US3921499A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
•
Filing: 1974-02-04
•
Granted: 1975-11-25
•
Expires: 1994-02-04
Abstract
Abstract An ammunition ''''cook-off'''' sensing and prevention system which is incorporated within a Gatling-type gun and therein indexes the gun barrels so that an ammunition round always is in position under an infra-red temperature sensor at the end of a firing cycle. If imminent ''''cook-off'''' of the round is indicated by the temperature sensor the gun is cycled at low speed until the heated ammunition rounds are removed from the high heat transfer area behind the gun barrels and replaced with cool rounds from the ammunition chute. If then necessary the cycle can be repeated. In this manner an extremely dangerous aspect of the Gatling-type gun is removed.
Inventors
- 👤 Willard R Ginsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 06:22
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41A; F41A17/00; F41A17/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
An ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system adapted for use with an automatic weapon having a plurality of barrels circumferentially arranged about a common axis, a rotor assembly supporting said barrels and a housing circumferentially spaced about and rotatably supporting said rotor assembly, said system comprising drive means for rotating said rotor assembly, means for supplying power to said drive means operably connected thereto, means mounted in a predetermined position adjacent said rotor assembly for sensing the heat emanating from an ammunition round carried by said rotor assembly, said sensing means being operably connected to said power supplying means and regulating means operably connected between said sensing means and said power supplying means for controlling the amount of power supplied to said drive means whereby said rotor assembly is rotated by said drive means when the heat emanating from an ammunition round is deemed to be above a predetermined temperature by said sensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
An ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system adapted for use with an automatic weapon having a plurality of barrels circumferentially arranged about a common axis, a rotor assembly supporting said barrels and a housing circumferentially spaced about and rotatably supporting said rotor assembly, said system comprising drive means for rotating said rotor assembly, means for supplying power to said drive means operably connected thereto, means mounted in a predetermined position adjacent said rotor assembly for sensing the heat emanating from an ammunition round carried by said rotor assembly, said sensing means being operably connected to said power supplying means and regulating means operably connected between said sensing means and said power supplying means for controlling the amount of power supplied to said drive means whereby said rotor assembly is rotated by said drive means when the heat emanating from an ammunition round is deemed to be above a predetermined temperature by said sensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
An ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system as defined in claim 1 wherein said regulating means comprises a solenoid operably connected to said power supplying means causing the activation or deactivation thereof, a timer switch operably connecting said senser to said solenoid and an indexing switch operably connecting said rotor assembly to said solenoid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
An ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system as defined in claim 2 wherein said drive means comprises a gear operably connected to said rotor assembly and a drive motor operably connected between said gear and said power supply.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
An ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system as defined in claim 3 wherein said gear has a plurality of detents therein and said indexing switch has a biased element thereon which is capable of engaging said detents in said gear, said detents being so positioned in said gear that when said biased element engages a detent said ammunition round is positioned adjacent said sensor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system as defined in claim 4 wherein said drive motor is hydraulic in operation and said power supply supplies hydraulic fluid thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An ammunition cook-off sensing and prevention system as defined in claim 5 wherein said sensor is an infrared temperature sensor.
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) | 1978-11-24 | 1979-05-26 | 1979-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-24 | 1983-05-26 | 1983-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-24 | 1987-05-26 | 1987-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |