Francis Joseph Kaufman

US Patent:

62094599, Apr 3, 2001

Filed:

Jan 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/008230

Inventors:

Francis J. Kaufman - Portland OR
Jerry L. Hill - Clarkson WA
Steven R. Moore - Lewiston ID
Dennis K. Conley - Moscow ID
Kenneth L. Alexander - Lewiston ID

Assignee:

Blount, Inc. - Montgomery AL

International Classification:

F42B 503
F42B 1280

US Classification:

102439

Abstract:

A method of marking bullets and bullets marked by the method are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises coating the bullet of a cartridge with at least one coating material whose surface appearance contrasts with the surface appearance of the underlying bullet material. Characters are then selectively etched in, and generally substantially through, the coating, such as molybdenum disulfide. The characters are easily and quickly recognized because of the contrast between the surface appearances of the coating and that of the underlying material. The characters typically, but not necessarily, indicate characteristics of the bullet, such as bullet weight and design features.