GB2072813A - A compensator for a gun - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to compensate for the muzzle climb or lift when a gun is fired as a result of the reaction of the recoil against the support for the gun there is provided a lift compensator for the muzzle end of a gun barrel (32) which comprises a tubular element (29) detachably mountable on a flash hider (31) for the gun. The element is rotatably adjustable on the flash hider to various preselected positions and has vents (39) and deflectors (40) selectively cooperable at each position with different ports (36) of the flash hider for utilizing gases discharged therefrom transversely of the barrel and for redirecting those gases to compensate for a particularly angle of muzzle lift. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A compensator for a gun This invention relates to guns and, in particular to lift compensators or stabilizers for guns, especially automatic rifles, machine guns, and the like.

It is well known that the muzzle climb or lift when a gun is fired results from the reaction of the recoil against the support for the gun. The amount of lift is proportional to the recoil and the direction is determined by the manner in which the gun is supported, as for example by the body and arms of the person firing the gun. A right or left handed marksman holding a rifle in a typical right or left handed firing position respectively, will experience a rightward or leftward muzzle lift, respectively, at approximately 450 to the vertical, whereas a gun typically supported on a bipod where the lateral forces are balanced will exhibit a vertical lift.

Muzzle brakes have been provided to reduce recoil and thereby to reduce muzzle lift, especially for larger guns, but such devices also dissipate much of the power that could otherwise be used to discharge the bullet and are distinguishable in operation from compensators which attempt to create a transverse force against the gun barrel in opposition to the direction of the muzzle climb, rather than to create an axial force on the barrel in opposition to the recoil.

An important object of the present invention is to provide an improved compensator for guns that is adjustably and detachably mountable on the muzzle brake, flash hider or flash suppressor that comprises a portion of the gun barrel adjacent the muzzle having a number of circumferentially spaced ports (referred to herein as flash hider ports) that are effective in reducing the visibility or flash of the gases discharged from the barrel.

The flash hider ports are provided in a slightly enlarged diameter bore portion of the barrel at the muzzle end, which portion may be considered herein as an expansion chamber and part of the barrel, even though it is usually detachable from the gun to facilitate cleaning for example.

The flash hider ports extend generally radially through the barrel. Accordingly, when the gun is fired, gases flowing axially along the barrel enter the expansion chamber where a portion of their heat energy is converted to kinetic energy. Some of the gases are then discharged transversely of the barrel to the atmosphere. Although such ports are effective in reducing flash and in some instances are designed to reduce recoil and to compensate for muzzle climb, they do not by themselves serve effectively as a compensator because in order to be effective as a flash hider, - much of the transversely discharged gas either has no effect in opposing muzzle lift, or actually increases the lift.Where the flash hider ports are designed to be more effective as a compensator, the flash hiding function is seriously impaired, as for example in accordance with the device shown in U.S. patent to Ellis et al., No. 3,971,285, where only two flash hider ports are available for use.

Other important objects of the present invention are thus to provide an improved compensator of the type described which is rotatably adjustable on a typical effective flash hider; which utilizes the gases that have already been expanded in the expansion chamber of the flash hider and have already been discharged transversely of the barrel via the flash hider ports; which comprises deflector means external to the flash hider for redirecting the transverse gas flow from one or more of the flash hider ports to oppose the muzzle lift effectively; which may be readily adapted for rotatable adjustment on most flash hiders now in use; and which has circumferentially spaced gas control portions selectively positionable with respect to the flash hider ports by the rotational adjustment for redirecting transversely discharged gases from the ports in predetermined transverse directions to compensate for left or right handed or vertical muzzle climb or lift, as determined by the adjustment.

By virtue of the present invention, some of the transversely discharged gases from the flash hider ports that would otherwise be ineffective in opposing muzzle lift, or might even enhance muzzle lift, are redirected to effect a reaction force opposing the muzzle lift. Furthermore, the energy of such gases that is now used in accordance with the present invention to oppose muzzle lift is extracted from the heat energy of the gases to reduce their temperature and accordingly their visible flash, resulting in minimum impairment of the flash hiding function.Also in contrast to the above mentioned Ellis et al. compensator which can only use flash hider ports located above the horizontal axial plane of the gun barrel, the concept of the present invention as described below obtains effective compensation for muzzle lift from flash hider ports located at any circumferential position on the gun barrel. Most military rifles are equipped with flash hiders having circular cylindrical surfaces to accommodate grenade launching therefrom without concern for the angular position of the grenade on the flash hider.Accordingly the soldier in the field may readily adapt his gun to obtain effective compensation for muzzle lift merely by attaching the compensator described herein and rotatably adjusting the same to a desired position to accommodate his particular style of shooting, and in particular to compensate for either left or right hand use or bipod mounting, for example.

Another object is to provide such a compensator selectively adjustable rotatable on a flash hider to a number of selected positions and having locating means cooperable with the flash hider ports for securing the compensator at each selected position.

Advantageously the compensator may have an axially slotted portion fitting around the muzzle end of a gun barrel and the locating means for securing the element on the barrel may comprise a clip for tightening the slotted portion so that it clamps the gun barrel. Alternatively, the locating means may comprise a stop carried by the compensator for engaging a notch in the periphery of the barrel. The stop may be resiliently biased to engage the notch and may be retractable against the resilient biasing.

More specifically, the compensator may comprise a tubular element dimensioned to fit coaxially on the muzzle end of a gun barrel at the region of the flash hider and having at least one compensating vent means disposed or adapted to direct combustion gases discharged transversely from the flash hider ports primarily to one side of the barrel. The locating means for securing the element on the barrel may comprise a stop mounted on the element for passing therethrough and engaging in a flash hider port. The stop may be mounted on a lever for movement to and from a securing portion within the port.

The present invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a compensator mounted on a flash hider at the muzzle end of a gun barrel, Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view through the flash hider and compensator of Figure 1, looking leftward, the compensator being adjusted for use by a right handed rifleman the muzzle end of the rifled portion of the gun barrel being shown in phantom.

Figure 3 is a view of the compensator removed from the gun, looking in the direction of arrow 3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary section through part of the compensator and part of the flash hider at the region of the locating and securing stop.

Figure 5 is an elevational view showing a spring clip of the compensator as seen from the left end of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a side elevation of another compensator embodying the present invention, showing the compensator in position for use by a right handed rifleman and also showing a modified means for securing the compensator in a rotatably adjusted position on a flash hider.

Figure 7 is an end elevation from the left or front end of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an elevational view of the compensator of Figure 6, looking in the direction of arrow 8 in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of an alternative compensator.

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view looking rightward, showing tha compensator of Figure 9 mounted on a flash hider.

Figure 11 is a side elevation of the compensator of Figure 9 adjusted for a left handed rifleman.

Figure 12 is a side elevation of another modification of a compensator embodying the invention, shown in position for a bipod mounted weapon.

Figure 13 is a transverse sectional view looking leftward, showing the compensator of Figure 12 mounted on a flash hider and adjusted for a right handed rifleman.

Figure 14 shows the compensator of Figure 12, looking in the direction of arrow 14 of Figure 13.

Figures 1 5 through 29 are schematic crosssectional views illustrating various modification of compensators embodying the present invention and adapted respectively for use with specific types of guns and flash hiders. The views may be considered as seen from the muzzle end, wherein: Figures 1 5 and 1 7 show a compensator adjusted for left and right handed riflemen respectively and suitable for use with a flash hider having four sets of flash hider ports located with respect to the hour hand of a clock at 2:00, 4:00, 8:00, and 10:00 o'clock.

Figure 16 shows the compensator of Figures 1 5 and 17 adjusted for bipod mounting.

Figures 1 8 and 20 are views similar to Figures 1 5 and 17 respectively, but showing a compensator suitable for use with five sets of flash hider ports arranged at 12 o'clock and at 720 intervals.

Figure 1 9 shows a compensator adjusted for bipod mounting and useful with a flash hider having ports arranged as in Figures 18 and 20.

Figures 21 and 23 are views similar to Figures 1 5 and 17 respectively, but showing a compensator suitable for use with six sets of flash hider ports arranged at 12 o'clock and at 600 intervals.

Figure 22 shows the compensator of Figures 21 and 23 adjusted for bipod mounting.

Figures 24 through 26 are views similar to Figures 21 through 23, showing a modified compensator.

Figures 27 through 29 illustrate three additional modifications of compensators embodying the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 through 5, a compensator 29 for a gun is shown comprising an elongate tubular element or body portion 30 dimensioned to fit snugly around the cylindrical exterior of a flash hider 31 at the muzzle end of a gun barrel 32 and to be rotatable coaxially thereon to accommodate various firing conditions as explained below. The element 30 has an outlet end 33 with an opening 34 aligned with the rifled bore portion 35 of the barrel 32 through which a projectile can pass.

The flash hider 31 may be a conventional type having four sets of flash hider ports 36 spaced circumferentially 900 apart and located with reference to the hour hand of a clock at 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30, as shown in Figure 2. Each set of ports may comprise three separate holes spaced axially of the barrel as shown in Figure 4, or may comprise one or more axially extending slots, or other suitable arrangements. In the present instance, the ports 36 extend radially through the cylindrical wall of the flash hider 31 from its central bore 37 which is enlarged with respect to the bore of the rifled portion 35. The bore 37 also extends coaxially beyond the muzzle end of bore portion 35 to provide an expansion chamber into whichthe gases propelling the bullet or projectile may expand.The expanded gases are then discharged transversely of the axis of the barrel 32. The function of the flash hider in expanding, cooling and breaking-up a portion of the axial gas flow into a number of transverse streams so as to reduce the overall visibility of the flash is well known to the art and is accordingly not discussed further.

A central axially elongated vent 38 extends radially through the cylindrical wall of the element or body portion 30. Two essentially diametrically opposed side vents 39 of similar and parallel shape to the vent 38 are formed in the element 30 at circumferentially spaced locations at opposite sides of the vent 38 which is usually but not necessarily spaced 900 therebetween. Deflectors 40 are formed adjacent the vents 39 and serve to deflect combustion gases that are discharged transversely from the ports 36 generally in the direction of arrows 51. Thus the combustion gases passing through the vents 38 and 39 are directed primarily upwardly and at approximately 450 to one side of a vertical axial mid-plane of the barrel 32 when the gun is in a firing position.It is also to be noted that without the deflectors 40, the reaction forces of gases discharged from the aligned flash hider ports 36 would neutralize each other and have no lift compensating effect.

For securing the element 30 onto the flash hider 31, a lever 41 is pivotally mounted on pin 42 between mounting ribs 43 on the element 30. A stop 44 on the lever 41 passes into the interior of the element 30 through a radial hole 45 in the peripheral wall of the element. The stop 44 can engage in a suitable flash hider port 36 in the flash hider 31 of the barrel 32. A spring clip 46 mounted on the lever 41 can serve to hold it in the position shown. A retaining catch 47 of the lever 41 engages the rear end of flash hider 31 to assist in locating and in preventing forward movement of the stabilizer 29. An inner wall 48 of the element 30 prevents its backward movement by engaging the muzzle end of the flash hider 31.

As shown in Figures 1 through 5, spring clip 46 is pivotally mounted on a pin 49 at the free end of the lever 41 and is partly circular so that it may partly encircle the flash hider 31 or other portion of the barrel 32 and remain in position by virtue of its own resilience. As long as the clip 46 remains in the position shown, the lever 41 keeps the stop 44 in the appropriate port 36 and the element 30 is held in place. The stop 44 can be retracted from the port 36 by releasing the spring clip 46 by merely applying pressure to the latters outwardly bent region 50 and springing the clip 46 off the barrel 32, thus enabling the compensator 29 to be rotatably adjusted to another position or to be removed rapidly from the gun. Removal of the element 30 is necessary, for example, when the rifle is to be used to launch a rifle grenade accurately.In this regard, the lever 41 in the open or unlatched position facilitates mounting of the compensator 29 on a hot gun barrel and is sufficiently long so that it cools rapidly to facilitate removal of a hot compensator 29. The vents 38 and 39 referred to can be either elongated slots or holes or a combination of slots and holes to suit any particular arrangement of flash hider ports of any gun barrel.

The compensator of the type shown in Figures 1 through 5 may also be designed for use with the flash hider usually provided for the 'NATO FN FAL' infantry rifle. When holding such a rifle in its firing position, the marksman can see certain flash hider gas exhaust ports. There are twelve such ports in all, and these can be numbered in four series of three ports each. Proceeding in a clockwise direction as seen by the marksman, series 'A' would be in the 1:30 o'clock position; series 'B' would be in the 4:30 o'clock position; series 'C' would be in the 7:30 o'clock position and series 'D' would be in the 10:30 o'clock position. For a right-handed marksman the compensator 30 is mounted on the flash hider so that the ports of series 'A' are aligned with a central vent 38, enabling combustion gases expelled through the series 'A' ports to escape without deflection.The vents 39 may be emerged with vent 38, as illustrated in Figures 1 5 and 1 7 and the deflectors 40 will be located respectively adjacent to the three ports of series 'B' and the three ports of series 'D'. The gases from the latter six ports strike the deflectors 40 which redirect the gases from their natural transverse path so that they are exhausted in the general direction of the arrows 51, Figures 2 or 17, to effect a reaction force against the barrel 32 opposing the muzzle lift. The ports of series 'C' are closed by a cylindrical port restricting portion as described below.

Because the stop 44 engages in a flash hider port 36, it is possible for right or left handed people to use the same compensator. The letter 'R' on the compensator 30 of Figure 3 is uppermost on the gun barrel when right-handed people are to use the compensator. The letter 'L' will be uppermost for left-handed people. In each case, a port 36 in a different series of flash hider ports is engaged by the stop 44. For a left handed marksman the compensator 29 is mounted on the flash hider 31 so that the ports of series 'D' are aligned with a central vent 38, enabling combustion gases expelled through these ports to escape without deflection. The vents 39 will be aligned with and the deflectors 40 will be located adjacent to the three ports of series 'A' and with the three ports of series 'C' respectively to effect a reaction force against the barrel 32 opposing the muzzle lift.

Without the stabilizer, the NATO FN FAL infantry rifle used by a right handed marksman, when fired on automatic, has a definite tendency to rise upward and to the right at an angle of approximately 460. Even if the marksman holds the weapon firmly, the result is highly inaccurate rifle fire with most of the bullets striking above and to the right of the target. This means that automatic fire is wasteful and ineffective due to the high rate at which bullets are expended inaccurately. For 'double tap' shooting, i.e., when the rifle is fired with single rounds in bursts of two shots fired in rapid succession by double-tapping the trigger, the marksman has to re-aim for each 'double tap' because of the tendency of the weapon to rise.Also, when firing single rounds without the compensator, the weapon tends to rise upward and to the right, although the muzzle lift is less noticeable than with fully automatic firing. There is a need to re-aim for each shot, otherwise inaccurate fire will result. Similar problems arise for left handed marksmen but the tendency is for the rifle to rise to the left. Similar problems are encountered with most automatic weapons.

Once the compensator is properly attached to the rifle, the tendency of the rifle muzzle to rise is largely removed. This means that the rifle is more accurate and can be fired more efficiently. When the compensator is held firmly in place on the rifle, there is a tendency for the compensator to pull the weapon forward away from the marksman and thereby to reduce shoulder recoil. Due to a reduction of the recoil, fire with the compensator can be more accurate than without it.

The compensator can be quickly and easily removed from or replaced on a rifle barrel or flash hider without the use of any tools. Thus the rifle can still be used with rifle grenades, blank firing attachments, bayonets, and other accessories. The weapon requires absolutely no alteration in order to enable use of the compensator. The deflectors 40 can also be positioned and dimensioned to redirect gases so as to neutralize any bias, lift or movement experienced with guns which are mounted, whether permanently or temporarily to bipods, tripods, wheels or any fixed or temporary pedestals. The compensators illustrated and described herein can be manufactured from a variety of steels or ferrous or non-ferrous materials at relatively low cost and can be of fairly light weight construction that will not significantly affect the overall weight of the weapon to which it is attached.

Although the compensator has been described above with reference to use on an FN FAL infantry rifle, the compensator can be used on other types of guns. The specific design of the compensator can be readily tailored to accommodate other types of guns, barrel diameters and flash hider designs without departing from the basic compensating features described herein.

Referring to Figures 6 through 8, a modified compensator 29 is shown wherein the outlet end 33 has a part-spherical deflector 52 for deflecting combustion gases from the gun barrel generally in the direction of arrow 51 a in Figures 6 and 7.

Although the opening 34 in Figure 7 appears to be substantially circular when viewed axially of the element 30, it is in fact slightly elliptical because it is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the element 30. The central vent 38 and the essentially diametrically opposed vents 39 are formed substantially as described above. Deflectors 40 are formed adjacent to the vents 39 and serve to deflect combustion gases therefrom generally in the direction of arrows 51 in Figure 7. Thus, the combustion gases passing through the vents are directed primarily to one side of the element 30 as described above.

By virtue of the muzzle deflector 52, the circumferential extent of the deflectors 40 may be minimized. However, the deflectors 52 for each of the compensators described can be eliminated by suitably dimensioning the deflectors 40 as illustrated in Figures 1 5 through 23 or by providing gas transfer channels in the element 30 to guide combustion gases circumferentially around a portion of the flash hider from its ports located below the horizontal axial plane of the barrel, as illustrated in Figures 24 through 29 for example.

The cylindrical body of the element 30 in Figures 6 through 8 is provided with rearwardly opening and axially extending slots 53. A clamping or securing device may be located around the slotted end portion of the element 30 and tightened to clamp the compensator onto the flash hider 31.

The compensator 29 shown in Figures 9 through 11 also has means for securing it in a rotatably adjusted position on a flash hider 31 and has an outlet end 33 substantially identical to that of Figures 6 through 8. However, the compensator of Figures 9 through 11 has three substantially rectangular vents 54 which are separated from one another by elongated reinforcing fins 55 extending axially along the periphery of the element 30. The vent 54 between the fins 55 acts in much the same way as the vent 38 of Figure 8, and thus directs combustion gases generally in the direction of arrow 56, Figure 10. The other two vents 54 may be spaced essentially 90 in opposite directions from the central vent 54 and each is formed between a fin 55 and a deflector 40.The latter is similar to the corresponding deflector 40 of Figures 1 to 3, and the deflectors 40 and fins 55 of Figures 9 through 11 serve to deflect combustion gases substantially in the direction of arrows 57 in Figure 10. Thus the vents and deflectors again serve to direct combustion gases primarily to one side of the compensator 29.

Further in regard to the deflectors 40 shown in any of the drawings herein, the deflectors extend generally axially of the gun barrel 32 for approximately the effective axial extent of the flash hider ports 36 and are preferably closed or connected to the adjacent portion of the cylindrical element 30 at their axially opposite edges by end bracket portions 40a. The forward bracket 40a or end closure adjacent the muzzle end serves to reduce recoil when impinged by escaping gases. Both brackets 40a serve to reinforce the deflector and to prevent its catching on bushes, etc.

The means for securing the compensator 29 of Figures 9 through 11 onto a flash hider 31 comprises a lever 58 pivotally mounted at 59 on a mounting 60 of the element 30 and pivotally biased by spring 61, Figure 11,so that a stop 62 on the lever 58 passes into the interior of the element 30 through'a radial hole 63 therein. The stop 62 can engage in a suitable notch in the barrel or in a flash hider port 36 as above described. The spring 61 can serve to hold the stop 62 in the notch. The stop 62 can be retracted against the biasing action of the spring 61 by applying pressure to the lever 58 in the region of the spring 61, thus enabling the compensator 29 to be removed from the flash hider 31 or to be adjustably rotated from one preselected position to another.

The compensator 29 of Figure 12 through 14 also has a tubular cylindrical body portion 30 dimensioned to fit snugly onto a flash hider 31 and has an outlet end 33 with an opening 34 through which a projectile can pass. The element 30 in these Figures has vents 38 and 39 and deflectors 40 similar to those described in regard to Figures 2 and 3. A curved portion 52 of the outlet end 33 provides a further deflector for axial combustion gases, as described above. The compensator of Figures 12 through 14 has an attachment device 64, which is not shown in detail as it is similar to that for conventionally securing a bayonet onto a flash hider or a rifle barrel. However, the device may include a catch or stop similar to the stops 44 and 62 for engaging a notch in the flash hider or barrel.

It is believed to be apparent that by providing a compensator adapted to be rotatably adjusted on a flash hider and having suitable circumferentially spaced deflectors, vents, and port closing or restricting portions selectively positionable with respect to the flash hider ports in accordance with the adjustment, compensation for practically any angle of muzzle climb can be obtained from any flash hider in common use. For optimum efficiency, it will, of course, be necessary to design the gas control means of the compensator to meet the specific requirements of each flash hider, gun, and mode of firing. Figures 15 through 29 illustrate the versatility of the present inventions by showing several adaptions to various conventional flash hider port arrangements.Each view is a schematic section of a compensator mounted on a flash hider, as viewed from the muzzle end, and of course, the structural concepts illustrated in any of the views herein may be used with the compensators illustrated in any other view herein.

In Figures 15 through 1 7, four flash hider ports 36 or sets thereof are located at the two, four, eight and ten o'clock positions when the gun is in its normal firing position with its sight at twelve o'clock. The compensator 29 is similar to those described above, except that the central vent 38 is widened circumferentially to expose the two o'clock port 36, as seen in Figure 15, for left hand shooting, or to expose the ten o'clock port 36 when the compensator 29 is rotated to the Figure 1 7 position for right hand shooting, or to expose both the two and ten o'clock ports 36 when the compensator 29 is rotated to the Figure 1 6 position to oppose vertical lift when the gun is mounted on a bipod.

As illustrated in Figures 1 5 through 17, the vents 38 and 39 described above may be merged into a single large central vent opposite the cylindrical vent restricting portion 70 which substantially closes the eight o'clock port in Figure 1 5 and the four o'clock port in Figure 1 7.

Inasmuch as the compensator positions in Figures 15 and 17 are not necessarily 1200 apart, the slits 53 and a clamping band may be used to secure the compensator 29 at its adjusted position, or more than one circumferentially spaced locating stop 44 may be used for selectively aligning one thereof with a port 36 that is closed by restrictor 70 at each position of adjustment. Where reinforcement of the vented region of the compensator is required, circumferentially spaced cylindrical portions of the element 30 may be provided, as in Figure 2, overlying portions of the flash hider 31 opposite restrictor 70 and such overlying cylindrical portions may be reinforced, as for example, by ribs 55 as in Figures 9 and 10.

Figures 18 and 20 show the left and right hand firing positions for a compensator 29 rotatably adjusted on a flash hider 31 having five ports 36, including one at twelve o'clock and at 720 interval therefrom, wherein the cylindrical port restricting portion 70 of the element 30 extends around the major circumference of the flash hider 31 to close all of its ports 36 except the twelve o'clock port 36 and the clockwise adjacent port 36 when rotated to the left hand firing position of Figure 18, and except the twelve o'clock port and the counterclockwise adjacent port when rotated to the right hand firing position of Figure 20.In Figures 15 through 20, the two deflectors 40 which extend axially of the circumferentially spaced edges of the port restricting portion 70 as illustrated in Figures 3, 8 and 9, for example, also diverge from the cylindrical contours of the portion 70 adjacent to said edges and overlap the two ports 36 respectively that are not closed by the portion 70, thereby to redirect the gases impinging against the deflectors 40 essentially in the direction of the associated arrows to effect a desired resultant reaction force generally in the direction of the arrow 71 opposing muzzle lift.

Where the cylindrical portion 72 between the vents 39 is not required for reinforcement, it may be eliminated as in Figures 15 and 17. The two vents 39 will then be merged into a single larger vent.

Figure 1 9 illustrates a compensator 29 on a five port flash hider 31 of the type illustrated in Figures 1 8 and 1 9 but in position to compensate for vertical lift of a hand gun or bipod mounted gun. A central vent 38 aligns with the twelve o'clock flash hider port 36 and the lateral vents 39 align with the flash hider ports 36 spaced 720 in opposite directions therefrom. The compensator 29 of Figure 1 9 may also be rotated in either direction from the position shown to align vent 38 selectively with either qf the ports 36 adjacent the twelve o'clock port 36 and compensate for left or right hand muzzle climb.

Figures 21 through 23 show a modified compensator 29 suitable for use with the five port flash hider of Figures 1 8 through 20 or with a six port flash hider having a twelve o'clock port and five additional ports spaced therefrom at 600 intervals. Each deflector 40 deflects gas discharged from more than one flash hider port and only one port is closed by the restrictor 70.

Accordingly improved flash hiding is achieved, rendering the compensator of Figures 21 and 22 more suitable for use with higher powered guns, as compared to the compensator of Figures 18 through 20. As in Figure 19, the cylindrical portion of element 30 opposite the cylindrical port restricting portion 70 is partitioned into two circumferentially spaced parts 72a and 72b to provide the central vent 38 therebetween. The lateral vents 39 are enlarged circumferentially to extend from the circumferentially spaced edges of the restrictor 70 to the adjacent portions 72a and 72b respectively and each communicates with two flash hider ports 36 to discharge gases therefrom, which gases are then redirected by the deflectors 40 in the general direction of the associated unnumbered arrows to effect a resultant reaction force in the direction of the arrow 71 to compensate for muzzle climb.

The compensator 29 in Figure 22 is adjusted for bipod support to compensate for vertical lift.

The compensators 29 in Figures 21 and 23 are rotated 600 in opposite directions from the Figure 22 position to compensate for left and right handed muzzle climb. Indexing the adjusted position of the compensator 29 in Figures 21 through 23 through 600 intervals enables the stops 44 and 62 to be readily used to secure the compensator in its adjusted angular position, but as described above in regard to Figures 15 through 17, the 600 indexing is not essential. Any angular adjustment may be made as desired and the resultant reaction force may be directed precisely in any direction by suitable angular adjustment of the compensator 29 with respect to the flash hider and/or by predetermining the angularity of the deflectors 40 and the locations and dimensions of the vents 38 and 39.

Figures 24 through 26 illustrate a modification which further enhances the flash hiding effect of the flash hider 31 and enables use of most of the flash hider ports. The cylindrical restricting portion 70 is spaced radially from the flash hider 31 to provide a gas passage 73 communicating with the flash hider ports 36 within the arc of the portion 70. Gases flowing from such ports are redirected circumferentially and discharged via the vents 39 in the directions determined by the deflectors 40.

Such gases in cooperation with gases discharged radially from the unrestricted port 36 at each position effect a resultant reaction force in the direction of the arrow 71. The reaction direction will be vertical in Figure 25 and approximately 450 from the vertical at the left and right hand firing positions of Figures 24 and 26 respectively, whereat the compensator 29 is rotated approximately 450 in opposite directions from the Figure 25 bipod position.

Figure 27 illustrates the concept of multiple deflectors 40 at opposite sides of the plane of symmetry of the compensator 29. As in the other views, the deflectors comprise paired mirror images that, with or without the passages 73, or 73a of Figure 28, enable use of flash hider ports 36 that would otherwise discharge below the horizontal, thereby to increase the effectiveness of the compensator 29 at various rotational positions of adjustment without seriously impairing the effectiveness of the flash hider 31.

Figure 28 shows a compensator 29 detachably mounted rotatably on a flash hider 31 having a port 36 at twelve o'clock and every 450 interval therefrom except at six o'clock. The restrictor 70 is centered diametrically opposite the twelve o'clock port 36 and partially restricts the ports 36 at 4:30 and 7:30 o'clock when the compensator is adjusted to compensate for vertical lift. The Figure 28 construction is particularly suitable for 450 rotation in either direction from the position shown to oppose left or right handed muzzle climb, as described above, whereat the restrictor 70 will close the 7:30 o'clock port 36 or the 4:30 o'clock port 36, respectively.The deflectors 40 extend circumferentially around the flash hider 31 in spaced relationship to deflect gases discharged transversely from more than one port 36 and to provide a pair of passages 73a comparable to the passage 73, except that each passage 73a opens in only one direction. The restrictor 70 is in sliding and essentially sealing engagement with the cylindrical surface of the flash hider 31 so as to close any port 36 with which it is aligned in the event that over compensation is a problem.

In Figure 28, gases are discharged from all of the flash hider ports. Although the gas discharge from several ports 36 is concentrated by the compensator, the expansion and turbulence of the gases within the passages 73a rapidly dissipates the heat energy of the gases and, aided by the heat lost by conduction through and radiation from the deflectors 40, preserves much of the effectiveness of the flash hider 31 without the compensator 29 mounted thereon.

Figure 29 shows a modification similar to Figure 28, except that the restrictor 70 is spaced throughout its circumferential extent from the flash hider 31 and the latter has six ports 36 including one at the six o'clock position and at 600 intervals thereafter.

In addition to Eliis et al., patent number 3,971,285, the following patents are the most pertinent references relating to the present invention known to applicants: British Patent No. 606,478 -- Galliot French Patent No. 1,262,942 - Moulin U.S. Patent No. 2,065,273 -- Galliot U.S. Patent No. 3,179,011 - Rahm None of the above and no reference known to applicants teach the concept of a compensator removably mountable on a flash hider for rotatable adjustment to various selected positions and having deflectors cooperable with selected flash hider ports at each position for utilizing the gases discharged transversely therefrom and for redirecting those gases to compensate for a particular angle of muzzle lift. Ellis et al. shows a rotatable compensator that also has some flash hiding function, but in addition to the distinction and deficiency noted above, they are limited to the use of flash hider ports that discharge upwardly.

The devices in the remaining references are intended for hand guns or machine guns on fixed mountings. They are not rotatable to compensate for other than vertical lift, and even if they were, they would not teach applicants' additional concept of providing a removable compensator that enables use of the flash hider for grenade launching, for example, and that is also rotatably adjustably on the flash hider to predetermine the angle of the lift compensation.

Claims (24)

1. A compensator for a gun having a plurality of ports spaced circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel adjacent to its muzzle end and communicating with the barrel for discharging combustion gases therefrom transversely of said axis, the compensator comprising an element removably mountable on said barrel at the region of said ports and rotatably adjustable about said axis to a plurality of adjusted positions, means for securing the element at the adjusted position, and gas control means responsive to the rotational adjustment of said element to each of said positions for selectively controlling the direction of the reaction force of said gases against said barrel to compensate for transverse muzzle reaction when the gun is fired comprising deflector means of said element arranged to be selectively located with respect to said ports by said adjustment for redirecting the transverse flow of said gases from at least one of said ports, said one of said ports being spaced less than 90 from a next circumferentially adjacent port, and said gas control means also comprising port control means of said element arranged to be selectively located by said adjustment to extend entirely across said circumferentially adjacent port.

2. A compensator as claimed in claim 1, said deflector means being dimensioned to extend partially around said barrel in spaced relationship to provide a circumferentially extending gas passage partially around said barrel and to provide a vent for discharging gases transversely of said axis, said passage extending to said vent from circumferentially spaced locations selectively aligned with at least one of said ports for communicating therewith in accordance with said rotational adjustment.

3. A compensator as claimed in claim 1, said port control means including a cylindrical arcuate portion dimensioned for restricting at least one of said ports within its arc when at said adjusted positions, said gas control means also comprising a pair of deflectors associated with the circu mferentially spaced edges respectively of the arcuate portion for deflecting transversely discharged gases from circumferentially spaced ports located beyond said arc.

4. A compensator as claimed in claim 1, said element comprising a cylindrical sleeve and said gas control means comprising circumferential ly spaced vent means and port restricting means of the sleeve selectively alignable with said ports in response to said adjustment.

5. A compensator as claimed in claim 4, said port restricting means including a cylindrical arcuate portion dimensioned for restricting at least one of said ports within its arc when at said predetermined positions.

6. A compensator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ports comprise flash hider ports of flash hider means of said barrel, said element being rotatable coaxiaily on said flash hider means, said port control means comprising vent means and cylindrical port restricting means selectively alignable with said flash hider ports upon said rotational adjustment for restricting any of said ports aligned with said port restricting means and for enabling the exhausting of said gases from any of said ports aligned with said vent means.

7. A compensator as claimed in claim 6, said element having two vents spaced approximately 1 80O apart and an intermediate vent midway therebetween, the remainder of said element comprising cylindrical port restricting means.

8. A compensator as claimed in claim 7, the port restricting means opposite the intermediate vent having two circumferentially spaced edges and a pair of deflectors associated with said edges respectively, said deflectors diverging from the cylindrical contour of the port restricting means at said edges for extending into the path of transversely discharged gases from the first two vents and for redirecting the latter gases transversely to the same side of the barrel to which the gases from the intermediate vent are discharged.

9. A compensator as claimed in claim 6, said port restricting means comprising a cylindrical portion having two circumferentially spaced edges adapted to be located by said adjustment adjacent to two approximately diametrically spaced ports respectively of said flash hider means.

18. A compensator as claimed in claim 9, said cylindrical portion having deflectors adjacent to its circumferentially spaced edges and diverging from the cylindrical contour of said portion at said edges for intersecting the path of transversely discharged gases from flash hider ports adjacent to said edges.

11. A compensator as claimed in claim 6, said element having two vents spaced approximately 720 apart, the remainder of said element comprising cylindrical port restricting means, the larger of the port restricting means having two circumferentially spaced edges and a pair of deflectors associated with said edges respectively, said deflectors diverging from the cylindrical contour of the port restricting means at said edges and extending into the path of gases discharging from said vents for redirecting the latter gases transversely of said barrel and to the same side thereof.

12. A compensator as claimed in claim 6, said port restricting means comprising a cylindrical portion adapted to extend around the major circumferential port of the flash hider means and terminating at two edges spaced circumferentially for location by said adjustment adjacent to two flash hider ports respectively spaced approximately 720 apart, said cylindrical portion having deflectors adjacent to its circumferentially spaced edges and diverging from the cylindrical contour of said portion at said edges for intersecting the path of transversely discharged gases from flash hider ports adjacent to said edges.

13. A compensator as claimed in claim 6, said element having two vents spaced approximately 1440 apart and an intermediate vent spaced approximately 720 therebetween, the remainder of said element comprising cylindrical port closing means, the port restricting means opposite the intermediate vent having two circumferentially spaced edges and a pair of deflectors associated with said edges respectively, said deflectors diverging from the cylindrical contour of the port restricting means at said edges for extending into the path of transversely discharged gases from the first two vents and for redirecting the latter gases transversely to the same side of the barrel to which the gases from the intermediate vent are discharged.

14. A compensator as claimed in claim 6, said element having cylindrical port restricting means adapted to extend around a minor circumferential part of the flash hider and terminating at two circumferentially spaced edges adapted to be located by said adjustment adjacent to two flash hider ports respectively spaced approximately 1200 apart, said cylindrical port restricting means having deflectors adjacent to its circumferentially spaced edges and diverging from the cylindrical contour of said port restricting means at said edges for intersecting the path of transversely discharged gases from flash hider ports spaced approximately 600 beyond said edges.

1 5. A compensator as claimed in claim 6, said port restricting means comprising a cylindrical portion adapted to extend around the major circumferential part of the flash hider means and terminating at two edges spaced circumferentially to be located by said adjustment adjacent to two flash hider ports respectively spaced approximately 1440 apart, said cylindrical portion having deflectors adjacent to its circumferentially spaced edges and diverging from the cylindrical contour of said portion at said edges for intersecting the path of transversely discharged gases from flash hider ports adjacent said edges.

1 6. A compensator as claimed in claim 1, said gas control means including a sleeve portion arranged to extend partially around the gun barrel in spaced relationship therewith at the region of at least one of said ports to provide a passage between said barrel and sleeve portion for conducting said gases circumferentially from the last named port to at least one edge of the sleeve portion when the compensator is at each of said predetermined positions, the gas control means at the last named edge providing an opening for discharging gases from said passage transversely of said axis.

1 7. A compensator as claimed in claim 1 6, wherein said ports comprise flash hider ports of flash hider means of said barrel, said element being rotatable coaxially on said flash hider means, said gas control means also comprising vent means and cylindrical port restricting means of said element selectively alignable with said flash hider ports aligned with said port restricting means and for enabling the transverse exhausting of said gases from any of said ports aligned with said vent means.

18. A compensator as claimed in clairn 1 6 or 17, said sleeve portion having two circumferentially spaced edges, said gas control means providing an opening at each of said edges for discharging gas from said passage transversely of said axis, said element having central vent means diametrically opposite the mid-region of said sleeve portion and dimensioned to align with a first of said flash hider ports when said element is at one of said predetermined positions, the last named vent means spacing a pair of cylindrical port restricting means dimensioned to align respectively with a pair of flash hider ports circumferentially spaced approximately 600 in opposite direction from said central vent means at said one position, said central vent means being selectively alignable with each of said pair of vent means in turn upon rotational adjustment of said element in opposite directions from said one position to other of said predetermined positions, each of said pair of port restricting means being selectively alignable in turn with said first flash hider port upon said rotational adjustment of said element to the last named other position.

1 9. A compensator as claimed in claim 1 , said port control means comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced vent means arranged for selective communication with said ports by said adjustment, and means cooperating to effect the desired reaction force of said gases against said barrel comprising a plurality of deflector means on said element and associated with selected vent means respectively for directing the gas flow therefrom transversely of said axis.

20. A compensator as claimed in claim 1, said element has an opening arranged for passage of a projectile therethrough and has a curved portion adjacent to said opening for directing combustion gases transversely of said axis to cooperate in compensating for said transverse muzzle reaction.

21. A compensator for a gun comprising a tubular element for providing an extension of the barrel of the gun and having vent means in its sidewall communicating with the barrel for discharging combustion gases therefrom transversely of the longitudinal axis of the barrel, characterized by means for effecting a predetermined reaction force of the transversely discharged gases against said barrel to compensate for transversely muzzle reaction when the gun is fired comprising a deflector on the exterior of said sidewall and arranged with respect to said vent means for redirecting the transverse flow of said gases in a second direction to effect said reaction force, said vent means and deflector extending side-by-side longitudinally of said barrel, said deflector extending from the exterior of said sidewall at a location adjacent to one side of said vent means and into the path of the gases discharged transversely therefrom.

22. A compensator as claimed in claim 21, said element having a bracket portion connected with the axially forward end of the deflector and extending circumferentially into the path of gases discharged from the forward end of the vent means with an axially forward component of movement.

23. A compensator as claimed in claim 21 or 22, said element having a plurality of flash suppressing vent means in its sidewall spaced circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the barrel and communicating with the barrel for discharging combustion gases therefrom transversely of said axis, said means for effecting said reaction force comprising a plurality of deflectors on the exterior of said sidewall and associated with selected vent means for redirecting the transverse flow of said gases from the associated vent means in other transverse directions to effect said reaction force, each deflector and associated vent means extending side-by-side longitudinally of said barrel, each deflector extending from the exterior of said sidewall at a location adjacent to one side of the associated vent means and into the path of the gases discharged transversely therefrom.

24. A compensator for a gun constructed and arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.