Abstract
A recoil controller is disclosed whose body 1 incorporates a strategically designed inner surface or surfaces 2. A moving countermass 6 impacts one or more times against one or more inner surfaces 2. During this process momentum is transferred from the countermass 6, to the inner surfaces 2, and then to the body 1 of the recoil controller, and then to anything to which it is attached or against which it is braced. The distributions, over time, of the momenta resulting from this transfer of momentum will depend on various factors including the composition, geometry and placement of the inner surfaces 2. A given recoil controller is designed such that the distributions, over time, of the momenta resulting from its use, are preferable to the distributions, over time, of the original momenta. The countermass 6 shown in FIG. 1 is the countermass 6 shown after one impact.
Claims
1. A recoil control device comprising: a body having a cavity that is positioned to receive a countermass upon launching of a projectile, said countermass traveling in a predetermined direction relative to said projectile, said cavity defined by an inner surface having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of said inner surface being at a first angle that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to said predetermined direction, whereby said countermass strikes said inner surface more than once and at different times so that a resulting rate of recoil transfer from the countermass to the body is not immediate but occurs over a period of time.
2. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein the first portion of said inner surface angles inwardly toward said predetermined path from a position more proximal to a location where said countermass enters said cavity toward a position more remote from the location where said countermass enters said cavity whereby said countermass impacts said first portion of the inner surface after entering said cavity.
3. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein said body is attached to a projectile casing.
4. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein said body is attached to a projectile.
5. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein said body is attached to a projectile launcher.
6. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein said body has at least one opening that allows material and expanding gases to exit said cavity.
7. The recoil control device according to claim 1 further comprising a membrane within said cavity through which said countermass passes to transfer momentum from said countermass to said body.
8. The recoil control device according to claim 6 further comprising a baffle adjacent to said opening for deflecting matter exiting said opening away from a user.
9. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein either of said countermass and the inner surface of said body is subjected to a magnetic field for causing said inner surface and said countermass to magnetically interact.
10. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein either of said countermass and the inner surface of said body is subjected to an electrical charge for causing said inner surface and said countermass to interact.
11. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein either of said countermass and the inner surface of said body includes an adhesive for causing said countermass to adhere to said inner surface.
12. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein the inner surface further includes at least one recess for capturing said countermass.
13. The recoil control device according to claim 1 further comprising a viscous material positioned on said inner surface.
14. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein the first portion of the inner surface is movable.
15. The recoil control device according to claim 14 wherein the first portion is movable by a biasing mechanism.
16. The recoil control device according to claim 14 wherein the first portion is manually movable.
17. The recoil control device according to claim 14 wherein the first portion is automatically movable by an auxiliary device.
18. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein said countermass is a gas.
19. The recoil control device according to claim 1 wherein said countermass is a shock wave traveling through a medium.
20. The control device according to claim 1 further comprising a lining on the inner surface of said body.
21. The control device according to claim 20 wherein said lining has discrete physical characteristics relative to the inner surface of said body.
22. The control device according to claim 6 further comprising a vessel attachable to said body adjacent to said opening for receiving material ejected therefrom.
23. The control device according to claim 1 wherein said projectile is launched from a projectile launcher.
24. A recoil control device comprising: a body having a cavity that is positioned to receive a countermass upon launching of a projectile, said countermass traveling in a predetermined direction relative to said projectile, said cavity defined by an inner surface having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of said inner surface having either of an adhesive and a viscous material positioned thereon for capturing said countermass.
25. A method of controlling recoil comprising the steps of: positioning a body cavity to receive a countermass upon launching of a projectile, wherein said countermass travels in a predetermined direction relative to said projectile; configuring the cavity to include an inner surface having a first portion and a second portion; positioning the first portion of the inner surface at a first angle that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to said predetermined direction, whereby said countermass strikes said inner surface more than once and at different times so that a resulting rate of recoil transfer from the countermass to the body is not immediate but occurs over a period of time.
26. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of attaching the body to a projectile casing.
27. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of attaching said body to the projectile.
28. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of attaching said body to a projectile launcher.
29. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of forming at least one opening on said body to allow material and expanding gases to exit said cavity.
30. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of positioning a membrane within said cavity through which said countermass passes to transfer momentum from said countermass to said body.
31. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of positioning a baffle adjacent to said opening for deflecting matter exiting said opening away from a user.
32. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of subjecting either of said countermass and the inner surface of said body to a magnetic field for causing said inner surface and said countermass to magnetically interact.
33. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of subjecting either of said countermass and the inner surface of said body to an electrical charge for causing said inner surface and said countermass to interact.
34. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of placing an adhesive on either of said countermass and the inner surface of said body for causing said countermass to adhere to said inner surface.
35. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of forming a recess on the inner surface for capturing said countermass.
36. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of positioning a viscous material on said inner surface.
37. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of making the first portion of the inner surface movable.
38. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of moving the first portion with a biasing mechanism.
39. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of manually moving the first portion.
40. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of automatically moving the first portion with an auxiliary device.
41. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 wherein said countermass is a gas.
42. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 wherein said countermass is a shock wave traveling through a medium.
43. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of placing a lining on the inner surface of said body.
44. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of placing a lining having discrete physical characteristics on the inner surface of said body.
45. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 29 further comprising the steps of attaching a vessel to said body adjacent to said opening for receiving material ejected therefrom.
46. The method of controlling recoil according to claim 22 further comprising the steps of launching said projectile from a projectile launcher.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
(3) FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of several embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention showing several alternate geometries;
(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of several embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention showing several alternate geometries;
(5) FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of two embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention showing two alternate geometries;
(6) FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate geometry;
(7) FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of two embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention showing two alternate geometries;
(8) FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view of two embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention showing two alternate configurations;
(9) FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention containing a membrane;
(10) FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention configured as a separate unit attached to the barrel of a projectile launcher;
(11) FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention configured as an integral part of the barrel of a projectile launcher;
(12) FIG. 11 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention configured as a separate unit attached to the case of a projectile to be fired by a projectile launcher;
(13) FIG. 12 is a partial cutaway view of three embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention showing three alternate configurations;
(14) FIG. 13 is a partial cutaway view of two embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention showing two alternate configurations;
(15) FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate configuration;
(16) FIG. 15 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate configuration;
(17) FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate configuration;
(18) FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate configuration;
(19) FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention configured as a separate unit attached to the case of a projectile to be fired by a projectile launcher;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(20) FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the recoil controller is shown just after the countermass 6 has entered the body 1. The countermass 6 enters the body 1 at the open end 3 and continues to move through the cavity 5 towards the closed end 4. Eventually the countermass 6 will impact against the inner surfaces 2 of the body 1 at the point of impact 7 imparting some or all of its momentum to the body 1. The amount and direction of the momentum imparted by the mechanism described in this and other embodiments will depend on one or more members of a set of factors, a subset of which consists of the following: 1. the composition of the inner surfaces 2 of the body 1; 2. the geometry of the inner surfaces 2 of the body 1; 3. the composition of the body 1 in whole or in part; 4. the geometry of the body 1 in whole or in part; 5. variations in the mass, charge, temperature, magnetic field strength and/or other properties of the body 1 in whole or in part; 6. the configuration of the body 1 in relation to its application. Three examples of the many configurations possible are that: a) the body 1 may be a separate unit connected to another mechanism (such as the barrel of projectile launcher) as shown in FIG. 9, or b) the body 1 may be an integral part of another mechanism (such as the barrel of a projectile launcher) as shown in FIG. 10, or c) the body 1 may be connected to or integral to one mechanism (such as a projectile) that is used in association with another mechanism (such as a projectile launcher) as shown in FIG. 11. Configurations may differ from each other in ways other than the nature of the connection between the body 1 and another mechanism; 7. the values of parameters describing properties of the countermass 6; and 8. the values of parameters describing properties of the movement of the countermass 6.
(21) The countermass 6 shown in FIG. 1 is the countermass 6 at a point in time after its initial impact at 7 against the inner surfaces 2 of the body 1. The two arrows 8, 9 labeled upward momentum and rearward momentum represent the upward and rearward components, respectively, of the momentum transferred from the countermass 6 to the body 1 at the point of impact 7. Successive impacts between the countermass 6 and the inner surfaces 2 of the body 1 transfer additional momentum between the countermass 6 and the body 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 functions in such a fashion that the net transfer of momentum is from the countermass 6 to the body 1. However, as with all embodiments, there are circumstances under which it may be the case that the net transfer of momentum is in the opposite direction. The body 1 and its inner surfaces 2 are designed so that the distribution, over time, of the momenta resulting from the transfer of momentum between the countermass 6 and the body 1, are preferable to those of the unaltered momenta.
(22) The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises a cylinder with a bore starting at one end and continuing almost all of the way to the other. The radius of the bore may or may not be constant along its entire length. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the bore is of constant radius along approximately the first half of its length, and of linearly decreasing radius along the remainder of its length. The cylinder of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can have a circular cross section. However, as with all embodiments, it can have different cross sections, such as oval, triangular, rectangular, etc., and different sizes and materials, such as high-carbon steel, titanium, polycarbonate, etc., and the shape, size and material and other properties can differ at different points throughout the device. The bore of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can have a circular cross section. However, as with all embodiments, it can have different cross sections, such as oval, triangular, rectangular, etc., and different sizes, both of which can differ throughout the device.
(23) For reasons of convenience the countermass 6 shown in FIG. 1 is contemplated as consisting of two pieces of a larger countermass comprised of many small pieces of matter, such as the shot typically comprising the contents of a shotgun shell. In practice, any embodiment of the recoil controller may be configured to work with countermasses of any of a large variety of compositions and properties, including but not limited to countermasses that are: 1. composed of one or more pieces; 2. possessed of various values for a list of properties including but not limited to mass, volume, shape, temperature, charge and magnetic field strength; 3. composed of any element, or combination of elements, in any form, including but not limited to atomic and molecular; 4. composed of some combination of one or more phases of matter including, but not limited to: a) the so-called classical phases of matter: solid, liquid, and gas; b) unusual varieties of one or more of the classical phases, including but not limited to non-Newtonian fluids; and c) non-classical phases of matter, including but not limited to plasmas, glasses, plastic crystals, liquid crystals, and superfluids. 5. composed of a shock-wave or pressure-wave comprised of compressed, or rarefied, or mixed compressed and rarefied regions of any phase or phases of matter.
(24) Or varying in one or more of a number of other aspects including, but not limited to: physical, chemical, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and/or isotopic.
(25) Also for reasons of convenience, the cavity 5 shown in FIG. 1 is contemplated as containing an environment consisting essentially of air. In practice, any embodiment of the recoil controller may be configured to work with cavities containing a number of other environments, including but not limited to: 1. vacuum; 2. an environment composed of some combination of one or more phases of matter including, but not limited to: a) the so-called classical phases of matter: solid, liquid, and gas; b) unusual varieties of one or more of the classical phases, including but not limited to non-Newtonian fluids; and c) non-classical phases of matter, including but not limited to plasmas, glasses, plastic crystals, liquid crystals, and superfluids.
Among the advantages of this approach are: 1. Simplicity: The recoil controller as described can be embodied in the form of a single piece of shaped material. This is a substantially simpler device than any of the existing countermass-based devices for recoil control. 2. Economy: A single piece of shaped material is likely to be significantly cheaper to manufacture than a more complex device such as some of those discussed in the Prior Art section of this application. 3. Weight: Depending on the choice of material, a recoil controller of the type disclosed in this application could be constructed in a very lightweight form. 4. Robustness: A single piece of shaped material will be more robust than a more complicated device. For example, a recoil controller consisting of a single piece of material with no moving parts can be expected to be largely unaffected by such issues as the presence of small amounts of wear and/or dirt. 5. Durability: A recoil controller consisting of a single piece of shaped material can be expected to be more durable than, for example, a recoil controller containing a piston, multiple seals, springs, etc. 6. Maintenance: A recoil controller consisting of a single piece of shaped material can be expected to be easier to maintain than many of the existing countermass-based mechanisms for recoil control. For example, it is reasonable to expect that what cleaning is necessary would consist of little more than submerging the recoil controller in a cleaning solution for a short period of time.
(26) Many of the advantages of the recoil controller disclosed in this patent application are a consequence of the fact that in many embodiments the primary mode of transfer of momentum between the countermass and the recoil controller is via successive impacts between the countermass and the surfaces designed into the recoil controller. Additional benefit may be gained from the existence of friction and/or other contact forces between the countermass and the recoil controller. Various advantages of one or more aspects of the recoil controller will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing descriptions and accompanying drawings.
(27) FIG. 2 shows cutaway views of additional embodiments of the recoil controller with differing geometries of the inner surface or surfaces. The figures are not drawn to scale. Differing geometries will have differing effects on the distribution, over time, of the momenta resulting from the transfer of momentum between the countermass and the inner surfaces of the body 1.
(28) The embodiments of FIG. 2 should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the geometries with which the inner surfaces of the recoil controller can be configured, but rather as exemplifications of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller whose inner surfaces exhibit any geometry, no matter how regular or irregular, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller.
(29) FIG. 3 shows cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of the recoil controller with differing geometries of the inner and outer surface or surfaces. The figures are not drawn to scale. Differing geometries will have differing effects on the distribution, over time, of the momenta resulting from the transfer of momentum between the countermass and the inner surfaces of the body 1.
(30) The embodiments of FIG. 3 should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the geometries with which the inner and outer surfaces of the recoil controller can be configured, but rather as exemplifications of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller whose inner and outer surfaces exhibit any geometry, no matter how regular or irregular, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller.
(31) FIG. 4 shows two embodiments of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that the geometry of the inner surfaces is different (as in FIG. 2), and the closed end of the body 1 shown in FIG. 1 is partially open. Also shown is a protective baffle 19 to prevent the user from coming into contact with dangerous parts of the device or nearby spaces during operation. The figures are not drawn to scale. The embodiments of FIG. 4 should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the open-ended or baffle-comprising geometries with which the recoil controller can be configured, but rather as exemplifications of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller exhibiting any partially or completely open-ended geometry, no matter how regular or irregular, or any baffle-comprising configuration, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller.
(32) The embodiments shown in FIG. 4 operate in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the differences in geometry, the presence of the additional opening or openings 10, and the presence of the baffles 19.
(33) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 has an opening 10 along its length. The figure is not drawn to scale. Acceptable variations include embodiments that are similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5 except that there may be one or more openings that may differ in shape, size, position or other properties from each other and/or from the shape, size, position or other properties shown in FIG. 5.
(34) The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the differences in geometry and the presence of the opening or openings.
(35) FIG. 6 shows two embodiments of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that the geometry of the inner surfaces is different (as in FIG. 2), and the bodies of the recoil controllers in FIG. 6 contain channels 11 through which the countermass, or other substances such as expanding gasses, can be directed before exiting the recoil controller, possibly after a change in direction. The figures are not drawn to scale.
(36) The embodiments of FIG. 6 should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the channel-containing geometries with which the recoil controller can be configured, but rather as exemplifications of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller and its inner surfaces containing any combination of geometries, no matter how regular or irregular, and channels 11, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller. Acceptable variations include embodiments that are similar to the embodiments of FIG. 6 except that the channels 11 may redirect the countermass, or other substances, back into another part of the recoil controller, or into another device, rather than allowing it to exit the recoil controller into the environment.
(37) The embodiments shown in FIG. 6 operate in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the differences in geometry and the presence of the channels 11.
(38) FIG. 7 shows two embodiments of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 have an internal lining 12. The figures are not drawn to scale. The internal lining 12 may be included for any one of a number of purposes including, but not limited to, preventing wear on the inner surfaces of the recoil controller, changing the composition or other properties of the inner surfaces of the recoil controller, or changing the geometry of the inner surfaces of the recoil controller.
(39) The embodiments shown in FIG. 7 operate in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(40) FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that the internal geometry includes a membrane 13. The figure is not drawn to scale. The membrane 13 is a surface through which the countermass is intended and/or expected to pass, leaving a new opening in the membrane 13 in its wake, and/or altering, damaging, or destroying the membrane 13, in whole or in part, during its passage. During its passage through the membrane 13 some or all of its momentum may be transferred to the membrane 13 or to other inner surfaces or to the body of the recoil controller via the membrane 13, which may itself be designed so as to affect the transfer of momentum, as described elsewhere in this application. That is, the geometry, composition, position, and various other properties of the membrane 13 may be integral to the effect that its use has on the momenta of the countermass, the body 1 of the recoil controller, and its various members. Acceptable variations include embodiments that are similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8 except that there may be more than one membrane present, possibly with differences in various properties, including but not limited to shape, position, orientation, and composition.
(41) The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the effect of the inclusion of a membrane 13.
(42) FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that it is attached to the barrel 14 of a projectile launcher. The figure is not drawn to scale. The ammunition shown in the projectile launcher is assumed to be similar in function to the double-sided bullet presented in U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,896 in that when the bullet 16 is ejected from the front end of the case 15 a countermass (not shown) is ejected from the rear end of the case 15, from where it proceeds into the body 1 of the recoil controller. For purposes of simplification, an opening to allow for the escape of expanding gasses is not shown.
(43) The embodiment of FIG. 9 should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the configurations by which the recoil controller can be incorporated, by attachment, into a system comprising a recoil controller and a projectile launcher, but rather as an exemplification of a single embodiment thereof. Many other configurations are possible. I presently contemplate that any system whose configuration comprises a recoil controller and a projectile launcher such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of such a system. Acceptable variations include, but are not limited to, those in which a recoil controller is attached to a projectile launcher by means of screw threading, glue, or friction; differences in the number, position and/or orientation of the recoil controllers; or the interposition of spacers, washers, or springs between the projectile launcher and the recoil controller.
(44) The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for its attachment to the barrel of a projectile launcher.
(45) FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that it is an integral part of the barrel 14 of a projectile launcher. The figure is not drawn to scale. The ammunition shown in the projectile launcher is assumed to be similar in function to the double-sided bullet presented in U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,896 in that when the bullet 16 is ejected from the front end of the case 15 a countermass (not shown) is ejected from the rear end of the case 15, from where it proceeds into the body 1 of the recoil controller. For purposes of simplification, an opening to allow for the escape of expanding gasses is not shown.
(46) The embodiment of FIG. 10 should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the configurations by which the recoil controller can be incorporated, by integration, into a system comprising a recoil controller and a projectile launcher, but rather as an exemplification of a single embodiment thereof. Many other configurations are possible. I presently contemplate that any system whose configuration comprises an integrated recoil controller and a projectile launcher, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of such a system. Acceptable variations include, but are not limited to, differences in the number, position and/or orientation of the recoil controllers.
(47) The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for its integration into the barrel of a projectile launcher.
(48) FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that it is attached to one end of the case of a projectile to be launched by a projectile launcher. The figure is not drawn to scale. The projectile shown in FIG. 11 is similar in function to the double-sided bullet presented in U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,896 in that when the bullet 16 is ejected from the front end of the case 15 the countermass 6 is ejected from the rear end of the case 15, from where it proceeds into the body 1 of the recoil controller. An opening 10 for the escape of expanding gasses is shown. For purposes of simplification the firing mechanism for the projectile is not shown, however a representative firing mechanism for a double-sided bullet may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,896. It should be noted that while both the bullet and the body of the recoil controller are connected to the case via friction, in this embodiment only the bullet is meant to detach from the case during the course of normal use.
(49) The embodiment of FIG. 11 should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the configurations by which the recoil controller can be incorporated into a system comprising a recoil controller and a projectile, but rather as an exemplification of a single embodiment thereof. Many other configurations are possible. I presently contemplate that any system whose configuration comprises a recoil controller and a projectile, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of such a system. Acceptable variations include, but are not limited to, attachment of the recoil controller to the projectile via screw threading, glue, or friction; differences in the number, position and/or orientation of the recoil controllers; the interposition of spacers, washers, or springs between the projectile and the recoil controller; the integration of the recoil controller directly into the case of the projectile; or the attachment or integration of the recoil controller into another device, other than a projectile, included as part of the system.
(50) The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for its attachment to the case of a projectile.
(51) FIG. 12 shows three embodiments of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that each of the three embodiments comprises at least one inner surface that comprises one of the following three alternatives: 1. either a magnetic field or an electrical charge 2. adhesive 21 3. recesses 20
onto which the countermass can become attached, or into which the countermass can become lodged, during the course of normal operations. The figures are not drawn to scale. The embodiments of FIG. 12 should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the countermass-capturing configurations with which the inner surfaces of the recoil controller can be configured, but rather as exemplifications of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller and its inner surfaces exhibiting any configuration that allows for capture of the countermass, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller.
(52) The embodiments shown in FIG. 12 operate in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the differences in the configuration of the inner surfaces.
(53) FIG. 13 shows two embodiments of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that each of the two embodiments comprises at least one inner surface 2 that is mounted upon a movable mount 22. For reasons of simplification the mechanism by which the inner surfaces 2 of the two embodiments are attached to the movable mounts 22 are not shown, but one mechanism by which this might be achieved is glue. The movable mount in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is movable by means of turning a handle 23 whose rotation moves the inner surface 2 by means of screw threading built into the movable mount 22. Turning the handle repeatedly would eventually move the movably mounted surface 2 to the point where it could be removed from the recoil controller and replaced with a different, similarly mounted surface. Connecting this mechanism to a device for turning the handle 23 automatically would allow for the possibility of adjusting the position of the inner surface 2 automatically by means of another device. The movable mount 22 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is movable by means of a spring 27 built into the movable mount 22 and could be expected to move unassisted during the course of normal operation. The figures are not drawn to scale. The embodiments of FIG. 13 should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the configurations with manually or automatically adjustable movable surfaces, or surfaces that move during the course of normal operations, with which the recoil controller can be configured, but rather as exemplifications of two embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller exhibiting any configuration that allows for movable or replaceable surfaces, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller.
(54) The embodiments shown in FIG. 13 operate in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the differences in the configuration of the inner surfaces.
(55) FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that it comprises a double-sided shell casing 15 and a small opening 10 to allow for the escape of excess gas pressure. In this embodiment the countermass is comprised essentially of the atoms or molecules of one or more gasses (possibly air) within and directly around the case 15. Other substances, including but not limited to gun powder residue and the remnants of a diaphragm that was part of the case 15, may also be present. The movement of the countermass manifests as a shock-wave (sometimes called a pressure-wave) 24 travelling through the gas inside of the recoil controller. The movement of the countermass may also be described as areas of compression or rarefaction of a medium that move through the medium. The force of the shock-wave 24 is recaptured when it impacts against the inner surfaces 2 of the recoil controller. The figure is not drawn to scale. The embodiment of FIG. 14 should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the configurations which cause the movement of the countermass to manifest as shock-waves, but rather as an exemplification of one embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible including, but not limited to:
(56) 1. countermasses simultaneously comprising multiple, heterogeneous substances such as atoms or molecules of a gas or gasses, and larger masses such as those comprising the shot present in a typical shotgun shell;
(57) 2. shock waves travelling through types of media other than gasses.
(58) I presently contemplate that a recoil controller exhibiting any configuration such that shock-waves are used to carry some or all of the force that is being used to control recoil, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller.
(59) The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the differences in the configuration of the countermass as a collection of atoms or molecules of one or more gasses comprising a shock-wave.
(60) FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that it comprises a small opening 10 to allow for material to exit the body 1 of the recoil controller after use, and a vessel 25 for capturing said material as it exits, shown here attached to the body 1 of the recoil controller via screw threading.
(61) The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the presence of the opening 10, that allows for material to exit, and the vessel 25 which allows for exiting material to be captured.
(62) FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that the process of recapturing the force carried by the countermass is enhanced by means of another property of its inner surfaces: stickiness. The rearward surface is coated with an adhesive that causes the countermass to be temporarily or permanently captured upon contact. The figure is not drawn to scale. The embodiment of FIG. 16 should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the configurations which allow the recoil controller to function by means of properties of the inner surfaces other than their geometry. Many other variations are possible. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller exhibiting any configuration such that properties of the inner surfaces other than their geometry are instrumental in the recapturing of at least some of the force that is being used to control recoil, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller.
(63) The embodiment shown in FIG. 16 operates in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the presence of inner surfaces configured such that properties other than their geometry play a significant role in its operation.
(64) FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the recoil controller similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that the geometry of the inner surface 2 is different, and the inner surface 2 is composed of a viscous mass 28 into which the countermass 6 can become lodged. Momentum is transferred to the recoil controller through the viscous mass 28 as the countermass 6 decelerates while traveling through the viscous mass 28. Further momentum may be transferred to the recoil controller if or when the countermass 6 impacts against another member of which the recoil controller is comprised. FIG. 17 shows the embodiment of the recoil controller both before and after use.
(65) The embodiment of FIG. 17 should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the configurations by which the recoil controller can comprise an inner surface into which the countermass can become lodged. The term viscous is intended to be interpreted relative to the environment (most likely air) through which the countermass travels as it passes through the cavity of the recoil controller. In this context, even a mass composed of such low-viscosity substances as Styrofoam may be referred to as a viscous mass. Many other configurations are possible including, but not limited to, configurations comprising a viscous mass that is not homogenous, configurations comprising a viscous mass in which the countermass only remains lodged temporarily, and configurations comprising any mass of high, medium or low viscosity into which the countermass can become lodged, such as resins, waxes, gums, or even such low-viscosity substances as Styrofoam. I presently contemplate that a recoil controller exhibiting any configuration that comprises at least one surface into which the countermass can become temporarily or permanently lodged, such that the post-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process are different from the pre-transfer distributions over time of the momenta of the members involved in the process, comprises an embodiment of the recoil controller. FIG. 18 shows the same technology, with the addition of an opening 10 for the escape of expanding gasses, connected directly to a projectile to be launched by a projectile launcher. It should be noted that while both the bullet and the body of the recoil controller of FIG. 18 are connected to the case via friction, in this embodiment only the bullet is meant to detach from the case during the course of normal use.
(66) The embodiments shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 operate in essentially the same fashion as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the presence of a surface into which the countermass can become lodged and an opening for the escape of expanding gasses.
(67) The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:
(68) TABLE-US-00001 PARTS LIST: PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION 1 body 2 inner surface 3 open end 4 closed end 5 cavity 6 countermass 7 point of impact 8 arrow 9 arrow 10 opening 11 channel 12 lining 13 membrane 14 barrel 15 case 16 bullet 17 diaphragm 18 powder 19 baffle 20 recess 21 adhesive 22 movable mount 23 handle 24 shock-wave 25 vessel 26 cap 27 spring 28 viscous mass
The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
