Abstract: A cylinder retaining mechanism for a firearm includes a frame having a firing bore and a cylinder having a longitudinal bore. A yoke is pivotally connected to the frame and is operatively connected to the cylinder for selectively pivoting the cylinder between a first position in which the longitudinal bore is aligned with the firing bore, and a second position in which the longitudinal bore is not aligned with the firing bore. A biasing mechanism is housed in the frame and has an engaging portion which is selectively accommodated within an engaging cavity formed in the yoke when the cylinder is in the first position.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electronic sight assembly for sighting a revolver under various ambient lighting conditions comprises an elongated sight frame having front and rear sights, and means for illuminating the sights according to a measured level of ambient light. A front light guide transmits light from a light source to the front sight, and a pair of rear light guides transmit light from the light source to the rear sight. The sight frame encloses a pair of ambient light guides which transmit ambient light to a photosensitive cell that produces a signal corresponding to the ambient level of light. The light source is then energized according to the ambient level of light.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a firearm having an electronic firing apparatus adapted to produce a firing signal includes a frame with a firing chamber to receive a percussively fired cartridge, a barrel with a firing axis attached to the frame in alignment with the firing chamber and a trigger member. A linearly displaceable firing probe is disposed within the frame for linear reciprocal movement from a probe recovered position, wherein the firing probe is retracted away from said cartridge, to a probe contacting position, wherein the firing probe is disposed forwardly in contact with the cartridge. A security apparatus is in electrical communication with the firing probe and is capable of determining an operational mode of the firearm. The firearm further includes an identification assembly for determining whether an operator of the firearm is an authorized operator and is in electrical communication with the security apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-chambered firearm for firing a non-impact primer ammunition includes an electrically-conductive firing probe adapted to deliver a firing charge to ignite the primer and cause firing. The firing signal is controlled by a computer control system located in the firearm that determines firing ready conditions, including operator identification, and causes the firing signal to be delivered in response thereto.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a firing mechanism adapted to discharge a non-impact fired ammunition cartridge in a revolver comprises a trigger, a hammer, a stirrup, a transfer bar, a link, and a rebound. The trigger is hung conventionally on a frame of the revolver and adapted for rotation to and from a firing position. The transfer bar is engaged with the trigger and configured for movement into and out of engagement with a firing probe during actuation of the firing mechanism. The hammer is coupled to the stirrup via the link such that the hammer and stirrup rotate in opposite directions. The rebound has a front end coupled to the trigger and a rear end which receives a main spring. The main spring is captured between the stirrup and the rebound to bias the trigger toward recovery and the stirrup and hammer toward their respective firing positions.

Abstract: A firearm for firing non-impact primer ammunition includes an electrically-conductive firing probe adapted to deliver a firing charge to ignite the primer and cause firing. The firing signal is controlled by a computer control system located in the firearm that determines firing ready conditions, including operator identification, and causes the firing signal to be delivered in response thereto.

Abstract: A method for treating metal workpieces, including non-ferrous metal workpieces such as Titanium. The metal workpieces are heat soaked for a predetermined amount of time in a furnace at a predetermined temperature. An interstitial element is introduced into the area adjacent to the surface of the metal workpieces until a predetermined concentration of the interstitial element exists in the area adjacent to the metal workpieces. The treated metal workpieces are then cooled, resulting in the metal workpieces having a diffusion region formed which extends into the body of the metal workpieces. The region has a gradient of the interstitial element formed therein.

Abstract: A front sight assembly releasably secured to a handgun has a sight body including an integral, resilient, axially elongated and radially expandable anchor pin slideably received within an outwardly open anchor pin retaining bore formed in the muzzle end of the gun barrel. A set screw threadably engaged within the sight body radially expands the anchor pin and maintains it in expanded condition within the retaining anchor pin bore in frictionally gripping engagement with the wall of the retaining bore. An alignment pin projecting form the sight body and slideably received within an outwardly open alignment bore formed in the gun barrel cooperates with the anchor pin to maintain the sight body in a predetermined position of alignment with the gun barrel.