The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 26, 2005
Filed:
Dec. 20, 2002
Alan W. Panek, Andover, MN (US);
John P. Hinsverk, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Alan W. Panek, Andover, MN (US);
John P. Hinsverk, Minneapolis, MN (US);
United Defense, L.P., Arlington, VA (US);
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.