Electric Appliances Patents (Class 42/84)
  • Patent number: 8826575
    Abstract: A microcontroller operated module is affixed to a firearm. The module includes an accelerometer for measuring the G force of each round fired by the firearm, a flash memory (non-volatile memory) for storing the shot profile data that includes shot count and recoil data and transmitting it to a remote location such as a remote computer via a serial communication device pursuant to RS232 standard, Bluetooth, a wave or other low power RF transmitter. The module including a wake up circuit adapted to switch upon detection of a fired shot to signal said microcontroller to initialize a low power mode to activate said MEMS accelerometer faster than said accelerometer would activate by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Ufer, Kenneth Lee Brinkley
  • Publication number: 20140245650
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and circuits for managing one or more electrically powered accessories attached to a firearm having a rail configured for mounting the one or more accessories. The system includes a control module having a housing for fastening the control module to the firearm, a plurality of jacks configured to receive one or more control cords of the one or more accessories and a switch configured to allow selective operation of the one or more accessories. The system may further include a remote activation module and touch detection tab for operating the accessories from a location remote from the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Terrill Luis Abst
  • Patent number: 8806794
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing power to an accessory on a firearm, the method including the steps of: detecting an accessory when attached to said firearm through actuation of a magnetic switch magnetically coupled to a magnet in the accessory via a pin located in the firearm and providing a power path with said accessory; and providing power to said accessory from a secondary source of power should power be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Colt Canada Corporation
    Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
  • Publication number: 20140215885
    Abstract: A battery-powered electronic evidence-collecting device on the gun that transmits to a smartphone or other device carried by the peace officer for recording and forwarding the evidence to a central station. The evidence collecting and recording apparatus is activated by the removal of the gun from its holster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: KEVIN MICHAEL SULLIVAN, KARL F. MILDE
  • Patent number: 8776422
    Abstract: A firearm used in military applications may have a plurality of accessories that can be attached to the weapon, with each accessory having a need for electric power. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of batteries used to power these power-consuming accessories, a Powered Rail provides a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories with a common power source. The Weapon Accessory Control System is provided to enable the user to control the activation of a power-consuming accessory as well as enable communications between the user and the power-consuming accessory and among power-consuming accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Prototype Productions, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, Tyler Miller, Terrance Jordan, Greg Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8769856
    Abstract: A universal rail for a firearm has a plurality of through holes and a plurality of attachment points for ancillary equipment along a length of the universal rail, a fastener so as to be fastenable to the firearm, and a power or signal connection point arranged in at least one attachment point of the plurality of attachment points. The power or signal connection point has at least two contact pins surrounded by a seal, and a resilient portion and inner contact faces. The power or signal connection point is further connected to conductors arranged in the universal rail. The resilient portion ensures that the at least two contact pins and contact points are out of contact with each other when the ancillary equipment is not mounted on the universal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Techni AS
    Inventors: Magnus Berntsen, Rahul Ghose, Steven Menzies, Michael M. Nihei, David Christian Petersen
  • Patent number: 8756850
    Abstract: A firearm comprising a handle piece, a firearm control means integrated into the firearm, and an interface accessible from the outside for connection to a replaceable firearm module and for transmission of information between the firearm control means and the firearm module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Armatix Invest GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Dietel
  • Publication number: 20140130392
    Abstract: A communication connector system is provided for a weapon. The system includes an upper connector configured to be mounted directly to an exterior side surface of an upper receiver of the weapon. The upper connector is configured to be communicatively connected to electronics associated with the upper receiver. The upper connector has a mating interface. The system includes a lower connector configured to be communicatively connected to electronics in a base of the weapon. The lower connector is configured to be mounted directly to an exterior side surface of a lower receiver of the weapon. The lower connector has a mating interface that is mated with the mating interface of the upper connector when the upper receiver is in a closed position. The mating interfaces are physically separable from one another such that the upper receiver is configured to be moved to an open position from the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tyco Electronics Corporation
  • Patent number: 8713840
    Abstract: A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Colt Canada Corporation
    Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
  • Patent number: 8707602
    Abstract: An electrically-ignited muzzle loader is provided having a stock portion, a trigger assembly, and a barrel portion. The trigger assembly is electrically coupled to a spark plug which extends partially into the barrel portion of the gun. Within the stock is a hand cranked magneto for generating an electric charge. The magneto is electrically coupled to capacitor and coil portions to configure the electrical charge so as to cause the spark plug to generate an igniting spark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Sean Robertson
  • Publication number: 20140068990
    Abstract: A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided to provide a point of electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The powered rail(s) are electrically interconnected with a power source, which typically is a battery mounted in the butt stock of the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Holdings, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140047754
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for networking and powering accessories to a firearm or weapon wherein the accessories are conductively powered from the rail via at least one pin having a tungsten carbide surface and data is transferred between the accessories and the rail via conductive coupling using the at least one pin. In one embodiment, a weapon is provided, the weapon having: an upper receiver; a lower receiver, the upper receiver being removably mounted to the lower receiver; a powered accessory removably mounted to a rail of the upper receiver; and an apparatus for conductively networking a microcontroller of the powered accessory to a microcontroller of the upper receiver and a microcontroller of the lower receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: David Walter Compton, Brenton Stewart Teed
  • Patent number: 8635798
    Abstract: A communication connector system for a weapon having an upper receiver at an upper part of the weapon with electronics associated with the upper receiver and a base at a lower part of the weapon with a lower receiver and a hand grip and that houses electronics and with the upper receiver rotatably coupled to the lower receiver and movable between a closed position and an open position includes an upper connector assembly configured to be coupled to the upper receiver. The upper connector assembly has an upper connector being configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the upper receiver. The upper connector has a mating interface. A lower connector assembly has a lower connector that is configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the base of the weapon. The lower connector is configured to be mounted to the hand grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Neil Mulfinger
  • Patent number: 8561339
    Abstract: A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Colt Canada Corporation
    Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
  • Patent number: 8528244
    Abstract: A system and method for modifying a weapon with an inexpensive and easily removable attachment that is capable of recording information related to the use of the weapon and transmitting that data to a remote computing device by wired or wireless transmission means. The attachment includes one or more sensors able to record various changes and operations related to settings and usage of the modified weapon. The attachment also includes a module that contains electronics capable of one or more of the following: (i) receiving data from the one or more sensors; (ii) storing data received from the sensors; (iii) transmitting the data received from the sensors or stored data to a computing device via a wired or wireless connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Laurent Scallie, Ken James McClain
  • Patent number: 8520895
    Abstract: A system and method calculate a range and velocity of an object in image data. The range calculation includes detecting a contour of the object from the image data, forming a template from the image data based on the contour; and calculating a range to the object using pixel resolution and dimension statistics of the object. A three-dimensional velocity of the object is determined by calculating a radial component and an angular component of the velocity. The radial velocity component is calculated by determining the range of the object in two or more image frames, determining a time differential between the two or more image frames, and calculating the radial velocity as a function of the range of the object in the two or more image frames and the time differential between the two or more image frames. The angular component is calculated using spatial-temporal derivatives as a function of a motion constraint equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kwong Wing Au, Saad J. Bedros
  • Patent number: 8516731
    Abstract: A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided on the handguard, which encircles the barrel of the weapon, to provide a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories to provide quick-connect mounting and dismounting of the power-consuming accessory, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The Weapon Accessory Control System is provided to enable the user to control the activation of a power-consuming accessory as well as enable communications between the user and the accessory and among power-consuming accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, John Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20130185978
    Abstract: A firearm used in military applications may have a plurality of accessories that can be attached to the weapon, with each accessory having a need for electric power. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of batteries used to power these power-consuming accessories, a Powered Rail provides a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories with a common power source. The Weapon Accessory Control System is provided to enable the user to control the activation of a power-consuming accessory as well as enable communications between the user and the power-consuming accessory and among power-consuming accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Prototype Productions, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, Tyler Miller, Terrance Jordan, Greg Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8490313
    Abstract: The Accessory Mounting Apparatus uses a quick release clamp for mounting and securely attaching accessories to a dove-tail shaped accessory rail. This apparatus allows for quick assembling and disassembling of accessories and tactical equipment on a weapon accessory rail system. The Accessory Mounting Apparatus consists of a base, latching arm, and over-centered lever to apply clamping force, where the base of the clamping device is keyed to align with a dove-tail shaped rail and fix its location in the direction of the barrel. The latching arm is slid over the dovetail in the accessory rail and the over-centered lever is closed to clamp the device securely around the accessory rail, fixing it in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Frascati, Ben Feldman, James S. Dodd, Hector Tapia, Greg Paulsen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130152445
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing power to an accessory on a firearm, the method including the steps of: detecting an accessory when attached to said firearm through actuation of a magnetic switch magnetically coupled to a magnet in the accessory via a pin located in the firearm and providing a power path with said accessory; and providing power to said accessory from a secondary source of power should power be required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
  • Patent number: 8464459
    Abstract: A weapon control device is provided and is coupled within a weapon for controlling accessories and auxiliary components. The weapon control device includes a processor and a connector operably engaging a selector switch of a weapon. The processor receives a signal from the connector in response to movement of the selector switch. The weapon control device further includes one of a transmitter and a transceiver, wherein one of the transmitter and transceiver send a signal in response to the processor receiving a signal from the connector. The weapon control device further includes a weapon accessory, wherein the weapon accessory is activated in response to the signal sent by one of the transmitter and transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: James Summers
  • Publication number: 20130145670
    Abstract: This invention is a Mouth-Controller Device for triggering a hand held gun/firearm and controlling its' accessories. Necessary to accommodate this is a battery-pack-receiver located on the gun itself (either in the form of a front hand grip, or block style battery-pack-receiver, and a solenoid/plunger to push the trigger, that resides in a solenoid housing (or optional fluid or pneumatic plunger for trigger push).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Francis J. Kuhlman
  • Patent number: 8458944
    Abstract: A firearm system includes a foregrip removably mountable to a firearm, the foregrip having a programmable button controlling at least one of an accessory of the firearm and a component of the foregrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: LaserMax, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Houde-Walter
  • Patent number: 8448368
    Abstract: The present invention is related to weapons systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to accessory attachment systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable attached accessory devices to draw power from a central power source and communicate with the user and/or other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Hector Tapia, John Schroeder, Jay Tilton, Don McLaughlin, Ben Feldman
  • Publication number: 20130125438
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric energy generator (21 to 23) that transforms a type of mechanical energy into a stable direct current electric energy supply for a shot counter (24) for a portable firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Raúl Delgado Acarreta
  • Patent number: 8443539
    Abstract: A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided to encircle the barrel of the weapon, to provide a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories to provide quick connect mounting and dismounting of the power-consuming accessory, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The Weapon Accessory Rail Contacts provide the mechanism to electrically interconnect the power-consuming accessory with the powered rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, Don McLaughlin, John Schroeder, Hector Tapia
  • Publication number: 20130118050
    Abstract: A firearm for mechanically and electronically firing a weapon including a trigger rotatably mounted to a sear and having an actuator attached thereto. A secondary sear is rotatably mounted to the sear, and a switch is mounted to the lower receiver behind the trigger and adapted to be contacted by the actuator when the trigger is pulled. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to the switch such that when the switch is contacted the circuit is energized to operate a prime mover that operates the firearm. The sear assembly may also comprise a main sear and an auxiliary sear controlled by a selector switch having cam surfaces and adapted to be rotated to a plurality of positions, wherein in a first position comprises a safety mode, a second position comprises a mechanical mode of fire and a third position comprises an electronic mode of fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: CREATIVE DIGITAL INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin Alicea
  • Publication number: 20130104438
    Abstract: An empowered mounting rail is, essentially, an electrical power source, a powered mounting rail capable of passing electrical power to a firearm accessory, and a mounting base. The mounting base can attach the empowered mounting rail to a firearm's mounting rail. An electrically powered firearm accessory can be powered by the electrical power source when fastened to the powered mounting rail portion of the empowered mounting rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Hines
  • Publication number: 20130104439
    Abstract: Electrically powered firearm mounting rails are designed to provide electrical power to firearm accessories. A power clamp can tap into the rail electrical power and pass it to other items requiring electrical power. Principal among those items are firearm accessories having battery compartments and designed to be powered by batteries. The power clamp can be connected to power terminals in the battery compartment directly through additional circuitry, through modified battery covers, through false batteries, or through dummy batteries. In this manner, the need to install batteries in the firearm accessory is relaxed and the weight balance of the firearm improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Hines
  • Patent number: 8424233
    Abstract: Clips for use with projectiles and projectile stacking systems in which individual projectiles are clipped together to form a stack are disclosed. The projectiles may be joined individually by a user before loading in a barrel, or during a loading process assisted by features on the breech of the barrel. The tail of each projectile includes a set of clips which engage the nose of a trailing projectile in the stack. Projectiles may be withdrawn from barrel and unclipped as required by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventors: Joseph F. Cronin, Sean P. O'Dwyer, Roger H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8413362
    Abstract: A mounting rail assembly is provided for firearms, wherein the assembly includes a mounting rail, an electrical input contact, an electrical output contact and an embedded conductor electrically connecting the input contact and the output contact. Control circuitry can be embedded within the mounting rail to provide for data and power transmission at the electrical contacts. The mounting rail assembly can be integrated into a firearm, or can include a receptor channel for cooperatively engaging an existing mounting rail of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lasermax, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Houde-Walter
  • Patent number: 8402683
    Abstract: The present invention is related to weapons systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to accessory attachment systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable attached accessory devices to draw power from a central power source and communicate with the user and/or other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Eric F. Cabahug, Joseph Frascati, Don McLaughlin, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman
  • Patent number: 8397418
    Abstract: A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided to provide a point of electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The powered rail(s) are electrically interconnected with a power source, which typically is a battery mounted in the butt stock of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Eric F. Cabahug, Joseph Frascati, Don McLaughlin, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman
  • Publication number: 20130061504
    Abstract: A firearm rail adapter comprising a rail adapter assembly configured to detachably attach to a structure, the rail adapter assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a second member distal from the structure, wherein the proximate first member and the distal second member define a conduit configured to: conduct electricity via a plurality of contact pads; and/or transport data signals via at least one contact pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: MICHAEL JON MALHERBE
  • Patent number: 8387294
    Abstract: The handgun identification light is a device attachable to a handgun, the device illuminating the handgun with flashing blue and red lights to provide advanced real-time early warning to police officers who encounter a fellow off-duty plainclothes or undercover officer during their response to the commission of a crime. The device has an on-off switch connected to a battery and flashing LED's disposed along opposing sides of the device. The device includes a tilt switch, grip switch, or gun motion sensor that detects when a user draws the weapon. By activation of the flashing red and blue light device on his weapon, an off-duty plainclothes or undercover police officer who draws the weapon becomes readily identifiable by other officers in proximity as a fellow law officer, thus avoiding misidentification and tragically resultant friendly fire incidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Eric L. Bolden
  • Publication number: 20130047482
    Abstract: A communication connector system for a weapon having an upper receiver at an upper part of the weapon with electronics associated with the upper receiver and a base at a lower part of the weapon with a lower receiver and a hand grip and that houses electronics and with the upper receiver rotatably coupled to the lower receiver and movable between a closed position and an open position includes an upper connector assembly configured to be coupled to the upper receiver. The upper connector assembly has an upper connector being configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the upper receiver. The upper connector has a mating interface. A lower connector assembly has a lower connector that is configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the base of the weapon. The lower connector is configured to be mounted to the hand grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: ROBERT NEIL MULFINGER
  • Patent number: 8375618
    Abstract: The shoulder-fired grenade launcher includes an electrical firing mechanism powered by a suitable small electrical power source, e.g., a nine-volt dry cell battery. A battery voltage indicator is provided at the side of the action of the weapon. The weapon has a relatively short barrel, capable of firing a single muzzle-loaded round with each firing. The round is only slightly shorter than the barrel. Reliefs are provided at the sides of the muzzle to enable the operator to extract the spent shell from the barrel. An electrical safety switch is provided. LEDs or other suitable lights indicate the status of the safety switch. Closure of the electrical circuit for firing the projectile is accomplished by an electrical toggle switch used for the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Adel Y. A. D. Aloraier
  • Patent number: 8371055
    Abstract: A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Colt Canada Corporation
    Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
  • Patent number: 8356438
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, produces contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target. The apparatus is used with a provided deployment unit that deploys an electrode away from the apparatus. The electrode conducts a current through the target. The apparatus includes a terminal; a producing sub-system for producing an electric arc to warn the target without conducting a current through the target; a conducting sub-system for conducting the current in series through the terminal and through the target; an initiating sub-system for initiating deployment of the electrode; and an operator interface. The operator interface facilitates selecting one or more cartridges of a set of cartridges to provide a stimulus signal to a target and/or display an arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Patent number: 8347541
    Abstract: A power supply system for a firearm including a plurality of leads disposed in a rail for providing power to an electric firearm accessory attached thereto and an electric firearm accessory including connectors for electrically connecting to leads disposed in a rail on which the accessory is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wolf Pac Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: John Thompson
  • Patent number: 8322064
    Abstract: A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapons Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided on the handguard, which encircles the barrel of the weapon, to provide a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories to provide quick connect mounting and dismounting of the power-consuming accessory, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The powered rail(s) are electrically interconnected with a power source, which typically is a battery mounted in the butt stock of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Prototype Poductions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman
  • Publication number: 20120233901
    Abstract: Disclosed is a firearm having dual barrels comprising a firearm body which is equipped with a small caliber barrel and a large caliber barrel; a selector installed on one side of the firearm body to select the type of bullet and the mode of firing; a fire control system installed on the firearm body to enable aiming the target through detecting the target both at day and night time; a firearm switch unit installed on the firearm body to transmit the information on the firing of the bullet; a fuse setter installed on the firearm body to transmit the control signal of the fire control system to the fuse of the explosive bullet which is introduced into the large caliber barrel; and a sensor device unit installed on the firearm body to transmit the position of the selector and sensed firing signal to the fire control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: In Woo KIM, Suk Kyun HONG, Sung Bae LEE, Eui Jung CHOE, Je Wook CHAE
  • Patent number: 8261666
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile, and a storage and charging mechanism therefor are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An ammunition cartridge includes a propulsion mechanism and a non-lethal projectile. The non-lethal projectile is configured to detach from a launching device when propelled from the launching device, and includes a set of electrodes electrically coupled to an electrical power source. The electrical power source may be a capacitor, a battery, or a combination thereof, and may be rechargeable. The ammunition cartridge may be shaped and sized for firing from a weapon designed to fire a comparably shaped and sized conventional ammunition. A holder for holding and charging a non-lethal projectile in an ammunition cartridge includes a set of conductors to provide a charging current to the electrical power source in the non-lethal projectile. A charging base may receive the holder and provide electrical power to the set of conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Rakesh Garg
  • Patent number: 8254080
    Abstract: An electronic weapon inhibits locomotion by a human or animal target by conducting a stimulus signal through the target. The electronic weapon includes an inductance, first and second energy stores, and a switch. The switch has a first position and a second position and is in series with first energy store and the inductance. Energy from the first energy store is transferred to a magnetic field of the inductance while the switch is operating in the first position. The stimulus signal comprises a first phase and a second phase. During the first phase, the switch is operated in the second position, and a flyback effect of the inductance provides an ionizing voltage for the stimulus signal. During the second phase, the second energy store releases energy for the stimulus signal at a voltage less than the ionizing voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Magne H. Nerheim
  • Patent number: 8245430
    Abstract: A system, a firing apparatus and method for disrupting at least one electrical component of an explosive device are provided. The system has an electrical cartridge, the firing apparatus and an initiator. The electrical cartridge has a projectile at an end thereof deployable into the electrical component(s). The firing apparatus has a barrel, a breech and an electrical contact. The barrel has a firing end aimable toward the electrical component, and a passage therein for receiving the electrical cartridge. The breech is operatively connectable to the barrel. The electrical contact is positionable in the breech in operative contact with the electrical cartridge. The electrical contact is operatively connectable to the initiator. The initiator selectively provides an electrical signal to the electrical cartridge via the electrical contact whereby the electrical cartridge may be activated to deploy the projectile from the firing end of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney N. Owenby, Larry E. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20120204466
    Abstract: A device and system for a firearm that enables a user to maintain possession of a firearm by holding at least one handle of the firearm, by delivering a high-voltage electrical shock to an assailant that attempts to disarm the user by grabbing the firearm out of the user's hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony Jeremiah Bayne
  • Patent number: 8234969
    Abstract: Electronic trigger apparatus for use with firearms are described herein. An example electronic trigger apparatus described herein includes a trigger assembly having a trigger and trigger arm that is movable between a first position and a second position. A first biasing element biases the trigger in the first position and provides a first resistance to the trigger when the trigger moves between the first position and the second position. A switch element assembly has a spring element and a sensor operatively coupled to the spring element where the spring element provides a second resistance to the trigger as the trigger moves between a pressure-point position and the second position. The sensor detects a force or deflection imparted on the spring element by the trigger arm when the trigger is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Rudi Beckmann
  • Publication number: 20120192476
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for networking accessories to a firearm or weapon wherein the accessories are inductively powered from the rail and data is transferred between the accessories and the rail via inductive coupling. In one embodiment, a weapon is provided, the weapon having: an upper receiver; a lower receiver; a powered accessory mounted to a rail of the upper receiver; and an apparatus for inductively networking a microcontroller of the powered accessory to a microcontroller of the upper receiver and a microcontroller of the lower receiver, wherein the data is exclusively provided to the powered accessory from one of a plurality of coils located within the rail; and wherein the powered accessory further comprises a plurality of coils and the powered accessory is configured to determine when one of the plurality of coils of the powered accessory is adjacent to the one of the plurality of coils of the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
  • Patent number: 8225544
    Abstract: A firearm that includes a mounting rail having remotely powered electrical connectors with which modified prior art tactical accessories, such as tactical lights, night vision devices, laser sighting modules and the like can be interconnected. More particularly, the mounting rail of the invention includes electrical connectors that are operably interconnected with a relatively large, long life battery mounted in the stock of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Rubik Darian