Safety Mechanism Patents (Class 42/70.01)
  • Patent number: 6871437
    Abstract: A method for locking a firearm in an “open” position involves blocking some portion of the firearm's action (internal operational mechanism) with a selectively-extendable locking device accessible from outside the firearm. More specifically, the locking device is positioned at one of a plurality of pre-selected locations on the firearm, and includes a plunger that lies retracted when the device is unlocked, and that extends into the interior of the firearm when locked. The pre-selected location is chosen such that: (i) when locked, the locking device interferes with the firearm's action, preventing it from being closed, and the firearm from being fired; (ii) the locking device can only be locked when the firearm's action is in an open position, with the chamber visually exposed; and (iii) to the extent one is able to operatively disassemble the firearm when the locking device is locked, the locking device cannot be defeated internally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Bartozzi, Robert A. Talboot, Wayne E. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 6862831
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing unauthorized or accidental use of a gun. The safety device includes a solid body of material, a muzzle end plug and an elongate threaded rod inter-connecting the same. The solid body is sized and shaped to simulate a live cartridge. It has an outwardly directed flange at one end for engaging an end wall surrounding entry into the cartridge chamber of the gun and a threaded bore extending inwardly a selected distance from the opposite end. An O-ring fits into a groove it the solid body and projects outwardly frictionally to engage the inner wall surface-of the gun barrel in the cartridge chamber. The muzzle plug has an outwardly directed flange at one end thereof that engages an outer end of the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Canaday
  • Patent number: 6843013
    Abstract: A trigger assembly is adapted to replace the trigger and trigger safety assembly supplied in pistols for enhancing safety features. The invention is formed by a sideways insertable locking pin, a newly designed trigger safety member and a helicoidal spring. The user may lock the pistol trigger assembly by pushing the locking pin to one safe position, and unlock it with an opposite movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Jorge Enrique Cutini, Fernando Mareque
  • Patent number: 6836989
    Abstract: A safety device for a breechblock of a firearm suitable for limiting accidental sliding of a breechblock (14) following knocks to the firearm, comprises a locking lever (15) of the breechblock (14), pivoted to the structure of the firearm in an axis (11) and an elastic return element (18) of the lever (15), suitable for keeping it is rest position in conditions of normal use of the firearm, the locking lever (15) being equipped with an engagement element (19) for intervention in a seat (20) of the breechblock (14) and with a center of gravity (G) which is offset with respect to the axis of rotation (11) of the lever (15), suitable for causing its inertial rotation in a middle plane of line (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Fabbrica D'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ugo Gussalli Beretta
  • Patent number: 6823621
    Abstract: A system for monitoring use of a weapon. The system includes a monitoring station and at least one weapon in which the weapon fires a projectile. The weapon includes a tracking device, in which the tracking device receives navigational data, and a transceiver. The transceiver transmits at least the navigational data to the monitoring station. The weapon can further include a biometric identifier for identifying a user and a trigger mechanism in which the biometric identifier can enable the trigger mechanism only when the biometric identifier identifies an authorized user. In one arrangement, the tracking device can be a global positioning system receiver that can receive navigational data from a plurality of global positioning system satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley L. Gotfried
  • Patent number: 6817130
    Abstract: Improvements in the sensor array are disclosed for an array used in a module for preventing unauthorized use of a firearm or other device. The module to which the invention is applicable of the type including a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing a user's handgrip on the device; comparator means for comparing a pressure signature profile compiled from an output from said pressure sensors with at least one pressure signature profile in storage; and means for preventing operation of the device when the compared profiles do not match. The improved sensor array comprises a first set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed on the gripping surface; a thin layer of (preferably) piezoresistive material overlying the first set of conductive lines; and a second set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed over the piezoresistive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Dentcho Ivanov
  • Patent number: 6817131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for firearms with a firing pin lock to prevent the unintended unlocking of the firearm. The safety device comprises a rotatable safety shaft connected to the firing pin lock with locking surfaces. The safety shaft is adjustable in at least two positions for locking at least the firing pin. The safety shaft, while securing the weapon, is fixed in such a way that any force applied to the safety wing cannot result in movement of either the safety wing or the safety shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Gottfried Prechtl
  • Publication number: 20040216347
    Abstract: A safety lever (safety control member) is provided in its inner surface with first, second and third positioning holes. The tapered outer end part of a safety lock (trigger blocking member) is engaged in the first positioning hole of the safety lever to retain the safety lever at a perfect lock position. In this state, the forward turning of the upper arm of the trigger is blocked by the safety lock. Thus, the trigger cannot turn even if the same is pulled. Since the safety lock is fitted in a sliding hole formed in a casing so as to be slidable in directions perpendicular to a plane in which the trigger turns, and force applied to the trigger is born by the casing, the safety lock does not deform and is able to block the movement of the trigger with reliability even if the trigger is pulled strongly. In this state where the safety lever is at the perfect lock position, the bolt blocking part of the safety lever is engaged in a groove formed in a bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: HOWA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Teruhiko Sato
  • Patent number: 6810613
    Abstract: This invention concerns a supplementary safety device in the form of a false cartridge to be inserted into the chamber of a light firearm barrel, including a radially expandable portion controlled by a lock operated by a specific key for locking/unlocking it in the barrel in which it is housed, so it may be removed only voluntarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fabbrica D'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ugo Gussalli Beretta
  • Publication number: 20040200112
    Abstract: A safety device for a breechblock of a firearm suitable for limiting accidental sliding of a breechblock (14) following knocks to the firearm, comprises a locking lever (15) of the breechblock (14), pivoted to the structure of the firearm in an axis (11) and an elastic return element (18) of the lever (15), suitable for keeping it is rest position in conditions of normal use of the firearm, the locking lever (15) being equipped with an engagement element (19) for intervention in a seat (20) of the breechblock (14) and with a centre of gravity (G) which is offset with respect to the axis of rotation (11) of the lever (15), suitable for causing its inertial rotation in a middle plane of line (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Ugo Gussalli Beretta
  • Patent number: 6799392
    Abstract: A safety lock against an undesired pulling of a short firearm out from its scabbard consists of a flat element with components for its attachment to a side of the scabbard on the user's side, and an active element in the form of a double-arm lever, one end of which is arranged to be located in a bow of a short firearm to be placed in the scabbard and an action release end located close to the user's thumb, while the axis around which the double-arm lever of the active element turns, is attached to the flat element, and a spring element for keeping the active element in its working position is attached to the active element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventors: Ji{haeck over (r)}í Milec, Vratislav {haeck over (Z)}ák
  • Patent number: 6796071
    Abstract: A safety lock for a firearm. The safety lock has an engagement member moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The lock is secured within a gun by inserting the lock in the barrel of the gun, and then moving the engagement member from the unlocked position to the locked position. In the locked position, the engagement member engages structure in the firing chamber of the gun, thereby securing the safety device within the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Lane, Woodrow W. Lane
  • Patent number: 6785996
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting jarring, acceleration or other application of force to a firearm, and/or movement of the firearm into an undesired orientation, which includes a sensor array mounted to a firearm. The sensor array detects the excessive acceleration and/or movement of the firearm into certain orientations and generates a sensor signal indicative of a fault condition. In response, a control system blocks or interrupts the firing sequence of the firearm to prevent inadvertent discharge of a round of ammunition by the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: R.A. Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Danner, David O. Matteson
  • Patent number: 6775940
    Abstract: A safety device for use with a toy guns, less-lethal guns (such as non-powdered guns) and lethal guns detects motion of the gun, and causes light emitting diodes or other light sources incorporated into the gun to prominently flash. The flashing light sources alert bystanders in a way that distinguishes lethal firearms from toy guns and less-lethal guns. The flashing diodes can also be activated when the gun is armed, cocked or otherwise ready to be fired. Motion is detected through the use of an electric circuit that includes a spring, an oscillating mass, and a ring adapted to surround the oscillating mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: S/R Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Dworzan, Lawrence J. Zadra
  • Patent number: 6735897
    Abstract: An authorization system for a firearm includes a personal device worn by the authorized user, modifications to the firearm's fire control system, and an authorization control circuit carried in the backstrap of the firearm handle. The authorization control circuit controls the fire control system and communicates with the personal device. In particular, the authorization control circuit will send a first coded signal to the personal device via an ultrasonic transponder and wait for a coded response. If the personal device is worn by a user and is within range, properly oriented and has received a correct code, it will respond to the signal by sending a coded response. If the correct coded response is not received, the authorization control circuit signals a brake solenoid located near the trigger bar to move to a locked position where it will cam the trigger bar out of engagement with the sear as the trigger is pulled. Consequently, the trigger bar will not move the sear and the firearm will not fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Edward P. Schmitter, Jason Lee Hitchcox, Thomas Jerome Ruemping
  • Patent number: 6694659
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lockable safety device for use with a firearm. The device comprises a clamp or bracket that is engageable with a locking bar. When the clamp and locking bar are engaged with a firearm, access to, and use of, the firearm is restricted. The clamp can comprise a third arm projecting therefrom to prevent complete cycling of the firearm action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: The Marlin Firearms Company
    Inventor: Charles A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6678984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a weapon safeguarding system with a first contact-sensitive user interface for receiving use data characterizing a user. In this connection the first contact-sensitive use interface is arranged in a contact region of a weapon which is contacted by the user with a view to firing a shot. The weapon safeguarding system further comprises a control device which comprises an input unit for receiving the user data, a computer unit for verifying the user data and an output unit. In the case of a successful verification of the user data, which indicates that the user is a user who is authorized for use, the output unit outputs a release signal in order to release a discharging mechanism of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: R2 AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Rapp, Wolfgang Richter
  • Patent number: 6675519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locking a gun that includes a firing pin and a lock cylinder provided with a lock cylinder bracket. The method comprises providing the firing pin with a recess that essentially conforms to the lock cylinder bracket both in shape and in size, wherein the bracket has at least two positions including a first position and a second position, and that in the first position, the bracket is fitted in the recess, so that the firing pin is movable towards the lock cylinder; and that in the second position, the bracket is not fitted in the recess, thereby preventing the firing pin from moving towards the lock cylinder and consequently locking the gun. The invention also relates to a locking arrangement for a pinlock of a gun. The locking arrangement comprises a lock cylinder provided with a bracket, and a firing pin provided with a recess that essentially conforms to the lock cylinder bracket both in shape and in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sako Oy
    Inventor: Timo Hyytinen
  • Publication number: 20030213158
    Abstract: A safety for bolt action rifles is provided having a lateral safety lever, said safety lever comprising a safety catch as additional safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Georg Christian Recknagel
  • Publication number: 20030192222
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to secure a safety catch in a jammed position are disclosed. A disclosed firearm includes a housing; a mounting bracket carried by the housing; and a cocking slide slidably engaging the mounting bracket external to the housing. The cocking slide is engageable with the safety catch in order to move the safety catch against the force of a closing spring and into a cocked position. In the event of a jam, the cocking slide is engageable with the safety catch in order to lock the safety catch in a jammed position between the fired position and the cocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ernst Wossner
  • Patent number: 6631579
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detent for a handgun, comprising at least one sensor for determining the identity of the user on the basis of at least one finger. According to the invention, a sensor determines the capacitance between a sensor surface and a section of the finger, an image of the finger section is generated from the voltage differences and said image is compared with memorized finger sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Lauster, Harald Breinlinger
  • Patent number: 6626674
    Abstract: A safety device for a firearm having a handle and a barrel. The safety device includes a gun-attachment member and a chamber-disabling component secured to the gun-attachment. A weight may also be added to the device to allow it to be used in marksmanship training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Chudwin
  • Patent number: 6615528
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and to a method for rendering useless a weapon (100) that includes a breechblock, in the event of an unauthorized appropriation of the weapon. The arrangement (1) includes an expander (10) which has a cavity (13) or a recess and which is intended for insertion into the box (101) accommodating the breechblock of the weapon. An explosive substance (43) is disposed in the expander cavity (13) or recess. The explosive substance (43) is fired in response to an alarm being triggered, therewith deforming the breechblock accommodating space (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: SQS Security Qube System AB
    Inventors: Magnus Lindskog, Kjell Lindskog
  • Patent number: 6612063
    Abstract: In a weapon, in particular a self-loading pistol, having a barrel (1) and a breech block (4), it being possible for a cartridge (2) to be fired in the barrel (1) by being acted upon by means of a firing pin (7), to identify a fired cartridge (2) and/or to increase the precision during the shot, a contact region (10) of the breech block (4) with the cartridge (2) has at least one prominence (11) and/or recess (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Sigg
  • Publication number: 20030097776
    Abstract: Weapons (1) are secured against unauthorised use by configuring the triggering device in such a way that said triggering device is only released when a transponder (18) which is to be carried by the user of the weapon and which is interrogated when the trigger (3) is pulled from an electronic switching circuit (11) of the weapon, sends back a valid licence code. The invention also relates to electronically ignited ammunition and to a suitable weapon configuration for the same. The weapon contains a real time clock (14), so that the time and date of each activation of the weapon can be stored. The ammunition contains a code identifying the type of ammunition, which can be read out through a contact arrangement of the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Joergen Brosow
  • Patent number: 6568116
    Abstract: A security mount and system for protecting a firearm. The base of the firearm is placed in a receptacle in the mount to hold the firearm. A switch in the bottom of the receptacle is activated when the firearm is removed from the mount. The mount may be connected directly to an alarm or to a premises security system which sounds the alarm when the switch is activated. The premises security system may also report an alarm condition to a monitoring center via a wireline connection or a wireless link when the switch is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Lloyd Hathaway
  • Patent number: 6563940
    Abstract: An unauthorized user prevention device and method prevents unauthorized users from operating a devices such as firearms or other types of weapons, and can also prevent access as an anti-theft device for vehicles and doors to buildings. A users initially grips a handle containing pressure sensors, and a pressure signature profile is stored that is based on hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure, pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and pressure as a function of time. A comparator compiles the pressure signature profile and compares it with profiles is storage to determined whether a match exists. Upon finding a match, a control unit releases an interlocking unit to enable the user to operate the device because he/she is authorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Michael Recce
  • Patent number: 6557288
    Abstract: A government model semi-automatic handgun is disclosed. The handgun includes a frame having a rear end, a barrel having a tip, and a slide having a front side and a back side, and a grip safety having an outer surface. An outer surface of the hammer substantially aligns with the back side of the slide when the slide is in a forward position and the hammer is in a rest position. In addition, the length of the handgun as defined by between the barrel tip and the rear end of the frame may be greater than the length of the handgun as defined by the barrel tip and the outer surface of the grip safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Attila Szabo
  • Patent number: 6553706
    Abstract: An improved firearm having a low creep, safety trigger. The firearm includes a frame, a barrel attached to the frame, a firing mechanism, a step having an adjustable step height, an over travel stop, and a sear and step trigger assembly with a secondary sear block. The secondary sear block is selectively movable between a first blocking position and a second non-blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Robert M. Gancarz, Scott Warburton
  • Patent number: 6533149
    Abstract: A safety holster for a firearm, including two pivotally mounted retaining members that cooperate to engage the trigger guard of the firearm and prevent withdrawal of the firearm from the holster by anyone other than an authorized user of the firearm. The holster includes a fingerprint sensor for scanning fingerprint information of a perspective user of the firearm, and a processor for comparing the scanned fingerprint information with stored fingerprint information of an authorized user and releasing the retaining member only if the scanned fingerprint information matches that of the authorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Al Vor Keller, David R. Fletcher, Robert C. Chinn
  • Publication number: 20030041497
    Abstract: A gun handling deterrent device includes a housed, battery-powered electrical assembly for placement within the gun handle, with sub-assemblies to convert the DC to pulsating DC and step up the voltage, and leads to the gun frame and a negative contact member that extends from the handle for positioning adjacent the handle, trigger guard and barrel, such that when the handle, trigger guard or barrel is grasped, the hand contacts both the metal frame and the negative contact member. An actuator switch enables the circuit when the gun is moved from a horizontal position, causing the increased voltage pulsating DC to be delivered to the hand. The shock function is joined or replaced in embodiments where an audio generating device is activated by the actuator switch when the gun is so moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: James Midgley
  • Patent number: 6526684
    Abstract: A firearm safety device invention for handguns is disclosed. The safety device (10) prevents accidental firing of a gun by children, but is easily removable by an adult in 5 to 10 seconds even in pitch darkness. The safety device includes a lock sleeve (26) with an expandable end plug (30) which is inserted through the muzzle (16) of a gun barrel (14). With the end plug positioned in the firing chamber, a lock rod (24) is inserted into the lock sleeve to force expansion of the linear slotted (32) end plug sufficiently to prevent the safety device from being removed from the barrel. Withdrawal of the lock rod from the lock sleeve to allow removal of the safety device is prevented by a knurled cap (22) which is threadedly attached to a knurled enlarged end portion (28) of the lock sleeve. Since the safety device is able to rotate freely in its assembled position in the gun, any attempt to unscrew the knurled cap without holding the enlarged end portion of the lock sleeve stationary will be unsuccessful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick R. Hickerson
  • Patent number: 6523295
    Abstract: A gun handling deterrent device includes a housed, battery-powered electrical assembly for placement within the gun handle, with sub-assemblies to convert the DC to pulsating DC and step up the voltage, and leads to the gun frame and a negative contact member that extends from the handle for positioning adjacent the handle, trigger guard and barrel, such that when the handle, trigger guard or barrel is grasped, the hand contacts both the metal frame and the negative contact member. An actuator switch enables the circuit when the gun is moved from a horizontal position, causing the increased voltage pulsating DC to be delivered to the hand. The shock function is joined or replaced in embodiments where an audio generating device is activated by the actuator switch when the gun is so moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: James Midgley
  • Patent number: 6519887
    Abstract: A magazine safety for a semi-automatic firearm having a frame, a magazine well, a magazine, and a firing mechanism is provided. The firing mechanism includes a trigger bar and a sear. The magazine safety includes a rod slidably mounted relative to the frame, and a rod biasing spring that acts on the rod and the frame. When the magazine is removed from the magazine well, the rod is biased into engagement with the trigger bar by the rod biasing spring. The rod holds the trigger bar in a “safety-engaged” position where it is out of alignment with the sear, thereby preventing actuation of the firearm. Inserting the magazine completely into the magazine well causes the rod to move thereby enabling the trigger bar to align with the sear and permit actuation of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventors: Scott F. Allen, Pardip K. Vaid
  • Patent number: 6510640
    Abstract: A one-piece trigger lock adapted to be inserted into a trigger guard of a gun is disclosed. The trigger lock has a keyway into which a key may be engaged for moving the lock mechanism between the locked and release positions. The key may be a ring-key. The key can unlock the trigger lock by pressing against the keyway. The trigger lock may have a safety feature which may include multiple lock-pins, a design which prevents the trigger lock from being disassembled unless it is in the unlocked position, or a behind-the-trigger safety wedge. A method for using the trigger lock is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of releasing the locking mechanism of the trigger lock, moving the trigger lock from the locked to the release position, pushing the trigger lock away from the trigger guard area of a gun, and placing the trigger finger inside the trigger guard area in one swift, fluid, easy motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Tom J. Strong
  • Patent number: 6502344
    Abstract: In order to secure firearms against unauthorized use, an insert is inserted into a portion of the barrel, which insert has an expandable sleeve. A first expanding device is releasably inserted into one end of the expandable sleeve to thus press lockingly against the inside wall of the barrel. A second expanding device is inserted into the other end of the expandable sleeve. When an axial pressure is applied to the second expanding device, the expandable sleeve engages the inside wall of the barrel. The one end of the expandable sleeve is covered with a protective plate which can only be destroyed by spark erosion when the expandable sleeve is removed from the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH
    Inventors: Meinrad Zeh, Gerhard Blenk
  • Publication number: 20020178635
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for preventing the discharging of a hand weapon in locations where it is not permitted by determining the location of the weapon and receiving a signal for allowing discharging from a permitting agency only when the weapon is at a location where its discharging can be permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: John Mikel Martin
  • Publication number: 20020178633
    Abstract: I. When installed on a weapon this lock prevents the safety from being taken from safe to fire position. This device will provide a back up to a guns existing safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Berlin Rollins
  • Publication number: 20020174585
    Abstract: A hand-held firearm with a combination lock with number dials rotatable around an axis is disclosed. The lock only permits movement of the bar triggering a shot if the lock is unlocked. The axis of the lock is positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the weapon. The combination of the lock is changeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Fluhr, Johannes-August Bantle
  • Patent number: 6481140
    Abstract: A firearm safety system for the prevention of undesired or unauthorized discharge of a firearm by a person other than an authorized person. The safety system is made up of a computer chip which is implanted into the authorized user's anatomy for verification of the user. The information from the computer chip is received by a sensor connected to a firearm and the information processed by a processor. If the information received from the computer chip matches that of an authorized user, the firearm can be discharged by the authorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: William Marshall
  • Patent number: 6477801
    Abstract: This invention provides security measures for electronically operated munitions and firearms such as the pistol (10). The electronic controls (18) may be armed or disarmed electronically and provided with encoding means which arms the electronic controls to enable firing of the secured weapon upon the monitoring authorised code. This code may be electronically personalised to the individual. The code may be provided by a swipe card or the like carried by the authorised personnel. Alternatively the code may be biometric data which retains a lifelong distinctive identity of the authorised personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'dwyer
  • Patent number: 6470615
    Abstract: An insert for a firearm having a large diameter portion extending a predetermined axial distance into a breech and a small diameter portion adapted to fit within the chamber of a barrel. The predetermined axial length of the larger diameter portion has a length long enough to prevent a hammer from striking a firing pin and short enough so that the hammer can be cocked and released by the trigger. In an embodiment a lock means prevents the insert from being removed from the firearm without authority. In another embodiment, a handle is used as a flag or for cocking. The firearm may be dry-fired for practice purposes without striking the firing pin. The insert is also readily visible so that a quick inspection of the firearm will confirm that the firearm is in a safe state. The present invention may be made to accommodate many different firearms and may also be used to safely dry-fire a firearm. The insert of the present invention also provides more realistic dry firing, greatly improving the effect of training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Peterken
  • Patent number: 6460282
    Abstract: My invention is a new and improved hammer mechanism which reduces the strength of the hammer mainspring without also reducing the hammer's strike force. My invention comprises a link mechanism integrally assembled to the hammer of a firearm. The link mechanism moves at a positive velocity relative to the hammer as the hammer itself moves from the “cocked” position to the striking position. Both the hammer and the link mechanism are biased into the striking position by the hammer mainspring with a section of the link mechanism protruding from the front surface of the hammer and impacting the firing element of the firearm or primer. The link mechanism thus impacts the firing element or primer at a velocity and force roughly equal to the aggregate velocities and forces of the hammer and the link mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Alfredo A. Bustos
  • Patent number: 6460283
    Abstract: A security device for weapons that makes them inoperable with a mechanism that can be readily installed. A plate assembly has a locking assembly mounted thereon with a retractable tongue. A spaced apart rigid assembly mounted on the plate assembly receives the distal end of the tongue. A weapon's trigger is lodged between the plate and the tongue and between the locking assembly and the rigid assembly. A user activates the locking assembly with a key to selectively make the weapon's trigger inoperable and inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Suregun Lock, Inc.
    Inventor: Israel Ramos
  • Patent number: 6442880
    Abstract: A firearm including a body, barrel, trigger, trigger guard and firing pin, including a mechanism configured to operate the firing pin, and a safety mechanism including electronic circuitry and push buttons to operate the electronic circuitry and associated timing device including automatic time delay re-locking, the firearm also having a blocker that is controlled by an electromechanical device operated by electronic circuitry to prevent movement of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert M. Allan
  • Publication number: 20020104248
    Abstract: A government model semi-automatic handgun is disclosed. The handgun includes a frame having a rear end, a barrel having a tip, and a slide having a front side and a back side. The slide is mounted on the frame for sliding movement between a forward position and a backward position. A hammer is mounted on the frame for pivoting movement between a rest position and a rearward position. A grip safety having an outer surface is disposed in the frame. The grip safety has a safe position where the grip safety prevents the hammer from moving. The outer surface of the hammer may be configured to substantially align with the back side of the slide when the slide is in the forward position and the hammer is in the rest position. In addition, the length of the handgun as defined by the barrel tip and the rear end of the frame may be greater than the length of the handgun as defined by the barrel tip and the outer surface of the grip safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Attila Szabo
  • Patent number: 6421943
    Abstract: Biometric authorization and registration systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system preferably comprises a firearm that includes a biometric authorization system, a plurality of training computers, and a server. In the preferred embodiment, the server and the training computer interact to train the biometric authorization system in the firearm to accurately and reliably discriminate between the authorized user and unauthorized users. The server utilizes a training algorithm that takes into account biometric information of not only the authorized user of firearm, but also those of a large number of unauthorized users. Such biometric information is utilized to compute one or more discriminants and thresholds for such discriminant(s), which are then transmitted to the biometric authorization system in the firearm. If the user is allowed to operate the firearm a predetermined percentage of the time, the discriminant thresholds are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: ID.COM
    Inventors: H. John Caulfield, Ernest Halter
  • Patent number: 6418653
    Abstract: A rotary activated gun locking mechanism is provided for is a revolver type handgun with an integral pick-proof lock. The lock functions by restraining the bullet chamber cylinder. A cylindrical type lock, similar to that used on vending machines, is located on the rear of the gun, right above the trigger. The lock, when engaged, allows for a pin to be extended into the bullet chamber cylinder or special lock receiving cavity where it extends into a matching hole. With the cylinder thus immobilized, it is impossible for the gun to fire as there are no bullets in the line with the firing pin. When an authorized user inserts the key into the lock, the pin can quickly be retraced to allow the gun to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Shaun K. Bowles
  • Patent number: 6418656
    Abstract: Gunstock storage assemblies for scope adjustment covers and shotgun chokes are provided. The assemblies utilize the threaded nature of such covers and chokes to provide a secure and convenient storage of the items. For adjustment covers, a cup or shaft is embedded in a gunstock. A washer and retaining mount are inserted towards the inner end of the cup or shaft and are held in place by a screw passing through the mount, washer, and cup and into the gunstock. The mount is male threaded to receive an adjustment cover. For chokes, a female threaded shaft is similarly embedded and is sized to receive a choke. Both cup and shaft may be secured with an adhesive such as epoxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ned F. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6415539
    Abstract: The pistol comprises a frame. A trigger is mounted in the frame and is pivotable between a release position and a firing position. The frame comprises a trigger, guard for protecting the trigger. A safety lever is pivotally attached to the trigger guard and spring-urged into a safety position in which it locks the trigger in its release position. The safety lever is pivotable into a second position in which the trigger is free to be pivoted into its firing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: S.A.T. Swiss Arms Technology AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Fuchs, Michael Osterrath