Abstract: A gas system includes a gas block having a gas port for directing propellant gases received from a gas port of a barrel of a firearm into the gas system to cycle an auto loading feature of the firearm. A spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within the gas block includes a plunger component having a plurality of gas ports and a plunger cap at a forward end, wherein the position of the plunger component within the gas block automatically controls an amount of gas that is allowed to enter the gas system. Mounting a suppressor to the muzzle of the barrel depresses the plunger cap and drives it linearly rearward causing the plunger component to rotate to automatically restrict the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system through a restricted flow gas port in the plunger component.

Abstract: A hand guard installation mechanism for securing a hand guard over the barrel of a firearm includes a tapered locking element that extends at least partially through the hand guard and interfaces with a surface of the barrel nut of the firearm. A fastener mates with the locking element, drawing the locking element at least farther into the hand guard and against the surface of the barrel nut. As the locking element is drawn against the barrel nut, the hand guard is tightened against the barrel nut such that the hand guard is secured in place against the receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: A gas system includes a gas block having a gas port for directing propellant gases received from a gas port of a barrel of a firearm into the gas system to cycle an auto loading feature of the firearm. A spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within the gas block includes a plunger component having a plurality of gas ports and a plunger cap at a forward end, wherein the position of the plunger component within the gas block automatically controls an amount of gas that is allowed to enter the gas system. Mounting a suppressor to the muzzle of the barrel depresses the plunger cap and drives it linearly rearward causing the plunger component to rotate to automatically restrict the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system through a restricted flow gas port in the plunger component.

Abstract: A hand guard installation mechanism for securing a hand guard over the barrel of a firearm includes a tapered locking element that extends at least partially through the hand guard and interfaces with a surface of the barrel nut of the firearm. A fastener mates with the locking element, drawing the locking element at least farther into the hand guard and against the surface of the barrel nut. As the locking element is drawn against the barrel nut, the hand guard is tightened against the barrel nut such that the hand guard is secured in place against the receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: An extraction system for extracting a cartridge from a firing chamber of a firearm includes an extractor mounted within the firearm bolt which has a bolt head with a plurality of lugs proximate a bolt face, a cartridge recess extending axially inward from the bolt face, and an extractor aperture extending radially outward through one of the lugs. A spring aperture extends axially through the one lug and intersects with the extractor aperture. The extractor is slidably mounted within the extractor aperture and has a hook portion for coupling with the cartridge and a transverse spring bore extending through a mid-section of the extractor. The extraction system further includes an extractor spring having an anchor portion mounted about the outer surface of the bolt and a cantilever spring portion inserted through the spring aperture and into the transverse hole in the extractor, for resiliently biasing the extractor toward the cartridge recess.

Abstract: A hand guard attachment assembly for a firearm having a barrel and a receiver fastened to the barrel by a barrel nut. The hand guard attachment assembly includes a forearm having a monolithic mounting rail/hand guard that is removably connected to the receiver. The monolithic rail/hand guard interfaces with an integral multi-slot mounting portion of the receiver. A cinch block is mated to the slots of the receiver and held in place by the monolithic rail/hand guard. A tension block is mated at one end of the monolithic rail/hand guard and is attached to the cinch block by a fastener to securely hold the monolithic rail/hand guard in place.

Abstract: A barrel mounting and retention device for attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The barrel mounting and retention device can include a barrel extension disposed at a proximal end of the barrel, with an annular collar extending from the barrel extension and defining a first clamp face. A mounting plate having a second clamp face and defining a first axial bore fits over the barrel of the firearm with the barrel extending through the first axial bore. At least a portion of the second clamp face abuts a portion of the first clamp face as the mounting plate is secured to the barrel extension for mounting and retaining the barrel in communication with the receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: A gas plug retention and removal device for a gas operating system of a firearm. The gas operating system can include a gas block comprising a front end, a rear end, a gas block bore defined between the front and rear ends, and at least one cam engagement surface. A gas plug can be removably received in the front end of the gas block for at least partially sealing the gas block bore, and a cam lever bail can be pivotally coupled to the gas plug and include at least one lever arm. The at least one lever arm can be pivotally connected to the gas plug, be adapted to engage the gas block, and have at least one cam lobe formed therealong. The at least one cam lobe can engage the cam engagement surface of the gas block as the cam lever bail is pivoted so as to disengage and facilitate the removal of the gas plug from the gas block to provide access to the gas block bore.

Abstract: A hand guard attachment assembly for a firearm having a barrel and a receiver fastened to the barrel by a barrel nut. The hand guard attachment assembly includes a forearm having a monolithic mounting rail/hand guard that is removably connected to the receiver. The monolithic rail/hand guard interfaces with an integral multi-slot mounting portion of the receiver. A cinch block is mated to the slots of the receiver and held in place by the monolithic rail/hand guard. A tension block is mated at one end of the monolithic rail/hand guard and is attached to the cinch block by a fastener to securely hold the monolithic rail/hand guard in place.

Abstract: A gas plug retention and removal device for a gas operating system of a firearm. The gas operating system can include a gas block comprising a front end, a rear end, a gas block bore defined between the front and rear ends, and at least one cam engagement surface. A gas plug can be removably received in the front end of the gas block for at least partially sealing the gas block bore, and a cam lever bail can be pivotally coupled to the gas plug and include at least one lever arm. The at least one lever arm can be pivotally connected to the gas plug, be adapted to engage the gas block, and have at least one cam lobe formed therealong. The at least one cam lobe can engage the cam engagement surface of the gas block as the cam lever bail is pivoted so as to disengage and facilitate the removal of the gas plug from the gas block to provide access to the gas block bore.

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 trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

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 trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

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 trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.