WO2020039326A1

WO2020039326A1 - An ultrasonic device for cleaning firearms barrels and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020039326A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/056975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gautam KASHYAP; Sachin BHUSHAN; Anand Bhushan
Original assignee: Kashyap Gautam
Priority date: 2018-08-22
Filing date: 2019-08-19
Publication date: 2020-02-27

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ultrasonic cleaning device particularly for cleaning firearms barrels. The ultrasonic device disclosed in the present invention are comprising of an submersible ultrasonic probe and one or more ultrasonic transducers. The method of cleaning firearms barrels is also disclosed. Conclusively, the invention discloses an effective cleaning of firearm barrels which enhance the overall operational life of the barrel and increases cleaning efficiency.

Description

TITLE: AN ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CLEANING FIREARMS

BARRELS AND METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] The present invention relates to ultrasonic cleaning device and method. Particularly, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic device for cleaning firearms barrels and method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Heavy firing of firearms leaves residue in the form of carbon and metal deposits (generally Copper) in the grooves of barrels. The source of the carbon deposits is the explosives and source of the Copper (Cu) is the Copper (Cu) collar on the rear end of the shell of the projectiles. When high speed shell moves tight through the bore of the barrel and friction leads to Copper (Cu) deposits in the grooves. These deposits have very strong adhesion to the internal surface of the barrels and have to be thoroughly cleaned before next round of firing for optimum performance of barrel; and to avoid explosion of barrel due to friction caused by such deposits and/or due to discharge gasses being released at time of fire. Further, the barrels must be cleaned to avoid any detrimental effect on barrel due to corrosion.

[3] Presently, these barrels are cleaned using a jute brush tied to a wooden stick which is dipped in PYC solution and inserted into the barrel to be cleaned with to and fro motion by applying light mechanical abrasion. For larger firearms like tank the cleaning process requires a team of 5-6 people which takes 6-7 hours per day for a period of 6-7 days. Thus, the process is tedious and less efficient. Constant to and fro motion of the jute brush subjects the barrel to very harsh abrasive action, which greatly exacerbates the increase in Internal Diameter of the barrel rendering it unserviceable at a much faster rate. Further, the firing life of a barrel reduces greatly due to such increase in internal diameter (from approx. 4000 rounds to under 1000 rounds due to increase in Internal Diameter of barrel from 105 -106 mm, which is max. permissible before rendering the barrel unusable). In addition to above, the handling of PYC solution by soldiers is also undesirable due to its carcinogenic nature. Moreover, groove cleaning is difficult by this technique. On the other hand, proper cleaning of the barrel is a necessity since it allows smooth firing. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement of an effective device and method of cleaning firearm cleaning which is devoid of abovementioned drawbacks.

[4] Sonication is a well-known method of cleaning in various industrial processes. The action of sonication leads to form large number of bubbles of ultrasonic medium on the metal surface and subsequent breaking of the bubbles leaves a local stress build up. This stress dismantles and cleans the deposits. Formation of bubbles and their subsequent breaking is called as cavitation action. Therefore, sonication could be used for cleaning the inner barrel which would enable the deposits to get cleaned off quickly as well effectively. On the other hand, it is already known that cavitation can cause significant damage to the metal surface and accelerated corrosion, if cavitation stress is beyond the yield point of the metal. Therefore, there is an urgent need to invent a possibility of ultrasonic cleaning of firearm barrels which would clean the barrels effectively without causing any damage to metal surface.

[5] The inventor of the present invention invented a submersible ultrasonic device and method of cleaning the firearm barrels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[6] According to the present invention there is provided an ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning firearms barrels and method thereof.

[7] In one aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic device for cleaning firearms barrels.

[8] In one another aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic device comprising a submersible transducer for cleaning firearms barrels.

[9] In yet one aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning firearms barrels wherein the cleaning is carried out by sonication.

[10] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning firearms barrels with an ultrasonic device comprises a submersible transducer.

[11] In one another aspect, the present invention provides an efficient method of cleaning firearms barrels.

[12] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning firearms barrels without causing any damage to the barrels. [13] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning firearms barrels with long lasting working life.

[14] Various aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. Any subject matter described in the specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[15] Figure-l (Figure 1A, 1B and 1C) depicts ultrasonic devices;

[16] Figure-2 (Figure 2 A, and 2B) is a photograph of tank barrel taken with burrowscope and HD camera before and after cleaning with ultrasonication;

[17] Figure-3 is a photograph of PYC solution before and after cleaning of tank barrel;

[18] Figure-4 (Figure 4A, and 4B) is a photograph of optical micro structure of the surface of tank barrel (4A) reference sample, and (4B) after ultrasonication;

[19] Figure-5 (Figure 5A, and 5B) is a photograph of SEM analysis of the surface of tank barrel (5 A) reference sample, and (5B) after ultrasonication; and

[20] Figure-6 is an Open circuit potential (OCP) variation with time for reference and ultrasonicated samples in the provided corrosive solution.

[21] Figure-7 is a Linear polarization plot for reference and ultrasonicated samples in the provided corrosive solution

[22] Figure- 8 is a Tafel plots for both reference and ultrasonicated samples in the provided corrosive solution.

[23] Figure-9 is a SEM micrographs for surface appearance of (9A) reference sample and (9B) ultrasonicated sample in the provided corrosive solution. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[24] The present invention discloses an ultrasonic cleaning device and method. Particularly, the present invention discloses an ultrasonic device for cleaning firearms barrels and method thereof.

[25] Definitions: It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "barrel" includes one or more such barrels and the like.

[26] Unless defined otherwise, all technical, scientific or other terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although other methods and materials similar, or equivalent, to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.

[27] In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[28] In the present invention, the term“firearms” refers to a barreled ranged weapon that inflicts damage on target by launching one or more projectiles driven by rapidly expanding high-pressure gas produced by exothermic combustion (deflagration) of propellant within an ammunition cartridge. Example of firearms includes but not limited to gun, rifle, pistol, tank etc.

[29] In the present invention, the term“barrel” refers hollow cylindrical container preferably of firearms used to launch one or more projectile.

[30] In the present invention, the term“sonication” or“ultrasonication” can be used interchangeably and refers to act of applying sound energy to agitate particles in a sample, for various purposes including cleaning. Ultrasonic frequencies (> 15 kHz) are usually used, leading to the process also being known as ultrasonication or ultra sonication.

[31] In the present invention, the term “transducer” refers to an ultrasonic transducer which converts electrical signals to ultrasonic waves and transmits them. In the present invention, the term“probe” refers to an ultrasonic probe which generates acoustic signals from the ultrasonic waves received from ultrasonic transducer.

[32] In the present invention, the terms“ultrasonic device”,“device” or“device disclosed herein” can be used interchangeably and refer to the ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels, preferably internal surface of the firearm barrels.

I. An ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels:

[33] The present invention discloses an ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels.

[34] In one embodiment, the present invention discloses an ultrasonic device for cleaning the internal surface of the firearm barrels.

[35] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic device disclosed herein comprising one a submersible ultrasonic probe; and one or more ultrasonic transducers.

[36] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic device disclosed herein comprising a submersible ultrasonic probe and one or more ultrasonic transducers.

[37] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic device disclosed herein optionally further comprises one or more ultrasonic boosters and/or one or more holders to hold submersible ultrasonic probe in the firearm barrels in proper functioning position.

[38] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic device disclosed herein generates ultrasonic waves in a range of 15 KHz to 40 KHz.

[39] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic device disclosed herein used to clean firearm barrels from 300 mm to 8,000 mm in length and a bore size from 5.5. mm to 155 mm.

[40] In one another embodiment, the present invention discloses an ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels; the ultrasonic device comprising a submersible ultrasonic probe; and one or more non- submersible ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic device with non- submersible ultrasonic transducer preferably comprises one non- submersible ultrasonic transducer. Such arrangement optionally comprises one or more ultrasonic boosters.

[41] In one another embodiment, the present invention discloses an ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels; the ultrasonic device comprising a submersible ultrasonic probe; and one or more submersible ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic device with submersible ultrasonic transducer preferably comprises more than one submersible ultrasonic transducer. The number of such ultrasonic transducers depends upon the dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe.

[42] The submersible ultrasonic probe can be of cylindrical, cuboid, stepped horn shaped (cylindrical shaped with varying diameter at fixed distance substantially as shown in the figure- 1B) or any combination thereof.

[43] In one embodiment, the submersible ultrasonic probe is cylindrical. In one another embodiment, the submersible ultrasonic probe is stepped horn shaped (cylindrical shaped with varying diameter at fixed distance substantially as shown in the figure- 1B). In one another embodiment, the submersible ultrasonic probe is cuboid.

[44] The cylindrical submersible ultrasonic probe may or may not have holder to hold the submersible ultrasonic probe in the firearm barrels; whereas the cuboid submersible ultrasonic probe has one or more ring shaped holders to hold the submersible ultrasonic probe in the firearm barrels.

[45] The submersible ultrasonic probes are made of either stainless steel or titanium; preferably stainless steel of grade 304.

[46] The ultrasonic transducer used in the present invention are working on ultrasonic frequencies from 15 KHz to 40 KHz.

[47] In one specific embodiment, the present invention discloses an ultrasonic device (100) for cleaning firearm barrels; the device (100) comprising a cylindrical submersible ultrasonic probe (110); an ultrasonic transducer (120); and an ultrasonic booster (130). The ultrasonic device (100) further comprising optionally a holder (140).

[48] Referring to figure- 1 A, the ultrasonic device (100) comprising a cylindrical submersible ultrasonic probe (110); an ultrasonic transducer (120); an ultrasonic booster (130); and a holder (140).

[49] The submersible ultrasonic probes (110) is made of either stainless steel or titanium; preferably stainless steel of grade 304.

[50] The ultrasonic transducer (120) used in the present invention are working on ultrasonic frequency from 15 KHz to 20 KHz. [51] The dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe (110) is from 300 mm to 600 mm. Preferably, the dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe (110) is 400 mm.

[52] The ultrasonic device (100) disclosed herein is primarily used for cleaning firearm barrels of dimension having 300 to 600 mm in length and bore size from 5.5 mm to 7.62 mm e.g. barrels of INSAS, AK-56, AK-47 etc.

[53] In one another specific embodiment, referring to figure- 1B, the present invention discloses an ultrasonic device (200) comprising a stepped horn shaped (cylindrical shaped with varying diameter at fixed distance substantially as shown in the figure- 1B) submersible ultrasonic probe (210); an ultrasonic transducer (220); and an ultrasonic booster (230). The ultrasonic device (200) further comprising optionally a holder (240).

[54] Referring to figure- 1B, the ultrasonic device (200) comprising a stepped horn shaped (cylindrical shaped with varying diameter at fixed distance substantially as shown in the figure- 1B) submersible ultrasonic probe (210); an ultrasonic transducer (220); an ultrasonic booster (230); and a holder (240).

[55] The submersible ultrasonic probes (210) is made of either stainless steel or titanium; preferably stainless steel of grade 304.

[56] The ultrasonic transducer (220) used in the present invention are working on ultrasonic frequency from 15 KHz to 20 KHz.

[57] The dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe (210) is from 1,200 to 2,000 mm.

[58] The ultrasonic device (200) disclosed herein is primarily used for cleaning firearm barrels of dimension having 1,200 to 2,000 mm in length and bore size from 30 mm to 70 mm e.g. barrels of BMP tank etc.

[59] In one another specific embodiment, referring to figure- 1C, the present invention discloses an ultrasonic device (300) comprising a cuboid shaped submersible ultrasonic probe (310); a plurality of submersible ultrasonic transducer (320¹, 320², ... 320ⁿ); and two or more holders (340¹, 340²).

[60] Referring to figure- 1C, the ultrasonic device (300) comprising a cuboid shaped submersible ultrasonic probe (310); six plurality of submersible ultrasonic transducer (320¹, 320², 320³, 320⁴, 320⁵, 320⁶); and six holders (330¹, 330², 330³, 330⁴, 330⁵, 330⁶).

[61] The submersible ultrasonic probes (310) is made of either stainless steel or titanium; preferably stainless steel of grade 304.

[62] The submersible ultrasonic transducer (320¹, 320², 320³ , 320⁴, 320⁵ , 320⁶) used in the present invention are working on ultrasonic frequency from 20 KHz to 40 KHz

[63] The dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe (310) is from 3,000 to 8,000 mm.

[64] The ultrasonic device (300) disclosed herein is primarily used for cleaning firearm barrels of dimension having 3,000 to 8,000 mm in length and bore size from 105 mm to 155 mm e.g. barrels of LGF/IFG Gun etc.

II. An ultrasonic cleaning method for cleaning firearm barrels:

[65] The present invention discloses an ultrasonic cleaning of firearm barrels.

[66] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of cleaning firearms barrels with an ultrasonic device comprises a submersible transducer.

[67] The present invention discloses a method of cleaning firearm barrels; the method comprising the steps of: a) exposing the internal surface of the firearm barrel to ultrasonic waves in along with PYC solution; and b) draining the PYC solution.

[68] In one embodiment, the internal surface of the firearm barrel is exposed to ultrasonic waves from 15 KHz to 40 KHz.

[69] In one embodiment, the internal surface of the firearm barrel is exposed to ultrasonic waves for 2 hr to 5 hrs.

[70] In one embodiment, the internal surface of the firearm barrel is exposed to ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic device as disclosed herein.

[71] In one embodiment, the method disclosed herein can be used to clean firearm barrels of dimension from 300 mm to 8,000 mm in length and bore size from 5.5 mm to 155 mm.

Example-1

Ultrasonic cleaning of barrel of LFG/IFG 105MM (Gun)

Ultrasonic device specification:

Type: Submersible-transducer type (As shown in figure- 1C) Operating frequency: 20-40KHz

Transducers: Langevin Mode-, SUBMERSIBLE

Transducer Housing Material: SS 304 (16 Gauge)

Connecting Cable: B N C Type (10 Mtrs. Length)

Generator for Ultrasonic transducer

Dimensions: 500 mm x 300 mm x 350 mm

Generator Housing: SS 304

Power Output: 2KW

Timer: Digitally Controlled (1-99 Min)

Procedure:

[72] The tank barrel was sealed using a SS 304 plug (inserted in breech-end of the barrel). The Ultrasonic Transducer was introduced into the barrel which was then filled with PYC solution till the ultrasonic device was fully submerged in the solution. Ultrasonic generator, connected to the transducer through a BNC cable was then switched on. The barrel was sonicated for a period of 3 hr with 10 min interval at every 1 hr.

Observation:

[73] After 3 hours of Ultrasonic Cleaning, the PYC solution was drained from the barrel. It was observed that the PYC solution changed its color from light yellow to dark green/black indicating removal of copper and carbon deposits. On visual inspection of the barrel using a burrow scope and HD camera mounted on a pole it was observed that all Copper and carbon deposits had been removed throughout the barrel's length both in rifled and unrifled portions and the barrel was found to be absolutely clean and free from any deposits. The photographs of the barrel before and after cleaning are provided in Fig. 2 (Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2B respectively). The photograph of PYC solution before and after cleaning the tank barrel is also provided in Fig. 3.

IV. Other Evaluations:

[74] Samples collected from firearm barrels (tank barrels) exposed to firing were exposed to sonication in presence of PYC. The samples were tested for various evaluations e.g. Cavitation test (Optical Microstructures, SEM Analysis, Hardness); corrosion analysis and tensile properties before and after 100 hr of exposure to the ultrasonic cleaning to ensure that no detrimental effect on the barrel surface has taken place.

A. Cavitation Test:

Sample Details:

[75] Two sets of samples were provided before and after 100 hr of ultrasonication from Ordinance. Optical, SEM and hardness tests were performed on each reference and 100 hr ultrasonicated samples to observe the effect of ultrasonication.

Optical microstructure:

Sample preparation:

[76] The samples were grinded with belt grinding. The grinded samples were polished with SiC paper starting from 240 grit size paper to 2500 grit size paper and then with cloth polishing with alumina paste of 1 pm and 0.3 pm . The samples were ultrasonically cleaned with acetone and etched with 3% Nital (97% of Ethanol and 3% of HNO3) to reveal the micro structure.

Procedure:

[77] Olympus optical microscope was used to observe the micro structure. To observe the effect of ultrasonication, the cross-sectional micro structure was observed at the edge for both the reference and tested sample. The main aim was to observe the effect of ultrasonication on the micro structure variation and to understand the deformation mechanism on the subsurface from the edge.

Observation:

[78] The optical micrographs for all the samples revealed the presence of tempered martensite. The photographs of the optical micro structure for reference and ultrasonicated samples are provided in Fig. 4 (Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B respectively).

SEM Analysis:

[79] Carl Zeiss EVO 50 scanning electron microscope (W-SEM) operating at 20kV equipped with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) microanalysis hardware was used to observe the micro structures of reference and ultrasonicated samples.

Observation: [80] The micro structure confirms the presence of tempered martensite. Micro structure was observed at the edges of the samples for both the reference and ultrasonicated samples and compared with the micro structure of the samples at central region. There is not much of change in the micro structure before and after ultrasonication in the vicinity of the surface in comparison to the reference samples obtained from the fired samples. However, deformation zone is observed in the close proximity of the surface in both the reference as well as ultrasonicated samples. Hence, the deformation zone in the reference sample could be due to heavy firing, whereas, this similar pattern could be observed in the ultrasonicated sample (Fig 5-8). The photographs of the optical micro structure are provided in Fig. 5 (Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B respectively).

Hardness Test:

Rockwell hardness of the samples before and after ultrasonication was taken at a load of 150 kg by a diamond cone indentor. Multiple readings were taken to get an average hardness value.

Table-1: Hardness for reference and tested (ultrasonicated sample)

Observation:

[81] It has been observed that the hardness of the samples didn’t change after ultrasonication as compared to the reference sample. This suggests that the ultrasonication does not change the mechanical integrity of the cannon material.

Polarization Test for Corrosion:

[82] For all the corrosion tests, the samples were ground to 1500 grit silicon carbide abrasive paper and rinsed with water and ethanol prior to testing. The electrochemical tests were performed using Parstate 2263 system potentiostate connected to a three-electrode flat bottom cell consisting of the specimen as working electrode, a saturated calomel electrode with saturated calomel (+0.244 V versus SHE) as reference electrode and platinum wire mesh as counter electrode. The test was performed in PYC solution based on the following chemistry- i) Water - 1 litre

ii) Ammonium carbonate - 100 grams

iii) Potassium dichromate - 5 to 10 grams

[83] Also, all the tests were carried out in 3.5 % NaCl at room temperature. The exposed area of the specimen was 1 cm2. Linear polarization test was carried out between electrode potential ranging ± 20 mV versus OCP at a scan rate of 0.166 mV/s. The polarization resistance (RP) can be obtained from the slope of linear polarization curve at i=0, according to ASTM G102-89 as per the following relation;

Rp=(AE/Ai)i=0

[84] Where, DE is the change in over potential and Ai is the change in current density. The tafel plots were obtained with electrode potential of ±0.250 V from Ecorr at a scan rate of 0.166 mV/s. The corrosion rate was obtained with the help of Faraday’s law as per ASTM Gl 02-89;

corrosion rate={K_\iCOrrEW)lp

[85] where is the corrosion current density (pA/cm2), EW is the equivalent weight of the sample, p is the density of the element in g/cm3 and Ki is a constant with value 3.27 x 10-3 mm g/ mA cm yr. Surface appearance of the samples after tafel was observed with the help of SEM. SEM micrographs reveals absence of pits on the surface of both the samples when exposed to the provided solution and also the 3.5 % NaCl solution.

Observation and Result:

[86] Almost similar stable OCP values for both the barrel samples before and after 100 hrs of ultrasonication confirmed that their electrochemical properties didn’t change. (Fig. 6, and Table 2).

Table- 2: Open circuit potential (OCP) and linear polarization resistance (RP) of the reference and tested (ultrasonicated sample) in the provided corrosive solution

Table- 3: Open circuit potential (OCP) and linear polarization resistance (RP) of the reference and tested (ultrasonicated sample) in the provided corrosive solution

[87] Moreover, the polarization resistance, R_p, calculated from the slope of the linear polarization curve, in case of the ultrasonicated surface is slightly higher than that of the reference sample suggesting that the corrosion resistance of the surface of the barrel after ultrasonication for 100 hr is going to be higher than the reference one (Fig. 7, and Table 2). The polarization behavior of the reference sample and the ultrasonicated samples taken from different parts of the cannon after exposed to firing is shown in Fig. 8. The average corrosion current density and corrosion rate of the tested (ultrasonicated sample) have been found to be lower as compared to the reference sample (Table 3). The micro structures of the ultrasonicated and reference samples in the PYC solution for tested samples after polarization (Fig. 9) show no signature of pitting. This is important since pitting is a serious type of corrosion damage and no pitting is an encouraging result of ultrasonication.

[88] Overall, the sample after 100 hr of ultrasonication shows excellent corrosion resistance and no pitting in PYC solution and even in strong electrolyte like NaCl. This demonstrates that the sonication didn’t have any adverse effect on the corrosion resistance/behavior of the firearm barrel. The corrosion properties of the barrel material before and after sonication didn’t change.

B. Tensile Test:

[89] Tensile test was performed on both the reference and ultrasonicated samples on Instron universal tensile testing machine as per ASTM E8 standard. The cross head speed was maintained at 0.48 mm/min in order to attain a strain rate of 4 x 10-4 s-lfor all the tests. The dimension of the specimens is shown below:

Table- 4: Tensile strength

Observation and Results:

[90] The tensile curves of both the samples (ultrasonicated and reference) show little change in the response (Fig. 23). Table 5 also shows that there are hardly any differences in the UTS, YS and % elongation. Therefore, ultrasonication does not change the mechanical properties of the bulk of the barrel. The stress values are also within the ranges as specified in the test procedure. However, surface deformation within a very narrow region (2-3 micron) allows added advantage of higher corrosion resistance.

Result and Conclusion:

[91] Ultrasonication provided effective and quick way to clean firearm barrels. It was inferred that ultrasonication didn’t cause any abrasion to firearm material or changes its mechanical properties/ micro structures with the added advantage of no deterioration to corrosion resistance of the barrel.

[92] The present description is the best presently-contemplated system and method for carrying out the present invention. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles of the present invention may be applied to other embodiments, and some features of the present invention may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest cope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels; the device comprising a submersible ultrasonic probe; and one or more ultrasonic transducers.

2. The ultrasonic device of claim 1 optionally further comprises one or more ultrasonic boosters and/or one or more holders to hold submersible ultrasonic probe in the firearm barrels in proper functioning position.

3. The ultrasonic device of claim 1, wherein the submersible ultrasonic probe is made of either stainless steel or titanium.

4. The ultrasonic device of claim 1, wherein the submersible ultrasonic probe is cylindrical, cuboid, stepped horn shaped, or any combination thereof.

5. The ultrasonic device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic device generates ultrasonic waves in a range of 15 KHz to 40 KHz.

6. The ultrasonic device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic device disclosed herein used to clean firearm barrel from 300 mm to 8,000 mm in length and bore size from 5.5 mm to 155 mm.

7. An ultrasonic device (100) for cleaning firearm barrels; the device (100) comprising a cylindrical submersible ultrasonic probe (110); an ultrasonic transducer (120); and an ultrasonic booster (130).

8. The ultrasonic device of claim 7 further comprising optionally a holder (140).

9. The ultrasonic device of claim 7, wherein the submersible ultrasonic probes (110) is made of either stainless steel or titanium.

10. The ultrasonic device of claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (120) used in the present invention are working on ultrasonic frequency from 15 KHz to 20 KHz.

11. The ultrasonic device of claim 7, wherein dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe (110) is from 300 mm to 600 mm.

12. The ultrasonic device of claim 7, the ultrasonic device (100) disclosed herein is primarily used for cleaning firearm barrels of dimension from 300 mm to 600 mm in length and bore size from 5.5 mm to 7.62 mm including barrels of INSAS, AK-56, AK-47.

13. An ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels (200); the device (200) comprising a stepped horn shaped submersible ultrasonic probe (210); an ultrasonic transducer (220); and an ultrasonic booster (230).

14. The ultrasonic device of claim 13 further comprising optionally a holder (240).

15. The ultrasonic device of claim 13, wherein the ultrasonic probes (210) is made of either stainless steel or titanium.

16. The ultrasonic device of claim 13, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (220) used in the present invention are working on ultrasonic frequency from 15 KHz to 20 KHz.

17. The ultrasonic device of claim 13, the dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe (210) is from 1,200 mm to 2,000 mm.

18. The ultrasonic device of claim 13, the ultrasonic device (200) disclosed herein is primarily used for cleaning firearm barrels of dimension from 1,200 mm to 2,000 mm of length and bore size from 30 mm to 70 mm including barrels of BMP tank.

19. An ultrasonic device for cleaning firearm barrels (300); the ultrasonic device (300) comprising a cuboid shaped submersible ultrasonic probe (310); a plurality of submersible ultrasonic transducer (320¹, 320², ... 320ⁿ); and two or more holders (340¹, 340²).

20. The ultrasonic device of claim 19, wherein the submersible ultrasonic probes (310) is made of either stainless steel or titanium.

21. The ultrasonic device of claim 19, the submersible ultrasonic transducer (320 \ 320², ... 320ⁿ) are working on ultrasonic frequency from 20 KHz to 40 KHz.

22. The ultrasonic device of claim 19, wherein the dimension of the submersible ultrasonic probe (310) is from 3,000 to 8,000 mm.

23. The ultrasonic device of claim 19, wherein the ultrasonic device (200) disclosed herein is primarily used for cleaning firearm barrels of dimension from 3,000 mm to 8,000 mm in length and bore size from 105 mm to 155 mm including LFG/IFG tank barrels.

24. A method of cleaning firearm barrels; the method comprising the steps of: a) exposing the internal surface of the firearm barrel to ultrasonic waves in along with PYC solution; and b) draining the PYC solution.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the firearm barrel is exposed to ultrasonic waves from 15 KHz to 40 KHz.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the internal surface of the firearm barrel is exposed to ultrasonic waves for 2 hr to 4 hr, preferably for 3 hr.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the firearm barrels are in a dimension from 300 mm to 8,000 mm in length and bore size from 5.5 mm to 155 mm.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the firearm barrel is exposed to ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic device as disclosed in claim 1 to 23.