladium; Grades 26, 26H, and 27 all contain 0.08 to 0.14% ruthenium; Grade 28 contains 3% aluminum, 2.5% vanadium and 0.08 to 0.14% ruthenium; Grade 29 contains 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium and 0.08 to 0.14% ruthenium; Grades 30 and 31 contain 0.3% cobalt and 0.05% palladium; Grade 32 contains 5% aluminum, 1% tin, 1% zirconium, 1% vanadium, and 0.8% molybdenum; Grades 33 and 34 contain 0.4% nickel, 0.015% palladium, 0.025% ruthenium, and 0.15% chromium; Grade 35 contains 4.5% aluminum, 2% molybdenum, 1.6% vanadium, 0.5% iron, and 0.3% silicon; Grade 36 contains 45% niobium; Grade 37 contains 1.5% aluminum; and Grade 38 contains 4% aluminum, 2.5% vanadium, and 1.5% iron. Its mechanical properties are very similar to Grade 5, but has good cold workability similar to grade 9. One embodiment includes a Ti6Al4V composition. One embodiment includes a composition having 3-12% aluminum, 2-8% vanadium, 0.1-0.75% iron, 0.1-0.5% oxygen, and the remainder titanium. More specifically, about 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium, about 0.25% iron, about 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium. For example, one Ti composition may include 10 to 35% Cr, 0.05 to 15% Al, 0.05 to 2% Ti, 0.05 to 2% Y₂O₅, with the balance being either Fe, Ni or Co, or an alloy consisting of 20±1.0% Cr, 4.5±0.5% Al, 0.5±0.1% Y2O5 or ThO2, with the balance being Fe. For example, one Ti composition may include 15.0-23.0% Cr, 0.5-2.0% Si, 0.0-4.0% Mo, 0.0-1.2% Nb, 0.0-3.0% Fe, 0.0-0.5% Ti, 0.0-0.5% Al, 0.0-0.3% Mn, 0.0-0.1% Zr, 0.0-0.035% Ce, 0.005-0.025% Mg, 0.0005-0.005% B, 0.005-0.3% C, 0.0-20.0% Co, balance Ni. Sample Ti-based feedstock component includes 0-45% metal powder; 15-40% binder; 0-10% Polymer (e.g., thermoplastics and thermosets); surfactant 0-3%; lubricant 0-3%; sintering aid 0-1%. Another sample Ti-based feedstock component includes about 62% TiH2 powder as a metal powder; about 29% naphthalene as a binder; about 2.1-2.3% polymer (e.g., EVA/epoxy); about 2.3% SURFONIC N-100® as a Surfactant; lubricant is 1.5% stearic acid as; about 0.4% silver as a sintering Aid. Examples of metal compounds include metal hydrides, such as TiH₂, and intermetallics, such as TiAl and TiAl₃. A specific instance of an alloy includes Ti-6Al,4V, among others. In another embodiment, the metal powder comprises at least approximately 45% of the volume of the feedstock, while in still another, it comprises between approximately 54.6% and 70.0%. In addition, Ti—Al alloys may consists essentially of 32-38% of Al and the balance of Ti and contains 0.005-0.20% of B, and the alloy which essentially consists of the above quantities of Al and Ti and contains, in addition to the above quantity of B, up to 0.2% of C, up to 0.3% of O and/or up to 0.3% of N (provided that O+N add up to 0.4%) and c) 0.05-3.0% of Ni and/or 0.05-3.0% of Si, and the balance of Ti.

Both mold design factors such as runner and gate size, gate placement, venting and molding parameters set on the molding machine affect the molded part. A helium Pycnometer can determine if there are voids trapped inside the parts. During molding, you have a tool that can be used to measure the percent of theoretical density achieved on the “Green” or molded part. By crushing the measured “green” molded part back to powder, you can now confirm the percent of air (or voids) trapped in the molded part. To measure this, the density of the molded part should be measured in the helium Pycnometer and compared to the theoretical density of the feedstock. Then, take the same molded part that was used in the density test and crush it back to powder. If this granulate shows a density of more than 100% of that of the feedstock, then some of the primary binders have been lost during the molding process. The molding process needs to be corrected because using this process with a degraded feedstock will result in a larger shrinkage and result in a part smaller than that desired. It is vital to be sure that your molded parts are completely filled before continuing the manufacturing process for debinding and sintering. The helium Pycnometer provides this assurance. Primary debinding properly debound parts are extremely important to establish the correct sintering profile. The primary binder must be completely removed before attempting to start to remove the secondary binder as the secondary binder will travel through the pores created by the extraction of the primary binder. Primary debinding techniques depend on the feedstock type used to make the parts. However the feedstock supplier knows the amount of primary binders that have been added and should be removed before proceeding to the next process step. The feedstock supplier provides a minimum “brown density” that must be achieved before the parts can be moved into a furnace for final debinding and sintering. This minimum brown density will take into account that a small amount of the primary binder remnant may be present and could be removed by a suitable hold during secondary debinding and sintering. The sintering profile should be adjusted to remove the remaining small percent of primary binder before the removal of the secondary binder. Most external feedstock manufacturers provide only a weight loss percent that should be obtained to define suitable debinding. Solvent debound parts must be thoroughly dried, before the helium Pycnometer is used to determine the “brown” density so that the remnant solvent in the part does not affect the measured density value. When the feedstock manufacturer gives you the theoretical density of the “brown” or debound part, can validate the percent of debinding that has been achieved. Most MIM operations today perform the secondary debinding and sintering in the same operation. Every MIM molder has gates and runners left over from molding their parts. So, you will be able to now re-use your gates and runners with confidence that they will shrink correctly after sintering. If the feedstock producers have given you the actual and theoretical densities of their feedstock, you can easily measure the densities of the gates and runners and compare the results to the values supplied. Once the regrind densities are higher than that required to maintain the part dimensions, the regrinds are no longer reusable.

For example, one Ti composition may include 10 to 35% Cr, 0.05 to 15% Al, 0.05 to 2% Ti, 0.05 to 2% Y₂O₅, with the balance being either Fe, Ni or Co, or an alloy consisting of 20±1.0% Cr, 4.5±0.5% Al, 0.5±0.1% Y₂O₅or ThO₂, with the balance being Fe. For example, one Ti composition may include 15.0-23.0% Cr, 0.5-2.0% Si, 0.0-4.0% Mo, 0.0-1.2% Nb, 0.0-3.0% Fe, 0.0-0.5% Ti, 0.0-0.5% Al, 0.0-0.3% Mn, 0.0-0.1% Zr, 0.0-0.035% Ce, 0.005-0.025% Mg, 0.0005-0.005% B, 0.005-0.3% C, 0.0-20.0% Co, balance Ni. Sample Ti-based feedstock component includes 0-45% metal powder; 15-40% binder; 0-10% Polymer (e.g., thermoplastics and thermosets); surfactant 0-3%; lubricant 0-3%; sintering aid 0-1%. Another sample Ti-based feedstock component includes about 62% TiH₂powder as a metal powder; about 29% naphthalene as a binder; about 2.1-2.3% polymer (e.g., EVA/epoxy); about 2.3% SURFONIC N-100® as a Surfactant; lubricant is 1.5% stearic acid as a; about 0.4% silver as a sintering Aid. Examples of metal compounds include metal hydrides, such as TiH₂, and intermetallics, such as TiAl and TiAl₃. A specific instance of an alloy includes Ti-6Al,4V, among others. In another embodiment, the metal powder comprises at least approximately 45% of the volume of the feedstock, while in still another, it comprises between approximately 54.6% and 70.0%. In addition, Ti—Al alloys may consists essentially of 32-38% of Al and the balance of Ti and contains 0.005-0.20% of B, and the alloy which essentially consists of the above quantities of Al and Ti and contains, in addition to the above quantity of B, up to 0.2% of C, up to 0.3% of O and/or up to 0.3% of N (provided that O+N add up to 0.4%) and c) 0.05-3.0% of Ni and/or 0.05-3.0% of Si, and the balance of Ti.

One embodiment of the powdered metal may include a composition where Ni may be 2.0, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, 6.0, 6.25, 6.50, 6.75, 7.0, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8.0, 8.25, 8.50, 8.75, 9.0, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75, 10.0, 10.25, 10.50, 10.75, 11.0, 11.25, 11.5, 11.75, 12.0, 12.25, 12.50, 12.75, 13.0, 13.25, 13.5, 13.75, 14.0, 14.25, 14.50, 14.75, 15.0, 15.25, 15.5, 15.75, 16.0, 16.25, 16.50, 16.75, or 17.0%; Cr may be 9.0, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75, 10.0, 10.25, 10.50, 10.75, 11.0, 11.25, 11.5, 11.75, 12.0, 12.25, 12.50, 12.75, 13.0, 13.25, 13.5, 13.75, 14.0, 14.25, 14.50, 14.75, 15.0, 15.25, 15.5, 15.75, 16.0, 16.25, 16.50, 16.75, 17.0, 17.25, 17.5, 17.75, 18.0, 18.25, 18.50, 18.75, 19.0, 19.25, 19.5, 19.75, or 20.0%; Mo may be 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.10, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, 0.20, 0.225, 0.250, 0.275, 0.30, 0.325, 0.350, 0.375, 0.40, 0.425, 0.450, 0.475, 0.50, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.60, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, 0.70, 0.725, 0.750, 0.775, 0.80, 0.825, 0.850, 0.875, 0.90, 0.925, 0.950, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, 6.0, 6.25, 6.50, 6.75, or 7.0%; C may be 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.10, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, 0.20, 0.225, 0.250, 0.275, 0.30, 0.325, 0.350, 0.375, 0.40, 0.425, 0.450, 0.475, 0.50, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.60, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, 0.70, 0.725, 0.750, 0.775, 0.80, 0.825, 0.850, 0.875, 0.90, 0.925, 0.950, or 1.00%; Cu may be 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.10, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, 0.20, 0.225, 0.250, 0.275, 0.30, 0.325, 0.350, 0.375, 0.40, 0.425, 0.450, 0.475, 0.50, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.60, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, 0.70, 0.725, 0.750, 0.775, 0.80, 0.825, 0.850, 0.875, 0.90, 0.925, 0.950, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, 6.0, 6.25, 6.50, 6.75, 7.0, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, or 8.0%; Nb+Ta may be 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.10, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, 0.20, 0.225, 0.250, 0.275, 0.30, 0.325, 0.350, 0.375, 0.40, 0.425, 0.450, 0.475, 0.50, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.60, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, 0.70, 0.725, 0.750, 0.775, or 0.80%; Mn may be 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.10, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, 0.20, 0.225, 0.250, 0.275, 0.30, 0.325, 0.350, 0.375, 0.40, 0.425, 0.450, 0.475, 0.50, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.60, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, 0.70, 0.725, 0.750, 0.775, 0.80, 0.825, 0.850, 0.875, 0.90, 0.925, 0.950, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, or 6.0%; Si may be 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.10, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, 0.20, 0.225, 0.250, 0.275, 0.30, 0.325, 0.350, 0.375, 0.40, 0.425, 0.450, 0.475, 0.50, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.60, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, 0.70, 0.725, 0.750, 0.775, 0.80, 0.825, 0.850, 0.875, 0.90, 0.925, 0.950, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, or 4.0%; and the balance Fe. For example, one embodiment of the powdered metal may include any amount in the range of 2-16% Ni; 10-20% Cr; 0-5% Mo; 0-0.6% C; 0-6.0% Cu; 0-0.5% Nb+Ta; 0-4.0% Mn; 0-2.0% Si and the balance Fe. One embodiment of the powdered metal may include any amount in the range of 2-6% Ni; 13.5-19.5% Cr; 0-0.10% C; 1-7.0% Cu; 0.05-0.65% Nb+Ta; 0-3.0% Mn; 0-3.0% Si and the balance Fe. One embodiment of the powdered metal may include any amount in the range of 3-5% Ni; 15.5-17.5% Cr; 0-0.07% C; 3-5.0% Cu; 0.15-0.45% Nb+Ta; 0-1.0% Mn; 0-1.0% Si and the balance Fe. One embodiment of the powdered metal may include any amount in the range of 10-14% Ni; 16-18% Cr; 2-3% Mo; 0-0.03% C; 0-2% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe. One embodiment of the powdered metal may include any amount in the range of 12-14% Cr; 0.15-0.4% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe. One embodiment of the powdered metal may include any amount in the range of 16-18% Cr; 0-0.05% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe.

The projectiles of the present invention may be made by metal injection molded using alloys include high strength steels, stainless steels plus Ni and Co super alloys; refractory metals, titanium and copper alloys; and low melting point alloys like brass, bronze, zinc and aluminum. The projectiles of the present invention may also be made by metal injection molded using stainless Steel: 304L, 316L, 17-4 PH, 15-5 PH, 420, 430, 440; Super alloys: Inconel, Hastelloy, Co-based Low Alloy Steels, 2-8% Ni (4600, 4650); Magnetic Alloys: 2-6% Si—Fe, 50% Ni—Fe, 50% Co—Fe; Alloys: Fe-36Ni (Invar), F-15 (Kovar); Materials: Pure Copper, Beryllium-Copper, Brass Steels: AISI M2, M3/2, M4, T15, M42, D2; Heavy Alloys: Tungsten-Copper, W—Fe—Ni, Molybdenum-Copper.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including Brass compositions include MPIF CZ-1000-10 having a tensile strength of 20,000 PSI, a yield strength of 11,000 PSI, an elongation of 10.5% per inch, and an apparent hardness HRH 70-75; and MPIF CZ-2000-12 having a tensile strength of 30,000 PSI, a yield strength of 13,500 PSI, an elongation of 16% per inch, and an apparent Hardness HRH 75-80.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including Copper compositions include MPIF C-0000-5 having a tensile strength of Tensile Strength 23,000 PSI, an elongation of 20% per inch, and an apparent hardness HRH 20-25.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including lead. In addition compositions of lead with tin and/or antimony can be formed using the present invention. The present invention can be used to form a cup made of harder metal, such as copper, placed at the base of the bullet (i.e., a gas check) to decrease lead deposits by protecting the rear of the bullet against melting when fired at higher pressures.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including jacketed bullets intended for even higher-velocity applications generally have a lead core that is jacketed or plated with gilding metal, cupronickel, copper alloys, or steel; a thin layer of harder metal protects the softer lead core when the bullet is passing through the barrel and during flight, which allows delivering the bullet intact to the target. There, the heavy lead core delivers its kinetic energy to the target. In addition to lead cores other more dense metals including hardened steel, tungsten, or tungsten carbide, and even a core of depleted uranium.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including full metal jacket bullets are completely encased in the harder metal jacket, except for the base. Some bullet jackets do not extend to the front of the bullet, to aid expansion and increase lethality; these are called soft point or hollow point bullets. Steel bullets are often plated with copper or other metals for corrosion resistance during long periods of storage. Synthetic jacket materials such as nylon and TEFLON® can also be used as can hollow point bullets with plastic aerodynamic tips that improve accuracy and enhance expansion.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including hard cast bullets which includes a hard lead alloy to reduce fouling of rifling grooves.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including practice bullets made from lightweight materials including rubber, wax, plastic, or lightweight metal.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold incendiary rounds from various materials including an explosive or flammable mixture in the tip that is designed to ignite on contact with a target. The intent is to ignite fuel or munitions in the target area, thereby adding to the destructive power of the bullet itself.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold exploding rounds from various materials. Similar to the incendiary bullet, this type of projectile is designed to explode upon hitting a hard surface, preferably the bone of the intended target. Not to be mistaken for cannon shells or grenades with fuse devices, these bullets have only a cavity filled with a small amount of low explosive depending on the velocity and deformation upon impact to detonate.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold tracer rounds from various materials. The tracer rounds have a hollow back, filled with a flare material. Usually this is a mixture of magnesium metal, a perchlorate, and strontium salts to yield a bright red color, although other materials providing other colors have also sometimes been used. Tracer material burns out after a certain amount of time. This type of round is also used by all branches of the United States military in combat environments as a signaling device to friendly forces. The flight characteristics of tracer rounds differ from normal bullets due to their lighter weight.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold armor piercing rounds from various materials. Jacketed designs where the core material is a very hard, high-density metal such as tungsten, tungsten carbide, depleted uranium, or steel. A pointed tip is often used, but a flat tip on the penetrator portion is generally more effective. The most common bullet jacket material is a copper, nickel, or steel jacket over a lead core; however, other core materials may be used including depleted Uranium, Tungsten as well as other jacketing materials.

In addition multiple layer projectiles may be formed using the metal injection molding of the present invention. For example, a steel core may be covered with a layer of lead that is then covered with a layer of copper; a depleted Uranium may be covered with a layer of Tungsten that is then covered with a layer of copper; a steel core may be covered with a layer of lead that is then covered with a polymer layer; a pelleted core (e.g., small lead pellets, plastic, or a silicone rubber material) may be covered with a layer of lead, copper or polymer; or other variations.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including nontoxic shot such as steel, bismuth, tungsten, and other exotic bullet alloys prevent release of toxic lead into the environment.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold rounds from various materials including blended-metals such as bullets made using cores from powdered metals and mixtures of different powered metals.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold frangible rounds from various materials. These are designed to disintegrate into tiny particles upon impact to minimize their penetration for reasons of range safety, to limit environmental impact, or to limit the shoot-through danger behind the intended target. The bullet may be made from an amalgam of metal and a hard frangible plastic binder designed to penetrate a human target and release its component shot pellets without exiting the target.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold various materials including solid or monolithic solid metal rounds including mono-metal bullets intended for deep penetration with slender shaped very-low-drag projectiles for long range shooting. Such metals include oxygen free copper and alloys like copper nickel, tellurium copper and brass including UNS C36000 Free-Cutting Brass.

The present invention can be used to metal injection mold sabot rounds from various materials. The sabot round may include a multiple piece bullet having a smaller bullet surrounded by a larger carrier bullet (or sabot) that passes through the barrel and once leaving the barrel the sabot and the smaller bullet separate with the sabot falling to the ground fairly close to the barrel and the light weighted smaller bullet traveling down range at a high velocity without any identifiable rifling characteristics.

The description of the preferred embodiments should be taken as illustrating, rather than as limiting, the present invention as defined by the claims. As will be readily appreciated, numerous combinations of the features set forth above can be utilized without departing from the present invention as set forth in the claims. Such variations are not regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge comprising the steps of: providing an ammunition cartridge mold comprising a bottom portion having a primer recess extending into the bottom portion adapted to receive a primer, a flash hole positioned in the primer recess through the bottom portion; side walls extending from the bottom portion to a nose end aperture, wherein a propellant chamber is formed between the nose end aperture and the bottom portion;injecting a metal composition into the ammunition cartridge mold to form a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge; and removing the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge from the ammunition cartridge mold.
2. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 1, further comprising the step of forming a shoulder in the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge.
3. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 2, further comprising the step of forming a neck between the shoulder and the nose end aperture to form a projectile aperture.
4. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 1 wherein the metal composition comprises: a) 2-16% Ni; 10-20% Cr; 0-5% Mo; 0-0.6% C; 0-6.0% Cu; 0-0.5% Nb+Ta; 0-4.0% Mn; 0-2.0% Si and the balance Fe;b) 2-6% Ni; 13.5-19.5% Cr; 0-0.10% C; 1-7.0% Cu; 0.05-0.65% Nb+Ta; 0-3.0% Mn; 0-3.0% Si and the balance Fe;c) 3-5% Ni; 15.5-17.5% Cr; 0-0.07% C; 3-5.0% Cu; 0.15-0.45% Nb+Ta; 0-1.0% Mn; 0-1.0% Si and the balance Fe;d) 10-14% Ni; 16-18% Cr; 2-3% Mo; 0-0.03% C; 0-2% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe;e) 12-14% Cr; 0.15-0.4% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe;f) 16-18% Cr; 0-0.05% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe;g) 3-12% aluminum, 2-8% vanadium, 0. 1-0.75% iron, 0. 1-0.5% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; orh) about 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium, about 0.25% iron, about 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium.
5. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge is a 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, 308, 338, 3030, 3006, 50 caliber, 45 caliber, 380 caliber, 38 caliber, 9 mm, 10 mm, 12.7 mm, 14.5 mm, or 14.7 mm ammunition cartridge.
6. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the metal injection molded ammunition cartridge is 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 57 mm, 60 mm, 75 mm, 76 mm, 81 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 105 mm, 106 mm, 115 mm, 120 mm, 122 mm, 125 mm, 130 mm, 152 mm, 155 mm, 165 mm, 175 mm, 203 mm, 460 mm, 8 inch, or 4.2 inch.
7. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the metal composition comprises 102, 174, 201, 202, 300, 302, 303, 304, 308, 309, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 405, 408, 409, 410, 415, 416, 416R, 420, 430, 439, 440, 446 or 601-665 grade stainless steel.
8. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the metal composition comprises 2-16% Ni; 10-20% Cr; 0-5% Mo; 0-0.6% C; 0-6.0% Cu; 0-0.5% Nb+Ta; 0-4.0% Mn; 0-2.0% Si and the balance Fe; 2-6% Ni; 13.5-19.5% Cr; 0-0.10% C; 1-7.0%. Cu; 0.05-0.65% Nb+Ta; 0-3.0% Mn; 0-3.0% Si and balance Fe; 3-5% Ni; 15.5-17.5% Cr; 0-0.07% C; 3-5.0% Cu; 0.15-0.45% Nb+Ta; 0-1.0% Mn; 0-1.0% Si and the balance Fe; 10-14% Ni; 16-18% Cr, 2-3% Mo; 0-0.03% C, 0-2% Mn; 0-1% Si and tine balance Fe; 12-14% Cr; 15-0.4% C; 0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; Cr; 0-0.05% C;0-1% Mn; 0-1% Si and the balance Fe; 3-12% aluminum, 2-8% vanadium, 0.1-0.75% iron, 0.1-0.5% oxygen, and the remainder titanium; or 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium, about 0.25% iron, about 0.2% oxygen, and the remainder titanium.
9. The method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the metal composition comprises brass or a brass alloy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/800,196 filed Feb. 25, 2020, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/017,142 filed Jun. 25, 2018 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,612,896, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/863,800 filed Sep. 24, 2015 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,041,770, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/011,202 filed Aug. 27, 2013 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,546,849, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/292,843 filed Nov. 9, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,543, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/456,664 filed Nov. 10, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

US Referenced Citations (673)

Number	Name	Date	Kind
99528	Boyd	Feb 1870	A
113634	Crispin	Apr 1871	A
130679	Whitmore	Aug 1872	A
159665	Gauthey	Feb 1875	A
169807	Hart	Nov 1875	A
207248	Bush et al.	Aug 1878	A
462611	Comte de Sparre	Nov 1891	A
475008	Bush	May 1892	A
498856	Overbaugh	Jun 1893	A
498857	Overbaugh	Jun 1893	A
640856	Bailey	Jan 1900	A
662137	Tellerson	Nov 1900	A
676000	Henneberg	Jun 1901	A
743242	Bush	Nov 1903	A
865979	Bailey	Sep 1907	A
869046	Bailey	Oct 1907	A
905358	Peters	Dec 1908	A
957171	Loeb	May 1910	A
963911	Loeble	Jul 1910	A
1060817	Clyne	May 1913	A
1060818	Clyne	May 1913	A
1064907	Hoagland	Jun 1913	A
1187464	Offutt	Jun 1916	A
1842445	Clyne	Jan 1932	A
1936905	Gaidos	Nov 1933	A
1940657	Woodford	Dec 1933	A
2294822	Norman	Sep 1942	A
2465962	Allen et al.	Mar 1949	A
2654319	Roske	Oct 1953	A
2823611	Thayer	Feb 1958	A
2862446	Lars	Dec 1958	A
2918868	Lars	Dec 1959	A
2936709	Seavey	May 1960	A
2953990	Miller	Sep 1960	A
2972947	Fitzsimmons et al.	Feb 1961	A
3034433	Karl	May 1962	A
3099958	Daubenspeck et al.	Aug 1963	A
3157121	Daubenspeck et al.	Nov 1964	A
3159701	Herter	Dec 1964	A
3170401	Johnson et al.	Feb 1965	A
3171350	Metcalf et al.	Mar 1965	A
3242789	Woodring	Mar 1966	A
3246603	Comerford	Apr 1966	A
3256815	Davidson et al.	Jun 1966	A
3288066	Hans et al.	Nov 1966	A
3292538	Hans et al.	Dec 1966	A
3332352	Olson et al.	Jul 1967	A
3444777	Lage	May 1969	A
3446146	Stadler et al.	May 1969	A
3485170	Scanlon	Dec 1969	A
3485173	Morgan	Dec 1969	A
3491691	Vawter	Jan 1970	A
3565008	Gulley et al.	Feb 1971	A
3590740	Herter	Jul 1971	A
3609904	Scanlon	Oct 1971	A
3614929	Herter et al.	Oct 1971	A
3659528	Santala	May 1972	A
3688699	Horn et al.	Sep 1972	A
3690256	Schnitzer	Sep 1972	A
3745924	Scanlon	Jul 1973	A
3749021	Burgess	Jul 1973	A
3756156	Schuster	Sep 1973	A
3765297	Skochko et al.	Oct 1973	A
3768413	Ramsay	Oct 1973	A
3786755	Eckstein et al.	Jan 1974	A
3797396	Reed	Mar 1974	A
3842739	Scanlon et al.	Oct 1974	A
3866536	Greenberg	Feb 1975	A
3874294	Hale	Apr 1975	A
3955506	Luther et al.	May 1976	A
3977326	Anderson et al.	Aug 1976	A
3990366	Scanlon	Nov 1976	A
4005630	Patrick	Feb 1977	A
4020763	Iruretagoyena	May 1977	A
4132173	Amuchastegui	Jan 1979	A
4147107	Ringdal	Apr 1979	A
4157684	Clausser	Jun 1979	A
4173186	Dunham	Nov 1979	A
4179992	Ramnarace et al.	Dec 1979	A
4187271	Rolston et al.	Feb 1980	A
4228724	Leich	Oct 1980	A
4276830	Alice	Jul 1981	A
4353304	Hubsch et al.	Oct 1982	A
4475435	Mantel	Oct 1984	A
4483251	Spalding	Nov 1984	A
4598445	O'Connor	Jul 1986	A
4614157	Grelle et al.	Sep 1986	A
4679505	Reed	Jul 1987	A
4718348	Ferrigno	Jan 1988	A
4719859	Ballreich et al.	Jan 1988	A
4726296	Leshner et al.	Feb 1988	A
4763576	Kass et al.	Aug 1988	A
4773154	Gellert	Sep 1988	A
4867065	Kaltmann et al.	Sep 1989	A
4970959	Bilsbury et al.	Nov 1990	A
5021206	Stoops	Jun 1991	A
5033386	Vatsvog	Jul 1991	A
5063853	Bilgeri	Nov 1991	A
5090327	Bilgeri	Feb 1992	A
5151555	Vatsvog	Sep 1992	A
5165040	Andersson et al.	Nov 1992	A
5237930	Belanger et al.	Aug 1993	A
5247888	Conil	Sep 1993	A
5259288	Vatsvog	Nov 1993	A
5265540	Ducros et al.	Nov 1993	A
D345676	Biffle	Apr 1994	S
5433148	Barratault et al.	Jul 1995	A
5535495	Gutowski	Jul 1996	A
5563365	Dineen et al.	Oct 1996	A
5616642	West et al.	Apr 1997	A
D380650	Norris	Jul 1997	S
5679920	Hallis et al.	Oct 1997	A
5758445	Casull	Jun 1998	A
5770815	Watson	Jun 1998	A
5798478	Beal	Aug 1998	A
5950063	Hens et al.	Sep 1999	A
5961200	Friis	Oct 1999	A
5969288	Baud	Oct 1999	A
5979331	Casull	Nov 1999	A
6004682	Rackovan et al.	Dec 1999	A
6048379	Bray et al.	Apr 2000	A
6070532	Halverson	Jun 2000	A
D435626	Benini	Dec 2000	S
6257148	Toivonen et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6257149	Cesaroni	Jul 2001	B1
D447209	Benini	Aug 2001	S
6272993	Cook et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6283035	Olson et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6357357	Glasser	Mar 2002	B1
D455052	Gullickson et al.	Apr 2002	S
D455320	Edelstein	Apr 2002	S
6375971	Hansen	Apr 2002	B1
6408764	Heitmann et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6450099	Desgland	Sep 2002	B1
6460464	Attarwala	Oct 2002	B1
6523476	Riess et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6644204	Pierrot et al.	Nov 2003	B2
6649095	Buja	Nov 2003	B2
6672219	Mackerell et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6708621	Forichon-Chaumet et al.	Mar 2004	B1
6752084	Husseini et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6796243	Schmees et al.	Sep 2004	B2
6810816	Rennard	Nov 2004	B2
6840149	Beal	Jan 2005	B2
6845716	Husseini et al.	Jan 2005	B2
7000547	Amick	Feb 2006	B2
7014284	Morton et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7032492	Meshirer	Apr 2006	B2
7056091	Powers	Jun 2006	B2
7059234	Husseini	Jun 2006	B2
7159519	Robinson et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7165496	Reynolds	Jan 2007	B2
D540710	Charrin	Apr 2007	S
7204191	Wiley et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7213519	Wiley et al.	May 2007	B2
7231519	Joseph et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7232473	Elliott	Jun 2007	B2
7299750	Schikora et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7353756	Leasure	Apr 2008	B2
7380505	Shiery	Jun 2008	B1
7383776	Amick	Jun 2008	B2
7392746	Hansen	Jul 2008	B2
7426888	Hunt	Sep 2008	B2
7441504	Husseini et al.	Oct 2008	B2
D583927	Benner	Dec 2008	S
7458322	Reynolds et al.	Dec 2008	B2
7461597	Brunn	Dec 2008	B2
7568417	Lee	Aug 2009	B1
7585166	Buja	Sep 2009	B2
7610858	Chung	Nov 2009	B2
7750091	Maljkovic et al.	Jul 2010	B2
D626619	Gogol et al.	Nov 2010	S
7841279	Reynolds et al.	Nov 2010	B2
D631699	Moreau	Feb 2011	S
D633166	Richardson et al.	Feb 2011	S
7908972	Brunn	Mar 2011	B2
7930977	Klein	Apr 2011	B2
8007370	Hirsch et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8056232	Patel et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8156870	South	Apr 2012	B2
8186273	Trivette	May 2012	B2
8191480	Mcaninch	Jun 2012	B2
8201867	Thomeczek	Jun 2012	B2
8206522	Sandstrom et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8220393	Schluckebier et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8240252	Maljkovic et al.	Aug 2012	B2
D675882	Crockett	Feb 2013	S
8393273	Weeks et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8408137	Battaglia	Apr 2013	B2
D683419	Rebar	May 2013	S
8443729	Mittelstaedt	May 2013	B2
8443730	Padgett	May 2013	B2
8464641	Se-Hong	Jun 2013	B2
8511233	Nilsson	Aug 2013	B2
D689975	Carlson et al.	Sep 2013	S
8522684	Davies et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8540828	Busky et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8561543	Burrow	Oct 2013	B2
8573126	Klein et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8641842	Hafner et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8689696	Seeman et al.	Apr 2014	B1
8763535	Padgett	Jul 2014	B2
8783154	Windham et al.	Jul 2014	B1
8790455	Borissov et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8807008	Padgett et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8807040	Menefee, III	Aug 2014	B2
8813650	Maljkovic et al.	Aug 2014	B2
D715888	Padgett	Oct 2014	S
8850985	Maljkovic et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8857343	Marx	Oct 2014	B2
8869702	Padgett	Oct 2014	B2
D717909	Thrift et al.	Nov 2014	S
8875633	Padgett	Nov 2014	B2
8893621	Escobar	Nov 2014	B1
8915191	Jones	Dec 2014	B2
8978559	Davies et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8985023	Mason	Mar 2015	B2
9003973	Padgett	Apr 2015	B1
9032855	Foren et al.	May 2015	B1
9091516	Davies et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9103641	Nielson et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9111177	Tateno et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9157709	Nuetzman et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9170080	Poore et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9182204	Maljkovic et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9188412	Maljkovic et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9200157	El-Hibri et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9200878	Seecamp	Dec 2015	B2
9200880	Foren et al.	Dec 2015	B1
9212876	Kostka et al.	Dec 2015	B1
9212879	Whitworth	Dec 2015	B2
9213175	Arnold	Dec 2015	B2
9254503	Ward	Feb 2016	B2
9255775	Rubin	Feb 2016	B1
D752397	Seiders et al.	Mar 2016	S
9273941	Carlson et al.	Mar 2016	B2
D754223	Pederson et al.	Apr 2016	S
9329004	Pace	May 2016	B2
9335137	Maljkovic et al.	May 2016	B2
9337278	Gu et al.	May 2016	B1
9347457	Ahrens et al.	May 2016	B2
9366512	Burczynski et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9372054	Padgett	Jun 2016	B2
9377278	Rubin	Jun 2016	B2
9389052	Conroy et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9395165	Maljkovic et al.	Jul 2016	B2
D764624	Masinelli	Aug 2016	S
D765214	Padgett	Aug 2016	S
9429407	Burrow	Aug 2016	B2
9441930	Burrow	Sep 2016	B2
9453714	Bosarge et al.	Sep 2016	B2
D773009	Bowers	Nov 2016	S
9500453	Schluckebier et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9506735	Burrow	Nov 2016	B1
D774824	Gallagher	Dec 2016	S
9513092	Emary	Dec 2016	B2
9513096	Burrow	Dec 2016	B2
9518810	Burrow	Dec 2016	B1
9523563	Burrow	Dec 2016	B1
9528799	Maljkovic	Dec 2016	B2
9546849	Burrow	Jan 2017	B2
9551557	Burrow	Jan 2017	B1
D778391	Burrow	Feb 2017	S
D778393	Burrow	Feb 2017	S
D778394	Burrow	Feb 2017	S
D778395	Burrow	Feb 2017	S
D779021	Burrow	Feb 2017	S
D779024	Burrow	Feb 2017	S
D780283	Burrow	Feb 2017	S
9587918	Burrow	Mar 2017	B1
9599443	Padgett et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9625241	Neugebauer	Apr 2017	B2
9631907	Burrow	Apr 2017	B2
9644930	Burrow	May 2017	B1
9658042	Emary	May 2017	B2
9683818	Lemke et al.	Jun 2017	B2
D792200	Baiz et al.	Jul 2017	S
9709368	Mahnke	Jul 2017	B2
9739579	Beal	Aug 2017	B2
D797880	Seecamp	Sep 2017	S
9759554	Ng et al.	Sep 2017	B2
D800244	Burczynski et al.	Oct 2017	S
D800245	Burczynski et al.	Oct 2017	S
D800246	Burczynski et al.	Oct 2017	S
9784667	Lukay et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9835423	Burrow	Dec 2017	B2
9835427	Burrow	Dec 2017	B2
9841248	Bybee	Dec 2017	B2
9857151	Dionne et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9869536	Burrow	Jan 2018	B2
9879954	Hajjar	Jan 2018	B2
9885551	Burrow	Feb 2018	B2
D813975	White	Mar 2018	S
9921040	Rubin	Mar 2018	B2
9927219	Burrow	Mar 2018	B2
9933241	Burrow	Apr 2018	B2
9939236	Drobockyi et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9964388	Burrow	May 2018	B1
D821536	Christiansen et al.	Jun 2018	S
9989339	Riess	Jun 2018	B2
9989343	Padgett et al.	Jun 2018	B2
10041770	Burrow	Aug 2018	B2
10041771	Burrow	Aug 2018	B1
10041776	Burrow	Aug 2018	B1
10041777	Burrow	Aug 2018	B1
10048049	Burrow	Aug 2018	B2
10048050	Burrow	Aug 2018	B1
10048052	Burrow	Aug 2018	B2
10054413	Burrow	Aug 2018	B1
D828483	Burrow	Sep 2018	S
10081057	Burrow	Sep 2018	B2
D832037	Gallagher	Oct 2018	S
10101140	Burrow	Oct 2018	B2
10124343	Tsai	Nov 2018	B2
10145662	Burrow	Dec 2018	B2
10190857	Burrow	Jan 2019	B2
10234249	Burrow	Mar 2019	B2
10234253	Burrow	Mar 2019	B2
10240905	Burrow	Mar 2019	B2
10254096	Burrow	Apr 2019	B2
10260847	Viggiano et al.	Apr 2019	B2
D849181	Burrow	May 2019	S
10302393	Louis Grace	May 2019	B2
10302403	Burrow	May 2019	B2
10302404	Burrow	May 2019	B2
10323918	Menefee, III	Jun 2019	B2
10330451	Burrow	Jun 2019	B2
10345088	Burrow	Jul 2019	B2
10352664	Burrow	Jul 2019	B2
10352670	Burrow	Jul 2019	B2
10359262	Burrow	Jul 2019	B2
10365074	Burrow	Jul 2019	B2
D861118	Burrow	Sep 2019	S
D861119	Burrow	Sep 2019	S
10408582	Burrow	Sep 2019	B2
10408592	Boss et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10415943	Burrow	Sep 2019	B2
10429156	Burrow	Oct 2019	B2
10458762	Burrow	Oct 2019	B2
10466020	Burrow	Nov 2019	B2
10466021	Burrow	Nov 2019	B2
10480911	Burrow	Nov 2019	B2
10480912	Burrow	Nov 2019	B2
10480915	Burrow et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10488165	Burrow	Nov 2019	B2
10533830	Burrow et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10571162	Makansi et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10571228	Burrow	Feb 2020	B2
10571229	Burrow	Feb 2020	B2
10571230	Burrow	Feb 2020	B2
10571231	Burrow	Feb 2020	B2
10578409	Burrow	Mar 2020	B2
10591260	Burrow et al.	Mar 2020	B2
D882019	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882020	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882021	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882022	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882023	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882024	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882025	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882026	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882027	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882028	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882029	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882030	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882031	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882032	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882033	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882720	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882721	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882722	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882723	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
D882724	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	S
10612896	Burrow	Apr 2020	B2
10612897	Burrow et al.	Apr 2020	B2
D884115	Burrow et al.	May 2020	S
10663271	Rogers	May 2020	B2
D886231	Burrow et al.	Jun 2020	S
D886937	Burrow et al.	Jun 2020	S
10677573	Burrow et al.	Jun 2020	B2
D891567	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	S
D891568	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	S
D891569	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	S
D891570	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	S
10704869	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10704870	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10704871	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10704872	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	B1
10704876	Boss et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10704877	Boss et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10704878	Boss et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10704879	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	B1
10704880	Burrow et al.	Jul 2020	B1
D892258	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	S
D893665	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	S
D893666	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	S
D893667	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	S
D893668	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	S
D894320	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	S
10731956	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10731957	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	B1
10753713	Burrow	Aug 2020	B2
10760882	Burrow	Sep 2020	B1
10782107	Dindl	Sep 2020	B1
10794671	Padgett et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10809043	Padgett et al.	Oct 2020	B2
D903038	Burrow et al.	Nov 2020	S
D903039	Burrow et al.	Nov 2020	S
10845169	Burrow	Nov 2020	B2
10852108	Burrow et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10859352	Burrow	Dec 2020	B2
10871361	Skowron et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10876822	Burrow et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10900760	Burrow	Jan 2021	B2
10907944	Burrow	Feb 2021	B2
10914558	Burrow	Feb 2021	B2
10921100	Burrow et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10921101	Burrow et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10921106	Burrow et al.	Feb 2021	B2
D913403	Burrow et al.	Mar 2021	S
10948272	Drobockyi et al.	Mar 2021	B1
10948273	Burrow et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10948275	Burrow	Mar 2021	B2
10962338	Burrow	Mar 2021	B2
10976144	Peterson et al.	Apr 2021	B1
10996029	Burrow	May 2021	B2
10996030	Burrow	May 2021	B2
11047654	Burrow	Jun 2021	B1
11047655	Burrow et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11047661	Burrow	Jun 2021	B2
11047662	Burrow	Jun 2021	B2
11047663	Burrow	Jun 2021	B1
11047664	Burrow	Jun 2021	B2
11079205	Burrow et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11079209	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11085739	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11085740	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11085741	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11085742	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11092413	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11098990	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11098991	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11098992	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11098993	Burrow	Aug 2021	B2
11112224	Burrow et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11112225	Burrow et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11118875	Burrow	Sep 2021	B1
11118876	Burrow et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11118877	Burrow et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11118882	Burrow	Sep 2021	B2
11125540	Pennell et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11209251	Burrow et al.	Dec 2021	B2
11209252	Burow	Dec 2021	B2
11209256	Burrow et al.	Dec 2021	B2
11215430	Boss et al.	Jan 2022	B2
11226179	Burrow	Jan 2022	B2
11231257	Burrow	Jan 2022	B2
11231258	Burrow	Jan 2022	B2
20020084543	Buja	Jul 2002	A1
20050005807	Wiley et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050257711	Husseini et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20060027129	Kolb et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060246167	Buja	Nov 2006	A1
20070056343	Cremonesi	Mar 2007	A1
20070214992	Dittrich	Sep 2007	A1
20070214993	Cerovic et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070267587	Dalluge	Nov 2007	A1
20090042057	Thomas et al.	Feb 2009	A1
20110179965	Mason	Jul 2011	A1
20120024183	Klein	Feb 2012	A1
20120060716	Davies et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120111219	Burrow	May 2012	A1
20120180687	Padgett et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120180688	Padgett	Jul 2012	A1
20130014664	Padgett	Jan 2013	A1
20130180392	Nuetzman et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130186294	Davies et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130305951	Davies et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20140060372	Padgett	Mar 2014	A1
20140075805	LaRue	Mar 2014	A1
20140260925	Beach et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140373744	Padgett et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20150226220	Bevington	Aug 2015	A1
20150260490	Burrow	Sep 2015	A1
20160003589	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160003590	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160003593	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160003594	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160003595	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160003596	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160003597	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160003601	Burrow	Jan 2016	A1
20160091288	Daniau	Mar 2016	A1
20160102030	Coffey et al.	Apr 2016	A1
20160216088	Maljkovic et al.	Jul 2016	A1
20160245626	Drieling et al.	Aug 2016	A1
20160265886	Aldrich et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160356588	Burrow	Dec 2016	A1
20170080498	Burrow	Mar 2017	A1
20170082409	Burrow	Mar 2017	A1
20170082411	Burrow	Mar 2017	A1
20170089672	Burrow	Mar 2017	A1
20170089673	Burrow	Mar 2017	A1
20170089674	Burrow	Mar 2017	A1
20170089675	Burrow	Mar 2017	A1
20170115105	Burrow	Apr 2017	A1
20170153099	Burrow	Jun 2017	A9
20170205217	Burrow	Jul 2017	A9
20170328689	Dindl	Nov 2017	A1
20180066925	Skowron et al.	Mar 2018	A1
20180224252	O'Rourke	Aug 2018	A1
20180292186	Padgett et al.	Oct 2018	A1
20180306558	Padgett et al.	Oct 2018	A1
20190011233	Boss et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190011234	Boss et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190011235	Boss et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190011241	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025019	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025020	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025021	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025022	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025023	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025024	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025025	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190025026	Burrow	Jan 2019	A1
20190078862	Burrow	Mar 2019	A1
20190106364	James	Apr 2019	A1
20190107375	Burrow	Apr 2019	A1
20190137228	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137229	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137230	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137233	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137234	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137235	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137236	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137238	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137239	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137240	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137241	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137243	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190137244	Burrow et al.	May 2019	A1
20190170488	Burrow	Jun 2019	A1
20190204050	Burrow	Jul 2019	A1
20190204056	Burrow	Jul 2019	A1
20190212117	Burrow	Jul 2019	A1
20190242679	Viggiano et al.	Aug 2019	A1
20190242682	Burrow	Aug 2019	A1
20190242683	Burrow	Aug 2019	A1
20190249967	Burrow et al.	Aug 2019	A1
20190257625	Burrow	Aug 2019	A1
20190285391	Menefee, III	Sep 2019	A1
20190310058	Burrow	Oct 2019	A1
20190310059	Burrow	Oct 2019	A1
20190316886	Burrow	Oct 2019	A1
20190360788	Burrow	Nov 2019	A1
20190376773	Burrow	Dec 2019	A1
20190376774	Boss et al.	Dec 2019	A1
20190383590	Burrow	Dec 2019	A1
20190390929	Libotte	Dec 2019	A1
20200011645	Burrow et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200011646	Burrow et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200025536	Burrow et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200025537	Burrow et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200033102	Burrow	Jan 2020	A1
20200033103	Burrow et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200041239	Burrow	Feb 2020	A1
20200049469	Burrow	Feb 2020	A1
20200049470	Burrow	Feb 2020	A1
20200049471	Burrow	Feb 2020	A1
20200049472	Burrow	Feb 2020	A1
20200049473	Burrow	Feb 2020	A1
20200056872	Burrow	Feb 2020	A1
20200109932	Burrow	Apr 2020	A1
20200149853	Burrow	May 2020	A1
20200158483	Burrow	May 2020	A1
20200200512	Burrow	Jun 2020	A1
20200200513	Burrow	Jun 2020	A1
20200208948	Burrow	Jul 2020	A1
20200208949	Burrow	Jul 2020	A1
20200208950	Burrow	Jul 2020	A1
20200225009	Burrow	Jul 2020	A1
20200248998	Burrow	Aug 2020	A1
20200248999	Burrow	Aug 2020	A1
20200249000	Burrow	Aug 2020	A1
20200256654	Burrow	Aug 2020	A1
20200263962	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200263967	Burrow et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200278183	Burrow et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200292283	Burrow	Sep 2020	A1
20200300587	Burrow et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200300592	Overton et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200309490	Burrow et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200309496	Burrow et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200318937	Skowron et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200326168	Boss et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200363172	Koh et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200363173	Burrow	Nov 2020	A1
20200363179	Overton et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200378734	Burrow	Dec 2020	A1
20200393220	Burrow	Dec 2020	A1
20200400411	Burrow	Dec 2020	A9
20210003373	Burrow	Jan 2021	A1
20210041211	Pennell et al.	Feb 2021	A1
20210041212	Burrow et al.	Feb 2021	A1
20210041213	Padgett	Feb 2021	A1
20210072006	Padgett et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210080236	Burrow	Mar 2021	A1
20210080237	Burrow et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210108898	Overton et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210108899	Burrow et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210123709	Burrow et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210131772	Burrow	May 2021	A1
20210131773	Burrow	May 2021	A1
20210131774	Burrow	May 2021	A1
20210140749	Burrow	May 2021	A1
20210148681	Burrow	May 2021	A1
20210148682	Burrow	May 2021	A1
20210148683	Burrow et al.	May 2021	A1
20210156653	Burrow et al.	May 2021	A1
20210164762	Burrow et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210223017	Peterson et al.	Jul 2021	A1
20210254939	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254940	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254941	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254942	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254943	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254944	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254945	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254946	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254947	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254948	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210254949	Burrow	Aug 2021	A1
20210270579	Burrow	Sep 2021	A1
20210270580	Burrow	Sep 2021	A1
20210270581	Burrow	Sep 2021	A1
20210270582	Burrow	Sep 2021	A1
20210270588	Burrow et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210278179	Burrow et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210302136	Burrow	Sep 2021	A1
20210302137	Burrow	Sep 2021	A1
20210325156	Burrow	Oct 2021	A1
20210325157	Burrow	Oct 2021	A1
20210333073	Burrow et al.	Oct 2021	A1
20210333075	Burrow	Oct 2021	A1
20210341266	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210341267	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210341268	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210341269	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210341270	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210341271	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210341272	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210341273	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210348892	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210348893	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210348894	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210348895	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210348902	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210348903	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210348904	Burrow	Nov 2021	A1
20210364257	Burrow et al.	Nov 2021	A1
20210364258	Burrow et al.	Nov 2021	A1
20210372747	Burrow	Dec 2021	A1
20210372748	Burrow et al.	Dec 2021	A1
20210372749	Burrow et al.	Dec 2021	A1
20210372750	Burrow et al.	Dec 2021	A1
20210372751	Burrow et al.	Dec 2021	A1
20210372754	Burrow	Dec 2021	A1
20210381813	Burrow	Dec 2021	A1
20210389106	Burrow	Dec 2021	A1
20220011083	Burrow	Jan 2022	A1
20220018639	Burrow	Jan 2022	A1
20220018640	Burrow et al.	Jan 2022	A1
20220018641	Burrow	Jan 2022	A1

Foreign Referenced Citations (22)

Number	Date	Country
2813634	Apr 2012	CA
102901403	Jun 2014	CN
16742	Jan 1882	DE
2625486	Aug 2017	EP
1412414	Oct 1965	FR
574877	Jan 1946	GB
783023	Sep 1957	GB
2172467	Aug 2001	RU
0034732	Jun 2000	WO
2007014024	Feb 2007	WO
2012047615	Apr 2012	WO
2012097320	Jul 2012	WO
2012097317	Nov 2012	WO
2013070250	May 2013	WO
2013096848	Jun 2013	WO
2014062256	Apr 2014	WO
2016003817	Jan 2016	WO
2019094544	May 2019	WO
2019160742	Aug 2019	WO
2020197868	Nov 2020	WO
2021040903	Mar 2021	WO
2022015565	Jan 2022	WO

Non-Patent Literature Citations (18)

Entry
AccurateShooter.com Daily Bulletin “New PolyCase Ammunition and Injection-Molded Bullets” Jan. 11, 2015.
EESR dated Jul. 29, 2021, pp. 1-9.
EESR dated Jul. 8, 2021, pp. 1-9.
International Ammunition Association, Inc. website, published on Apr. 2017, PCP Ammo Variation in U.S. Military Polymer/Metal Cartridge Case R&D, Available on the Internet URL https://forum.cartridgecollectors.org/t/pcp-ammo-variation-in-u-s-military-polyer-metal-cartridge-case-r-d/24400.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability and Written Opinion dated Jan. 27, 2022, pp. 1-9.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability and Written Opinion in PCT/US2018/059748 dated May 12, 2020; pp. 1-8.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCTUS201859748 dated Mar. 1, 2019, pp. 1-9.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCTUS2019017085 dated Apr. 19, 2019, pp. 1-9.
International Search Report and Written Opinion in PCT/US2019/040323 dated Sep. 24, 2019, pp. 1-16.
International Search Report and Written Opinion in PCT/US2019/040329 dated Sep. 27, 2019, pp. 1-24.
International Search Report and Written Opinion in PCT/US2020/023273 dated Oct. 7, 2020; pp. 1-11.
International Search Report and Written Opinion in PCTUS202140825 dated Oct. 13, 2021, pp. 1-11.
IPRP in PCT2019017085 dated Aug. 27, 2020, pp. 1-8.
ISRWO in PCT/US2020/042258 dated Feb. 19, 2021, pp. 1-12.
Korean Intellectual Property Office (ISA), International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2011/062781 dated Nov. 30, 2012, 16 pp.
Korean Intellectual Property Office (ISA), International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2015/038061 dated Sep. 21, 2015, 28 pages.
Luck Gunner.com, Review: Polymer Cased Rifle Ammunition from PCP Ammo, Published Jan. 6, 2014, Available on the Internet URL https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/pcp-ammo-review.
YouTube.com—TFB TV, Published on Jul. 23, 2015, available on Internal URL https://www.youtubecom/watch?v=mCjNkbxHkEE.

Related Publications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	20220090887 A1	Mar 2022	US

Provisional Applications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	61456664	Nov 2010	US

Continuations (5)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	16800196	Feb 2020	US
Child	17544113		US
Parent	16017142	Jun 2018	US
Child	16800196		US
Parent	14863800	Sep 2015	US
Child	16017142		US
Parent	14011202	Aug 2013	US
Child	14863800		US
Parent	13292843	Nov 2011	US
Child	14011202		US

Method of making a metal injection molded ammunition cartridge

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

Field of Search

CPC

International Classifications

Disclaimer

Abstract