U.S. patent application number 12/909715 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for flash suppressor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert Bruce Davies. Invention is credited to Robert Bruce Davies.
Application Number | 20120048100 12/909715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45695389 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120048100 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davies; Robert Bruce |
March 1, 2012 |
FLASH SUPPRESSOR
Abstract
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a flash
suppressor comprising at least one gas channel where a portion of
the gases exhausted from a barrel when a projectile is emitted is
directed into the at least one gas channel, where the at least one
gas channel has a channel axis that is at a non-zero angle with
respect to a bore axis, and where the at least one gas channel
directs a gas portion to an ambient environment surrounding the
flash suppressor.
Inventors: |
Davies; Robert Bruce;
(Tempe, AZ) |
Assignee: |
Davies; Robert Bruce
Tempe
AZ
|
Family ID: |
45695389 |
Appl. No.: |
12/909715 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61377979 |
Aug 29, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/14.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/14.2 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/34 20060101
F41A021/34 |
Claims
1. A flash suppressor comprising: a first gas region, where the
first gas region is enclosed by a first solid portion, where the
first solid portion is configured so that the first solid portion
can be operatively attached to a barrel; a second gas region, where
the second gas region is enclosed by a second solid portion, where
the second solid portion is operatively attached to the first solid
portion; a bore region, where the bore region is enclosed by a
third solid portion, where the bore region is configured to
facilitate the passage of a projectile through the bore region,
where the bore region has a bore axis that is parallel to an axis
of a bore of the barrel; and at least one gas channel, where the at
least one gas channel passes through a fourth solid portion, where
the fourth solid portion is operatively attached to the third solid
portion, where the fourth solid portion is operatively attached to
the second solid portion, where the first gas region is configured
to accept at least a first portion of the gases exhausted from the
barrel when a projectile is exhausted from the barrel, where first
gas region is configured to direct the first portion of gases into
the second gas region, where the second gas region is configured to
direct a second portion of the a first portion of the gases into
the at least one gas channel, where the at least one gas channel
has a channel axis that is at a non-zero angle with respect to the
bore axis, and where the at least one gas channel directs at least
a third portion of the second gas portion to an ambient environment
surrounding the flash suppressor.
2. The flash suppressor of claim 1, where the third and fourth
solid portions are part of a unitary machined element.
3. The flash suppressor of claim 1, where the first and third solid
portions are part of a first unitary machined element.
4. The flash suppressor of claim 1, where the second, third, and
fourth solid portions are part of a unitary machined element.
5. The flash suppressor of claim 1, where the second and fourth
solid portions are part of a second unitary machined element.
6. The flash suppressor of claim 5, where the first unitary
machined element is fastened to the second unitary machined
element, and where the first unitary machined element is configured
to be attached to a barrel.
7. The flash suppressor of claim 1, where the first solid portion
is fastened to the barrel by at least one of a threaded portion, a
weld, a latch, a bolt, press fitted, and a pin.
8. The flash suppressor of claim 7, where the second solid portion
is fastened to the fourth solid portion by at least one of a
threaded portion, a weld, a latch, a bolt, press fitted, and a
pin.
9. The flash suppressor of claim 8, where the fourth solid portion
is fastened to the third solid portion by at least one of a
threaded portion, a weld, a latch, a bolt, press fitted, and a
pin.
10. The flash suppressor according to claim 9 where at least a
first portion of the first solid portion is fabricated from at
least one of an aluminum alloy, steel alloy, titanium alloy, and a
nickel alloy.
11. The flash suppressor according to claim 10, where the at least
one gas channel comprises at least a first and a second gas
channel.
12. The flash suppressor according to claim 11, where the first gas
channel has a first channel axis, where the second gas channel has
a second channel axis, where the first channel axis is inclined a
first angle with respect to the bore axis, where the second channel
axis is inclined a second angle with respect to the bore axis,
where the first angle is non-zero and where the second angle is
non-zero.
13. The flash suppressor according to claim 12, where the first
angle and the second angle are between about 1 degrees and about
179 degrees.
14. The flash suppressor according to claim 12, where the first
channel axis and the second channel axis lie in a plane about 90
degrees to the bore axis.
15. The flash suppressor according to claim 13, where the first
channel is tubular and directs a first exhaust gas along the first
channel axis when the barrel exhausts a projectile.
16. The flash suppressor according to claim 15, where the second
channel is tubular and directs a second exhaust gas along the
second channel axis when the barrel exhausts a projectile.
17. The flash suppressor according to claim 16, where at least a
portion of the first exhaust gas is directed in the forward
direction, where the forward direction is along the bore axis in
the direction of an exhausted projectile.
18. The flash suppressor according to claim 17, where at least a
portion of the second exhaust gas is directed in the forward
direction.
19. The flash suppressor according to claim 18 where the first and
second channels are symmetrically arranged about the bore axis.
20. The flash suppressor according to claim 19, where the first
portion of the gases exhausted from the barrel travel from an exit
of the barrel to the exit of the first channel along a first path
length, where the projectile travels from the exit of the barrel to
an exit of the flash suppressor along a projectile path, where the
first path length is greater than the projectile path.
21. The flash suppressor according to claim 20, where a second
portion of the gases exhausted from the barrel travel from an exit
of the barrel to the exit of the second channel along a second path
length, where the second path length is greater than the projectile
path.
22. The flash suppressor according to claim 21, where the
projectile has a sealing length, where there is an offset distance
from an entrance of the bore region to the barrel exit, where the
sealing length is greater than the offset distance.
23. The flash suppressor according to claim 22, where the first
path length is greater than 1.1 times the projectile path.
24. The flash suppressor according to claim 23, where the second
path length is greater than 1.1 times the projectile path.
25. The flash suppressor according to claim 24, where the first
path length is at least a distance so that gas is exhausted from
the exit of the first channel into the ambient environment after
the projectile passes the exit of the flash suppressor.
26. The flash suppressor according to claim 25, where the second
path length is at least a distance so that gas is exhausted from
the exit of the first channel into the ambient environment after
the projectile passes the exit of the flash suppressor.
27. A method of flash suppression comprising: directing a portion
of the gases exhausted from a barrel along a first path, where the
portion of gases takes a first time to travel along the first path;
and directing a projectile along a second path where the projectile
takes a second time to travel along the second path, where the
second time is less than the first time.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 61/377,979 filed 29 Aug. 2010. The
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is relates to rifle technology, and
more particularly to a device that suppresses muzzle flash.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The basic enabler of firearms is the generation of gas
behind a projectile, propelling the projectile down a rifled
barrel. Modern firearms uses a cartridge, which is essentially is a
load of smokeless powder placed into a casing (typically brass or
steel), or shell, where the projectile is seated in a friction fit
at the open end of the casing. Contained within the casing is the
smokeless powder. The primer does not come out of the casing during
the firing of the cartridge.
[0004] In modern firearms, when the firing pin of the firearm
strikes the cartridge's primer, the primer ignites the smokeless
powder within the shell, causing a rapid pressure increase, which
causes the projectile to dislodge from the shell's open end,
driving the projectile down the barrel of the firearm and out the
end of the muzzle toward its target. The generation of gas is a
fast exothermic chemical reaction that occurs in a constant volume
as the contents of the smokeless powder react. This constant volume
expansion causes both a pressure increase and a temperature
increase within the system. It is the large and rapid pressure
increase during the chemical reaction of the smokeless powder that
generates the force necessary to accelerate the projectile down the
barrel.
[0005] The energy of a typical firearm combustion is converted into
several forms, about 32% is converted into projectile motion, 34%
into heated gases, 30% into heating the barrel, about 2% energy
loss in barrel friction (note this can be as high as 25% of the
energy since friction also accounts for heating of the barrel), and
about 1% of the initial energy is still resident in unburned
propellant (Thermodynamic Efficiency of the 0.300 Hawk Cartridge,
http://www.z-hat.com/Efficiency % 20of % 20the % 20300%
20Hawk.htm).
[0006] As the high temperature gases follow the bullet down the
bore of the barrel, the temperature of the barrel raises
significantly. With sufficient time the barrel will cool. However
for rapid fire rifles, the barrel does not have sufficient time to
cool between shots.
[0007] One problem resulting from this combination of high pressure
and temperature is an increase in the wear of the barrel, and as a
result, reduced barrel life. Because pressure is greatest at the
breach end (gas volume increases linearly while the physical volume
increases exponentially and pressure is equal to gas volume divided
by physical volume), the deterioration occurs more rapidly at the
breach end of the barrel. This problem is exacerbated with higher
pressure cartridges. Thus, heat dissipation is most beneficial to
barrel life in the breech end of the barrel. Upon the projectile
exit a flash (muzzle flash) can be observed (discussed later).
[0008] A typical muzzle flash lasts 0.5 milliseconds, (e.g., AK-47,
"Signal-to-Solar Clutter Calculations of AK-47 Muzzle Flash at
Various Spectral Bandpass Near the Potassium D1/D2 Doublet", Karl
K. Klett, ARL-RP-0292, June 2010).
[0009] When a weapon fires, only about 30% of the chemical energy
released from the propellant is converted into the useful kinetic
energy of actually moving the projectile down the barrel. The
remaining energy is primarily contained in the propellant
gas-particle mixture that escapes from the muzzle of the barrel in
the few milliseconds before and after shot ejection. A significant
portion of this remaining energy is dissipated in the bright
"muzzle flash" seen when the weapon fires.
[0010] There are three most visual components to muzzle flash and
they are: the primary flash, the intermediate flash, and the
secondary flash. The primary flash is typically of small spatial
extent and low luminosity. The primary flash is an extension of the
radiating high pressure in-bore flow. Farther from the muzzle, the
intermediate flash is a more extensive region of greater luminosity
which is separated from the primary flash by a supersonic flow
region where the gas density is low so that the radiation is
extinguished. The intermediate flash is induced by shock heating.
Following the intermediate flash, a very luminous secondary flash
occurs further downstream and is the result of an afterburning
process. The afterburning process is the result of common solid
weapon propellant containing more fuel than oxidizer and undergoing
afterburning after leaving the muzzle after mixing with oxygen
turbulently in the ambient air.
[0011] Muzzle flash actuality consists of five components (FIG. 1):
1) Muzzle Glow; 2) Primary Flash; 3) Intermediate Flash; 4)
Secondary Flash; and 5) Sparks.
[0012] 1) Muzzle Glow is usually a reddish white glow or tongue of
flame at the muzzle that appears just prior to shot ejection and
persists after shot ejection until the chamber pressure drops
significantly. The initial glow is usually the result of hot,
highly compressed gases (unburned propellants) leaking past the
projectile driving band and is brightest in a worn weapon.
[0013] 2) Primary Flash occurs after the projectile has exited the
muzzle and is caused by those propellant gases exiting the muzzle
behind the projectile. These are hot enough to emit large amounts
of visible radiation but cool rapidly as they expand away from the
muzzle.
[0014] 3) Intermediate Flash consists of a reddish disc, slightly
dished towards the weapon. Intermediate Flash occurs at the time of
shot ejection and persists until the chamber pressure drops. It is
brightest at the edge nearest the weapon and gradually fades as the
distance from the muzzle increases. This flash is due to a Mach
shock wave created by the escaping gasses and projectile which,
with its attendant pressure rise, causes the propellant gases to
attain a temperature almost equal to the chamber temperature and so
become self-luminescent.
[0015] 4) Secondary Flash appears beyond the zone of the
intermediate flash and is a rather ragged vortex of yellowish white
flame. This is a result of the ignition of the combustible mixture
of propellant gases and atmospheric oxygen caused by the turbulent
mixing occurring at the boundary of the gas jet as it leaves the
muzzle. The ignition of this mixture would appear to be initiated
by its exposure to the high temperature of the intermediate
flash.
[0016] 5) Sparks are a common feature of the flash for small arms.
These can arise from the ejection of incompletely burnt powder
particles or by the ejection of white-hot acid or metallic
particles.
[0017] Of these five components, the intermediate and secondary
flashes are the greatest contributors visually to muzzle flash.
Most of the radiated energy occurs during the secondary flash and
this can be greatly reduced by attaching a flash reducing device to
the weapon muzzle. These are commonly known as "Flash Suppressors"
and appear on many military-style small arms and automatic weapons.
These attachments act by modifying the gas glow pattern such that
there is no region or a greatly reduced region in which the
inflammable mixture of air and muzzle gases is sufficiently hot
enough to ignite. It should be realized that there are other kinds
of Flash Suppressors which do not modify the gas flow patterns in
this manner but instead work by directing part of the muzzle gasses
away from the shooter. These kinds of Flash Suppressors and the
simpler "Flash Hider" muzzle attachments are intended primarily to
reduce or block the muzzle flash from the vision of the shooter in
order to maintain his night vision, they do little to reduce the
size of the flash itself.
[0018] In addition to muzzle flash, another problem is the recoil
of the high-pressure, heavy bullet systems in use today. Recoil is
essentially the equal and opposite force a shooter feels when a
bullet is expelled from the barrel of a rifle. Recoils are not only
sometimes uncomfortable or even damaging to the shooter, but
greatly affect accuracy, target reacquisition, and sight
realignment between shots.
[0019] In addition to muzzle flash, a very loud sound is created
upon shooting, the loudness of which can make the shooter flinch
prior to a shot, in anticipation of the loud, harmful sound,
causing a decrease in the marksmanship of the shooter.
[0020] Some developments have occurred to attempt to remedy some of
the above-described problems. Baffle muzzle breaks, for example,
work on the principle of redirecting gases that would otherwise
exit the muzzle in the direction of the projectile. In such cases,
their performance is proportional to the percentage of gas they
deflect. Many such muzzle breaks redirect expanding gases in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the bore of the firearm, or in an angled, rearward direction at an
acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore of
the firearm. In such cases, noise and debris is directed toward the
shooter's face. Problems with this scenario are also obvious, not
the least of which is increased potential for damage to the
shooter's, or nearby person's, eardrums, and pronounced shooter's
flinch resulting in a further degradation of marksmanship.
[0021] Recoil is the reactive force against the weapon barrel
applied by the moving bullet and propellant. A substantial
component of this reactive force is created by the forward ejection
of the propellant out the muzzle. The recoil force is applied at a
point above the center of gravity of the firearm and this, combined
with the torque reaction generated by the rapidly spinning
projectile, tends to pull the muzzle upward and to the right upon
firing. The ratio of kinetic energy imparted to a shooter and
imparted to a bullet during recoil is inversely related to the
ratio of the masses of the bullet to the shooter. Hence the recoil
energy decreases as the shooter mass increases and/or the bullet
velocity decreases.
[0022] Projectile stability is affected by the exiting propellant
gas that passes and surrounds the projectile immediately beyond the
muzzle. The velocity of the propellant is roughly twice the
velocity of the projectile, so that at exit some propellant moves
around and in front of the projectile. The propellant immediately
slows down in the air, causing drag on the projectile. More
significantly, in the case of a firearm with a rifled barrel, the
propellant exerts a force that makes the spinning projectile wobble
or "yaw", thereby causing the projectile to take longer to
stabilize and decreasing the accuracy of the firearm.
[0023] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a method muzzle braking and flash
hider described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,223. FIG. 2A illustrates a
muzzle brake, and FIG. 2B illustrates the same muzzle brake
illustrated in FIG. 2A along a different view. FIGS. 2A and 2B
illustrate channels 16, whereby the combustion gases can escape.
Note the non-symmetric nature of the channels about the barrel
axis, resulting in a net force away from the axis of the barrel,
throwing off aim.
[0024] Muzzle flash can be detected via machines or by the human
eye. The human eye focuses light on the retina, comprised of rods
and cones. Rods detect light in night conditions in black, white
and gray. Rods amplify light more than cones and can detect as few
as one photon.
SUMMARY
[0025] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a flash
suppressor comprising: a first gas region, where the first gas
region can be enclosed by first solid portion, where the first
solid portion is configured so that the first solid portion can be
operatively attached to a barrel; a second gas region, where the
second gas region can be enclosed by a second solid portion, where
the second solid portion is operatively attached to the first solid
region; a bore region, where the bore region can be enclosed by a
third solid portion, where the bore region is configured to
facilitate the passage of a projectile through the bore region,
where the bore region has a bore axis that is parallel to an axis
of a bore of the barrel; and at least one gas channel, where the at
least one gas channel passes through a fourth solid portion, where
the fourth solid region is operatively attached to the third solid
portion, where the fourth solid portion is operatively attached to
the second solid portion, where the first gas region is configured
to accept at least a first portion of the gases exhausted from the
barrel when a projectile is exhausted from the barrel, where first
gas region is configured to direct the first portion of gases into
the second gas region, where the second gas region is configured to
direct a second portion of the a first portion of the gases
exhausted into the at least one gas channel, where the at least one
gas channel has a channel axis that is at a non-zero angle with
respect to the bore axis, and where the at least one gas channel
directs at least a third portion of the second gas portion to an
ambient environment surrounding the flash suppressor.
[0026] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of
flash suppression comprising: directing a portion of the gases
exhausted from a barrel along a first path, where the portion of
gases takes a first time to travel along the first path; and
directing a projectile along a second path where the projectile
takes a second time to travel along the second path, where the
second time is less than the first time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of present invention will become more
fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying
drawings, where:
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates the general components of a muzzle
flash;
[0029] FIG. 1B illustrates a pressure curve along a barrel using a
test round (about 25% larger than a standard load);
[0030] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a related art muzzle brake;
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a flash suppressor in accordance with at
least one exemplary embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 5 in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the flash suppressor
illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a front cap in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;
[0035] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates various cross sectional views of
the passage of a projectile through a flash suppressor in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a flash suppressor in accordance with at
least one exemplary embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 11 in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the flash suppressor
illustrated in FIG. 11;
[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross sectional view of a front cap in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates a flash suppressor in accordance with at
least one exemplary embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 16 in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the flash suppressor
illustrated in FIG. 16;
[0043] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross sectional view of a front cap in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 19 illustrates the flash suppressor of FIG. 14, and a
sound suppressor (FIG. 20) as a non-limiting example of what can be
attached to the flash suppressor of at least one exemplary
embodiment;
[0045] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate side and cross sectional view of
a sound suppressor attached to the flash suppressor illustrated in
FIG. 14;
[0046] FIG. 23 illustrates a sectional view of a sound suppressor
coupling element illustrated in FIG. 25 in accordance with at least
one exemplary embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 24 illustrates a sound suppressor coupling element in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 26 illustrates a front cap cross sectional view in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of the front cap
illustrated in FIG. 26;
[0050] FIG. 28 illustrates a flash suppressor in accordance with at
least one exemplary embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 29 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 31 in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 30 illustrates a barrel end view of the rear cap
illustrated in FIG. 28;
[0053] FIG. 32 illustrates a first sectional view of the flash
suppressor illustrated in FIG. 31 in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 33 illustrates a second sectional view of the flash
suppressor illustrated in FIG. 31 in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 34 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 35 in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 36 illustrates a front cap cross sectional view in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 37 illustrates a front view of the front cap
illustrated in FIG. 36; and
[0058] FIGS. 38A and 38B illustrates various cross sectional views
of the passage of a projectile through a flash suppressor in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] The following description of exemplary embodiment(s) is
merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0060] Processes, techniques, apparatus, and materials as known by
one of ordinary skill in the art may not be discussed in detail but
are intended to be part of the enabling description where
appropriate. For example specific manufacturing methods for example
milling, drilling, pressing, may not be discussed, however one of
ordinary skill in the manufacturing of rifles would be able,
without undo experimentation, to manufacture exemplary embodiments
given the enabling disclosure herein.
[0061] Notice that similar reference numerals and letters refer to
similar items in the following figures, and thus once an item is
defined in one figure, it may not be discussed or further defined
in the following figures.
[0062] In all of the examples illustrated and discussed herein, any
specific values, should be interpreted to be illustrative only and
non-limiting. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments
could have different values.
[0063] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the embodiments of the invention that are regarded as
novel, it is believed that the method, system, and other
embodiments will be better understood from a consideration of the
following description in conjunction with the drawing figures.
Non-Limiting Exemplary Embodiments
[0064] When a rifle cartridge ignites the pressure build up in the
chamber can be as high as 80000+ psi (FIG. 1B). The temperatures
can reach 1000+ degrees. The gas pressures decrease as they travel
down the barrel behind the projectile that is pushed ahead of the
chamber pressure, see plot FIG. 1B. The gases in the chamber
include uncombusted propellant that ignites upon exhaustion into
the ambient environment generating muzzle flash as discussed in the
background section. A method of reducing the flash is to disperse
the exhaust gases, reduce the exhausted temperature of the gases,
and directing the exhaust gases away from the projectile motion
(reducing the occurrence of shock heating).
[0065] Three non-limiting exemplary embodiments are discussed in
the figures, with respect to gas channel inclined angles. For
example FIGS. 3-27, and 38A and 38B, illustrates gas channel inline
angles of about 30 degrees (e.g., between 5 and 46 degrees). While
FIGS. 28-33 illustrates non-limiting exemplary embodiments with gas
channels inclined about 90 degrees (e.g., between 70 and 130).
While FIGS. 34-38B illustrates non-limiting exemplary embodiments
with gas channel inclined angles of about 60 degrees (e.g., between
45 and 71). The examples discussed are not limitative of the scope
of exemplary embodiments. Other exemplary embodiment can have
variable inclined angles, and/or inclined angles outside of the
ranges discussed.
[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates a flash suppressor 100 in accordance with
at least one exemplary embodiment. The non-limiting example of at
least one exemplary embodiment is comprised of several elements,
for example a rear cap 110, a coupler 120, an insert 130 and a
front cap 140. Note that the elements can include various materials
for example steel alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, titanium
alloys, and various other alloys (with or without coatings and
layers) used for rifle manufacturing as known by one of ordinary
skill in the art of rifle manufacturing. Some non-limiting examples
of materials used can include inconel 718, 4130, 4140 and 4150
barrel steel.
[0067] The rear cap 110 can be operatively attached to the front
cap 140, for example via the coupler 120. The coupler 120 can
itself be coupled to the rear cap via various fasteners (e.g.,
threads, bolts, welds, pins, screws, and other fastening methods as
known by one of ordinary skill in bonding and fastening metal
and/or rifle parts). FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting method of
fastening (e.g., 112, 122, 142) by threads (e.g., 18, 24, 28
threads/inch). The insert 130 can be operatively attached to the
rear cap 110, for example the insert can be fastened (e.g. press
fitted) to the front cap 140, which in turn can be fastened or
attached (e.g. threadily, i.e., by screwing via threads) to the
coupler, which in turn can be attached (e.g., threadily) to the
rear cap 110. The rear cap 110 can be attached or fastened to the
barrel (e.g., threadily via threads 105). The flash suppressor 100
can be fastened to various barrel sizes (e.g., pistol, rifles) to
reduce flash production by dispersing the exhausted gas, decreasing
the temperature of the exhausted gases. Note press fitting can
include pressing a piece into a tight opening of another piece, but
can also include heating one or both pieces (e.g., the front cap
240, to increase the opening then press the insert 230 into the
expanded opening). Additionally the insert 230 and the front cap
240 can be made of different materials with different thermal
coefficient of expansion. For example the front cap 240 can be
heated and the insert 230 can be cooled, and the insert 230
inserted into the front cap 240. If the thermal expansion
coefficient of the insert 230 is larger than the front cap 240 then
when both are heated the insert will expand more becoming tighter
during operation of the flash suppressor.
[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 3 in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment. The flash suppressor 100 has a barrel side
103 facing or attached to the barrel, and a flash side 149 facing a
flash region. The exhausted gases from the barrel pass through the
barrel side 103 and into a rear cap gas region 115, enclosed by the
inside of at least a portion of the rear cap 110. The projectile,
upon partially leaving the barrel, obstructs a portion of an insert
bore region 135 as the projectile passes through the insert 130. A
majority of the non-obstructed gases pass into the rear cap gas
region 115 and then into a coupler gas region 125. The coupler gas
region 125 can be enclosed by the inside of at least a portion of
the coupler 120. The gas then passes through the coupler gas region
125 into and through the gas channel(s) 152 into the ambient
environment. There can be any number of gas channel(s) 152 and each
gas channel 152 can include a gas channel recess 150 that aids in
manufacturing gas channel(s) 152 inclined at an angle (e.g.,
inclined angle of about 0 degrees to 180 degrees) with respect to
the projectile direction 190. The incline angle can be measured
between a channel vector parallel to an axis running through the
center of the gas channel and a vector running parallel to the
projectile direction 190.
[0069] The flash suppressor 100 can be fastened to the barrel, for
example by tightening via twisting a wrench using the rear cap
barrel side wrench indent 111 and/or the rear cap barrel side
second wrench indent 117 and/or front cap flash side wrench indent
145. FIGS. 38A and 38B illustrate at last one exemplary embodiment
of a flash suppressor 800 attached to a barrel 888.
[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the flash suppressor 100
illustrated in FIG. 5. The view looks into a gas channel recess
150, of which the non-limiting example illustrates six gas channel
recesses 150, where there is at least one exemplary embodiment with
various number of gas channel(s) 152 with or without gas channel
recesses 150. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a front
cap in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, showing
the inclined gas channel(s) 152.
[0071] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates various cross sectional views of
the passage of a projectile through a flash suppressor in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B
illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor in accordance
with at least one exemplary embodiment. The projectile 260, after
passing through the insert 230, passes through the front cap bore
region 243 into the front cap expansion region 247, and out of the
flash suppressor 200 along the projectile direction 290 through the
flash side 249. When a projectile 260 is fired the exhausted gases
from the barrel pass into the rear cap gas region 215, enclosed by
the inside of at least a portion of the rear cap 210. The
projectile 260, upon partially leaving the barrel, obstructs a
portion of an insert bore region 235 as the projectile passes
through the insert 230. A majority of the non-obstructed gases pass
into the rear cap gas region 215 and then into a coupler gas region
225. The coupler gas region 225 can be enclosed by the inside of at
least a portion of the coupler 220. The gas then passes through the
coupler gas region 225 into and through the gas channel(s) 252 into
the ambient environment. There can be any number of gas channel(s)
252 and each gas channel 252 can include a gas channel recess 250
that aids in manufacturing gas channel(s) 252 inclined at an angle
(e.g., inclined angle of about 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and more
particularly between an incline angle of about 10 degrees to about
10 degrees) with respect to the projectile direction 290. The
incline angle can be measured between a channel vector parallel to
an axis running through the center of the gas channel and a vector
running parallel to the projectile direction 290. The projectile
260, after passing through the insert 230, passes through the front
cap bore region 243 into the front cap expansion region 247, and
out of the flash suppressor 200 along the projectile direction
290.
[0072] In at least one exemplary embodiment the rear cap (e.g.,
210) and the coupler (e.g., 220) can be fabricated as one unitary
element (e.g., machined and/or molded as one piece). Thus one
physical part would include 210 and 220.
[0073] In at least one exemplary embodiment the front cap (e.g.,
240) and the insert (e.g., 230) can be fabricated as one unitary
element (e.g., machined and/or molded as one piece). Thus one
physical part would include 230 and 240.
[0074] In at least one exemplary embodiment a first unitary element
(e.g., 210 combined with 220) can be fastened to a second unitary
element (e.g. 230 combined with 240). Further one of the unitary
elements (e.g. the first unitary element) can be configured to be
fastened to a barrel.
[0075] FIG. 8A illustrates the passage of the projectile 260
through the flash suppressor. In this particular non-limiting
example the projectile enters the insert bore region 235 and
obstructs a majority of the exhaust gas from entering the insert
bore region, instead a majority of the exhaust gas passes into the
rear cap region 215 and then the coupler gas region 225 before
passing through the gas channels. The projectile 260 will travel a
projectile path length in a projectile transit time through the
flash suppressor while the exhaust gas moves from the barrel to a
gas channel exit in a gas transit time along a gas path length. In
at least one non-limiting example the gas transit time is less than
or equal to the projectile transit time. At least one non-limiting
exemplary embodiment is designed so that the gas transit time is
greater than the projectile transit time. Thus in at least one
non-limiting exemplary embodiment the projectile is ejected first
from the flash suppressor and the exhaust gas afterwards so that
the gas ejected does not interfere with the projectile. In at least
one further non-limiting exemplary embodiment the gas transit time
can be less than the projectile transit time while the projectile
path length is less than the gas path length. In yet a further
exemplary embodiment, if the path lengths are about the same, since
the gas speed is greater than the projectile speed, the gas will be
exhausted prior to the projectile being ejected. In at least one
exemplary embodiment the gas channel inclined angle is such that a
portion of the exhaust gas is directed away from the projectile
direction 290. For example if a projectile vector along the
projectile direction is the reference direction and 0 angle, and a
vector representing the direction of the center of the gas
exhausted from a gas channel 252 is the gas vector, then the
inclined angle is the angle of intersection between the projectile
vector and the gas vector. The inclined angle can be from 0 to 180
degrees, more specifically in at least one non-limiting example the
angular range can be between about 10 and about 160 degrees. For
example if the inclined angle were about 180 degrees then the
exhaust gas would be directed in a direction opposite to the
projectile direction 290, reducing the recoil of the rifle due to
the projectile. In addition to the recoil due to the projectile
being emitted (projectile recoil), the exhausted gas is normally
emitted from the end of the barrel in the direction of the
projectile. The exhausted gas also results in recoil (gas recoil).
If the gas is redirected then the gas recoil can be reduced. For
example if the incline angle is about 180 degrees then the recoil
due to gas is reduced and in actuality if at least a portion of the
exhausted gases (e.g., the inclined angle is greater than 90
degrees) are directed opposite to the projectile motion, helping to
reduce projectile recoil.
[0076] The projectile motion illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B
illustrates that the projectile 260 has a large diameter portion of
length L0 (projectile effective sealing length). In the
non-limiting example illustrated the projectile effective sealing
length L0 is greater than an insert offset distance L1, thus the
end of the projectile 250 passes out of the barrel after the
projectile 260 has sealed the insert 230. By sealed what is meant
is that only a portion of the insert bore region 235 is available
for exhaust gas to pass through the insert 230 (for example which
can be operatively attached to the front cap 240), while a larger
portion of area is available for the exhaust gas to pass into the
rear cap gas region 215. For example the projectile cross section
261 seals an area of the insert bore region 235, while a portion
263 of the insert bore region 235 is substantially free for the
exhaust gases to pass around the projectile 260. The gas that
passes into the rear cap gas region 215 and then into the coupler
gas region 225 exhausts out of the gas channel 252 through gas
channel exhaust area 267. In at least one exemplary embodiment the
total gas channel exhaust area (number of gas channel exhausts,
e.g., six illustrated in FIG. 8B, times the gas channel exhaust
area 267) is larger than the area portion 263.
[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates a flash suppressor 300 in accordance with
at least one exemplary embodiment. The non-limiting example of at
least one exemplary embodiment is comprised of several elements,
for example a rear cap 310, a coupler 320, an insert 330 and a
front cap 340. Note that the elements can include various materials
for example steel alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, titanium
alloys, and various other alloys (with or without coatings and
layers) used for rifle manufacturing as known by one of ordinary
skill in the art of rifle manufacturing.
[0078] The rear cap 310 can be operatively attached to the front
cap 340, for example via the coupler 320. The coupler 320 can
itself be coupled to the rear cap via various fasteners (e.g.,
threads, bolts, welds, pins, screws, and other fastening methods as
known by one of ordinary skill in bonding and fastening metal
and/or rifle parts). FIG. 9 illustrates a non-limiting method of
fastening (e.g., 312, 322, 342) by threads (e.g., right or left
hand threads, 18, 24, 28 threads/inch). The insert 330 can be
operatively attached to the rear cap 310, for example the insert
can be fastened (e.g. press fitted) to the front cap 340, which in
turn can be fastened or attached (e.g. threadily, i.e., by screwing
via threads) to the coupler, which in turn can be attached (e.g.,
threadily) to the rear cap 310. The rear cap 310 can be attached or
fastened to the barrel (e.g., threadily via threads 305). The flash
suppressor 300 can be fastened to various barrel sizes (e.g.,
pistol, rifles) to reduce flash production by dispersing the
exhausted gas, decreasing the temperature of the exhausted gases.
Note at least one exemplary embodiment one can use right hand
threads as fasteners where when the gas is exhausted the system is
torque to tighten the fastening of the various parts.
[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 9 in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment. The flash suppressor 300 has a barrel side
303 facing or attached to the barrel, and a flash side 349 facing a
flash region. The exhausted gases from the barrel pass through the
barrel side 303 and into a rear cap gas region 315, enclosed by the
inside of at least a portion of the rear cap 310. The projectile,
upon partially leaving the barrel, obstructs a portion of an insert
bore region 335 as the projectile passes through the insert 330. A
majority of the non-obstructed gases pass into the rear cap gas
region 315 and then into a coupler gas region 325. The coupler gas
region 325 can be enclosed by the inside of at least a portion of
the coupler 320. The gas then passes through the coupler gas region
325 into and through the gas channel(s) 352 into the ambient
environment. There can be any number of gas channel(s) 352 and each
gas channel 352 can include a gas channel recess 350 that aids in
manufacturing gas channel(s) 352 inclined at an angle (e.g.,
inclined angle of about 0 degrees to 180 degrees) with respect to
the projectile direction 190. The incline angle can be measured
between a channel vector parallel to an axis running through the
center of the gas channel and a vector running parallel to the
projectile direction 190. The projectile 260, after passing through
the insert 330, passes through the front cap bore region 343 into
the front cap expansion region 347, and out of the flash suppressor
300 along the projectile direction 190 through the flash side
349.
[0080] The flash suppressor 300 can be fastened to the barrel, for
example by tightening via twisting a wrench using the rear cap
barrel side wrench indent 311 and/or front cap flash side wrench
indent 345.
[0081] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the flash suppressor 300
illustrated in FIG. 11. The view looks into a gas channel recess
350, of which the non-limiting example illustrates six gas channel
recesses 350, where there is at least one exemplary embodiment with
various number of gas channel(s) 352 with or without gas channel
recesses 350. FIG. 13 illustrates a cross sectional view of a front
cap in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, showing
the inclined gas channel(s) 352.
[0082] The non-limiting exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
9-13, illustrate a shorter version of a flash suppressor as
compared to the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 3-7. For
example a shorter version can be used in smaller rifles or pistols.
Note that although six gas channel exhaust areas 267 are
illustrated, any number can be used in exemplary embodiments.
Additionally although the areas 267 are symmetrically arranged (as
measured from angular projections of the gas channel axes on a
plane substantially perpendicular to the projectile direction 190,
where symmetrically arrange gas channels have equally angular
spread around point representing the projectile direction 190
intersecting the substantially perpendicular plane) about the
projectile direction 190, the area(s) 267 can also be arranged
asymmetrically about the projectile direction 190.
[0083] FIG. 14 illustrates a flash suppressor 400 in accordance
with at least one exemplary embodiment. The non-limiting example of
at least one exemplary embodiment is comprised of several elements,
for example a rear cap 410, a coupler 420, an insert 430 and a
front cap 440. Note that the elements can include various materials
for example steel alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, titanium
alloys, and various other alloys (with or without coatings and
layers) used for rifle manufacturing as known by one of ordinary
skill in the art of rifle manufacturing.
[0084] The rear cap 410 can be operatively attached to the front
cap 440, for example via the coupler 420. The coupler 420 can
itself be coupled to the rear cap via various fasteners (e.g.,
threads, bolts, welds, pins, screws, and other fastening methods as
known by one of ordinary skill in bonding and fastening metal
and/or rifle parts). FIG. 14 illustrates a non-limiting method of
fastening (e.g., 412, 422, 442) by threads (e.g., 18, 24, 28
threads/inch). The insert 430 can be operatively attached to the
rear cap 410, for example the insert can be fastened (e.g. press
fitted) to the front cap 440, which in turn can be fastened or
attached (e.g. threadily, i.e., by screwing via threads) to the
coupler, which in turn can be attached (e.g., threadily) to the
rear cap 410. The rear cap 410 can be attached or fastened to the
barrel (e.g., threadily via threads 405). The flash suppressor 400
can be fastened to various barrel sizes (e.g., pistol, rifles) to
reduce flash production by dispersing the exhausted gas, decreasing
the temperature of the exhausted gases. The front cap 440 includes
a front cap flash side wrench indent 445 and a fastener 447 adapted
to connect to a sound suppressor. Thus FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a
non-limiting exemplary embodiment that is configured to attach to a
sound suppressor or other rifle devices that can be attached to the
fastener 447.
[0085] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 16 and FIG. 14 in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment. The flash suppressor 400 has a barrel side
403 facing or attached to the barrel, and a flash side 449 facing a
flash region. The exhausted gases from the barrel pass through the
barrel side 403 and into a rear cap gas region 415, enclosed by the
inside of at least a portion of the rear cap 410. The projectile,
upon partially leaving the barrel, obstructs a portion of an insert
bore region 435 as the projectile passes through the insert 430. A
majority of the non-obstructed gases pass into the rear cap gas
region 415 and then into a coupler gas region 425. The coupler gas
region 425 can be enclosed by the inside of at least a portion of
the coupler 420. The gas then passes through the coupler gas region
425 into and through the gas channel(s) 452 into the ambient
environment. There can be any number of gas channel(s) 452 and each
gas channel 452 can include a gas channel recess 450 that aids in
manufacturing gas channel(s) 452 inclined at an angle (e.g.,
inclined angle of about 0 degrees to 180 degrees) with respect to
the projectile direction 190. The incline angle can be measured
between a channel vector parallel to an axis running through the
center of the gas channel and a vector running parallel to the
projectile direction 190. The projectile 260, after passing through
the insert 430, passes through the front cap bore region 443 into
the front cap expansion region 447, and out of the flash suppressor
400 along the projectile direction 190 through the flash side
449.
[0086] The flash suppressor 400 can also include a registration
protrusion 437 for a sound suppressor. The flash suppressor 400 can
be fastened to the barrel, for example by tightening via twisting a
wrench using the rear cap barrel side wrench indent 411 and/or
front cap flash side wrench indent 445.
[0087] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the flash suppressor 400
illustrated in FIG. 16. The view looks into a gas channel recess
450, of which the non-limiting example illustrates six gas channel
recesses 450, where there is at least one exemplary embodiment with
various number of gas channel(s) 452 with or without gas channel
recesses 450. FIG. 18 illustrates a cross sectional view of a front
cap in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, showing
the inclined gas channel(s) 452.
[0088] The exemplary embodiment discussed herein refer to a flash
suppressor which can include a method or apparatus of attachment
(e.g., threads 447 (for example right and/or left handed threads),
FIG. 22) by which other devices can be attached to (e.g., at end or
sides) of the flash suppressor. For example FIG. 19 illustrates the
flash suppressor of FIG. 14, and a sound suppressor 500 (FIG. 20)
as a non-limiting example of what can be attached to the flash
suppressor of at least one exemplary embodiment. The sound
suppressor 500 can be attached (e.g., via screwing the sound
suppressor onto the thread 447) to the flash suppressor 400. FIGS.
21 and 22 illustrate side and cross sectional view of the sound
suppressor 500 attached to the flash suppressor 400 illustrated in
FIG. 19. Although a sound suppressor is illustrated as being
attached to the flash suppressor 400, other devices can be attached
or likewise the flash suppressor attached to other devices.
[0089] FIGS. 23-27 illustrate the front cap 440 as illustrated in
FIG. 14. FIG. 23 illustrates a sectional view of a front cap 540
extension illustrated in FIG. 25 in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-section E-E of
FIG. 25. As illustrated a gas channel 552 and a gas channel recess
550 can have a channel axis 557 that is inclined (.theta.) with
respect to a reference axis 570. A gas channel axis is produced at
an inclined angle .theta. with respect to the front cap axis 570.
As previously discussed the inclined angle can vary, for example
the inclined angle can lie between 0 and 180 degrees, and more
particularly for the particular non limiting exemplary embodiment
the inclined angle is about 30 degrees (for example between 5 and
46 degrees). Note that at least one exemplary embodiment can have
individual gas channel 552 have different inclined angles. For
example if there are six gas channel(s), three can have and
inclined angle of 30 degrees and the remaining three can have 60
degrees. Note that any number of gas channels and inclined angles
fall within the scope of at least one exemplary embodiment. For
example there can be one gas channel, two gas channels, and so on,
where the gas channels can be distributed at equal angles
(symmetrically) or non symmetric. Each gas channel 552 can have
uniform cross sections or non symmetric cross sections, for example
the cross sectional area of the channels can be designed to modify
any Mach level flows in the channel. Each gas channel 552 can have
a non-tubular shape (e.g., the cross section can narrow or broaden
along the gas channel axis). Additionally a gas channel 552 can
deviate from a straight line, for example form an "C" shape of
other curved shape, or even straight line deviations (e.g., a "V"
shape). Each gas channel 552 can also be unique in shape an
inclined angle about the front cap axis 570.
[0090] FIG. 24 illustrates a portion cutout of a sound suppressor
coupling element in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 26 illustrates a front cap 540 in accordance with
at least one exemplary embodiment, illustrating fasteners 542 and
547 (e.g., threadily fastenable), a gas channel 552 cross section,
a gas channel recess 550, and an optional front cap flash side
wrench indent 545. FIG. 26 illustrates cross section F-F of FIG.
27.
[0091] FIG. 28 illustrates a flash suppressor 600 in accordance
with at least one exemplary embodiment. The non-limiting example of
at least one exemplary embodiment is comprised of several elements,
for example a rear cap 610, a coupler 620, an insert 630 and a
front cap 640. Note that the elements can include various materials
for example steel alloys, aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, titanium
alloys, and various other alloys (with or without coatings and
layers) used for rifle manufacturing as known by one of ordinary
skill in the art of rifle manufacturing.
[0092] The rear cap 610 can be operatively attached to the front
cap 640, for example via the coupler 620. The coupler 620 can
itself be coupled to the rear cap via various fasteners (e.g.,
threads, bolts, welds, pins, screws, and other fastening methods as
known by one of ordinary skill in bonding and fastening metal
and/or rifle parts). FIG. 28 illustrates a non-limiting method of
fastening (e.g., 612, 622, 642) by threads (e.g., 18, 24, 28
threads/inch). The insert 630 can be operatively attached to the
rear cap 610, for example the insert can be fastened (e.g. press
fitted) to the front cap 640, which in turn can be fastened or
attached (e.g. threadily, i.e., by screwing via threads) to the
coupler, which in turn can be attached (e.g., threadily) to the
rear cap 610. The rear cap 610 can be attached or fastened to the
barrel (e.g., threadily via threads 605). The flash suppressor 600
can be fastened to various barrel sizes (e.g., pistol, rifles) to
reduce flash production by dispersing the exhausted gas, decreasing
the temperature of the exhausted gases.
[0093] FIG. 29 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 31 and FIG. 28 in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment. The flash suppressor 600 has a barrel side
603 facing or attached to the barrel, and a flash side 649 facing a
flash region. The exhausted gases from the barrel pass through the
barrel side 603 and into a rear cap gas region 615, enclosed by the
inside of at least a portion of the rear cap 610. The projectile,
upon partially leaving the barrel, obstructs a portion of an insert
bore region 635 as the projectile passes through the insert 630. A
majority of the non-obstructed gases pass into the rear cap gas
region 615 and then into a coupler gas region 625. The coupler gas
region 625 can be enclosed by the inside of at least a portion of
the coupler 620. The gas then passes through the coupler gas region
625 into and through the gas channel(s) 652 into the ambient
environment. There can be any number of gas channel(s) 652 and each
gas channel 652 can include a gas channel recess 650 that aids in
manufacturing gas channel(s) 652 inclined at an angle of about 90
degrees in the non exemplary illustrated (e.g., inclined angle
between 70 degrees to 130 degrees) with respect to the projectile
direction 673. The incline angle can be measured between a channel
vector parallel to an axis running through the center of the gas
channel and a vector running parallel to the projectile direction
673. The projectile 260, after passing through the insert 630,
passes through the front cap bore region 643 into the front cap
expansion region 647, and out of the flash suppressor 600 along the
projectile direction 673 through the flash side 649.
[0094] The flash suppressor 600 can be fastened to the barrel, for
example by tightening via twisting a wrench using the rear cap
barrel side wrench indent 611 and/or front cap flash side wrench
indent 645.
[0095] FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of the flash suppressor 600
illustrated in FIG. 5. The view looks into a gas channel recess
650, of which the non-limiting example illustrates six gas channel
recesses 650, where there is at least one exemplary embodiment with
various number of gas channel(s) 652 with or without gas channel
recesses 650.
[0096] FIG. 30 illustrates an isometric view of the front cap 640,
which illustrates front cap bore region 653, and a slot intake 657
(see also FIG. 32) to the gas channel 652. FIG. 33 illustrates at
least one exemplary embodiment that illustrates a gas channel axis
677 at angular inclined with respect to a reference axis 679,
substantially perpendicular to projectile direction 673. Note that
the gas channels 652, illustrated in FIG. 33 appear at a right
angle with respect to axis 673. However the gas channels 652 can be
at various angles from about 0 to 180 degrees, more specifically in
at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment 10 to 160 degrees.
For example one exemplary embodiment can direct the gases backwards
(greater than 90 degrees), which can be used to reduce the total
recoil.
[0097] FIG. 34 illustrates a cross section of a flash suppressor as
illustrated in FIG. 35 in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment, where FIG. 36 illustrates a front cap cross sectional
view in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment and FIG.
37 illustrates a front view of the front cap illustrated in FIG.
36. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment the gas channel 752
can have a channel axis 757 that is inclined (.theta.) with respect
to a reference axis (e.g., front cap axis 770).
[0098] The gas channel axis 757 is produced at an inclined angle
.theta. with respect to the front cap axis 770. As previously
discussed the inclined angle can vary, for example the inclined
angle can lie between about 1 and about 179 degrees, and more
particularly for the exemplary embodiment illustrated about 60
degrees (e.g., between about 45 and 71 degrees). Note that at least
one exemplary embodiment can have individual gas channel 752 have
different inclined angles. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 36 the inclined angle is about 60 degrees. Note
that any number of gas channels and inclined angles in presented
examples are non-limiting examples only.
[0099] FIGS. 38A and 38B illustrate various cross sectional views
of the passage of a projectile 860 through a flash suppressor 800
in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment. In the
non-limiting example a fastener (e.g., threads 805) can be used to
attach the flash suppressor 800 to a barrel 888 via a barrel
fastener (e.g., threads 891).
[0100] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a flash
suppressor comprising: a first gas region (e.g., rear cap gas
region 115), where the first gas region can be enclosed by first
solid portion (e.g., a portion of the rear cap 110), where the
first solid portion is configured so that the first solid portion
can be operatively attached to a barrel (e.g., by threaded portion
105 screwed onto a similar threaded portion on a barrel); a second
gas region (e.g., coupler gas region 125), where the second gas
region can be enclosed by a second solid portion (e.g., a portion
of coupler 120), where the second solid portion is operatively
attached to the first solid region (e.g., attaching coupler 120 to
the rear cap 110 by threads 112 screwed into similar threads in the
coupler 120); a bore region (e.g., insert bore region 135), where
the bore region can be enclosed by a third solid portion (e.g., a
portion of insert 130), where the bore region is configured to
facilitate the passage of a projectile through the bore region
(e.g., clearance enough for a projectile 260), where the bore
region has a bore axis that is parallel to an axis of a bore of the
barrel; and at least one gas channel (e.g., 152), where the at
least one gas channel passes through a fourth solid portion (e.g.,
a portion of the front cap 140), where the fourth solid region is
operatively attached to the third solid portion (e.g., the insert
130 press fitted into a portion of the front cap 140), where the
fourth solid portion is operatively attached to the second solid
portion (e.g., attaching the front cap 140 to the coupler 120 by
threads 122 screwed into similar threads in the front cap 140),
where the first gas region is configured to accept at least a first
portion of the gases exhausted from the barrel when a projectile is
exhausted from the barrel. For example when the projectile is
emitted from the barrel, combustion gas follows the projectile.
[0101] The projectile blocks a majority of the gas from entering
the insert bore region (e.g., 135) so that a larger portion of the
gas flows into the rear cap gas region (e.g., 115). The first gas
region is configured to direct the first portion of gases into the
second gas region. For example the portion of gas flowing into the
rear cap gas region (e.g., 115) is also directed into the coupler
gas region (e.g., 125). The second gas region is configured to
direct a second portion of the first portion of the gases exhausted
into the at least one gas channel (e.g., 152). For example the gas
flowing into the coupler gas region 125 can be directed into the
gas channel(s) (e.g., 152). The at least one gas channel has a
channel axis that is at a non-zero angle with respect to the bore
axis. For example in at least one exemplary embodiment the gas
channels are directed parallel to the projectile direction 190,
however the gas channel axis can have a non-zero value, as stated,
with regards to the projectile direction 190, for example 30
degrees and/or 60 degrees (note that any non zero angle can be
used). The at least one gas channel directs at least a third
portion of the second gas portion to an ambient environment
surrounding the flash suppressor. For example the end of the gas
channel 152 terminates at the ambient environment.
[0102] In at least one exemplary embodiment the second and fourth
solid portions are part of a unitary machined element. For example
the insert 130 and front cap 140 are fabricated from a single
inconel element.
[0103] In at least one further exemplary embodiment the first and
third solid portions are part of a unitary machined element. For
example the rear cap 110 and the coupler 120 are fabricated from a
single piece of steel. In at least one further exemplary embodiment
the unitary machined element is fastened to the first solid
portion, and where the first solid portion is configured to be
attached to a barrel. For example an insert 130 and front cap 140
fabricated from a single material can be attached (e.g., threadily
attached) to the rear cap 110 and coupler 120 fabricated, from a
single material, where the rear cap 110 is attached to the barrel
(e.g., threadily attached). In at least one further exemplary
embodiment the first solid portion is fastened to the barrel by at
least one of a threaded portion, a weld, a latch, a bolt, press
fitted, and a pin. For example the rear cap 110 can be attached by
screwing a threaded portion 105 into a similar threaded portion on
a barrel. At least other further exemplary embodiments can have the
rear cap 110 attached by welding the rear cap 110 onto the barrel,
by latching the rear cap 110 to the barrel (e.g., by a rotating a
portion onto a key onto the barrel to lock the rear cap 110 onto
the barrel, or a simple latch), by a bolt or pin pressed through a
groove in the barrel and a matching groove in a portion of the
inserted rear cap 110, by press fitting the barrel into the rear
cap 110, or by other fastening methods as would be know by one of
ordinary sill in rifle manufacturing. Note that other elements of
the flash suppressor can be fastened to other elements by fastening
methods already discussed.
[0104] Note that elements of the flash suppressor (e.g., rear cap
110, front cap 140, insert 130 and coupler 120) can be fabricated
from a variety of material for example titanium and titanium
alloys, steel and steel alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys,
nickel and nickel alloys and chromium alloys (e.g., inconel) or
other materials used in rifle manufacturing as known by one of
ordinary skill in rifle and pistol fabrication.
[0105] At least one exemplary embodiment can have multiple gas
channels, and the gas channels can be arranged symmetrically about
the projectile direction 190 or non symmetric.
[0106] At least one exemplary embodiment has a first gas channel
(e.g., 152) that has a first channel axis (e.g., 677), where the
second gas channel has a second channel axis, where the first
channel axis is inclined a first angle (e.g., .theta.) with respect
to the bore axis (e.g., 570), where the second channel axis is
inclined a second angle with respect to the bore axis, where the
first angle is non-zero and where the second angle is non-zero. For
example the two gas channels can be inclined at different angles
with respect to bore axis. The gas channels can be variously shaped
for example the gas channel can be a straight channel, a curved
channel (e.g., "V" shape, "C" shape, gradually curved shape), with
varying cross sectional areas or uniform cross-sectional areas. The
exhausted gas directed along and out of the gas channels can be
directed in the direction of the projectile direction or in other
direction as measured from the projectile direction.
[0107] In at least one exemplary embodiment the time that it takes
the projectile to leave the barrel and exit the flash suppressor
end (i.e. projectile transit time) is shorter than the time it
takes the exhaust gases to leave the barrel and exit the end of a
gas channel (i.e. gas transit time). In at least one exemplary
embodiment the projectile transit time is longer than or equal to
the gas transit time. Thus, in at least one exemplary embodiment
the gas channels are designed to direct the exhausted gas away from
the projectile path, and in at least one exemplary embodiment to
increase the gas transit time.
[0108] At least one exemplary embodiment has a projectile path
length through the flash suppressor (e.g., 100) that is shorter
than the path length of the majority of exhaust gas passing through
the flash suppressor and out the gas channel exits.
[0109] In at least one exemplary embodiment the projectile 260
enters the insert 130 sealing the insert 130 before the exhaust
gases exit the barrel. The projectile 260 has an effective sealing
length (i.e., a non tapered portion that is uniform and can seal a
channel). In at least one exemplary embodiment the sealing length
is longer than the offset distance from the end of the barrel to
the entrance of the insert 130.
[0110] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to the method
of diverting the exhaust gases along a path length longer than the
projectile path length through the flash suppressor, while also
dispersing the exhaust gases in a different direction than the
projectile motion, decreasing both the exhaust gas pressure and
temperature, reducing muzzle flash.
[0111] While a sample of exemplary embodiments of the invention
have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the
embodiments of the invention are not so limited. Numerous
modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents
will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present embodiments of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *
References