Patents by Inventor Carl D. Michel

Carl D. Michel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9010006
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intentionally slowing the speed at which detachable ammunition magazines can be interchanged in a firearm receiver. A magazine catch assembly includes a latch adapted to engage a recess of a standard magazine in the magazine well. A hand-activated crank interacts with threads of a push-rod portion of the latch so that manual rotation of the hand crank in one direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) displaces the latch after a sufficient number of turns. Reverse rotation of the hand crank returns the latch to its engaged condition ready to automatically re-engage the next magazine inserted into the firearm receiver. Alternatively, viscoelastic foam or other mechanical time-delay feature can be used instead of screw threads to introduce a mechanically transmitted dwell period before the latch is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Carl D Michel
  • Publication number: 20150075048
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intentionally slowing the speed at which detachable ammunition magazines can be interchanged in a firearm receiver. A magazine catch assembly includes a latch adapted to engage a recess of a standard magazine in the magazine well. A hand-activated crank interacts with threads of a push-rod portion of the latch so that manual rotation of the hand crank in one direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) displaces the latch after a sufficient number of turns. Reverse rotation of the hand crank returns the latch to its engaged condition ready to automatically re-engage the next magazine inserted into the firearm receiver. Alternatively, viscoelastic foam or other mechanical time-delay feature can be used instead of screw threads to introduce a mechanically transmitted dwell period before the latch is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Carl D Michel
  • Patent number: 8925229
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intentionally slowing the speed at which detachable ammunition magazines can be interchanged in a firearm receiver. A magazine catch assembly includes a latch adapted to engage a recess of a standard magazine in the magazine well. An input pad receives an input signal from a user that initiates a count-down sequence. When the count-down sequence is finished, an actuator mechanism is displaces the latch to disengage the magazine for replacement. Return of the latch to the engaged position may be automatic or user-initiated. The count-down sequence may be electronic or manual. User input may require use of a specialized tool. The latch may be spring-biased toward the engaged condition. The input pad may be responsive to an authoritative wireless over-ride signal to remotely disable the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Carl D. Michel
  • Publication number: 20140317980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intentionally slowing the speed at which detachable ammunition magazines can be interchanged in a firearm receiver. A magazine catch assembly includes a latch adapted to engage a recess of a standard magazine in the magazine well. An input pad receives an input signal from a user that initiates a count-down sequence. When the count-down sequence is finished, an actuator mechanism is displaces the latch to disengage the magazine for replacement. Return of the latch to the engaged position may be automatic or user-initiated. The count-down sequence may be electronic or manual. User input may require use of a specialized tool. The latch may be spring-biased toward the engaged condition. The input pad may be responsive to an authoritative wireless over-ride signal to remotely disable the firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Carl D. Michel