GB2446600A - Training cartridge utilising a primer composition that eliminates the need for a primer cup - Google Patents
Training cartridge utilising a primer composition that eliminates the need for a primer cup Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2446600A GB2446600A GB0702963A GB0702963A GB2446600A GB 2446600 A GB2446600 A GB 2446600A GB 0702963 A GB0702963 A GB 0702963A GB 0702963 A GB0702963 A GB 0702963A GB 2446600 A GB2446600 A GB 2446600A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- primer
- primers
- anterior
- composition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 94
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 title description 14
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims description 28
- 239000011574 phosphorus Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 229910052698 phosphorus Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 27
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- VKJKEPKFPUWCAS-UHFFFAOYSA-M potassium chlorate Chemical compound [K+].[O-]Cl(=O)=O VKJKEPKFPUWCAS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 11
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 claims description 9
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 claims description 9
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydridophosphorus(.) (triplet) Chemical compound [PH] BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010433 feldspar Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005909 Kieselgur Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000010980 cellulose Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- WHQOKFZWSDOTQP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3-dihydroxypropyl 4-aminobenzoate Chemical compound NC1=CC=C(C(=O)OCC(O)CO)C=C1 WHQOKFZWSDOTQP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 claims description 2
- 240000005979 Hordeum vulgare Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000007340 Hordeum vulgare Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 claims description 2
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 244000061456 Solanum tuberosum Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000002595 Solanum tuberosum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000021307 Triticum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000209140 Triticum Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000016383 Zea mays subsp huehuetenangensis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- KHPLPBHMTCTCHA-UHFFFAOYSA-N ammonium chlorate Chemical compound N.OCl(=O)=O KHPLPBHMTCTCHA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- YALMXYPQBUJUME-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium chlorate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]Cl(=O)=O.[O-]Cl(=O)=O YALMXYPQBUJUME-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- ZLNQQNXFFQJAID-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium carbonate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[O-]C([O-])=O ZLNQQNXFFQJAID-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001095 magnesium carbonate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000021 magnesium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000009973 maize Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000454 talc Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052623 talc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 239000005337 ground glass Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052604 silicate mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 231100001160 nonlethal Toxicity 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000003380 propellant Substances 0.000 description 17
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 4
- BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium carbonate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 4
- WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Formaldehyde Chemical compound O=C WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009527 percussion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007580 dry-mixing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000027 potassium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002269 spontaneous effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000856 Amylose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XTEGARKTQYYJKE-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chlorate Chemical class [O-]Cl(=O)=O XTEGARKTQYYJKE-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229920001800 Shellac Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000010443 alginic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000615 alginic acid Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- SXDBWCPKPHAZSM-UHFFFAOYSA-M bromate Chemical class [O-]Br(=O)=O SXDBWCPKPHAZSM-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000159 gelatin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000019322 gelatine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003063 hydroxymethyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229940031574 hydroxymethyl cellulose Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- ICIWUVCWSCSTAQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N iodic acid Chemical class OI(=O)=O ICIWUVCWSCSTAQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron oxide Inorganic materials [Fe]=O UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000013980 iron oxide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- VBMVTYDPPZVILR-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(2+);oxygen(2-) Chemical class [O-2].[Fe+2] VBMVTYDPPZVILR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004922 lacquer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002823 nitrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- -1 perchiorates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- ZLGIYFNHBLSMPS-ATJNOEHPSA-N shellac Chemical compound OCCCCCC(O)C(O)CCCCCCCC(O)=O.C1C23[C@H](C(O)=O)CCC2[C@](C)(CO)[C@@H]1C(C(O)=O)=C[C@@H]3O ZLGIYFNHBLSMPS-ATJNOEHPSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004208 shellac Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940113147 shellac Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000013874 shellac Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000004760 silicates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000419 toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000001988 toxicity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B5/00—Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges
- F42B5/02—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile
- F42B5/045—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile of telescopic type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B5/00—Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges
- F42B5/02—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile
- F42B5/16—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile characterised by composition or physical dimensions or form of propellant charge, with or without projectile, or powder
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B8/00—Practice or training ammunition
- F42B8/02—Cartridges
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Paints Or Removers (AREA)
Abstract
A non-lethal cartridge is disclosed, comprising, an anterior portion 21, and a posterior portion having a piston 23 which is slideable rearwardly from a cylindrical casing 24 which extends rearwardly from the anterior portion 21. A gas tight seal is provided between the cylinder and the piston by means of O-ring 214. The piston has a hollow interior 28 which connects with a gas passage 25 in the anterior portion. Located in the hollow interior 28 of the piston 23 is a ball bearing 221. At the rear of the hollow interior 28 is a deposit 210 of a primer composition which is packed directly into the body of the piston 23. Midway of the anterior portion 21 the gas passage 25 is blocked by a second deposit 211 of a primer composition which is packed directly into the body of the anterior portion. The primer composition comprises red phosphorus and an oxidising agent and may be assembled, in a wet, nonexplosive state, directly into the casing of a cartridge, without the need for a primer cup. This eliminates the need for primer cups and by doing so eliminates many of the problems associated with the current use of impact ignitable primers in cups.
Description
NON-LETHAL CARTRIDGE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cartridges for guns, most particularly to cartridges for use In non-lethal applications.
Description of Prior Art
Low powered (non-lethal) training cartridges are known, and examples of such cartridges are disdosed in PCT98/00620, PCTIGB99/02859, PCT/GB99/02555, US 6427600, US6095051, US 6422149, US 6415718 and US 5492063.
Many training cartridges, see for example the cartridges disclosed in the patent documents supra, are of the expanding type in which the body of the cartridge comprises a piston and cylinder" arrangement. With such cartridges, part of the energy of the primer is used to force the piston and cylinder apart (i.e. expand the cartridge) and drive the rear end of the cartridge back to recycle the weapon, and part of the energy is used to discharge the projectile from the front end of the cartridge. Careful control of gas flow within the cartridge is required In order to make sure that the projectile Is discharged at a consistent and appropriate velocity and that the weapon is recycled at every firing.
Whilst the above mentioned designs of non lethal cartridge have proven effective to date, the Applicant has recognised some disadvantages in these designs.
It Is widely recognised that the manufacture and storage of impact ignitable compounds commonly used as primers and propellants requires great care and attention to minimise the risk of an accidental explosion.
The manufacture and storage of these materials not only raises health and safety issues but incurs significant costs in ensuring the health and safety of personal Involved in these tasks. This is also the case when assembling products such as prImer cups containing these materials.
Due to the volatile nature and high energy of the primers and propellants used In the manufacture of cartridges, the manufacturing tolerances of other cartridge components, in particular primer cups are very tight. If the cartridge is to perform as intended, gas tight retention of primer cups within the outer case of the cartridge is essential. Any leakage of gas produced by a primer at the posterior of the cartridge into the anterior portion may increase the energy with which a projectile is propelled from the cartridge Increasing the risk of Injury to persons in the line of tire of the cartridge. Similarly, leakage from the anterior to the rear may affect recycling of the weapon with unpredictable and potentially dangerous consequences.
The Applicant's co-pending British patent applications numbers 0607472.8 and 0607499.1 disclose respectively novel primer compositions and cartridges which incorporate the novel primer compositions. The following details the compositions disclosed In GB0607472.8 The novel primer composition comprises red phosphorus and an oxidising agent. Depending upon the required energenicity of the primer further optional components may also be present. These additional components include one or more of a gritty filler, a starch and a binding agent.
Red phosphorus is selected due to its greater stability and reduced toxicity compared to white phosphorus, for example. The phosphorus acts as an energetic agent and the amount of phosphorus present will depend upon a number of factors, which Include the particle size of the phosphorus, the method used to initiate Ignition of the primer compositions, including the force of impact, whether the primer composition is to be used in live or training ammunition and If it is to be used In a double primer propellant free cartridge, whether It is to be placed in the front or rear primer. The presence or absence of one or more additional components such as a gritty filter, a starch and a binding agent will also influence tue amount of phosphorus present.
If the composition is to be used In high energy applications, for example, live ammunition or in the rear primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge, for a maximum particle size of 50 pm, the amount of phosphorus suitably comprises 1.1 to 10.0 % of the dry weight of the primer composition. Preferably the phosphorus comprises 4 to 8% of the dry weight of the composition. Under these conditions energies In the range 10 to 30 ft lbs (13.56 to 40.67 Joutes) can be achieved upon ignition. If the particle size of the phosphorus Is larger, a smaller amount of phosphorus may be required, depending upon the energies required from the primer and the method of impact. Given these requirements, it will be within the skill of a skilled person to determine the optimum amount of phosphorus required for any particular application. However, for a phosphorus partide size of 75 to 500pm, the amount of phosphorus suitably comprises 0.5 to 7.0 % of the dry weight of the composition.
If the composition is to be used in lower energy applications, for example in the front primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge, the amount of phosphorus may be lower. Energy levels of 1.5 ft lbs (2.03 3ouies) have been obtained with double primer propellant free cartridges using either 1.5% by weight of phosphorus having a particle size of 5Opm and a steel ball or 2.0% by weight of phosphorus having a particle size of 5Opm and a plastic ball. If the partide size of the phosphorus Is larger, a smaller amount of phosphorus may be required, depending upon the energies required from the primer and the method of impact. Given these requirements, it will be within the skill of a skilled person to determine the optimum amount of phosphorus required for any particular application.
The amount of phosphorus used in the primer compositions will also depend, in part, on the type and presence of any additional components.
If a gritty filler is present, the amount of phosphorus required will be less.
The amount of phosphorus will also depend upon the particle size of the gritty filler; as the particle size of the gritty filler increases less phosphorus, in general, is needed.
Since some of the further components such as starch or binding agent do in themselves increase the rate of burn and or the amount of gas provided by the primer composition, the amount of phosphorus used will also depend upon the presence and nature of these additional components. If a binding agent or a starch is present, less phosphorus will be required if these components do in themselves increase the rate of burn and or the amount of gas provided by the primer composition. The effect of the additional ingredients on the rate of burn of the primer compositions can be readily determined by comparing the burning properties of the compositions with and without the presence of the additional components and changing the amount of phosphorus present if necessary.
In general phosphorus having a particle size in the range 10 to 500 pm can be used In the preparation of the primer compositions of the present invention. It will be appreciated from the foregoing discussion that if the primer composition is to be used in training ammunition or in the front primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge (for use in live or training ammunition), particle sizes in the range 10 to 200 pm can be used, with particle sizes In the range 10 to 50 pm being preferred. If the primer composition is to be used In live ammunition or in the rear primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge (for use in live or training ammunition), particle sizes In the range 40 to 500 pm can be used, with particle sizes in the range 100 to 500 pm being preferred.
A stabiliser may also be present In the event that the components of the primer composition are found to degrade over a period of time. Potassium carbonate may suitably be used as a stabifising agent. A skilled person will be aware of other stabifising agents that may also be used.
The oxidising agent may be any oxidant that reacts with the other components of the primer composition upon ignition only. The oxidant must be sufficiently stable so that spontaneous Ignition of percussion caps containing the primer mixture does not occur in storage. Suitable oxidants Indude nitrates, bromates, iodates, chlorates, perchiorates, peroxides and oxides. Typical oxidants include potassium chlorate, potassium perchiorate, ammonium chlorate, ammonium perchiorate, calcium chlorate and calcium perchlorate. The use of potassium chlorate Is particularly preferred, since it has been found that its presence means that the activation energy required for Ignition of a primer composition containing this oxidant Is negligible.
The amount of oxidant present wIll depend upon whether the composition is to be used In live or training ammunition or in a front or a rear primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge. In addition, the amount of oxidant present will depend upon whether any additional components such as a gritty filler, a starch component or a binding agent are present. The oxidant suitably comprises 20.0 to 99.0% by weight of the primer composition if no gritty filler is present, preferably 40.0% to 99.0% of the dry weight of the composition.
If the composition includes a gritty filler, the oxidant suitably comprises 20.0 to 60.0% by dry weight of the composition, preferably 40.0 to 60.0% by dry weight of the composition and especially 60.0% by weight of the dry weight of the composition. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the Invention, the primer composition comprises 60.0 k by weight of potassium chlorate and 29.5 to 33.0% by weight of a gritty filler. Such compositions find particular application use as a rear primer in a double primer propellant free cartridge.
The presence of a gritty filler prevents spontaneous explosion of the active ingredients of the primer and provides sufficient friction on ignition of the primer to ensure that controlled and efficient burning occurs. Examples of suitable fillers Include ground stone, glass, talc, feldspar and silicates of feldspar diatomaceous earth minerals, iron oxides and magnesium carbonate. Mixtures of any number of these materials may also serve as suitable inert fillers. Preferably the Inert filler includes ground stone.
Preferably the ground stone has particles in the range 5 to 150pm.
The presence or otherwise of a gritty filler depends upon the desired muzzle velocities required and whether the compositions are to be used in live or training ammunition or in the front or rear primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge (for use in either live or training ammunition). If a composition is to be used in the manufacture of a primer for training purposes such as In the front primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge the composition will suitably either contain no tiller at all or will typically contain a filler such that its amount and particle size result in a primer having an energy of 1.5 to 3. 5 ft lbs (2.03 to 4.75 Joules) upon Ignition.
If the composition is to be used in the manufacture of a primer for live ammunition or in the rear primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge (either for training purposes or otherwise) the composition will suitably contain inert fillers having larger particle sizes. Typically the Inert fillers for use in such applications have particle sizes in the range 60 to 120pm. Where an inert filler Is present, it suitably comprises 10.00 to 50.00 Jo of the dry weight of the composition, preferably 15.00 to 45.00% of the dry weight of the Composition.
A starch component may be Included in the primer mixture to facilitate the controlled burning of the primer mixture on ignition and thus the controlled generatIon of gases associated with combustion. It will be appreciated that the rate of combustion of the primer mixture of the present invention depends to a large extent on the amount and the type of the starch component present. The starch component typically comprises between 0.025 and 10.00% by weight of the dry weight of the primer composition. Preferably the starch component comprises 0.75 to 5% by weight of the dry composition. Although compositions for use in training ammunition (including those used in the front primer of a double primer propellant tree cartridge) may contain starch, the amount and type of starch present will depend upon the other components present and desired energenicity.
Suitable starch components Include powders derived from sources such as paper, cellulose, corn, rice, wheat, potato, maize and barley. Particularly good results have been achieved through the use of corn flour. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the Invention, the primer composition contaIns 0.025 to 10.00% of corn flour by dry weight of the composition, partIcularly 0.75 to 5% by dry weight of the composition.. Such compositions find particular application as the rear primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge (either for traIning purposes or otherwise).
The primer composition preferably contains one or more binding agents, the presence of which facilitates the formation of the primer composition into a paste and its loading into percussion caps for subsequent Insertion Into a cartridge. Preferably the binder doesn't burn or requires a very high activation energy in order for burning to occur. Any suitable binding composition that facilitates the formation of a paste can be used, providing the storage stability of the composItion Is not compromised.
Examples of suitable binding compositions Include latex emulsions such as BAL, shellac, resins, glues, lacquers or any of the polysaccharjdes (such as gels or gums) used for setting or thickening purposes within the food industry or used as adhesives. Synthetic vinyl based polymers can also be used as can wall paper paste. Gelatines, alginates, celluloses, amyloses and other polysacchandes having the desired properties to facilitate the formation of a paste are known to a person skilled in the art. However, preferably the binding agent is a wall paper paste comprising carboxymethylceIfulo and sodium hydroxymethylcellulose that has optionally been formaldehyde treated. Preferably the wall paper paste comprises 0 to 0.90% of the dry weIght of the composition, especially o to 0.70% of the dry weight of the composition.
It is known that primer compositions can be prepared through the use of either wet mixing or dry mixing techniques. Wet mixing techniques have been found to produce the most homogeneous products but require the use of a drying step. It will be appreciated, however, that the drying of a bulk volume of a primer composition is Inherently associated with the risk of explosion. Although dry mixing techniques can be used in the production of primer compositions, the technique is less suited for the production of bulk quantities of the primer composition and the homogeneity of the resulting compositions, generally, Is not as good as that achieved through the use of wet mixing techniques.
The compositions are preferably prepared through the use of a wet mixing technique. The following describes a method for the preparation of the primer compositions described above. Typically the wet mix comprises upwards of 25g of water per lOOg of dry Ingredients. To prevent the risk of explosion, the red phosphorus and oxidant are only mixed together in the presence of water.
For the preparation of a composition suitable for use in a front primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge, phosphorus is firstly added to water and thoroughly mixed. Potassium chlorate is then thoroughly incorporated into the mixture and finally the binder (BAL and/or wallpaper paste) is added. The resulting paste is then loaded Into primer caps and dried in a drying oven. Potassium carbonate may be added to the mixture to improve its long term stability in the event that the stability of the dry composition is less than optimal.
For the preparation of a composition suitable for use In live ammunition or in a rear primer of a double primer propellant free cartridge water is added to a dry mixture of red phosphorus, Inert filler and the starch component. The oxidising agent is then added to the wet mixture and thoroughly combined therewith. Finally the binding agent is added to the mixture which results in the formation of a workable paste. The resultant paste Is then metered Into suitable containers for each application and then dried.
In a preferred method, water is added to a dry mixture of red phosphorus, inert filler and corn flour to give a liquid slurry. Potassium chlorate is then added to the liquid slurry and mixed thoroughly. Wall paper paste is then added to the resulting mixture to give a paste, which can be readily loaded into the percussion caps used in cartridges.
The compositions are preferably dried at a temperature of between 60 C and 100 C. If it is desired to dry at 100 C, it is preferably to include a BAL.
latex binder in the composition to prevent shrinkage of the dry composition away from the wail of the cup. Drying at 60 C results In less shrinkage.
The present invention seeks to provide a reliable form of non-lethal cartridge which is less subject to the problems arising with prior art designs.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a cartridge comprising an anterior portion and a posterior portion the posterior portion comprising a piston slideable in a case which case extends rearwardly from the anterior portIon, the piston including a hollow interior and the case defining an expansion chamber with which the hollow interior of the piston connects and characterised by a deposit of primer packed directly into the hollow interior at a position most distal to the anterior portion, the primer comprising red phosphorus and an oxidislng agent.
The inventor has found that the primer compositions disclosed In GB0607472.8 and variations thereof can be assembled in their wet, non-explosive state directly into the casing of a cartridge without the need for a primer cup. This eliminates the need for primer cups and by doing so eliminates many of the problems associated with the current use of impact ignitable primers in cups.
The primer may comprise any of the embodiments of primer composition disclosed in GB0607472.8 and other variants thereof.
Optionally, the anterior portion is provided with a gas passage which communicates with the expansion chamber, the gas passage being plugged by a deposit of primer, the anterior primer comprising red phosphorus and an oxidising agent. Again, there is no necessity for the primer to be encased in a primer cup.
The anterior portion may be configured to receive a projectile which, upon impact ignition of the anterior primer is propelled from the cartridge by resultant expansion of gas in the gas passage.
Optionally, there is included in the hollow interior of the posterior portion a projectile which, under the influence of expanding gases generated on ignition of the posterior primer, is configured to travel at speed toward the anterior primer causing impact ignition of the anterior primer.
Alternatively, the anterior primer is Ignited by a shock or pressure wave resulting from ignition of the posterior primer.
The anterior and posterior primers may comprise the same or different compositions. The composition for each of the anterior and posterior primers may be tailored to provide the desired gas volume / expansion rate to achieve efficient recycling of the weapon or safe, non-lethal propulsion of the projectile.
An embodiment of the invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings In which; Figure 1 illustrates a prior art two primer, telescopic cartridge using primer cups.
Figure 2 illustrates a comparable two primer telescopic cartridge in accordance with the present invention.
The prior art cartridge of Figure 1 comprises an anterior portion 1 and a posterior portion 2 the posterior portion comprising a piston 3 slideabie in a cylinder 4 extending rearwardly from the anterior portion 1. The anterior portion 1 is provided with a gas passage 5 which communicates with an expansion chamber 7. The piston 3 is provided with a hollow interior 8 which connects with expansion chamber 7.
Disposed toward the posterior end of the piston 3 is a first primer cup 10 and in the anterior portion there is a second primer cup 11.
A rubber sealing ring 14 is provided between the piston 3 and cylinder 4 to prevent passage of gas to the posterior portion 2. Adjacent the rubber sealing ring 14, the piston is provided with a rim of extended circumference 15, which, when the piston is allowed to extend from the cylinder, encounters a flange 16 provided on the inner circumference of the cylinder 4 to the posterior end of the cylinder 4.
In the embodiment of Figure 1 when the primer in the first cup 10 is initiated by for example, a fIring pin to produce a volume of gas. The gas travels along the hollow Interior 8 and into expansion chamber 7.
Expansion of the gas causes the piston 3 to slide rearwardly within cylinder 4 towards a breech block (not shown). The piston 3 is prevented from exiting cylinder 4 by the flange and rim (16, 15) provided respectively on the inner circumference of the cylinder 4 and piston 3.
The shock/pressure wave created on ignition of the primer initiates a second energetic response on the primer In the second cup 11 located in the anterior portion 1 of the cartridge. The anterior portion 1 Is provided with an internal profile suitable for receiving a projectile 17. The energetic reaction produced In primer cup 11 propels the proJectile 17 from the cartridge at high speed to create the impression of a live bullet being fired. Thus it can be seen that recycling and firing of the projectile are controlled independently by two separate energetic reactions.
Figure 2 shows in cross section an embodiment of the invention which comprises an anterior portion 21 a posterior portion comprising a piston 23 which is sildeable rearwardly from a cylindrical casing 24 which extends rearwardly from the anterior portion 21. A gas tight seal is provided between the cylinder and the piston by means of 0-ring 214. The piston has a hollow interior 28 which connects with a gas passage 25 in the anterior portion. Other features in common with the prior art cartridge of Figure 1 are given a corresponding reference numeral with a 2 added to the front.
Located in the hollow interior 28 of the piston 23 is a ball bearing 221. At the rear of the hollow InterIor 28 Is a deposit 210 of the primer composition which, as can be seen, Is packed directly Into the body of the piston. Midway of the anterior portion 21 the gas passage 25 Is blocked by a second deposit 211 of primer composition which is again packed directly into the body of the anterior portion.
When the cartridge is installed in a weapon for firing, a firing pin Impacts the rear end surface of the posterior portion igniting the deposit of primer 210. As a consequence gas is generated and expands driving the bail bearing 221 along the hollow interior 28 towards the anterior portion 21.
Simultaneously, the piston 23 is driven rearwardiy from the cylinder 24 by the same expanding gas to engage with the breech of the weapon (not shown) and recycle the weapon. The forward travelling ball bearing 221 impacts upon the second prImer 211 causing a second release of expanding gas and at the same time blocking the gas passage 25.
Consequently, all energy of the expanding gas drives projectile 220 forwards propelling It from the weapon.
The following preferred primer compositions have been used In embodiments of the Invention which have performed satisfactorily in tests.
The tested embodiments incorporated both an anterior and posterior primer.
Anterior Primer Component Posterior Primer % dry weight _________________ % dry weight 7.9 Red Phosphorous 7 __________________________ (-1 8pm dia.) _______________________ 47.4 Potassium Chlorate 70.0 ___________________________ (oxidising agent) ________________________ o Comfiour (starch) -5.0 0.7 PVA (binder) 0.5 0. 7 Wallpaper paste 0.5 ______________________________ (binder) ___________________________ 43.3 Inert filler 17 For each primer, a paste was formed from the dry ingredients (bOg) by adding to water (3Sg) in the order PVA, red phosphorous, corn flour (where present), inert filler, potassium chlorate, wallpaper paste and mixing thoroughly after the addition of each component. The resulting pastes were deposited directly into the casing of a double primer cartridge having the form substantially of that shown in the Figure 2 and then dried at around 60 C.
Once cured, assembly of the cartridges was completed and the cartridges fired from conventional weapons.
Claims (23)
- A cartridge comprising an anterior portion and a posterior portion the posterior portion comprising a piston slideable in a case which case extends rearwardly from the anterior portion, the piston including a hollow interior and the case defining an expansion chamber with which the hollow interior of the piston connects and characterised by a deposit of primer packed directly into the hollow interior at a position most distal to the anterior portion, the primer comprising red phosphorus and an oxidising agent.
- 2. A cartridge as claimed In claim 1 wherein the anterior portion is provided with a gas passage which communicates with the expansion chamber, the gas passage being plugged by a deposit of primer, the anterior primer comprising red phosphorus and an oxidising agent.
- 3. A cartridge as claimed in claim 2 wherein the anterior portion is configured to receive a projectile which, upon impact ignition of the anterior primer is propelled from the cartridge by resultant expansion of gas in the gas passage.
- 4. A cartridge as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 whereIn there Is included in the hollow Interior of the posterior portion a projectile which, under the influence of expanding gases generated on Ignition of the posterior primer, Is configured to travel at speed toward the anterior primer causIng impact ignition of the anterior primer.
- 5. A cartridge as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein, in use, the anterior primer is ignited by a shock or pressure wave resulting on ignition of the posterIor primer.
- 6. A cartridge as claimed in any of claims 2 to S wherein the anterior and posterior primers are the same
- 7. A cartridge as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the anterior and posterior cartridges are different.
- 8. A cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim I or claim 2 wherein one or both of the primers additionally comprises one or more components selected from a gritty filler, a starch and a binding agent.
- 9. A cartridge as claimed In any preceding claim wherein in one or both of the primers the phosphorus comprises 0.25 to 10.00%, particularly 0.50 to 8.00% of the dry weight of the composition.
- 10. A cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein in one or both of the primers, wherein the oxidlsing agent is selected from one or more of potassium chlorate, potassium perchiorate, ammonium chlorate, ammonium perchiorate, calcium chlorate and calcium perchlorate.
- 11. A cartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein in one or both of the primers, the oxidising agent comprises 20.00 to 99.00%, especially 60.00 to 97.OO% of the dry weight of the composition.
- 12. A cartridge as claimed in claim 10 or 11 whereIn in one or both of the primers, the oxldising agent is potassium chlorate.
- 13. A cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein in one or both of the primers the inert filler is selected from ground stone, ground glass, talc, feldspar, and silicate minerals of diatomaceous earth elements having a particle size In the range S to 150pm.
- 14. A cartridge as claimed in claim 13 wherein in one or both of the primers the iret filler comprises 10.00 to 50.00% of the dry weight of the composition.
- 15. A cartridge as daimed in claim 14 wherein in one or both of the primers the inert filler Is ground stone.
- 16. A cartridge as claimed In any preceding claim wherein in one or both of the primers the starch component is selected from one or more of powders derived from paper, cellulose, corn, wheat, potato, rice, maize and barley.
- 17. A cartridge as claimed in claim 16 wherein in one or both of the primers the starch component is corn flour.
- 18 A cartridge as claimed in 16 or 17 wherein in one or both of the primers the starch component comprises 0.025 to 1O.OO%, preferably 0.75 to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the composition.
- 19. A cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or both of the primers comprises a binding agent selected from BAL latex binder or a wallpaper paste comprising carboxymethylcellutose and sodium hydroxyethyiceilulose.
- 20. A cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deposit of primer in the posterior portion comprises 7% red phosphorous, 70% potassium chlorate, 5% starch, 1 fo binding agent and 17 6 inert filler.
- 21. A cartridge as claimed in any of claims 2 to 20 wherein the anterior primer comprises 7.9% red phosphorous, 47.4% potassium chlorate, 1.4 % binding agent and 43.3% inert filler.
- 22. A cartridge as claimed In claim 20 or 21 wherein the inert filler comprises a mixture containing feldspar, diatomaceous earth, oxides of iron and magnesium carbonate.
- 23. A cartridge substantially as described herein and with reference to accompanying Figure 2.23. A cartridge as claimed In any of claims 20 to 22 wherein the red phosphorous has an average particle size of between 15 and 20 jim, preferably 18 pm.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0702963A GB2446600A (en) | 2007-02-15 | 2007-02-15 | Training cartridge utilising a primer composition that eliminates the need for a primer cup |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0702963A GB2446600A (en) | 2007-02-15 | 2007-02-15 | Training cartridge utilising a primer composition that eliminates the need for a primer cup |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0702963D0 GB0702963D0 (en) | 2007-03-28 |
| GB2446600A true GB2446600A (en) | 2008-08-20 |
Family
ID=37908700
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0702963A Withdrawn GB2446600A (en) | 2007-02-15 | 2007-02-15 | Training cartridge utilising a primer composition that eliminates the need for a primer cup |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2446600A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2500028A (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-09-11 | Utm Ip Ltd | Cartridge |
| US10976144B1 (en) | 2018-03-05 | 2021-04-13 | Vista Outdoor Operations Llc | High pressure rifle cartridge with primer |
| US20220146238A1 (en) * | 2020-11-12 | 2022-05-12 | General Dynamics OTS - Canada, Inc. | Reduced-energy cartridge with exterior sealing member for fluted chamber |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1286612A (en) * | 1969-02-19 | 1972-08-23 | Catalyst Research Corp | Pyrotechnic primers |
| WO1999036745A1 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 1999-07-22 | Senco Products. Inc. | Propellant strip assembly and propellant charge structure |
| WO2001016550A1 (en) * | 1999-08-27 | 2001-03-08 | Lambeth Properties Limited | Training cartridge for a self loading gun |
| US20020162475A1 (en) * | 1999-08-27 | 2002-11-07 | Lambeth Properties Limited | Training cartridge for a self loading gun |
-
2007
- 2007-02-15 GB GB0702963A patent/GB2446600A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1286612A (en) * | 1969-02-19 | 1972-08-23 | Catalyst Research Corp | Pyrotechnic primers |
| WO1999036745A1 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 1999-07-22 | Senco Products. Inc. | Propellant strip assembly and propellant charge structure |
| WO2001016550A1 (en) * | 1999-08-27 | 2001-03-08 | Lambeth Properties Limited | Training cartridge for a self loading gun |
| US20020162475A1 (en) * | 1999-08-27 | 2002-11-07 | Lambeth Properties Limited | Training cartridge for a self loading gun |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2500028A (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-09-11 | Utm Ip Ltd | Cartridge |
| GB2500028B (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2015-08-19 | Utm Ip Ltd | Non-lethal telescopically expanding training cartridge for self loading guns |
| US9476681B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2016-10-25 | Utm Ip Limited | Non-lethal telescopically expanding training cartridge for self loading guns |
| US10976144B1 (en) | 2018-03-05 | 2021-04-13 | Vista Outdoor Operations Llc | High pressure rifle cartridge with primer |
| US11609077B2 (en) | 2018-03-05 | 2023-03-21 | Vista Outdoor Operations Llc | High pressure rifle cartridge with primer |
| US20220146238A1 (en) * | 2020-11-12 | 2022-05-12 | General Dynamics OTS - Canada, Inc. | Reduced-energy cartridge with exterior sealing member for fluted chamber |
| US11656063B2 (en) * | 2020-11-12 | 2023-05-23 | General Dynamics OTS—Canada, Inc. | Reduced-energy cartridge with exterior sealing member for fluted chamber |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0702963D0 (en) | 2007-03-28 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |