U.S. patent number 3,706,151 [Application Number 05/033,691] was granted by the patent office on 1972-12-19 for gun and projectile for shooting fluids.
Invention is credited to Robert M. McNeill.
United States Patent |
3,706,151 |
McNeill |
December 19, 1972 |
GUN AND PROJECTILE FOR SHOOTING FLUIDS
Abstract
A gun and projectile for shooting a volume of fluid or gas
payload such as water, napalm jelly, or a marker dye. The fluid is
enclosed in a thin plastic envelope carried by a sabot which is
mounted in a cartridge case for breech loading in the gun. The
cartridge includes a self contained deflagration charge and primer
which, when ignited by the firing mechanism of the gun, generates
gas which fills an expansion chamber in the receiver of the gun.
The gas pressure builds up within the chamber to a predetermined
value at which a frangible connection between the sabot and
cartridge base is broken allowing relatively low pressure gases to
act against the sabot seal plate through a large port in the
cartridge base and urge the sabot from the barrel and along its
trajectory towards the target. In flight the sabot elements fall
away allowing only the envelope of fluid to strike the target.
Inventors: |
McNeill; Robert M. (Mountain
View, CA) |
Family
ID: |
21871895 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/033,691 |
Filed: |
May 1, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/106; 42/105;
42/1.08; 102/530 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B
12/40 (20130101); F41C 27/06 (20130101); F42B
12/44 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F42B
12/40 (20060101); F41C 27/00 (20060101); F42B
12/02 (20060101); F41C 27/06 (20060101); F42B
12/44 (20060101); F41c 027/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;102/32,37.6,93,92,92.7,39,1M ;42/1F,1G,1R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Engle; Samuel W.
Assistant Examiner: Jordan; C. T.
Claims
I claim:
1. In an apparatus for propelling a fluid payload of a given weight
toward a target, the combination of: a barrel having a breech for
receiving a cartridge; a cartridge insertable into said breech, the
cartridge including a sabot adapted to discharge from the barrel,
the sabot being comprised of a plurality of segments releasably
mounted together to define an internal cavity; an envelope
enclosing said payload, said envelope comprising an enclosing wall
of a flexible material adapted to burst under hydraulic pressure
from said payload impacting with said target, the envelope being
contained within said sabot cavity; expansion chamber means formed
in said breech in communication with said cartridge; gas generating
means to direct gas under pressure into said expansion chamber
means to act against said cartridge; and means to hold the sabot
against displacement with respect to the cartridge, said last
mentioned means being adapted to release the sabot when the gas
pressure exceeds a predetermined value for propelling the sabot
from the barrel.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said flexible material comprises
a synthetic polymer formed into a film to define said enclosing
wall.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the payload comprises a liquid,
and the envelope comprises a flexible film sealingly enclosing said
liquid, said envelope being adapted to burst upon impact with said
target for releasing the liquid.
4. In an apparatus for propelling a fragile payload toward a
target, the combination of: a barrel having a breech for receiving
a cartridge; a cartridge insertable into said breech, the cartridge
including a sabot adapted to discharge from the barrel, the sabot
including a plurality of releasable segments normally positioned
together in said cartridge to define an internal cavity, an
envelope enclosing said payload, said sabot holding said envelope
and payload within said cavity for movement within the barrel, and
aperture means at the forward end of said sabot to communicate
dynamic air pressure to within the cavity to separate said segments
from the envelope and payload and allow the latter to continue on a
trajectory towards said target, said plurality of segments
including a rear plate, a nose plate axially spaced from the rear
plate, at least three side plates each defining a segment of a
cylinder, and means releasably holding said side plates with the
rear and nose plates to define said cavity, said means
communicating the air pressure into the cavity comprising at least
one forwardly opening aperture in the nose plate; means carried by
the cartridge to generate expanding gases; expansion chamber means
positioned to receive the gases from the cartridge; and means to
hold the sabot against displacement with respect to the cartridge,
said last mentioned means being adapted to release the sabot when
the gas pressure exceeds a predetermined value for propelling the
sabot from the barrel.
5. In an apparatus for propelling a fragile payload toward a
target, the combination of: a barrel having a breech for receiving
a cartridge; a cartridge insertable into said breech and having a
base adapted to seat in said breech, the cartridge including a
sabot adapted to discharge from the barrel, the sabot defining an
internal cavity and including rear plate means spaced from the
cartridge base to define a pressure chamber; an envelope enclosing
said payload, the envelope being contained within said sabot
cavity; means carried by the cartridge to generate expanding gases
including a deflagrating charge mounted in the cartridge, and
firing means adapted to ignite said charge; expansion chamber means
positioned to receive the gases from the cartridge; means to hold
the sabot against displacement with respect to the cartridge, said
last mentioned means being adapted to release the sabot when the
gas pressure exceeds a predetermined value for propelling the sabot
from the barrel; said cartridge base including port means to
provide communication between the pressure chamber and expansion
chamber means following initial forward displacement of the
sabot.
6. The invention of claim 5 wherein the rear plate means includes
centrally disposed cylindrical means releasably mounted within said
port means, said cylindrical means defining a central cavity, and
the deflagrating charge being positioned within the central cavity
to direct said expanding gases therefrom through the port means and
into the expansion chamber means.
7. In an apparatus for propelling a fragile payload toward a
target, the combination of: a barrel having a breech for receiving
a cartridge; a cartridge insertable into said breech, the cartridge
including a sabot adapted to discharge from the barrel, the sabot
defining an internal cavity, said cartridge including a cartridge
base adapted to seat within said breech, said sabot including a
rear plate adapted for displacement along said barrel; an envelope
enclosing said payload, the envelope being contained within said
sabot cavity; means carried by the cartridge to generate expanding
gases; expansion chamber means positioned to receive the gases from
the cartridge; and means to hold the sabot against displacement
with respect to the cartridge, said last mentioned means including
frangible means locking said sabot rear plate with respect to the
cartridge base and adapted to break and release the sabot under
influence of the resultant force against the rear plate and
cartridge base developed by gas pressure within said expansion
chamber means exceeding a predetermined value for propelling the
sabot from the barrel.
8. The invention of claim 7 wherein the sabot rear plate includes a
centrally disposed annular element, and said frangible means
includes a frangible rim formed on the annular element and
projecting outwardly into locking engagement with said cartridge
base whereby said resultant force is effective to shear said rim
from said annular element.
9. The invention of claim 8 wherein said annular element defines a
charge-containing cavity, and said means to generate the gases
includes a deflagrating charge positioned within said cavity, and
including a plurality of apertures in said annular element
providing communication between said cavity and said expansion
chamber means.
10. The invention of claim 8 and further including seal ring means
mounted in the apparatus for axial sliding movement, and means
yieldably urging said ring means into sealing contact with the
cartridge portion adjacent said breech to prevent escape of gases
therebetween.
11. In an apparatus for propelling a fragile payload toward a
target, the combination of: a barrel having a breech for receiving
a cartridge; a cartridge insertable into said breech, the cartridge
including a sabot adapted to discharge from the barrel, the sabot
defining an internal cavity, the cartridge including a cartridge
base being formed with a central port, said sabot including a rear
seal plate adapted for movement along said barrel, said rear seal
plate including a rearwardly extending cylindrical segment adapted
for sliding contact with said cartridge base port, a cap element
mounted within said cylindrical segment and defining a charge
cavity therewith, said cap element including a base segment
provided with a primer cavity; means carried by the cartridge to
generate expanding gases and including a deflagrating charge
contained within said charge cavity and a primer charge contained
within said primer cavity, and firing means in said apparatus to
ignite said primer charge; expansion chamber means positioned to
receive the gases from the cartridge; said cap element base segment
being formed with a plurality of passageways to provide
communication between said charge cavity and said expansion chamber
means; and means to hold the sabot against displacement with
respect to the cartridge, said last mentioned means being adapted
to release the sabot when the gas pressure exceeds a predetermined
value for propelling the sabot from the barrel.
12. In a method for suppressing personnel without lethal injury
thereto, the steps of propelling a projectile comprising a fluid
having a weight within the range of 6 to 15 oz. contained within a
flexible, burstable envelope enclosed within a protective sabot at
a velocity to yield from 200 to 400 ft. lbs. of energy upon impact,
releasing said sabot from said envelope, impacting only said
envelope upon said personnel, and bursting said envelope against
said personnel to release said fluid therefrom.
13. A method as in claim 12 wherein said sabot comprises a
plurality of releasable segments, the method characterized in that
the step of propelling the projectile includes directing a
propelling force against the sabot and contained envelope and
thereafter moving the sabot segments from the envelope whereby only
the envelope and fluid traject toward said target.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to hand carried guns or firearms adapted to
fire relatively fragile, large caliber projectiles. More
particularly, the invention relates to firearms or guns for firing
any fluid, gas, or combination fluid/gas in a large caliber
projectile for uses in areas such as the military, anti-riot law
enforcement, or forestry service.
Guns have previously been developed for firing relatively heavy,
large caliber projectiles containing fragile payloads such as
illuminating flares with or without parachutes, impact testing
projectiles, harpoons, sonobuoys, and dart projectiles containing
payloads such as explosives, tear gas, marker dyes, or hypodermic
syringes. Certain of these guns are characterized in using
expansion chambers to reduce the gas pressure for propelling the
heavy projectile. Many of these guns require separate gas
generating charges, such as a blank rifle or pistol cartridge,
while the guns with charges integral with the projectile are muzzle
loaded, such as in mortars.
Prior art devices for firing fluids, such as darts containing a
marker dye, are characterized in that the dye fluid is released
when the dart strikes the target, and this is oftentimes
objectionable and hazardous in that the resulting impact from the
dart is injurious where an individual is the target during riot
control. Accordingly, the need has been recognized for a small and
compact hand carrier breech loading gun which will propel a
relatively large mass of fluid, gas or jelly toward a target at a
relatively low velocity (160 ft./sec) and deliver a large amount of
energy over a wide area so as to stop or knock down an assailant,
but not fatally injure him.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a projectile having a
fluid, gas or jelly payload, and a device for firing the payload
toward a target.
Another object is to provide a method for use in suppressing
personnel without lethal injury by propelling a weight of fluid in
a flexible envelope at a velocity to yield a given energy range
upon impact.
Another object is to provide a breech loading gun of compact design
which incorporates an expansion chamber for developing relatively
low pressure gases to fire a fragile projectile having a fluid, gas
or jelly payload.
Another object is to provide a gun and cartridge combination in
which the gun has an expansion chamber and in which the cartridge
is breech loaded and includes a self-contained deflagration charge
which, when ignited, generates gas pressure within the expansion
chamber for propelling the payload in the cartridge along a
trajectory towards the target.
Another object is to provide a gun for firing a fragile payload of
a fluid or jelly having a relatively large mass, in which gas
pressure generated within an expansion chamber of the gun acts
against a sabot containing the payload with the sabot elements
falling free as the projectile leaves the muzzle permitting the
payload to continue on its trajectory towards the target.
Another object is to provide a gun and cartridge combination for
firing a fragile payload of a relatively large mass in which gas
pressure builds up within an expansion chamber of the gun to a
predetermined value sufficient to shear a break element joining the
cartridge base and sabot whereby the latter is propelled from the
gun.
Another object is to provide a projectile for firing a relatively
large mass of liquid or jelly payload from a gun in which the
liquid or jelly is sealed in a light-weight flexible envelope
contained in a sabot having a plurality of releasably interfitting
elements adapted to separate upon leaving the gun's muzzle
permitting the payload to continue on its trajectory toward the
target.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention are
provided by the present invention in which a hand carried gun of
relatively small and compact design fires a projectile containing a
variety of payloads useful in riot control, military application,
or forestry service, and the like.
The payload is fired in a sabot-type projectile from relatively low
pressure gases developed in an expansion chamber of the gun. The
projectile includes a self-contained deflagration charge developing
the gas when fired by a firing mechanism in the gun. The projectile
is breech loaded to facilitate handling and operating the gun, and
to permit rapid re-loading. The projectile payload of fluid, such
as water or jelly, is sealed in a lightweight, flexible envelope
which in turn is contained in a sabot defined by a plurality of
releasably interconnected, lightweight elements mounted in the
cartridge case. The gas pressure developed in an expansion chamber
of the gun acts against the sabot urging it from the muzzle where
the sabot elements rapidly fall away permitting the envelope of
fluid to proceed on its trajectory toward the target. A powder
charge in the base of the cartridge generates the gas which enters
the expansion chamber and builds up to a predetermined pressure
effective to act against the face of the sabot shearing a break
element normally holding the sabot with the cartridge base. This
gas pressure moves the sabot along the barrel with the sabot
elements protecting the fluid envelope until discharging from the
muzzle. Dynamic air pressure acting through an opening in the
forward end of the sabot separates the sabot elements which rapidly
fall away from the payload. When the payload strikes the target,
the envelope ruptures and the enclosed fluid or jelly bursts
outwardly onto the target area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational section view of a gun and cartridge
incorporating features of the invention showing the cartridge
loaded in the gun prior to firing;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the gun and cartridge of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating operation after
firing of the gun;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating component
elements of the cartridge of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the drawings FIG. 1 illustrates generally at 10 my improved gun
for firing a fluid or jelly-like payload toward a selected target.
In the illustrated embodiment this payload includes a liquid such
as water contained in cartridge 11 for use by law enforcement
personnel or the like in quelling rioters or other disorderly
individuals. It is understood that the invention has further
application such as in propelling napalm jelly in military
operations, or by the forestry service in propelling a treatment
fluid to an inaccessible infected area of a tree.
Cartridge 11 is of large caliber adapted to contain a relatively
large mass of the fluid or jelly payload. As illustrated in FIGS.
2, 4 and 5 this cartridge includes a cylindrical cartridge case 12
secured to annular cartridge base 13 for receiving a projectile or
sabot 14 which in turn contains the payload of fluid or jelly 16
sealed within a lightweight bag or envelope 17.
Flexible bag or envelope 17 may be of any suitable fluid-impervious
material adaptable for retaining the payload in the cartridge for
storage, which has sufficient strength for holding the fluid as it
moves along its trajectory towards the target, and which will burst
under hydraulic pressure as the payload strikes a target. A
suitable synthetic polymer such as polyethylene film plastic is
satisfactory for enclosing a fluid such as water for use in
anti-riot control. When thus used the envelope of water will easily
burst upon impact without harming an individual, and yet the water
will disperse in the target area for discouraging further rioting.
The impact force of the water and plastic envelope will also tend
to discourage rioting by temporarily shocking the individual.
The payload or projectile may be varied in weight and velocity so
as to control the energy at impact. The heavy, slower projectile is
relatively limited in range, but is less likely to injure. The
lighter, faster projectile containing the same energy has a longer
effective range, but generates higher dynamic pressures at impact
and is more likely to injure. A preferred example would be a
projectile of 10 oz. at 160 f.p.s. which will yield 250 ft. lbs. of
energy and has a reasonably accurate range at 125 ft. This impact
energy may be selectively varied depending upon the desired
physical impact effect on the target personnel, with a risk of
injury resulting at the higher energy levels. The invention
contemplates a fluid weight range of 6-15 oz. propelled at a
sufficient velocity to yield from 200-400 ft. lbs. of energy upon
impact.
When used in anti-riot control the payload of water 16 may be
combined with any suitable visible dye or marker fluid which
disperses upon impact so that individuals contacted by the fluid
are marked for subsequent identification purposes. As desired, a
fluorescent dye visible under infrared light may also be combined
in the payload for identifying the rioters.
The payload within envelope 17 may also include a suitable
lachrymatory or nauseating gas, or combination of the two, under
pressure and sealed by the envelope. Upon impact with the target
the envelope would burst and release the gas for immobilizing the
individuals or to otherwise discourage rioting.
For military applications the payload within envelope 17 would
include a conventional napalm jelly together with a suitable
lighter fuse, not shown, to ignite the napalm. This fuse could be
of the impact type adapted to ignite upon impact with the target,
or of the timer type adapted to ignite after a predetermined time
following firing from the gun. In this application it is possible
to deliver the napalm on target at a relatively long range and with
improved accuracy as compared to flame thrower weapons, for
example.
For use in the forestry applications envelope 17 would enclose a
solution of anti-fungus fluid or the like which would be carried to
an inaccessible infected area of a tree. The individual using the
gun may thus easily and conveniently treat the tree from ground
location.
As best illustrated in FIG. 5 sabot 14 encloses the fluid-filled
envelope 17 within a cylindrical cavity defined by a plurality of
semi-cylindrical side plates 18, 19, 21, rear seal plate 22, and
front nose plate 23. Three side plates are preferred, although the
number could be enlarged as long as the side plates together define
a cylinder with an outer diameter of a caliber adapted for moving
along the bore of barrel 24. Each side plate is formed with
radially inwardly extending front and rear locking ridges 26, 27.
The base of forward nose plate 23 is formed with a peripheral
groove 28 adapted to releasably receive the three front locking
ridges 26 of each side plate. Similarly, rear seal plate 22 if
formed with a peripheral groove 29 adapted to releasably receive
the three rear locking ridges 27 of the three plates. The abutting
edges of the side plates may be formed with interlocking lips, not
shown, to preclude the flexible envelope from extruding between the
plates. Alternatively, this extrusion may be prevented by providing
a thin paper cylinder enclosing the envelope, or by means of paper
sealing strips, not shown, to seal the inner sides of the abutting
edges of plates 18-21. Side plates 18-21 may be fabricated from a
suitable lightweight material such as fiberglass or molded plastic
so that the plates have relatively little momentum as they exit
from the muzzle, and the atmosphere easily slows the velocity of
the plates permitting them to fall free from the payload as it
proceeds on its trajectory toward the target. The side plates thus
do not impact on the target, which otherwise could result in
unintended injury such as where individuals are the target.
Front nose plate 23 may be of lightweight fiberglass or molded
plastic construction adapted to fall free from the payload without
impacting on the target. A central aperture 31 is formed in the
nose plate and functions to communicate air into the cavity of the
sabot for separating the side plates. As the sabot moves from
barrel 24 the build up of dynamic air pressure in front of the
projectile communicates through aperture 31 into the cavity, and
the differential in pressure develops an outward force acting
against side plates 18-21 for separating the same from their
locking relationship with the nose and seal plates. This has the
effect of "exploding" the sabot elements from around the projectile
to allow them to fall to the ground. Envelope 17 and the fluid
payload are then free to continue on the trajectory to the
target.
Rear seal plate 22 preferably is of nylon construction and is
formed with an annular sealing lip 32 in tight-fitting relationship
with the inner diameter of cartridge case 12. Sealing lip 32
extends rearwardly from seal plate 22 to define a pressure chamber
33 between sabot 14 and end segment 34 of cartridge base 13.
Pressure within chamber 33 acts against sealing lip 32 to urge it
in sliding, sealing engagement with the cartridge case and barrel
as the sabot is forced from the barrel by the gas pressure acting
against seal plate 22.
Cartridge 11 includes a self-contained deflagrating powder charge
36 adapted to be fired by the gun's firing mechanism to generate
the desired gas pressure for moving the sabot. Powder charge 36 is
of conventional composition, preferably a mixture of black
gunpowder and smokeless powder, and is contained in a charge cavity
defined by the rear end of seal plate 22, annular cap element 37,
and disk 38, preferably of paper fabrication, mounted within the
cap element. Cap element 37 includes a base segment 39 provided
with a plurality of apertures or passageways 41 through which the
burning gases from the powder charge expand rearwardly. A
counter-sunk aperture 42 is formed in cap base segment 39 to define
a seat or primer cavity receiving a conventional primer 44. This
primer ignites when struck by firing pin 46 to ignite powder charge
36 through a central hole in disk 38. The powder charge burns
through disk 38 and the gases explode through apertures 41 into
cylindrical expansion chamber 47 mounted in gun receiver 48.
Cap element 37 threadably locks within cylindrical stub segment 49
formed in the base of rear seal plate 22 for securing the powder
charge to the base of the cartridge. While a threaded connection
between the cap element and stub segment is shown as preferred, it
is understood that other suitable connecting means may be provided,
such as high-strength cement bonding. Stub segment 49 in turn
releasably fits within a large port or opening 51 formed in
cartridge end segment 34. An annular groove 52 if formed at the
base of port 51, and a frangible annular rim 53 is formed integral
with the base of cap element 37 seats within groove 52. Rim 53
provides a break element normally locking sabot 14 to the cartridge
base. Cap element 37 and its associated rim 52 are fabricated from
a suitable material, such as ductile metal, nylon, or other
synthetic polymer, which is effective to fracture or shear at the
margin between rim 52 and cartridge base port 51 under influence of
the resultant force from the predetermined gas pressure generated
within chamber 47 and acting against seal plate 22 and cap element
37. A suitable selection of the cap element rim material, together
with predetermined sizing of the rim dimensions, provides a degree
of design selection of the pressure force which shears the rim to
release the sabot from the cartridge. While an annular rim locking
within a corresponding groove has been shown as the break element,
it is understood that other configurations may be utilized to
release the sabot at a predetermined pressure. For example, the
outer periphery of the cap element could define a lip or shoulder
overlapping the cartridge base with suitable scoring in the lip at
which the cap would fracture under the predetermined pressure.
Similarly, the cap element could be locked to the cartridge base by
a tension break element or elements which fracture at the
predetermined pressure.
Cartridge 11 is breech-loaded into the gun with barrel 24 "broken"
to the position at 54 by forward pivoting about horizontally
disposed pivot pin 56 mounted on support frame 57 extending
forwardly from the lowermost portion of the receiver. Bore 58 of
barrel 24 is formed at its breech end with an elongate cylindrical
recess 59 adapted to receive and seat cartridge case 12. An
enlarged internal recess 61 is formed in the breech to receive and
seat the annulus of cartridge base 13.
Cylindrical expansion chamber 47 defines a cavity within the
receiver 48 which is closed at its forward end by annular head
element 62 threadably seated within the chamber. A seal ring 63 is
slidably fitted within central opening 64 of head element 62, and
this ring is provided with annular shoulder 66 limiting the extent
of forward travel of the seal ring with respect to the head
element. An annular, flat disk 67, preferably of spring-metal
material, is mounted within head element 62 by means of a suitable
locking device such as snap ring 68 mounted in a seating groove in
the head element. Disk 67 yieldably bears against shoulder 66 of
seal ring 63 urging the latter into contact with the base or rim of
cap element 37. This provides a seal preventing escape of gases in
the expansion chamber from between the receiver and breech. The
seal ring is axially displaceable to the extent that shoulder 66
contacts head element 62 to ensure engagement of the seal ring
against a cartridge as the breech is locked into place. While the
sealing contact against the cap element is shown as preferred, it
is understood that the seal ring could also contact cartridge base
end segment 34.
Expansion chamber 47 and head element 62 are of a high strength
material such as steel to contain the expanding gases. The
relatively small diameter port defined by seal ring 63 results in
the steel chamber and element taking the larger part of the
pressure loading during firing, thereby reducing the loading on the
cartridge and breech.
The firing mechanism for the gun includes firing pin 46 slidably
mounted within support sleeve 69 which is centered in expansion
chamber 47 and mounted within an opening 70 provided in the
receiver. A compression spring 71 is provided within the support
sleeve to return the firing pin to a retracted position. An
enlarged head 72 formed on the firing pin projects from sleeve 69
into receiver cavity 73 which houses the trigger and hammer
mechanism. The mechanism for operating the firing pin is largely
conventional, and it is understood that other suitable firing
devices may also be provided. A hammer 74 is pivotally mounted on
pin 76 within cavity 73. A compression spring 77 mounted on spring
guide 78 seated in hammer recess 79 urges the hammer toward the
firing pin. A trigger 81 is pivotally mounted on pin 82 with
suitable spring means 83 provided to urge the trigger clockwise as
viewed in FIG. 1. A sear 84 projects from the trigger for movement
into operating engagement with a notch 86 formed in the hammer. A
safety device 87 is provided to prevent accidental firing of the
gun. This safety device comprises a horizontally rotatable shaft
having a flat 88 which turns into registry with an upwardly
projecting finger 89 on the hammer. A suitable safety operating
lever, not shown, may be provided for manual rotation of safety
device 87.
An operating lever 91 is provided to both cock the gun and unlock
the barrel for removing a spent cartridge, and to load a fresh
cartridge. Lever 91 is pivotally mounted to the receiver about pin
92. A driving element 93 having a gear segment 94 is pivotally
mounted on pin 92 adjacent the lever. A driving lug 96 is formed on
the lever and is adapted to move into driving engagement with a
shoulder 97 on the driving element. A locking pin 98 is slidably
mounted within the receiver and is provided with a gear rack 99 in
driving engagement with the teeth of gear segment 94. A compression
spring 101 mounted within a bore in the locking pin normally urges
the locking pin to the left as viewed in FIG. 1, carrying with it
driving element 93 which in turn operates lever 91 to the
illustrated seated position. An upwardly extending finger 103
formed integral with locking pin 98 is formed with a notch or
relieved segment 104 adjacent the shoulder of firing pin head
72.
Locking pin 98 is provided with a tapered locking dog 106 for
locking the barrel in firing position. This locking dog extends
into engagement with a tapered detent 107 formed on fixed pin 108
mounted in the barrel frame. As lever 91 is operated for cocking
the firing mechanism locking pin 98 moves rearwardly releasing
locking dog 106 from detent 107. This permits the barrel to be
pivoted forwardly to the position at 54 for removing the spend
cartridge and inserting a fresh cartridge. With a fresh cartridge
inserted in the breech, the barrel is pivoted to its seated
position. At the same time, the tapered side of detent 107 engages
the tapered locking dog and the resulting camming action displaces
locking pin 98 rearwardly against the force of spring 101 until the
elements are locked. The lost motion connection between driving
element 93 and driving lug 96 permits rearward travel of locking
pin 98 without moving lever 91. A suitable magnet or spring clip,
not shown, may be provided on trigger guard 109 to releasably hold
lever 91 in the illustrated retracted position.
In operation, gun 10 is cocked by the action of pivoting lever 91
forwardly. This drives element 93 clockwise displacing locking pin
98 to the right. Finger 103 in turn moves firing pin 46 to the
right, and this action pivots hammer 74 clockwise against the
compression of spring 77. Sear 84 on trigger 81 is urged by spring
83 into engagement with notch 86, and the gun is now cocked. At the
same time, the rearward movement of locking pin 98 disengages
detent 103 permitting the barrel to be pivoted forward.
Assume that a cartridge 11 of the type described having an envelope
of water as the payload is now inserted into the breech. The barrel
is returned to its seated position and locked in place as detent
107 latches against locking dog 106. With safety 87 pivoted to the
illustrated position permitting free travel of hammer finger 89,
the gun is ready for firing. The gun is fired by applying pressure
to trigger 81 to release sear 84 from the hammer notch, permitting
compression spring 77 to drive hammer 74 against the firing pin.
The firing pin strikes primer 44 which ignites main powder charge
36 through the hole in the center of paper disk 38. The rapidly
expanding gases of the powder charge burn through disk 38 and
exhaust rearwardly through openings 41 in cap element 37. The gas
fills expansion chamber 47 and builds up to a predetermined
pressure, which acts against the base of the cap element and the
central portion of seal plate 22. The pressure acting on these
parts fractures or shears rim 53 of the cap element and sabot 14
begins initial movement from cartridge case 12. During this time
seal ring 63 is urged by metal disk 67 into sealing engagement with
the base of cap element 37 preventing escape of gases from between
the receiver and breech. After stub segment 49 clears cartridge
base 34 large area port 51 is exposed permitting a large volume of
gas from the expansion chamber to enter chamber 33 and act against
the full area of the seal plate. This sudden release of pressure
against the sabot provides high efficiency in imparting the energy
of the burning gases for moving the cartridge from the barrel. The
sabot moves along the barrel as illustrated in FIG. 3 leaving the
broken portion of rim 53 in the groove of cartridge base 34.
As sabot 14 exits from the muzzle the ram effect of air entering
nose plate opening 31 develops dynamic pressure within the sabot
forcing side plates 18-21 apart. The side plates, nose plate, and
rear seal plate fall to the ground while the envelope of water
continues on this trajectory to the target.
For rapid reloading, lever 91 is operated forwardly to release the
barrel which is pivoted to the position at 54. The spend cartridge
is then removed carrying with it the broken portion of rim 53, a
fresh cartridge is inserted, and the barrel is returned to its
locked, seated position. The action of unlocking the barrel
simultaneously cocks the firing mechanism in the manner described
for firing the next round.
While the embodiment herein is at present considered to be
preferred, it is understood that numerous variations and
modifications may be made therein by those skilled in the art, and
it is intended to cover the appended claims all such variations and
modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *