A dispenser for dispensing powder for firearm ammunition and associated methods. The dispenser can include a hopper, a conveyor, a scale, a dispenser controller, and a tangible storage medium storing instructions executable by the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller can execute a powder calibration sequence and/or a dispensing sequence. In the powder calibration sequence and/or the dispensing sequence, the dispenser controller desirably learns the dispense rate of the powder and uses the dispense rate to optimize dispensing of the powder and increase precision in dispensing a target mass of powder. The conveyor can comprise a conveyor tube having a conveyor tube axis oriented to extend at an upward angle with respect to horizontal.

A method for filling a container with a pyrotechnic charge using a filling system, said method including, when the powder is conveyed, a step of regulating the powder flow rate in which at least one powder conveyor device is brought to vibrate according to a vibration frequency control sequence, the vibration frequency being inversely proportional to the filling ratio of the container of the pyrotechnic charge.

A shell reloader device simultaneously performs multiple steps to allow reloading of a plurality of ammunition shells in a reduced time. The shell reloader device includes a press including a fixed section, a linkage, and a handle pivotally coupled to the fixed section. The handle is coupled to the linkage wherein the linkage is moved relative to the fixed section by operation of the handle. A compressor is operationally coupled to the press such that the compressor provides compression to each of a plurality of stations when the handle is operated. Each of the stations holds a respective shell in a position to be acted upon by the compressor for respective associated steps in reloading each shell.

The present invention includes a powder compaction device comprising a loading platform positioned above a lower platform; a compaction rod aperture positioned in the loading platform; a vertical tube positioned in communication with the compaction rod aperture; a compaction rod positioned in the compaction rod aperture and extending through the compaction rod aperture, wherein the compaction rod comprises one or more reliefs having a powder volume; a drive motor in communication with the vertical tube and connected to the compaction rod to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture; a first funnel-shaped device positioned below the loading platform, wherein the first funnel-shaped device comprises a first funnel aperture, wherein the first funnel aperture aligns with the compaction rod aperture to move the compaction rod through the compaction rod aperture and the first funnel aperture; an adaptor platform secured to the lower platform and aligned with the compaction rod aperture; an ammunition cartridge fixture slidably secured in the adaptor platform, wherein the ammunition cartridge fixture comprises a funnel-shaped opening, an interior cartridge shaped void, and a funnel aperture connecting the funnel-shaped opening to the interior cartridge shaped void, wherein the funnel aperture is aligned with the compaction rod aperture and the first funnel aperture to accommodate the compaction movement of the compaction rod; an ammunition cartridge positioned in the ammunition cartridge fixture; a powder reservoir positioned in communication with the first funnel-shaped device to transport powder to the first funnel-shaped device; a compaction controller in communication with the drive motor and one or more sensors to control the direction of the motor to control the direction of movement of the compaction rod and the force applied to the compaction rod to control the compaction of the powder; and a powder metering controller in communication with the gate and one or more second sensors to control the amount of powder delivered and he powder is despised.

An integrated propulsion and warhead system for an artillery round includes a propulsion, such as a solid rocket motor and/or an air-breathing jet engine, and an annular explosive concentrically arranged around at least a portion of the propulsion system. The integrated propulsion and warhead system is included in a propulsion section of the artillery round so that space in an adjacent guidance section is increased and the space allocation for the propulsion system and annular explosive is optimized.

A concealed amalgamated neutralizer device covertly combines neutralizer material of inert materials such as calcium carbonate or silicates with common energetic material for the prevention of malicious use of the energetic material. The concealed amalgamated neutralizer device may vary in shape, size, and color and is therefore adaptable to varying methods of containment. The neutralizer material mimics the energetic material without detection. Upon disassembly of the concealed amalgamated neutralizer device, the neutralizer material is mixed with and neutralizes the energetic material rendering the energetic material useless. A container is provided which has a bottom section having an interior surface including a plurality of integrally formed recesses that are filled with the energetic material which allow manipulation of flash direction and intensity upon detonation.

A method for manufacturing a housing enclosing a pyrotechnic charge and an installation for implementing this method includes inserting a pyrotechnic charge into a charging volume laterally delimited by a rigid cylindrical charging wall and into a lower part by a first element of the housing to be obtained; positioning a second element of the housing to be obtained of cylindrical shape above the inserted pyrotechnic charge and in the extension of the cylindrical charging wall. The second element has a lateral cylindrical wall of the same shape and diameter as the cylindrical charging wall and is able to cooperate with the first element, and jointly translating the second element and the cylindrical charging wall relative to the first element such as to make the second element cooperate with the first element and form the housing enclosing the pyrotechnic charge.

An ammunition reloading system is configured to be operatively coupled with an ammunition reloading press to enable automated operation of the press. The reloading system includes a motor and a power transmission assembly that enables rotational power in a single direction from the motor to drive the ammunition reloading press. A controller is communicatively coupled to the motor and to one or more press position sensors to determine a position of the press within a press stroke cycle and increase or decrease the speed of the motor accordingly.

Herein we describe cartridges, including for shotgun shells, utilizing a particulate obturating medium to provide a gas seal. The obturating medium comprises particles having an average particle size greater than 212 microns, and an average specific gravity greater than 1.1. Such cartridges are particularly useful as shotshell cartridges used as blanks, less lethal loads, hunting loads, target loads, and barrel-cleaning loads. Methods for loading and use are described, as well as different particulate obturating media.

A powder trickler has a housing, a hopper connected to the housing and defining a reservoir, a first dispensing element having a first inlet in communication with the reservoir and a first outlet, a second dispensing element having a second inlet in communication with the reservoir and a second outlet, a receptacle connected to the housing and configured to receive powder from the first outlet and from the second outlet, a scale connected to the receptacle and operable to generate a weight value of powder in the receptacle, a controller connected to the scale to receive a weight value and connected to the first and second dispensing elements and operable to operate the dispensing elements, and the second dispensing element being a vibratory feeder and the first dispensing element having a feeding facility other than a vibratory feeder.