Patents by Inventor Rob Gilliom
Rob Gilliom 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).
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Patent number: 11585621Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or enabling/disabling applications, and interfacing with other type mechanical linkages.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton
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Publication number: 20220018621Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or enabling/disabling applications, and interfacing with other type mechanical linkages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Applicant: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton
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Patent number: 10969186Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or enabling/disabling applications, and interfacing with other type mechanical linkages.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton
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Patent number: 10900732Abstract: An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes an electromagnetic actuator including a stationary yoke, a rotating member movable about a pivot axis relative to the stationary yoke and operably coupled to a firing mechanism of the firearm, a trigger operable when pulled by a user to move the rotating member between an unactuated position and an actuated position for discharging the firearm, and a magnetic coil when energized generating a user-adjustable magnetic field which changes a trigger pull force required to be exerted by a user on the trigger to discharge the firearm. A programmable microcontroller is configured to selectively energize the coil for discharging the firearm in response to detecting a trigger pull event. The microcontroller in one embodiment is configured to count each energization of the coil as indicative of a firing event and record the firing event and associated time/date stamp.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Publication number: 20200348098Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or enabling/disabling applications, and interfacing with other type mechanical linkages.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton
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Publication number: 20200333096Abstract: An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes an electromagnetic actuator including a stationary yoke, a rotating member movable about a pivot axis relative to the stationary yoke and operably coupled to a firing mechanism of the firearm, a trigger operable when pulled by a user to move the rotating member between an unactuated position and an actuated position for discharging the firearm, and a magnetic coil when energized generating a user-adjustable magnetic field which changes a trigger pull force required to be exerted by a user on the trigger to discharge the firearm. A programmable microcontroller is configured to selectively energize the coil for discharging the firearm in response to detecting a trigger pull event. The microcontroller in one embodiment is configured to count each energization of the coil as indicative of a firing event and record the firing event and associated time/date stamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Patent number: 10690430Abstract: A magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism allowing a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile by changing the static magnetic field in the mechanism. In a closed magnetic loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a stationary yoke and pivotably movable trigger member. The trigger member includes a trigger portion and working portion operably interfaced with the firing mechanism of the firearm for discharging the firearm. An openable first air gap formed between the trigger member and yoke is maintained in a closed position via magnetic attraction therebetween absent a trigger pull. A control insert movable relative to a second control air gap in the yoke allows adjustment of the static magnetic field to alter the trigger pull force required to actuate the trigger mechanism. Other embodiments provide open magnetic loop trigger mechanism designs adjustable to magnetically vary the trigger pull force.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Patent number: 10670361Abstract: A hybrid magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism configured to allow a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile. In a closed magnetic flux loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a selectively energizable electromagnetic and mechanical biasing member providing a static holding torque which creates resistance opposing movement of the trigger. Energizing the electromagnetic at a user-preselected point during the trigger pull event creates a magnetic force opposing the static holding torque, which dynamically changes the trigger pull force required to discharge the firearm. The electromagnetic assists the user in completing the trigger pull thereby creating an adjustable lighter trigger pull. In one embodiment, the electromagnet is energized when the actual trigger pull force applied or trigger displacement reaches a corresponding trigger setpoint preprogrammed into a control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Patent number: 10663244Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator in one embodiment includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil on the yoke amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or blocking applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton
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Publication number: 20200124371Abstract: A magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism allowing a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile by changing the static magnetic field in the mechanism. In a closed magnetic loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a stationary yoke and pivotably movable trigger member. The trigger member includes a trigger portion and working portion operably interfaced with the firing mechanism of the firearm for discharging the firearm. An openable first air gap formed between the trigger member and yoke is maintained in a closed position via magnetic attraction therebetween absent a trigger pull. A control insert movable relative to a second control air gap in the yoke allows adjustment of the static magnetic field to alter the trigger pull force required to actuate the trigger mechanism. Other embodiments provide open magnetic loop trigger mechanism designs adjustable to magnetically vary the trigger pull force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Publication number: 20200080812Abstract: A hybrid magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism configured to allow a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile. In a closed magnetic flux loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a selectively energizable electromagnetic and mechanical biasing member providing a static holding torque which creates resistance opposing movement of the trigger. Energizing the electromagnetic at a user-preselected point during the trigger pull event creates a magnetic force opposing the static holding torque, which dynamically changes the trigger pull force required to discharge the firearm. The electromagnetic assists the user in completing the trigger pull thereby creating an adjustable lighter trigger pull. In one embodiment, the electromagnet is energized when the actual trigger pull force applied or trigger displacement reaches a corresponding trigger setpoint preprogrammed into a control circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Patent number: 10458736Abstract: A magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism allowing a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile by changing the static magnetic field in the mechanism. In a closed magnetic loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a stationary yoke and pivotably movable trigger member. The trigger member includes a trigger portion and working portion operably interfaced with the firing mechanism of the firearm for discharging the firearm. An openable first air gap formed between the trigger member and yoke is maintained in a closed position via magnetic attraction therebetween absent a trigger pull. A control insert movable relative to a second control air gap in the yoke allows adjustment of the static magnetic field to alter the trigger pull force required to actuate the trigger mechanism. Other embodiments provide open magnetic loop trigger mechanism designs adjustable to magnetically vary the trigger pull force.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Patent number: 10378848Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator in one embodiment includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil on the yoke amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or blocking applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton
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Publication number: 20190186857Abstract: A magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism allowing a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile by changing the static magnetic field in the mechanism. In a closed magnetic loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a stationary yoke and pivotably movable trigger member. The trigger member includes a trigger portion and working portion operably interfaced with the firing mechanism of the firearm for discharging the firearm. An openable first air gap formed between the trigger member and yoke is maintained in a closed position via magnetic attraction therebetween absent a trigger pull. A control insert movable relative to a second control air gap in the yoke allows adjustment of the static magnetic field to alter the trigger pull force required to actuate the trigger mechanism. Other embodiments provide open magnetic loop trigger mechanism designs adjustable to magnetically vary the trigger pull force.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2019Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Patent number: 10240881Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator in one embodiment includes characteristics of very fast actuation, shock invariant design, and compact size. The actuator may be controlled via a small low voltage power source such as a battery and simple switching logic. Such characteristics are ideally suited for incorporating the actuator into the firing mechanism of a firearm, which are subjected to drop tests to confirm the firearm will not discharge in the absence of trigger pull. Very fast snap-like action is attained by balancing the magnetic forces of two opposing permanent magnets around a stationary yoke and rotating member to create three circulating magnetic flux circuits. A central electromagnet coil on the yoke amplifies the magnetic flux of one side of the rotating member or the other depending on the power source actuation polarity, thereby creating two possible snap-like actuation positions. The actuator is usable in firing mechanism release or blocking applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton
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Patent number: 10228208Abstract: An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm is disclosed which may include a trigger assembly or mechanism comprising an electromagnetically-operated control device which allows the user to select and adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile electronically. In one embodiment, the control device may be an electromagnetic trigger mechanism comprising an electromagnetic snap actuator operated via a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configurable by a user to adjust the trigger force-displacement profile according to preset user preferences. The microcontroller energizes the actuator during a trigger pull according to a preprogrammed trigger force and/or displacement setpoint aided by a trigger sensor(s). The energized actuator creates a magnetic field which dynamically increases or decrease the trigger force required to fully actuate the trigger to discharge the firearm. In other embodiments, the control device may be an electromagnetic magnetorheological fluid actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Publication number: 20180259285Abstract: An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm is disclosed which may include a trigger assembly or mechanism comprising an electromagnetically-operated control device which allows the user to select and adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile electronically. In one embodiment, the control device may be an electromagnetic trigger mechanism comprising an electromagnetic snap actuator operated via a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configurable by a user to adjust the trigger force-displacement profile according to preset user preferences. The microcontroller energizes the actuator during a trigger pull according to a preprogrammed trigger force and/or displacement setpoint aided by a trigger sensor(s). The energized actuator creates a magnetic field which dynamically increases or decrease the trigger force required to fully actuate the trigger to discharge the firearm. In other embodiments, the control device may be an electromagnetic magnetorheological fluid actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
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Patent number: 8689591Abstract: A safe is provided for securely storing property that may be accessed quickly. A biometric scanner is coupled to a latching mechanism which may be actuated upon input of a recognized pattern, such as a fingerprint. The safe door may be spring actuated to automatically open upon release of the locking mechanism. The latch positively locks the door so that it resists opening from sharp blows to the safe.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: 9G Products, Inc.Inventors: Sean M. Elsner, Rob Gilliom
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Publication number: 20110146359Abstract: A safe is provided for securely storing property that may be accessed quickly. A biometric scanner is coupled to a latching mechanism which may be actuated upon input of a recognized pattern, such as a fingerprint. The safe door may be spring actuated to automatically open upon release of the locking mechanism. The latch positively locks the door so that it resists opening from sharp blows to the safe.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: 9G Products, Inc.Inventors: Sean M. Elsner, Rob Gilliom