GB2225842A

GB2225842A - Method and apparatus for testing air weapons

Info

Publication number: GB2225842A
Application number: GB8827953A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roy Hutchison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-11-30
Filing date: 1988-11-30
Publication date: 1990-06-13
Also published as: GB8827953D0

Abstract

A method for testing an air weapon to detect various faults comprises securing the illustrated apparatus to the muzzle of the air weapon by means of clamp portion 2 whereby the fitting 4 forms a fluid tight seal with the muzzle of the weapon. Compressed air is supplied to the barrel of the weapon via an inlet connection 8, non-return valve 11 and passage 6 and the pressure generated within the barrel is monitored using a pressure gauge 13 connected via a branch passage 12 to the passage 6. <IMAGE>

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING AIR WEAPONS This invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing air weapons, and in the preferred embodiment provides a simple method and apparatus which may be used to detect various faults in air weapons, for example air leaks, inadequate lubrication, and faulty springs.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of testing an air weapon comprising the steps of: securing a fitting to the muzzle of the weapon to form a fluid tight seal therewith; supplying fluid under pressure to the barrel of the weapon via the fitting; and monitoring the fluid pressure in the barrel of the weapon during and/or after the step of supplying fluid under pressure to the barrel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for testing an air weapon, the apparatus comprising: a fitting adapted to be secured to the muzzle of the weapon to form a fluid tight seal therewith; a passage within the fitting, the passage being open at one end thereof to the interior of the barrel and being provided at the other end thereof with a connection adapted to receive fluid under pressure for communication to the barrel; and means for monitoring the pressure within the passage.

Preferably, a normally closed non-return valve is provided in the passage adjacent the inlet connection.

Preferably, the means for monitoring the pressure within the passage comprises a pressure gauge permanently connected to the passage at a point downstream of the nonreturn valve.

Preferably, the fitting comprises a clamp portion which can be secured to the barrel of the weapon at a point displaced from the muzzle end thereof whereby the fitting may be secured to the muzzle of the weapon to form a fluid tight seal therewith regardless of the external profile of the barrel in the region immediately adjacent the muzzle.

Preferably, the test fluid supplied to the muzzle is compressed air.

The invention will be better understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention, given by way of example only, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein: The single Figure illustrates schematically a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawing, the embodiment of apparatus 1 illustrated comprises a clamp portion 2 of any suitable form for receiving and clamping the barrel of an air weapon.

The clamp portion 2 is connected by a bridge portion 3 to a fitting 4 which is adapted to form a fluid tight seal with the muzzle of a weapon to which the apparatus 1 is fixed. The fitting 4 comprises a body 5 having a through passage 6 extending from an opening 7 to an inlet connection 8. The opening 7 is at the centre of a nipple 9 on which is mounted a seal 10 for sealing engagement with the muzzle of the air weapon under test.

If desired, the nipple 9 may be removable from the body 5 whereby the fitting may be supplied with a range of nipples to suit various muzzle configurations. If the nipple 9 is removable, suitable means are provided for forming a fluid seal between the nipple and the body portion 5.

The connection 8 enables a source of fluid, for example air, under pressure to be connected to the passage 6. Preferably, a non-return valve 11 is provided between the connection 8 and the main portion of the passage 6 whereby fluid under pressure may flow from the connection 8 towards the passage 6, but not in the reverse direction.

A branch passage 12 extends from the passage 6 and receives in fluid tight engagement therewith a pressure gauge 13.

In use, the clamp 2 is released and the barrel of the weapon to be testing is located within the clamp. The fitting 4 is pushed tightly into engagement with the muzzle to form a fluid tight seal therewith, and the clamp 2 is tightened. The space between the fitting 4 and the clamp portion 2 accommodates front sights or other projections on the surface of the barrel adjacent the muzzle. The clamp 2 is releasable to an extent to permit the apparatus to be fitted as described above, notwithstanding the presence of non-removable front sights. After the apparatus has been secured to the weapon as described above, fluid under pressure, for example compressed air, is delivered to the connection 8 and flows through the non-return valve 11 into the passage 6 and thence via the opening 7 into the barrel.

The pressure in the branch passage 12, which is the same as the pressure within the barrel, is monitored by the pressure gauge 13.

By varying the rate of flow of test fluid, a number of faults can be detected. For example, if fluid is admitted at a relatively slow rate, and no build-up of pressure within the barrel is noted, this is an indication that there is a sealing fault in the area of the breach face. If air is supplied to slow rate and pressure builds to a certain level, but will then build no further, this will probably indicate an air leak between the main piston and cylinder - due either to a faulty piston washer or scoring of the surface of the air cylinder. If a very high pressure is required to move the piston, this will probably indicate inadequate lubrication of the mechanism. If a very low pressure is required to drive the piston, this will indicate that the spring is faulty.

If apparatus is provided for measuring the rate of flow of fluid to the connection 8, a quantative value for the overall cumulative wear of the components of the weapon may be obtained and used as a guide as to whether or not the weapon should be stripped down for examination and overhaul. For example, if the flow rate of fluid is adjusted to produce a specified constant test pressure on the gauge 13, the rate of flow of fluid necessary to maintain this pressure will be an indication of the extent to which the weapon leaks, and an unacceptable flow rate can be specified, above which the weapon should be overhauled.

Claims

1. A method of testing an air weapon comprising the steps of: securing a fitting to the muzzle of the weapon to form a fluid tight seal therewith; supplying fluid under pressure to the barrel of the weapon via the fitting; and monitoring the fluid pressure in the barrel of the weapon during and/or after the step of supplying fluid under pressure to the barrel.

2. Apparatus for testing an air weapon, the apparatus comprising: a fitting adapted to be secured to the muzzle of the weapon to form a fluid tight seal therewith; a passage within the fitting, the passage being open at one end thereof to the interior of the barrel and being provided at the other end thereof with a connection adapted to receive fluid under pressure for communication to the barrel; and means for monitoring the pressure within the passage.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein a normally closed non-return valve is provided in the passage adjacent the inlet connection.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the means for monitoring the pressure within the passage comprises a pressure gauge permanently connected to the passage at a point downstream of the non-return valve.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the fitting comprises a clamp portion which can be secured to the barrel of the weapon at a point displaced from the muzzle end thereof whereby the fitting may be secured to the muzzle of the weapon to form a fluid tight seal therewith regardless of the external profile of the barrel in the region immediately adjacent the muzzle.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the test fluid supplied to the muzzle is compressed air.

7. A method of testing an air weapon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

8. Apparatus for testing an air weapon substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawing.