US3563177A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Caseless ammunition and ignition means therefor
Assignee: ATK Launch Systems LLC
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Filing: 1968-06-14
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Granted: 1971-02-16
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Expires: 1988-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A caseless charge for firearms and a firearm therefor, said charge being porous and made from comminuted or particulated combustible materials having the surface of each particle thereof softened with a solvent. The softened material is consolidated in a combustible pyroxylin tube and inserted in the firearm. Ignition is provided from an electrical discharge between the end of an ignition probe and the projectile attached to the charge.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold W Ritchey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:28
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41A; F41A19/00; F41A19/58; F42; F42B; F42B5/00; F42B5/02; F42B5/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A caseless ammunition round adapted for firing from a firearm and the like comprising a projectile, a propellant charge having a central core adhesively attached to said projectile, said charge comprising a combustible mass formed from propellant particles having their outer surfaces softened by contact with a solvent for a period of time of up to 60 seconds and thereafter being consolidated by a force of from 2 ounces to about 25 pounds whereby said mass is sufficiently compacted to cause said particles to become mutually impregnated, and form a unitary mass, a combustible, pyroxylin protective tube containing said mass, and a combustible, pierceable, pyroxylin end cover attached to said tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A caseless ammunition round adapted for firing from a firearm and the like comprising a projectile, a propellant charge having a central core adhesively attached to said projectile, said charge comprising a combustible mass formed from propellant particles having their outer surfaces softened by contact with a solvent for a period of time of up to 60 seconds and thereafter being consolidated by a force of from 2 ounces to about 25 pounds whereby said mass is sufficiently compacted to cause said particles to become mutually impregnated, and form a unitary mass, a combustible, pyroxylin protective tube containing said mass, and a combustible, pierceable, pyroxylin end cover attached to said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein said charge is porous.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein said solvent is selected from the group consisting of acetone, alcohol, ether, methyl ethyl ketone and mixtures thereof, methylene chloride and halogenated fluorocarbon solVents.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein said solvent is a vapor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein said solvent is the form of a mist.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein said solvent is a liquid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein a portion of said end cover is electrically conductive.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein the material of said protective tube and said end cover is pyroxylin.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein the propellant material for said charge is selected from the group consisting of cellulose nitrate, ballistite, guanadine nitrate and black powder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein the propellant particles are spherical.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein the propellant particles are rodlike.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein the propellant particles are flat plates.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ammunition round of claim 1, wherein the propellant material is a mixture of spherical, rodlike and flat plate particles.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The ammunition round of claim 7, wherein said conductive material is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and titanium.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The ammunition round of claim 7, wherein said conductive material is carbon.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-15 | 1974-08-17 | 1975-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-15 | 1978-08-17 | 1979-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-15 | 1982-08-17 | 1983-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |