Safety Mechanism Patents (Class 42/70.01)
  • Patent number: 8756847
    Abstract: In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment a semi-automatic M-4 type firearm is provided. The firearm comprises a receiver and a reversible safety selector. The receiver has a right side and a left side. The reversible safety selector is rotatably coupled to the receiver and comprises a shaft with a user selector member at one end. The user selector member is adapted to allow a user to move the reversible safety selector relative to the receiver. The reversible safety selector is adapted to be mounted to the receiver in a first position with the user selector member located on the right side of the receiver. The reversible safety selector may be mounted to the receiver in a second position different from the first position with the user selector member located on the left side of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Colt Defense LLC
    Inventor: John Huther
  • Patent number: 8739447
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for making and using a firearm that includes an extendable light source that can be selectively moved closer to and farther from a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm. In some cases, the light source includes a laser or a light bulb, such as an LED. By being able to selectively move closer to and farther from the barrel's longitudinal axis, the light source can be adjusted so that it is able to shine past one or more attachments that are placed on a distal end of the firearm. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Launcher Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Merritt, LuDean Merritt
  • Patent number: 8740026
    Abstract: A weapon including a first portion of a disarming protection circuit integrated into a removable magazine clip. The first portion of the disarming protection circuit is integrated into the magazine clip and includes, a high voltage source, a receiver for receiving a signal from a transmitter and an output. A second portion of the disarming protection circuit includes a conductor assembly including an electrode that extends adjacent to an inside wall of a magazine compartment. The first end of the electrode is electrically connected to a conductor connection adjacent to the output of the first portion of the circuit. A second end of the electrode is disposed through the handle and is exposed from outside the handle. An actuator generates the signal that connects the high voltage source in the circuit to the electrode in response to the output from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne Kenneth Osborne, Dennis Harold Pitts, Donald Eugene Chance
  • Patent number: 8683729
    Abstract: An ambidextrous thumb safety assembly, configured for use in a firearm, includes a first lever assembly for positioning on a first side of the firearm, a second lever assembly for positioning on a second side of the firearm, and a monolithic shaft assembly for coupling the first lever assembly and the second lever assembly. The monolithic shaft assembly includes a first support portion configured to rotatably engage a first portion of a frame of the firearm, a second support portion configured to rotatably engage a second portion of the frame of the firearm, and a control portion configured to selectively prohibit operation of a trigger mechanism of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Bova
  • Patent number: 8683728
    Abstract: Devices and methods for altering a firearm to prevent firing of rounds of a first size while allowing the firing of rounds of a smaller, second size are provided. In one embodiment, a barrel safety device prevents a live round from fully chambering in a firearm, while allowing a blank to be chambered and fired from the firearm. The barrel safety device includes a muzzle block, a rod, and a tip in one embodiment. The rod and the tip can be sized so as obstruct a portion of the barrel and/or the bullet chamber of the firearm, such that a round having a first length, such as a live round, contacts the tip of the barrel safety device and cannot be fully chambered. The rod and the tip can be sized so as to allow a cartridge having a second, smaller length, such as a blank cartridge, to be fully chambered without contacting the tip of the barrel safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Wes Inskeep, Craig Lathrop
  • Patent number: 8683727
    Abstract: A firearm accessory part has a locator module and a transmitter module. The locator module is operable to determine the locator module's position. The transmitter module is operable to transmit the position of the locator module. The firearm accessory part is a replacement part for a firearm. Removal of the firearm accessory part from the firearm may disable a feature of the firearm. Removal of the firearm from a storage device may activate the locator module and transmitter module. The invention also includes a method of assembling a firearm consisting of the steps of obtaining a firearm, obtaining a firearm accessory part, removing a part of the firearm corresponding to the firearm accessory part, and replacing the part removed from the firearm with the firearm accessory part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: DM Innovations
    Inventor: Donald A. McLean, III
  • Patent number: 8677668
    Abstract: A firearm locking apparatus has a casing body which lodges within the chamber of a firearm, a rod which extends through the length of the barrel of the weapon, and a lock body which attaches to an outward end of the rod extending from the muzzle of the weapon. The lock body is attached such that there is not a sufficient length of exposed portion of the rod between the muzzle of the weapon and the lock body to allow attachment of any commonly known tool to the exposed portion of the rod. When the lock body is locked, it cannot be removed from the outward end of the rod, and the lock body freely spins on the rod. This configuration prevents removal of the rod and casing body from the weapon until the lock body is unlocked and removed, which allows removal of the rod and casing body from the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Aaron Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8677666
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drop-safety mechanism for a firearm having a pivot-mounted, trigger, said trigger being designed as an arm of a double lever, the other arm of which supports a counterweight that can be displaced between a rest position and a functional position. The counterweight is resiliently pre-tensioned in the rest position and strikes on a part of the firearm in the functional position to block the trigger from unintended firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Steyr Mannlicher GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Pichler
  • Patent number: 8661722
    Abstract: A lockable safety selector switch adapted to replace a manufacturer's original safety selector switch for a firearm having a selector detent pin with a tip. The lockable safety selector switch has a body adapted to selectively orient between a SAFE position that prevents the firearm from firing and a FIRE position that allows the firearm to fire, and a locking mechanism configured to operatively associate with the firearm selector detent pin to selectively lock the body in the SAFE position. The locking mechanism has a spring-loaded cam that operatively interfaces with a key to prevent unintentional locking or unlocking of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operated by a key adapted to operate a handcuff lock. The lockable safety selector switch is configured such that the firearm requires no modification for the lockable safety selector switch to replace the original safety selector switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Megamet Solid Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Dionne, Michael Borrini
  • Patent number: 8653974
    Abstract: An interface device includes an elongated sensor strap having a secured end and an unsecured end opposite to the secured end. The unsecured end of the sensor strap represents a first sensor half, and a second sensor half is adapted to receive the first sensor half/unsecured end to form a sensor link between the two sensor halves. A deployment sensor switch provides an input to a monitoring device for an alarm system. The deployment sensor switch is adapted to reside in an armed state when the first and second sensor halves form a sensor link, but change to an alarm state when the first sensor half and second sensor half are separated to break the sensor link. The sensor strap is sufficiently long to produce a closed loop around a firearm or other object to in a monitored position when the first and second sensor halves are placed together to form the sensor link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: D. Wayne Crook
  • Patent number: 8650790
    Abstract: A lockable safety selector switch adapted to replace a manufacturer's original safety selector switch for a firearm having a selector detent pin with a tip. The lockable safety selector switch has a body adapted to selectively orient between a SAFE position that prevents the firearm from firing and a FIRE position that allows the firearm to fire, and a locking mechanism configured to operatively associate with the firearm selector detent pin to selectively lock the body in the SAFE position. The locking mechanism has a spring-loaded cam that operatively interfaces with a key to prevent unintentional locking or unlocking of the locking mechanism. The lockable safety selector switch is configured such that the firearm requires no modification for the lockable safety selector switch to replace the original safety selector switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Megamet Solid Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Dionne, Michael Borrini
  • Publication number: 20130318847
    Abstract: A remote valuable and/or gun monitoring system and method are disclosed. A module incorporating a motion sensor is interconnected to a valuable or gun. The motion sensor generates a motion signal if movement is detected. The motion signal can be passed to a communication device associated with the valuable or gun owner by a network. Remote locking/unlocking of a trigger lock provided as part of the module interconnected to a gun can also be supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Sensor Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jason L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8590200
    Abstract: Firearms with magazine disconnectors include a trigger bar having a first end connected to the trigger and a second end proximate the hammer, the trigger bar being movable between a connected position where the second end operably engages the hammer to operate the hammer responsive to trigger actuation, and a disconnected position where the second end is disengaged from the hammer, such that trigger actuation does not operate the hammer. The disconnector is movable between a first position where the disconnector extends into the magazine well and moves the trigger bar to the disconnected position, and a second position where the disconnector is outside of the magazine well and moves the trigger bar to the connected position. The disconnector is biased to the first position in the absence of a magazine in the magazine well, and operable responsive to insertion of a magazine to move to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Domian
  • Patent number: 8584388
    Abstract: The firearm which fires bullets comprising a voice communication implementer, a current location on map indication implementer, a bullet firing prohibited geographic area indication implementer, and a bullet firing prohibiting implementer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Iwao Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 8549780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for a firearm with a trigger bar in said firearm. The trigger bar moves in response to a pulling of a trigger. An actuator in said firearm is adapted to actively move said trigger bar between a first position and a second position. The trigger bar engages in the trigger induced movement with a hammer link for releasing a hammer and firing a cartridge bullet when the trigger bar is in the first position or first state. However, said trigger bar does not engage in the trigger induced movement with the hammer link, such that the cartridge bullet is not fired, when the trigger bar is in the second position or state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Armatix GmbH, German Sport Guns GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Emde, Karl-Friedrich Giebel
  • Patent number: 8499482
    Abstract: An ambidextrous safety for a firearm includes a first portion, a second portion and a pivot pin, where each portion has a thumb lever that is rotatable in a frame aperture about the pivot pin having a first end and a second end. The first end is integrally disposed on the first portion and the second end has a first part of a two-part fastener. The second portion has a second part of the two-part fastener. The fastener rigidly secures the first portion to the second portion through the aperture. One part of the fastener has a socket and the other part has a protuberance for receipt in the socket. The protuberance is oblong and tapers inwardly. The socket has a socket aperture having a cutaway, tapering inwardly for receipt of the protuberance. The socket and the protuberance provide an interference fit. The two-part fastener provides retention and minimizes backlash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Kimber IP, LLC
    Inventor: Lucio Di Trolio
  • Publication number: 20130185976
    Abstract: Devices and methods for altering a firearm to prevent firing of rounds of a first size while allowing the firing of rounds of a smaller, second size are provided. In one embodiment, a barrel safety device prevents a live round from fully chambering in a firearm, while allowing a blank to be chambered and fired from the firearm. The barrel safety device includes a muzzle block, a rod, and a tip in one embodiment. The rod and the tip can be sized so as obstruct a portion of the barrel and/or the bullet chamber of the firearm, such that a round having a first length, such as a live round, contacts the tip of the barrel safety device and cannot be fully chambered. The rod and the tip can be sized so as to allow a cartridge having a second, smaller length, such as a blank cartridge, to be fully chambered without contacting the tip of the barrel safety device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Wes Inskeep, Craig Lathrop
  • Publication number: 20130180147
    Abstract: A trigger assembly includes a plurality of components including a trigger shoe configured to disengage a firing mechanism in response to a force applied by a user. The trigger assembly further includes a first PCB having at least one optical sensor to receive light and a controller configured to determine a positional state of at least one of the trigger shoe and a selected one of the plurality of components in response to the light received by the at least one optical sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: TRACKINGPOINT, INC.
    Inventors: John Hancock Lupher, Hillman Lee Bailey, Michael Eric Reimers
  • Patent number: 8484876
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a cartridge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, Jr., William C. Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi, Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8468732
    Abstract: A trigger assembly including a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, a front portion, a rear portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. A recess is defined in the housing between the upper portion and the lower portion. First and second guide channels are defined in the first side portion and the second side portion respectively. A trigger lever is configured to pivot within the housing about a pivot point positioned at least partially within the housing, the trigger lever having a body, a trigger bar extending in a first direction from the body, and a safety bar extending in a section direction from the body. A safety mechanism includes a first guide rail, a second guide rail spaced apart from the first guide rail, and a blocking member extending between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas E. Young
  • Publication number: 20130152444
    Abstract: Provided herein are an ambidextrous thumb safety and apparatuses for providing the same for a handgun. The ambidextrous thumb safety and apparatuses generally comprise right and left thumb safeties pivotally mounted in opposition to a handgun frame, means for pivotally interconnecting the mounted right and left thumb safeties on the handgun frame and means for initiating pivotal movement of the right and left side plates upon application of a force thereto. Particularly, a secondary pin with a threaded end extends from the sear contact surface on the right thumb safety and is connected to the left thumb safety via a screw at a counterbored hole through the left thumb safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: David Kenneth Tatum
  • Patent number: 8464451
    Abstract: A microprocessor circuit that is used to monitor and control a firearm. The microprocessor circuit accomplishes this by monitoring various sensor & control inputs, and acting on these inputs to execute user defined functions. The microprocessor circuit can use the sensory input to determine firearm statistics. These statistics can include the number of times the firearm has been shot, the efficiency of the firearm automatic action, range-to-target, and etcetera. The firearm system can also use a combination of sensors to fabricate a bullet chronograph whereby the muzzle velocity of a cartridge can be determined. These statistics can be date-stamped and recorded into memory. Statistics from Law Enforcement firearms can be used for courtroom evidence and police reporting. These statistics can also be used for firearm maintenance and warranty repair. The microprocessor circuit can display the statistical data to the user via simple light emitting diodes, or sophisticated liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Michael William McRae
  • Publication number: 20130133236
    Abstract: A customizable firearm is disclosed. The firearm can perform one or more functions, including firing a bullet, firing a less-than-lethal projectile, and/or providing light. In some cases, the firearm includes a main frame component having an inner cavity, wherein a barrel is slidably received within the cavity so as to selectively slide back and forth within the cavity. In some cases, a proximal end of the barrel comprises a bullet chamber. In such cases, the barrel fires the bullet by carrying the bullet proximally and striking it against a stationary firing pin. In other cases, a firing pin is attached to a distal end of the barrel. In such cases, the barrel discharges the firearm by moving the firing pin distally and striking a cartridge at a distal end of the main frame. In some cases, the barrel rotates between a safe and a fire alignment. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Merritt, LuDean Merritt
  • Publication number: 20130111794
    Abstract: A lockable safety selector switch adapted to replace a manufacturer's original safety selector switch for a firearm having a selector detent pin with a tip. The lockable safety selector switch has a body adapted to selectively orient between a SAFE position that prevents the firearm from firing and a FIRE position that allows the firearm to fire, and a locking mechanism configured to operatively associate with the firearm selector detent pin to selectively lock the body in the SAFE position. The locking mechanism has a spring-loaded cam that operatively interfaces with a key to prevent unintentional locking or unlocking of the locking mechanism. The lockable safety selector switch is configured such that the firearm requires no modification for the lockable safety selector switch to replace the original safety selector switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MEGAMET SOLID METALS, INC.
    Inventor: MEGAMET SOLID METALS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8402799
    Abstract: A securing system and method including an article holder portion having at least two separable portions; a mount portion adapted for carrying at least one of the separable portions of the holder portion; and optionally at least one sensor for monitoring the article and providing an output signal indicative of article tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hugh Victor
  • Patent number: 8381426
    Abstract: A firing inhibition system for a firearm includes an electromechanical actuator electrically connected to a dynamic grip recognition module including at least one sensor and a microcontroller, wherein the at least one sensor is located in a portion of a firearm operable to receive grip pressure from a user and wherein the at least one sensor is operable to transmit a signal to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is operable to receive programming comprising grip pressure of an authorized user and is operable to interpret whether the grip pressure of the user matches the grip pressure of the authorized user, and to send a signal to the electromechanical actuator to actuate or to not actuate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Biao Cheng, Daphne Chang
  • Patent number: 8381425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a changeover system for a hand gun comprising at least two different barrels, able to be applied exchangeably on a first grip piece of a weapon, for bullets of different caliber, and/or at least two different magazines for cartridges of different caliber able to be applied exchangeably on a first grip piece of a weapon. According to the invention, the changeover system comprises at least a second grip piece of the same weapon type, provided for a smaller caliber, on which at least one security arrangement against interchange is provided, which prevents the application of a barrel and/or of a magazine of a larger caliber on the grip piece provided for a smaller caliber. If required, the user of a second large-caliber weapon can then mount components of the small-caliber weapon onto the grip piece of the large-caliber weapon, in order to fire small-caliber ammunition therewith, for example for training purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: German Sport Guns GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Emde
  • Publication number: 20130000170
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a blank safety device is provided that includes: a body defining a cylindrical bore having a closed distal end, the body also defining an proximally extending internal cavity in communication with the cylindrical bore; a bullet plug received within the cylindrical bore, the bullet plug being configured to distally displace within the cylindrical bore towards the closed distal end in response to the impact of a fired bullet; and a back section received within the internal cavity in the body, the back section defining an internal chamber that is sealed with respect to a proximal bore for receiving a firearm attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Barry W. Dueck, Karl Honigmann
  • Publication number: 20130000172
    Abstract: Method of providing a gun sight for a firearm having an accuracy comprising predetermining as a function of the accuracy a region surrounding a point of aim within which a projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a known probability, aiming the firearm at the intended target, and outlining the region about the point of aim with a laser and method for supporting a decision to fire a projectile from a firearm having an accuracy and pointed towards an intended target and an unintended target comprising precalculating as a function of the accuracy a region surrounding a point of aim within which a projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a known probability, aiming the firearm at the intended target, delineating the region about the point of aim with a laser, and not firing when at least a portion of the unintended target is within the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: TIMOTHY D.F. FORD
  • Patent number: 8333028
    Abstract: A mode selection mechanism for a firearm is provided including a lever having an exposed surface and an inner surface and a pivot pin and a detent pin depending from the inner surface, the pivot pin extending through a orifice in the frame, the detent pin extending generally parallel to the pivot pin. The lever is pivotable from a first position to a second position about the pivot pin, wherein the detent pin moves in an arc-shaped aperture in the frame. A flexible stop includes an open ring of spring metal and is disposed in a ring orifice in the frame. The detent pin is disposed against the flexible stop wherein, as the lever is moved from the first position to the second position, the flexible stop compresses and then uncompresses thereby creating a detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kimber IP, LLC
    Inventors: Yury Karfiol, John Goliber
  • Patent number: 8312660
    Abstract: The firearm which fires bullets comprising an input device, a display, a current location on map indication implementer, a bullet firing prohibited geographic area indication implementer, and a bullet firing prohibiting implementer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Iwao Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 8312659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand gun having at least one exchangeable magazine for cartridges, able to be inserted from below into a grip piece of the weapon. According to the invention, a security element is arranged in the grip piece of the weapon, which with the magazine removed blocks a grip security arrangement of the weapon on the grip piece and which on insertion of the magazine is acted upon by an element arranged on the magazine such that it moves within the grip piece, wherein through this displacement the blocking of the grip security arrangement is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: German Sport Guns GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Emde
  • Patent number: 8276502
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of an ambidextrous or reversible safety mechanism for firearms. The safety mechanism can be utilized on specific rifles and shotguns, for example an AK47, SAIGA or similar firearms, as a retrofit to reposition the existing safety mechanism to a configuration similar to or nearly identical to an AR15, M16 or similar firearms. In this way, personnel familiar with the safety operation of the AR15 or M16 will be able to operate the retrofit firearm without learning the operation of a new mechanism. Once retrofitted, the firearm safety mechanism will have the same visual appearance, action, and “feel” as the firearm with which they are familiar. The distance from the grip (trigger) to the engagement portion of the safety mechanism of the retrofit firearm will be very similar to that of the familiar firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Wright
  • Patent number: 8276302
    Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, a trigger, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer, and a manual slide and hammer lock safety mechanism (“manual safety”) including a detent spring biased rotatable tab mounted to the frame that blocks the slide from reciprocating and the hammer from rotating relative to the frame if the tab is actuated in an “on” position. The manual safety completely disables the firearm even if the trigger is actuated, thereby rendering the firearm safer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Gary Zukowski
  • Patent number: 8261650
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cocking device for a bolt mechanism with a cocking slider (13, 14), which can be displaced, on a breech housing (2), between a rear uncocking position and a front cocking position, for the cocking and uncocking of a striker spring and a catch (21), located on the cocking slider (13, 14), which works together with a mating catch (23) to hold the cocking slider (13, 14) in the front cocking position. In order to attain an improved safety with respect to an unintended release of a shot, an uncocking mechanism (25, 29) for the automatic uncocking of the striker spring (48), when the magazine (5) has been removed, is correlated with the cocking slider (13, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Blaser Finanzholding GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Hagspiel, Peter Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 8225999
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to devise an inexpensive method and device that allows predefined target tolerances of an automatic weapon (1) to be maintained even in the range of prevailing resonant cadences. This aim is achieved by modifying the actual cadence of the automatic weapon from shot to shot around a predefined cadence lying within the range of a resonant cadence so that the time interval between successively triggered shots is alternately shorter and longer than the calculated constant time interval between the individual triggered shots that is calculated for the predefined cadence and that corresponds to the constant time interval required to fire the automatic weapon at the predefined cadence. In this way, the automatic weapon is controlled to fire at a time averaged cadence that is equal to the desired predefined cadence while avoiding ever actually firing the automatic weapon, shot-by-shot, at the resonant cadence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Heuer
  • Publication number: 20120180357
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for a firearm, comprising an release/locking device, which can be changed to a first state, which allows a shot to be fired, and to a second state, which prevents a shot from being fired, and a state changing device, which allows the release/locking blocking device to be changed from the first state to the second state only in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release in the absence of an authorization signal; safety apparatus for a firearm, comprising an release/locking device, which can be changed to a first state, which allows a shot to be fired, and to a second state, which prevents a shot from being fired, and a state changing device, which allows the release/locking device to be changed from the second state to the first state only in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release in the presence of an authorization signal; a firearm having a safety apparatus such as this, as well as corresponding methods and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Armatix Invest GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Dietel, Johannes Aberl
  • Patent number: 8205372
    Abstract: A safety device (1) for fire-arms (11), includes actuator elements (10; 10?; 19, 20, 21, 21?, 22), suitable to engage with mechanical parts of the fire-arm (11) so as to prevent and/or permit its operation; and a control unit (2), operatively connected with the actuator elements (10; 10?; 19, 20, 21, 21?, 22), the control unit (2) including transceiving elements (3), cooperating with certification outer members brought by an authorized user (U) for exchanging signals with the same for codified remote control of the actuator elements (10; 10?; 19, 20, 21, 21?, 22). A remote control system for one or more firearms provided with the safety device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Famiglia Anzeloni Srl
    Inventor: Massimiliano Anzeloni
  • Patent number: 8176833
    Abstract: A firearm receiver with an extended bridge is created to prevent the fully automatic fire of an assault rifle. The extended bridge receiver has a narrowed magazine well for a single stack removable magazine, safety catch with one or more grooves on its lower left hand side, new sporting stock where grip part and butt-stock part form one unit and barrel extension permanently attached to the muzzle. The receiver can be configured with a rivet on the bridge in a location that prevents backward turning of the safety catch, where the modified safety catch has two positions (i.e. safe and fire), rather than the three positions consistent with a fully automatic firearm. In a second version, the extended bridge lacks a release lever groove. In yet another version, an inseparable, double stack magazine box is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Tomas Quis
  • Patent number: 8171665
    Abstract: Portable firearms having identification marks and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example firearm includes a first identification number visibly located on the firearm; and a second, hidden or disguised identification number associated with the first identification number to facilitate identifying the firearm if the first identification number is destroyed, changed, or damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch, GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Holzknecht, Ernst Mauch, Michael Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8166693
    Abstract: A method performed by a weapon, includes interacting with a user of the weapon to receive a first code; determining whether the first code is consistent with a second code in a memory of the weapon to produce a result of determining; testing whether the weapon is in a zone; performing an operation of the weapon in accordance with the result and the weapon being in the zone. Interacting may include monitoring a switch that is operated by the user; and receiving may include determining the first code in accordance with a time between successive operations of the switch. The method may further include disabling performance of the operation in accordance with the weapon being not in the zone. And, after disabling, requiring a repeat performance of interacting and determining whether the first code is consistent with the second code before enabling performing a further operation of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Hughes, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim, Ryan C. Markle, Nache D. Sheharri, John F. Szakach
  • Patent number: 8132496
    Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a trigger, a trigger bar, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer having a hammer pin connected to the trigger via the trigger bar and a firing pin, and an automatic firing pin block safety mechanism (“automatic safety”) including a flange that is spring biased into engagement with the firing pin and a pivot lock arm rotatably mounted to the hammer pin and releasable engageable with the flange. The flange blocks the firing pin from discharging a chambered round unless and until the trigger is positively actuated. The automatic safety reduces the risk of accidental discharge, thereby rendering the firearm safer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Gary Zukowski
  • Patent number: 8127481
    Abstract: A model 1911 semiautomatic pistol thumb safety or decocking lever adapted to be coupled to a model 1911 receiver. The thumb safety has a selector pivotally coupled about an axis of rotation to a side of the model 1911 receiver the selector having a flat surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and contacting the side. The selector has a raised surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and facing the side. The safety is adapted to be selectable from a first position to a second position. The flat surface portion covers a swept area when the safety is rotated from the first position to the second position. The swept area is covered by the raised surface portion in either the first position or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Colt's Manufacturing Company Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Rozum, Jerold R. Crowley, Paul M. Hochstrate, Martinho Tavares
  • Patent number: 8127482
    Abstract: A firearm enabling and disabling electronic system comprising a base unit (1) and a safety device (4) adapted to be incorporated into a firearm (7). Each of the base unit (1) and the safety device (4) has a transmitter and/or receiver (2, 5) adapted to exchange and process wireless command signals with each other. The safety device (4) has an actuating circuit (6) which is controlled by the transmitter and/or receiver (5) of the safety device (4) and is adapted to actuate a locking mechanism (8), wherein in the locking mechanism is operable to prevent a firearm from firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick O'Shaughnessy, Robert Gerard McNamara
  • Patent number: 8125371
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for reducing the instance of friendly fire by having the weapon aiming system include means for emitting an optical signal encoded with the identity of the targeting soldier. The encoded optical signal is received by an optical receiver on a targeted soldier where it is converted into a low power RF signal which is transmitted to a local repeater that retransmits it, optionally using at least one intermediate repeater, to a central monitoring station equipped with a computerized database. If the monitoring station determines that the doubly encoded signal includes the identities of two friendly troops, it transmits a “hold fire” signal back to the aiming system, and a suitable signal, such as a red LED indicative of a “hold fire” order is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Sayo Isaac Daniel
  • Publication number: 20120030982
    Abstract: Devices and methods for altering a firearm to prevent firing of rounds of a first size while allowing the firing of rounds of a smaller, second size are provided. In one embodiment, a barrel safety device prevents a live round from fully chambering in a firearm, while allowing a blank to be chambered and fired from the firearm. The barrel safety device includes a muzzle block, a rod, and a tip in one embodiment. The rod and the tip can be sized so as obstruct a portion of the barrel and/or the bullet chamber of the firearm, such that a round having a first length, such as a live round, contacts the tip of the barrel safety device and cannot be fully chambered. The rod and the tip can be sized so as to allow a cartridge having a second, smaller length, such as a blank cartridge, to be fully chambered without contacting the tip of the barrel safety device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Wes Inskeep, Craig Lathrop
  • Publication number: 20120023801
    Abstract: A model 1911 semiautomatic pistol thumb safety or decocking lever adapted to be coupled to a model 1911 receiver. The thumb safety has a selector pivotally coupled about an axis of rotation to a side of the model 1911 receiver the selector having a flat surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and contacting the side. The selector has a raised surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and facing the side. The safety is adapted to be selectable from a first position to a second position. The flat surface portion covers a swept area when the safety is rotated from the first position to the second position. The swept area is covered by the raised surface portion in either the first position or the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory T. Rozum, Jerold R. Crowley, Paul M. Hochstrate, Martinho Tavares
  • Publication number: 20120017481
    Abstract: Firearms and firearm components are constructed from bonded multi-metallic base materials comprising at least two dissimilar metallic materials having different properties, such as weight, density, wear resistance, durability, hardness, and the like, bonded to one another. The components are fabricated such that the metallic material having higher impact- and wear-resistance is positioned at areas that experience impact, or that include bearing points, wear points, and interfaces with other components, while a lighter weight metallic material is positioned at component locations that don't have rigorous material property requirements. The bonded multi-metallic materials may be explosively bonded multi-metallic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: PACIFIC AEROSPACE & ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Nelson Clare SETTLES, Shaun Michael McGUIRE
  • Patent number: 8087551
    Abstract: A device and method for deactivating firearms is described herein. The device includes a casing having a nozzle and a plunger for dispensing a bonding material out of the nozzle. The device is inserted into the barrel of a weapon, and the material is injected into the barrel near the bolt face of the weapon. The bonding material enters the working mechanism of the firearm and hardens, interfering with operation of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: John B. Henley, II
  • Patent number: RE44568
    Abstract: A gun safe door storage system is permanently affixed to an interior surface of a gun safe door. The door storage system comprises a plurality of integrated pouches or pockets and a rack arranged such that the pouches or pockets are accessible even when the rack is holding rifles or rifle parts, such as barrels. Substantially all of the available space on the interior surface of the door is filled with pockets or pouches. The pouches or pockets are affixed to a backing material having strength and weight sufficient to prevent sagging. The backing material is permanently affixed to the interior surface of the gun safe door. The rack comprises a barrel support and a stock support mounted permanently on the interior surface of the gun safe door over the pouches or pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Prosteel Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Stepp