Indicators Patents (Class 42/1.01)
  • Publication number: 20100205844
    Abstract: A device and method for recovering articles inadvertently submerged in a body of water are disclosed. The device comprises a housing attachable to the article, the housing defining a storage chamber with a storage chamber opening at one end. The storage chamber contains a buoyant flotation element held in the storage chamber by a water-activated release mechanism that permits the flotation element to move toward and through the storage chamber opening when the device is submerged in water. The flotation element remains connected to the housing by a connection mechanism. The device housing also may include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the flotation element toward the storage chamber opening. The method includes attaching the housing to the article to be retrieved, having the flotation element release from the housing and float to the surface of the water and following the connection mechanism from the flotation element to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Brent Williams
  • Publication number: 20100199539
    Abstract: A method for controlling a lifetime of a firearm including replacing a former portion of a firing mechanism of the firearm with a new portion, and constructing the new portion of the firing mechanism with a mechanical strength weaker than the former portion so that the new portion mechanically fails after significantly less rounds have been fired from the firearm than with the former portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Dov Pikielny
  • Patent number: 7716863
    Abstract: An apparatus for counting and storing a number of rounds fired from a gun includes a microcomputer; a non-volatile memory connected to the microcomputer; and at least one piezoelectric transducer connected to the microcomputer and mounted on the gun, the at least one piezoelectric transducer comprising a power source that generates power during operation of the gun. The piezoelectric transducer may also sense the firing of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Mark A. Johnson, Andrew G. Littlefield
  • Patent number: 7669356
    Abstract: Device for detecting and counting shots fired by an automatic or semi-automatic fire arm with a barrel and moving parts to recock the fire arm, sliding in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel between a front position and a rear position, whereby the fire arm undergoes accelerations in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel for every fired shot, caused by a succession of shocks due to the shot being fired and to the movements of the moving parts, whereby the progression in time of the accelerations is typical for a fire arm and for the type of ammunition used, thus forming a typical signature for the fire arm and for the type of ammunition, characterized in that it comprises an accelerometer (2) with a pass band which is sensitive to shocks in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel and a microprocessor (3) for analyzing the signal (S) of the accelerometer (2) while firing, whereby the microprocessor (3) is equipped with an algorithm to count the number of shots fired, based on the discernment and recor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: FN Herstal, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: René Joannes, Jean-Paul Delcourt, Patrick Heins
  • Patent number: 7661218
    Abstract: Firearm that includes a safety that doubles as an on-off switch for electrical accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Dov Pikielny
  • Patent number: 7661217
    Abstract: A method including sensing movement of an existing non-shot-indicator of a handgun, and interpreting a sensed movement of the existing non-shot-indicator as a shot fired from the handgun so that the sensed movement serves as a shot counter for the handgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Dov Pikielny
  • Publication number: 20090300961
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chamber closing piece (1) for firearms. Said chamber closing piece (1) can be rotatably and reversibly moved forward in the direction of the barrel muzzle (3) and rearward in the direction of the rear stock (4) and comprises one or several mechanisms (8) for indirectly or directly firing a bullet (9) that faces the muzzle in relation to the chamber closing piece (1). Said mechanism (8) for firing the ammunition is based on an electrical and/or thermal and/or optical and/or laser-based active principle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Alfons Ruhland, Michael Obergantschnig
  • Patent number: 7621062
    Abstract: An identification and tracking device (110b) for use in combination with a firearm bullet (100) comprising a means for detaching the device (110b) from the bullet (100) during penetration of the target. In this manner, the tracking device (110b) and/or identification device (110b) will be attached to an object when the bullet (100) penetrates the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory Anthony Cugliari
  • Patent number: 7614333
    Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Recon/Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Quinn, Jason L. Seelye, Mark Prichard, James T. Dillon
  • Patent number: 7600421
    Abstract: A ballistic test projectile includes a nose section comprising a windshield and aft of the windshield, an ogive; a body section aft of the nose section, the body section comprising a generally cylindrical body connected to the ogive; a base section aft of the body section, the base section comprising a base adapter connected to the body and a base bottom connected to the base adapter; a base pressure gage disposed in the base bottom; at least one side pressure gage disposed in the body; and an electronics cup disposed in the body, the electronics cup comprising a battery cup, a signal conditioning cup, a multiplexer cup, an accelerometer cup and a transmitter cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael Hollis, Matthew Hawkswell, Roger St Ours, Donald Carlucci, Boris Flyash
  • Patent number: 7595633
    Abstract: A method and a system for measuring the velocity of a projectile. The method and system employ sensors that uses magnetoresistive sensing elements to measure the velocity of a projectile. Two magnetoresistive based sensors may be used to sense a time at which a projectile crosses a sense path associated with each of the sensors. Because the sensors employ magnetoresistive sensing elements, high quality voltage signals are produced, allowing accurate time measurements to be calculated. Accordingly, the velocity of the projectile can be determined by using these time measurements along with a measured spacing distance between the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Martin, William M. Blevins
  • Patent number: 7581537
    Abstract: A paintball gun with a pressure gauge device includes a rear cap, a pressure gauge, and a canopy. The rear cap has a first end and a second end. The rear cap has a compartment at the first end adapted to accommodate the pressure gauge. The second end of the rear cap has a piston block. The piston block has an air passage interconnecting with an air passage of the pressure gauge. The canopy is fixed to the rear cap which is then secured to a rear end of a barrel in the paintball gun. A triggering block is provided in the barrel. The triggering block engages with the rear cap. This design allows the user to read the air pressure within the paintball gun so that the user may apply air pressure to the paintball gun when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sunworld Industrial co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-cheng Yeh
  • Patent number: 7509766
    Abstract: This invention refers to a compact monitoring system for firearms, including a detecting and tracking structure and a method for confirming ammunition has been discharged from said weapon, more specifically, to a weapon usage detecting and tracking device and a method that utilizes battery operated microcontroller circuitry, and could be used in combination either with a load depletion process warning system which in turn comprises a method for signalizing the user of the depletion process using luminous indicators, and a time and date event recorder or in combination with both, sharing substantially the same structure. Provisions are made in the time recording structure to securely retrieve use information at a further date in a way that may include secure handshaking and a serial number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Eduardo Carlos Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20090071053
    Abstract: In one aspect, a firearm system allows multiple modular firearm configurations, thereby providing significant customizability of the firearm by the user. All of the components necessary to fire the weapon are carried on a common receiver assembly. Interchangeable slide assemblies and handgrip modules can be detachably connected to the common receiver to substitute one firearm size, handgrip circumference, and/or munitions caliber for another. For example, the handgrip module can be substituted so as to change the size of the firearm and/or the slide assembly can be changed for purposes of changing the caliber of the firearm. In another aspect, an improved firing pin safety, which is capable of use in a one-piece machined slide, and which is additionally capable of being manufactured as a stamped sheet metal part, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Adrian J. O. Thomele, Thomas U. Metzger, Ethan M. Lessard
  • Publication number: 20090038197
    Abstract: A method for controlling a lifetime of a firearm including, but not limited to limiting a number of rounds a firearm can fire, wherein after a certain number of rounds have been fired, the firearm is rendered incapable of firing more rounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Dov Pikielny
  • Publication number: 20090007476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety means for weapons. The safety means comprises an electronic control unit for the authentication of an authorized user and the control of a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism mechanically engages with at least one mechanical part of the ignition chain so that said ignition chain is interrupted and firing is prevented. The safety mechanism comprises an actuator for releasing said engagement of the safety mechanism in case the electronic control unit identifies an authentication signal. The safety means according to the present invention is provided in a retrofit main component part of a weapon, which replaces a corresponding original main component part of the weapon. The safety means is preferably controllable by a transponder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Armatix GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Mauch, Dirk Steuwer
  • Publication number: 20080282595
    Abstract: A device for recording and displaying data from the firing cycle of small-arms that senses when a shot has been fired from a weapon using its acceleration, acoustic noise, or RF emissions; measures the interval between shots so that the firing rate may be determined; measures the time at which each shot has been fired; measures the number of rounds fired and deducts that number from a predetermined total thus displaying the remaining number of rounds contained within the weapon's magazine in real time to the operator; stores any combination of firing rate, firing intervals and time data for subsequent analysis and has an electrical interface to transfer data from the device to a computer or other data collection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Bernard Iredale Clark, Paul Andrew Leitner-Wise
  • Publication number: 20080233543
    Abstract: A video camera and recording device integrated with a real or toy weapon to provide video recording of the assault and aiming process of the weapon holder in operational training, actual combat, hunting, sports and gaming scenarios. A video camera is boresighted with the weapon, and a video memory stores the recorded dynamic scenario, and a trigger sensor which continually senses and records the triggering actions imposed by the weapon holder. The trigger sensor is attached to the actual trigger of the weapon thus enabling normal operation of the weapon. The video camera, may be mounted internally within the bore of the weapon, such that the external form of the weapon is not altered, thus achieving closer operation to real life situations. The recorded trigger data is utilized upon playback of the recorded video, enabling quick review and scoring of the recorded aiming process for training and gaming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Avraham Ram Guissin
  • Patent number: 7356956
    Abstract: A counting mechanism for detecting and registering the number of rounds fired from a recoil gun includes a housing that can be mounted to a component of the gun that exhibits recoil motion upon firing of a round. A counting device is contained within the housing and includes an actuator that is activated by the recoil motion of the gun component upon a round being discharged. A weighted mass is movable within the housing with the recoil motion of the gun component, and the actuator is operably configured with the mass such that movement of the mass resulting from the recoil motion actuates the actuator and increments the counting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Robert G. Schinazi, Lauren E. de Rosset
  • Publication number: 20080052976
    Abstract: A counting mechanism for detecting and registering the number of rounds fired from a recoil gun includes a housing that can be mounted to a component of the gun that exhibits recoil motion upon firing of a round. A counting device is contained within the housing and includes an actuator that is activated by the recoil motion of the gun component upon a round being discharged. A weighted mass is movable within the housing with the recoil motion of the gun component, and the actuator is operably configured with the mass such that movement of the mass resulting from the recoil motion actuates the actuator and increments the counting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Robert G. Schinazi, Lauren E. de Rosset
  • Publication number: 20080016744
    Abstract: Device for detecting and counting shots fired by an automatic or semi-automatic fire arm with a barrel and moving parts to recock the fire arm, sliding in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel between a front position and a rear position, whereby the fire arm undergoes accelerations in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel for every fired shot, caused by a succession of shocks due to the shot being fired and to the movements of the moving parts, whereby the progression in time of the accelerations is typical for a fire arm and for the type of ammunition used, thus forming a typical signature for the fire arm and for the type of ammunition, characterized in that it comprises an accelerometer (2) with a pass band which is sensitive to shocks in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel and a microprocessor (3) for analyzing the signal (S) of the accelerometer (2) while firing, whereby the microprocessor (3) is equipped with an algorithm to count the number of shots fired, based on the discernment and recor
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Rene Joannes, Jean-Paul Delcourt, Patrick Heins
  • Patent number: 7287338
    Abstract: A firearm measuring device for measuring all external dimensions of a firearm is comprised of an elongated rectangular caliper body member having measurement indicia inscribed thereon. A pair of jaws affixed on the caliper body member, one jaw affixed to a carriage and moveable along the caliper body member, a second jaw permanently affixed at one end of the caliper body member. A drop meter affixed to the caliper body member adjacent to the fixed jaw and vertically adjustable along the length of the drop meter by a channel within the length of the drop meter. The drop meter having a measurement indicia inscribed thereon. An extension member for attachment to the caliper body member having a bottom tooth-shaped configuration which is positioned on a gun barrel. The extension member having a magnetic means recessed within the extension member for securing the extension member in combination with the caliper body to the gun barrel eliminating need of holding the device during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Foege
  • Patent number: 7240619
    Abstract: This invention is intended to provide an identifiable bullet which is unduplicatable by a third party. The means is to place plural (two or more) kinds of identification codes onto or into a bullet and to make the identification codes mutually related. By this means the bullet remains identifiable. Next, the means is to make at least one kind of the identification code or codes ciphered. By this means the mutual relations among the identification codes become confidential to a third party, so that the bullet becomes unduplicatable. In one embodiment, each identification code is placed in a different kind of material, and this enables an investigator to detect and compare the identification codes more easily after shooting of the bullet. In another embodiment, each kind of identification code or codes is placed in a different kind of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Haruyuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7234260
    Abstract: Device (12) for counting shots fired by an automatic firearm (11), having a cartridge chamber containing a cartridge that can be expelled through an expulsion window and a first emission means that emits a continuous electromagnetic signal in such a manner that it is interrupted by a casing expelled from the cartridge chamber which corresponds to the used cartridge. The shot-counting device (12) of the invention is capable of monitoring the number of casings expelled from a cartridge chamber of the firearm (11) via an expulsion window and showing, on a display screen, the corresponding number of shots left available in a magazine (13) fitted to the firearm (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Raul Delgado Acarreta
  • Patent number: 7207252
    Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles T. Boyer, Jr., Michael K. Oetjen, Din-chih Hwang, Robert V. Krueger, Raymond D. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7207272
    Abstract: This identifiable bullet which is unduplicatable by a third party places plural (two or more) sets of identification codes onto or into a bullet and to make the identification codes in concordance. Thus, the bullet remains identifiable. At least one set of the identification code or codes can be encrypted. In this way, the mutual relations among the identification codes become confidential to a third party, so that the bullet becomes unduplicatable. In one embodiment, each identification code is placed on a different kind of material, and this enables an investigator to detect and compare the identification codes more easily after shooting of the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Haruyuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7111423
    Abstract: An indicia for marking on an object, such as a cartridge case, for representing selected information, such as identification indicia identifying the firearm that discharged the cartridge, and methods and apparatus for generating, imprinting and reading the identification indicia. An indicia includes a multi-dimensional array of encoded marks, including encoded marks determined by spectral encoding variables representing the selected information wherein each spectral variable is spectrally distinguishable from others of the spectral variables representing variables, and an encoded pattern of the encoded marks is determined by algorithmic transformation of the selected information. An indicia may also include hologram related artwork. An indicia may be an encoded hologram multi-dimensional barcode, an encoded hologram or an encoded concentric circular barcode and may be formed of a single indicia or as an array of indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Identification Dynamics, LLC
    Inventors: Todd E. Lizotte, Orest Ohar
  • Patent number: 7066072
    Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Charles T. Boyer, Jr., Michael K. Oetjen, Din-chih Hwang, Robert V. Krueger, Raymond D. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7062874
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a fixture, such as a flash suppressor, to the threaded muzzle end of a firearm barrel. A chart or “timing wheel” is directly placed to the fixture when hand tightened to the firearm's muzzle end without any shims placed thereon, the chart identifying the appropriate shims to be placed on the barrel's threaded muzzle end portion for positioning the center of the flash suppressor vent substantially at top dead center with respect to the barrel when a predetermined torque is applied to the flash suppressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Surefire, LLC
    Inventor: Brooke C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6925742
    Abstract: According to the present invention a firearm device comprises a firearm; safety means for impeding an unauthorized person to fire the firearm; and information storage means for recording and storing at least one aspect of the group consisting of an image in the direction in which a shot is in use fired, sound at about the time when a shot is in use fired, time when a shot is in use fired, and location of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Africa Outdoors ACS (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Nicolaas Cornelius Van Zyl
  • Patent number: 6898890
    Abstract: A night-vision optical device of the invention with controlled life expectancy contains a time measuring device built into the housing of the aforementioned device for measuring the accumulated time of active work of the device. In application to a night scope for a firearm, the device also contains a sensor, which is interlocked with activation of the scope and reacts on the shots produced from the firearm in general and separately on those shots produced during active work of the night-vision optics at nighttime. The aforementioned shots of both types are counted and stored in separate memory units. The night-time shots affects the life expectancy of the night-vision optics because of muzzle flashes which cause such devices as an image intensifier to work with an increased light load. The information obtained from the time measuring device and the shot counter makes it possible to timely receive a warning signal about the fact that the night optics or the entire firearm must be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: American Technologies Network Corp.
    Inventor: Leonid Gaber
  • Patent number: 6886284
    Abstract: A firearm comprising a gun barrel for accommodating a desired round of ammunition having a bullet, a shell casing and a primer. The gun barrel has a firing pin associated with a chamber of the gun barrel and the firing pin is activated by a trigger assembly. When the firing pin is activated by the trigger assembly, a striking surface of the firing pin strikes the primer and discharges the round of ammunition to propel the bullet out of the opposite end of the gun barrel. The firing pin, the interior surface of the barrel, or some other surface which contacts the shell casing carries a unique identifying indicia. Upon discharge of the round of ammunition, the component of the firearm carrying the unique identifying indicia transfers an impression of the unique identifying indicia to an exterior surface of the shell casing to identify that the shell casing was discharged by that firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Identification Dynamics, LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Lizotte
  • Patent number: 6861944
    Abstract: An authorization control system controlling who may use a device, includes a device for storing personal code data, a signal provider for outputting signals representing the personal code data, a signal delivery interface for receiving signals representing the personal code data, and adapted for wear by a user in proximity to a body of the user, a signal receive interface means, connected to the device, for receiving the signal from the signal delivery interface, a signal processing device, connected to the signal receive delivery interface, for determining a user's authorization for using the device by evaluating the signals and outputting a signal indicative of an evaluation result, a control device connected to the signal processing device, and an actuator for the device coupled to the control device, for allowing the user to use the device based on an output of the control device. Thus, the system allows a person to use the device only after the person has completed a successful authorization check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Jakob Hoepelman
  • Publication number: 20040200108
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for identifying a firearm by markings on the inside of the firearm. The markings leave an impression on the bullet casing, allowing the firearm to be identified from the markings left in the bullet casing. The markings could be symbols, characters, or a combination thereof. Tools for marking the firearm are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald J. Doiron, James M. McDonough
  • Publication number: 20040200109
    Abstract: This invention refers to a compact monitoring system for firearms, including a detecting and tracking structure and a method for confirming ammunition has been discharged from said weapon, more specifically, to a weapon usage detecting and tracking device and a method that utilizes battery operated microcontroller circuitry, and could be used in combination either with a load depletion process warning system which in turn comprises a method for signalizing the user of the depletion process using luminous indicators, and a time and date event recorder or in combination with both, sharing substantially the same structure. Provisions are made in the time recording structure to securely retrieve use information at a further date in a way that may include secure handshaking and a serial number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Eduardo Carlos Vasquez
  • Patent number: 6802147
    Abstract: A device for firearms (1) and a firearm (1) having this device are disclosed. The device is used for detecting a state in the space (10) and for transmitting a signal correlated to the state. The device has a sensor region (24.1, 24.2) for detecting the state and a conductor arrangement (24.3), connected to the sensor region (24.1, 24.2) for transmitting the signal. The sensor region (24.1, 24.2) and the conductor arrangement (24.3) are formed by a fiber-optic system (24). The device also has a movable indicator (17), whose position corresponds to the state to be detected in the space (10) to be monitored and is detectable by the sensor region (24.1, 24.2). The sensor region (24.1, 24.2) of the fiber-optic system is protected by a shield (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventors: Hans Viktor Haefeli, Peter Kressibucher
  • Patent number: 6785994
    Abstract: The invention is a firearm safety indicator that is spring-loaded, thus enabling self-ejection when a firearm's bolt is actuated. To attain this, the indicator comprises a main body and cantilever spring body joined together. A peg extends perpendicularly from the main body. In use, the peg is positioned inside the firing chamber of a firearm through the ejection port. The main body covers the ejection port and the cantilever spring body is therefore compressed to attain proper positioning. The rifle's bolt is then used to engage and hold the peg in place. When actuated, the bolt releases the peg and the spring body is released, thrusting the indicator away from the firearm. Alternately, a metal spring may be utilized in the place of the cantilever spring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Ned F. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6775940
    Abstract: A safety device for use with a toy guns, less-lethal guns (such as non-powdered guns) and lethal guns detects motion of the gun, and causes light emitting diodes or other light sources incorporated into the gun to prominently flash. The flashing light sources alert bystanders in a way that distinguishes lethal firearms from toy guns and less-lethal guns. The flashing diodes can also be activated when the gun is armed, cocked or otherwise ready to be fired. Motion is detected through the use of an electric circuit that includes a spring, an oscillating mass, and a ring adapted to surround the oscillating mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: S/R Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Dworzan, Lawrence J. Zadra
  • Patent number: 6778811
    Abstract: An electronic device with a concealed firearm. The device includes a housing having an interior face and an exterior face and with a cavity therein. The housing has a plurality of buttons and digital electronics. A tubular wall with a rigid central bore is adapted to function as the barrel of a firearm. The tubular wall has an interior end communicating with the cavity and an exterior end communicating with exterior of the housing. A chamber is provided for receiving a bullet adjacent to the interior end of the bore. A striker element is positioned at the end of the bullet with a point adapted to strike the shell to discharge the bullet and propel the slug thereof outwardly therefrom. An actuator is located on the side of the striker remote from the bullet to initiate movement of the striker element. A mechanism, when activated, is adapted to release the actuator to move the striker element and discharge the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ken Grove
  • Publication number: 20040123508
    Abstract: A gun suitable for games is disclosed for permitting an operator to recognize when a trigger is pulled. A target signal receiver receives a target signal sent from a target for causing the gun to recognize that the gun is opposite the target, and notifies a controller that the target signal receiver has received the target signal. Upon detection of a manipulation by the operator, the controller a forces shooting device to perform a shooting operation, and instructs an information generator to generate recognition information. The shooting device emits an optical bullet formed of a light ray. The recognition information generator drives a solenoid to bring associated members into impact against each other to permit the operator to recognize that the operation has been performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Gouko, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040025392
    Abstract: A safety device for use with a toy guns, less-lethal guns (such as non-powdered guns) and lethal guns detects motion of the gun, and causes light emitting diodes or other light sources incorporated into the gun to prominently flash. The flashing light sources alert bystanders in a way that distinguishes lethal firearms from toy guns and less-lethal guns. The flashing diodes can also be activated when the gun is armed, cocked or otherwise ready to be fired. Motion is detected through the use of an electric circuit that includes a spring, an oscillating mass, and a ring adapted to surround the oscillating mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: William S. Dworzan, Lawrence J. Zadra
  • Patent number: 6684873
    Abstract: A paint ball gun includes an agitator mounted on the end of a rotary motor shaft. Rotational direction of the motor shaft is controlled by an electronic circuit responsive to a tilt sensor. The inclusion of tilt sensor provides an enhanced paint ball gun capable of operating optimally during periods of gun tilt. Several preferred magazine designs incorporating the tilt sensor are illustrated. An additional double-rotation of the motor is disclosed which enables short bursts of oppositely directed agitator rotation, which frees any jams that may occur. These short bursts may be triggered manually, electronically responsive to a sensed condition indicative of a jam, or through a timed interval. The paint ball gun is capable of rapidly firing more paint balls under otherwise sub-optimal conditions than previously known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Joel A. Anderson, Louis Spicer
  • Publication number: 20040003528
    Abstract: Portable firearms having identification marks and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example firearm includes a first identification number visibly located on the firearm; and a second, hidden or disguised identification number associated with the first identification number to facilitate identifying the firearm if the first identification number is destroyed, changed, or damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Dirk Holtzknecht, Ernst Mauch, Michael Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6636412
    Abstract: A hand-held stun gun incapacitates a human target by generating a series of powerful electrical output pulses across first and second spaced apart output terminals in response to closure of a trigger. A battery power supply includes an electronic switch, an energy storage capacitor and a transformer for converting low voltage, direct current into a series of high voltage output pulses across the first and second output terminals. Each output pulse includes a pulse energy of from 0.9 joules to 10 joules. The series of output current pulses have an RMS current flow of from 100 milliamps to 500 milliamps when the first and second output terminals are applied to a human target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Taser International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6612063
    Abstract: In a weapon, in particular a self-loading pistol, having a barrel (1) and a breech block (4), it being possible for a cartridge (2) to be fired in the barrel (1) by being acted upon by means of a firing pin (7), to identify a fired cartridge (2) and/or to increase the precision during the shot, a contact region (10) of the breech block (4) with the cartridge (2) has at least one prominence (11) and/or recess (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Sigg
  • Patent number: 6590386
    Abstract: A universal electronics system has a body adapted to be removably mounted at the muzzle end of the barrel of almost any paintball marker. A pair of spaced detector units signal the time it takes for a paintball to pass through a portion of the body. A muzzle velocity calculating device converts the detector signals to a muzzle velocity, which is displayed on a display screen. The universal electronics system may further comprise a ball counter, a player counter, a clock, a chronometer that records elapsed time, a timer for recording time remaining in a game, and a thermometer. All of the data can be displayed on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Brass Eagle, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Williams
  • Patent number: 6523295
    Abstract: A gun handling deterrent device includes a housed, battery-powered electrical assembly for placement within the gun handle, with sub-assemblies to convert the DC to pulsating DC and step up the voltage, and leads to the gun frame and a negative contact member that extends from the handle for positioning adjacent the handle, trigger guard and barrel, such that when the handle, trigger guard or barrel is grasped, the hand contacts both the metal frame and the negative contact member. An actuator switch enables the circuit when the gun is moved from a horizontal position, causing the increased voltage pulsating DC to be delivered to the hand. The shock function is joined or replaced in embodiments where an audio generating device is activated by the actuator switch when the gun is so moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: James Midgley
  • Publication number: 20030014895
    Abstract: A firearm comprising a gun barrel for accommodating a desired round of ammunition having a bullet, a shell casing and a primer. The gun barrel has a firing pin associated with a chamber of the gun barrel and the firing pin is activated by a trigger assembly. When the firing pin is activated by the trigger assembly, a striking surface of the firing pin strikes the primer and discharges the round of ammunition to propel the bullet out of the opposite end of the gun barrel. The firing pin, the interior surface of the barrel, or some other surface which contacts the shell casing carries a unique identifying indicia. Upon discharge of the round of ammunition, the component of the firearm carrying the unique identifying indicia transfers an impression of the unique identifying indicia to an exterior surface of the shell casing to identify that the shell casing was discharged by that firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Todd E. Lizotte
  • Patent number: 6462302
    Abstract: A computer-controlled laser etching probe etches a firearm-identifying indicia such as a barcode encoded serial number into the bore of a firearm. Owner registration data coupled with the serial number is stored in a central database. A computer-controlled scanner reads the barcode from a bullet fired from an etched firearm for comparison with registration data in the central database, thereby identifying the registered owner of the firearm from which the bullet was fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Bar Code Bullet Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Ivan Grow
  • Patent number: 6449892
    Abstract: There is described a smart weapon system including a weapon which serves as an enclosure to a transferable core computer. The computer provides the operator of the weapon the advantages of having an integrated computer/communications platform contained within the weapon and thus reducing the burden placed on the operator to carry multiple and distinct computer/communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Xybernaut Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Jenkins