Antifeedback Device

Abstract

A simplified antifeedback device for installation in vertically fed belt-e ammunition supply systems is disclosed. The device comprises a tube mounted in a cutaway portion of the feed guide in such a manner that it is moved up and out of the way as the ammunition belt advances, but lodges itself between links of the ammunition belt and the cutaway portion of the feed guide when the belt is drawn downward by gravity upon the cessation of ammunition feed.

Description

The invention described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensed by or for the Government for governmental purposes without payment to me of any royalty thereon.

The present invention relates to antifeedback devices for vertically fed ammunition systems.

The use of vertical feed systems in belt fed guns particularly in vehicles has long caused the problem of gravity induced feedback and consequent jamming of the ammunition when firing and hence ammunition advance ceases.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an simplified and inexpensive device which insures elimination of ammunition belt feedback without interference with conventional advance of same.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be made obvious to those skilled in the art when the following description is considered in relation to the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the antifeedback device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the antifeedback device of the instant invention showing the positions of the device during ammunition belt advance; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention showing same in position to prevent belt feedback during cessation of ammunition supply.

Generally the invention provides a simplified antifeedback device for installation in vertically fed belt-type ammunition supply systems.

As shown in FIG. 1, the device comprises a tube 14 mounted on a wire 12 in the gap 13 formed when cutaway portion 20 in lateral portion 11 of feed guide 10 is folded back toward the exterior of feed guide 10. The wire 12 which passes through tube 14 is secured to wall 11 of feed guide 10 at or beyond the opposing edges of gap 13.

As shown in FIG. 2, when ammunition 18 comprising ammunition casing 17 and charge 19 in feed belt 21, formed by joining links 16, is fed in the direction of arrow 22, i.e., into the firing mechanism or chamber of the respective weapon (not shown) the antifeedback device of this invention, and specifically tube 14, rotates against cutaway portion 20 of feed guide 10 up and out of the way, in contacting relationship with the advancing ammunition and ammunition belt. As shown in FIG. 2, wire 12 is preferably mounted such that tube 14 advances upward in the direction of movement of the ammunition and belt to a point where wire 12 is in contact with interior surface 23 of tube 14.

No criticality is attached to this design, however, such an arrangement permits free advance of the ammunition and ammunition feed belt while maintaining tube 14 in a rotatively restrained position with only limited freedom of movement. However, some other arrangement might be substituted if this orientation causes rattle or other inconvenience.

FIG. 3 shows the antifeedback device of this invention in functional arrangement with ammunition feed belt 21. In this orientation firing of the weapon advancement of ammunition and ammunition belt have ceased and gravity tends to draw the belt and ammunition in the direction of arrow 24. Such advancement is inhibited by the rotation of tube 14 against cutaway portion 20 downward until it becomes engaged between two links 16 of ammunition belt 21. In this position tube 14 is lodged between the two links 16 and cutaway portion 20 of feed guide 10 so as to prevent any further feedback of ammunition belt 21. Gravitational pull against the feed belt causes tube 14 to lodge in the position shown and hence no feedback of the ammunition is experienced.

Immediately upon commencement of firing however, as ammunition feed progresses in the direction of arrow 22 of FIG. 2, tube 14 rotates up and out from between the two links 16 of feed belt 21 and the ammunition in belt 21 advances freely as shown in FIG. 2.

This very simple device thus inhibits all feedback of feed belt 21 while providing no impedance to its advancement during weapon firing.

Furthermore, the entire system is very simple, has no actual working parts, and requires no complex circuitry or mechanism of any kind.

The particular materials utilized in the various members of the device of this invention, are not critical. However, the use of a hard plastic material for tube 14 would be preferred over the use of a metallic tube of similar construction if it reduces noise caused by vibration in the vehicle or weapon in conjunction with which the device is used. Similarly, the method of securing wire 12 to lateral portion 11 of feed guide 10 is not critical, and any conventional means for securing same may be used. The method found to be most preferable has been to weld wire 12 at a position beyond the opposing edges of gap 13.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. An antifeedback device for vertically fed belt-type ammunition supply systems comprising:

a feed guide;

a cutaway portion in a lateral portion of said feed guide bent toward the exterior of said feed guide;

a gap in said lateral portion formed when said cutaway portion is bent exteriorly;

a tube movably mounted in said gap, parallel to said lateral portion and in contacting relation cutaway portion; and

a wire passing longitudinally through said tube and fastened to said lateral portion of said feed guide beyond the opposing edges of said gap.

2. The antifeedback device of claim 1 wherein the opposing extremities of said wire are fastened to said lateral portion of said feed guide beyond the opposing edges of said gap.

3. The antifeedback device of claim 2 wherein the opposing extremeties of said wire are fastened to the exterior of said lateral portion of said feed guide.

4. In combination:

a. an antifeedback device for vertically fed belt-type ammunition supply systems comprising:

a feed guide;

a cutaway portion in a lateral portion of said feed guide bent toward the exterior of said feed guide;

a gap in said lateral portion formed when said cutaway portion is bent exteriorly;

a tube movably mounted in said gap, parallel to said lateral portion and in contacting relation with said cutaway portion; and

a wire passing longitudinally through said tube and fastened to said lateral portion of said feed guide beyond the opposing edges of said gap; and

b. a loaded ammunition feed belt made up of interconnected loaded links which belt moves vertically within said feed guide;

said tube being rotated out of the way of said ammunition feed when it is drawn upward by a feed mechanism and lodging between two consecutive links of said ammunition feed belt and said cutaway portion when said ammunition feed belt is drawn earthward upon cessation of operation of said feed mechanism.