Recoilless Gas Block System

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 63/502,055 titled “Improved Gas Piston System” filed on May 12, 2023 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of firearms. More specifically, the present invention relates to an advanced gas piston operating system and gas block assembly of the Armalite Rifle (AR) and Armalite Rifle variants.

2. Description of the Related Art

The Armalite Rifle (AR) system is a gas-operated autoloading system which has been in existence since the mid to late 1950s. Employing a gas operated bolt and carrier system as invented by Eugene Stoner in U.S. Pat. No. 2,951,424, the direct impingement mechanism was designed to be light and inexpensive to manufacture because of its simplicity. Over its evolving lifetime, it has become one of the most recognizable firearm operating systems in the world employed by militaries, police forces and civilians alike. As such, numerous variants have been developed such as the AR-10, the AR-15, the CAR-15, the M16, and the M4 Carbine.

In such direct gas impingement systems, when the rifle or firearm is fired, a portion of the expanding propellant gas is diverted rearward through a hole in the barrel through a tube and into a key located in the bolt carrier assembly. The pressure of this gas drives the bolt carrier rearward which allows for the extraction and ejection of a spent round casing as well as the rotation and unlocking of the bolt. The bolt is then driven forward by a buffer and spring assembly where another round is fed and chambered. The preferred ammunition used by such variants is the .223 Remington, or the nearly identical 5.56×45 mm NATO. However, other calibers used include, but are not limited to, the .220 Swift, .22-250 Remington, .300 AAC Blackout, .300 Whisper, .308 NATO, 6 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 mm Grendel, 6.8 mm Remington SPC, 5.7×28 mm, 7.62×39 mm, .458 SOCOM, .50 Beowulf, and .50 BMG.

The direct impingement system, however, is known to have numerous disadvantages associated with it. It is well known in the art that the Armalite Rifle system is prone to fouling and jamming due to combustion byproducts coming in contact with the bolt carrier and receiver. Moreover, recoil and muzzle rise with the use of higher caliber ammunition such as .308 NATO require the user of such variants to employ heavier and larger-scaled components to accommodate the extra energy produced. Finally, multiple-round bursts or fully automatic fire prevent the user of such firearms from maintaining constant aim on a particular target.

As a result of the aforementioned limitations in the original direct impingement system, numerous retrofit gas piston systems have been developed for the Armalite Rifle and its variants. In contrast to direct impingement, a gas piston system uses propellant gases from a fired cartridge to actuate a piston, which drives a piston and piston rod assembly rearward, which drives the bolt carrier rearward which allows for the extraction and ejection of a spent round as well as the rotation and unlocking of the bolt. The gas piston system uses the existing gas port location and gas port diameter already in place on the original direct impingement AR platform. Such retrofit systems are able to work with existing gas port sizes and locations common to the AR system. The use of a gas piston system does not foul up the chamber/bolt carrier group, as the gases are expelled at or near the gas block. This makes the gas piston system a cleaner system which prevents malfunctions caused by fouling from the gases.

One such gas piston system is the Adams Arms Gas Piston System. The Adams Arms system uses the gases from fired round to operate a piston and rod which strikes a carrier bolt body for the operation of the Armalite Rifle and variants. However, the function of reducing recoil is not the primary concern of the Adams Arms Piston System. The Adams Arms Gas Piston does not relieve the gases from an expended shell casing to the front of the barrel to reduce both recoil and muzzle rise. Moreover, current gas piston systems such as the Adams Arms system fail to mitigate the increased recoil from the use of higher caliber, and higher charge weight, ammunition.

Despite numerous advances and retrofit systems available, though, there still exists a need to reduce or eliminate recoil in the Armalite Rifle system. There also exists the need for an operating system which is less prone to fouling from combustion by-products. Furthermore, there still exists a need for the elimination of muzzle rise in the Armalite Rifle system.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved gas block and gas piston system for AR rifle and AR rifle variants having a gas entry port communicable with a gas port from the barrel of an AR rifle, a chamber configured to accommodate a piston that is driven rearward when the said gases from a fired round enter the said chamber; and at least one port wherein a portion of the spent gases from a fired round exit from the chamber configured to accommodate a piston. The at least one port at least one port wherein a portion of the spent gases from a fired round exit from the chamber configured to accommodate a piston can be configured such that gases escape forward, upward, laterally, or at other angles. The improved gas block assembly will significantly reduce or eliminate recoil and mitigate muzzle rise. Such a gas block can be configured with a gas piston assembly or as part of an autoloading rifle.

An object of the invention is to utilize the gases from a spent cartridge and channel a portion of those gases forward through an aperture in the gas block and into a chamber which drives a piston and piston rod rearward and allows for the escape of gases through an aperture in the front of the gas block. The piston rod driven rearward strikes an anvil attached to a modified bolt carrier assembly, which drives the bolt carrier assembly rearward, unlocking the bolt from the chamber of the barrel of the rifle. The gases traveling forward from the gas block will reduce recoil and the rise of the muzzle during firing for the Armalite rifle.

Another object of the invention is to utilize the gases from a spent cartridge and channel a portion of those gases upward through an aperture in the gas block and into a chamber which drives a piston and piston rod rearward and allows for the escape of gases through an aperture in the top of the gas block. The piston rod driven rearward strikes an anvil attached to a modified bolt carrier assembly, which drives the bolt carrier assembly rearward, unlocking the bolt from the chamber of the barrel of the rifle. The gases traveling upward from the gas block will reduce recoil and the rise of the muzzle during firing for the Armalite rifle.

A further object of the invention is to utilize the gases from a spent cartridge and channel a portion of those gases upward through an aperture in the gas block and into a chamber which drives a piston and piston rod rearward and allows for the escape of gases through one or more apertures on the sides of the gas block. The piston rod driven rearward strikes an anvil attached to a modified bolt carrier assembly, which drives the bolt carrier assembly rearward, unlocking the bolt from the chamber of the barrel of the rifle. The gases traveling upward from the gas block will reduce recoil and the rise of the muzzle during firing for the Armalite rifle.

When a round is fired from an Armalite Rifle or Armalite Rifle variant employing the recoilless gas piston system, a bullet is propelled forward towards and through the rifle's barrel. In its travel, the bullet will pass a gas port in the barrel. A portion of the combustion gases which propel the bullet will travel upward from the barrel through a port in the gas block. The port in the gas block has a secondary port or forward port that is angled at ninety degrees from the port which connects the barrel and the gas block. The gases will travel forward along the secondary port and drive a piston rearward towards the breech end, or in the opposite direction of a travelling bullet, of the rifle. An opening is created at the front of the gas block which allows the gases to escape.

In the recoilless gas block system, a piston is attached to a piston rod which strikes an anvil on the bolt carrier group. When a round is fired, a bullet will pass a gas port in the barrel. A portion of the combustion gases which propel the bullet will travel upward from the barrel through a port in the gas block portion into a specially designed chamber which accommodates a piston which is driven rearward by a portion of the combustion gases. A piston rod attached to the piston moves rearward and compresses a piston spring. The piston spring presses against at least one spring seat which rests against an anvil located on the bolt carrier group of the upper receiver. When the piston rod is pushed rearward, the bolt carrier group is pushed rearward and allows the bolt to rotate and unlock from the chamber of the barrel. The bolt carrier compresses a buffer and buffer spring. The round is ejected from the chamber.

When a round is ejected, the spring on the recoilless gas system decompresses, which then drives the piston rod and attached piston forward. The piston stops upon returning to the chamber in the gas block. The buffer spring decompresses and moves the buffer forward. The buffer moves the bolt body and bolt forward. The bolt pushes on another round from a magazine into the chamber. The bolt carrier assembly continues to move forward until it locks the bolt against the round in the chamber.

Taken as a whole, the recoilless gas block system can be used to create custom AR rifle variants. As an autoloading rifle platform, the invention includes a barrel having a gas port formed through the wall of the barrel, a recoilless gas block assembly, a gas piston assembly, an upper receiver assembly, a lower receiver assembly, a magazine, and a bolt carrier assembly having an anvil which is struck by the gas piston assembly.

The recoilless gas block system can be readily implemented to configure with virtually every Armalite Rifle (AR) or Armalite Rifle (AR) variant currently on the market. It can be sold as an aftermarket product or can be integrated into custom built rifles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention directed by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a barrel, gas block assembly, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a barrel, gas block, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gas block assembly and gas piston assembly of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a barrel, gas block assembly, and gas piston assembly of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a barrel, gas block assembly, and gas piston assembly of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a barrel, gas block, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gas block assembly and gas piston assembly of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a gas block assembly and gas piston assembly of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of a barrel, gas block, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a gas block assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of a gas block assembly and gas piston in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a gas block of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a gas block assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective sectional view of a gas block assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block system employing a rack and pinion mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block system employing a lever mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block system employing a Scotch yoke mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 15D is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block assembly employing a cam mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes all equivalents known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described. But any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein should also be understood to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

References to “one embodiment,” “one variant,” “an embodiment,” “a variant,” “various embodiments,” “numerous variants,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include particular features, structures, or characteristics. However, not every embodiment or variant necessarily includes the particular features, structures, or characteristics. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” or “a variant,” or “another variant,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment although they may. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments and/or variants of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation of such an advanced gas piston system. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art.

The exemplary recoilless gas block system will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The recoilless gas block system includes, but is not limited to, a lever assembly, a rack and pinion assembly, and a Scotch yoke assembly. Persons having skill in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms for configuring a gas block assembly to drive a piston rearward to move a bolt carrier assembly while expelling a portion of the spent gases forward are possible and are to fall within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the barrel, gas block assembly, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block system consists of a gas block 120, a piston 110, a piston rod 130, a piston spring 140, a spring guide 180, a spring guide bushing assembly including an upper bushing 160 and a lower bushing 170, and an anvil 152 mounted on the upper surface of a bolt carrier 150. The gas block 120, spring guide 180, upper bushing 160, and lower bushing 170 mount to a barrel 200. A gas block forward port 126 is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a bolt carrier group 150 communicates with a barrel 200 so as to insert and eject cartridges from a fully assembled firearm. The piston rod 130 strikes an anvil 152 which is attached to the carrier bolt group or carrier bolt assembly 150. Persons having skill in the art will further appreciate that such an embodiment of the recoilless gas block system can be implemented as a new autoloading rifle assembly or can be implemented as a retrofit system for the Armalite Rifle and variants of various calibers.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled barrel assembly which includes gas piston assembly of a recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block system consists of a gas block 120, a piston 110, a piston rod 130 having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the piston 110 is attached to the proximal end, a piston spring 140, a spring guide 180, a spring guide bushing assembly including an upper bushing 160 and a lower bushing 170, and an anvil 152 mounted on the upper surface of a bolt carrier 150. The gas block 120, spring guide 180, upper bushing 160, and lower bushing 170 mount to a barrel 200. A gas block forward port 126 is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block port hole 106.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a bolt carrier group 150 communicates with a barrel 200 so as to insert and eject cartridges from a fully assembled firearm. The distal end of the piston rod 130 strikes an anvil 152 which is attached to the carrier bolt group or carrier bolt assembly 150.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gas block, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of a recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block system consists of a gas block 120, a piston 110, a piston push rod 130, a piston spring 140, and a spring seat. In one embodiment of the invention, the advanced gas block system includes a spring guide 160, a spring guide bushing assembly including an upper bushing 140 and a lower bushing 150, and an anvil 170 mounted on the upper surface of a bolt carrier group 180. In this view, the gas block 100, spring guide 180, upper bushing 160, and lower bushing 170 are mounted to a barrel 200. In embodiments of the invention, the diameter of the push rod can be increased in size to create more surface area and weight as to reduce the force applied onto the anvil portion of the bolt body depending on the force created by various calibers. The piston rod diameter can also be decreased so that more force can be applied to the anvil depending on the caliber. Such a retrofit system can be adjusted per caliber as needed to maximize recoil reduction, reduce wear and tear and decrease recoil.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the barrel, gas block assembly, and gas piston assembly of a recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block system consists of a gas block 120, a piston 110, a piston rod 130, a piston spring 140, a spring guide 180, a spring guide bushing assembly including an upper bushing 160 and a lower bushing 170, and an anvil 170 which is mountable to the upper surface of a bolt carrier group.

A portion of the combustion gases which propel the bullet will travel upward from the barrel through a port in the gas block. The port in the gas block has a secondary port or forward port 126 that is angled at ninety degrees from the port which connects the barrel and the gas block. A gas block forward port 126 is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the forward port 126. The piston 110 is specially designed to be moved rearward by expanding gases channeled through the gas block 120 into a specially configured chamber 108. The piston 110 and piston rod 120 compresses a spring 130 against the spring guide 160. The spring guide 180 is held in place on the barrel by an upper spring guide bushing 160 and a lower spring guide bushing 170 and a set screw. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other means can be employed to hold a spring guide in place.

When a firing pin strikes the primer of a round, an explosion occurs which creates hot and rapidly expanding gases. The hot and rapidly expanding gases create a high-pressure system within the chamber of a barrel. The high-pressure system exerts a force which moves a projectile or bullet forward through the barrel of the firearm. When a round is fired from an Armalite Rifle or Armalite Rifle variant employing the recoilless gas block system, a bullet is propelled forward through the rifle barrel 200. In its travel, the bullet will pass a gas port 202. A portion of the combustion gases that propel the bullet will travel upward from the barrel through the gas port 202 and into the gas block 120 which communicates with a gas entry port 102 in the gas block 120.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the barrel, gas block assembly, and gas piston assembly of a recoilless gas block system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. When a firing pin strikes the primer of a round, an explosion occurs which creates hot and rapidly expanding gases. The hot and rapidly expanding gases create a high-pressure system within the chamber of a barrel. The high-pressure system exerts a force which moves a projectile or bullet forward through the barrel of the firearm. When a round is fired from an Armalite Rifle or Armalite Rifle variant employing the recoilless gas block system, a bullet is propelled forward through the rifle barrel 200. In its travel, the bullet will pass a gas port 202. A portion of the combustion gases that propel the bullet will travel upward from the barrel through the gas block 120 which communicates with a gas entry port 102 in the gas block 120.

When the projectile or bullet passes a gas port 202 in the barrel 200, the gases travel through the barrel and into the gas port 202. The gases travel through the gas port 202 into the gas block 100 via a gas entry port 102. The pressurized gases move into the gas block chamber 108. The gas block chamber 108 is specially designed and shaped to utilize the pressurized gases to create force on the piston to drive it rearward while allowing enough gas to escap so as to mitigate and/or eliminate recoil forces. The pressure from the gases in the gas block chamber 108 drives a piston 110 and the attached piston rod 120 to the rear. Simultaneously the gases arc expelled to the front of the gas block 100 out of a gas block forward port 126. The forward port 126 is specially designed and configured to channel excess gases forward and to lower recoil force and muzzle rise. The piston 110 in rearward movement compresses a spring 130 against the spring guide 160. The spring guide 160 is held in place on the barrel by an upper spring guide bushing 160 and a lower spring guide bushing 170 and a set screw. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other means can be employed to hold a spring guide in place. The spring 130 decompresses against spring guide 160 pushing piston 110 and the attached rod 120 forward. The piston stops inside the gas block 100 within chamber 108 and plugs the port 106.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a barrel, gas block, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate terminology such as upper receiver assembly used to describe such a configuration. The recoilless gas block system consists of a rifle barrel 200, a gas block 120, a piston push rod 130, a spring 140 and a spring seat 145. A gas block forward port 126 is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126. An upper port 128 is located in the upper end of the gas block where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126 as well as the upper port 128.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gas block assembly and gas piston assembly of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block includes a gas block 120, a piston push rod 130, a spring 140 and a spring seat 145. A gas block forward port 126 is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block port hole 126. A gas block upper port 128 is located in the upper end of the gas block where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126 as well as the gas block upper port 128.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a gas block assembly and gas piston assembly of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block system consists of a gas block 120, a piston 110, a piston rod 130, a piston spring 140, a spring seat 145 and an anvil 152 mounted on the upper surface of a bolt carrier group 150. The gas block 120 mounts to a barrel. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such an embodiment of the recoilless gas block system can be implemented as a new autoloading rifle assembly or can be implemented as a retrofit system for the Armalite Rifle and variants of various calibers. As an autoloading rifle assembly, the invention includes, but is not limited to, a barrel having a gas port formed through the wall of the barrel; a recoilless gas block assembly including a gas entry port communicable with a gas port from the barrel of an AR rifle wherein gases from a fired round enter, a chamber configured to accommodate a piston that is driven rearward when the said gases from a fired round enter the said chamber, and at least one port wherein a portion of the spent gases from a fired round exit from the chamber; a gas piston assembly; an upper receiver assembly; a lower receiver assembly; a magazine; and a bolt carrier assembly. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate components such as an upper receiver assembly, a lower receiver assembly, a magazine, and a bolt carrier assembly are commonly found in AR rifles and AR rifle variants.

FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of a barrel, gas block, gas piston and bolt carrier assemblies of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block system consists of a gas block 120, a piston 110, a piston rod 130, a piston spring 140, a spring seat 145 and an anvil 152 mounted on the upper surface of a bolt carrier group 150. The gas block 120 mounts to a barrel. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such an embodiment of the recoilless gas block system can be implemented as a new autoloading rifle assembly or can be implemented as a retrofit system for the Armalite Rifle and variants of various calibers. In embodiments of the invention, the diameter of the push rod can be increased in size to create more surface area and weight as to reduce the force applied onto the anvil portion of the bolt body depending on the force created by various calibers. The piston rod diameter can also be decreased so that more force can be applied to the anvil depending on the caliber. Such a retrofit system can be adjusted per caliber as needed to maximize recoil reduction, reduce wear and tear and decrease recoil.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a gas block assembly in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The gas block assembly includes a port 122 in gas block 120. Expanding gases from a fired round will enter gas will enter a chamber 124 within the gas block 120. The chamber 124, having one or more ports, is specifically cast or milled to accommodate a piston in such a manner where the expanding gases will drive a piston rearward with just enough force to move the bolt carrier group of an AR rifle so as to eject a shell casing and load another round into a barrel chamber without producing extra recoil forces.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of a gas block assembly and gas piston in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In such an embodiment of the invention, the gases from a spent round moves in three directions. First, the gas moves rearward pushing the piston 130 attached to a rod which strikes a portion of the bolt body and operates the firearm. The gas simultaneously moves forward when a portion of the front piston 110 clears a forward port 126 in the gas block. The force of this gas pushes the firearm away from the shooter. Finally, the remaining gas is expelled upward when the piston clears a gas block upper port 128 on the top or upper section of the gas block 120. The gas expelled upward forces the barrel and its components downward eliminating muzzle rise along with mitigating recoil encountered when firing an AR variant rifle.

When a specific portion 136 of a piston 110 clears the upper port 128 in the gas block 120, the remaining gas will exit upward through the upper port 128. In one embodiment of the invention, the gas block upper port is a slot in the gas port which can be cast or milled. The piston 110 is attached to rod 130 with a larger diameter embossment 138. The embossment compresses a spring 140 against a spacer 145. Spacer 145 rests against the barrel nut 110. Rod 130 strikes surface 152 on bolt 150. The bolt body 150 moves rearward and unlocks bolt 145 from the chamber of barrel 200. Persons skilled in the art will understand the bolt presses against a buffer which compresses a buffer spring. The cartridge is ejected from the rifle.

Before the Armalite rifle loads the next round, a piston spring 140 decompresses and presses on the embossment 138 moving the piston rod 130 and piston 110 forward. A large diameter 136 on piston 110 seals both the gas block upper port 128, and the front diameter 132 of the piston closes the forward port 126 of gas block 120.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a gas block of the recoilless gas block system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block includes a gas block 120 having a gas block forward port 126 is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126. Instead of a single slot, a plurality of ports 127 is located in the upper end of the gas block where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126 as well as the plurality of ports. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more side ports 129 are positioned on the sides of the gas block 120 which allow for a greater amount of expanding gases from a fired cartridge to escape. In an embodiment of the invention, the gas block 120 is ported on each side at a 45-degree angle, and also has multiple ports 127 spaced on top of the gas block. As a piston moves to the rear, gas escapes out the front of the gas block. During the second phase, the gas escapes out of either side port so as to propel the gun forward away from the shooter reducing recoil. During the third phase gas escapes out the first top port and pushes the barrel down, the ports are spaced so there is more time the gas has to effect the downward pressure before it escapes out the following gas port as the piston moves rearward.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a gas block assembly in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block includes a gas block 120 having a gas block forward port 126 is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126. Instead of a single slot, a plurality of upper ports 127 is located in the upper end of the gas block where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block port hole 126 as well as the plurality of ports. In one embodiment of the invention, the number of upper ports is five. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of upper ports 127 can vary depending on the particular application of weapon or type of ammunition used. Side ports 129 are positioned on the sides of the gas block and are ported at 45-degree angles into the gas block 120 which allow for a greater amount of expanding gases from a fired cartridge to escape.

FIG. 14 is a perspective sectional view of a gas block assembly in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The recoilless gas block includes a gas block 120 having a gas block forward port 126, which is positioned in the front of the gas block 120 where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block forward port 126. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper ports 127 is located in the upper end of the gas block where gases from a fired round travel through the gas block and exit from the gas block port hole 126 as well as the plurality of ports. Side ports 129 are positioned on the sides of the gas block and are ported at 45-degree angles into the gas block 120 which allow for a greater amount of expanding gases from a fired cartridge to escape.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block system employing a rack and pinion mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In the rack and pinion assembly, a piston 110 is driven forward by the expanding gases. In the rack and pinion assembly, the piston 110 is attached to a rod that is assembled to a rack 1502 The rack moves forward and engages the teeth of the gear 1504 rotating it counterclockwise. The gear 1504 engages teeth on a second rack 1506 and moves it to the rear. The rack 1502 is attached to rod 130. A spring 140 is compressed. The rod 130 strikes a modified key or anvil which pushes the bolt body and unlocks the bolt from the chamber. The bolt body pushes on a buffer and compresses a buffer spring. The fired cartridge is ejected from the firearm. The spring 140 decompresses and pushes the rod 130 forward. The rack 1502 moves forward and engages the teeth on a gear 1504 rotating it clockwise. The rack 1502 is pulled backwards by the teeth of the gear 1504 as it rotates clockwise. Piston 110 moves to the rear with a rod attached to it from the rack 1502. The piston 110 stops on the gas block 120. The buffer spring decompresses and pushes the buffer forward. The bolt body and bolt are forced forward by the buffer 155.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block system employing a lever mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In the lever assembly, the piston 105 is hingedly attached to a rod that has a round link 1512 attached to the end of the rod and pushes the lever 1514 forward and rotating it counterclockwise. A second-round link 1516 is attached to the lever 1514. The rotation of the lever counterclockwise moves the round link 1512 back pushing the rod 130 back. A spring 140 is compressed. The rod 130 strikes a modified key or anvil which pushes the bolt body and unlocks the bolt from the chamber. The bolt body pushes on a buffer and compresses a buffer spring. The fired cartridge is ejected from the firearm. The spring 140 decompresses and pushes the rod 130 forward. The round link 1516 pushes the lever forward and rotates the link 1512 clockwise. The round link 1512 pulls the rod to the rear that is attached to the piston 110. The piston 110 stops on the gas block 120. The buffer spring decompresses and pushes the buffer forward. The bolt body and bolt are forced forward by the buffer.

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block system employing a Scotch yoke mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In the Scotch yoke assembly, the piston 110 is attached to a rod with a link 1522. The link pulls on a lever 1524 and rotates the lever counterclockwise. The lever 1524 is attached to a second link 1526 which is attached to rod 130 and pushes it back. A spring 140 is compressed. The rod 130 strikes a modified key or anvil which pushes the bolt body and unlocks the bolt from the chamber. The bolt body pushes on a buffer and compresses a buffer spring. The fired cartridge is ejected from the firearm. The spring 140 decompresses and pushes the rod 130 forward. The link 1526 pushes the lever 1524 forward rotating it clockwise. The link 1522 attached to a rod is pulled back by the lever 1524. The rod attached to link 1524 pulls the piston 110 back. Piston 110 stops on the gas block 120.

FIG. 15D is a perspective view of a recoilless gas block system employing a cam mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In the cam assembly, the forward gas port in the gas block 120 is modified as a curved slot to allow the gas to move a piston that is offset from center. The piston 110 is pushed forward from the gases and rotates a cam 1532 clockwise. The cam 1532 presses against a long piston rod 130 that strikes the anvil 152. The long piston rod 130 is in the center of the barrel. The gas pushes the piston 110 forward for the purpose of reducing recoil. A spring 140 is compressed. The rod 130 strikes a modified key or anvil which pushes the bolt body and unlocks the bolt from the chamber. The bolt body pushes on a buffer and compresses a buffer spring. The fired cartridge is ejected from the firearm. The spring 140 decompresses and pushes the rod 130 forward.

Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such an embodiment of the recoilless gas block system integrates into the components of an Armalite Rifle or Armalite Rifle variant. Moreover, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that such a system can be sold separately as a retrofit kit or can be custom installed into new AR platforms.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the recoilless gas block system, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing the recoilless gas block system according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the recoilless gas block system may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the recoilless gas block system described in the foregoing was principally directed to Armalite Rifle (AR) variations. However, similar techniques may instead be applied to other gas-operated autoloading rifles which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Although specific features of the recoilless gas block system are shown in some drawings and not others, persons skilled in the art will understand that this is for convenience. Each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively, and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims to be added at a later date.

Any amendment presented during the prosecution of the application for this patent is not a disclaimer of any claim element presented in the description or claims to be filed. Persons skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim that would literally encompass each and every equivalent.