Recoil attenuated payload launcher system
OwnerJames Y. Menefee, IIIinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure relates to launchers and launcher systems for discharging or launching payloads to downrange targets, and associated methods of using such launcher systems. This disclosure further provides methods for attenuating or reducing felt recoil such that relatively large weight payloads can be launched while the launcher is handheld or mounted in any manner. Examples of payloads that can be deployed with the disclosed launcher apparatus include chemical, biological, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, non-lethal, anti-personnel, explosive, smoke, and similar payloads.
Claims25
A launcher system comprising:
- a) a launcher tube having a muzzle and a breech and comprising a propulsion blank chamber at the breech;
- b) a receiver attached to the launcher tube comprising a firing mechanism that mates with the propulsion blank chamber;
- c) a primer-activated cartridge sized for axial movement within the launcher tube, the cartridge comprising a case, a primer, a propellant, and a payload;
- d) a gas expansion-compression zone at the breech end of the launcher tube, in communication with the propulsion blank chamber;
- e) a pressure relief means to vent gas from the gas expansion-compression zone;
- and
- f) a primer activating means for activating the primer when the cartridge is moved a selected distance from breech to muzzle in the launcher tube.
A method of attenuating recoil when firing a primer activated cartridge, the method comprising:
- a) providing a primer activated cartridge comprising a primer, a propellant, and a payload;
- and
- b) activating the primer and the propellant while the primer activated cartridge is in forward motion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.