John P Hinsverk

US Patent:

6885332, Apr 26, 2005

Filed:

Dec 20, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/327391

Inventors:

Alan W. Panek - Andover MN, US
John P. Hinsverk - Minneapolis MN, US

Assignee:

United Defense, L.P. - Arlington VA

International Classification:

H01Q017/00

US Classification:

342 1, 342 3, 342 4, 342 53, 89 141

Abstract:

The present invention is a multi-piece barrel shroud which provides IR signature and radar backscatter reduction over the entire length of the barrel by utilization of special radar absorbing materials and shaped in accordance with commonly known radar signature reduction techniques. The interior of the shroud includes cooling passages for the circulation of ambient air by way of a forced air circulation system which provides IR reduction. To facilitate barrel movement while minimizing weight, the majority of the shroud is stationary and is independent of the gun barrel. At least one other piece of the shroud is attached to the barrel near the muzzle end and designed to move in unison with the muzzle during recoil. The recoiling portion of the shroud is sized to mate with an annular recess within the distal end of the stationary portion so as to provide continuous shielding of the barrel throughout the entire range of recoil displacement.

US Patent:

20040083881, May 6, 2004

Filed:

Oct 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/285307

Inventors:

Alan Panek - Andover MN, US
John Hinsverk - Fridley MN, US
Lowell Larson - Andover MN, US

International Classification:

F41A009/00

US Classification:

089/046000

Abstract:

A multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. In a preferred embodiment, the system generally includes a cradle having a rotor with a plurality of cells formed therein. The cradle may be disposed in a charging position and a loading position. When in the charging position, each of the cells is controllably, selectively alignable, by means of the rotor, with an ammunition hoist to receive an ammunition component in each cell. When the cradle is pivoted into the loading position, the rotor may be positioned so that each of the cells is alignable with the barrel of the weapon so that the ammunition component may be loaded into the weapon and fired. The multiple cell ammunition cradle system of the present invention is suitable for handling any type of ammunition for any type of weapon, including separate, semi-fixed, or fixed ammunition, and may also be used to handle torpedoes, as well as rocket propelled and precision guided munitions. It is anticipated that the multiple cell ammunition cradle system may allow firing rates of ten rounds per minute and more.