CA3174209A1

CA3174209A1 - Devices, systems, and methods for operating guns

Info

Publication number: CA3174209A1
Application number: CA3174209A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Dustin Shawn DYCK; Hugh DASKEN
Original assignee: Ltl Munitions Ltd
Current assignee: Ltl Munitions Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2022-02-18
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Also published as: WO2022174353A1; CN115698623A

Abstract

Systems and methods for less-than-lethal and safe operation of guns including a pneumatic cartridge having a pressurized gas chamber, a projectile abutting a tubular channel elongated between the projectile and the pressurized gas chamber, a valve configured to release gas from the pressurized gas chamber when pressure in the pressurized gas chamber is above a predetermined threshold and the valve is actuated, and a resilient member configured to retain the projectile against the tubular channel inside the pneumatic cartridge and deformably release the projectile under gas pressure. A bolt assembly complementary to the pneumatic cartridge, and include a firing pin configured to strikingly actuate the valve of the pneumatic cartridge. A hand tool, fill valve, and a housing for the pneumatic cartridge.

Description

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR OPERATING GUNS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosure relates generally to guns such as firearms and air guns, and more particularly to less-than-lethal weapons.
BACKGROUND
Firearms are widely distributed among law enforcement and the general population. Firearms typically comprise a bolt assembly and a chamber for housing cartridges prior to firing of the cartridge. A cartridge typically comprises a propellant such as black powder and a primer to ignite the propellant. A projectile is thus launched from the firearm at considerably speed, which may be lethal to a subject. However, in many cases, it may be desired to only disable the subject. In some cases, a firearm may be misused to cause harm.
Certain pneumatic cartridges may be less-than-lethal, but these may only work on specific guns, e.g.
they may not work with standard firearms.
Additionally, handling of pneumatic cartridges may be difficult at times. For example, refilling a pneumatic cartridge with projectiles may require manipulation of relatively small wads, and recharging a pneumatic cartridge may require precising positioning of the fill valve relative to a dispensing valve, e.g. of a pressurized gas canister, and careful application of force to avoid damaging the fill valve. Due to the delicacy of such an operation, fill valves may often be damaged, e.g. seals thereof may be damaged.
SUMMARY
Thousands of people die each year because of bullets fired from firearms. In many cases, firearms are misused by malign actors. In other cases, a firearm may be triggered unintentionally. In yet other cases, firearms may be used for law enforcement or self-defence, wherein disabling of the subject is only desired or needed. It is expensive and difficult to replace the widely distributed firearms with less-lethal alternatives. In some cases, no alternative may be available, as firearms have significant advantages, e.g. portability (including of ammunition), adaptability to longer duration missions (only more ammunition is needed, e.g. without any need for external charging), fast operation, and easy maintenance. Safety measures may be incorporated in firearms to prevent firing by unauthorized personnel or by using unauthorized ammunition. A great need exists for not only safety measures but also conversion systems that make guns safer and less-than-lethal, but still effective, e.g. able to launch appropriate, safe projectiles.
Aspects disclosed herein provide for systems and methods of operating of firearms, wherein the firearms may be configured to fire pneumatically propelled projectiles, which may be less than lethal.
The pneumatic mechanism and pressurized gas source may be contained within a pneumatic cartridge itself, thereby maintaining portability, replaceability, and other advantages associated with firearms. In various embodiments, the pneumatic cartridge may accommodate at least one shot of substantially a similar radius to the pneumatic cartridge. The pneumatic cartridges may be adapted to bolt assemblies configured to prevent firing of lethal cartridges. Such components may be retrofitted on to existing firearms or air guns. In some embodiments, this may facilitate a cost-effective and efficient conversion of an existing firearm into a less-than-lethal gun.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a hand tool for a pneumatic cartridge.
The hand tool also includes a first member pivotably coupled to a second member about a fulcrum;
a seat defined between the first and second members for receiving the pneumatic cartridge, the first and second members configured to pivot relative to each other about the fulcrum to clamp the pneumatic cartridge in the seat; and a duct opening into the seat, the duct configured to supply pressurized gas to a fill valve of the pneumatic cartridge when the pneumatic cartridge is clamped between the first and second members.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a method of supplying pressurized gas to a fill valve formed in a body. The method of supplying pressurized gas also includes receiving the body between two members and adjacent to a conduit disposed between the two members, the two members being pivotably coupled to each other; pivoting the two members relative to each other to squeeze the body between the two members to hold the body stationary relative to the body and to engage the fill valve with the conduit, and receiving the pressurized gas in the conduit to supply the pressurized gas to the fill valve.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a housing of a pneumatic cartridge. The housing also includes a plurality of fingers that are circumferentially spaced apart around a projectile of the pneumatic

2

3 cartridge and oriented to engage the projectile to retain the projectile internal to the pneumatic cartridge, the plurality of fingers being deformable under internal pressure to increase inter-finger spacings to release the projectile from the pneumatic cartridge.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a fill valve for filling a pressurized gas chamber of a pneumatic cartridge. The fill valve also includes a valve housing; a first valve head and a second valve head coupled for common translation relative to the valve housing between an open position and a closed position of the fill valve, a conduit passing through the first valve head and the second valve head, the first valve head configured to be actuatable to move the fill valve to the open position to allow fluid communication between the conduit and the pressurized gas chamber to fill the pressurized gas chamber; a first valve seat held in-place by the valve housing and configured to sealably receive the first valve head in the closed position of the fill valve to prevent release of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas chamber into the conduit; and a second valve seat held in-place by the valve housing and configured to sealably receive the second valve head in the open position of the fill valve to prevent release of the pressurized gas in the conduit away from the pressurized gas chamber.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a method of filling a pressurized gas chamber of a pneumatic cartridge. The method also includes retaining a sealing member stationary relative to the pneumatic cartridge to allow engagement of a valve head with the sealing member; and disengaging a valve head from the sealing member while retaining the sealing member stationary relative to the pneumatic cartridge to establish fluid communication between the pressurized gas chamber and a conduit configured to supply pressurized gas.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a safety cartridge extractor of a bolt assembly of a firearm for preventing firing of a cartridge of the firearm. The safety cartridge extractor also includes a rim channel receivably retaining a rim of the cartridge to retain the cartridge inside the chamber, the rim channel having a width configured to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer when the firing pin strikes the cartridge, by allowing at least partial travel of the rim in the rim channel.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a method of preventing firing of a cartridge of a firearm. The method of preventing firing also includes retaining the cartridge in a chamber of the firearm to be struck by a firing pin of the firearm; and while retained in the chamber, inhibiting activation of the cartridge primer by allowing translation of a base of the cartridge in the chamber when struck by the firing pin.

In an aspect, the disclosure describes a safety bolt assembly for a firearm for preventing firing of a centerfire cartridge of the firearm The safety bolt assembly also includes a cartridge extractor configured to retain the centerfire cartridge in a chamber of the firearm; and a firing pin actuatable via a trigger of the firearm, including a nose for striking a base of the centerfire cartridge surrounding the cartridge primer when the firing pin is actuated, the nose configured to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer by avoiding striking the cartridge primer.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a method of preventing firing of a centerfire cartridge when a firing pin of a firearm is actuated via a trigger of the firearm. The method of preventing firing also includes retaining the centerfire cartridge in a chamber of the firearm to be struck by a firing pin of the firearm; and while the centerfire cartridge is retained in the chamber, causing the firing pin to selectively strike a base of the centerfire cartridge surrounding the cartridge primer while avoiding striking the cartridge primer to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a pneumatic cartridge for a gun. The pneumatic cartridge also includes a pressurized gas chamber, a projectile disposed at a longitudinal end of the pneumatic cartridge, a valve configured to establish flow communication between the pressurized gas chamber and projectile when actuated, and a resilient member configured to retain the projectile and deformably release the projectile when gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold and the valve is actuated.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a method of pneumatically launching a projectile from a cartridge into a barrel of a gun The method also includes using a valve to maintain a pressurized gas chamber inside the cartridge, the valve configured to actuatably release gas into a channel, retaining the projectile at a longitudinal end of the cartridge connected to the channel, using a resilient member, actuating the valve using a firing pin of the gun to actuate the valve to release the gas in the pressurized gas chamber into the channel; and deforming the resilient member to release the projectile when gas pressure in the channel exceeds a predetermined threshold.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a method of manufacturing a pneumatic cartridge of a gun The method also includes forming a pressurized gas chamber in a cartridge housing;
using a valve to control flow in a channel between the pressurized gas chamber and a projectile, and retaining the projectile in the cartridge housing using a resilient member configured to deformably release the

4 projectile when gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold and the valve is actuated to release gas in the pressurized gas chamber into the channel.
In an aspect, the disclosure describes a kit for converting a firearm into a less-than-lethal gun The kit also includes a bolt assembly adapted to fit in the firearm and complementary to a pneumatic cartridge adapted to a chamber of the firearm, the bolt assembly including a firing pin configured to strikingly actuate a valve of the pneumatic cartridge via a trigger of the firearm when the pneumatic cartridge is disposed inside the chamber.
Embodiments can include combinations of the above features.
Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of this application will be apparent from the detailed description included below and the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary gun;
FIG. 1B is an enlarged front elevation view of the exemplary gun of FIG. lA
showing a muzzle;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary bolt assembly retaining an exemplary pneumatic cartridge;
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bolt assembly and pneumatic cartridge of FIG.
2A along the cutting plane indicated by 2B-2B in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly and the pneumatic cartridge of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B along the cutting plane indicated by line 3-3 in FIG. 2A, showing the bolt assembly and the pneumatic cartridge in an engaged, neutral state;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bolt assembly of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pneumatic cartridge of FIG. 2A
and FIG. 2B;
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a bolt assembly in accordance with an embodiment, along the cutting plane indicated by line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A, when striking the pneumatic cartridge;
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly in FIG. 6A, along the cutting plane indicated by line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A, after striking the pneumatic cartridge,

5 FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge extractor;
FIG. 7B is a side elevation of the cartridge extractor of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an exemplary safety cartridge extractor shown engaging with a cartridge of a firearm;
FIG. 9A is a side elevation view of a firing pin;
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the firing pin along the cutting plane indicated by 9B-9B in FIG. 9A;
FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the firing pin approaching the pneumatic cartridge in the chamber, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the firing pin approaching a centerfire cartridge of a conventional firearm;
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a resilient member;
FIG. 1113 is a side elevation view of the resilient member; and FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resilient member shortly before a ball is released from the pneumatic cartridge.
FIG. 13A is a rear elevation view of an exemplary locking block;
FIG. 13B is a side elevation view of the locking block;
FIG. 13C is a front elevation view of the locking block, FIG. 14A is a top elevation view of the exemplary locking block;
FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the locking block indicated by line 14B-14B in FIG. 14A, FIG. 15A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pneumatic cartridge before release of the ball;
FIG. 15B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pneumatic cartridge after release of the ball, FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an exemplary bore housing,

6 FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the bore housing of FIG. 16A;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wad system, in disassembled form;
FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of a type of round for an air gun;
FIG. 18B is a broken cross-sectional view of another type of round for an air gun;
FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve of FIG. 19A in an open position and receiving pressurized gas, in accordance with an embodiment, FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve in a closed position, in accordance with another embodiment;
FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve of FIG. 20A in an open position and receiving pressurized gas, in accordance with another embodiment;
FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic cartridge in a neutral and ready-to-fire state, in accordance with another embodiment;
FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic cartridge in a post-firing state where the projectile has already been released, in accordance with another embodiment;
FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the pneumatic cartridge of FIGS. 21A-21B, in accordance with an embodiment, FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a hand tool, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 23B is a side elevation view of the hand tool of FIG. 23A, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing valve in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing valve of FIG. 24A in an open position and supplying pressurized gas, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a flow chart of a method of preventing firing of a cartridge of a firearm, in accordance with an embodiment,

7 FIG. 26 is a flow chart of a method of preventing firing of a centerfire cartridge when a firing pin of a firearm is actuated via a trigger of the firearm, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 27 is a flow chart of a method of pneumatically launching a projectile from a cartridge into a barrel of a gun, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 28 is a flow chart of a method of supplying pressurized gas to a fill valve formed in a body, in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 29 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a pneumatic cartridge of a gun, in accordance with an embodiment; and FIG. 30 is a flow chart of a method of filling a pressurized gas chamber of a pneumatic cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following disclosure relates to guns and less-than-lethal weapons. In some embodiments, the assemblies, device, and methods disclosed herein can facilitate safe operation and cost-effective conversion of guns.
In various embodiments, a lethal to less-than-lethal conversion kit comprises a conversion bolt assembly and slide, an adjustable charger for charging gas to be used as power sources for launching projectiles, and a pneumatically-actuated (or powered) cartridge ("pneumatic cartridge"). Once a conversion bolt assembly and slide are installed on a firearm it may render the firearm no longer capable of discharging conventional live ammunition. The adjustable charger may regulate pressure after adjustment by an operator. High pressure air and various other gases may be used as a power source, such as CO2, N2, high-pressure air, or airsoft propane. The pneumatic cartridge may be adaptable to one or more calibers. The pneumatic cartridge may store gas provided by the charger and its power source. Once thus charged, the cartridge may maintain its pressured until discharged by an operator.
Aspects of various embodiments are now described in relation to the figures.
FIG. lA is a perspective view of an exemplary gun 100, generally conceived to be portably operated by a user, e.g. long guns and handguns used by law enforcement personnel. The exemplary gun 100 may be a firearm configured to launch projectiles via combustion of a propellant. The exemplary gun

8 100 may be a shotgun firearm having an autoloader or semi-automatic action mechanism. In other embodiments, exemplary guns may include firearms having single-shot, fully-automatic, or selective fire action mechanisms.
The gun 100 includes, in generally sequential order extending away from an operator of the gun (from a rear to a front of the gun 100): a butt 102 configured to generally rest against the operator during operation of the gun and which may form the rearward most portion of the gun 100, a stock 104 providing structural support to the butt 102, a receiver 106 coupled to the stock 104 and housing an action 116 configured to cycle ammunition comprising projectile(s) through the gun 100, a chamber 108 disposed at a front end of the receiver 106 for holding the projectile(s) in position for launch, a barrel 110 connected to the chamber 108 for conveying the projectile(s) after launch, and a muzzle 112 defining an exit aperture for the projectile(s).
FIG. 1B is an enlarged front elevation view of the exemplary gun of FIG. lA
showing the muzzle 112 portion of the barrel 110. The barrel itself generally comprises an inner surface defining a bore 126, generally configured to maintain a tight tolerance relative to the exiting projectile(s) to prevent leakage of pressurized products (combustion or other) to thereby encourage forward propulsion of the projectile(s). As such, a gun 100 or its chamber 108, barrel 110, and muzzle 112 may be said to be chambered to or compatible with a specific type of ammunition, i.e. fitted to the outer diameter of the ammunition (caliber). For example, larger outer diameter ammunition may damage the barrel 110 and other components or even lead to a dangerous squib condition, and smaller diameter ammunition may malfunction (e.g. have excessively low muzzle velocity) or be inoperative in the gun 100. In some embodiments, the inner surface may be rifled to impart a spin to exiting projectile(s). In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area defined by the bore 126 may vary along a length of the barrel, e.g. the cross-sectional area may be reduced to create a "choke" at the muzzle 112.
The action 116 may refer to the functional mechanism or components of the gun 100 used for handling ammunition, e.g. drawing the ammunition into the chamber 108 in position for firing, discharging of projectiles from the ammunition, and releasing casings or shells after discharge of projectiles. In some cases, "action" may refer to the method of operation of the mechanism. In various embodiments, the action 116 may include a bolt assembly disposed immediately behind the chamber 108, and components to operate an autoloader of the gun.

9 The chamber 108 is a cavity configured to hold ammunition (cartridge) prior to firing. In some embodiments, the chamber 108 may be integrally formed or in unitary construction with the barrel 110 and may be referred to as a breech. The bolt assembly may include components for (temporarily) coupling a cartridge to the bolt assembly to hold the cartridge in the chamber 108.
The bolt assembly may be movably coupled to the gun 100 to allow loading of ammunition in the chamber 108. The bolt assembly may also include a firing pin, which is a component for striking or pushing a cartridge to launch projectile(s), e.g. a firing pin may compact a chemical primer that ignites propellant to launch a slug, shots, airsoft pellets, and other types of projectiles. In some embodiments, striking or pushing a cartridge may initiate a mechanical or pneumatic mechanism to launch the projectile(s), e.g. without any combustion, ignition, or use of chemical primer. As referred to herein, "firing pin" is intended to include pins used for such striking or pushing purposes.
The firing pin may be actuated via a trigger 118, housed in a trigger guard 120. The trigger 118 may coupled to an underside of the receiver 106, and may actuate a hammer configured to strike a rear end of the firing pin, which then strikes the cartridge to launch projectile(s) through the barrel 110 and out of the muzzle 112.
The gun 100 may include other components, such as a rib disposed over and integral to the barrel 110 and a sight positioned over the muzzle-end (front- or far-end) of the barrel 110. The rib and the sight may be used to aim the gun 100 The gun may also include a barrel extension, i e a portion of the barrel 110 that extends into the receiver 106 to hold the barrel 110 to the receiver 106.
The gun 100 may be characterized by a diameter of the bore 126 or, since the bore must be adapted to the ammunition the gun 100 is configured for, an outer diameter of the ammunition. In an exemplary embodiment, the gun 100 may be a 12-gauge shotgun or 10-gauge shotgun, wherein a lower gauge signifies a larger bore diameter.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary bolt assembly 201A retaining or engaged with an exemplary pneumatic cartridge 201B. For example, the pneumatic cartridge 201B
may be a multi-caliber air-powered shot shell.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bolt assembly 201A and the pneumatic cartridge 201B along the cutting plane indicated by 2B-2B in FIG. 2k The bolt assembly 201A and the pneumatic cartridge 201B may together form part of a system 200 for converting a firearm into a less-than-lethal gun, i.e. it is a conversion system adapted to convert a lethal firearm into a less-than-lethal gun. In a gun, the pneumatic cartridge 201B may be disposed in front of the bolt assembly 201A, i.e. closer to the muzzle 112. When positioned in the gun 100, the bolt assembly 201A forms a forward longitudinal end portion of the receiver 106 while the pneumatic cartridge 201B is housed inside the chamber 108 or breech. Thus, the bolt assembly 201A may act to block rearward motion of the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
In some embodiments, the bolt assembly 201A may be configured to fit into the receiver 106, e.g.
the bolt assembly 201A may be completely or partially a bolt assembly of the gun 100 or may be a replacement bolt assembly for the gun 100. For example, the bolt assembly 201A
may be a safety bolt assembly configured to facilitate exclusively safe and/or non-lethal operation of the gun 100 and may be used as a replacement or retrofit to make a firearm exclusively safe and/or non-lethal. In some cases, the bolt assembly 201A may be a cost-effective way to convert a lethal weapon to a less-than-lethal weapon. Thus, in some embodiments, the bolt assembly 201A be complementary to or adapted specifically and/or exclusively for the pneumatic cartridge 201B. For example, the pneumatic cartridge 201B may be adapted to the chamber 108 of a firearm embodiment of the gun 100.
In various embodiments, the pneumatic cartridge 201B, when coupled with the bolt assembly 201A, may be configured to be less-than-lethal, or non-lethal beyond a given range.
As referred to herein, pneumatic cartridges include cartridges configured to propel or fire projectiles primarily by means of pressurized gas delivered by a pneumatic mechanism housed within the cartridge, e.g. internally mechanically pressurized gases.
In contrast, other firearm cartridges may deliver pressurized gas to propel projectiles by oxidation of combustible propellants such as black powder, i.e. chemically reacting explosive materials, or may propel projectiles by connecting the chamber 108 to an external source of pressurized gas, e.g. gas pressurized by pneumatic mechanisms housed in the gun itself or pressurized gas from canisters.
The bolt assembly 201A comprises a breech bolt 202. The breech bolt 202 houses a locking block 204 that locks or constrains the motion of various components of the bolt assembly 201A during operation.

The bolt assembly 201A includes a cartridge extractor 206 for coupling the bolt assembly 201A to the pneumatic cartridge 201B, such that a breech face 208 of the breech bolt 202 (a forward longitudinal end of the breech bolt 202) abuts a base of the pneumatic cartridge 201B, prior to firing.
The cartridge extractor 206 may be configured to latch on to a rim 210 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B via a rim channel 218 (or groove) formed in the extractor, which may itself be pivotably resiliently coupled to the bolt assembly 201A to impart a coupling torque on the rim 210. The rim 210 may be in unitary construction with or integrally formed with a cartridge housing 212.
A projectile, e.g. a ball 214, may be disposed at a forward longitudinal end 240 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The forward longitudinal end 240 may be configured to permit such launch. The projectile or ball 214 may have a radius substantially similar to a radius of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. For example, in some embodiments the projectile or ball 214 has a radius at least 90% of an outer radius of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. In some embodiments, the largest caliber of the pneumatic cartridge 201B may be limited to 0.68. In various embodiments, the ball 214 may include paintball, powder ball, pepper ball, rubber ball, polymer ball (hard), GrimburgTM .68 ball, first strike paint ball, first strike powder, first strike pepper, polymer slug, GrimburgTM
EfP68, and/or gel ball (.68 silica water retaining bead).
In various embodiments, the forward longitudinal end 240 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B may be configured to release other types of projectiles, e.g. slugs, and shots (a plurality of small balls or pellets). The pneumatic cartridge 201B may be adapted for non-lethal projectiles, such as certain non-metal projectiles. For example, in some embodiments, the pneumatic cartridge 201B may not be effectively provisioned with projectiles made of lead, steel, and copper.
The pneumatic cartridge 201B may be substantially free of such projectiles since these may cause bodily harm, and fatalities in some instances. In some embodiments, the projectile may be a pepper ball used for deterrence.
For example, pepper balls may be discharged to create a cloud of irritant to deter bears that may pose a threat to people or property. In the description below, references to ball 214 may also encompass embodiments using other types of projectiles, unless indicated or inferred otherwise.
The ball 214 may be retained within the pneumatic cartridge 201B by a resilient member 216 acting as detent, i.e. configured to obstruct outward (forward) motion of the ball 214 through the forward longitudinal end 240 and, under sufficient force, to resiliently deflect to permit such a motion of the ball 214.

The ball 214 may be propelled forward via pressurized gas delivered from a pressurized gas chamber 238 formed in the cartridge housing 212.
In various embodiments, the pressurized gas may be delivered via a channel In some embodiments, the channel may be a tubular channel 234 elongated between the pressurized gas chamber 238 and the projectile. For example, this may allow the ball 214 to be placed at a far end of the pneumatic cartridge 201B, which may be desirable for performance. It may also prevent overloading of the cartridge.
The tubular channel 234 may extend between a valve 230 and the ball 214 retained in the cartridge housing 212. The longitudinal end 240 may be connected to the tubular channel 234. The valve 230 may be disposed in the tubular channel 234. The pressurized gas chamber 238 may be formed during manufacturing of the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
The tubular channel 234 may open at an outlet end to the ball 214, which may rest at least partially outside the tubular channel 234 in a housing of the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
A rear end of the ball 214 may be used to seal a front end of the tubular channel 234. The tubular channel 234 may abut the ball 214. The ball 214 or another projectile may be disposed partially inside the tubular channel 234.
The valve 230 may be used to seal an end of the pressurized gas chamber 238 and maintain the pressurized gas chamber 238 inside the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The valve 230 may be configured to actuatably release gas into the tubular channel 234 when actuated and may control flow in the tubular channel 234.
When gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber 238 exceeds a predetermined threshold (predetermined gas pressure threshold), and the valve 230 is actuated so that flow communication between the ball 214 and the pressurized gas chamber 238 is established via the tubular channel 234, the force on the resilient member 216 or detent may be sufficiently high to deflect the resilient member 216 and allow release of the ball 214.
For example, in various embodiments the predetermined threshold may be below 1,200 psi, 1,000 psi or between 250 psi and 860 psi. Such predetermined thresholds may be determinative of the kinetic energy of the ball 214 as it leaves the gun, and may be adapted for less-than-lethal operation of the gun (safe pressures). The predetermined threshold may depend on the type of projectile and dimensions of the pneumatic cartridge. The gas pressure may be adapted to prevent metal projectiles from discharging at a lethal muzzle velocity, e.g lead, copper, steel projectiles may be relatively heavier and may thus leave the muzzle sufficiently slowly to be non-lethal and non-effective.
The resilient member 216 may be configured to retain the ball 214, or other projectiles, at least partially inside the tubular channel 234. The resilient member 216 may be configured to deformably release the ball 214 away from the tubular channel when pressurized gas is forced through the tubular channel 234 from the pressurized gas chamber 238 to a rear end of the ball 214 to increase gas pressure in the tubular channel 234. Such a scenario may arise when the valve 230 is actuated and the gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber 238 exceeds the predetermined threshold.
The pressurized gas chamber 238 may be charged with (pressurized) gas via a fill valve 236 to which it is operatively coupled. Such charging may be performed during manufacturing or refurbishment of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. In various embodiments, the gas pressure after such charging may be set to at or slightly above the predetermined threshold, or may be configured to achieve such a pressure after manufacturing.
The valve 230 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B may be actuatable via the firing pin 220 of the gun 100. The valve 230 may comprise two components coupled via a valve spring 232:
a valve primer 242 and a valve gate 244.
The firing pin 220 includes a nose 226 configured to strike or push a strike plate 224 formed in a base of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The base of the pneumatic cartridge 201B
may be secured using fasteners 228. The base may be part of the valve 230. The strike plate 224 itself may be part of the valve primer 242.
The nose 226, with such a strike or push of the valve primer 242 by the firing pin 220, may actuate the valve 230 to release gas pressure by venting gas in the pressurized gas chamber 238 into the tubular channel 234 towards the ball 214. The firing pin 220 may be configured to strikingly actuate the valve primer 242 of the valve 230 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B via the trigger 118 of the gun 100 when the pneumatic cartridge 201B is disposed inside the chamber 108.
A firing pin spring 222 may be operatively coupled to the firing pin 220 to allow the firing pin 220 to recoil back into the breech bolt 202 after striking the strike plate 224.

The valve gate 244 may comprise a piston 246 configured to translatably move into and out of the tubular channel 234 to open or close a flow path from the pressurized gas chamber 238 to the tubular channel 234.
The firing pin 220 when actuated may push the piston 246 forward (i.e. towards the ball 214 or the muzzle 112) into the tubular channel 234. The firing pin 220 may be configured to push the piston 246 towards the tubular channel 234 by striking the strike plate 224. The strike plate 224 may be coupled to the piston 246 via the valve spring 232.
The piston 246 may be spring-loaded, e.g. via the valve spring 232. This may cause the valve gate 244 to resiliently move backwards away from a rear end of the wall of the tubular channel 234 when the valve 230 is actuated using the firing pin 220 to release the gas in the pressurized gas chamber 238 into the tubular channel 234. The valve spring 232 may prevent substantial relative movement between the piston 246 and the strike plate 224.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly 201A and the pneumatic cartridge 201B along the cutting plane indicated by line 3-3 in FIG. 2A, showing the bolt assembly and the pneumatic cartridge in an engaged, neutral state. The cross-sectional view in FIG. 3 shows the cartridge extractor 206.
In reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B and FIG. 3, the locking block 204 forms a sleeve over an upper half of the firing pin 220. When engaged in the bolt assembly 201A, the locking block 204 may have constrained motion relative to the firing pin 220 and the breech bolt 202, e.g. in various embodiments the locking block 204 may move substantially with the firing pin 220 and the breech bolt 202, or may move or adopt movements within a (predetermined or limited) range (of possible movements) defined at least partially by the firing pin 220 and the breech bolt 202.
For example, a flange 308 or rim formed at a rear end of the firing pin 220 may prevent the locking block 204 from retreating rearwards of the rear end of the firing pin 220, and a portion 310 of the firing pin 220 may engage frictionally with the firing pin 220, e.g. to thereby cause at least partial co-movement of the firing pin 220 and the locking block 204.
For example, the locking block 204 may be configured to engage with the breech bolt 202 via a joint configured to constrain or limit motion in one or more dimensions or planes.
In some embodiments, the locking block 204 may be coupled to the breech bolt 202 via a female joint-end, such as a hemispherical cavity 302 formed in an inner wall of the breech bolt 202, configured to receive a male joint-end connected to the locking block 204, such as a dowel 304 fastened to an external wall of the locking block 204. Thus, for example, motions of the locking block 204 may be limited to motions defined by allowable motions of the joint.
The cartridge extractor 206 includes a plunger 312 pivotably anchoring the cartridge extractor 206 to the bolt assembly 201A. The plunger 312 may be configured to impart a torque to the rim channel 218 to retain the rim 210 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B in the rim channel 218. The plunger 312 may include a pivoting joint 316 spaced apart from the rim 210 to provide a moment arm distance.
A moment may be generated via a force provided by a plunger spring 314 spaced apart from the pivoting joint 316, e.g. in a direction opposing the direction from the pivoting joint 316 to the rim 210, and coupled to the bolt assembly 201A. The plunger spring 314 may be coupled to the breech bolt 202 to provide such a moment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bolt assembly 201A. A generally cylindrical surface 416 of the firing (or push) pin 220 is configured to receive the firing pin spring 222 as a sheath or covering thereof, to thereby induce resilient movement of the firing pin 220.
When received in the breech bolt 202, the firing pin spring 222 may be deformably or resiliently disposed between a shoulder of the breech bolt 202 and a shoulder 406 of the firing pin 220. A
fastener 402 (e.g. a dowel or pin) may be received in an aperture 412 of the breech bolt and may be configured to engage with a portion 410 of the firing pin 220 to allow fastening and unfastening of the firing pin 220 from the breech bolt.
Once engaged within the breech bolt 202 and the locking block 204, the firing pin 220 may then be configured to resiliently translate into and out of a firing aperture 408 formed in the breech face 208 to strike the cartridge (e.g. the pneumatic cartridge 201B).
The cartridge extractor 206 may be coupled to the breech bolt 202 via a fastener 404 (e.g. a dowel or pin) that is configured to engaged with an aperture 414 formed in the breech bolt 202.
The locking block 204 includes a flanged frontal end 420 configured to rest against an inner front end of the breech bolt 202. An inclined surface 418 of the locking bolt (see FIG. 2B for inclination of the said surface when installed in the breech bolt 202) extends from a rearward end of the locking block 204.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pneumatic cartridge 201B along a longitudinal axis 550 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The longitudinal axis defines a radial direction (as in a cylindrical coordinate system).
The fasteners 228 fasten the cartridge housing 212 to a base housing 502 that couples with and provides an opening 510 for the valve primer 242, which couples to the valve gate 244 via the valve spring 232. The opening 510 in the base housing 502 is coaxial with an opening 512 in the cartridge housing 212. The valve primer 242 is thus retained within the base housing 502 and is permitted to move therein to push the valve gate 244. The position of the valve primer 242 within the base housing 502 may be referenced by the opening 510 and opening 512. The valve gate 244 itself is also retained within the base housing 502 and is slidingly supported therein by an internal wall of the base housing 502.
An outer wall of the valve gate 244 is configured to receive bearings 506 that frictionally engage with the internal wall of the base housing 502 to permit translation or sliding of the valve gate 244 within the base housing 502. Such translation may open or close a charge flow path in the tubular channel 234 between the pressurized gas chamber 238 and the ball 214. As shown in FIG. 3, the ball bearings may be "pinched" or locked into grooves, depressions, or indentations, to hold the valve gate 244 substantially stationary. A forward movement of the valve primer 242 may release the ball bearings, e.g. at least partially into a section of a spring chamber of the valve gate 244 defined by the valve primer 242. Such a forward movement may be achieved when the valve primer 242 is struck.
The tubular channel 234 may be formed in a central through hole formed in a bore housing 508 disposed between the valve gate 244 and the ball 214. The bore housing 508 may be externally sheathed using the cartridge housing 212.
The pressurized gas chamber 238 may be formed in an axially extending groove (see axis 514) formed in a thickness of a wall of the bore housing 508. For example, the pressurized gas chamber 238 may be an annular (cylindrical), such as a sleeve. The pressurized gas chamber 238 may be selectively opened or closed to the tubular channel 234 via the valve gate 244.
At a rearward end, various 0-rings 504A-C may be disposed between the valve gate 244 and the bore housing 508 to prevent leakage of gas from the pressurized gas chamber 238 and the tubular channel 234. In various embodiments, at a forward longitudinal end 240 of the cartridge 201B, the ball 214 may abut against an opening in the bore housing 508 to close the tubular channel 234. The ball 214 may be retained at the longitudinal end 240 using four detents or four resilient members 216 fastened to the bore housing 508.
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a bolt assembly in accordance with an embodiment, along the cutting plane indicated by line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A, when striking the pneumatic cartridge.
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly in FIG. 6A, along the cutting plane indicated by line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A, after striking the pneumatic cartridge.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, the inclined surface 418 of the locking block 204 may be inclined in a downward direction. A slider 650 may be disposed below the locking block. The slider 650 may be adapted to interface between the bolt assembly 201A and the firearm. For example a base of the slider 650 may be disposed in a seat in the firearm and a protrusion may be formed opposed thereto.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a cartridge extractor 206.
FIG. 7B is a side elevation of the cartridge extractor 206 of FIG. 7A.
In some embodiments, the cartridge extractor 206 may have a thickness 702 of 1/8". In some embodiments, a channel for receiving the plunger spring 314 may have a width 704 of 0.17" and may be spaced apart from the pivoting center by a distance 706 of 0.196" to form a moment arm.
Similarly, in some embodiments, a rim channel 218 may have a width 710 of 3/20-or more and may be spaced apart from the pivoting center by a distance 708 of 0.344". In some embodiments, the depth 712 of the rim channel 218 may be 0.4-. In some embodiments, the cartridge extractor 206 may be a safety cartridge extractor, as illustrated in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. In some embodiments, the cartridge extractor 206 may further comprise angled surfaces, e.g. a bolt assembly-facing surface may be inclined at an angle 714 of 7.5 degrees. In some embodiments, a surface facing an opposite direction (or opposite to the cartridge) may be inclined at an angle 716 of substantially 5 degrees.
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a safety cartridge extractor 800 of a bolt assembly 810 of a gun shown engaging with a cartridge 802 of a firearm. The cartridge 802 may be adapted for the firearm, e.g. the firearm may be chambered for the cartridge 802. The cartridge may be configured to fire via activation of a cartridge primer, e.g. by impaction of a chemical compound, which may lead to ignition of a propellant such as black powder. The cartridge may comprise a propellant ignitable via activation of the cartridge primer to launch a projectile into a barrel of the firearm In some embodiments, the cartridge 802 may be a centerfire cartridge configured to be lethal when launched from the firearm. The cartridge primer may be formed in a depression at a center of a base of the cartridge 802.
The bolt assembly 810 may comprise a firing pin configured to actuatably strike the cartridge in a chamber of the gun via a trigger of the firearm.
The safety cartridge extractor 800 may be a replacement part for the gun, or may be part of a bolt assembly 810, e.g. a safety bolt assembly, that is a replacement or retrofit for the gun. The safety cartridge extractor 800 may be configured to prevent firing of standard firearm ammunition with the gun to prevent misuse or abuse, e.g. use by unauthorized personnel. In some embodiments, the safety cartridge extractor 800 may be adapted exclusively to a safe type of ammunition, e.g. pneumatic cartridges 2 The rim channel 806 may receivably retain the rim 804 of the cartridge 802 to retain the cartridge 802 inside the chamber of the firearm (not shown in FIG. 8).
The cartridge 802 has a rim 804 of substantially less thickness (see width 814) than a width 812 of the rim channel 806 (or groove) of the safety cartridge extractor 800. The rim channel 806 may have a width, e.g. in a bore-wise direction running between the chamber and the bolt, configured to inhibit of the cartridge primer when the firing pin strikes the cartridge 802. The rim channel 806 may encourage such a situation by allowing, at least partial, travel of the rim 804 in the rim channel 806, i.e. translation of a base of the cartridge in the chamber up to a clearance 808 between the rim 804 and a forward end of the rim channel 806, while retaining the cartridge 802 in the chamber of the firearm. Thus, the force or impact of the firing pin on the primer may be reduced to the point where no combustion or ignition occurs. In some embodiments, the rim channel may be configured to allow travel of the rim 804 in the rim channel 806 at least to a substantially maximum distance of travel of the firing pin into the chamber after actuation by the trigger of the firearm.
Thus, e.g. the cartridge may not be deformed by the firing pin.
For example, in some embodiments the width 814 may be about 3/20" or more. In some embodiments, the width 814 may be less and may depend on the width 812 of the rim 804 and the force exerted by the firing pin on the cartridge 802. In various embodiments, the width 812 may be less than 1/20", or less than 1/15".
A firearm retrofitted with the safety cartridge extractor 800 may thus be configured to not fire "off-the-shelf' lethal cartridges having narrow rims, thereby preventing misuse and abuse. Specialized cartridges, such as of the type of the pneumatic cartridge 201B, may be adapted to the larger width of the rim channel 806. Thus, the rim 210 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B may have a width configured to allow substantially tight latching onto the bolt assembly 810.
FIG. 9A is a side elevation view of the firing pin 220.
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the firing pin along the cutting plane indicated by 9B-9B in FIG. 9A.
In some embodiments, a diameter 910 of the nose 226 may be about 0.2", a diameter 902 of the flange 308 may be about 0.256", a diameter 906 of the shoulder 406 may be about 0.250", and a length 904 of the cylindrical surface 416 sheathed over by the pin spring 222 may be about 1". In various embodiments the pin spring may have a total length 912 of about 3". A
length 908 between two sections of the firing pin may be about 0.10".
In some embodiments, the firing pin may be a safety firing pin wherein the diameter 910 of the nose 226 may be configured to be incompatible with lethal firearm cartridges and may instead be used exclusively with safe cartridges such as the pneumatic cartridge 201B. For example, the nose 226 may be dimensioned according to the strike plate 224 and the valve primer 242, and may oversized for a convention firearm cartridge primer (such as one used to ignite black powder in the cartridge).
In some embodiments, the firing pin may strike a base of a cartridge surrounding the cartridge primer and avoid striking the cartridge primer (for lethal-type cartridges).
In various embodiments, the length 904 may be adapted to the striking characteristics of the firing pin 220. In some embodiments, the length 904 may be complementary to the travel allowed inside the rim channel 218 of the cartridge extractor 206.
FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the firing pin 220 approaching the pneumatic cartridge 201B
in the chamber 108.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the firing pin 220 approaching a centerfire cartridge 1002 of a conventional firearm in the chamber 108.
The firing pin shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B may be a safety firing pin In some embodiments, such a safety firing pin may be used in a safety bolt assembly along with a safety cartridge extractor for preventing (unsafe) firing of the centerfire cartridge 1002, e.g. to translate the centerfire cartridge in the chamber when struck by the firing pin 220 to inhibit activation of a cartridge primer 1004. In some embodiments, the safety firing pin may be adapted to the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
As seen in FIG. 10A, the nose 226 of the firing pin may be dimensioned to strike or push the strike plate 224 to push the valve primer 242 forward (see dash-double dot arrows).
However, when the centerfire cartridge 1002 of a conventional firearm is placed in the chamber 108, the firing pin is unable to strike the cartridge primer 1004 or may avoid striking the cartridge primer 1004 due to the oversized dimensions of the nose 226 (see dash-double dot arrows). The firing pin 220 may have an elongated body having a cross-section adapted to prevent the nose 226 from striking the cartridge primer 1004 by causing the firing pin 220 to abut against an inner circumference of the base surrounding the cartridge primer 1004. For example, in some embodiments, the nose 226 strikes raised ridge(s) 1006 surrounding the cartridge primer 1004. In some embodiments, the cartridge primer 1004 may be depressed in the base of the centerfire cartridge 1002 and thus would require a firing pin with a smaller diameter for ignition. Thus, the nose 226 may (selectively) strike a base of the centerfire cartridge 1002 surrounding the cartridge primer 1004 when the firing pin 220 is actuated to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer 1004.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the resilient member 216.
FIG. 11B is a side elevation view of the resilient member 216.
The resilient member may include a fastening section, e.g. including fastening holes 1102, to fasten the resilient member to the cartridge housing or other part(s) of the pneumatic cartridge 201B that are configured to remain stationary when the ball 214 (or another projectile) is launched from the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
The resilient member may generally include two portions: a substantially straight portion 1106 and a bent portion 1104 that is configured to tilt towards a center (or central axis) of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. In some embodiments, the portion 1104 may be V-shaped or smoothly curved radially inwardly to obstruct the ball 214. The straight portion 1106 may lie partially adjacent to the projectile along a longitudinal axis 550 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The portion 1104 may extend radially towards the longitudinal axis 550 at a forward end of the ball 214 (proximal to the longitudinal end 240) to restrict forward motion of the ball 214 before actuation of the valve 230.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resilient member 216 shortly before the ball 214 is released from the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The resilient member 216 is biased (deflected) outward from the central axis of the pneumatic cartridge by the moving ball 214. Such deformation of the resilient member 216 releases the ball 214 when gas pressure in the tubular channel 234 exceeds a predetermined threshold.
As shown in FIG. 12, the bent portion 1104 generally abuts the ball 214 and may be so formed to provide sufficient clearance when both the bent portion 1104 and the straight portion 1106 are deformed due to fluid force imparted from the gas, e.g. gas pressure behind the ball 214. Such fluid force may arise due to release of gas from the pressurized gas chamber 238 into the tubular channel 234. In various embodiments, the fluid force may only be sufficient if gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber 238 exceeds the predetermined threshold.
FIG. 13A is a rear elevation view of an exemplary locking block 204.
FIG. 13B is a side elevation view of the locking block 204.
FIG. 13C is a front elevation view of the locking block 204.
The elevation views in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13C are indicated in FIG. 13B by lines 13A-13A and 13C-C, respectively.
In various embodiments, the radius 1310 may be substantially 5/16-, the length 1320 may be substantially 2", the length 1324 may be substantially 0.7", the length 1326 may be substantially 0.24", and the length 1328 may be substantially 0.5"-0.6". In various embodiments, the angle 1330 may be substantially 90 degrees and the angle 1332 may be substantially 7.5 degrees.
FIG. 14A is a top elevation view of the exemplary locking block 204.
FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the locking block 204 indicated by line 14B-14B in FIG. 14A.
The bottom of the locking block 204 may be a square/rectangle.

In various embodiments, the radius 1426 may be substantially 9/32" centered substantially a length 1422 of substantially 0.6" away from an end of the locking block 204, the radius 1428 may be 7/32"
centered substantially a length 1424 of substantially 0.2" away from the end of the locking block 204, and the width 1420 may be substantially 0.4-.
In various embodiments, the angle 1430 may be 77.5 degrees. In various embodiments, the length 1434 is substantially 9/64" and the length 1432 is substantially 0.36".
FIG. 15A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pneumatic cartridge 1500 before release of the ball 214.
FIG. 15B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pneumatic cartridge 1500 after release of the ball 214.
The resilient member 1516 is a discrete member extending radially smoothly inwardly to form an abutment at a front end of the ball 214.
FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an exemplary bore housing 1600.
FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the bore housing 1600 of FIG. 16A.
A longitudinal end of the bore housing 1600 may comprise a threaded portion 1602 adjacent a shoulder 1612 and an opposed longitudinal end of the bore housing 1600 may comprise a plurality of depressions 1604. Each depression of the plurality of depressions 1604 may comprise a respective (blind) hole 1614 for forming the pressurized gas chamber 238. A pair of depressions may be twinned to each other to form twin depressions 1606, each comprising a respective hole 1614. A charging hole 1608 may extend lateral to one or more of the holes 1614 and may be provided to receive, and form, a gas charging assembly. The bore housing 1600 may comprise a central bore 1610 along which the valve 230 may engage.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wad system 1700, in disassembled form. The wad system or an insert system may be used to allow multi caliber compatibility. Projectiles of smaller calibers such as airsoft may utilize either a dedicated insert or a wad. The insert option is fastened to the shell and is reusable, it houses multiple small projectiles rather than one of a larger caliber. The wad system 1700 may comprise a cup 1720 that fits into a cartridge housing 1710, a cap 1730 to close off the housing thereafter. The cup 1720 may include a load of smaller caliber projectiles.

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of a type of round for an air gun.
FIG. 18B is a broken cross-sectional view of another type of round for an air gun.
FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve 236 in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment.
FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve 236 of FIG. 19A in an open position and receiving pressurized gas, in accordance with an embodiment. Fluid flow through the fill valve 236 when the fill valve 236 is schematically indicated by the block atiows in FIG. 19B.
FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve 236 in a closed position, in accordance with another embodiment.
FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the fill valve 236 of FIG. 20A in an open position and receiving pressurized gas, in accordance with another embodiment. Fluid flow is schematically indicated by the block arrows in FIG. 20B.
A valve housing 1902 of the fill valve 236 may contain the movable components of the fill valve 236.
The fill valve 236 may include an upper sealing member 1908 and a lower sealing member 1910.
The upper sealing member 1908 may function as an upper valve seat for an upper valve head 1904.
The lower sealing member 1910 may function as a lower valve scat for a lower valve head 1906. In some embodiments, upper and lower valve seats may not be sealing members or may be structural components coupled to sealing members.
The upper sealing member 1908 and the lower sealing member 1910 may be held in-place by the valve housing 1902.
The upper valve head 1904 and the lower valve head 1906 may be coupled for common translation relative to the valve housing 1902 between a closed position (FIG. 19A) and an open position (FIG.
19B) of the fill valve 236. In some embodiments, the lower valve head 1906 and the upper valve head 1904 are integrally formed and/or in unitary construction with each other. For example, the lower valve head 1906 may be a lower flange of a movable member 1912 (or plunger, or piston) and the upper valve head 1904 may be an upper flange thereof. The lower flange and the upper flange may be opposite to each other. The direction of the movable member 1912 is indicated by the double-headed arrow in FIG. 19A.
A conduit 1918 for supplying pressurized gas to the pressurized gas chamber 238 may be defined by the fill valve 236. The conduit 1918 may pass through the lower valve head 1906 and the upper valve head 1904. In various embodiments, the conduit 1918 defined being in the movable member 1912.
In various embodiments, pressurized gas may be supplied via a pressurized gas line, pressurized gas canister, or other type of pressurized gas source connected to a coupler allowing fluidic connection to the pressurized gas chamber 238 via the fill valve 236.
The lower valve head 1906 may be configured to be actuatable to move the fill valve 236 to the open position to allow fluid communication between the conduit 1918 and the pressurized gas chamber 238 to fill the pressurized gas chamber 238. In various embodiments, actuating the lower valve head 1906 may entail actuating the upper valve head 1904 as well, since these two valve heads may be coupled to each other.
The lower sealing member 1910 may be configured to sealably receive the lower valve head 1906 in the closed position of the fill valve 236 to prevent release of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas chamber 238 into the conduit 1918. Sealably receiving a body may refer to seating of the body to maintain sealing.
Similarly, the upper sealing member 1908 may be configured to sealably receive the upper valve head 1904 in the open position of the fill valve to prevent release of the pressurized gas in the conduit 1918 away from the pressurized gas chamber.
The lower valve head 1906 and the upper valve head 1904 may be coupled to a spring 1916 that is fixed stationary relative to the valve housing 1902 to hinder the fill valve 236 from moving from the closed position to the open position of the fill valve 236 The lower sealing member 1910 may be held in-place by the valve housing 1902 by a lower abutment 1924 of the valve housing 1902 supporting the lower sealing member 1910.
Similarly, the upper sealing member 1908 may be held in-place by the valve housing 1902 by an upper abutment 1922 of the valve housing 1902 supporting the upper sealing member 1908.

The upper sealing member 1908 may be configured to sealably receive the upper valve head 1904 in the closed position of the fill valve 236 to prevent release of the pressurized gas in the conduit 1918 away from the fill valve 236.
The lower valve head 1906 may be configured to disengage from the lower sealing member 1910 when the fill valve 236 is in the open position by deforming the upper sealing member 1908 by the upper valve head 1904 to allow fluid communication between the conduit 1918 and the pressurized gas chamber 238.
In various embodiments, the upper and lower components of the fill valve 236 may be spaced apart lateral to a central axis 1901 defining a direction of movement and positioning of the valve heads in the fill valve 236.
The fill valve 236 in FIGS. 20A-20B may comprise a movable member 1912 having a plurality of flanges projecting radially outwardly therefrom.
To engage the fill valve 236, a conduit 1920 supplying pressurized gas may be pressed against the upper sealing member 1908 to cause deformation thereof and consequent movement of the movable member 1912. Such a movement may disengage the lower sealing member 1910 from the lower valve head 1906 to form a space therebetween that opens to the outlet port(s) 1914, establishing flow communication between the conduit 1920 and the pressurized gas chamber 238 via outlet ports 1914 of the conduit 1918.
The fill valve 236 may be configured such that upper valve heard 1904 is seated against the upper sealing member 1908 to form a seal prior to disengagement of the lower valve head 1906 from the lower sealing member 1910 to prevent leakage of pressurized gas to an external location (ambient, or otherwise external to the fill valve 236 and the pneumatic cartridge 201B).
In some embodiments, retaining the upper sealing member 1908 and the lower sealing member 1910 may reduce wear and tear on the sealing members and promote better sealing. In some cases, such a configuration may render sealing members more resilient and/or less prone to damage when mishandled during charging of the pneumatic cartridge 201B via the fill valve 236.
FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic cartridge 201B in a neutral and ready-to-fire state, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic cartridge 201B in a post-firing state where the projectile has already been released, in accordance with another embodiment.
In some respects, the pneumatic cartridge 201B of FIG. 3 and FIGS. 21A-21B may be similar. The pneumatic cartridge of FIG. 21A-21B may allow a substantially larger volume of gas therein to allow for higher muzzle velocities.
The ball 214 may be retained in the pneumatic cartridge 201B by means of a housing 212 that defines a plurality of fingers 2102 spaced apart from each other by inter-finger spacings 2104. the inter-finger spacings 2104 may be circumferential spacings between pairs of adjacent fingers of the plurality of fingers 2104. In some embodiments, some of the fingers of the plurality of fingers 2102 may be radially spaced apart from other fingers.
In a neutral and ready-to-fire state, the piston 246 blocks fluid communication between the pressurized gas chamber 238 and the channel 234. When the valve primer 242 is struck, bearings 506 are released or "dropped" from a seated position, which allows relaxation of the valve spring 232 towards a compressed state shown in FIG. 21B. Accordingly, the valve gate 244 and the piston 246 are pulled rearward, which establishes fluid communication between the pressurized gas chamber 238 and the channel 234. The internal pressure in the pneumatic cartridge 201B behind the ball 214 (i.e. in the channel 234) increases, which causes the ball 214 to apply (at least) a lateral or radial force on to the plurality of fingers 2102, causing spreading of the plurality of fingers 2102, i.e.
widening of spaces between adjacent fingers. The aperture defining the forward longitudinal end 240A of the pneumatic cartridge 201B may then expand, releasing the ball 214 outwardly from the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The resulting velocity of the ball 214 may generally increase with higher gas pressure and/or volume (or mass) of gas in the pressurized gas chamber 238 prior to movement of the piston 246.
FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the pneumatic cartridge 201B of FIGS. 21A-21B, in accordance with an embodiment.
The plurality of fingers 2102 of the housing may be circumferentially spaced apart around the projectile (ball 214) of the pneumatic cartridge 201B and oriented to engage the projectile to retain the projectile internal to the pneumatic cartridge 201B. In various embodiments, the plurality of fingers 2102 may be configured to frictionally engage with the projectile to prevent movement thereof In various embodiments, the plurality of fingers 2102 may be deformable under internal pressure to increase the size of inter-finger spacings 2104 to release the projectile from the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
The housing 212 may extend from a forward longitudinal end 240A of the pneumatic cartridge 201B
towards a rearward longitudinal end 240B thereof to cover the fill valve 236 to hinder operation thereof For example, this may prevent accidental release of gas and/or damage to components of the fill valve 236.
In some embodiments, a tube 2106 of the housing 212 may extend from the plurality of fingers 2102 along the pneumatic cartridge 201B to engage with the rim 210 at the rearward longitudinal end 240B. In various embodiments, the tube 2106 and the plurality of fingers 2106 may be in unitary construction or otherwise integrally formed.
In various embodiments, at least two fingers of the plurality of fingers 2102 are non-parallel, and/or may be diametrically opposite each other relative to the projectile, when the projectile being disposed between the at least two fingers.
In some embodiments, the plurality of fingers 2102 are formed by a fenestrated frustum, e.g. a frustoconical or frustopyramidal frustum that has several holes and gaps formed thereon, or strips removed, that define fingers separated from each other at the longitudinal end 240A.
In various embodiments, plurality of fingers 2102 conform to a frustoconical shape, each finger of the plurality of fingers 2102 defining a portion of the frustoconical shape.
For example, each finger of the plurality of fingers 2102 may be configured to extend arcuately partially around the projectile.
The plurality of fingers 2102 may be made of resilient material and/or may act resilient due to the inter-finger spacings 2104 that reduce the individual stiffness of any one finger of the plurality of fingers 2102.
In various embodiments, having projectile-retention mechanism (in the form of the plurality of fingers 2102) formed together with the housing 212 may facilitate easier handling of the pneumatic cartridge 201B. For example, refilling the pneumatic cartridge 201B may be done faster and may not require fine manipulation since the housing 212 is generally large enough to be handled by hand easily, e.g. as compared to wadding systems. In some embodiments, greater reliability may be achieved due to the existence of fewer fastening points. The housing 212 may also prevent dirt from settling in the fill valve 236.
In various embodiments, the pneumatic cartridge may vary in diameter up to 40 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the pneumatic cartridge may be configured to launch a grenade (launcher shell).
FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a hand tool 2300, in accordance with an embodiment.
FIG. 23B is a side elevation view of the hand tool 2300 of FIG. 23A, in accordance with an embodiment.
The hand tool 2300 may be used to recharge the pneumatic cartridge 201B by enabling leveraged force applied to the fill valve 236 in a controller manner to achieve charging of the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
A first member 2302 of the hand tool 2300 may be pivotably coupled to a second member 2304 thereof The first and second members 2302, 2304 may be pivoted about a fulcrum 2306 to rotate/pivot in general direction 2316.
A seat 2308A, 2308B may be defined between the first and second members 2302, 2304 for receiving the pneumatic cartridge 201B. The seat 2308A, 2308B may have at least two surfaces diametrically opposite each other relative (2308A, and 2308B, respectively) to the pneumatic cartridge 201B for holding the pneumatic cartridge 201B stationary when clamped in the seat 2308A, 2308B.
The first and second members 2302, 2304 may be configured to pivot relative to each other about the fulcrum 2306 to clamp the pneumatic cartridge 201B in the seat 2308A, 2308B. In particular, the first and second members 2302, 2304 may be rotated relative to each other in a first direction to open or widen the volume enclosed or defined by the seat 2308A, 2308B, which allows placement of the pneumatic cartridge 201B therein. Upon rotating in a second direction, opposite to the first, the volume enclosed or defined by the seat 2308A, 2308B decreases substantially continuously (at least to some limit) to exert an increasing clamping force on the pneumatic cartridge 201B to hold it stationary in the seat 2308A, 2308B.

A duct 2310 may open into the seat 2308A, 2308B. The duct 2310 may be configured to supply pressurized gas to a fill valve 236 of the pneumatic cartridge 201B when the pneumatic cartridge 201B is clamped between the first and second members 2302, 2304. In some embodiments, the duct 2M0 is at least partially formed in a conduit 2M2 extending at least partially between the first and second members 2302, 2304 from the seat 2308A, 2308B.
In various embodiments, the conduit 2312 may be configured to push against the fill valve 236 to actuate the fill valve 236 to receive the pressurized gas from the conduit 2312 when the first and second members 2302, 2304 are pivoted relative to each other about the fulcrum 2306 to clamp the pneumatic cartridge 201B in the seat 2308A, 2308B. The conduit 2312 and/or an exposed portion thereof between the two members may be a plunger configured to plunge into the fill valve 236. In some embodiments, the conduit 2312 may be used as a referencing tool to align the fill valve 236 with the duct 2M0, e.g. precise positioning of the duct 2M0 and/or pneumatic cartridge 201B may not be necessary, if the fill valve 236 is placed within less than a conduit diameter or characteristic cross-sectional length (of conduit 2312) away from the duct 2310.
In some embodiments, the seat 2308A, 2308B may be disposed between the fulcrum 2306 and a grip formed by the first and second members 2302, 2304 to form a second-class lever with respect to gripping force applied at the grip. It is understood that a first class lever may also be utilized, in some embodiments, or even a third-class lever in certain cases. Levering of the first and second members 2302, 2304 about the fulcrum 2306 may cause levered clamping of the pneumatic cartridge 201B in the seat 2308A, 2308B in response to a gripping force applied at the grip. For example, a gripping force of up to 60 lb or 100 lb (e.g. 30 lb) may be applied about 1" from an end of the first and second members 2302, 2304 on a OAS" diameter conduit. In some embodiments, a gas pressure of the pressurized gas may be 1500 psi or less. In some embodiments, an actuation pressure of the fill valve 236 (and/or dispensing valve 2400 described below) may be increased to increase safety and reduce the risk of damage to the fill valve 236 by accidental operation. For example, the actuation pressure may be increased to allow operation of the fill valve 236 via a levered force or otherwise to hinder operation without a force multiplier.
A dispensing valve 2400 may be configured to actuatably dispense the pressurized gas from the duct 2310 into the pneumatic cartridge 201B by pushing of the fill valve 236 against the dispensing valve 2400, when the first and second members 2302, 2304 are pivoted relative to each other about the fulcrum 2306 to clamp the pneumatic cartridge 201B in the seat 2308A, 2308B.
In some embodiments, the first and second members 2302, 2304 may be shaped to interfere with each other, or one or more other parts or portions of the pneumatic cartridge 201B, to limit pivoting of the first and second members 2302, 2304 relative to each other to limit clamping force applied to the pneumatic cartridge 201B.
In various embodiments, the stop 2314 may be disposed between the first and second members 2302, 2304. The stop 2314 may be spaced apart from the fulcrum 2306 to hinder motion of at least of the first and second members 2302, 2304 to limit pushing of the conduit 2312 against the fill valve 236, e.g. to prevent damage to the fill valve 236.
In some embodiments, the stop 2314 may be disposed between the first and second members 2302, 2304 to limit pivoting of the first and second members 2302, 2304 relative to each other, e.g. to limit clamping force applied to the pneumatic cartridge 201B and/or to limit a range of pivoting.
In some embodiments, the stop 2314 may extend from the first member and may be configured to move towards the second member when the first and second members 2302, 2304 are pivoted relative to each other.
In some embodiments, the stop 2314 may be in unitary construction with the first member 2302 or second member 2304 and/or may be integrally formed with one or more of the members 2302, 2304.
In some embodiments, the conduit 2312 may be part of the seat 2308A, 2308B. In various embodiments, the stop 2314 may be metal and/or non-metal.
In some embodiments, the hand tool 2300 may allow rapid and convenient charging. In some embodiments, fatigue and exertion of human operators may be reduced due to leverage provided by the lever arrangement. In some embodiments, clamping action may prevent slippage and damage to the pneumatic cartridge, as well facilitate auto-indexing (referencing) of the fill valve 236 to the plunger (conduit 2312). Limitations on the range of pivoting may prevent over-clamping, which can also be a cause for damage.

FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing valve 2400 in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment The double-headed arrow shows a general direction of movement of a valve 2402 of the dispensing valve 2400.
FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing valve 2400 of FIG. 24A in an open position and supplying pressurized gas, in accordance with an embodiment. Fluid flow is schematically indicated by the block arrows in FIG. 24B.
In some embodiments, the dispensing valve 2400 may be actuatable by pushing of the valve head 2402 of the dispensing valve 2400 to disengage the valve head 2402 from a sealing member 2404 of the dispensing valve 2400.
FIG. 25 is a flow chart of a method 2500 of preventing firing of a cartridge of a firearm, in accordance with an embodiment.
The cartridge may be configured to fire via activation of a cartridge primer.
Step 2502 may include retaining the cartridge in a chamber of the firearm to be struck by a firing pin of the firearm.
Step 2504 may include, while retained in the chamber, inhibiting activation of the cartridge primer by allowing translation of a base of the cartridge in the chamber when struck by the firing pin.
In some embodiments of the method 2500, a rim channel may be configured to allow the base of the cartridge to translate in the chamber at least to a substantially maximum distance of travel of the firing pin into the chamber after actuation by a trigger.
FIG. 26 is a flow chart of a method 2600 of preventing firing of a centerfire cartridge when a firing pin of a firearm is actuated via a trigger of the firearm, in accordance with an embodiment.
The cartridge may be configured to fire via activation of a cartridge primer.
Step 2602 may include retaining the centerfire cartridge in a chamber of the firearm to be struck by a firing pin of the firearm, and Step 2604 may include, while the centerfire cartridge is retained in the chamber, causing the firing pin to selectively strike a base of the centerfire cartridge surrounding the cartridge primer while avoiding striking the cartridge primer to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer.

Some embodiments of the method 2600, may further include, while the centerfire cartridge is retained in the chamber, translating the centerfire cartridge in the chamber when struck by the firing pin to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer.
FIG. 27 is a flow chart of a method 2700 of pneumatically launching a projectile from a cartridge into a barrel of a gun, in accordance with an embodiment.
Step 2702 may include using a valve to maintain a pressurized gas chamber inside the cartridge, the valve configured to actuatably release gas into a channel.
Step 2704 may include retaining the projectile at a longitudinal end of the cartridge connected to the channel, using a resilient member.
Step 2706 may include actuating the valve using a firing pin of the gun to actuate the valve to release the gas in the pressurized gas chamber into the channel Step 2708 may include deforming the resilient member to release the projectile when gas pressure in the channel exceeds a predetermined threshold.
FIG. 28 is a flow chart of a method 2800 of supplying pressurized gas to a fill valve formed in a body, in accordance with an embodiment.
Step 2802 may include receiving the body between two members and adjacent to a conduit disposed between the two members, the two members being pivotably coupled to each other.
Step 2804 may include pivoting the two members relative to each other to squeeze the body between the two members to hold the body stationary relative to the body and to engage the fill valve with the conduit.
Step 2806 may include receiving the pressurized gas in the conduit to supply the pressurized gas to the fill valve Some embodiments of the method 2800 may include holding the conduit stationary relative to at least one of the two members while pivoting the two members relative to each other.
In some embodiments of the method 2800, pivoting the two members relative to each (Ale' include pivoting the two members relative to each other to engage a dispensing valve of the conduit to release pressurized gas from the conduit.

In some embodiments of the method 2800, the two members define a seat for receiving the body between the two members, and receiving the body between the two members and adjacent to the conduit include receiving the body in the seat.
In some embodiments of the method 2800, pivoting the two members relative to each other may include pivoting the two members about a fulcrum to squeeze the body using a levered force imparted to the body in the seat via the fulcrum, the seat and the fulcrum positioned relative to the two members to form a class two lever.
Some embodiments of the method 2800 may include hindering pivoting of the two members relative to each other while the body is squeezed between the two members, e.g. to prevent damage to the fill valve.
In some embodiments of the method 2800, hindering pivoting of the two members relative to each other may include abutting at least one of the two members against a stop.
FIG. 29 is a flow chart of a method 2900 of manufacturing a pneumatic cartridge of a gun, in accordance with an embodiment.
Step 2902 may include forming a pressurized gas chamber in a cartridge housing.
Step 2904 may include using a valve to control flow in a channel between the pressurized gas chamber and a projectile.
Step 2906 may include retaining the projectile in the cartridge housing using a resilient member configured to deformably release the projectile when gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold and the valve is actuated to release gas in the pressurized gas chamber into the channel FIG. 30 is a flow chart of a method 3000 of filling a pressurized gas chamber of a pneumatic cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment.
Step 3000 may include retaining a sealing member stationary relative to the pneumatic cartridge to allow engagement of a valve head with the sealing member.
Step 3002 may include disengaging a valve head from the sealing member while retaining the sealing member stationary relative to the pneumatic cartridge to establish fluid communication between the pressurized gas chamber and a conduit configured to supply pressurized gas.

In some embodiments of the method 3000, retaining the sealing member stationary relative to the pneumatic cartridge may include abutting the sealing against an abutment of the pneumatic cartridge.
The rounds 1800A and 1800B may he adapted to air guns_ For example, configurations may not be suitable for conversion systems due to characteristics of firearms. Each air gun contains a central chamber filled with a plurality of shots. The central chamber is surrounded by a gas-supplying chamber to which the central chamber is operatively coupled using a valve.
Once the size of an air gun chamber is fixed, such a configuration involves an undesirable trade-off between the size of the shot and the gas-supplying chamber, e.g. between power and size of a shot. In some cases, the shots may often not be sufficiently large for wildlife and less-than-lethal applications.
The position of the shots in the central chamber may be far away from an exit end of the round, which may inadvertently effect performance. Furthermore, the shots may be disposed relatively close to valves and the gas-supplying chamber and thus may introduce additional safety concerns.
It is noted that for conversion systems, the size of the chamber may be fixed according to standard firearm sizes for various manufacturers. In some embodiments, there may be conditions and limitations on length and caliber of pneumatic cartridges.
In various embodiments, the cartridge housing may be made of 7075 aluminum, the valve primer and push pin may be made of 4140 heat treated or 8620. The valve gate, and other internal components may be made of 6061 aluminium. The breech bolt, locking block, and extractor may be made of C12L14 (leaded), e.g. due to ease of machining. In some embodiments, components and materials may be corrosion resistant and have high hardness.
In various embodiments geometric tolerances and acceptable variation in pressures around the predetermined pressure are adapted to ensure a safety margin. For example, the pressurized gas chamber may not include pressurized gas above a certain margin to avoid misuse of the pneumatic cartridge. For example, a safety feature on the valve primer may be tolerances adapted to prevent accidental discharge, e.g. so that one would need to push harder on the primer to activate the valve.
As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.
The embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present technology. Upon review of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present technology.
Modifications could be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, which modifications would be within the scope of the present technology

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hand tool for a pneumatic cartridge, comprising:
a first member pivotably coupled to a second member about a fulcrum;
a seat defined between the first and second members for receiving the pneumatic cartridge, the first and second members configured to pivot relative to each other about the fulcrum to clamp the pneumatic cartridge in the seat; and a duct opening into the seat, the duct configured to supply pressurized gas to a fill valve of the pneumatic cartridge when the pneumatic cartridge is clamped between the first and second members.

2. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the seat is disposed between the fulcrum and a grip formed by the first and second members, and levering of the first and second members about the fulcrum causes levered clamping of the pneumatic cartridge in the seat in response to a gripping force applied at the grip.

3. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the seat has at least two surfaces diametrically opposite each other relative to the pneumatic cartridge for holding the pneumatic cartridge stationary when clamped in the seat.

4. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second members are shaped to interfere with each other to limit pivoting of the first and second members relative to each other to limit clamping force applied to the pneumatic cartridge.

5. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the duct is at least partially formed in a conduit extending between the first and second members from the seat.

6. The hand tool of claim 5, wherein the conduit is configured to push against the fill valve to actuate the fill valve to receive the pressurized gas from the conduit when the first and second members are pivoted relative to each other about the fulcrum to clamp the pneumatic cartridge in the seat.

7. The hand tool of claim 5, comprising a stop disposed between the first and second members, the stop spaced apart from the fulcrum to hinder motion of at least of the first and second members to limit pushing of the conduit against the fill valve.

8. The hand tool of claim 1, further comprising a dispensing valve that is configured to actuatably dispense the pressurized gas from the duct into the pneumatic cartridge by pushing of the fill valve against the dispensing valve, when the first and second members are pivoted relative to each other about the fulcrum to clamp the pneumatic cartridge in the seat.

9. The hand tool of claim 8, wherein the dispensing valve is actuatable by pushing of a valve head of the dispensing valve to disengage the valve head from a sealing member of the dispensing valve.

10. The hand tool of claim 1, comprising a stop disposed between the first and second members to limit pivoting of the first and second members relative to each other.

11. The hand tool of claim 10, wherein the stop extends from the first member and is configured to move towards the second member when the first and second members are pivoted relative to each other.

12. The hand tool of claim 11, wherein the stop is in unitary construction with the first member.

13. A method of supplying pressurized gas to a fill valve formed in a body, the method comprising:
receiving the body between two members and adjacent to a conduit disposed between the two members, the two members being pivotably coupled to each other;
pivoting the two members relative to each other to squeeze the body between the two members to hold the body stationary relative to the body and to engage the fill valve with the conduit; and receiving the pressurized gas in the conduit to supply the pressurized gas to the fill valve.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising holding the conduit stationary relative to at least one of the two members while pivoting the two members relative to each other.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein pivoting the two members relative to each other include pivoting the two members relative to each other to engage a dispensing valve of the conduit to release pressurized gas from the conduit.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the two members define a seat for receiving the body between the two members, and receiving the body between the two members and adjacent to the conduit include receiving the body in the seat.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein pivoting the two members relative to each other includes pivoting the two members about a fulcrum to squeeze the body using a levered force imparted to the body in the seat via the fulcrum, the seat and the fulcrum positioned relative to the two members to form a class two lever.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising hindering pivoting of the two members relative to each other while the body is squeezed between the two members. [to prevent damage to the fill valve]

19. The method of claim 18, wherein hindering pivoting of the two members relative to each other includes abutting at least one of the two members against a stop.

20. A housing of a pneumatic cartridge, comprising:
a plurality of fingers that are circumferentially spaced apart around a projectile of the pneumatic cartridge and oriented to engage the projectile to retain the projectile internal to the pneumatic cartridge, the plurality of fingers being deformable under internal pressure to increase inter-finger spacings to release the projectile from the pneumati c cartri dge .

21. The housing of cl aim 20, wherein the pneumatic cartridge extends between a forward longitudinal end and a rearward longitudinal end, and the housing extends from the forward longitudinal end towards the rearward longitudinal end to cover a fill valve of the pneumatic cartridge to hinder operation of the fill valve.

22. The housing of claim 20, wherein at least two fingers of the plurality of fingers are non-p arall el.

23. The housing of claim 20, wherein at least two fingers of the plurality of fingers are diametrically opposite each other relative to the projectile, the projectile being disposed between the at least two fingers.

24. The housing of claim 20, wherein the inter-finger spacings are circumferential spacings between pairs of adjacent fingers of the plurality of fingers.

25. The housing of claim 20, wherein the plurality of fingers are configured to frictionally engage with the projectile to prevent movement of the projectile to retain the projectile internal to the pneumatic cartridge.

26. The housing of claim 20, wherein each finger of the plurality of fingers is configured to extend arcuately partially around the projectile.

27. The housing of claim 20, wherein the plurality of fingers are formed by a fenestrated frustum.

28. The housing of claim 20, wherein the plurality of fingers conform to a frustoconical shape, each finger of the plurality of fingers defining a portion of the frustoconical shape.

29. The housing of claim 20, wherein the pneumatic cartridge extends between a forward longitudinal end and a rearward longitudinal end, the plurality of fingers configured to extend from the forward longitudinal end towards the rearward longitudinal end, the housing further comprising a tube configured to extend from the plurality of fingers along the pneumatic cartridge to engage with a rim of the pneumatic cartridge at the rearward longitudinal end.

30. The housing of claim 29, wherein the tube and plurality of fingers are in unitary construction.

31. A fill valve for filling a pressurized gas chamber of a pneumatic cartridge, comprising:
a valve housing;

a first valve head and a second valve head coupled for common translation relative to the valve housing between an open position and a closed position of the fill valve;
a conduit passing through the first valve head and the second valve head, the first valve head configured to be actuatable to move the fill valve to the open position to allow fluid communication between the conduit and the pressurized gas chamber to fíll the pressurized gas chamber;
a first valve seat held in-place by the valve housing and configured to sealably receive the first valve head in the closed position of the fill valve to prevent release of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas chamber into the conduit; and a second valve seat held in-place by the valve housing and configured to sealably receive the second valve head in the open position of the fill valve to prevent release of the pressurized gas in the conduit away from the pressurized gas chamber.

32. The fill valve of claim 31, wherein the first valve head and the second valve head are in unitary construction.

33. The fill valve of claim 31, wherein the first valve head is a first flange of a movable member, and the second valve head is a second flange of the movable member opposite to the first flange, the conduit defined being in the movable member.

34. The fill valve of claim 31, wherein the first valve head and the second valve head are coupled to a spring that is fixed stationary relative to the valve housing to hinder the fill valve from moving from the closed position to the open position.

35. The fill valve of claim 31, wherein the first valve seat is a first sealing member, and the second valve seat is a second sealing member.

36. The fill valve of claim 35, wherein the first and second sealing members are 0-rings.

37. The fill valve of claim 35, wherein the first sealing member is held in-place by the valve housing by a first abutment of the valve housing supporting the first sealing member, and the second sealing member is held in-place by the valve housing by a second abutment of the valve housing supporting the second sealing member.

38. The fill valve of claim 35, wherein the second sealing member is configured to sealably receive the second valve head in the closed position of the fill valve to prevent release of the pressurized gas in the conduit away from the fill valve.

39. The fill valve of claim 35, wherein the first valve head is configured to disengage from the first sealing member when the fill valve is in the open position by deforming the second sealing member by the second valve head to allow fluid communication between the conduit and the pressurized gas chamber.

40. A pneumatic cartridge, comprising a fill valve of any one of claims 31 to 39.

41. A method of filling a pressurized gas chamber of a pneumatic cartridge, the method comprising:
retaining a sealing member stationary relative to the pneumatic cartridge to allow engagement of a valve head with the sealing member; and disengaging a valve head from the sealing member while retaining the sealing member stationary relative to the pneulnatic cartridge to establish fluid communication between the pressurized gas chamber and a conduit configured to supply pressurized gas.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein retaining the sealing member stationary relative to the pneumatic cartridge includes abutting the sealing against an abutment of the pneumatic cartridge.

43. A safety cartridge extractor of a bolt assembly of a firearm for preventing firing of a cartridge of the firearm, the cartridge configured to fire via activation of a cartridge primer, the bolt assembly comprising a firing pin configured to actuatably strike the cartridge in a chamber of the firearm via a trigger of the firearm, the safety cartridge extractor comprising:
a rim channel receivably retaining a rim of the cartridge to retain the cartridge inside the chamber, the rim channel having a width configured to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer when the firing pin strikes the cartridge, by allowing at least partial travel of the rim in the rim channel.

44. The safety cartridge extractor of claim 43, wherein the rim channel is configured to allow travel of the rim in the rim channel at least to a substantially maximum distance of travel of the firing pin into the chamber after actuation by the trigger.

45. The safety cartridge extractor of claim 43, wherein the firing pin is a safety firing pin configured to strike a base of the cartridge surrounding the cartridge primer and avoid striking the cartridge primer.

46. The safety cartridge extractor of claim 43, further comprising:
a plunger pivotably anchoring the safety cartridge extractor to the bolt assembly and configured to impart a torque to the rim channel to retain the rim of the cartridge in the rim channel.

47. The safety cartridge extractor of claim 43, wherein the firearm is chambered to the cartridge, and the cartridge comprises propellant ignitable via activation of the cartridge primer to launch a projectile into a barrel of the firearm.

48. The safety cartridge extractor of claim 47, wherein the cartridge is a centerfire cartridge, and the cartridge primer is formed in a depression at a base of the cartridge.

49. A method of preventing firing of a cartridge of a firearm, the cartridge configured to fire via activation of a cartridge primer, the method comprising:
retaining the cartridge in a chamber of the firearm to be struck by a firing pin of the firearm; and while retained in the chamber, inhibiting activation of the cartridge primer by allowing translation of a base of the cartridge in the chamber when struck by the firing pin.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein a rim channel is configured to allow the base of the cartridge to translate in the chamber at least to a substantially maximum distance of travel of the firing pin into the chamber after actuation by a trigger.

51. A safety bolt assembly for a firearm for preventing firing of a centerfire cartridge of the firearm, the centerfire cartridge configured to fire via activation of a cartridge primer, the bolt assembly comprising:
a cartridge extractor configured to retain the centerfire cartridge in a chamber of the firearm; and a firing pin actuatable via a trigger of the firearm, including a nose for striking a base of the centerfire cartridge surrounding the cartridge primer when the firing pin is actuated, the nose configured to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer by avoiding striking the cartridge primer.

52. The safety bolt assembly of claim 51 wherein the cartridge extractor is a safety cartridge extractor, the safety cartridge extractor comprising.
a rim channel receivably retaining a rim of the centerfire cartridge to retain the centerfire cartridge inside the chamber, the rim channel having a width configured to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer when the nose of the firing pin strikes the base of the centerfire cartridge, by allowing travel of the rim in the rim channel.

53. The safety bolt assembly of claim 51, wherein the cartridge primer is formed in a depression in the base of the centerfire cartridge, and the nose is part of an elongated body of the firing pin having a cross-section adapted to prevent the nose from striking the cartridge primer by causing the firing pin to abut against an inner circumference of the base surrounding the depression.

54. A method of preventing firing of a centerfire cartridge when a firing pin of a firearm is actuated via a trigger of the firearm, the cartridge configured to fire via activation of a cartridge primer, the method comprising:
retaining the centerfire cartridge in a chamber of the firearm to be struck by a firing pin of the firearm; and while the centerfire cartridge is retained in the chamber, causing the firing pin to selectively strike a base of the centerfire cartridge surrounding the cartridge primer while avoiding striking the cartridge primer to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising:
while the centerfire cartridge is retained in the charnber, translating the centerfire cartridge in the chamber when struck by the firing pin to inhibit activation of the cartridge primer.

56. A pneumatic cartridge for a gun, comprising:
a pressurized gas chamber;
a projectile disposed at a longitudinal end of the pneumatic cartridge;
a valve configured to establish flow communication between the pressurized gas chamber and projectile when actuated; and a resilient member configured to retain the projectile and deformably release the projectile when gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold and the valve is actuated.

57. The pneumatic cartridge of claim 56, further comprising a channel between the pressurized gas chamber and the projectile, the valve being disposed in the channel.

58. A method of pneumatically launching a projectile from a cartridge into a barrel of a gun, the method comprising:
using a valve to maintain a pressurized gas chamber inside the cartridge, the valve configured to actuatably release gas into a channel;
retaining the projectile at a longitudinal end of the cartridge connected to the channel, using a resilient member;
actuating the valve using a firing pin of the gun to actuate the valve to release the gas in the pressurized gas chamber into the channel; and deforming the resilient member to release the projectile when gas pressure in the channel exceeds a predetermined threshold.

59. A method of manufacturing a pneumatic cartridge of a gun, the method comprising:
forming a pressurized gas chamber in a cartridge housing;
using a valve to control flow in a channel between the pressurized gas chamber and a projectile; and retaining the projectile in the cartridge housing using a resilient member configured to deformably release the projectile when gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold and the valve is actuated to release gas in the pressurized gas chamber into the channel.

60. A kit for converting a firearm into a less-than-lethal gun, the kit comprising a bolt assembly adapted to fit in the firearm and complementary to a pneumatic cartridge adapted to a chamber of the firearm, the bolt assembly including a firing pin configured to strikingly actuate a valve of the pneumatic cartridge via a trigger of the firearm when the pneumatic cartridge is disposed inside the chamber.

61. The kit of claim 60, wherein the kit includes the pneumatic cartridge.

62. The kit of claim 60, wherein the pneumatic cartridge includes:
a pressurized gas chamber;
a projectile disposed at a longitudinal end of the pneumatic cartridge;
a tubular channel opening to and abutting the projectile, the projectile resting at least partially outside the tubular channel in a housing of the pneumatic cartridge and elongated between the pressurized gas chamber and the projectile, the valve being disposed in the tubular channel and configured to establish flow communication between the pressurized gas chamber and projectile when actuated; and a resilient member configured to retain the projectile at the longitudinal end abutting the tubular channel and deformably release the projectile away from the tubular channel when gas pressure in the pressurized gas chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold and the valve is actuated to release gas from the pressurized gas chamber into the tubular channel towards the projectile.

63 The kit of claim 62, wherein the resilient member lies partially adjacent to the projectile along a longitudinal axis of the pneumatic cartridge, a portion of the resilient member extending radially towards the longitudinal axis at a forward end of the projectile to restrict forward motion of the projectile before actuation of the valve.

64. The kit of claim 62 wherein the projectile has a radius at least 90% of an outer radius of the pneumatic cartridge.