Electric Patents (Class 89/28.05)
-
Patent number: 6526686Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Cape AeroSpaceInventors: Charles Richard Poff, Jr., John R. Martin, David C. Nethercot
-
Patent number: 6523534Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventor: Chih-Chen Juan
-
Patent number: 6505558Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit using different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Joanell Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. La Mura, Ronald Conrad Wallenburg
-
Patent number: 6477801Abstract: This invention provides security measures for electronically operated munitions and firearms such as the pistol (10). The electronic controls (18) may be armed or disarmed electronically and provided with encoding means which arms the electronic controls to enable firing of the secured weapon upon the monitoring authorised code. This code may be electronically personalised to the individual. The code may be provided by a swipe card or the like carried by the authorised personnel. Alternatively the code may be biometric data which retains a lifelong distinctive identity of the authorised personnel.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Metal Storm LimitedInventor: James Michael O'dwyer
-
Patent number: 6434875Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Robert L. Constant, John F. Klebes
-
Patent number: 6430860Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Robert L. Constant, John F. Klebes, Pardip K. Vaid, Lee M. Lenkarski, David J. Petig
-
Patent number: 6430861Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventors: Tyler Ayers, Sidney McCartney
-
Patent number: 6425199Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Pardip K. Vaid, Robert L. Constant, John F. Klebes
-
Patent number: 6405473Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: David J. Petig, John F. Klebes, Pardip K. Vaid, Lee M. Lenkarski, Robert L. Constant
-
Patent number: 6397508Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Robert L. Constant, John F. Klebes, Pardip K. Vaid, Lee M. Lenkarski, David J. Petig
-
Publication number: 20020046643Abstract: A gun having a wedge-type breech block and a barrel that is seated in a cradle for firing electrically-ignitable cartridges that contain electronic components, and in which an ignition contact (4) is disposed on the cartridge base or bottom (3) for producing a connection to an external current source, and a signal contact (5) is disposed on the cartridge base for connecting the electronic components to an external electronic control and evaluation device. To ensure the simple and reliable ignition of the cartridge, as well as the transmission of data from the cartridge to an external unit, an axially displaceable ignition and signal-transmission unit (8) is provided in the breech block.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Heinz Gunter Breuer, Hans Hulsewis
-
Patent number: 6357157Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Robert L. Constant, David J. Petig, John F. Klebes, Craig A. Mariani, Richard Mikuta
-
Patent number: 6345462Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.Inventors: Richard Mikuta, Craig A. Mariani
-
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
-
Patent number: 6269728Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive ignition system, in particular for infantry weapons, having a primary coil (2) which cooperates inductively with a secondary coil (3) in the ignition system of cartridge (4) and which transmits the firing energy that is required for the ignition. For the necessary firing energy to be produced and made available internally, that is with additional supply, the invention proposes fitting a weapon breechblock component (5), displaceable from a cocked position to a firing position, in the weapon housing (1) in which is located the primary coil (2), and that, for production of the ignition energy, an inductive power generator (6) is provided whose coil system (7) is fitted in the weapon breechblock component (5) and whose magnet system (8) is fitted in the weapon housing (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff und SystemtechnikInventors: Heinz Kern, Gerhard Kordel, Gerhard Schmidtner
-
Patent number: 6237273Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit using different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Joanell Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. La Mura, Ronald Conrad Wallenburg