Electric Appliances Patents (Class 42/84)
-
Patent number: 8826575Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventors: Robert Ufer, Kenneth Lee Brinkley
-
Publication number: 20140245650Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventor: Terrill Luis Abst
-
Patent number: 8806794Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Colt Canada CorporationInventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
-
Publication number: 20140215885Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: KEVIN MICHAEL SULLIVAN, KARL F. MILDE
-
Patent number: 8776422Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Prototype Productions, Inc.Inventors: James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, Tyler Miller, Terrance Jordan, Greg Paulsen
-
Patent number: 8769856Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Techni ASInventors: Magnus Berntsen, Rahul Ghose, Steven Menzies, Michael M. Nihei, David Christian Petersen
-
Patent number: 8756850Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Armatix Invest GmbHInventor: Bernd Dietel
-
Publication number: 20140130392Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventor: Tyco Electronics Corporation
-
Patent number: 8713840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Colt Canada CorporationInventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
-
Patent number: 8707602Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Sean Robertson
-
Publication number: 20140068990Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Holdings, LLCInventor: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Holdings, LLC
-
Publication number: 20140047754Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventors: David Walter Compton, Brenton Stewart Teed
-
Patent number: 8635798Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventor: Robert Neil Mulfinger
-
Patent number: 8561339Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Colt Canada CorporationInventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
-
Patent number: 8528244Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventors: Laurent Scallie, Ken James McClain
-
Patent number: 8520895Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Kwong Wing Au, Saad J. Bedros
-
Patent number: 8516731Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLCInventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, John Schroeder
-
Publication number: 20130185978Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Prototype Productions, Inc.Inventors: James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, Tyler Miller, Terrance Jordan, Greg Paulsen
-
Patent number: 8490313Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLCInventors: Joseph Frascati, Ben Feldman, James S. Dodd, Hector Tapia, Greg Paulsen
-
Publication number: 20130180147Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: TRACKINGPOINT, INC.Inventors: John Hancock Lupher, Hillman Lee Bailey, Michael Eric Reimers
-
Publication number: 20130152445Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
-
Patent number: 8464459Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: James Summers
-
Publication number: 20130145670Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventor: Francis J. Kuhlman
-
Patent number: 8458944Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: LaserMax, Inc.Inventor: William R. Houde-Walter
-
Patent number: 8448368Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLCInventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Hector Tapia, John Schroeder, Jay Tilton, Don McLaughlin, Ben Feldman
-
Publication number: 20130125438Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventor: Raúl Delgado Acarreta
-
Patent number: 8443539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLCInventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman, Don McLaughlin, John Schroeder, Hector Tapia
-
Publication number: 20130118050Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: CREATIVE DIGITAL INC.Inventor: Benjamin Alicea
-
Publication number: 20130104438Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Steve Hines
-
Publication number: 20130104439Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Steve Hines
-
Patent number: 8424233Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Metal Storm LimitedInventors: Joseph F. Cronin, Sean P. O'Dwyer, Roger H. Thompson
-
Patent number: 8413362Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Lasermax, Inc.Inventor: William R. Houde-Walter
-
Patent number: 8402683Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLCInventors: Eric F. Cabahug, Joseph Frascati, Don McLaughlin, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman
-
Patent number: 8397418Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLCInventors: Eric F. Cabahug, Joseph Frascati, Don McLaughlin, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman
-
Publication number: 20130061504Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: MICHAEL JON MALHERBE
-
Patent number: 8387294Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Eric L. Bolden
-
Publication number: 20130047482Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventor: ROBERT NEIL MULFINGER
-
Patent number: 8375618Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Adel Y. A. D. Aloraier
-
Patent number: 8371055Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Colt Canada CorporationInventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
-
Patent number: 8356438Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim
-
Patent number: 8347541Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Wolf Pac Technologies Corp.Inventor: John Thompson
-
Patent number: 8322064Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Prototype Poductions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLCInventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman
-
Publication number: 20120233901Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: In Woo KIM, Suk Kyun HONG, Sung Bae LEE, Eui Jung CHOE, Je Wook CHAE
-
Patent number: 8261666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Rakesh Garg
-
Patent number: 8254080Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventor: Magne H. Nerheim
-
Patent number: 8245430Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Rodney N. Owenby, Larry E. Henderson
-
Publication number: 20120204466Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Anthony Jeremiah Bayne
-
Patent number: 8234969Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbHInventor: Rudi Beckmann
-
Publication number: 20120192476Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: David Walter Compton, Gary Edward Crocker
-
Patent number: 8225544Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: Rubik Darian