Abstract: A device to provide an electrical connection between a power generator integral with a weapon and a first contact area integral with a piece of ammunition, said device comprising a conductive rod carried by a breech of the weapon and able to translate with respect to said breech in order to come into contact with said first contact area of said ammunition, said rod incorporating a pointed end ensuring the deformation of said area wherein said rod has a rack onto which meshes a pinion integral with said breech, said pinion being driven in rotation by drive means actuated when said breech is closed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trigger mechanism of an electronic weapon. The trigger mechanism eliminates the need of a shooter having to master the pulling of the trigger of a rifle with the tip of his index finger and also minimizes the importance of proper breathing techniques when firing the rifle. The trigger mechanism of the electronic weapon has two major components. The first is a mouth operated switch that facilitates the firing of the electronic rifle. The second piece is the electronic rifle. The two pieces might be connected using an electrical cord or a radio frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method providing immediate monitoring of physiological parameters, such as cardiac function, during or after application of electric shock to temporarily incapacitate a subject via at least one electrode ballistically implanted into the subject's skin, including altering of energy characterized parameters based upon said monitored physiological parameters.

Abstract: A night-vision optical device of the invention with controlled life expectancy contains a time measuring device built into the housing of the aforementioned device for measuring the accumulated time of active work of the device. In application to a night scope for a firearm, the device also contains a sensor, which is interlocked with activation of the scope and reacts on the shots produced from the firearm in general and separately on those shots produced during active work of the night-vision optics at nighttime. The aforementioned shots of both types are counted and stored in separate memory units. The night-time shots affects the life expectancy of the night-vision optics because of muzzle flashes which cause such devices as an image intensifier to work with an increased light load. The information obtained from the time measuring device and the shot counter makes it possible to timely receive a warning signal about the fact that the night optics or the entire firearm must be replaced.

Abstract: A weapon for accurately launching a projectile of a firearm toward a target and no other point of strike, comprising an electrically-actuated firearm with axially-stacked ammunition loads, a target sensor unit which generates a target sensor signal at such times as the projected bullet's point of strike and the projected target position coincide; a fire controller which generates a firing signal when both a trigger signal and a target sensor signal are present; and a sequence controller actuated by the firing signal to ignite one or more of the axially stacked ammunition loads to cause the projectile to strike the projected location of a target.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (10) for munitions and firearms, said barrel assembly including a barrel (12) having a muzzle with a plurality of tubular rounds (11) stacked axially within the barrel together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (15). The rounds (11) suitably include tubular bodies (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) and closure means (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) interposed between the tubular rounds for effecting both an operative barrel closure between the tubular rounds (11) and operative sealing engagement with the barrel (12). The propellant charges (15) are contained within each round (11) and selectively ignitable (15a) for propelling an adjacent leading round (13a) and associated closure means (14a) through the muzzle of the barrel.

Abstract: 20 A grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilises an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and recock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.

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.

Abstract: A weapon (104) including a stock, a barrel assembly (105) slidably mounted on said stock whereby, on discharging said weapon, the barrel assembly (105) slidably recoils relative to said stock, and a damper (107) for decelerating the recoiling barrel assembly, wherein said barrel assembly (105) includes a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel (108) wherein each of said projectiles is associated with a discrete propellant charge for propelling said projectile from the barrel. Suitably the weapon further includes a breech block (109) which slidably recoils relative to said stock and a further damper (106) for decelerating the recoiling breech block.

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.

Abstract: A firing device for a gun which is used in a target practice and competitive shooting system, said firing device being such, that it activates computer processing of the shot, and said firing device comprising a trigger frame (1), to which a trigger (2) is attached, and a firing mechanism (3,4,5,6,7) connected to the trigger which is used for firing the gun when the trigger is pressed. A firing mechanism formed in accordance with the invention consists of a magnet (3), a safety lock (4), which is moved by the trigger, is located in the proximity of the magnet and which has been designed such that it can be adjusted by the counterforce device (5, 20), a microswitch (6) or a corresponding device to send an impulse to the computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to portable fire arms intended for use by civil persons for self-defense by shooting with traumatizing elements or by audio and light signals (shot flash). The invention is characterized by a construction of the gun tubes which are embodied in the form of a cartridge case equipped with an electric spark igniter. The inventive arm comprises a bullet holder and an activating mechanism. Said activating mechanism comprises a pulse magneto electric or a pulse electrochemical current supply electrically connected to a distributor provided with a contact block. The embodiment of the gun tube in the form of a cartridge case equipped with electric spark ignitor and the use of the current supply for activating the arm makes it possible to create an effective self-defense arm and to exclude a criminal use thereof.

Abstract: An electronic firearm comprises a barrel assembly and a handle assembly coupled to the barrel assembly. The handle assembly includes a grip portion defining a cavity and at least one opening disposed generally at a rear side of the grip portion, and a biometric sensing device disposed within the cavity and aligned with the at least one opening of the grip portion for scanning the skin of a portion of the user's hand opposing the opening to determine whether the user is authorized to discharge the electronic firearm.

Abstract: The invention describes a firearm locking system and method for preventing rotation of a cylinder. In particular, the firearm locking system and method of the present invention provides a cylinder locking unit for a firearm adaptable to a firearm chamber, the cylinder locking unit including a receiver, an electric actuator, and a locking device extendible from the firearm chamber for preventing discharge of the firearm, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.

Abstract: A housing has two side walls extend upwardly from a floor to define a channel extending between a primer inlet and a primer outlet. A lanyard clip is fastened to the side walls adjacent the primer inlet, compressing the clip releases it, allowing primers to be loaded through the primer inlet. A spring is riveted to the housing floor with a protruding spacer segment facing the primer inlet, and a restraint segment facing the outlet. Multiple primers are restrained between the spring spacer segment and the primer inlet, yet the spacer segment may be deflected by pushing a primer toward the primer outlet until it is positioned on the restraint segment, and presented for engagement on the primer holder of an in-line action muzzleloading rifle. Pulling the dispenser displaces the primer to move along and depress the restraint segment, and dispensing it. A floor cut-out acts as a decapper.

Abstract: A pistol includes a carriage which receives a barrel. The carriage slides back on a handle of the pistol during discharge against the force of a return spring. The pistol includes a device for determining the number of shots fired. The device includes electronics attached to the handle and including a microprocessor with storage, a piezoelectric sensor connected to the microprocessor, a current supply, and a reading device for reading the storage, which reading device is external to the pistol. The piezoelectric sensor receives recoil impulses during discharge and sends a signal to the microprocessor in response to the impulses. The microprocessor is connected to a second sensor, which sends a second signal to the microprocessor when the carriage slides back.

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.

Abstract: An improved electrical discharge weapon having a longer range of effectiveness than conventional TASER® weapons. In a preferred embodiment, the improvement comprises an adaptor having dual spaced-apart dart cartridges which, because of their relative spacing and angular orientation, provide an effective range of 2 to 30 feet. The adaptor is configured to be connected to the single cartridge receiver of a conventional TASER® weapon.

Abstract: A revolver includes a cylinder pivotally attached within an opening of a frame. The cylinder has a plurality of firing chambers sized to receive electrically fired cartridges. Each firing chamber is indexable to a carry-up position. A firing mechanism includes a trigger to actuate the firing mechanism from a recovered position to a fired position. A hand is attached to the trigger and engages the cylinder to index the chambers to their carry-up positions during actuation of the firing mechanism. A hammer is pivotally attached to the frame. A latch mechanism is pivotally attached to the frame wherein the latch mechanism engages the hammer in a set position during actuation of the firing mechanism. When the chambers reach their carry-up positions, the latch releases the hammer from the set position to displace the firing mechanism to the fired position to fire the revolver.

Abstract: A non-lethal personal defense device that may be carried by a user includes a housing, a nozzle having a discharge orifice, a control valve coupled to the nozzle, a pressurized source containing a bio-active agent and coupled to the nozzle, a rangefinder for determining a range to a target, a trigger mechanism for activating firing of the device and a firing controller. The firing controller operates the control valve to discharge an aerosol plume of the bio-active agent through the nozzle in response to activation of the trigger mechanism and in response to the range determined by the rangefinder. The nozzle may include a spray orifice for discharging a pulsed aerosol spray plume at relatively long range and a mist orifice for discharging a pulsed mist aerosol plume at relatively short range. The pulse parameters are varied in response to the sensed range to the attacker.

Abstract: A gun having a wedge-type breech block and a barrel seated in a cradle for firing electrically-ignitable cartridges containing electronic components, and an ignition contact (4) for connection to an external current source, and a signal contact (5) for connecting the electronic components to an external electronic control device are disposed on the cartridge base (3). To ensure reliable ignition of the cartridge, and transmission of data from the cartridge, an axially displaceable ignition and signal-transmission unit (8) is provided in the breech block, and includes a housing (11) having two parallel, axial guides (12, 13), and two spring-loaded, needle-shaped contact devices (16, 17) arranged to be displaced inside the respective guides such that, in the extended position of the unit (8), the first contact device (16) is pressed against the cartridge ignition contact (4) and the second contact device (17) is pressed against the cartridge signal contact (5).

Abstract: An electric charging system for a firearm includes a port in operable communication with a chamber adapted to receive an amount of expanding gas created by an ignited charge, and a cavity in operable communication with the port and adapted to receive an amount of the expanding gas therefrom. The charging system also includes a charging assembly in operable communication with the cavity, wherein the charging assembly creates an electric charge when impinged by the expanding gas located within the cavity, and a conductor in electrical communication with the charging assembly, wherein the conductor receives the electrical charge from the charging assembly. The charging system further includes a power storage unit in electrical communication with the conductor, wherein the storage unit stores the electrical charge received from the conductor.

Abstract: A backstrap assembly for a firearm includes a backstrap housing for accommodating electronic circuitry. The backstrap housing defines a rearward gripping portion and an open-ended frontward portion. The gripping portion defines apertures for receiving therein switch activators such as push buttons or keypads. A circuit assembly is disposed within the backstrap housing, and includes electrical switches including switch activators within respective apertures of the backstrap housing. A retaining element is coupled to the backstrap housing for holding in position at a rearward end the plurality of switch activators. Preferably, the retaining element includes sidewalls having a plurality of projections received within respective openings defined by at least one opposing wall of the backstrap housings Further, the rearward gripping portion of the backstrap housing defines a plurality of ribs between the plurality of apertures for an improved gripping surface and to prevent pull-out of the switch activators.

Abstract: An electric firing controller for a lacquer bullet gun, comprising a power circuit, a lighting circuit indicating power turned on, a closing circuit having a single triggering switch and a capacitor, and an electromagnetic control unit. By operating the single triggering switch, the electromagnetic control unit is connected with the capacitor, discharging the capacitor and causing the electromagnetic control unit to trigger firing of a single lacquer bullet. In an extension of the present invention, automatic firing of lacquer bullets is controlled by repeated charging and discharging of the capacitor, as controlled by a pulse generator and a relay. Thus precise firing of lacquer bullets with little physical effort is controlled in an inexpensive way.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (10) having a plurality of projectiles (11) stacked axially within the barrel (12) together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling the projectiles (11) sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12) is provided with adjacent projectiles (11) separated from one another by locating means (13) independent of the projectiles. The locating means may be a solid propellant charge (13) located between adjacent projectiles or it may be a rigid casing (122) for the propellant. When subject to an in-barrel load a rear skirt portion of the active projectile (11) is expanded outwardly by the interaction between an inwardly reducing recess (14) formed in the rear end of a projectile and the nested complementary leading portion of the propellant charge (13) or propellant casing (122).

Abstract: A laser pistol and a method or system for retrofitting sharpshooting pistols whose recoil mechanism is complicated in design and has an unrealistic trigger resistance. A conversion of known sharpshooting pistols into simulation-type laser pistols, whose mechanism has a realistic trigger resistance and a corresponding recoil, and their simple reconversion is provided.

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.

Abstract: A backstrap module configured to receive components and circuitry of a firearm capable of generating a firing signal from a firing apparatus for firing a non-impact ammunition cartridge along a firing axis includes a housing having an exterior surface which serves as a handgrip of the firearm, the operator's hand encircling the housing during a firing of the firearm. The backtrap module further comprises a circuitboard arrangement including a rigid circuitboard portion and a flexible circuitboard portion, the circuitboard arrangement being accommodated within the housing and configured to conform to the contours of the housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector device for use with a pyrotechnic ignition apparatus having a magazine for igniting a plurality of devices in an array in an ignition sequence includes a plastic tube mounted in a metal cap casing to which first and second electrically isolated terminals are attached, the terminals being located in the tube chamber and extending to the casing exterior. A wire is connected to each terminal at one wire end and to a terminal attached to a plastic end cap at an end of the plastic tube opposite the metal casing. The end cap is attached to a further tube mounted telescopically inside the plastic tube. A connector is attached to the end cap terminals. The connector device is of generally the same construction at its casing terminals as the pyrotechnic devices so as to be placed in the magazine in place of a pyrotechnic device and responsive to a generated ignition signal. A remote pyrotechnic device is attached by a cable to the end cap connector.

Abstract: A method for assembling a firearm having a frame which houses a security apparatus for enabling generation of a firing signal by a firing apparatus to discharge a non-percussively fired ammunition cartridge along a firing axis. The method includes forming the frame to include a generally longitudinal section in alignment with the firing axis. A downwardly extending section is formed integral with the longitudinal section and has front handgrip section as well as a magazine chamber for accommodating a selective insertable ammunition magazine. A backstrap module is mated to the front handgrip section to form a firearm handgrip, the backstrap module forming a back handgrip section of the firearm handgrip. An electronic firing probe assembly is secured within a slide assembly which is affixed to a top portion of the longitudinal section, said firing probe assembly being concentrically aligned about said firing axis.

Abstract: A firearm using a laser in place of a firing pin mechanism. Special cartridges have a lasing chip, which lases to ignite the propellant when a beam from the laser impinges on the lasing chip through a port in the breechblock. An electronic control system prevents the unauthorized use of the firearm by preventing connection of the laser power supply to the laser unless the user of the firearm is in close proximity and is authorized by an ID card.

Abstract: A method of minimising misfiring or alleviating their consequences is provided by forming at least each trailing projectile (30) in a series of housed projectiles with a sealing portion (34) extending about a tapered anvil portion (31) and moveable therealong for expansion into sealing engagement with the barrel (11). The sealing portion (34) disengages forwardly in response to a misfire or the like to provide a bleed path for igniting the propellant charge (41) associated with the next leading projectile (30).

Abstract: A trigger assembly is proposed for a firearm having a firing apparatus for generating a firing signal to a non-percussively fired ammunition cartridge for discharge of the cartridge. The trigger assembly includes a trigger member rotationally fixed to a frame of the firearm by a transverse pin and a trigger bar operatively fixed to the trigger member about a pivot joint. The trigger assembly further includes a trigger magnet fixed to a distal end of the trigger bar, where manipulation of said trigger member causes the trigger member to rotate and induces an approximately linear movement of the trigger bar causing the trigger magnet to move adjacent a firing activation switch.

Abstract: A security apparatus is proposed for a firearm adapted to fire a non-impact ammunition cartridge, the firearm including a trigger assembly manually actuated by a trigger member and an integrated backstrap module which houses an electronic firing apparatus for generating a firing signal. The security apparatus includes an input device for accepting and storing a plurality of parameter signals indicative of a physical state of the firearm, and a mode setting device for determining and selectively placing the firearm in one of an awake mode, a sleep mode and an authorized mode. The security apparatus further includes an enabling device for evaluating the plurality of said parameter signals and permitting the firing apparatus to generate and communicate the firing signal to the ammunition cartridge only when each of the plurality of parameter signals indicate that said firearm is prepared to fire and the mode device determines that the firearm is in the authorized mode.

Abstract: A slide assembly capable of repeated reciprocal movement about an upper portion of a firearm having a firing pin assembly, including a firing probe tip for selectively contacting a chambered ammunition cartridge, includes a frame having a forward end and an aft end, the frame accommodating a barrel of the firearm along a longitudinal firing axis. An ejector port is formed in the frame and has a breech face against which an end cap of the ammunition cartridge abuts when in a firing position. A longitudinal firing probe bore is formed within the frame and extends from adjacent the aft end of the frame to adjacent the breech face, the firing probe bore also is in concentric alignment with the firing axis. The slide assembly further includes a probe tip bore in concentric alignment with the firing axis and extending between the breech face and the firing probe bore for allowing the firing probe tip access beyond the breech face and into the ejector port.

Abstract: A firing probe assembly for communicating an electronic firing signal generated by a firing apparatus of a firearm to thereby cause the detonation of an electrically fired ammunition cartridge includes an electrically non-conductive housing having an approximately cylindrical firing probe cavity formed along its longitudinal length and concentrically aligned with a firing axis of the firearm, the housing having a rear end and a forward end. The firing probe assembly further includes an elongated and electrically conductive firing probe disposed within the cavity including a firing probe tip section disposed on a distal end thereof. The tip section is concentrically aligned with the firing axis and extending through a tip bore formed in the forward end of the housing. An electrically non-conductive, outwardly extending contact protrusion is formed adjacent the rear end of the housing and is integral with the housing.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel having a combustion chamber for receiving propellant and at least one projectile, includes an electrically switched propellant igniting element disposed within the chamber for igniting propellant dispensed into the combustion chamber. A trigger switching assembly, electrically coupled to the igniting element, applies an electrical current pulse to the igniting element when the trigger assembly is operated in a firing mode, the pulse having a duration which causes the igniting element to ignite propellant dispensed into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine is proposed for a firearm adapted to fire non-impact ammunition cartridges, the firearm includes a frame and a backstrap module which houses an electronic firing apparatus for generating a firing signal. The ammunition magazine also includes an elongated housing for accommodating the ammunition cartridges and has a pair of edge members formed along opposing lateral edges of the housing adjacent a bottom end, the housing being selectively insertable into a magazine chamber formed in the frame. An end cap is equipped with a pair of groove members formed along opposing lateral edges and adjacent a top end for selectively accommodating the pair of edge members and enabling the end cap to be secured to the bottom end of the housing. The ammnunition magazine further includes a blind bore formed in the end cap for accommodating a battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for accurately delivering a ballistically stable, monolothic projectile at repeatable velocities to a specified target using an explosive event without causing deformation or fragmentation of the projectile. In its most preferred embodiment, the invention will deliver a projectile using an explosive event without substantial deformation or altering of the geometric shape of the projectile. This invention was specifically developed as a preferred device to render safe the firing train of the fuze mechanism of unexploded ordnance (UXO) to dispose of the UXO more safely.

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

Abstract: According to the present invention, a firing probe assembly adapted to deliver an electric firing signal from a firing apparatus to a non-impact fired ammunition cartridge in a firearm comprises a probe shaft, a probe spring, a probe tip, and an actuator bushing. The probe shaft is secured to a frame of the firearm and in communication with the firing apparatus. The probe spring is mounted between the probe shaft and probe tip, thereby urging the probe tip forwardly against the actuator bushing. The actuator bushing is biased rearwardly by an actuator bushing spring and is positioned and configured to be displaced forwardly by momentum of a firing mechanism of the firearm. The actuator bushing is further configured and positioned to bring the probe tip into contact with the cartridge when the firing mechanism drives the actuator bushing in the forward direction.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a security apparatus for use in authorizing the discharge of a firearm having a firing apparatus includes a sensor assembly for receiving a plurality of operational parameters of the firearm and determining if the operational parameters are consistent with an intent to discharge said firearm therefrom. The security apparatus authorizes the firing apparatus to produce and send a check signal to an ammunition cartridge only if the operational parameters are consistent with an intent to discharge the firearm. The firing apparatus further generates a firing signal and provides the firing signal to the cartridge only if the check signal indicates that the cartridge is properly loaded in the firearm.

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

Abstract: An authorization module is provided for activating an associated portable or hand-held electronic device such as a firearm. The authorization module includes a housing defining a cavity, and an electrical interface for communicating with the electronic firearm. The housing is preferably generally in the shape of a firearm magazine for insertion into a magazine well of the electronic firearm. A fingerprint sensor is supported on and faces outwardly of the housing for generating a fingerprint signal indicative of a fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint sensor. A fingerprint identification circuit is disposed within the cavity of the housing and communicates with the fingerprint sensor for receiving the fingerprint signal and for comparing the sensed fingerprint pattern with an authorized user's fingerprint pattern stored in the identification circuit.

Abstract: An electric gun, such as a handgun, is operable to fire a cartridge having an electrically ignitable bullet propelling charge disposed therein. The cartridge includes a non-conductive casing and a center electrode which conducts an electric signal to the ignitable charge and through the charge to the bullet or to a second electrode on the cartridge. A firing signal is generated by a circuit which includes a microcontroller and plural code signal producing switches for entering a predetermined authorization code to unlock the cartridge firing circuit. Infrared sensors are mounted spaced apart on the gun handgrip in such a way as to arm the circuit for firing only when the gun is being gripped in a predetermined manner. Operation of a trigger closes a firing signal switch connected to the microcontroller to effect a firing signal delivered to the electric cartridge. The gun body may be fabricated substantially of a suitable plastic material.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a backstrap module is utilized in conjunction with a firearm having a security apparatus and a firing apparatus. The security apparatus authorizes operation of the firearm and generation of an electronic firing signal which is communicated to a firing probe of the firing apparatus. The backstrap module includes a molded shell which removably affixes the backstrap module to a frame of the firearm and houses the security apparatus. The backstrap module further includes a device for communicating the firing signal to the firing probe and provides for the energizing of the security apparatus and the firing apparatus.

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

Abstract: This invention provides a projectile assembly (10) having a body part (14) including a trailing portion (19) which reduces in diameter rearwardly and supports a sealing band (16) having a substantially cylindrical outer face for engagement with the bore (21) of the barrel (11). The body part (14) may move rearwardly through the sealing band (16) to expand it outwardly into sealing engagement with the bore (21). Upon firing the body part (14) moves forwardly relative to the sealing band (16) to free it from the bore (21).

Abstract: A barrel assembly (10) having a plurality of projectiles (11) stacked axially within the barrel (12) together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling the projectiles (11) sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12) is provided with adjacent projectiles (11) separated from one another by locating means (13) independent of the projectiles. The locating means may be a solid propellant charge (13) located between adjacent projectiles or it may be a rigid casing (122) for the propellant. When subject to an in-barrel load a rear skirt portion of the active projectile (11) is expanded outwardly by the interaction between an inwardly reducing recess (14) formed in the rear end of a projectile and the nested complementary leading portion of the propellant charge (13) or propellant casing (122).

Abstract: Electronic firearm for firing electrically activated ammunition comprising a system control means for controlling and regulating firing, diagnostic functions, power consumption, and a process for operating the firearm.