High volume obturator assembly method

Abstract

An obturating band of the despun variety is manufactured within the channel of a projectile assembly. A split ring polymer pre-band is clamped around the band seat of the projectile assembly and the free ends are welded together to form a continuous ring around the diameter of the projectile assembly within the encircling channel. One free end includes a male connector and the other free end includes an undersized female receptacle. Upon exposure to ultrasonic energy, the free ends are welded together at a scarf joint. A calculated amount of extra material which is present in the male connector is allows the joint to weld itself. The joining surfaces are positioned on indented sections of the free ends such that the resulting obturating band does not bulge at the joint. The obturating band is constructed to slip against the band seat and, therefore, is allowed to rotate at a rate independent of the underlying projectile.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.