초록
This disclosure relates to self-contained cartridges and launcher systems for discharging or launching payloads to downrange targets, and methods of attenuating or offsetting recoil when activating such cartridges. Examples of payloads that can be deployed with the disclosed launcher apparatus include chemical, biological, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, non-lethal, explosive, smoke, and similar payloads.
This disclosure relates to self-contained cartridges and launcher systems for discharging or launching payloads to downrange targets, and methods of attenuating or offsetting recoil when activating such cartridges. Examples of payloads that can be deployed with the disclosed launcher apparatus include chemical, biological, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, non-lethal, explosive, smoke, and similar payloads.
대표
청구항
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1. A self-contained cartridge comprising: a) a cartridge case having a forward end and an aft end and a uniform diameter extending from the forward end to the aft end, wherein the forward end has a closed configuration and an open configuration;b) a primer situated at the aft end of the cartridge case;c) a propellant adjacent the primer; andd) a payload;wherein the open configuration of the forward end comprises a tapered nozzle formed from the cartridge case when the cartridge opens during launching of the payload, and the diameter of the nozzle opening...
1. A self-contained cartridge comprising: a) a cartridge case having a forward end and an aft end and a uniform diameter extending from the forward end to the aft end, wherein the forward end has a closed configuration and an open configuration;b) a primer situated at the aft end of the cartridge case;c) a propellant adjacent the primer; andd) a payload;wherein the open configuration of the forward end comprises a tapered nozzle formed from the cartridge case when the cartridge opens during launching of the payload, and the diameter of the nozzle opening is less than the inner diameter of the cartridge case, and wherein the forward end of the cartridge case which forms the tapered nozzle is crimped in the closed configuration;wherein the nozzle is configured to force a desired pattern of the payload; andwherein the tapered nozzle of the open configuration forms in the absence of a nozzle-shaped chamber. 2. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising an obturating component between the propellant and the payload. 3. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the obturating component is a granular obturating medium or a pre-shaped gas seal. 4. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a granular obturating medium between the propellant and the payload, wherein the self-contained cartridge does not include a pre-shaped gas seal. 5. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the payload is selected from chemical, powder, gel, fire suppression, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, explosive, smoke, incendiary, biological, heat insulating, anti-chemical warfare, anti-biological warfare, liquid-containing, powder-containing, or gel-containing payloads. 6. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the self-contained cartridge is selected from a flare cartridge, a smoke cartridge, a smoke flare cartridge, a signaling device cartridge, a chemical cartridge, a biological cartridge, a distraction device cartridge, a pyrotechnic cartridge, a marking cartridge, an incendiary cartridge, a tracer cartridge, an anti-chemical warfare cartridge, or an anti-biological warfare cartridge. 7. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the closed configuration of the forward end of the cartridge case comprises a star crimp or a roll crimp. 8. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tapered nozzle forms when the cartridge opens during launching of the payload at less than or about 400 ft/sec. 9. A method of launching a payload, the method comprising: a1) providing self-contained cartridge according to claim 1; andb) striking the primer with or on any object with sufficient force to activate the primer and to offset at least a portion of the recoil resulting from launching the payload. 10. A method of launching a payload according to claim 9, the method further comprising: a2) providing a payload launcher system comprising: i) a launcher tube having an open nozzle end and an aft end;ii) a cap removably-attached to the aft end, the cap comprising a firing pin opening and a forward- and rearward-movable firing pin, wherein the firing pin protrudes through the firing pin opening in its forwardmost position; andiii) a chamber within the launcher tube adjacent the firing pin opening adapted for receiving the self-contained cartridge; anda3) inserting the self-contained cartridge in the chamber and attaching the cap to the aft end of the launcher tube;wherein the step of striking the primer comprises striking the firing pin with or on any object with sufficient force to activate the primer and to offset at least a portion of the recoil resulting from launching the payload. 11. A method of launching a payload according to claim 9, wherein the payload is launched with a muzzle velocity of less than or about 400 ft/sec. 12. A method of launching a payload according to claim 9, wherein the self-contained cartridge further comprises an obturating component between the propellant and the payload. 13. A method of launching a payload according to claim 9, wherein the payload is selected from chemical, powder, gel, fire suppression, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, explosive, smoke, incendiary, biological, heat insulating, anti-chemical warfare, anti-biological warfare, liquid-containing, powder-containing, or gel-containing payloads. 14. A method of launching a payload according to claim 9, wherein the self-contained cartridge is selected from a flare cartridge, a smoke cartridge, a smoke flare cartridge, a signaling device cartridge, a chemical cartridge, a biological cartridge, a distraction device cartridge, a pyrotechnic cartridge, a marking cartridge, an incendiary cartridge, a tracer cartridge, an anti-chemical warfare cartridge, or an anti-biological warfare cartridge. 15. A self-contained cartridge comprising: a) a cartridge case having a forward end and an aft end and a uniform diameter extending from the forward end to the aft end, wherein the forward end has a closed configuration and an open configuration;b) a primer situated at the aft end of the cartridge case; andc) a payload;wherein the open configuration of the forward end comprises a tapered nozzle formed from the cartridge case when the cartridge opens during launching of the payload, and the diameter of the nozzle opening is less than the inner diameter of the cartridge case, and wherein the forward end of the cartridge case which forms the tapered nozzle is crimped in the closed configuration;wherein the nozzle is configured to force a desired pattern of the payload; andwherein the tapered nozzle of the open configuration forms in the absence of a nozzle-shaped chamber. 16. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 15, further comprising an obturating component between the primer and the payload. 17. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the obturating component is a granular obturating medium or a pre-shaped gas seal. 18. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 15, further comprising a granular obturating medium between the primer and the payload, wherein the self-contained cartridge does not include a pre-shaped gas seal. 19. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 15, further comprising a propellant between the primer and the payload. 20. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the closed configuration of the forward end of the cartridge case comprises a star crimp or a roll crimp. 21. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the payload is selected from chemical, powder, gel, fire suppression, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, explosive, smoke, incendiary, biological, heat insulating, anti-chemical warfare, anti-biological warfare, liquid-containing, powder-containing, or gel-containing payloads. 22. A self-contained cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the self-contained cartridge is selected from a flare cartridge, a smoke cartridge, a smoke flare cartridge, a signaling device cartridge, a chemical cartridge, a biological cartridge, a distraction device cartridge, a pyrotechnic cartridge, a marking cartridge, an incendiary cartridge, a tracer cartridge, an anti-chemical warfare cartridge, or an anti-biological warfare cartridge.