US3665803A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Silent hand weapon
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1969-12-03
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Granted: 1972-05-30
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Expires: 1989-12-03
Abstract
Abstract A hand held weapon having especial value in guerilla fighting and the like since the weapon is capable of discharging projectiles without visible or audible signals. The weapon is actuated by having hydrogen peroxide controllably contact a silver screen for decomposition of the peroxide into superheated steam and oxygen which rupture a burst disc before sending the projectile toward the target. The pressure behing the projectile is substantially constant for the entire length of the weapon''s barrel.
Inventors
- 👤 Irving Forsten
- 👤 William J Buckley Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:41
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41B; F41B11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
In a weapon having a barrel for ejecting a projectile therefrom without visible or audible signals, said projectile being disposed at an inner portion of said barrel forward of a main portion of said weapon, said main portion having a tubular portion rearwardly adjacent said barrel, a liquid propellant within said tubular portion, a catalyst bed within said tubular portion forward of said liquid propellant, means separating said liquid propellant and catalyst bed, means for bringing said liquid propellant into contact with said catalyst bed and for producing a gas pressure behind said projectile, said pressure being substantially constant behind said projectile regardless of the location of said projectile within said barrel, said means including a piston disposed in said weapon rearwardly of said liquid propellant and having a front face adjacent thereto, means for providing a constant force urging said piston forwardly, an air space between said catalyst bed and said projectile, a burst disc disposed within said air space and extending across said tubular portion of said weapon, and a trigger for actuating said constant force providing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
In a weapon having a barrel for ejecting a projectile therefrom without visible or audible signals, said projectile being disposed at an inner portion of said barrel forward of a main portion of said weapon, said main portion having a tubular portion rearwardly adjacent said barrel, a liquid propellant within said tubular portion, a catalyst bed within said tubular portion forward of said liquid propellant, means separating said liquid propellant and catalyst bed, means for bringing said liquid propellant into contact with said catalyst bed and for producing a gas pressure behind said projectile, said pressure being substantially constant behind said projectile regardless of the location of said projectile within said barrel, said means including a piston disposed in said weapon rearwardly of said liquid propellant and having a front face adjacent thereto, means for providing a constant force urging said piston forwardly, an air space between said catalyst bed and said projectile, a burst disc disposed within said air space and extending across said tubular portion of said weapon, and a trigger for actuating said constant force providing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said liquid propellant is hydrogen peroxide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said catalyst bed is a silver screen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said liquid fuel is hydrazine.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said catalyst bed is iodine-pentoxide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said separating means is a disc having at least one opening therethrough, said opening having a thin sheet thereover capable of rupturing upon application of a predetermined pressure thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 6 further characterized by said catalyst bed having a porous disc wall at its outer portion for permitting gases to pass therethrough.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-30 | 1975-11-29 | 1976-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-30 | 1979-11-29 | 1980-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-30 | 1983-11-29 | 1984-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |