Abstract:
A barrel clamp for a Gatling-style firearm, or “mini-gun,” provides vanes for the direction of fresh air currents into the muzzle area of the firearm. The directed air streams contribute to cooling the barrels while in the firing cycle and also towards the disruption of fuel-rich gasses which contribute to muzzle flash.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of firearms and more particularly relates to a barrel clamp for a multiple barreled rotary firearm. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The modern “mini-gun,” or M-134, can trace its origins to the original Gatling gun of the mid-nineteenth century. It is a machine gun which fires projectiles in an automatic fashion. In the process of firing these projectiles, the gun utilizes a plurality of barrels (usually six) which consecutively rotate in a circular circuit into a single position which allows for the firing of a projectile. Each barrel, then, is only used to fire one-sixth of the projectiles, spending the remaining time cooling in an air current caused by the rotation of the barrels. Over time, many improvements have been made to the original Gatling gun, resulting in the modern M-134. However, each variant of the M-134 has always featured the rotatable barrels which are the signature characteristic of this family of firearms. 
         [0003]    Muzzle flash is a problem for many firearms, and the M-134 and other multi-barreled firearms are no exception. Muzzle flash is a complex phenomenon with a number of components. Two primary components of muzzle flash are unburnt powder/explosive and the mixing of ambient air and gasses from the firing explosion. Hot, fuel-rich gasses mix with ambient air in the latter case, causing an explosive flash. In the case of the former, the unburnt powder sparks as it leaves the barrel, causing a source of light and heat. In the case of a multi-barreled firearm such as an M-134, the problem of muzzle flash is compounded by ammunition being rapidly fired. This presents not only more opportunity for muzzle flash, but also a potential for component build-up leading to larger and more noticeable muzzle flashes. 
         [0004]    Many strategies have been developed in the past to combat muzzle flash, in particular with the M-134 and its variants. One of the most common is to attempt to hide the flash with a large collar around the barrels; but, this method really does not solve the problem as muzzle flash still occurs and may be seen at certain angles outside of a target zone. Other mechanical methods of reducing muzzle flash, specifically using flash suppressors and muzzle brakes, have also been attempted. These devices tend to disrupt the flow of propulsive gasses, in particular the initial shock wave from the explosion, which contribute to the muzzle flash. However, this strategy would require a suppressor on each barrel of an M-134 or other rotary multi-barreled weapon. Another strategy is to add chemical compounds, usually salts, to the powder so as to neutralize the fuel-rich gasses. However, this strategy tends to increase both smoke and residue. 
         [0005]    The present invention is a barrel clamp for a Gatling-style, multi-barreled, rotary firearm, such as the M-134, which not only serves to support the barrels of the firearm, but also features vanes which direct airflow inward in a manner to lessen muzzle flash and also assist in cooling barrels after use in the firing cycle. Prior art barrel clamps and muzzle brakes have used vanes in an effort to direct airflow associated with firing a mini-gun, however these structures were used to deflect the expanding muzzle gasses outward, reducing pressure around the barrels and contributing torque to the system in an effort to assist the rotation of the barrels. Directing fresh air into the system increases torque against the rotation of the barrels and is counter-intuitive to traditional designs. 
         [0006]    The present invention represents a departure from the prior art in that the barrel clamp of the present invention directs fresh air currents onto the barrels of the firearm and doing so in a manner to disrupt the accumulation of fuel-rich gasses from the act of firing ammunition, thus reducing muzzle flash. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of barrel clamps and muzzle flash suppression devices, a barrel clamp for a multi-barreled firearm, such as for an M-134, may direct fresh air into proximity of firing barrels, thereby disrupting the mixture of firing gasses and dissipating unburnt explosive residue before they can produce muzzle flash. Such a barrel clamp should be easily installed and effective as a barrel clamp on existing and newly developed platforms, effective in the dissipation of combustible by-products which contribute to muzzle flash, intuitive in use and operation, and robust in construction. 
         [0008]    To accomplish these objectives, the barrel clamp may comprise a brace plate with a central support tube extending therefrom. A muzzle housing may reside at an end of the support tube opposite the base plate, surrounding the muzzle ends of the multiple barrels of the firearm. The barrel housing may feature at least one vane, which may serve to direct ambient, fresh air directly onto one or more muzzles and associated barrels. By directing fresh air inwards and onto the barrels, the barrel clamp would directly contribute to both the cooling of the barrels and to the dispelling of left over explosive gasses from firing each round of ammunition. This, in turn, would reduce muzzle flash and allow for more rapid rates of fire. Ideally, there could be at least one vane for each barrel as this would evenly distribute fresh air for the cooling effect of the barrel clamp. 
         [0009]    The more important features of a barrel clamp serving as one embodiment of the invention thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow. 
         [0010]    Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. 
         [0011]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0012]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an M-134 variant machine gun with a barrel clamp that exemplifies one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the machine gun of  FIG. 1 , in broken line, highlighting the barrel clamp. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an alternate perspective view of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 2   
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an alternate perspective view of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an alternate perspective view of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 2 , emphasizing the muzzle area. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 7 , taken along line A-A in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the barrel clamp of  FIG. 8 , taken along line A-A in  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the barrel clamp is herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0024]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the barrel clamp  20  is a part of a comprehensive rotating, multi-barrel weapon system that directly supports barrels  10  at two locations along their length, near muzzles  12  and at some point further along the length of the barrel  10  as determined by the manufacturer. As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the barrel clamp is a simple construction. It features a base plate  210  at one end of a support tube  220  and a muzzle housing  230  at the support tube&#39;s opposite end. The base plate  210  and muzzle housing  230  each feature paired holes  215 ,  235 , one of each pair being located on the muzzle housing  230  and one located on the base plate  210 , through which the barrels  10  extend ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The barrel clamp  20  helps maintain position of the barrels  10  relative to each other and the weapon system as a whole. This is the primary function of any barrel clamp. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIGS. 5-10 , the muzzle housing  230  of the barrel clamp  20  also features a plurality of vanes  240  and associated vents  245 . The vanes  240  are positioned such that rotation R of the barrels  10  and the associated barrel clamp  20  will direct fresh air through the vents  245  and over the barrels  10  of the weapon ( FIG. 10 ). The barrels  10  are therefore constantly bathed in streams of fresh air  250  while the barrels  10  are in motion. This directly aids in the cooling of those barrels  10 , particularly in the vicinity of the muzzles  12 . The constant air currents  250  also interrupt the accumulation of fuel-rich exhaust gasses from the constant explosions of projectiles being fired from the barrels  10 . These gasses are forced to leave the higher pressure area inside the muzzle housing  230  and are thus dissipated, reducing their presence and ability to cause muzzle flash. 
         [0026]    In the best mode, the support tube  220  is hollow, providing a possible egress for exhaust gasses. The use of a tube also reduces the weight of the clamp  20  and the associated system. However, it is conceivable that a solid rod may be used in place of a tube. 
         [0027]    Ideally, the air currents  250  are directed on the barrels  10  of the weapon (or towards holes  235 , representing the position of barrels  10  when the barrel clamp is installed thereon) as this aids in cooling the barrels  10 . The vanes  240  should direct the air currents  250  such that a maximal amount of the barrels  10  are covered by the air currents  250 . Also, the number of vanes  240  should comport with the number of barrels  10  (usually  6 ), in either having that number or a whole number multiple thereof, such that each barrel has at least one air current  150  directed upon it. However, any number of vanes  240  will at least contribute to the dissipation of exhaust gasses and have some cooling effect on the barrels. 
         [0028]    Given the nature of the use of the barrel clamp, it is readily understood that strong, supportive materials, such as metals, are preferred. However, any material of sufficient strength, such as a composite or polymers, may also be utilized. It is also to be understood that while this barrel clamp has been described with reference to the modern M-134 and its current variants, the principals of this invention may be applied to any multi-barreled, rotary firearm in existence or later developed and is not unique to an M-134 platform. 
         [0029]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.