U.S. patent application number 13/509018 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for locking device for movable momentum connection in suppressors for semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons.
Invention is credited to Armin Landolt.
Application Number | 20120279381 13/509018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43587078 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120279381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Landolt; Armin |
November 8, 2012 |
LOCKING DEVICE FOR MOVABLE MOMENTUM CONNECTION IN SUPPRESSORS FOR
SEMI-AUTOMATIC AND FULLY AUTOMATIC WEAPONS
Abstract
The devices and assemblies of the invention allow the design and
use of suppressors with at least two modes of operation and the
suppressor can be reset significantly faster and more simply from a
locked position into an unlocked position. The suppressors of the
invention comprise a mounting ring and a momentum part or assembly
that can be shifted axially, or along the axis of the barrel of the
weapon. A pressure spring is positioned between it and a column
sleeve of the silencer, which on the one hand presses the momentum
part against a projection of the column sleeve and on the other
hand against the index disk. Interlocking cams are positioned on
the momentum part, which are blocked in a first position of the
mounting ring, and in a second position of the mounting ring they
can be shifted so that the momentum part is unlocked and can move
axially in response to firing. Rotating the mounting ring allows
the operator to switch from the first position into the second
position, and lock or unlock the momentum part and the recoil
booster function of the devices.
Inventors: |
Landolt; Armin;
(Matten-bei-Interlaken, CH) |
Family ID: |
43587078 |
Appl. No.: |
13/509018 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
November 12, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CH2010/000284 |
371 Date: |
July 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/14.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/14.4 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/30 20060101
F41A021/30; F41A 21/26 20060101 F41A021/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 13, 2009 |
CH |
1748/09 |
Claims
1. An adjustable suppressor for semi-automatic and fully automatic
weapons, comprising A) a central channel for the passage of a
projectile and having multiple regions for the flow of gas upon
firing the weapon, B) a mounting ring at a first end of the
suppressor, the first end being designed to connect to a barrel of
a weapon, and C) an axially displaceable momentum assembly
supported with the first end of the suppressor, the momentum
assembly comprising a pressure spring positioned in a columnar
sleeve on one end of the momentum assembly, and at least one
interlocking cam to either engage a surface of the mounting ring
when in a locked position, or to allow axial movement of the
interlocking cam and the momentum assembly in reaction to the
firing of the weapon, and wherein the interlocking cam can be
adjusted from the position where it engages a surface of the
mounting ring to a position where the momentum assembly is axially
displaceable without disconnecting the suppressor from the
barrel.
2. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 1, characterized in
that the momentum assembly comprises an index disc at the other end
of the momentum assembly.
3. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 1, characterized by
the fact that the momentum assembly is formed with an octagonal
exterior surface area, and four interlocking cams are provided on
the octagonal exterior surface area to engage an interior surface
of the mounting ring to lock the momentum assembly when the
mounting ring is turned to a lock position.
4. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized by
the fact that the index disk and the mounting ring have means for
locking to one another.
5. The adjustable suppressor according to claims 1, characterized
by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of
the momentum assembly.
6. The adjustable suppressor device according to claim 5,
characterized by the fact that a cone region on the columnar sleeve
of the momentum assembly deflects gas into the additional orifices
formed into a region of the momentum assembly.
7. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 5, characterized by
the fact that the additional orifices have longitudinal openings on
the surface of the momentum assembly and interior recesses to form
a labyrinth seal of the momentum assembly to the interior of the
suppressor.
8. The adjustable suppressor according to claims 5, characterized
by the fact that the additional orifices include rebounding
surfaces or narrowing regions.
9. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized by
the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of
90.degree. from one another are pressed into the index disk having
eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving
points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the
mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45.degree. from one
another.
10. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
11. A recoil booster device for use with a suppressor for a
semiautomatic or fully automatic weapon, wherein the device
comprises a momentum assembly according to claim 1.
12. The recoil booster of claim 11, wherein additional orifices are
formed in the momentum assembly for the flow of gasses upon firing
the weapon.
13. A recoil booster with an adjustable suppressor according to
claim 1.
14. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized
by the fact that the momentum assembly is formed with an octagonal
exterior surface area, and four interlocking cams are provided on
the octagonal exterior surface area to engage an interior surface
of the mounting ring to lock the momentum assembly when the
mounting ring is turned to a lock position.
15. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized
by the fact that the index disk and the mounting ring have means
for locking to one another
16. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized
by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of
the momentum assembly.
17. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized
by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of
the momentum assembly.
18. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 4, characterized
by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of
the momentum assembly.
19. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized
by the fact that the additional orifices have longitudinal openings
on the surface of the momentum assembly and interior recesses to
form a labyrinth seal of the momentum assembly to the interior of
the suppressor.
20. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized
by the fact that the additional orifices include rebounding
surfaces or narrowing regions.
21. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 7, characterized
by the fact that the additional orifices include rebounding
surfaces or narrowing regions.
22. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance
of 90.degree. from one another are pressed into the index disk
having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four
receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points
on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45.degree. from
one another.
23. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 4, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance
of 90.degree. from one another are pressed into the index disk
having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four
receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points
on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45.degree. from
one another.
24. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 5, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance
of 90.degree. from one another are pressed into the index disk
having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four
receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points
on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45.degree. from
one another.
25. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance
of 90.degree. from one another are pressed into the index disk
having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four
receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points
on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45.degree. from
one another.
26. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 7, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance
of 90.degree. from one another are pressed into the index disk
having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four
receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points
on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45.degree. from
one another.
27. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 8, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance
of 90.degree. from one another are pressed into the index disk
having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four
receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points
on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45.degree. from
one another.
28. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
29. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 4, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
30. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 5, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
31. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
32. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 7, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
33. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 8, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
34. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 9, characterized
by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of
90.degree., are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out
of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of
45.degree. from one another, can be locked.
35. A recoil booster with an adjustable suppressor according to
claim 2.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and is filed as a
.sctn.371 of PCT/CH2010/00284, filed Nov. 12, 2010, which in turn
claims priority benefit of Swiss Application 01748/09, filed Nov.
13, 2009. The entire contents of the prior applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention concerns a locking device for
controlling the operation and movement of an impulse-controlled
connection device, which are used specifically for silencers and
suppressors on semiautomatic and fully automatic weapons and in
which, at the moment of firing, one or more coaxial inner parts
move axially against a spring force to cause a recoil reaction and
thus permit normal weapon function.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] Movable connection devices for silencers and suppressors,
so-called momentum connections or momentum boosters, are known in
various embodiments. They are typically used where the additional
weight of the suppressor or of another accessory that is attached
directly to the barrel would prevent the normal firearm function
introduced by the shooting impulse. For example, in recoil and
blowback operated firearms, the cycling of the weapon (ejection of
the empty shell and the introduction of a new bullet into the
chamber) is a direct counter-reaction to the firing impulse.
Reducing the firing impulse by dissipating gasses in a suppressor
reduces the recoil and blowback counter-actions and makes cycling
of the firearm more difficult or even prevents cycling altogether.
Thus, momentum boosters can be added as an insert into an existing
suppressor device in order to allow enough counter-action from the
firing impulse to cycle the firearm.
[0004] However, these movable momentum booster parts have several
disadvantages. First, especially during the use of a
suppressor/silencer, there is a relatively loud closing noise,
defeating in part the purpose of the suppressor. Also, the booster
must be inserted in the suppressor in order for it to function.
Once inserted, it allows full cycling, but the noise of the ejected
bullet shell falling onto the floor remains. Converting to a quiet
suppressor mode required unscrewing the suppressor, removing the
booster, and replacing the suppressor for single-shot action. Thus,
in order to prevent these additional noises during use of the
firearm, in practice, as appropriate, the movable momentum booster
part is exchanged for a fixed connection part in the suppressor, or
is removed from the suppressor. This is time-consuming and cannot
always be performed without tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the invention provides a solution to the need
to remove or exchange a momentum booster from a suppressor in order
to switch from a fully automatic operation mode to a silent,
single-shot operation mode. In order to make such an exchange
unnecessary, a new locking device is described here, which consists
in part of a thick-walled shell provided with an axial stepwise
bore and on the outside is turned in steps, into which a momentum
booster part that consists of another shell and a thick collar disk
is introduced coaxially. On one end the collar disk defines the
depth of penetration (or movement of the momentum booster part) and
on the opposite end it is held in position by a spring-loaded or
spring-cushioned guide part and a threaded collar. Since the
thick-walled sleeve and the thick collar disk are each provided
with an identical outer thread, the axial movement potential of the
momentum booster part can be locked by turning the thick collar
disk of the threaded collar onto the thick-walled sleeve. Thus, by
simply turning and locking the threaded collar from the release
position into the locking position, and vice versa, the operation
of the suppressor can easily be changed from a recoil
booster-operating mode for full automatic or semi-automatic
cycling, into a single shot, silent operation mode. The
time-consuming removal of parts from the barrel end is no longer
required.
[0006] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to avoid
the disadvantages of the existing, complicated recoil booster
devices and to create a simple locking device that functions
rapidly and reliably without additional parts. The locking device
can be actuated from a ring or lever or other device mounted on the
exterior of the suppressor and engaging a threaded collar that
holds the momentum booster in a locked position. In this way, the
operator simply turns a ring or lever to change the operation mode
of the suppressor.
[0007] Thus, the object above can be achieved by means of a locking
device claimed in independent claim 1, for movable parts of
suppressors or silencers on semiautomatic and fully automatic
weapons, comprising a mounting ring and an axially movable momentum
part that is supported within a column sleeve of the silencer,
whereby a pressure spring, introduced between the sleeve holding
the pressure spring and the exterior of the momentum part, applies
pressure on the one hand against a projection of the column sleeve
and on the other hand onto an index disk. The pulse part has at
least one interlocking cam and the mounting ring has a side surface
with an opening designed in such a way that, in a first position of
the mounting ring, the side surface blocks the interlocking cam and
in a second position of the mounting ring releases the interlocking
cam. Advantageous further developments of the blocking device
according to the invention are listed in the dependent claims.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention includes any one of many
possible designs of a suppressor that can be manually adjusted from
a recoil boosting mode for automatic firing and a silent mode
without removing the suppressor from the barrel. In another aspect,
the suppressor of the invention includes an integral recoil booster
that can be moved into a locked mode, or unlocked into an operating
mode.
[0009] In any of the aspects or objects of the invention, the
suppressor, recoil booster function, or devices of the invention
can include a locking and unlocking momentum part or assembly that
operates by the pressures upon firing the weapon. Thus, an
adjustable suppressor for a semiautomatic and fully automatic
weapon of the invention can encompass a design having a central
channel for the passage of a projectile and having multiple regions
for the flow of gas upon firing the weapon. The channel and these
regions can be those conventionally found on any available
suppressor or silencer design. The adjustable suppressor also
includes a mounting ring, located at the end for connecting the
suppressor to the barrel of a weapon, and an axially displaceable
momentum assembly (sometimes called a momentum part herein)
positioned at one end of the suppressor. The momentum assembly
comprises a pressure absorbing and releasing device, such as a
spring as conventionally used on recoil boosters. The device or
spring can be positioned between a projecting sleeve on one end of
the momentum assembly and an index disk at the other end, and is
within the outer sleeve of the suppressor. The momentum assembly
can include a bore for attaching to the barrel of a weapon. The
momentum assembly further comprises at least one interlocking cam
to either engage a surface of the mounting ring when in a locked
position, or to allow axial movement of the interlocking cam, and
thus the momentum assembly, in reaction to the firing of the
weapon. The one or more interlocking cams can be integral to the
exterior surface of the momentum assembly or a region of it, or
they can be a separate part of the assembly. The one or more
interlocking cams can be adjusted from the position where it
engages a surface of the assembly, such as a surface of the
mounting ring on one end, to a position where the momentum assembly
is axially displaceable upon firing without disconnecting the
suppressor from the barrel.
[0010] The adjustable suppressor can also include a momentum
assembly that is formed with an octagonal exterior surface area,
and with four interlocking cams provided on the octagonal exterior
surface. These cams can engage an interior surface of the assembly,
such as the mounting ring, to lock the momentum assembly. In one
preferred embodiment, turning the mounting ring can lock or unlock
the movement of the momentum assembly.
[0011] In other embodiments, an adjustable suppressor can include
an index disk and mounting ring that can be locked to one another.
Similar in function to other indexing systems available, where the
position of the suppressor on the barrel can be rotated to adjust
the aim of the weapon while the suppressor is attached, the index
disk of the invention is within the momentum assembly. Thus, with
the index ring of the invention, a component part of the suppressor
can be rotated to adjust the aim of the firearm while the
suppressor is attached to the barrel. Locking the index ring to the
mounting ring will fix the desired adjustments.
[0012] Also, as with other suppressor systems, a variety of gas
flow modifications, baffles, orifices, and other options are
possible to reduce noise upon firing. The types of gas flow design
changes possible are not material to the point of this invention,
but any one of the available mechanisms or designs can be used in
combination with the invention. Accordingly, the adjustable
suppressor according to the invention can have additional gas flow
orifices or baffles formed into a region of the momentum assembly
so that gasses can be adjusted to flow during either locked or
unlocked positions. In a preferred arrangement, a cone region on
the columnar sleeve end of the momentum assembly deflects gas into
additional baffles formed into a reciprocating region of the
momentum assembly. In another preferred embodiment, the additional
orifices have longitudinal openings on the surface of the momentum
assembly and can form a labyrinth seal within the suppressor. Thus,
the momentum assembly can be locked by labyrinth seal to the
interior of the suppressor to prevent its movement on firing. This
advantageously reduces any noise. Similarly, the additional baffles
or orifices in the momentum assembly include rebounding surfaces or
narrowing regions, or other gas flow conduits as known in the
art.
[0013] With respect to the possible connection points between the
mounting ring, the index ring, and other elements of the momentum
assembly, a variety of options can be selected. One option is a
round ball surface and a recessed surface to receive the ball.
Another option is an oval projection surface and corresponding
receiving area. Depending on the caliber, the desired amount of
force required to move the parts from locking to unlocked
positions, and the possible requirements to fix the index ring, the
designer can consider many connection point-receiving point
configurations. One option is shown by looking at both of FIGS. 3
(reference number 8) and FIG. 6 (reference number 20) together,
which is a preferred option. Thus, for example, four connection
points can be arranged at a distance of 90.degree. from one another
and can be pressed into areas of the index disk having receiving
points. This rotation can lock the four connection points into
corresponding receiving points of the mounting ring, for example.
As shown in the Figures, the receiving points on the mounting rings
are arranged at an angular distance of about 45.degree. from one
another. Of course, the angles selected and shown here are
exemplary.
[0014] The invention can also be a recoil booster device for use
with a suppressor for a semiautomatic or fully automatic weapon. As
shown and discussed here, the device can comprise a momentum
assembly that can be inserted or incorporated into a suppressor.
The recoil booster itself need not be positionable into locked or
unlocked positions with any suppressor selected. However,
configurations allowing the facile switch from locking to unlocking
positions are preferred
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Practical examples of the invention will now be explained in
more detail with the aid of the drawings. The following are
shown:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a silencer/suppressor with inserted
momentum booster part or momentum part
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the individually-shown
mounting ring 4 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view against the direction of shooting of
the mounting ring shown in FIG. 2
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the individually-shown
momentum part with its component parts assembled
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the individually-shown guide
part of the momentum part in FIG. 4,
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an index disk within the
momentum part,
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the silencer of FIG. 1 in
the direction of shooting in the locked state
[0023] FIG. 8 is the same view of the silencer of FIG. 7 but in the
unlocked state, where locking cams 16 are able to move freely in
reaction to the firing impulse
[0024] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section of the silencer shown in
FIG. 1 in the locked state,
[0025] FIG. 10 is the same schematic cross-section as in FIG. 9 but
in the unlocked state
[0026] FIG. 11 is the same schematic cross-section as in FIG. 10
during the firing of the shot
[0027] FIG. 12 shows some of the component parts of the momentum
part arranged as they are found in the preferred assembly
[0028] FIG. 13 is a photograph of an exemplary, assembled momentum
part of the invention
[0029] FIG. 14 is a photograph of the components of an exemplary
momentum part of the invention prior to assembly
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The silencer shown in FIG. 1 consists of an outer column
sleeve 1, which is closed with a cover 2 in the front in the
direction of shooting (exit point of the projectile). On the back
the column sleeve has optional exterior notches 3 so that the
mounting ring 4, which serves to mount the momentum part 5, can be
screwed onto the corresponding outer thread of the column sleeve 1
with its inner thread, even under difficult conditions. The
momentum part 5 has an inner thread with which the
silencer/suppressor can be screwed onto the barrel of a
firearm.
[0031] Viewed in the direction of shooting (the direction the
projectile travels) according to FIG. 2, mounting ring 4 has a side
end surface 6 with a square opening 7. When viewing the mounting
ring 4 in the opposite direction as in FIG. 3, eight depressions 8
arranged at an angular distance of about 45.degree. from one
another can be seen, which serve for locking in the spheres that
will be mentioned later.
[0032] In the case of the momentum part 5 shown assembled in FIG.
4, the guide part 9 (shown individually in FIG. 5) is screwed in
and this part is provided with circular guide surfaces 10 and
recesses 11 and a thread 12 (FIG. 5) for screwing it in, whereby
the inner-facing surface 13 (toward the barrel) serves for
supporting a spring mentioned below. A cone 14 (FIG. 5) provides
for deflection of the gas from the impulse of firing and guides the
gases through the recesses 11. For the same purpose, longitudinal
openings 15 (FIG. 4) are positioned in momentum part 5. Four
interlocking cams 16 are positioned on the exterior, octagonal
momentum part 5. The surface of the momentum part 5, formed as an
octagon, shows the interlocking cams 16 (FIG. 4) projecting and an
inner thread 17 is for screwing onto the firearm barrel. The
octagon surfaces can also be used for the placement of a wrench or
tool to aid in dismounting if the momentum part is difficult to
loosen.
[0033] The index disk 18 of FIG. 6 has provided on its periphery
cams 19 for indexing the firing direction adjustment and fine
tuning the aiming of the firearm toward the target. In FIG. 6, four
spheres 20 are shown and can be pressed into the recessed
depressions 8 (FIG. 3) for locking into the mounting ring 4. To
insure against rotation, the index ring has four surfaces 21 that
correspond to the exterior octagon shape of the momentum part 5. Of
course, differing shapes can be chosen, and shapes that allow the
locking of parts to the exterior of the momentum part are
preferred.
[0034] When the momentum part is moved into the locked position of
FIG. 7, the interlocking cams 16 are not visible and are behind the
side area 6 of the mounting ring 4. In the unlocked position of
FIG. 8, the interlocking cams 16 are now visible and are held in
place against any axial shifting in the direction opposite that of
shooting (the direction opposite the path of the projectile).
[0035] FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 show schematic, cross-sectional views of
a suppressor in various operating modes, where it can be envisioned
that the suppressor has a free channel in the middle along its
entire length for the passage of the bullet.
[0036] FIG. 9 depicts the locked position. In the column sleeve 1,
as in other known suppressor designs, baffles or orifices 22 along
the length of the suppressor reduce the velocity of the gases on
firing and reduce the noise. The closure cover 2 is screwed onto
the front, as noted above. A pressure spring 23 (shown in
cross-section) is placed between the interior surface of column
sleeve 1 and the momentum part 5, which butts against the inner
surface 13 of the guide part 9 (as shown in FIG. 5) on one end and
against the index disk 18 (FIG. 6), whereby it presses the spheres
20 of the index disk 18 into the recesses 8 of the mounting ring 4.
The interlocking cams 16 are thus blocked from moving by the
mounting ring 4, as shown by the arrow in area A, where cam 16
prevents the movement of the momentum part 5. In this locked
position, the momentum part does not move in reaction to the firing
impulse and the firearm can be operated in a single-shot, silent
mode, where cycling of the firearm is generally prevented.
[0037] By contrast, in the unlocked position of FIG. 10, the
mounting ring 4 is turned by 45.degree. relative to the position in
FIG. 9, so that its surfaces no longer block the interlocking cams
16 from moving at area B. In this position, the momentum part moves
in reaction to the firing impulse and delivers a counter-recoil
force back toward the barrel, which allows the normal cycling of
the firearm. Thus, the momentum part can be actuated to allow axial
movement in reaction to the firing of the weapon by simply turning
the mounting ring. Turning the mounting ring to the unlocked
position can also free the interlocking cam from its blocked
position to allow axial movement along the axis of the barrel of
the weapon.
[0038] When a shot is fired while in the unlocked position,
according to FIG. 11, the pressure spring 23 is first compressed by
the recoil forces and then the momentum part 5 is pushed back. The
momentum part 5 acts with the recesses 24 as a labyrinth seal and,
together with cone 14 and the longitudinal openings 15, as
additional orifices for the gas after firing.
[0039] FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 should not be taken as a representation
of the only embodiment of the invention and the depiction of
components in these figures is merely illustrative. During the
operation of certain embodiments, for example, the momentum part or
assembly can be present at a different area along the length of the
suppressor than that shown in the figures here, but it is generally
placed near the end that connects to the barrel of the weapon.
Similarly, the momentum part or assembly can be configured so that,
while it is internal to the outer sleeve of the suppressor body, it
does not permit movement of the suppressor body itself during
firing. In addition, or alternatively, the spring component of the
momentum part or assembly reacts to the forces upon firing, thereby
applying a counter-acting force back toward the direction of the
barrel. Thus, the distance H shown in FIG. 11 does not represent
the actual movement of the entire momentum part or assembly within
the body of the suppressor during firing but is only the maximum
distance the pressure spring 23 is able to compress in response to
firing. Accordingly, at the moment of firing, one or more coaxial
inner parts of a momentum assembly can move axially against a
spring force to cause a recoil reaction and thus permit normal
weapon function in automatic firing. Various extensions and other
parts for connecting to the barrel of a weapon can be used to alter
the placement of the momentum part or assembly within the body of a
suppressor. Similarly, various rotational indexing systems as known
in the art can be incorporated into the suppressors of the
invention, and the example shown and described here is not the only
design possible.
[0040] FIG. 12 shows the component parts of the momentum part or
assembly, shown in previous figures, arranged as if they were about
to be assembled. The mounting ring 4 may or may not be part of the
assembly, but is shown in FIG. 12 oriented as it fits with the
momentum part or assembly for this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a
photograph showing a similar view of the component parts of the
assembly as in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a photograph showing the
momentum part fully assembled.
[0041] The examples and Figures above are not intended to limit the
scope of claims that follow or the scope of the invention in
general. Instead, they are examples or guides for the design of
multiple embodiments considered part of the invention.
* * * * *