Firearm

US12372319 - Fire control mechanism

The present disclosure provides systems and techniques for a fire control mechanism that is implementable in a gun. The fire control mechanism is operable to cause projectiles to be fired by the gun. The gun may include a trigger, a barrel defining a bore axis, a firing component, and an actuator configured to i) obstruct the firing component while in a default position and ii) be displaced in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bore axis in response to movement of the trigger, where displacement in the direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bore axis causes the firing component to be released and results in the gun firing a projectile. The gun may include an energy store located below the barrel when the gun is in an upright position, and the actuator may be displaced based on the energy store.

US12372321 - Conversion kit for replacing a barrel on a service weapon with a training barrel to fire reduced energy training rounds

A conversion kit for installation into weapon to replace the service barrel with a sub-caliber barrel for firing reduced energy training cartridges. The conversion kit includes a barrel sleeve, a barrel support and a collet disposed between in the barrel support for fixedly securing the barrel sleeve therein. The collet is disposed in a double tapered bore formed in the barrel support for fixedly securing the barrel sleeve at both ends of the collet into the barrel support. A flash hider, which has been removed from the service barrel, is threadably received in the barrel support and functions as a collet nut for clamping the collet onto the barrel sleeve.

US12372322 - Auto-loading firearm with selectable live fire and training modes

An auto-loading firearm having a live fire mode, in which the firearm operates to discharge, and a training mode in which the firearm does not discharge. In the training mode, the firearm provides for resetting the trigger after simulated firing of the firearm.

US12372325 - Adjustable firearm butt assembly

An adjustable firearm butt assembly comprises a base plate selectively attached to a buttstock of a firearm. The base plate has a base slot. An adjustment nut is aligned with, and transversely movable relative to, the base slot. A pad plate is selectively attached to the base plate with the base plate being interposed longitudinally between the pad plate and the adjustment nut. The pad plate has a plate slot and a guide track. The plate slot is aligned with both the adjustment nut and the base slot. A guide pin has a portion selectively received in the guide track. An attachment fastener selectively extends through the plate slot and into engagement with the adjustment nut to selectively attach the pad plate to the base plate. The attachment fastener is laterally movable with respect to the plate slot. The attachment fastener is selectively movable between unclamped and clamped conditions.

US12372326 - Firearm accessory

A shotgun pump handle that is slidably coupled to a magazine tube of a shotgun that includes a body having a replaceable grip member and a loop portion. The shotgun pump handle includes a body that is manufactured from aluminum or other similar material wherein the body includes a first end and a second end. A grip member is releasably secured to a lower portion of the body wherein the grip member is manufactured from foam rubber or similar material and is provided in alternate sizes. A loop member is integrally formed with the body wherein an end of the loop member is contiguous with the bottom portion of the body proximate the second end and the distal end is formed with the bottom of the body proximate the first end. The loop member creates a void for a human hand to be journaled thereinto.

US12372331 - Device for achieving frictionless linear movement in a single direction and stiffness in all other directions

A device for achieving linear movement in a single direction and stiffness in all other directions. As an example, a recoil causes strong forces in a linear movement, but any ridges will produce errors as two units each try to return to its original position. The device is a damper. The linear displacement by a recoil is mitigated using two set of blades, one absorbing the linear recoil, and a second for hindering the linear parallel deflection of the first set by the recoil or for increasing the stiffness provided by the first set of blades. The produced errors are much smaller or none as the recoil is mitigated using the very strong damper.

US12372338 - Method of reducing gun barrel heating

A cartridge includes a bullet on which there is formed a coating. At least an upper layer of the coating is porous and comprises a thermoset polymer and a filler. The filler may be a dry film lubricant. The cartridge may be used in a gun of the type that has a rifled barrel. A rifled barrel has a bore diameter and a groove diameter. The bullet may have a metal diameter that is less than the groove diameter but slightly greater than the bore diameter. The coated bullet may have a diameter that is greater than or equal to the groove diameter. When fired, the bullet produces less barrel friction and heating than a conventional bullet. The velocity of the coated bullets is greater and the velocity distribution is more narrow compared to uncoated bullets.

USD1086347 - Shotgun

USD1086348 - Shotgun

USD1086349 - Firearm

USD1086351 - Hand stop for a firearm

USD1086352 - Folding rear sight for a firearm

US12366424 - Firearm sight having lifetime round counter

An accessory for a firearm includes a target sight for mounting to a portion of the firearm and a counter configured to count a total number of rounds fired by the firearm.

US12366425 - Muzzle-mounted devices

An assembly directing gas to an action of a firearm has a barrel with a bore and a forward sealing surface. A gas block has a bore, a port for directing gases from the block bore through the block port, a rearward sealing surface for sealingly mating with the forward sealing surface of the barrel, and a forward sealing surface. A component has a bore and is attached to a forward end of the barrel, the component bore being in fluid communication with the barrel bore. At least one port communicates the component bore with the block port, the component having a rearward sealing surface for sealingly mating with the forward sealing surface of the gas block. A portion of the component rearward of the rearward sealing surface is received within the bore of the gas block. The barrel and component cooperate to sealingly retain the gas block therebetween.

US12366426 - Sound suppressor for a shotgun

A sound suppressor for a shotgun comprising a barrel is disclosed. The sound suppressor includes an outer frame, an inner hollow body including openings, a gas expansion area and a barrel attachment arrangement for attaching the sound suppressor onto the barrel. The sound suppressor is configured in such a way that when the sound suppressor is in use, the barrel is inside the outer frame and the shot of the shotgun passes through the inner hollow body, and the gases from the exploding propellant expand into the gas expansion area. The barrel attachment arrangement includes a first attachment part, a second attachment part, and a moving arrangement. The first attachment part is fixed to the frame, and the second attachment part is moved by the moving arrangement, which presses against the barrel to hold the sound suppressor in place.

US12366429 - Back-up sights with compact aperture, centering sight post, and miniaturized windage detent mechanism

A sighting system for a firearm and related methods are disclosed. The sighting system has front and rear flip-up sights, wherein the front sight comprises a flip-up portion having an aperture through which a sight post can partially extend; a knob comprising one or more notches on a first side and the sight post extending from a second side; at least one detent arranged to face and interact with the one or more notches. The knob is configured to rotate about a first axis, where the rotation causes the sight post to move in a first direction along the first axis; tilting of the knob in a second direction based on the detent interfacing with the notches; and tilting of the sight post in the second direction, thereby forcing at least a portion of the sight post to press against the aperture, or a combination thereof.

US12366430 - Firearm optical sight, system and method

The disclosure is directed to an optical sight for a firearm comprising a reticle operationally configured to visually inform a user when the optical sight is misaligned from an intended target and operationally configured to visually inform the user as to the direction of misalignment.

US12366436 - Nonfragmentation multiple vector munition

An elongate munition with a longitudinal axis and having a nonfragmenation hollow collar. The hollow collar has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface with a first plurality of ports extending through the collar in a substantially radial direction. The ports are spaced from adjacent ports in both circumferential and longitudinal directions. A first plurality of ammunitions is disposed in each port of the first plurality of ports and oriented outwardly from the longitudinal axis. An ignition source for expelling each ammunition outwardly from the collar responsive to an ignition signal is also provided.

US12366438 - Base part for producing a cartridge case and cartridge case, method for producing a base part for a cartridge case, and method for producing a cartridge case

A base part intended for producing a cartridge case has a case base for receiving a primer, wherein a peripheral extractor recess is provided on the outer circumference of the base part. To simplify production, the extractor recess has a polygonal geometry that is formed in cross section by a closed traverse.

USD1085315 - Gun magazine tube

USD1085317 - Trigger guard for firearm

USD1085319 - Charging handle for a firearm

US12359884 - Caliber select magazine system

A firearm comprises a frame defining a magazine well configured to receive a first magazine type configured to receive a first cartridge caliber and to receive a second magazine type configured to receive a different second cartridge caliber. It has a magazine retention latch connected to the frame, and the latch is configured to admit and retain a magazine of the first type and to deny admission and retention of a magazine of the second type.

US12359885 - Firearm magazine clamping assemblies and loader assemblies

A clamping assembly for clutching a firearm magazine during loading of a cartridge into the firearm magazine includes a main frame having a back stop portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion; a first side plate; and a second side plate. The clamping assembly further includes a first connection plate disposed between the first side plate and the first side portion of the main frame and pivotably coupled to both the main frame and the first side plate. The clamping assembly further includes a second connection plate disposed between the second side plate and second side portion of the main frame and pivotably coupled to both the main frame and the second side plate.

US12359887 - Firearm barrel with outer sleeve

A firearm barrel assembly having a barrel tube and an outer sleeve. A sleeve nut is threaded on the barrel tube to retain the outer sleeve on the sleeve nut and to tension the barrel tube.

US12359888 - Ramrod for a muzzleloading firearm

A ramrod for a muzzleloading firearm and method of using the same. The ramrod comprises an outer body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The outer body has an exterior size and shape permissible for insertion within a firearm bore. An extension member is movable within a hollow portion of the outer body from a retracted position to an extended position and has a length outside the outer body hollow portion. A clasping member coupled to an end of the extension member second length forming a pivot point and is movable between a stowed and working positions. A detent member couplingly engages the extension member and includes an engagement portion for securing the extension member between extended and retracted positions. Optionally, a capture element secured to the outer body may engage the detent member between extended and retracted positions.

US12359889 - Foldable firearm

The present disclosure describes a foldable firearm that collapses into a folded state under spring pressure. The foldable firearm may include a foldable grip assembly. The foldable grip assembly may include a foldable pistol grip, a foldable trigger assembly, a folding bar, and a foldable hand stop. The foldable grip assembly may fold into the top shell of the foldable firearm. The foldable firearm may also include an ambidextrous charging handle assembly that may include a bottom portion, a top portion, a guide bar, and two opposing charging handles. The charging handles may be pulled to unfold the foldable firearm, and/or butterflied such that pivoting one charging handle causes the other charging handle to pivot. The first-pivoted charging handle may then be pulled rearwards to unfold the firearm. The first-pivoted charging handle may then be pulled further rearwards to rack the slide of the foldable firearm.

US12359890 - Firearm holster with backside tensioning

A firearm holster that includes a back pad having front and back sides. The firearm holster includes a rigid front plate connected to the front side of the back pad. The front side of the back pad and the rigid front plate define a pocket. The firearm holster includes a first tensioning mechanism connected to the back side of the back pad. The first tensioning mechanism is configured to vary tension applied to a firearm within the pocket. The firearm holster may include a second tensioning mechanism connected to the back side of the back pad. The second tensioning mechanism is configured to vary tension applied to the firearm within the pocket. The orientation of the tensioning mechanisms may be varied to vary the tension applied to a firearm positioned within the pocket of the holster. One or more compressible washers may be used to vary the tension.

US12359893 - Rail system for a firearm

A rail system for a firearm includes an elongate body that is fastenable to the firearm to at least partially enclose a barrel of the firearm. A series of substantially parallel mounting ribs projects laterally from the elongate body. Each mounting rib has an outward facing surface and opposed sides that taper towards each other from the outward facing surface to the elongate body, such that a space between consecutive mounting ribs converges from the elongate body to the outward facing surfaces of the mounting ribs. A mounting assembly includes at least one connector receivable in a space between consecutive mounting ribs. A fastening mechanism is operable to secure the connector to the mounting ribs or to release the connector from the mounting ribs for infinite adjustment. A mount is arranged on the connector(s). The mount is configured for releasable connection to an ancillary device.

US12359899 - Reduced tension cartridge case with two-stage neck

Devices and methods for reducing tension force on a projectile by a neck of a cartridge case. A two-stage neck has a clearance band and an interference band, the clearance band providing a reduced retention force on the projectile relative to the interference band.

USD1084196 - Firearm compensator

USD1084197 - Muzzle brake

USD1084201 - Upper receiver for firearm

USD1084202 - Lower receiver for firearm

USD1084203 - Safety wear plate for firearm

US12352515 - Compact action with forward charging handle incorporated into an upper receiver handguard

A compact action for a firearm including an upper receiver housing incorporating a barrel. A bolt and carrier are positioned within the receiver housing so that the bolt is engaged to a rear receiver end of the barrel in a cartridge chambering position. Guide rods are supported within the housing above the barrel and extend in parallel to a rear located end plate. The carrier includes a carrier key supported by and displaceable along the guide rods between the barrel and a rearward bumper component. A gas tube extends from a forward located gas block overlaying a gas discharge aperture in the barrel to a gas key for actuating the carrier rearwardly following discharge of a ballistic from the barrel. A fixed ejector is attached to the upper receiver, in combination with machining a slot into the carrier and the bolt, such that the ejector remains static such that, upon the bolt cycling, the spent shell casing contacts the ejector, causing it to be ejected out of the upper receiver.

US12352516 - Upper receiver with bolt biasing member

A firearm is disclosed. The firearm can include an upper receiver that includes a bolt. The bolt can include at least one displaceable biasing member that is configured to bias the bolt in a forward state when the at least one biasing member is in an initial state. The bolt can also include a locking wedge that is configured to bias the at least one displaceable biasing member in the initial state. The at least one displaceable biasing member is configured to be displaced from the initial state to a displaced state when a sufficient amount of force is exerted on the at least one displaceable biasing member from the bolt so that the bolt can transition from the forward state to a backward state.

US12352517 - Detent delayed blowback system and methods

A delayed blowback system for a firearm is provided. The system includes a bolt with two detent members operatively coupled within the bolt, each detent member comprising a detent. The system further includes a recoil spring guide rod having two matching recesses on opposing sides of the recoil spring guide rod, wherein the bolt and the two detent members are coupled to and slidable along the recoil spring guide rod between a firing position and a recoil position. The firing position includes the detents resting in the matching recesses on the recoil spring guide rod in response to a round being fired, the bolt moves back and pushes the detent members back, wherein by nature of a geometry of the detents and the matched recesses, the detent members outward in opposite directions and perpendicular sliding along the recoil spring guide rail in the recoil position to complete a recoil cycle.

US12352518 - Gas operating system for low energy ammunition

A gas operating system for a firearm for use with low energy ammunition that includes a barrel having a maximum pressure experienced at a maximum pressure location when firing the low energy ammunition where a gas port is positioned distally from the maximum pressure location in a region of the barrel that experiences between 90% of the maximum pressure and 40% of the maximum pressure, a gas block on the barrel and a tube connecting the gas block to a bolt carrier, where the gas block directs energy from combustion gas pressure vented through the gas port to the bolt carrier via the tube.

US12352519 - Loaded-chamber indicator firearm trigger device

A loaded-chamber indicator firearm trigger device is provided. The device is comprised of a firearm with a trigger (or only a trigger in one embodiment), wherein the trigger is comprised of an exterior side surface with at least one indicia. The indicia is only visible outside of the frame of the firearm when the firing pin of the firearm is engaged (which causes the portion of the trigger the indicia is positioned on to move outside of the frame of the firearm). As a result, the observability of the indicia on the trigger indicates the firearm has an engaged firing pin and is ready to fire.

US12352520 - Magazine ammunition rounds detection and alert module

A module for detecting and notifying of the presence of ammunition in an ammunition magazine is provided, comprising a spring and a follower for containing and advancing ammunition within the magazine. A printed circuit board having electronics mounted thereon is mounted in a handle of a gun and includes a central processing unit with access to memory having executable instruction data thereon, at least one motion sensor for sensing motion of the printed circuit board, an eccentric motor, a connector providing remote digital access to the processor, at least one mechanism for erasing data or resetting parameters, and a battery bay for accepting a battery, at least one sensor for detecting position of the spring or follower. An amount of ammunition is thereby discerned by the central processing unit based upon the position of the spring or follower.

US12352521 - Magazine loader

A magazine loader assists in loading cartridges into a magazine of a firearm. An elongated sleeve has an open distal end and a hollow therethrough sized and shaped to receive a stack of cartridges. A collar at a proximal end of the sleeve has an enlarged opening sized and shaped to receive an open proximal end of the magazine. A plunger has a proximal end selectively receivable in the open distal end of the sleeve, and has an elongated shank slidable in the hollow of the sleeve and an enlarged head. The plunger presses the stack of cartridges through the hollow of the sleeve, out the enlarged opening of the collar and into the magazine.

US12352528 - Clamp mount system for a firearm arm brace

A device may include an elongated body comprising an opening configured to receive a receiver extension tube of a firearm. A device may include a brace body affixed distally to the elongated body and comprising a window configured to receive a clamp mount, wherein the clamp mount is configured to retain the arm brace in a fixed position on the receiver extension tube and comprises: one or more clamps comprising at least one through-hole and one or more pads, wherein the one or more pads are configured to engage with the receiver extension tube via adjustment of one or more fasteners interfacing with the at least one though-hole.

US12352529 - Holster, holster accessory, and related methods

A firearm holster has a holster body that includes a plurality of walls defining a encasement for the firearm and an opening for inserting the firearm into that encasement. The walls include an interior wall, as well as an exterior wall disposed opposite the interior wall. The holster also includes a first magnetic element disposed on the holster body, and a second magnetic element that is configured to cooperate with the first magnetic element to magnetically attract the first and second magnetic elements to one another. The second magnetic element includes a coupler for coupling the second magnetic element to an article of clothing.

US12352530 - Muzzle loading system

A muzzleloader includes a shot holding member having a first end configured to receive an object to be loaded into the muzzle and a second end; the shot holding member including a hollow shot holding chamber; and an actuator located at the first end of the shot holding member. The actuator includes a plunger having a head portion, a connector configured to connect the actuator to the first end of the shot holding member, a first O-ring configured to encircle the connector and located between the connector and the first end of the shot holding member, and a second O-ring configured to encircle the plunger and located between a head portion of the plunger and the connector.

US12352531 - Weapon anti-cant indicator

An anti-cant indicator assembly, components thereof, and associated methods. The anti-cant indicator assembly indicates the orientation of a weapon with respect to vertical. The anti-cant indicator assembly includes a mount configured to mount to the weapon, a level including a vial containing a bubble and a pivot connection connecting the level to the mount. The pivot connection is configured to permit movement of the level with respect to the mount about the pivot connection between an operational position in which the bubble can be referenced by the user for indicating orientation of the weapon with respect to vertical, and a stowed position different from the operational position. The pivot connection can include a retainer configured to releasably retain the level in at least one of the operational position or the stowed position. The level can be selectively movable with respect to the mount to calibrate the anti-cant indicator.

US12352533 - Next shot compensation system for weapons

Use of a muzzle velocity detector with a display allows for a rapid calculation of a second shot firing solution based on a first shot analysis. A doppler radar emitter and detector is located in a housing. The housing has a mount that allows it to be coupled to a hand guard on a rifle. This allows for the muzzle velocity to be detected very close to the end of the barrel. Information about the bullet can be preloaded into a ballistics calculator. The ballistics calculator can be integrated with the muzzle velocity detector or coupled wirelessly to it. The impact location of the first shot is identified and that “drift” is used with muzzle velocity and many other factors to quickly provide a compensation to be used with the sight to ensure the second shot is more accurate.

US12352545 - Reduced stiffness barrel fired projectile

In various embodiments, a projectile includes a projectile body including a tail portion, a nose portion, a barrel engaging portion between the nose portion and the tail portion, and a metal jacket that defines an exterior of the projectile that surrounds an interior solid core. In one or more embodiments the projectile includes one or more circumferential grooves defined in the interior core portion, each of the one or more circumferential grooves covered by and positioned adjacent to the metal jacket and within the barrel-engaging portion. In various embodiments, during firing of the projectile, the one or more circumferential grooves define a void that allows material of one or more of the metal jacket and interior solid core to displace into the void for reduction in radial stiffness to the projectile in the barrel engaging portion.

US12352546 - Firearm ammunition component and method of use

A firearm ammunition component comprising a projectile body having a circular cross-section and a central channel on a forward face, a nose portion forward of the projectile body, and a gas check member rearward of the projectile body. The nose includes a curved forward end, a rear end opposite the forward end, and a stabilizing element/band between the forward and rear ends extending radially outwards from at least a portion of the nose. A shank extends from the nose rear end and within the body central channel. The gas check member includes a rearward annular wall portion forming a combustion chamber. The firearm ammunition component is adapted so only the stabilizing element/band contacts the firearm bore, ensuring loading central the bore.

USD1082998 - Firearm shell holder

USD1082999 - Rifle bolt

USD1083008 - Secondary optic mount for a firearm

US12345138 - Well perforator evaluation system and method

A testing system for a shaped charge of a perforating gun, the testing system including a housing; a casing assembly located inside the housing; a perforating gun having at least one shaped charge, the perforating gun being located within the casing assembly; a sample material located within the housing, and in direct contact with the casing assembly; a wellbore accumulator in direct contact with the casing assembly and configured to supply a first fluid, at a wellbore pressure, inside the casing assembly; and a formation accumulator in direct contact with the sample material and configured to supply a second fluid, at a formation pressure, on the sample material.

US12345486 - Firearm cartridge ejector

A firearm cartridge ejector system is disclosed that may include a bolt or a bolt carrier group, and an ejector that may be configured to eject an ammunition cartridge from the firearm bolt or bolt carrier group. The ejector may further include a stem configured to engage an ejector spring, and an ejector face that may be reniform-shaped and attached to the stem and configured to engage and eject the ammunition cartridge.

US12345489 - Trigger mechanism for a firearm

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to trigger mechanisms for firearms. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the trigger mechanism can include a linkage between a striker sear and a main sear to control an amount of force exerted on the main sear by the striker sear. A portion of the force exerted on the striker sear by the striker can be exerted on the main sear through the sear linkage. In another aspect of the present disclosure, trigger mechanisms are described which additionally, or alternatively utilize one or more biasing members to provide a variable trigger pull weight.

US12345490 - Extended life composite matrix-wrapped lightweight firearm barrel

A firearm barrel and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, a barrel for a firearm may be provided. The barrel may comprise a chamber, an entire geometry of which is formed to a final depth. After providing the barrel with the entire geometry of the chamber being formed to the final depth, a material modification process that modifies one or more properties of the barrel may be performed. After performing the material modification process, a composite matrix wrapping that surrounds an outer circumference of the barrel over a length of the barrel may be applied.

US12345491 - Diverging central bore for firearm sound suppressor

An apparatus and methods are provided for a front plate having a diverging central bore for firearm sound suppressors that improves noise and flash characteristics during firing a weapon. The central bore is disposed between a back surface and a front surface of the front plate. An untapered portion of the central bore extends from the back surface to a diverging portion that opens toward the front surface. The diverging portion includes a curvature profile configured to allow for more controlled expansion of high-pressure propellant gases exiting of the suppressor through the central bore. The curvature profile provides an included angle of the central bore that decreases secondary flash events accompanying the expulsion of propellant gases accompanying a fired bullet exiting the suppressor through the central bore. The curvature profile exhibits a cross-sectional area of the central bore that is proportional to a distance along the diverging portion.

US12345492 - Hybrid heterogeneous material baffle for firearm noise suppressor

Provided is a firearm noise suppressor baffle formed of at least two material zones. The zones are made of materials having dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion from each other and have an interface substantially transverse to a bore axis. The baffle includes an annularly interrupting gap having a width. The gap is formed in at least one of the material zones and extends substantially longitudinal relative to the bore axis from an edge of the baffle.

US12345493 - Tool-less takedown bushing/compensator device for pistol

A bushing/compensator device for a firearm is provided that includes a compensator member having a first aperture having an axis that is coaxial with the axis of the barrel. A second aperture has an axis that is coaxial with the axis of the guide rod when the device is mounted on the slide. A quarter turn bayonet mount is disposed at a rear end of the first aperture that mates with a bayonet mount aperture in the slide. When the bayonet mount is locked, the axis of the second aperture is aligned with the axis of the guide rod of the pistol, and when the bayonet mount is unlocked, the device is removable from the slide. A button assembly is retained in the second aperture and includes a head at one end and a fastener at the other. The rod is slidable from a first position wherein the head is adjacent to the front end of the second aperture, to a second position wherein the second end of the rod depresses the recoil spring plug. A spring biases the rod to the first position.

US12345495 - Method of making a reliable gun

A gun has parts that slide past one another during operation. A coating is formed on at least a surface of a first part that contacts a second part. At least an upper layer of the coating is porous and comprises a thermoset polymer and a filler. One or both parts may be part of a gas-operated reloading mechanism. The coating prevents jamming by excluding particles, yielding to particles that still manage to intrude, and by providing a reservoir for lubricant. The coating reduces clearances, improves accuracy, and reduces operating temperatures. The coating excludes particles from the lubricant, effectively allowing a large volume of lubricant to be used without the drawback of trapping dirt and other contaminants in the lubricant.