U.S. patent application number 13/160160 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for advanced muzzle loader ammunition.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Bandel, Sandra L. Case, Drew Lee Goodlin, Richard Quesenberry, Benjamin R. Vaughan, William J. Worrell.
Application Number | 20120260814 13/160160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47005412 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120260814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Worrell; William J. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
Advanced Muzzle Loader Ammunition
Abstract
A muzzle loaded ammunition round having a bullet and a
consumable cartridge case. The cartridge case is hollow and is
filled with at least one propellant composition, the cartridge case
being constructed from a consumable material, such as foamed
celluloid. The bullet is commonly engaged to the propellant
composition at least via the cartridge case, the propellant
composition having a charge weight.
Inventors: |
Worrell; William J.;
(Draper, VA) ; Goodlin; Drew Lee; (Isanti, MN)
; Quesenberry; Richard; (Willis, VA) ; Bandel;
Jeffrey; (Radford, VA) ; Vaughan; Benjamin R.;
(Blacksburg, VA) ; Case; Sandra L.; (Blacksburg,
VA) |
Assignee: |
ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
47005412 |
Appl. No.: |
13/160160 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12789724 |
May 28, 2010 |
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13160160 |
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12109472 |
Apr 25, 2008 |
7726245 |
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12789724 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/431 ;
86/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 30/02 20130101;
F42B 5/182 20130101; F42B 5/192 20130101; F42B 5/18 20130101; F42B
14/064 20130101; F42B 5/067 20130101; F42B 5/188 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/431 ;
86/10 |
International
Class: |
F42B 5/18 20060101
F42B005/18; F42B 33/00 20060101 F42B033/00 |
Claims
1. A muzzle loaded ammunition round comprising: a fixed round
comprising a bullet and a consumable cartridge case; the cartridge
case is hollow and is filled with at least one propellant
composition, the cartridge case being constructed from a consumable
material; the bullet is commonly engaged to the propellant
composition at least via the cartridge case, the propellant
composition having a charge weight, wherein the consumable material
is a foamed celluloid.
2. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 1 further comprising
an igniter which extends into the propellant composition inside the
case at the time of ignition.
3. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 1 in which the
bullet is positioned within a sabot and the sabot is engaged to the
cartridge case.
4. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 3 in which the sabot
is constructed at least in part out of a thermoplastic
material.
5. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 1 in which the
propellant composition is one selected from the list consisting of:
smokeless propellant, single base nitrocellulose, nitrocellulose
propellant, black powder propellant, pyrotechnic propellant,
non-pyrotechnic propellant, and any combination thereof.
6. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 1 in which the
propellant composition occupies a volume substantially equal to at
least 90% of the volume of the cartridge case.
7. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 7 in which the
propellant composition includes at least one energy modifying
material.
8. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 7 in which the at
least one energy modifying material is an energy reducing
material.
9. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 1 in which the
propellant composition includes a pyrotechnic material.
10. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 1 in which the
propellant composition includes a stabilizer compound.
11. The muzzle loaded ammunition round of claim 10 in which the
stabilizer compound is no greater than 1% by volume of the
propellant composition.
12. A method of manufacturing a muzzle loaded ammunition round
comprising a bullet and a consumable cartridge case, the method
comprising: heating at least one sheet of a foamed celluloid to a
predetermined softening temperature; stretching the at least one
sheet about a cylindrical mandrel of a desired diameter of the
consumable cartridge case; using a vacuum to pull the sheet into a
desired shape of the consumable cartridge case; closing a first end
of the consumable cartridge case; filling the consumable cartridge
case with at least one propellant composition; and closing the
second end of the consumable cartridge case.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying pressure to
the sheet of a forming die can be used with pressure to finalize
the desired shape or dimensions of the cartridge case.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein a seam is formed where two ends
of the sheet of foamed celluloid method and the seam is glued with
a cyanoacrylate.
15. A method of manufacturing a muzzle loaded ammunition round
comprising a bullet and a consumable cartridge case, the method
comprising: extruding foamed celluloid material in a long tube
using a thermoplastic extrusion process; cutting the tube to a
desired length of the consumable cartridge case; closing a first
end of the consumable cartridge case; filling the consumable
cartridge case with at least one propellant composition; and
closing the second end of the consumable cartridge case.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second ends are
closed with small end caps that are attached to the cut cylindrical
tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/789,724, filed on May 28, 2010, which is a
continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,245, filed on Apr. 25,
2008.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] This invention relates generally to ammunition for
muzzle-loader guns, and more particularly to muzzle-loader
ammunition having a consumable cartridge case. Some embodiments are
directed to the manufacture and methods of use of such devices.
[0004] Various forms of ammunition have been proposed for muzzle
loading ammunition. Such ammunition over the years evolved from
round ball projectiles to ammunition that has incorporated many of
the features of modern bullets. Current muzzle loading ammunition
comprises multiple parts that are combined together when loaded
into a firearm. Because the various parts are separate, they are
not sealed, and they use pyrotechnic materials such as black powder
or black powder substitutes that tend to be hygroscopic (they tend
to absorb moisture from their surroundings and in particular absorb
water vapor from the atmosphere). As a result, their efficiency
degrades overtime, and the propellant and resultant combustion
products tend to corrode the firearm barrel and chamber.
[0005] Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary
of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth
below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the
invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be
found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention contemplates a number of embodiments where
any one, any combination of some, or all of the embodiments can be
incorporated into muzzle loaded ammunition. In addition, this
invention contemplates a number of embodiments where any one, any
combination of some, or all of the embodiments can be incorporated
into a method of using such muzzle loaded ammunition.
[0007] At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a muzzle loaded ammunition round comprising a bullet and a
cartridge case. The round is a fixed round. The cartridge case is
hollow and is filled with at least one propellant composition. The
bullet is commonly engaged to the propellant composition at least
via the cartridge case. When the bullet is fired, the energy with
which the bullet exits the firearm is a ratio proportional at least
to the burn rate, the charge weight, and at least one physical
property of the bullet. In some embodiments, the burn rate is
proportional to the combustibility of both the propellant and the
cartridge case. The burn rate and at least one physical property of
the bullet are precisely calibrated to each other so as to yield
ballistic properties in which the bullet is fired with a desired
amount of kinetic energy and within the design constraints of the
firearm.
[0008] At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a muzzle loaded ammunition round in which the cartridge case is
constructed out of a consumable material. The consumable material
can be energetic. One of the calibrated physical properties of the
bullet is one selected from the group consisting of: size, mass,
density, caliber, shape, and any combination thereof. The burn rate
can be controlled by modifying the density of the consumable
material of the cartridge case. The cartridge case can be
constructed at least in part out of nitrocellulose. In at least one
embodiment, the consumable material is a foamed celluloid.
[0009] At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a muzzle loaded ammunition round in which the bullet is
positioned within a sabot and the sabot is engaged to the cartridge
case. The sabot can be constructed at least in part out of a
thermoplastic material. At least one of the calibrated physical
properties of the bullet is separable from the sabot.
[0010] At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a muzzle loaded ammunition round constructed and arranged to be
penetrated by a breech block. At least one embodiment of the
present invention is directed to a muzzle loaded ammunition round
further comprising an electrically conductive probe extending into
the end of the cartridge case not facing the bullet.
[0011] At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a muzzle loaded ammunition round in which the propellant
composition is one selected from the list consisting of: smokeless
propellant, single base nitrocellulose, nitrocellulose propellant,
black powder propellant, pyrotechnic propellant, non-pyrotechnic
propellant, and any combination thereof. The propellant composition
can occupy a volume substantially equal to at least 90% of the
volume of the cartridge case. The propellant composition can
include at least one energy modifying material. The at least one
energy modifying material can be an energy reducing material. The
propellant composition can also include a pyrotechnic material or a
stabilizer compound. The stabilizer compound can be 1% or less by
volume of the propellant composition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a lateral view of a round of improved muzzle
loaded ammunition.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of parts in a round of improved
muzzle loaded ammunition.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a round of improved muzzle
loaded ammunition comprising a breech block.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention will next be illustrated with reference to the
figures wherein the same second (tens) and third (ones) digits of
numbers indicate similar elements in all figures. Such figures are
intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included
herewith to facilitate the explanation of the apparatus of the
present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, like second
(tens) and third (ones) digits of the reference numerals in the
figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.
Depicted in the figures are various aspects of the invention.
Elements depicted in one figure may be combined with, or
substituted for, elements depicted in another figure as
desired.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown an embodiment of the
invention featuring a muzzle loaded ammunition round (101) having a
bullet (102) at its front end held in place by sabot (103) which in
turn is engaged to a cartridge case (104). For purposes of this
application, the definition of the term "bullet" is a projectile
missile fired by a firearm intended and designed for the purpose of
striking a target. Bullets include saboted bullets, full bore
non-saboted bullets, and shotgun shot. Bullets do not include
sabot, wads, propellant, cartridge cases, compressed gas, or any
other material ejected from the barrel of a fired firearm other
than the projectile missile intended and designed to strike a
target.
[0018] The cartridge case (104) is generally cylindrical in shape
and includes an internal lumen (106). A propellant (107) is
contained within the lumen (106) of the cartridge case (104).
Ignition of the propellant (107) provides the energy that propels
the saboted bullet (102) at a target. The propellant can be legacy
black powder, substitute pyrotechnic propellant, as well as
smokeless propellant, nitrocellulose propellant, and other similar
materials.
[0019] The round (101) is a fixed round. For purposes of this
application the definition of the term "fixed round" is a round of
ammunition which when stored outside of the firearm chamber prior
to loading the round, has the propellant and the bullet commonly
engaged to each other via direct engagement or via one or more
other components of the round. For purposes of this application the
definition of the term "commonly engaged" means two linked items
that are either directly engaged to each other or are each engaged
to one or more linking items, each linking item in turn is linked
to either another linking item or to one or both of the linked
items. Prior art muzzle loaded ammunition are not fixed rounds and
the propellant (107) and bullet (102) are free of any common or
shared engagements prior to being loaded into a firearm and can be
stored separately.
[0020] In at least one embodiment the sabot (103) is constructed
out of thermoplastic or other materials which provides mechanical
means to obturate and launch the bullet (102). For purposes of this
application the definition of the word "obturate" is to seal a
bullet in a relative position or location. In at least one
embodiment, the sabot (103) is engaged to the cartridge case (104)
at the rear of the sabot (103). Other contemplated embodiments
include a cartridge case (104) which extends around at least a
portion of the sabot (103) and/or the bullet (102), and a non-sabot
based bullet (102) with a diameter equal to that of the cartridge
case (104). In at least one embodiment, the cartridge case (104)
itself functions as a sabot and holds the bullet (102) in place.
The sabot (103) and the bullet (102) can be calibrated to have the
optimal separation properties for the desired ballistic effect. In
at least one embodiment, the bullet (102) is a full-diameter bullet
which does not utilize a sabot.
[0021] In at least one embodiment, the cartridge case (104) is
constructed at least in part out of a consumable material. In at
least one embodiment consumable material is highly energetic.
Examples of such material are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,323,707, 4,759,885 and 3,901,153 and published U.S. patent
application 2006/0 169164 all of whose contents are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety. In at least one
embodiment the consumable cartridge case (104) is constructed out
of nitrocellulose. Modifying the density of the consumable
cartridge case material can modify its burn rate. Lower density
consumable materials have a higher burn rate than higher density
consumable materials.
[0022] In at least one embodiment, the consumable material is
felted and or molded. When felted the consumable material is formed
out of slurry which is shaped around a mandrel with heat and
pressure. The density of the consumable cartridge case material can
be calibrated (tailored) by felting. In at least one embodiment the
consumable cartridge case material has a low density yet has
appropriate support strength.
[0023] In at least one embodiment, the consumable material is a
foamed celluloid. In at least one embodiment, sheets of the foamed
celluloid are heated to a predetermined softening temperature
(about 266.degree. F. (130.degree. C.)). The heat processed sheets
are then stretched around a mandrel (or cylindrical die) of a
desired diameter and vacuumed to pull the soften sheet into the
desired shape. In some embodiments, a second half of a forming die
can be used with pressure to finalize the desired shape or
dimensions of the cartridge case. In some embodiments, the seam
where the ends of the sheet meet is glued with a cyanoacrylate.
[0024] In another embodiment, the foamed celluloid material is
extruded in relatively long tubes using a thermoplastic extrusion
process, such as screw extruders, batch presses with associated
annular extrusion dies, and similar processes. In at least one
embodiment, the extruded tubes are cut to the desired length and
closed on both ends with small end caps. The small end caps
produced using a stamping operation or similar operation. The small
end caps are attached to the cut cylindrical tube using a
mechanical fit with an adhesive, sonic welding, and other
attachment methods and combinations thereof. In at least one
embodiment, one end of the cylindrical tube must be closed (i.e. a
small end cap must be attached at the end) prior to loading the
propellant into the cartridge case. The other end of the
cylindrical tube would be closed after the capsule is filled with
the desired charge of propellant.
[0025] In at least one embodiment, where the foamed celluloid
sheets are thin enough, the sheets can be softened as described
above using the heat process and wrapped around a mandrel or
cylindrical die to form long cylinders with ends that can be closed
using the small end caps described above. In at least one
embodiment, multiple layers of foamed celluloid can be wrapped
around the mandrel in a continuous spiral wrap to form another long
cylinder which can be closed using the small end caps as described
above. Alternatively, one could use a drawing type process, where
the foamed celluloid material is extruded into a cylindrical shape
by squeezing the material through a die under pressure multiple
times or progressively stretched in multiple stages.
[0026] The aforementioned processes for forming the tubular
cartridge cases from the foamed celluloid all assume that the
foaming operation was completed prior to shaping the material to
form the cartridge case. In at least one embodiment, an unfoamed
celluloid material that includes the foaming agent in its
formulation can be used where the foaming reaction occurs when the
material is shaped around the mandrel or die. For example, long
cylindrical tubes of unfoamed celluloid material with a foaming
agent are first extruded and then the foaming reaction occurs under
heat and pressure within a long annular extrusion die. Such an
arrangement would provide the necessary confinement to control
parameters such as wall thickness, pore size, and density. In at
least one embodiment, the unfoamed celluloid material that includes
the foaming agent is injected or pressed into a cavity of a two
part mold that contains the shape of the desired capsule and has
vacuum capability to expand the foam once it is pressed into the
cavity.
[0027] Once the cartridge cases have been shaped, propellant is
loaded into the cartridge case. Referring again to FIG. 1 there is
shown that in at least one embodiment, the propellant (107) is a
non-pyrotechnic propellant such as smokeless propellant and/or
nitrocellulose based propellant. In prior art muzzle loading
ammunition, because at least some of the firing components were
individually loaded into the firearm they could vary. This made it
unsafe to use non-pyrotechnic propellants. Non-pyrotechnic
propellants are highly energetic when used within the high pressure
environment of a firearm barrel or chamber in the process of firing
a projectile. Such highly energetic propellants when used in the
incorrect quantity relative to the specific ballistic pressure of a
given bullet in a given firearm can result in unwanted or excessive
pressure. As a result, in the prior art the burn rate of the
propellant was made safe by using pyrotechnic propellants which
utilize a combination of finely powdered fuel (such as black
powder) and oxidant, with or without additives to reduce the burn
rate/energy output of a given propellant charge weight.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, the
ammunition (101) is constructed and arranged with its rear portion
positioned facing a breech block part of the muzzle loading firearm
(105) when loaded into a firearm. In at least one embodiment, the
ammunition (101) is constructed and arranged to be used in
combination with a primer (108) or igniter separately positioned
within a firearm barrel. When the firearm is triggered, a hammer
strikes the primer material (108) igniting it, the breech block
(105) penetrates the cartridge case (104) with a probe (109) or
bayonet having a sharp point (110) that forms a hole which allows
hot materials from the ignited primer (108) to enter the rear
portion (114) of the cartridge case (104) and ignite the propellant
(107). As shown in FIG. 1, the probe (109) can be tubular with a
conical tip, can be conical, can be serrated, or can be any
combination thereof, or can be of any shape known in the art.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the parts of an ammunition round (201) in
which the bullet (202), sabot (203), cartridge case (204), lumen
(206), and propellant (207) are constructed and arranged to work
with a spitter-type breech block (205). The probe (209) of the
spifter-type breech block (205) comprises a tube (211) with a
sharpened end (213) which penetrates the cartridge case (204).
After penetration, hot materials from the ignited primer travel
through the interior (212) of the tube (211) into a region of the
lumen (206) significantly distant from the rear portion (214) of
the cartridge case (204). The length of the tube (211) and/or the
cartridge case (204) can be adjusted to insert the hot primer
materials into a specific depth of the cartridge case (204) which
will impart optimal ballistic properties to the round (201).
Although FIG. 2 illustrates the tube (211) having a sharpened end
(213) sharpened with an oblique slope formed out of the front most
tip of the tube wall, the inventive concept contemplates other
sharpening arrangements including but not limited to pointed tips,
triangular tips, conical tips, conical tubes, and any combination
thereof. In at least one embodiment, the probe (209) penetrates the
cartridge case (204) prior to firing and holds the round (201) in
place until the round (201) is fired.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the breech block
(305) is a component of the round (301) itself and has a member
(311) extending within the cartridge case (304) prior to firing the
round (301). In at least one embodiment the member (311) is a tube
having an interior (312) with an open top (313) facing the lumen
(306) of the cartridge case (304). In at least one embodiment the
exterior surface of the tube is in contact with propellant (307).
In at least one embodiment the interior surface of the tube (312)
is in contact with or is filled with propellant (307). In at least
one embodiment the tube (311) is constructed and arranged to ignite
the propellant (307) with an electric pulse that is delivered to
the cartridge lumen (306). In at least one embodiment the tube
(311) is constructed and arranged to ignite the propellant (307)
with an electric charge that is delivered to propellant (307)
within the tube (311). In at least one embodiment the tube (311) is
constructed out of a conductive material. In at least one
embodiment the tube (311) comprises one or more veins of conductive
material integrated into the tube walls. In at least one
embodiment, the round is constructed and arranged to cooperatively
work with the firearm electronic ignition system described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,197,843 all of whose contents are hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 1, there is shown that in at least
one embodiment, the propellant (107) is a non-pyrotechnic
propellant such as smokeless propellant and/or nitrocellulose based
propellant. In prior art muzzle loading ammunition, because at
least some of the firing components were individually loaded into
the firearm they could vary. This made it unsafe to use
non-pyrotechnic propellants. Non-pyrotechnic propellants are highly
energetic when used within the high pressure environment of a
firearm barrel or chamber in the process of firing a projectile.
Such highly energetic propellants when used in the incorrect
quantity relative to the specific ballistic pressure of a given
bullet in a given firearm can result in unwanted or excessive
pressure. As a result, in the prior art the burn rate of the
propellant was made safe by using pyrotechnic propellants which
utilize a combination of finely powdered fuel (such as black
powder) and oxidant, with or without additives to reduce the burn
rate/energy output of a given propellant charge weight.
[0032] In the instant invention, because the ammunition is a fixed
round, and the bullet is held by the cartridge case, the ratio of
charge weight to bullet mass is under control of the manufacturer
and will not vary after it is assembled. As a result by properly
calibrating the charge weight to the bullet mass more powerful
non-pyrotechnic propellants can be safely used. In at least one
embodiment, the optimal quantity of non-pyrotechnic propellant
charge weight relative to the weight needed for ballistic
properties of a given bullet can be precisely determined and a
cartridge case including that exact charge weight is fixedly
engaged (with or without a sabot) to the given bullet. The round
can have a charge weight that is exactly calibrated with particular
bullets based on the bullet's size, mass, density, caliber, shape,
or any other physical attribute and any combination thereof. This
allows firearms to utilize the benefits of smokeless powder
including reduced corrosion, very low hygroscopicity, and less or
no need for cleaning the firearm. In at least one embodiment the
propellant is black powder or substitute pyrotechnic propellant. In
at least one embodiment the black powder or substitute pyrotechnic
propellant are calibrated for optimum ballistic properties.
Examples of such a substitute pyrotechnic propellant is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,443 whose contents are hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety. In at least one embodiment the
volume, length, or diameter, of either the cartridge case or the
propellant within the cartridge case, or the grains of powder in
the propellant, or any combination have the same dimensions or
grains of powder described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,726,378 whose
contents are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0033] In at least one embodiment the geometry of the ammunition is
calibrated for optimal ballistic effect. Because the manufacturer
has complete control over the assembly of all of the components in
fixed ammunition, the manufacturer can calibrate such properties as
the density of charge, the load density, the area and shape of an
inhibited propellant (in which a portion of the surface area has
been treated to control or prevent burning), and/or the column
length (length of the propellant and/or pyrotechnic composition).
In at least one embodiment, the round's geometry is calibrated to
allow the propellant to occupy 90% of the volume the cartridge
case. In at least one embodiment the ammunition as a whole is sized
to be easily fit within the firearm. In at least one embodiment the
felting of the consumable cartridge casing is calibrated to set the
porosity to a degree that it facilitates optimal ballistic effect.
Porosity can be increased to increase burn rate or decreased to
decrease burn rate. In at least one embodiment, the ballistic
performance of the round matches that described in described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,726,378 whose contents are hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0034] In at least one embodiment the composition of the consumable
cartridge case and/or the propellant are calibrated to produce the
optimal burn rates for firing a given caliber bullet. In at least
one embodiment, the granulation of a propellant charge weight is
calibrated to produce the optimal burn rates for firing a given
caliber bullet. In at least one embodiment, the stoichiometric
ratios of the various compositions in the consumable cartridge case
and/or the propellant, are balanced to provide the optimal
propellant charge. These ratios can include black powder
propellants, non-pyrotechnic propellants, and any combination
thereof.
[0035] In at least one embodiment a propellant based on
nitrocellulose is used. In at least one embodiment the
nitrocellulose is single base (it is the only explosively energetic
component in the propellant) and its mass and concentration are
balanced for optimal ballistic effect. Even though single base
nitrocellulose is three times as energetic as black powder it can
be safely used in combination with the optimal amount of energy
reducing materials and with carefully controlled charge weights.
These energy reducing materials include but are not limited to:
inert plasticizers, inert solids, inorganic potassium salts,
granular polymeric materials, and any combination thereof. Examples
of energy reducing granular polymeric materials include but are not
limited to polyvinyl alcohols, polyesters, other aliphatic
materials, other aromatic materials and any combination
thereof.
[0036] In at least one embodiment, mixed in with the propellant is
a pyrotechnic material. Such a pyrotechnic material makes smoke,
reduces the energy of the combusting propellant, and is less
susceptible to excessive burning rates in the high pressure
environment of the firearm barrel. The pyrotechnic material is used
to calibrate the burn rate to the optimal level by reducing the
energy of the propellant. In at least one embodiment the
pyrotechnic material is a weak oxidizing agent. In at least one
embodiment, the pyrotechnic material is KNO.sub.3. In at least one
embodiment, the pyrotechnic material is used to produce visible
smoke that makes firing the round appear more dramatic.
[0037] In at least one embodiment, mixed in with the propellant is
a stabilizer. A stabilizer is a compound which reacts with the NOx
radicals which naturally evolve out of nitrocellulose propellants.
In at least one embodiment, the stabilizer is less than or equal to
1% of the volume or mass of the propellant. The stabilizer prevents
degradation of the propellant assuring that the calibrated
ballistic properties are retained over time. The stabilized
propellant combined with the non-hygroscopic cartridge case results
in a highly rugged ammunition round with a long shelf life.
[0038] While several embodiments in accordance with the present
invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the
same is not limited thereto but is susceptible to numerous
modifications as known to one skilled in the art and applicant(s)
therefore, do not wish to be limited to the details described
herein but intend to cover all such modifications as are
encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.
[0039] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. The above disclosure is
intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description
will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary
skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual
figures and described above may be combined, substituted, or
modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and
variations are intended to be included within the scope of the
claims where the term "comprising" means "including, but not
limited to".
[0040] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent
claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the
scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized
as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other
possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For
instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim
which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a
multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all
antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple
dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction
(e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be
alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In
jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are
restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also
taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim
format which creates a dependency from a prior
antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in
such dependent claims below.
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