Safety Patents (Class 89/27.12)
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Patent number: 8978283Abstract: A remote-operable firing pin safety catch is provided. A mechanical firing pin safety catch is supplemented by a further electrically remote-operable safety catch device, wherein it is basically the case that firing is possible only when the safety catch of a firing pin has been both locally mechanically released and also electrically released by means of a remote controller. As an electrical firing pin safety catch, an electric actuator is incorporated into the mechanical firing pin safety catch.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AGInventors: Dominic Brunner, Michael Gerber, Roman Widmer
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Patent number: 8850944Abstract: A gun safety device on a gun automatically prevents the gun from firing when it is inside a registered area, which includes: a positioning device for determining the geographic position of a gun; a data processing device for identifying whether the gun is located within a registered area by comparing the gun's position with the stored geographic positions of the registered areas, and for generating a disable signal when the gun is identified to be inside a registered area; and a safety seizer operable to prevent the gun from discharging in response to receiving the disable signal from the data processing device. The automatic gun safety device may further include a communication device for communications with external networks. Optionally, the data processing device sends the gun's location to a monitoring center. The practice of this invention will ensure the community safety meanwhile defend the constitutional right of gun ownership.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Inventor: Xiaoyan Zhou
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Patent number: 8752485Abstract: A re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator (1) of an armament, such as a hand grenade, irritation body etc., is formed by a security mechanism (3), which facilitates a repeat locking after activation of the armament. The re-locking device includes at least one profile part (4, 4?), which is pivotably arranged and able to engage with the armament by means of an expedient (9), especially with the ignition head (5, 5?) and the rocker arm (2).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbHInventors: Christian Johann Muller, Klaus Basse, Ilka Bosse, Wolfgang Schutzendubel, Gabriele Wetzel
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Patent number: 8572878Abstract: A cocking/de-cocking mechanism for semi-automatic striker-fired pistols having a multi-function cocking lever for controlling, by rotational movement, the cocking or arming of the tiring pin, while effecting de-cocking by the lateral displacement of the cocking lever on its support pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Beretta USA Corp.Inventors: Claudio Gentilini, Jason Kellogg
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Patent number: 8555766Abstract: A system (10) for remotely enabling and disabling a weapon (12), includes a watchdog controller (14) adapted to receive a safe/arm command from a remote source (16) and to transmit the safe/arm command if predetermined conditions are satisfied, a safe/arm controller (20) adapted to receive the safe/arm command from the watchdog controller (14) and to transmit a control signal to enable communication between a weapon system processor (24) and the weapon (12) if a predetermined series of input signals are received in a predetermined sequence. The system also includes a switch (22) in a communication path between the weapon system processor (24) and the weapon (12). The safe/arm controller (20) closes the switch (22) and enables communication between the weapon system processor (24) and the weapon (12) only when the safe/arm controller (20) receives an arm signal and receives the predetermined series of input signals in the predetermined sequence.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: David G. Garrett, Todd A. Isaac
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Patent number: 8549982Abstract: A fire selector control device for a firearm with a lower receiver that is operable from either side of the firearm. The device includes a selector body designed to fit within the lower receiver and extend between one side of the lower receiver and an opposite side of the lower receiver. The selector body is designed to engage a firing mechanism within the firearm and switch the firing mechanism to any one of a plurality of firing modes. First and second levers are attached to opposite ends of the body to move the body to any one of the plurality of firing options. The first lever is accessible from the exterior of the right side of the lower receiver and the second lever is accessible from the exterior of the left side of the lower receiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventors: Stephen P. Troy, Jr., David A. Hewes, John M. Lopes
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Patent number: 8549780Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for a firearm with a trigger bar in said firearm. The trigger bar moves in response to a pulling of a trigger. An actuator in said firearm is adapted to actively move said trigger bar between a first position and a second position. The trigger bar engages in the trigger induced movement with a hammer link for releasing a hammer and firing a cartridge bullet when the trigger bar is in the first position or first state. However, said trigger bar does not engage in the trigger induced movement with the hammer link, such that the cartridge bullet is not fired, when the trigger bar is in the second position or state.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignees: Armatix GmbH, German Sport Guns GmbHInventors: Dietmar Emde, Karl-Friedrich Giebel
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Publication number: 20130205980Abstract: A weapon system comprising a weapon for firing ammunition bodies, and at least one scanner for examining the structure of one of the ammunition bodies. A method for firing ammunition bodies by means of a weapon includes the step of scanning one of the ammunition bodies prior to firing thereof. A method of detecting ammunition bodies includes the step of scanning the structure of one of the ammunition bodies.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventor: Alexander Simon
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Patent number: 8448557Abstract: A firing mechanism security apparatus prevents runaway machine gun fire by first sensing rounds being fired and sensing that the trigger mechanism is not instructing the weapon to fire. A mechanical actuator may block a path of the ammunition between the ammunition storage box and the machine gun or blocks spent ammunition from being ejected. Without engaging the trigger mechanism directly, a stopper signaled by a controller or motor may move from a first position to a second position and thereby be interposed between rounds of ammunition adjacent the ammunition storage box or between the ammunition feeder and the machine gun. The ammunition feeder may, alternatively, include a mechanical actuator that receives a signal from a motor or controller, the actuator capable of blocking the feeder's advancement of ammunition. Additionally, the gun may be elevated as a safety precaution.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.Inventors: Ran Hamish, Netanel Shapiro
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Publication number: 20130074685Abstract: A mount assembly for a semi-automatic firearm supports the weight of a firing unit (receiver, barrel and trigger) in a slide stand on or from a support structure so that a user does not have to bear any or at least a significant portion of the firearm's weight. Through a sliding interface, the firing unit is manually pushed by a user's thumb(s) to slide forward in the slide stand until a trigger actuator depresses the trigger. The trigger actuator may include a rod or a rest for a user's finger. Recoil energy from a discharged bullet pushes the firing unit rearwardly back to the starting position. The slide stand can include a convex or articulating base for variable aiming, or a fixed base for sharp-shooting.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Slide Fire Solutions LPInventor: Slide Fire Solutions LP
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Patent number: 8356437Abstract: A firing pin position indicator may be mounted to the breech end of a weapon. The indicator may include a solenoid with a plunger and a firing pin adapter that is selectively engageable with the plunger. The firing pin adapter may be fixed to the firing pin of the weapon. The solenoid plunger may be coupled to a quick-release lock. The quick-release lock may be selectively engageable with the firing pin adapter. The quick-release lock may include a housing and a spring-loaded piston that is translatable in the housing. The quick-release lock housing may be coupled to the solenoid plunger with a pin. A sensor may sense the position of the solenoid plunger and may provide a control signal to the weapon.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Edward W. Holmes, Wayland P. Barber
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Publication number: 20120279382Abstract: A system (10) for remotely enabling and disabling a weapon (12), includes a watchdog controller (14) adapted to receive a safe/arm command from a remote source (16) and to transmit the safe/arm command if predetermined conditions are satisfied, a safe/arm controller (20) adapted to receive the safe/arm command from the watchdog controller (14) and to transmit a control signal to enable communication between a weapon system processor (24) and the weapon (12) if a predetermined series of input signals are received in a predetermined sequence. The system also includes a switch (22) in a communication path between the weapon system processor (24) and the weapon (12). The safe/arm controller (20) closes the switch (22) and enables communication between the weapon system processor (24) and the weapon (12) only when the safe/arm controller (20) receives an arm signal and receives the predetermined series of input signals in the predetermined sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: David G. Garrett, Todd A. Isaac
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Patent number: 8127657Abstract: A safety selector for selectively implementing a firing disabled position for the prevention of unintentional firing of a firearm. The safety selector comprises two prongs adapted to push a cross bolt safety actuation lever to the right or to the left. A DC electrical motor provides torque, which is transferred through a torque transferring mechanism, to the safety selector. The safety selector is particularly useful for actuation via remote control.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Rafael-Armamen-Defence Systems LtdInventors: Giora Gorali, Moshe Oz, Nativ Shahak
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Publication number: 20110296978Abstract: A firing mechanism security apparatus prevents runaway machine gun fire by first sensing rounds being fired and sensing that the trigger mechanism is not instructing the weapon to fire. A mechanical actuator may block a path of the ammunition between the ammunition storage box and the machine gun or blocks spent ammunition from being ejected. Without engaging the trigger mechanism directly, a stopper signaled by a controller or motor may move from a first position to a second position and thereby be interposed between rounds of ammunition adjacent the ammunition storage box or between the ammunition feeder and the machine gun. The ammunition feeder may, alternatively, include a mechanical actuator that receives a signal from a motor or controller, the actuator capable of blocking the feeder's advancement of ammunition. Additionally, the gun may be elevated as a safety precaution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD.Inventors: Ran HAMISH, Netanel Shapiro
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Publication number: 20110162514Abstract: A weapon including a first portion of a disarming protection circuit integrated into a removable magazine clip. The first portion of the disarming protection circuit is integrated into the magazine clip and includes, a high voltage source, a receiver for receiving a signal from a transmitter and an output. A second portion of the disarming protection circuit includes a conductor assembly including an electrode that extends adjacent to an inside wall of a magazine compartment. The first end of the electrode is electrically connected to a conductor connection adjacent to the output of the first portion of the circuit. A second end of the electrode is disposed through the handle and is exposed from outside the handle. An actuator generates the signal that connects the high voltage source in the circuit to the electrode in response to the output from the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Wayne Kenneth Osborne, Dennis Harold Pitts, Donald Eugene Chance
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Publication number: 20100282058Abstract: In some embodiments, an adapter for attaching a handheld firearm to an unmanned air vehicle comprises a mounting assembly configured for attachment to said firearm and to the unmanned air vehicle, and an actuation assembly comprising an actuation device configured to actuate a trigger of the handheld firearm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Kent C. Nelson, Kenneth Nash, Dennis C. Philpot
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Publication number: 20100263524Abstract: This subject invention features a robot deployed weapon system. A remotely controlled mobile robot has a weapon mounted to the robot. There is a firing circuit for the weapon and a weapon interrupt module on board the robot. An operator control unit is for remotely operating the robot and the weapon. The operating control unit preferably includes a stop switch. Also, a separate operator module is in communication with the weapon interrupt module. Preferably, the operator module includes a kill switch. There are two communication links. The first communication link is between the operator control unit and the robot. This communication link is configured to safe the weapon if the stop switch is activated and/or the first communication link degrades. The second communication link is between the operator module and the weapon interrupt module. The communication link is configured to safe the weapon if the kill switch is activated and/or the second communication link degrades.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Gary R. Morin, Daniel R. Deguire, Kurt Bruck, James Chung, David Platt
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Publication number: 20100236392Abstract: A percussion device for a medium or large caliber weapon incorporating a firing pin, spring means and a drive cam for the firing pin enabling its displacement in translation up to an “armed” position and the compression of the spring means, such device wherein it incorporates means to immobilize the firing in the “armed” position, these means being supported by the weapon breech and able to take up a position in which they immobilize the firing pin and another in which they release the firing pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: CTA InternationalInventors: Michel Lenoble, Michel Baubois
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Patent number: 7793578Abstract: A percussion device for a medium or large caliber weapon incorporating a firing pin, spring means and a drive cam for the firing pin enabling its displacement in translation up to an “armed” position and the compression of the spring means, such device wherein it incorporates means to immobilize the firing in the “armed” position, these means being supported by the weapon breech and able to take up a position in which they immobilize the firing pin and another in which they release the firing pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: CTA InternationalInventors: Michel Lenoble, Michel Baubois
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Patent number: 7779740Abstract: A revolving firing pin system is mechanically linked to a screw-block in a breech-loading mortar system, wherein the revolver firing pin assembly rotates on a centerline that is offset from the centerline of the screw-block assembly. When the revolver firing pin assembly is rotated, the firing pin assembly also rotates. However, until the screw-block assembly is locked, the firing pin is in a safety position that is not in line with the primer of the munition loaded into the mortar system. Only when the screw-block is rotated into a locked position does the firing pin align with the primer of the munition to thus be able to strike the primer when the solenoid is electronically actuated.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Edward Holmes, Lee Bennett, Donald Forkas, George Hathaway, IV
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Patent number: 7389604Abstract: A gun is disclosed having conventional components and a holster. The gun has means for detecting removal of the gun from the holster, means for processing the output of the detection means, and means for authenticating the user of the gun. The gun has means for notifying remote authorities that the gun has been removed from the holster, means for receiving remote commands to lock the trigger and/or initiate a global positioning system. The gun has means for selectively locking the trigger from a remote location and means for selectively activating a global positioning system from the remote location.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Inventors: Reginald Hill Newkirk, Toy M. Newkirk, Tony N. Newkirk
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Patent number: 7360331Abstract: An autoloading pistol with a magazine disconnect mechanism that blocks discharge of the pistol when the magazine is removed by action upon the pistol's firing pin. The pistol may generally include a removable magazine, a housing defining a chamber to hold a cartridge, and a firing pin movable towards the chamber. The magazine disconnect mechanism includes a blocking member which may be movably disposed in the housing, and is movable into and out of engagement with the firing pin. In one embodiment, an actuator may be provided that controls the position of the blocking member and is movable in response to the insertion and removal of the magazine from the pistol. The actuator in a possible first position disengages the blocking member from the firing pin when the magazine is inserted in the pistol to allow the pistol to be discharged.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.Inventor: James McGarry
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Patent number: 7243453Abstract: A pistol including a mechanism that locks firing pin of the pistol. The firing pin locking mechanism may include a stopping member which may be selectively moved by a user of the pistol between first and second positions, and a movable blocking member that may be engaged with a forwardly-movable firing pin. A biasing member such as a spring may be provided to bias the blocking member into engagement with the firing pin. In one embodiment, the blocking member arrests or blocks the forward motion of the firing pin to prevent the firing pin from striking a loaded cartridge and discharging the pistol. In a possible first activated position, the stopping member prevents the firing pin blocking member from being operably disengaged from the firing pin, thereby preventing the firing pin from moving forward to strike a cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.Inventor: James McGarry
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Patent number: 7207252Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Charles T. Boyer, Jr., Michael K. Oetjen, Din-chih Hwang, Robert V. Krueger, Raymond D. Cooper
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Patent number: 7168198Abstract: A gun is disclosed having conventional components and a holster. The gun has means for detecting removal of the gun from the holster, means for processing the output of the detection means, and means for authenticating the user of the gun. The gun has means for notifying remote authorities that the gun has been removed from the holster, means for receiving remote commands to lock the trigger and/or initiate a global positioning system. The gun has means for selectively locking the trigger from a remote location and means for selectively activating a global positioning system from the remote location.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventors: Reginald Hill Newkirk, Toy M. Newkirk, Tony N. Newkirk
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Patent number: 7066072Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventors: Charles T. Boyer, Jr., Michael K. Oetjen, Din-chih Hwang, Robert V. Krueger, Raymond D. Cooper
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Patent number: 6952895Abstract: A firearm is provided including a frame having a magazine receptacle, a trigger, and a magazine. A safety device to lock the trigger when the magazine is removed is provided that includes a trigger bow having leaf spring receiver. A leaf spring extends from the frame and has an end that is free to flex perpendicularly to the trigger. The leaf spring flexes based on position of the magazine, from a lock position when the magazine is in the released position to an unlock position when the magazine is in the installed position. The second end of the leaf spring is engaged to the leaf spring receiver to prevent movement of the trigger when the leaf spring is in the lock position and disengaged from the leaf spring receiver to allow movement of the trigger when the leaf spring is in the unlock position.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Kimber IP, LLCInventor: Amir Zonshine
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Patent number: 6907813Abstract: Automatic firearms and safety mechanisms for automatic firearms are disclosed. In an illustrated example, a disclosed firearm includes a breech mounted for movement between a fired position and a cocked position, a breech catch having an inoperative position and a locked position, and a sear arm mounted to the breech catch.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Heckler & Koch, GmbHInventor: Jürgen Gablowski
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Patent number: 6810613Abstract: This invention concerns a supplementary safety device in the form of a false cartridge to be inserted into the chamber of a light firearm barrel, including a radially expandable portion controlled by a lock operated by a specific key for locking/unlocking it in the barrel in which it is housed, so it may be removed only voluntarily.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Fabbrica D'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.Inventor: Ugo Gussalli Beretta
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Patent number: 6802147Abstract: A device for firearms (1) and a firearm (1) having this device are disclosed. The device is used for detecting a state in the space (10) and for transmitting a signal correlated to the state. The device has a sensor region (24.1, 24.2) for detecting the state and a conductor arrangement (24.3), connected to the sensor region (24.1, 24.2) for transmitting the signal. The sensor region (24.1, 24.2) and the conductor arrangement (24.3) are formed by a fiber-optic system (24). The device also has a movable indicator (17), whose position corresponds to the state to be detected in the space (10) to be monitored and is detectable by the sensor region (24.1, 24.2). The sensor region (24.1, 24.2) of the fiber-optic system is protected by a shield (20).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventors: Hans Viktor Haefeli, Peter Kressibucher
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Patent number: 6718680Abstract: A semiautomatic handgun having multiple safeties includes a body made in two halves and a slide which can move lengthwise on a pair of rails. The hammer is cocked by rearward movement of the slide. The trigger, which has purely translation motion, is blocked from behind except when the user is wearing a special magnetic ring on his trigger finger. A decocker mechanism pushes the firing pin forward and slides the sear back, and prevents release of the hammer until the firing pin is blocked. The firing pin is normally blocked by a cup, which prevents the firing pin from moving forward if the gun is dropped. The cup is moved to an inactive position by a release lever only when the trigger is pulled. A safety lock, which is preferably operated by a special tool, prevents the transfer bar from moving. The firing pin block lever is locked in a downward position when the safety is activated. A hammer block bar prevents the hammer from moving when the safety is on.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventors: Albert Roca, Ray Wilson
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Patent number: 6615529Abstract: A firearm includes a frame having a trigger guard defined by an upper wall, a lower wall, a rear wall and a forward wall, and a trigger pivotally mounted to the frame, the trigger having a hole passing therethrough. A trigger bar is disposed in the hole and is transversely slideable therein between a fire position wherein the trigger is pivotable with respect to the frame and the firearm may be discharged, and a safe position wherein the trigger bar and the upper wall of the trigger guard interfere with one another such that the trigger is not pivotable with respect to the frame and the firearm may not be discharged. Transverse movement of the trigger bar out of the hole is prevented by contact of the trigger bar with the frame as the trigger bar is pushed in either transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Lueder Seecamp
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Patent number: 6539658Abstract: A safety mechanism dedicated to a single-action type firearm, equipped with a firing system using a hammer, presented in a kit form, capable of factory assembly on the firearm, or adaptation to a firearm already in service, comprising: said hammer striking the firing pin of the firearm when firing; a hammer ring working with the hammer; a trigger-activated sear, which, during firing, releases the hammer ring; a hammer strut including a hammer spring which is compressed to cock the hammer and which, when firing, propels the hammer ring, causing the hammer to strike the firing pin; a cocking lever, which may be left/right, and which is activated manually to release the active safeties by releasing the sear, the hammer and the slide; a return spring, to return the hammer backwards into the cocked position, ready to fire single action, a cocking lever spring; a hammer spring, which is fixed thanks to a pin to the hammer strut; a pin fastened to the cocking lever and a sear spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: R.D.I.H. SPRLInventors: Leon Hubert, Robert Hubert
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Patent number: 6421944Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: John F. Klebes, Robert L. Constant
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Patent number: 6321478Abstract: The present invention is directed to a firearm adapted to utilize an ammunition round having a non-impact primer adjacent one end thereof. The firearm includes a frame, a movable slide assembly, a power source, and a control module for selectively permitting communication of an ignition signal from the power source to the non-impact primer. The firearm further includes an ammunition chamber formed in the movable slide for releasably housing the ammunition round, as well as including an electrically conductive ignition probe housed within the movable slide for permitting communication of the ignition signal from the power source to the non-impact primer when the ammunition round is disposed in the chamber. A sensor assembly is utilized to generate a status signal to the control module indicative of an operational mode of the firearm.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventor: John F. Klebes