WO2009042656A1 - Photoluminescent munitions and magazine - Google Patents
Photoluminescent munitions and magazine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009042656A1 WO2009042656A1 PCT/US2008/077476 US2008077476W WO2009042656A1 WO 2009042656 A1 WO2009042656 A1 WO 2009042656A1 US 2008077476 W US2008077476 W US 2008077476W WO 2009042656 A1 WO2009042656 A1 WO 2009042656A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- light
- munitions
- magazine
- light source
- firearm
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000005084 Strontium aluminate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005083 Zinc sulfide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002019 doping agent Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- FNWBQFMGIFLWII-UHFFFAOYSA-N strontium aluminate Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Sr+2].[Sr+2] FNWBQFMGIFLWII-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052984 zinc sulfide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;sulfide Chemical compound [S-2].[Zn+2] DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004020 luminiscence type Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 6
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009172 bursting Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 2
- MUBZPKHOEPUJKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Oxalic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C(O)=O MUBZPKHOEPUJKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003721 gunpowder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005101 luminescent paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001223 polyethylene glycol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003380 propellant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
- F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
- F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
- F42B12/38—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of tracer type
- F42B12/382—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of tracer type emitting an electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser beam or infrared emission
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
- F41A9/61—Magazines
- F41A9/64—Magazines for unbelted ammunition
- F41A9/65—Box magazines having a cartridge follower
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
- F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
- F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
- F42B12/40—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of target-marking, i.e. impact-indicating type
Definitions
- This invention is directed toward the field of small caliber munitions and more particularly, to a means for luminescing munitions for tracing and marking when used in training.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,415,151 discloses a toy launcher for launching phosphor-containing projectiles outwardly and a radiation-emitter for exposing the projectile within the launcher to phosphorescence-activating radiation prior to the projectile leaving the launcher, whereby the projectile will phosphoresce as it leaves the launcher.
- An incandescent lamp is used to light a photoluminescent projectile at launch. Such an approach does not result in effective illumination of the projectile and considerable time is involved "charging" the photoluminescent projectile.
- the illuminated and propelled projectile has relatively low level phosphorescence .
- U.S. Patent No. 5,498,280 discloses a phosphorescent and fluorescent marking composition comprising polyethylene glycols in combination with phosphorescent and fluorescent pigments .
- U.S. Patent No. 5,762,058 discloses a light emitting rigid, fracturable projectile in the form of a phosphorescent paintball.
- An exciter which couples to the muzzle of a paintball gun is adaptable for use with paintball guns to excite the phosphorescent paintball to emit light.
- the light emitting paintball provides a luminous trail when discharged from the paintball gun.
- the capsule is either impregnated with a phosphorescent material or a phosphorescent material is mixed with a filler. The phosphorescent material absorbs light when exposed to a light source and, after the light source is removed, emits light.
- 6,048,280 discloses a toy gun projectile having photoluminescent properties when exposed to light within the gun and propelled from the gun having an excited photoluminescent surface to provide a visual display by the propelled projectile.
- the projectile is illuminated by a flash lamp having a high level ultraviolet light component and relatively low or non-existent red, orange and infrared components.
- the photoluminescent projectiles which are charged by superlumination provide a toy that is not only inherently safe but highly interesting.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,298,841 discloses light emitting rigid fracturable projectile-type marking ammunition which is a phosphorescent ball in the form of a spherical pellet or capsule that includes non-phosphorescent impact diffusing materials intimately admixed with phosphorescent materials.
- the light emitting phosphorescent ball provides a luminous trail when discharged from the paintball gun.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,648,726 discloses a system and a method for launching glow-in-the-dark projectiles from a projectile launcher wherein the toy comprises projectiles exposed to light prior to being launched and a firing mechanism wherein a portion of the firing mechanism is positioned with the projectile prior to being fired from the launcher.
- the firing mechanism comprises a light for exposing the projectile to radiation prior to being fired from the gun.
- U.S. Patent No. 7,040,308 discloses a hopper device for illuminating luminescent paintballs before they are projected down the barrel of a paintball gun.
- the hopper shell has top and bottom rows of ultraviolet lights placed at preselected portions of the shell to maximize the exposure of the paintballs to ultraviolet light emitted from the lights.
- a pair of low voltage D. C. batteries supplies power via a switch to an inverter which increases the voltage to a magnitude used by the lights.
- U.S. Patent 5,035,183 discloses a two-piece polymer projectile consisting of an aero dynamically shaped, thin- shelled, frangible cap, adapted to be filled with a flowable substance for marking upon impact, the fluid sealed within the projectile by a rear plug.
- the rear plug is relatively rigid in order to contain the expansive effect of propellant gases; a recessed compartment in the rear plug contributes to creating a forward centre of gravity for the projectile; the barrel rifling is engaged by the projectile in the region of the rear plug only, whereby positive engagement with the barrel rifling imparts spin without bursting the cap portion of the projectile; an indentation region on the nose of the cap facilitates flexing of the score lines for rapid and efficient bursting of the cap on impact.
- These work well in all situations except force-on-force training with service weapons.
- the illuminated paintball devices do not provide the necessary training effect similar to service weapons and the inherent dangers of service weapons with conventional tracers prevent their use in force- on-force training.
- the present invention discloses a means for tracing and marking with munitions by use of a photoluminescent material that is excited within the magazine of a firearm.
- the apparatus is based upon a conventional firearm magazine that stores special bullets either coated with or containing a photoluminescent material and excited by a light emitting means of a specified character.
- the bullets are special in that they are reduced energy projectiles such as those produced by General Dynamics or Ultimate Training Munitions or like reduced energy projectiles.
- the light emitting means is based on an LED producing light, either visible or an ultraviolet light component.
- the light emitting means receives its energy source from batteries contained within the magazine for powering of the LED's.
- the light may be produced from a self contained chemiluminescent light source.
- An objective of this invention is to disclose the use of photoluminescent ammunition placed in a conventional firearm magazine and illuminated by a light source.
- Another objective of this invention is to disclose the use of photoluminescent ammunition that is illuminated by an LED visible light source powered by batteries placed within the magazine.
- Another objective of this invention is to disclose the use of photoluminescent ammunition that is illuminated by a chemiluminescent light source; the chemiluminescent light source may be a light stick that is placed within the magazine .
- Figures IA, IB, 1C, and ID depicts a magazine assembly for a firearm;
- figure IA is a side view of the photoluminescent bullet and magazine follower,
- figure IB is a side view of a LED light with circuit board,
- figure 1C is a side view of a battery base;
- figure ID is side view of a magazine housing;
- Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D depicts a perspective view of the assembly shown in figures 2A-2D;
- figure 2A is a perspective view of the magazine follower figure 2B is a perspective view of the LED circuit board
- figure 2C is a perspective view of the battery holder;
- figure 2D is a perspective view of the magazine housing;
- Figures 3A, 3B and 3C depicts an assembly for the device using a chemiluminescent light energy source
- figure 3A is a side view of a bullet and magazine follower
- figure 3B is a side view of a chemiluminescent light source
- figure 3C is a side view of a magazine.
- the apparatus is based upon the use of firearms employing a munitions magazine (10) for holding a plurality of cartridges.
- a photoluminescent bullet (12) that can be excited to produce light so as to allow the bullet to glow in the dark.
- the cartridge (14) is supported by an magazine follower (16) having downwardly depending engagement tabs (20 and 22) .
- the magazine follower (16) includes an aperture (24) for positioning of an LED emitter (26) mounted upon circuit board (28).
- the illumination device within a magazine (10) wherein the light source, i.e. LED, chemiluminescent light, is used to flood the magazine chamber with light for purposes of exciting the photoluminescent bullets.
- the light source i.e. LED, chemiluminescent light
- a problem with the prior art devices is in the placement of an exciter and need for a triggering mechanism, both of which subject the light to early failure due to the adverse conditions found in a firing chamber. Further, a quick flash may not provide sufficient excitement to a coating resulting in a diminished illumination. Further, it is preferable that the munitions used in training practice by police and military personnel approximate the actual bullets so as to provide realistic recoil.
- the instant invention allows the illumination to take place within the magazine so that no modification of the firing chamber is necessary; elimination of damage to the energy source is removed by the remote placement of the exciter source. By removing the light source from the firing chamber, no gunpowder residue or explosion can disrupt the lighting element. Further, the instant invention allows for the use of a low powered LED.
- the energy source has sufficient time to flood the chamber of the magazine, conventional batteries (30) shown on the battery base (32) may be used.
- the magazine may be used as a holding chamber with the light (26) providing a timed illumination of the chamber over a period of time allowing the ability to excite the luminescent material so that the discharge of the munitions includes luminescent material having as large of charge as possible, eliminating the need for an energy consuming flash exciter.
- the chamber (34) of the magazine (10) is receptive to the assembly formed by the battery base (32), circuit board (28) and bullet holder (16).
- the magazine chamber (34) may be coated with a reflective material, such as a chrome paint or a reflective plastic, to reflect and maintain the light within the chamber to better activate the luminescent material further enhancing the lumination of the munitions upon discharge.
- the LED is preferably controlled by a conventional toggle switch, not shown, for providing power from the battery to the circuit board allowing the individual to cause operation of the LED before the start of the training mission.
- the exposure time to the LED results in not only a luminescent trail, but also a luminescent paint pattern upon impact of the target allowing the instructor to inspect the hits during target practice.
- the use of an ultraviolet LED of about 365 nanometer wave length is deemed beneficial, although shorter or longer wave lengths can be used depending on the intensity- desired.
- the luminescent material can be made out of most current photoluminescent materials such as zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate with trace dopants.
- the luminescent material may be formed into the projectile or contained within the projectile. Once the material is excited by exposure to light, the material will emit light even after the excitation light source is removed.
- FIGS 3A-3C set forth is a second embodiment having a magazine (50) with a chemiluminescent light stick (52) placed within the holder (54).
- the ammunition is shown with a photluminescent bullet (56) placed upon the magazine follower (58)
- the chemiluminescent light stick is activated and placed in combination with the magazine follower (58) into the magazine (50) for illumination of all munitions placed within the magazine.
- the magazine may be coated with a reflective material, such a chrome or a reflective plastic, notably as the magazine is not subjected to firing chamber forces.
- Chemiluminescent light production can be made from a modified light stick, such as that manufactured by Cyalume Technologies, Inc., capable of fitting within the magazine. Chemiluminescent light is produced by a two component system referred to as an oxalate component and an activator component.
- the two components are kept physically sealed, a frangible glass vial containing one component housed within an outer flexible container containing the other component.
- the outer vessel may be made of a clear or translucent material such as polyethylene or polypropylene which permits the light produced by the chemiluminescent system to be transmitted through the vessel walls .
- chemiluminescent light systems include U.S. Patent No. 5,043,851; 4,626,383; 3,539,794; 3,576,987; 4,508,642; 4,193,109 and 4,814,949; the subject matter of which patents are incorporated herein by reference.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
- Luminescent Compositions (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for luminescing munitions having a coating of or containing a photoluminescent material. The apparatus employs the use of a conventional firearm magazine as a housing for accommodating the ammunition. A light emitting means is incorporated in the magazine for illuminating the photoluminescent material by exciting the photoluminescent material. The light emitting means is based on an LED producing an ultraviolet light component and relatively low or non-existent red, orange and infrared components when electrically actuated. The light emitting means receives its energy source from batteries contained within the magazine. Alternatively, a chemiluminescent device capable of producing light may be employed in place of the batteries as the energy source.
Description
PHOTOLUMINESCENT MUNITIONS AND MAGAZINE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed toward the field of small caliber munitions and more particularly, to a means for luminescing munitions for tracing and marking when used in training.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the training of military and law enforcement personnel, a need exists for force-on-force training with service weapons. In addition, in the training of military and law enforcement personnel, a need exists for detecting the accuracy and effectiveness of the trainee's ability to strike an intended target in daylight or darkness. This is important not only for personnel training, but also to determine the effectiveness of various equipment systems, and as a means of calibrating such systems. Force-on-force training with service weapons and live ammunition presents health and safety hazards to the training personnel that are unacceptable. The use of reduced energy projectiles such as the Simmunitions™ line produced by General Dynamics or the Man Marker™ line produced by Ultimate Training Munitions reduces these health and safety hazards to acceptable levels. However, these products provide daytime training capability, only, in that the rounds do not trace and the resulting marks cannot be readily seen in the dark. Numerous types of devices have been employed in an effort to provide munitions tracing, most uses are for use in game playing.
U.S. Patent No. 5,415,151 discloses a toy launcher for launching phosphor-containing projectiles outwardly and a radiation-emitter for exposing the projectile within the
launcher to phosphorescence-activating radiation prior to the projectile leaving the launcher, whereby the projectile will phosphoresce as it leaves the launcher. An incandescent lamp is used to light a photoluminescent projectile at launch. Such an approach does not result in effective illumination of the projectile and considerable time is involved "charging" the photoluminescent projectile. The illuminated and propelled projectile has relatively low level phosphorescence . U.S. Patent No. 5,498,280 discloses a phosphorescent and fluorescent marking composition comprising polyethylene glycols in combination with phosphorescent and fluorescent pigments .
U.S. Patent No. 5,762,058 discloses a light emitting rigid, fracturable projectile in the form of a phosphorescent paintball. An exciter which couples to the muzzle of a paintball gun is adaptable for use with paintball guns to excite the phosphorescent paintball to emit light. The light emitting paintball provides a luminous trail when discharged from the paintball gun. The capsule is either impregnated with a phosphorescent material or a phosphorescent material is mixed with a filler. The phosphorescent material absorbs light when exposed to a light source and, after the light source is removed, emits light. U.S. Patent No. 6,048,280 discloses a toy gun projectile having photoluminescent properties when exposed to light within the gun and propelled from the gun having an excited photoluminescent surface to provide a visual display by the propelled projectile. The projectile is illuminated by a flash lamp having a high level ultraviolet light component and relatively low or non-existent red, orange and infrared components. The photoluminescent projectiles which are
charged by superlumination provide a toy that is not only inherently safe but highly interesting.
U.S. Patent No. 6,298,841 discloses light emitting rigid fracturable projectile-type marking ammunition which is a phosphorescent ball in the form of a spherical pellet or capsule that includes non-phosphorescent impact diffusing materials intimately admixed with phosphorescent materials. The light emitting phosphorescent ball provides a luminous trail when discharged from the paintball gun. U.S. Patent No. 6,648,726 discloses a system and a method for launching glow-in-the-dark projectiles from a projectile launcher wherein the toy comprises projectiles exposed to light prior to being launched and a firing mechanism wherein a portion of the firing mechanism is positioned with the projectile prior to being fired from the launcher. The firing mechanism comprises a light for exposing the projectile to radiation prior to being fired from the gun.
U.S. Patent No. 7,040,308 discloses a hopper device for illuminating luminescent paintballs before they are projected down the barrel of a paintball gun. The hopper shell has top and bottom rows of ultraviolet lights placed at preselected portions of the shell to maximize the exposure of the paintballs to ultraviolet light emitted from the lights. A pair of low voltage D. C. batteries supplies power via a switch to an inverter which increases the voltage to a magnitude used by the lights.
U.S. Patent 5,035,183 discloses a two-piece polymer projectile consisting of an aero dynamically shaped, thin- shelled, frangible cap, adapted to be filled with a flowable substance for marking upon impact, the fluid sealed within the projectile by a rear plug. The rear plug is relatively
rigid in order to contain the expansive effect of propellant gases; a recessed compartment in the rear plug contributes to creating a forward centre of gravity for the projectile; the barrel rifling is engaged by the projectile in the region of the rear plug only, whereby positive engagement with the barrel rifling imparts spin without bursting the cap portion of the projectile; an indentation region on the nose of the cap facilitates flexing of the score lines for rapid and efficient bursting of the cap on impact. These work well in all situations except force-on-force training with service weapons. The illuminated paintball devices do not provide the necessary training effect similar to service weapons and the inherent dangers of service weapons with conventional tracers prevent their use in force- on-force training.
What is lacking in the art is means for night time training of police and military personnel with firearms that eliminates the inherent dangers of the use of actual service weapons .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a means for tracing and marking with munitions by use of a photoluminescent material that is excited within the magazine of a firearm. The apparatus is based upon a conventional firearm magazine that stores special bullets either coated with or containing a photoluminescent material and excited by a light emitting means of a specified character. The bullets are special in that they are reduced energy projectiles such as those produced by General Dynamics or Ultimate Training Munitions or like reduced energy projectiles. The light emitting means is based on an LED producing light, either visible or an
ultraviolet light component. The light emitting means receives its energy source from batteries contained within the magazine for powering of the LED's.
Alternatively, the light may be produced from a self contained chemiluminescent light source.
An objective of this invention is to disclose the use of photoluminescent ammunition placed in a conventional firearm magazine and illuminated by a light source.
Another objective of this invention is to disclose the use of photoluminescent ammunition that is illuminated by an LED visible light source powered by batteries placed within the magazine.
Another objective of this invention is to disclose the use of photoluminescent ammunition that is illuminated by a chemiluminescent light source; the chemiluminescent light source may be a light stick that is placed within the magazine .
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objectives and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures IA, IB, 1C, and ID depicts a magazine assembly for a firearm; figure IA is a side view of the photoluminescent bullet and magazine follower, figure IB is a side view of a LED light with circuit board, figure 1C is a
side view of a battery base; and figure ID is side view of a magazine housing;
Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D depicts a perspective view of the assembly shown in figures 2A-2D; figure 2A is a perspective view of the magazine follower figure 2B is a perspective view of the LED circuit board, figure 2C is a perspective view of the battery holder; and figure 2D is a perspective view of the magazine housing; and
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C depicts an assembly for the device using a chemiluminescent light energy source, figure 3A is a side view of a bullet and magazine follower, figure 3B is a side view of a chemiluminescent light source; and figure 3C is a side view of a magazine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings set forth is an apparatus and method for illuminating munitions stored in a magazine for purposes of tracing/marking. The apparatus is based upon the use of firearms employing a munitions magazine (10) for holding a plurality of cartridges. In a first embodiment, by way of illustration, set forth is a photoluminescent bullet (12) that can be excited to produce light so as to allow the bullet to glow in the dark. The cartridge (14) is supported by an magazine follower (16) having downwardly depending engagement tabs (20 and 22) . The magazine follower (16) includes an aperture (24) for positioning of an LED emitter (26) mounted upon circuit board (28).
Unique to this invention is placement of the illumination device within a magazine (10) wherein the light source, i.e. LED, chemiluminescent light, is used to flood the magazine chamber with light for purposes of exciting the photoluminescent bullets.
A problem with the prior art devices is in the placement of an exciter and need for a triggering mechanism, both of which subject the light to early failure due to the adverse conditions found in a firing chamber. Further, a quick flash may not provide sufficient excitement to a coating resulting in a diminished illumination. Further, it is preferable that the munitions used in training practice by police and military personnel approximate the actual bullets so as to provide realistic recoil. The instant invention allows the illumination to take place within the magazine so that no modification of the firing chamber is necessary; elimination of damage to the energy source is removed by the remote placement of the exciter source. By removing the light source from the firing chamber, no gunpowder residue or explosion can disrupt the lighting element. Further, the instant invention allows for the use of a low powered LED. As the energy source has sufficient time to flood the chamber of the magazine, conventional batteries (30) shown on the battery base (32) may be used. The magazine may be used as a holding chamber with the light (26) providing a timed illumination of the chamber over a period of time allowing the ability to excite the luminescent material so that the discharge of the munitions includes luminescent material having as large of charge as possible, eliminating the need for an energy consuming flash exciter. The chamber (34) of the magazine (10) is receptive to the assembly formed by the battery base (32), circuit board (28) and bullet holder (16).
The magazine chamber (34) may be coated with a reflective material, such as a chrome paint or a reflective plastic, to reflect and maintain the light within the chamber to better activate the luminescent material further enhancing
the lumination of the munitions upon discharge. The LED is preferably controlled by a conventional toggle switch, not shown, for providing power from the battery to the circuit board allowing the individual to cause operation of the LED before the start of the training mission. The exposure time to the LED results in not only a luminescent trail, but also a luminescent paint pattern upon impact of the target allowing the instructor to inspect the hits during target practice. The use of an ultraviolet LED of about 365 nanometer wave length is deemed beneficial, although shorter or longer wave lengths can be used depending on the intensity- desired.
The luminescent material can be made out of most current photoluminescent materials such as zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate with trace dopants. The luminescent material may be formed into the projectile or contained within the projectile. Once the material is excited by exposure to light, the material will emit light even after the excitation light source is removed. Referring now to figures 3A-3C set forth is a second embodiment having a magazine (50) with a chemiluminescent light stick (52) placed within the holder (54). As with the previous embodiment the ammunition is shown with a photluminescent bullet (56) placed upon the magazine follower (58) In operation, the chemiluminescent light stick is activated and placed in combination with the magazine follower (58) into the magazine (50) for illumination of all munitions placed within the magazine. As with the previous embodiment, the magazine may be coated with a reflective material, such a chrome or a reflective plastic, notably as the magazine is not subjected to firing chamber forces.
Chemiluminescent light production can be made from a modified light stick, such as that manufactured by Cyalume Technologies, Inc., capable of fitting within the magazine. Chemiluminescent light is produced by a two component system referred to as an oxalate component and an activator component. The two components are kept physically sealed, a frangible glass vial containing one component housed within an outer flexible container containing the other component. Forces created by intimate contact with the internal vial, such as by flexing, causes the vial to rupture thereby releasing the first component into the second component where they mix and produce light. As the magazine is not subjected to forces from the munitions, the outer vessel may be made of a clear or translucent material such as polyethylene or polypropylene which permits the light produced by the chemiluminescent system to be transmitted through the vessel walls .
Examples of chemiluminescent light systems include U.S. Patent No. 5,043,851; 4,626,383; 3,539,794; 3,576,987; 4,508,642; 4,193,109 and 4,814,949; the subject matter of which patents are incorporated herein by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings/figures . One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as
those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A method of tracing and marking munitions comprising: munitions filled with, made from, and/or coated with a photoluminescent material; storing said munitions in the magazine of a firearm; and exciting said photoluminescent material with a light source positioned within the magazine; wherein said munitions produce light upon leaving the firearm allowing for the tracing of the munitions and provides an impact mark allowing for the marking of the munitions impact.
2. The method of tracing and marking munitions according to Claim 1 wherein exciting said photoluminescent material produces a visible light visible to human vision.
3. The method of tracing and marking munitions according to Claim 1 wherein exciting said photoluminescent material produces a light not visible to unaided human vision.
4. The method of tracing and marking munitions according to Claim 1 wherein said light source is an LED producing visible light.
5. The method of tracing and marking munitions according to Claim 1 wherein said light source is an LED producing ultraviolet light.
6. The method of tracing and marking munitions according to Claim 1 wherein said light source is electrically coupled to a self contained power source.
7. The method of tracing and marking munitions according to Claim 1 wherein said light source is a chemiluminescent light source placed within the magazine.
8. A firearm having a magazine comprising; photoluminescent munitions stored with said magazine; and a self contained light source positioned with said magazine; wherein said light source illuminates said photoluminescent munitions allowing for the tracing and/or impact marking of said illuminated munitions upon discharge from the firemarm.
9. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein exciting said photoluminescent material produces a light visible to human vision.
10. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein exciting said photoluminescent material produces a light not visible to unaided human vision.
11. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said light source is an LED producing visible light.
12. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said light source is an LED producing ultraviolet light.
13. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said ultraviolet light is wavelength of about 365 nanometers.
14. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said light source is electrically coupled to a self contained power source.
15. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said light source is a chemiluminescent light source placed within the magazine.
16. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein an interior surface of said magazine is coated with a reflective material allowing immersion of said coated munitions with said light source.
17. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said light source provides a continuous light within said magazine to optimize luminescence with low powered light.
18. The firearm according to Claim 14 wherein said power source is conventional batteries.
19. The firearm according to Claim 8 including an electrical circuit for activation of said light upon coupling said power source to said light.
20. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said photoluminescent material is zinc sulfide.
21. The firearm according to Claim 8 wherein said photoluminescent material is strontium aluminate with trace dopants .
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP08834088.0A EP2193327A4 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2008-09-24 | Photoluminescent munitions and magazine |
CA2699604A CA2699604A1 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2008-09-24 | Photoluminescent munitions and magazine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US97465107P | 2007-09-24 | 2007-09-24 | |
US60/974,651 | 2007-09-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2009042656A1 true WO2009042656A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
Family
ID=40511830
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2008/077476 WO2009042656A1 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2008-09-24 | Photoluminescent munitions and magazine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110016760A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2193327A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2699604A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009042656A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2208957A3 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2011-09-28 | Magpul Industries Corporation | Ammunition magazine |
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US20110107935A1 (en) * | 2009-11-06 | 2011-05-12 | Authement Sr Joseph | Photo-luminescent shotgun projectiles |
USD652472S1 (en) * | 2010-08-14 | 2012-01-17 | Daniel Klement | Shotgun shell casing |
US9395129B2 (en) | 2012-01-25 | 2016-07-19 | Advanced Combat Solutions Inc. | Light emitting firearm magazine indicator |
US10234228B2 (en) * | 2015-07-01 | 2019-03-19 | Matt Person | Firearm noise suppressor |
US11022289B2 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2021-06-01 | Christopher Morris | Selectively illuminating firearm |
TWI626420B (en) * | 2017-06-07 | 2018-06-11 | Acetk Corp Ltd | Light-emitting device and its combination with pipe fittings |
CA3004436C (en) | 2018-05-09 | 2021-06-01 | Paige Whitehead | Biodegradable light wand |
US11662187B1 (en) * | 2022-09-29 | 2023-05-30 | Hk Army Inc. | Feed neck module for toy gun |
IL299020B2 (en) * | 2022-12-12 | 2023-10-01 | LAVI Sagiv | Self-illuminated firearm chamber |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2699604A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
US20110016760A1 (en) | 2011-01-27 |
EP2193327A1 (en) | 2010-06-09 |
EP2193327A4 (en) | 2013-04-10 |
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