Variable Velocity Ballistic

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to ballistics used with firing pin-style or compression air style launcher or M203 style launchers, and more particularly with such ballistics wherein the velocity of the ballistic is controlled by an adjustable valve system located inside the ballistic.

2. Description of the Problem and Prior Art

Non-lethal launchers, both pneumatic and gun powder-based, are used to shoot projectiles such as tear gas cartridges, pepper spray cartridges, stun ammo or smoke cartridges. More recently, electro muscular incapacitation ammunition has been developed that shoots an electronic projectile that delivers a high voltage, low amperage electric shock that immobilizes an individual upon impact.

The projectiles used in a non-lethal launcher vary in weight and size. Most launchers use a preset pressure or charge to deliver a desired type of projectile at a safe velocity. Some pneumatic launchers have adjustable regulators that allow the launchers to be set up prior to use for a specific velocity of the projectile. In gun powder-based launchers, the ammunition must be exchanged to provide a different velocity for the projectile.

During use, multiple targets are often presented to the operator. The targets may be a fixed area, object or an individual within the launcher's recommended range. Sometimes, the target may be outside the launcher's recommended range. If the target is moving, it may also advance or retreating from the operator. Sometimes, the target may be stationary and the operator may be moving towards or away from the target. In each instance, the operator must quickly identify the target, determine if it is fixed or moving, and then determine if the target is within a safe range for firing the launcher.

When controlling a crowd, operators may have to shoot different projectiles at different ranges. If each launcher is setup for use with one type of projectile or velocity, a single launcher cannot be used without injuring the target. The system allows the operator to adjust the velocity for each individual shot without the need to raise or lower the pressure, vent gas away from the projectile, or exchange ammunition. Incorporated with a laser or acoustic range finder, the system becomes automated based on range to target.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,719,751, issued Aug. 1, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein, teaches a variable velocity pneumatic launcher that controls the velocity of the projectile from the launcher. By controlling the velocity of the projectile the travel distance and impact force exerted by the projectile may be controlled. The launcher includes a ballast chamber filled with pressurized air selectively released to propel a projectile from the launcher's barrel. The launcher includes a firing chamber filled with ambient air and a ballast chamber filled with pressurized air. A piston rod extends between the chambers and attached to a firing piston and a ballast piston located inside the firing chamber and ballast chamber, respectively. The rod is connected to an adjustable velocity valve which controls longitudinal movement of the rod. When the trigger is activated, a portion of the pressurized air from the ballast chamber is delivered to the firing chamber. Because the surface area of the firing piston is greater than the ballast piston's surface area, the force exerted on the firing piston will shift or displace the ballast piston and to allow pressurize air to be released into the upper chamber containing the projectile.

Today, many firing pin style and compression air style launchers include laser range finders that provide distance readings to the shooter.

What is needed is a ballistic that can be used with launchers with a laser range finder and with a built-in, adjustable valve system configured to used distance readings from the range find adjustable to change the exit velocity of the projectile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Multiple embodiments of ballistics are disclosed herein designed to be use with either firing pin-style launcher or compression air style launcher. Each launcher includes a laser range finder that is coupled to a microprocessor the produces drive motor signals that are sent to a drive motor located in the ballistic positioned in the closed breech.

Each ballistic includes an outer casing, a projectile located inside the outer casing, a motor located inside said outer casing that is configured to receive motor drive signals from the microprocessor. Each ballistic also includes a restrictor plate located inside the outer casing with a plurality of air holes formed thereon. A high/low disc is located inside the outer casing and adjacent to the restrictor plate. The disc is configured to unblock some or all of the holes on the restrictor plate when the disc is rotated inside the outer casing, Rotation on the disc is controlled by the motor. Each ballistic includes a compressed air source configured to deliver compressed air to side of the high/low disc opposite the restrictor plate, the compressed air has sufficient pressure to propel the projectile from the outer casing. The compressed air may be generated from a compressed air source located inside the ballistic or located inside launcher or connected to the launcher.

During operation, distance readings from the range finder are processed and converted into motor signals that are delivered to a motor inside the ballistic that controls the closed and opening positions of the restrictor plate allowing some or all of the compressed air to expel the projectile.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a firing pin-style launcher with a laser range finder and with a firing pin activated ballistic located in the opened breech.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a compressed air-style launcher with a laser range finder and with a compression air compatible ballistic located in the opened breech.

FIG. 3 is an exploded, top perspective view of the first embodiment of the ballistic designed to be used with a firing pin-style launcher with a laser range finder configured to control the operation of a variable velocity valve inside the ballistic.

FIG. 4 is an exploded side elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIGS. 3-4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional, side elevational view of the ballistic taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional, bottom plan view of the ballistic taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the ballistics' main body with a restrictor plate and a motor mounted located therein.

FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the main body showing the hole patterns in the restrictor plate.

FIG. 10 is and end elevational view of a rotating high/low valve control disc mounted on a drive shaft and positioned over the proximal end or the restrictor plate.

FIG. 11 is an exploded, top perspective view of a second embodiment of the ballistic also designed to be used with a firing pin launcher with a laser range finder that contains a variable velocity valve inside the ballistic.

FIG. 12 is a top, exploded side elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a sectional, side elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the shell casing with the restrictor plate formed inside and the high/low disc being inserted into the proximal end.

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the shell casing showing the hole pattern on the restrictor plate.

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the shell casing showing the high/low valve control disc located on the proximal side of the restrictor plate and rotating to cover different holes in the restrictor plate.

FIG. 17 is an exploded, top perspective view of the third embodiment of the ballistic designed to be used with a fire pin activated launcher with a laser range finder that contains a variable velocity valve system inside the ballistic.

FIG. 18 is an exploded side elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a sectional, side elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 is an exploded, top perspective view showing the ballast cover, the ballast chamber, and the projectile assembly.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the outer cover with a back cap attached to its distal end.

FIG. 22 is a sectional, side elevational view of the outer cover and the back cover with a center opening formed in the back cover.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the ballast chamber closed at one end and showing the output piston housing attached to the opposite, distal end of the ballast chamber.

FIG. 24 is a sectional, side elevational view of the ballast chamber with the output piston housing attached to the and pressing against the output piston housing.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the shell casing containing a projectile and with a high/low stop extending from the ballast throw stop housing.

FIG. 26 is a sectional, side elevational view of the shell casing, the projectile, the high/low stop, and the ballast throw stop housing.

FIG. 27 is an exploded, top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the ballistic designed to be used with a compression air launcher with a laser range finder that contains a variable velocity valve inside the ballistic.

FIG. 28 is a top, exploded side elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a sectional side elevational view of the ballistic shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the cylindrical restrictor plate and showing the high/low disc located on the proximal side of the restrictor plate

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the restrictor plate.

FIG. 32 is an end elevational view showing the proximal surface of the restrictor plate and showing the air hole pattern formed thereon.

FIG. 33 is an end elevational view showing the proximal surface of the restrictor plate with the rotating high/low disc mounted there over.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to the accompanying FIGS. 1 and 2. there is shown a firing pin launcher, indicated generally by reference number 10, that includes a main body 12, a rail 14 mounted on the top surface of the main body 12, and a sliding breech 16 attached to the rail 14. Mounted on the main body 12 or on the rail 14 is a digital range finder 50 that measures the distance to a target and then produces a motor control signal that controls the operation of a variable velocity control valve located inside a ballistic 100, 200, or 300 described further below.

FIG. 2 shows a compression air style launcher, indicated generally by the reference number 20, that includes a main body 22, a rail 24 and a sliding breech 26 attached to the rail 24. Also mounted on the main body 22 or rail 24 is a digital laser range finder 50 that measures the distance to a target and then produces a motor signal that controls the operation of a variable velocity control valve located inside a ballistic 400 also described further below.

The range finder 50 includes a main microprocessor 60 that receives distance reading data from one or more laser sensors 52, 54 configured to determine the distance from the launcher to a target. The main microprocessor 60 converts distance readings into drive motor control signals which are sent to a drive motor inside the ballistics 100, 200, 300 or 400. The drive motors are connected to air flow regulating structures that control the velocity of compressed air located on the ballistic released to a front cavity containing a projectile. By controlling the velocity of the compressed gas exerted on the projectile, the operator is able to adjust not only the flight distance but also the impact force of the projectile on the target.

Disclosed herein are four embodiments of a ballistic, indicated by reference numbers 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively.

Embodiment A

A ballistic, generally indicated by reference number 100 shown in FIGS. 3-10 is used with a fire pin style launcher 10, (also known as a M203 style launcher). The ballistic 100 includes a fixed, internal restrictor plate 114 located inside a dual, open ended, cylindrical outer shell 110. The restrictor plate 114 is transversely aligned inside the outer shell 110 and divides the outer shell 110 into a rear cavity 111 and a front cavity 115. The restrictor plate 114 includes at least one hole 116 that enables compressed air from a blank cartridge 190 located in the back cap 150 to travel from the rear cavity 111 into the front cavity 115.

Formed inside the front cavity 115 is an axially aligned motor housing 118. Located inside the motor housing 118 is a drive motor 120. During assembly, the drive motor's shaft 121 faces rearward and extends passes through the restrictor plate 114 and attaches to a transversely aligned high/low disc 140 located on the opposite or proximal side of the restrictor plate 114. The high/low disc 140 includes one or more radially aligned wings 145 configured to selectively open or close the single hole or multiple holes 116 formed on the restrictor plate 114 when rotated approximately 35 degrees in opposite directions.

Attached to the proximal end of the main body 110 is a T-shaped back cap 150. The back cap 150 includes an axially aligned neck 151. Formed inside the neck 151 is a center cavity 152 configured to receive and hold a blank round 190 (containing gun powder only). When discharged, the blank round 190 produces compressed air of approximately 1200 psi.

Formed on the proximal end surface of the back cap 150 are two offset contact rings 112. The two rings 112 are electrically connected to two wires 160, 170 (a ground and load) that extend longitudinally inside the outer shell 110 and connect to terminals (not shown) on the drive motor 120. Located on the breech surface, two biased, electrical pegs 19 extend outward and press against the two contact rings 112 to transmit motor control signals to the drive motor 120. A breech coupler attached to main body 12 holds breech tightly against the main body 12.

Inserted into the distal opening of the outer shell 110 is a projectile 180. The projectile 180 includes an inside cavity 182 configured to receive the distal end of the drive motor 120 and a motor cap 130 attached to the distal end of the drive motor 120. The drive shaft 121 on the drive motor 120 extends through the restrictor plate 114 and connects to a high/low disc 140 that fits into a recessed cavity formed on the proximal side of the restrictor plate 114.

When assembled, the back cap's neck 151 extends into the rear cylindrical cavity 111. A gap 155 (see FIG. 7) is created between the end of the neck 151 and the high/low disk 114 to allow air to escape and flow through the holes 116. The neck 151 includes an axially aligned air conduit 153 that enables compressed air inside the blank round 190 to flow into the rear cylindrical cavity 111.

As stated above, the ballistic 100 is used with a firing pin style launcher 10 with a laser range finder 50 shown in FIG. 1. When a target is identified, and a distance reading is sent to microprocessor 60. A ballistic mounting coupler on the breech face on the main body 12 of the launcher 10 includes electrical connectors 19 that interface with the two ring connectors 112 on the proximal end surface of the end cap 150 to deliver the drive motor control signals to a drive motor 120. The drive motor 120 then rotates the high/low disc 140 to align the wings 140 with some or all of the holes 116 formed on the restrictor plate 114. In this manner, a controlled amount of compressed air produced by the blank round 190 and now formed in the rear cavity 111 can be delivered front cavity 116 and against the projectile 180 to produce the desired force needed to deliver the projectile 180 to the target as desired. More specifically, when the launcher's firing pin 18 strikes the blank ground 190, pressurized air escapes through the air conduit 153 formed in the back cap 150 and sequentially flows into the rear cavity 111, through the unblocked hole or holes 116 in the restrictor plate 114, into the front cavity 115 and against the projectile 180.

Embodiment B

A second ballistic, generally indicated by reference number 200 and shown in FIGS. 11-16 also designed to be operated with a firing pin style launcher 10 shown in FIG. 1. The ballistic 200 includes an outer shell 290 attached to a ballast cylinder 250. The ballistic cylinder 250 is attached to back cap 240.

The outer shell 290 has two opposite open ends and a fixed, transversely aligned restrictor plate 294 that divides the outer shell 290 into large front cavity 291 and a short rear cavity 292. Like restrictor plate 140 used in ballistic 100, restrictor plate 294 includes a plurality of holes 296 that enable compressed air to escape from a rear cavity 292 and flow into the front cavity 291.

Disposed inside front cavity 291 is a projectile 280. Axially aligned inside the front cavity 291 is a drive motor 270. The drive motor's drive shaft 271 extends rearward through the restrictor plate 294 and attaches to a high/low disc 268 on the opposite side of the restrictor plate 294. The high/low disc 260 includes one or more radially aligned wings 269 configured to open or close the holes 296 formed on the restrictor plate 294 when rotated approximately 35 degrees in opposite directions.

Formed around the proximal end opening of the outer shell 290 are internal threads 293 configured to mesh with external threads 254 formed on the ballast cylinder 250. The ballast cylinder 250 has two opposite open ends: a proximal wide opening 251 and a distal narrow opening 253. Formed around the proximal end opening 251 are internal threads 255 configured to connect to external threads 243 formed on the cylinder body 242 on the back cap 240. Formed inside the ballast cylinder 250 is a ballast cavity 256.

Extending into the ballast cylinder's distal opening 253 is an axially aligned output piston 258. The output piston 258 includes a wide plate 259 attached to a coaxially aligned plunger neck 260. They distal end of the plunger neck 260 is attached to a cylindrical plunger 261. Attached to the plunger 261 is an o-ring 242 to create an air tight seal.

The back cap 240 includes a wide circular flange surface 241, a cylindrical body 242 with external threads 243 and a coaxially aligned neck 244 that extends partially into the ballast cavity 256. Formed in the neck 244 of the back cap 240 is a center cavity 245 with a center bore 246 formed on its distal surface. The center cavity 245 is configured to receive a piston rod 232 which is part of a driver piston 230. The piston rod 232 is sufficient in length and has external threads 234 formed on its distal end that mesh with internal threads 265 formed on the plunger neck 260. When the drive piston 230 is forced inward into the ballast cylinder 250, the output piston 258 located on the opposite end is forced outward.

Disposed inside the back cap 240 is a primer holding cap 220. Disposed inside the primer holding cap 220 is a primer 210. A second o-ring 239 is disposed between the holding cap 220 and the end cap 240. Attached to the proximal surface of the end cap 240 is a ring connection board 205 with a center opening in which the primer 210 extends.

The ballistic 200 is used with a launcher 10 with a laser range finder 60. When a target is identified, and a distance reading is determined, data from the range finder 50 is sent to a microprocessor 62 in the launcher 10. Contact points on the front surface on the launcher 10 interfaces with the electrical connectors on the back cap 245 to deliver the drive motor signals to the drive motor 10 to rotate the high/low disc 260 to controlled amount of compressed air from the ballast chamber 250 is delivered to the projectile 280 to produce the force needed to deliver the projectile 280 to the target.

During operation, the ballistic 200 is assembled as described above and the ballast cavity 256 is filled with pressurized air up to approximately 1,200 lbs./sq. in. When the launcher 10 is discharged, the primer 210 is activated which forces the driver piston 230 distally into the back cap 240. The end of the driver piston 230 forces the output piston 258 distally. Compressed air in the ballast cylinder 250 is released into the rear cavity 292 formed in the outer shell 290. Simultaneously, the drive motor 270 is activated which rotates the high/low disc 268 to open or block holes 296 on the restrictor plate 294. Compressed air from the rear cavity 292 then flows into the front cavity 291 and exerts a force on the projectile 281 forcing it from the outer shell 290.

Embodiment C

A third ballistic, generally indicated by reference number 300 in FIGS. 17-26 is also used with a fire pin equipped launcher 10 shown in FIG. 1. The ballistic 300 includes a moving ballast cylinder 350 filled with pressurized air that moves longitudinally inside an outer ballast cover 320. The ballast cylinder 350 is closed at its proximal end and open at the distal end. Disposed inside the ballast cylinder 350 is a longitudinally aligned piston 330. The piston 330 includes a piston rod 331 that fits into a coaxially aligned neck 354 formed on the end surface on the ballast cylinder 350. Mounted on the piston 330 is an o-ring 332. A spring 333 is placed inside the neck 354 that biases the piston 330 outward.

Inserted and attached to the open distal end of the ballast cylinder 350 is an output piston housing 360 with a center bore 361. The center bore 361 and the piston 330 are configured so that the center bore 361 is closed when the piston 330 is pressed tightly against the bottom surface of the output piston housing 360. The center bore 361 is partially opened when the piston housing 360 is pulled away from the piston 330.

As mentioned above, the ballast cylinder 350 is located inside a larger, cylindrical ballast cover 320. The proximal end of the ballast cover 320 is attached to a back cap 340 thereby encasing the ballast cylinder 350 inside the ballast cover 320. The ballast cylinder 350 is configured to slide freely inside the ballast cover 320. The closed end 351 of the ballast cylinder 350 is placed adjacent to the inside surface of the back cap 340, as shown in FIG. 19.

The back cap 340 includes a center bore 342 in which a primer 310 is inserted. When a firing pin 305 is forced against the primer 310, the primer 310 discharges and exerts pressure on the closed end 351 on the ballast cylinder 350. Pressure exerted on the closed end 351 causes the entire ballast cylinder 350 to move longitudinally inside the ballast cover 320.

Formed on the top surface of the output piston housing 360 is a plurality of raised, radially aligned ribs 362. Formed between the ribs 362 are recessed slots 363.

As shown in FIG. 19, an outer shell cover 390 is longitudinally aligned with the ballast cover 320 is an outer shell cover 390. Inserted into the proximal end of the outer shell cover 390 is a ballast throw stop housing 380. The stop housing 380 includes a lower threaded neck 381 meshes with internal threads 323 on the ballast cover 320. The stop housing 380 acts as an intermediate structure between the ballast cover 320 and the outer shell cover 390.

The stop housing 380 includes a cylindrical structure with an upper cavity 384. Formed in the stop housing 380 is a transverse member 385 with an axially aligned neck 382. Located inside the upper cavity is a drive motor 386 with a drive shaft 387 that extends through the transverse member 381 and attaches to a T-shaped high/low stop 370.

The high/low stop 370, which is configured to rotate inside the ballast housing 320, includes two opposing, radially extending side wings 372 and a center post 373. The center post 373 is sufficient in length to extend through the center bore 361 formed on the output piston housing 360 and press against the top surface of the piston 330. The two side wings 372 on the high/low stop 370 each include a tab 374 configured to extend one of the slots 362 formed on the output piston housing 360. When the tabs 374 are extended into the slots 362, the center post 373 is able to extend into the ballast cylinder 350 and press against the piston 330. When the high/low stop 370 is rotated so that the tabs 374 are offset from the slots 362 the center post is moved longitudinally inside the ballast cylinder 350. The piston 330 is able to move axially inside the ballast cylinder 350.

During operation, a microprocessor 60 in the laser range finder 50 converts distance readings from the range finder 60 into drive motor control signals that move the drive motor 386 in one of two directions. When the drive motor 386 receives a high signal, the high/low stop 370 is rotated in one direction so that the wings 372 on the high/low stop 370 and the tabs fully engage the slots thereby limiting the longitudinal movement of the piston 330. When the drive motor 386 receives a low signal, the high/low stop 370 is rotated in the opposite direction which positions the wings 372 on the high/low stop 370 in an offset location to the slots 362.

When the launcher firing pin 305 contacts the primer 310, the primer 310 is discharged. The entire ballast cylinder 350 is pushed outward and longitudinally inside the ballast cover 320. The high/low stop 370 remains in a fixed position inside the outer cover 320. Because the neck on the high/low stop 370 is pressed against the piston, when the ballast chamber moves longitudinally, the piston 30 separates from the inside surface of the output piston housing 360 and an air passage is formed between the piston and the housing 360. The size of the air passageway is control by the rotation of the high/low stop 370 and the engagement and disengagement of the tabs and slots 362. The position of the high/low stop 370 determines how much pressurized air flows against the projectile 395.

Embodiment D

A fourth ballistic, generally indicated by reference number 400 shown in FIGS. 30-26 is designed to be used with a compressed air launcher 20 shown in FIG. 2. The ballistic 400 receives compressed air from a compressed air source built into or connected to the launcher's main body 22.

The ballistic 400 includes a variable velocity control mechanism that includes a fixed, internal restrictor plate 410, an adjustable high/low disk 430, a drive motor 480, a circular printed circuit board 490, an outer shell 470, and a projectile 460 located inside the outer shell 470. The restrictor plate 410 includes a plurality of holes 411 that enable compressed air from the launcher 20 to pass through the restrictor plate 410 and into the void area 405 located inside the outer shell 470 containing the projectile 10.

The restrictor plate 410 is integrally formed on a cylindrical body 412 with external threads 413 that mesh with internal threads 472 formed on the inside surface of outer shell 470 near its proximal end. The cylindrical body 412 includes a coaxially aligned motor housing 415. Located inside the motor housing 415 is a drive motor 480. The distal end of the drive motor 480 is attached to an axle support 450 that is coaxially aligned with a cylindrical spacer 434 that fits into the open proximal end of the projectile 460. The drive shaft 481 on the drive motor 480 extends through the restrictor plate 410 and connects to the high/low disc 430 located on the opposite side of the restrictor plate 410. The high/low disc 430 includes one or more radially aligned wings 432 configured to open or close the holes 411 formed on the restrictor plate 410 when rotated approximately 35 degrees.

The high/low disc 430 fits into cylindrical cavity formed on the proximal side of the restrictor plate 410. Located adjacent to the restrictor plate is a cylindrical space 480. Attached to the proximal end of the spacer ring 480 is a printed circuit board 490 with electrical contacts that connect to peg contacts on the launcher and connect to wires that extend and connect to the drive motor 480 that transmits motor control signals from a main microprocessor 61 on the launcher 20.

During use, distance signals are determined. When the launcher trigger is pulled, pressurized air follows into the void areas 405. The amount of pressurized air that flows into the void area 405 is controlled by the position of the wings on the high/low stop 430 to block or unblock the holes 411.

It should be understood that although all of the above ballistics 100, 200, 300, and 400 include ‘dumb’ projectiles. Each ballistic 100, 200, 300, and 400 can be easily converted and used with smart projectiles configured to detonated at a selected time or distance.

In compliance with the statute, the invention described has been described in language more or less specific structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown comprises the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.

Variable Velocity Ballistic

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