Thomas Charles Tighe

US Patent:

6363829, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

May 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/570983

Inventors:

Anthony R. Franchino - Whitehouse Station NJ
Thomas Tighe - Morristown NJ

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

F41A 374

US Classification:

89 26, 89 2713

Abstract:

A system for sealing an indexing primer magazine and breech assembly of a barrel-type firearm to contain exhaust gases with the flow passage transfers the increased pressure into a sealing force between the insert and indexing primer magazine. Additionally, component parts of the seal are located out of the direct path of the formed exhaust gases to increase system longevity and safety. A seal is located within a recess of either the insert or indexing primer magazine, that is separated from the flow passage for the hot combustion gases from the primer or propellant charge.

US Patent:

6578462, Jun 17, 2003

Filed:

Jul 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/907890

Inventors:

Anthony R. Franchino - Whitehouse Station NJ
Thomas Tighe - Morristown NJ

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

F41A 2136

US Classification:

89 143, 89 142

Abstract:

An improved muzzle brake for reducing the momentum of the recoiling components of a gun or cannon when fired, thereby reducing the forces acting on the support platform of a weapon system, is provided. In the presence of the muzzle brake, the projectile fired from a cannon to restrains the gas flow in the axial direction until gases are allowed to be diverted to a baffle in the main body of the muzzle brake. The resultant gas flow impinges on the baffle, thereby inducing a forward thrust. The diverted gas flow then exits through a plurality of exhaust ports provided to the atmosphere to create a thrust applied to the recoiling components of the gun system. Additional thrust is created by the inclusion of a second stage baffle, offset from the main body of the muzzle brake at an optimal distance by a plurality of standoffs. This thrust generates an impulse that is applied in the opposite direction of the recoil momentum by the amount of the muzzle brake impulse. The resulting reduced forces result in lighter cannon support structures, enhancing mobility and effectiveness.