Patents by Inventor James W. Teetzel

James W. Teetzel 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: 5570528
    Abstract: A voice activated locking apparatus for handguns and rifles. The apparatus is designed to fit into handgrips that replace the factory provided handgrips. Flexible membrane circuitry is contained within the handgrips as well as the power source for the apparatus so that the unit does not have to be made part of the weapon and can easily be added at a later time. The only other modification of the weapon that is necessary is to make a slight change to the trigger assembly or trigger bar. The operator speaks into a small microphone exposed to the outside surface of the handle grip so that authentication of the operator's speech pattern is performed. A verified speech pattern by a voice recognition chip unlocks a solenoid mechanism that allows the weapon to be fired. The identifiable speech pattern stored within the voice recognition chip can be reprogrammed for another user via the micrphone and an interface keypad housed on the weapon grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel
  • Patent number: 5555662
    Abstract: A laser range finder that is modular so that it can mounted on different weapon platforms. A pulsed infrared laser beam is reflected off the target. The timed return signal is then used to measure the distance. Another laser, either a visible laser or another infrared laser of differing frequency, is used to place a spot on the intended target. Notch pass optical filters serve to eliminate ambient light interference from the second laser. The range finder using projectile information stored in the unit processes the calculated distance to raise or lower the finder on the weapon. A plurality of weapon platforms and projectile is selected by pressing the desired rubberized keypad. The range finder can-be used with a laser detonated projectile that can be detonated when the projectile is over the target. The projectile is fitted with a detector that is sensitive to the frequency of a wide angle laser beam that is attached to the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel
  • Patent number: 5526749
    Abstract: An intelligent projectile that can be detonated at a predetermined range via a wide angle infrared laser. The projectile is fitted with a detector that is sensitive to the frequency of a wide angle laser beam that is attached to the weapon. Using the range obtained by the range finder, the wide angle laser beam is fired when the projectile is in proper position relative to the target. To prevent the projectile from exploding prior to its being fired, a series of batteries is held in a track via compressions springs. The springs must be compressed via centrifugal force due to the projectile spinning as a resulting of rifling in the weapon. Once, sufficient centrifugal force is reached, the batteries will slide into a "contact" position so that the projectile can be detonated. The apparatus fits within standard 40 mm shell casings and can be fired by conventional grenade launching weapons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel
  • Patent number: 5522167
    Abstract: A tritium switch that can be easily fitted to standard laser sight that can be easily adapted to fit standard semi-automatic handguns or to standard military rifles such as an M-16. The switch is also useful as a safety interlock switch on machinery requiring electrical power. With a firearm, the switch allows the user to engage and disengage the laser sight without the necessity of reaching a special button or part of the weapon. The switch can be fitted to a standard trigger of the weapon so that the switch can be thrown as the user readies the weapon for firing. The switch is fabricated from using commercially available parts. The emitter portion of the switch, that is, the tritium vile requires no power and the detector portion, a low power consuming photoelectric cell, can be powered by commercially available batteries, providing a long service life before needing to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel
  • Patent number: 5481819
    Abstract: A laser sight that can be fits conventional handguns and rifles without requiring major modification of the weapons and yet fits within the profile of the weapons framework. The invention features a chassis containing an infrared and visible red laser than can be mounted in various position, depending on the weapon selected. For a 9 mm handgun, the chassis mounts on the front face of the muzzle. For a M-16, the chassis mounts on the weapon handle. The weapons factory installed hand grips are replaced by modified hand grips that contain the laser electronic controls, water proof activation switches, and power source. The hand grips are wired to the chassis via a flexible internal circuit tape in the case of the 9 mm and waterproof quick disconnect cable for the M-16. The apparatus is designed to be used with commercially available batteries providing about 12 hours of operating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel
  • Patent number: 5448847
    Abstract: A lock and target authentication apparatus for handguns and rifles. The apparatus is designed to fit into handgrips that replace the factory provided handgrips. Flexible membrane circuitry is contained within the handgrips as well as the power source for the apparatus so that the unit does not have to made part of the weapon and can easily be added afterward. The only other modification of the weapon that is necessary is to make a slight change to the trigger assembly or trigger bar. An infra red signal is communicated from a remote transmitter that unlocks a solenoid mechanism that prevents the weapon from being fired. The signal is unique to the weapon. The apparatus also features a target authentication ability so that a number of weapons can communicate with one another to prevent a weapon from being fired at them if that weapon receives a preselectable infra red signal that indicates to the apparatus that the other weapon is a "friend" and not a "foe".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel
  • Patent number: 5425299
    Abstract: A silencer apparatus that can be attached to a standard autoloading handgun having a laser sight module mounted to the front face of the slide of the handgun. The silencer module features additional electronics so that the firing status of the firearm can be ascertained. A skid plate protected switch in the magazine compartment of the handgun provides information as to whether a new clip has been inserted. A flash detector located within the silencer counts the rounds fired and provides a digital read-out of remaining rounds to be fired. Also, the accumulated fired rounds is provided to enable the user to know when the silencer needs cleaning. Noise reduction is provided by a metal honeycomb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel
  • Patent number: 5355608
    Abstract: A laser sight that can be concealed within a standard autoloading handgun. The invention features a chassis that is mounted to the front face of the slide of the handgun. The chassis has the same cross-sectional profile of the handgun and extends the slide by only about three quarters of an inch. Therefore, the handgun can be carried in standard holsters. The standard spring recoil guide is replaced by a novel battery pack designed to be used with commercially available batteries providing about 12 hours of operating time. The device is activated by a three different membrane switches, one on the chassis itself to select between an infrared laser, a "red" laser, and an incandescent light; a second membrane switch on the trigger which activates the sight when a slight pressure is applied; a third membrane switch located on the side of the frame so that the sight can be activated without placing a finger on the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: James W. Teetzel