Hammer Or Firing Pin Patents (Class 42/70.08)
  • Patent number: 8789303
    Abstract: A safety for a firearm includes a blocking member that has a relieved portion adjacent to a relieved portion of a firing pin of the firearm. The blocking member is movable between a safe position wherein the relieved portions are not in registration and a fire position wherein the relieved portions are in registration. The blocking member moves from the safe to the fire position in response to a pull of the firearm's trigger. Movement of the blocking member is rotational in response to a pawl as would also be used to rotate the cylinder of a revolver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Brett Curry
  • Publication number: 20140144057
    Abstract: A remote-operable firing pin safety catch is provided. A mechanical firing pin safety catch is supplemented by a further electrically remote-operable safety catch device, wherein it is basically the case that firing is possible only when the safety catch of a firing pin has been both locally mechanically released and also electrically released by means of a remote controller. As an electrical firing pin safety catch, an electric actuator is incorporated into the mechanical firing pin safety catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL AIR DEFENCE AG
    Inventors: Dominic BRUNNER, Michael GERBER, Roman WIDMER
  • Patent number: 8683729
    Abstract: An ambidextrous thumb safety assembly, configured for use in a firearm, includes a first lever assembly for positioning on a first side of the firearm, a second lever assembly for positioning on a second side of the firearm, and a monolithic shaft assembly for coupling the first lever assembly and the second lever assembly. The monolithic shaft assembly includes a first support portion configured to rotatably engage a first portion of a frame of the firearm, a second support portion configured to rotatably engage a second portion of the frame of the firearm, and a control portion configured to selectively prohibit operation of a trigger mechanism of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Bova
  • Patent number: 8677667
    Abstract: Provided herein are an ambidextrous thumb safety and apparatuses for providing the same for a handgun. The ambidextrous thumb safety and apparatuses generally comprise right and left thumb safeties pivotally mounted in opposition to a handgun frame, means for pivotally interconnecting the mounted right and left thumb safeties on the handgun frame and means for initiating pivotal movement of the right and left side plates upon application of a force thereto. Particularly, a secondary pin with a threaded end extends from the sear contact surface on the right thumb safety and is connected to the left thumb safety via a screw at a counterbored hole through the left thumb safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: David Kenneth Tatum
  • Patent number: 8650788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety for a repeating rifle, with a safety slider (4) arranged displaceably between a safety position and an unsecured position on a lock (2), and a locking element associated with the safety slider (4) for blocking or releasing a firing pin nut (8) displaceably arranged in the lock (2). The locking element according to the invention is constructed as a safety lever (22), rotatable about a transverse pin (24), with a control part (23) engaging with a control groove (19) on the firing pin nut (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Blaser Finanzholding GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Ostanin
  • Patent number: 8572879
    Abstract: A firearm hammer that has its cocking spur attached in a hinged manner that is constantly biased to the closed position. Upon sufficiently applied force, the cocking spur can pivot about the hinge from the closed position to a plurality of open positions, and then due to the constant bias, the cocking spur automatically and rapidly returns to the closed position. In one embodiment, a spring at the hinge causes the constant bias of the cocking spur to the closed position. In the closed position, the cocking spur rests upon the main body of the hammer and is thereby supported to allow the hammer to be cocked. This invention reduces the probability of snagging the hammer on clothing as the firearm is drawn for use. This invention also allows instinctive use of the cocking spur since it is automatically and rapidly returned to the closed position after deviations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: David Angeles Tiangco
  • Patent number: 8572878
    Abstract: A cocking/de-cocking mechanism for semi-automatic striker-fired pistols having a multi-function cocking lever for controlling, by rotational movement, the cocking or arming of the tiring pin, while effecting de-cocking by the lateral displacement of the cocking lever on its support pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Beretta USA Corp.
    Inventors: Claudio Gentilini, Jason Kellogg
  • Patent number: 8567104
    Abstract: A hammer is adapted to receive a removable firing pin and includes an axial bore for receiving the firing pin and a transverse bore for receiving pins to secure the firing pin within the axial bore. The transverse bore includes a slave pin section for receiving a slave pin configured to mate with an annular groove or machined notch in the firing pin and a screw pin section for receiving a screw pin to secure the slave pin and the firing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: United States Fire Arms Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas F. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 8549780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for a firearm with a trigger bar in said firearm. The trigger bar moves in response to a pulling of a trigger. An actuator in said firearm is adapted to actively move said trigger bar between a first position and a second position. The trigger bar engages in the trigger induced movement with a hammer link for releasing a hammer and firing a cartridge bullet when the trigger bar is in the first position or first state. However, said trigger bar does not engage in the trigger induced movement with the hammer link, such that the cartridge bullet is not fired, when the trigger bar is in the second position or state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Armatix GmbH, German Sport Guns GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Emde, Karl-Friedrich Giebel
  • Patent number: 8528242
    Abstract: The safety device provides an added measure of safety to striker fired semi-automatic pistols. The safety device includes a contact member in the form of a sliding bar or pivoting lever, that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, such that the contact member operatively blocks the movement of one of the fire control mechanism components to prevent discharge of the weapon but only when the contact member is manually held in an engaged position. The user manipulates and physically holds the contact member in its engaged position by pressing a thumb plate or button located at the rear of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Todd Louis Green, Thomas Hilton Jones
  • Patent number: 8484876
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a cartridge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, Jr., William C. Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi, Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8464459
    Abstract: A weapon control device is provided and is coupled within a weapon for controlling accessories and auxiliary components. The weapon control device includes a processor and a connector operably engaging a selector switch of a weapon. The processor receives a signal from the connector in response to movement of the selector switch. The weapon control device further includes one of a transmitter and a transceiver, wherein one of the transmitter and transceiver send a signal in response to the processor receiving a signal from the connector. The weapon control device further includes a weapon accessory, wherein the weapon accessory is activated in response to the signal sent by one of the transmitter and transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: James Summers
  • Patent number: 8464456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cocking and uncocking mechanism for a firearm, comprising a spring-loaded firing pin which, when in the cocked position, engages on a catch that can be released to fire, said catch being displaceable by an actuator element acting upon the catch via a link motion the control cam of which maintains the force to be applied to the actuator element to displace the catch to the cocked position substantially constant at least in the center region of the actuation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: STEYR MANNLICHER Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Pichler
  • Patent number: 8443537
    Abstract: A firearm has a firing mechanism that includes a firing pin, a drop safety, a spring mounted to the drop safety and a trigger in mechanical communication with the firing pin and the drop safety. The drop safety includes a roller portion having an outer circumferential surface and an inner opposing wall. When the trigger is actuated, the opposing wall of the drop safety abuts and engages the firing pin in the forward-most axial position thereof, thereby allowing the firing pin to strike a primer of a chambered round of ammunition. In all other configurations, the spring rotationally biases the drop safety so that the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion of the drop safety blocks the forward axial reciprocation of the firing pin, preventing the firing pin from engaging the primer of a chambered round of ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Brett Curry
  • Publication number: 20130074391
    Abstract: A firearm has a firing mechanism that includes a firing pin, a drop safety, a spring mounted to the drop safety and a trigger in mechanical communication with the firing pin and the drop safety. The drop safety includes a roller portion having an outer circumferential surface and an inner opposing wall. When the trigger is actuated, the opposing wall of the drop safety abuts and engages the firing pin in the forward-most axial position thereof, thereby allowing the firing pin to strike a primer of a chambered round of ammunition. In all other configurations, the spring rotationally biases the drop safety so that the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion of the drop safety blocks the forward axial reciprocation of the firing pin, preventing the firing pin from engaging the primer of a chambered round of ammunition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH & WESSON CORP.
    Inventor: BRETT CURRY
  • Patent number: 8381426
    Abstract: A firing inhibition system for a firearm includes an electromechanical actuator electrically connected to a dynamic grip recognition module including at least one sensor and a microcontroller, wherein the at least one sensor is located in a portion of a firearm operable to receive grip pressure from a user and wherein the at least one sensor is operable to transmit a signal to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is operable to receive programming comprising grip pressure of an authorized user and is operable to interpret whether the grip pressure of the user matches the grip pressure of the authorized user, and to send a signal to the electromechanical actuator to actuate or to not actuate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Biao Cheng, Daphne Chang
  • Patent number: 8371058
    Abstract: A mechanism for the disassembly of a handgun without triggering, which prevents the consequential accidental firing of a cartridge in the chamber upon triggering. The mechanism including a disassembler, sear catcher lever, sear catcher and a sear catcher spring. The disassembler has an eccentric pin. Rotation of the dissembler moves the sear catcher lever forward. The sear catcher spring pushes the sear catcher which abuts the other end of sear catcher lever. The sear catcher can catch the sear as soon as the sear is pressed downwards around the sear pin by the slide, and it can hold the sear beneath the plane of cocking of the firing pin. At the same time, the sear catcher blocks the firing pin safety lever if the sear catcher lever is in its utmost forward position. That way the cocking of the firing pin is prevented and the triggering is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: HS Produkt D.O.O.
    Inventor: Dubravko Trpcic
  • Publication number: 20130019510
    Abstract: A locking system for a firearm is disclosed. A lock has a set state and an unset state, and substantial movement of any one or more fire control group components is inhibited with in the set state. A biometric sensor attachable to a grip of the firearm is receptive to an input biometric feature data set corresponding to a physiological feature of a user. A biometric input controller stores biometric feature data sets corresponding to enrolled user identities in a memory, and compares it against the input biometric feature data set to generate a biometric input validation status indicator signal. A proximity sensor attachable to the grip detects possession of the firearm by the user and generates a corresponding grip detection indicator signal. A system controller selectively actuates the lock to the set state and the unset state based upon a received combination and sequence of the biometric input validation status indicator signal and the grip detection indicator signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Kemmerer, Yishai Mendelsohn, Clinton D. Cope
  • Patent number: 8356437
    Abstract: A firing pin position indicator may be mounted to the breech end of a weapon. The indicator may include a solenoid with a plunger and a firing pin adapter that is selectively engageable with the plunger. The firing pin adapter may be fixed to the firing pin of the weapon. The solenoid plunger may be coupled to a quick-release lock. The quick-release lock may be selectively engageable with the firing pin adapter. The quick-release lock may include a housing and a spring-loaded piston that is translatable in the housing. The quick-release lock housing may be coupled to the solenoid plunger with a pin. A sensor may sense the position of the solenoid plunger and may provide a control signal to the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Edward W. Holmes, Wayland P. Barber
  • Publication number: 20120291326
    Abstract: An ambidextrous thumb safety assembly, configured for use in a firearm, includes a first lever assembly for positioning on a first side of the firearm, a second lever assembly for positioning on a second side of the firearm, and a monolithic shaft assembly for coupling the first lever assembly and the second lever assembly. The monolithic shaft assembly includes a first support portion configured to rotatably engage a first portion of a frame of the firearm, a second support portion configured to rotatably engage a second portion of the frame of the firearm, and a control portion configured to selectively prohibit operation of a trigger mechanism of the firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: CHRIS BOVA
  • Patent number: 8276502
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of an ambidextrous or reversible safety mechanism for firearms. The safety mechanism can be utilized on specific rifles and shotguns, for example an AK47, SAIGA or similar firearms, as a retrofit to reposition the existing safety mechanism to a configuration similar to or nearly identical to an AR15, M16 or similar firearms. In this way, personnel familiar with the safety operation of the AR15 or M16 will be able to operate the retrofit firearm without learning the operation of a new mechanism. Once retrofitted, the firearm safety mechanism will have the same visual appearance, action, and “feel” as the firearm with which they are familiar. The distance from the grip (trigger) to the engagement portion of the safety mechanism of the retrofit firearm will be very similar to that of the familiar firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Wright
  • Patent number: 8245427
    Abstract: A firing pin safety catch mechanism for a firearm, especially an auto-loading firearm which operates with a closed action such as found on the United States Military's M16 and its various derivatives. The firearm includes a firing pin which is housed within a bolt carrier group and which is capable of being moved from a rest position in which its proximal end is out of the travel path of the hammer to a firing position. The safety catch mechanism includes a safety catch, a pin and a spring for biasing the safety catch to hold the firing pin in its rest position to prevent the unintentional movement of the firing pin and thereby prevent the unintentional discharge of the host firearm. The safety catch includes a cam surface cooperating with the hammer so that the catch is released from engagement with the firing pin when the hammer has substantially completed its path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: LWRC International, LLC
    Inventor: Jesus S. Gomez
  • Publication number: 20120180357
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for a firearm, comprising an release/locking device, which can be changed to a first state, which allows a shot to be fired, and to a second state, which prevents a shot from being fired, and a state changing device, which allows the release/locking blocking device to be changed from the first state to the second state only in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release in the absence of an authorization signal; safety apparatus for a firearm, comprising an release/locking device, which can be changed to a first state, which allows a shot to be fired, and to a second state, which prevents a shot from being fired, and a state changing device, which allows the release/locking device to be changed from the second state to the first state only in response to the initiation of a firearm internal process for a shot release in the presence of an authorization signal; a firearm having a safety apparatus such as this, as well as corresponding methods and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Armatix Invest GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Dietel, Johannes Aberl
  • Patent number: 8220193
    Abstract: Applicant has disclosed an improved trigger assembly for firearms, and a related method, to avoid premature firing after an unintentional trigger rotation, especially where light trigger pulls have previously been set. In the preferred embodiment, Applicant's trigger assembly has two triggers: a slotted primary trigger and a secondary trigger which can pivot into the slot. During an intentional trigger pull, the shooter's finger initially pushes against the secondary trigger until it pivots and nestles within the primary trigger's slot. Continued pulling on both the secondary and primary triggers causes a hammer to rotate off a sear, thereby allowing the firearm to discharge. In an unintentional trigger rotation, where the secondary trigger is not pulled back enough to nestle within the primary trigger's slot: an upper portion of the secondary trigger (unseen within the housing) constrains a protrusion on a spring-biased mainspring guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Lynch
  • Publication number: 20120159830
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety for a repeating rifle, with a safety slider (4) arranged displaceably between a safety position and an unsecured position on a lock (2), and a locking element associated with the safety slider (4) for blocking or releasing a firing pin nut (8) displaceably arranged in the lock (2). The locking element according to the invention is constructed as a safety lever (22), rotatable about a transverse pin (24), with a control part (23) engaging with a control groove (19) on the firing pin nut (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: BLASER FINANZHOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander OSTANIN
  • Patent number: 8166693
    Abstract: A method performed by a weapon, includes interacting with a user of the weapon to receive a first code; determining whether the first code is consistent with a second code in a memory of the weapon to produce a result of determining; testing whether the weapon is in a zone; performing an operation of the weapon in accordance with the result and the weapon being in the zone. Interacting may include monitoring a switch that is operated by the user; and receiving may include determining the first code in accordance with a time between successive operations of the switch. The method may further include disabling performance of the operation in accordance with the weapon being not in the zone. And, after disabling, requiring a repeat performance of interacting and determining whether the first code is consistent with the second code before enabling performing a further operation of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Hughes, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim, Ryan C. Markle, Nache D. Sheharri, John F. Szakach
  • Patent number: 8132496
    Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a trigger, a trigger bar, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer having a hammer pin connected to the trigger via the trigger bar and a firing pin, and an automatic firing pin block safety mechanism (“automatic safety”) including a flange that is spring biased into engagement with the firing pin and a pivot lock arm rotatably mounted to the hammer pin and releasable engageable with the flange. The flange blocks the firing pin from discharging a chambered round unless and until the trigger is positively actuated. The automatic safety reduces the risk of accidental discharge, thereby rendering the firearm safer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Gary Zukowski
  • Patent number: 8127481
    Abstract: A model 1911 semiautomatic pistol thumb safety or decocking lever adapted to be coupled to a model 1911 receiver. The thumb safety has a selector pivotally coupled about an axis of rotation to a side of the model 1911 receiver the selector having a flat surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and contacting the side. The selector has a raised surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and facing the side. The safety is adapted to be selectable from a first position to a second position. The flat surface portion covers a swept area when the safety is rotated from the first position to the second position. The swept area is covered by the raised surface portion in either the first position or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Colt's Manufacturing Company Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Rozum, Jerold R. Crowley, Paul M. Hochstrate, Martinho Tavares
  • Patent number: 8112929
    Abstract: In a key element (110) for locking a hammer gun or bolt gun (100) comprising a trigger rod which can be reciprocated by a trigger, the locked state of the gun is apparent at a glance in a conspicuous manner in that the key element (110) is a releasably securely attachable component of the gun housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Walther GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Eith, Karl-Heinz Luther, Peter Dallhammer, Wulf-Heinz Pflaumer, Franz Wonisch
  • Publication number: 20120023801
    Abstract: A model 1911 semiautomatic pistol thumb safety or decocking lever adapted to be coupled to a model 1911 receiver. The thumb safety has a selector pivotally coupled about an axis of rotation to a side of the model 1911 receiver the selector having a flat surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and contacting the side. The selector has a raised surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and facing the side. The safety is adapted to be selectable from a first position to a second position. The flat surface portion covers a swept area when the safety is rotated from the first position to the second position. The swept area is covered by the raised surface portion in either the first position or the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory T. Rozum, Jerold R. Crowley, Paul M. Hochstrate, Martinho Tavares
  • Publication number: 20110271574
    Abstract: A firing inhibition system for a firearm includes an electromechanical actuator electrically connected to a dynamic grip recognition module including at least one sensor and a microcontroller, wherein the at least one sensor is located in a portion of a firearm operable to receive grip pressure from a user and wherein the at least one sensor is operable to transmit a signal to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is operable to receive programming comprising grip pressure of an authorized user and is operable to interpret whether the grip pressure of the user matches the grip pressure of the authorized user, and to send a signal to the electromechanical actuator to actuate or to not actuate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy N. Chang, Daphne Chang, Biao Cheng
  • Patent number: 8051599
    Abstract: A percussive rodent trap has an activation mechanism and a hammer for striking a percussive device when the activation mechanism is activated. A first safety moves the hammer mechanism to a cocked position and prevents it from being released from this cocked position. A second safety can be engaged after the first safety is engaged to prevent the activation mechanism from being activated when the first safety is removed. The second safety is easily removed after the trap is put in place without inadvertently activating the activation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Triple-T Machining Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon J. Reitenbaugh, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8046948
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Armatix GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Mauch, Dirk Steuwer
  • Patent number: 8033043
    Abstract: A striker-fired firearm with lockable manual safety and method of use. The firearm in one embodiment includes a frame, a chamber for receiving a cartridge, a striker movable to strike the cartridge, a trigger movably mounted to the frame, a trigger bar coupled to the trigger and operable to engage and release the striker to discharge the firearm, a manually-operated safety adapted to engage the trigger bar and selectively movable between a first deactivated position and a second activated position wherein the safety engages the trigger bar to prevent release of the striker, and a cylindrical locking member rotationally disposed in the frame. In one embodiment, the locking member, which may be a lock pin in some embodiments, includes a blocking surface that is engageable with the safety. The blocking surface is rotatable to a blocking position wherein the safety cannot be moved from the second activated position to the first deactivated position by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James McGarry
  • Patent number: 7958662
    Abstract: A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, Jr., William C. Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi, Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7941954
    Abstract: A handgun comprised of a frame having a barrel with a muzzle end and a breech end. A breech area is adjacent the breech end of the barrel. A slide is movable on the frame between one of a closed position and a blow-back position. An opening in the slide allows communication with the breech area. A hatch on the slide is movable between one of a closed position enclosing the breech area and an open position allowing access to the breech area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Covert Arms Ltd.
    Inventors: Larry L. Carr, Trent A. Warncke
  • Patent number: 7921589
    Abstract: A new firearm action is described. The action may be adapted to single-shot handguns and rifles, lever-action firearms, single-action revolvers or to other types of firearms. The new firearm action provides a safety device in a firearm that does not affect the trigger pull when firing the firearm and maintains a durable and reliable action. The trigger cannot be pulled when it is in the safe position, and when the action is in the safe position, the hammer cannot contact the firing pin. The action does not allow the barrel of the firearm to be opened when the hammer is in the cocked position. It also keeps the barrel from being closed if the hammer is cocked when the barrel is in the open position. The hammer cannot contact the firing pin if the top slide is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Freedom Arms
    Inventor: Robert Baker
  • Publication number: 20110067283
    Abstract: A new firearm action is described. The action may be adapted to single-shot handguns and rifles, lever-action firearms, single-action revolvers or to other types of firearms. The new firearm action provides a safety device in a firearm that does not affect the trigger pull when firing the firearm and maintains a durable and reliable action. The trigger cannot be pulled when it is in the safe position, and when the action is in the safe position, the hammer cannot contact the firing pin. The action does not allow the barrel of the firearm to be opened when the hammer is in the cocked position. It also keeps the barrel from being closed if the hammer is cocked when the barrel is in the open position. The hammer cannot contact the firing pin if the top slide is in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Baker
  • Patent number: 7908779
    Abstract: A handgun has at least one barrel; a cartridge chamber; a gun lock correlated with the cartridge chamber and provided with a hammer to be cocked against a spring force into a cocked position and with a trigger for releasing the hammer from the cocked position. First and second electric or electronic sensor devices are provided. The first sensor device recognizes whether the hammer is cocked. The second sensor device recognizes whether a cartridge is in the cartridge chamber. At least one light illuminates when the hammer of the gun lock is cocked; when a cartridge is inserted in the cartridge chamber; or when both of these conditions are fulfilled. A mechanical locking and unlocking device acts on the hammer. In a locking position it secures the hammer in the uncocked position. It is electrically operable by a battery and is in the locking position when currentless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Armatix GmbH
    Inventor: Edelbert Wasmer
  • Publication number: 20100313459
    Abstract: The invention relates to a firing pin safety catch mechanism for a firearm, especially an auto-loading firearm which operates with a closed action such as found on the United States Military's M16 and its various derivatives. The safety catch mechanism consists of a firing pin which is housed within the bolt carrier assembly of the host firearm. Further, the firing pin is capable of being moved from a rest position at which its end is positioned in the travel path of a hammer, to a firing position; a firing pin spring is used to move the firing pin into its rest position; a catch, located on the carrier, which is operated by a spring capable of engaging and holding the firing pin in its rest position; and a cam surface about the exterior of the catch cooperating with the hammer and releasing the catch from engagement with the firing pin when the hammer has substantially completed its patch of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jesus S. Gomez
  • Patent number: 7849624
    Abstract: A product is sold at retail in an unusable state. Activation of the product does not require any steps be taken by the retail seller. To activate the product, the purchaser uses a phone or personal computer to interact with a registration server for this type of product. Alter the consumer has provided sufficient identifying information, the registration server interacts with a qualification server that determines whether the purchaser meets the qualifications set for this type of product. For a weapon sale, this is typically a criminal background check. If qualified, the registration server receives an indication of qualification from the qualification server. The registration server and product communicate over a network to establish trust, store information in the product, and then activate the product. The product receives information via a network appliance, for example, a phone or personal computer. The receiver may sense sound from a speaker or light from a display of the network appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason J. Holt, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim, Ryan C. Markle
  • Patent number: 7841118
    Abstract: A training bolt for use in an automatic or semi-automatic firearm includes a training bolt installable in a bolt receiver of a firearm, wherein the training bolt is constructed and arranged with cutouts and protrusions which cooperate with the internal structure of the firearm bolt receiver and which allow function of the hammer/trigger/safety mechanism of the firearm, wherein the training bolt is configured to prevent, absolutely, chambering or firing a live round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Shayle VanVlymen
  • Patent number: 7832135
    Abstract: A firearm safety lock for an automatic pistol such as the Model 1911 firearm is disclosed. The safety lock includes a means of arresting the operation of the main trigger or hammer spring in the pistol grip of the firearm to prevent movement of the hammer, thereby locking the gun in a safe condition. A means and a method is disclosed for locking a pistol in a sale condition by arresting the movement of the hammer spring buffer through insertion of a locking shaft through the pistol grip housing which can be keyed to prevent unauthorized removal of the locking shaft. The disclosed invention may be used on newly manufactured firearms or provides a method to easily convert an existing firearm without permanent modification or damage to the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Springfield, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred W. Salvitti
  • Publication number: 20100281740
    Abstract: A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, JR., William C. Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi, Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7827720
    Abstract: The autoloading handgun is a short recoil, locked breech, semiautomatic service pistol. A rear located safety latch is provided for ambidextrous usage. A hold-open lever opens the pistol after the last round in the magazine is fired. A recoil spring guide rod, which alone is used for field stripping, is provided. Only three moving elements, a trigger, trigger bar, and a striker are required for firing. The hold-open lever is formed from a single piece lever acting laterally and cooperating with the magazine follower. A standard Browning swinging barrel lock is utilized wherein at the instant of firing, barrel and breechblock remain locked with each other, recoil backward for a small distance, and then swing vertically away from each other via cam elements. The swinging barrel lock construction has no intermediate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Saim Alper Erdem
  • Publication number: 20100275488
    Abstract: A firearm safety lock for an automatic pistol such as the Model 1911 firearm is disclosed. The safety lock includes a means of arresting the operation of the main trigger or hammer spring in the pistol grip of the firearm to prevent movement of the hammer, thereby locking the gun in a safe condition. A means and a method is disclosed for locking a pistol in a sale condition by arresting the movement of the hammer spring buffer through insertion of a locking shaft through the pistol grip housing which can be keyed to prevent unauthorized removal of the locking shaft. The disclosed invention may be used on newly manufactured firearms or provides a method to easily convert an existing firearm without permanent modification or damage to the firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Alfred W. Salvitti
  • Publication number: 20100229443
    Abstract: A handgun has at least one barrel; a cartridge chamber; a gun lock correlated with the cartridge chamber and provided with a hammer to be cocked against a spring force into a cocked position and with a trigger for releasing the hammer from the cocked position. First and second electric or electronic sensor devices are provided. The first sensor device recognizes whether the hammer is cocked. The second sensor device recognizes whether a cartridge is in the cartridge chamber. At least one light illuminates when the hammer of the gun lock is cocked; when a cartridge is inserted in the cartridge chamber; or when both of these conditions are fulfilled. A mechanical locking and unlocking device acts on the hammer. In a locking position it secures the hammer in the uncocked position. It is electrically operable by a battery and is in the locking position when currentless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: ARMATIX GMBH
    Inventor: Edelbert Wasmer
  • Patent number: 7779740
    Abstract: A revolving firing pin system is mechanically linked to a screw-block in a breech-loading mortar system, wherein the revolver firing pin assembly rotates on a centerline that is offset from the centerline of the screw-block assembly. When the revolver firing pin assembly is rotated, the firing pin assembly also rotates. However, until the screw-block assembly is locked, the firing pin is in a safety position that is not in line with the primer of the munition loaded into the mortar system. Only when the screw-block is rotated into a locked position does the firing pin align with the primer of the munition to thus be able to strike the primer when the solenoid is electronically actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Edward Holmes, Lee Bennett, Donald Forkas, George Hathaway, IV
  • Patent number: 7757420
    Abstract: The difficulties and drawbacks of previous-type systems are overcome by the present invention which includes a locking device for a firing spring housing in a firearm. A main housing is provided including an internal cylindrical portion for receiving a firing spring. A lock rod is received in the main housing, for selectively engaging the firing spring. The lock rod is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position with the firing spring. A combination disk is provided for engaging the lock rod, to selectively fix the lock rod in one of the engagement position and the disengagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Donald F. Corsaro, Christopher L. Fenn
  • Publication number: 20100170132
    Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, a trigger, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer, and a manual slide and hammer lock safety mechanism (“manual safety”) including a detent spring biased rotatable tab mounted to the frame that blocks the slide from reciprocating and the hammer from rotating relative to the frame if the tab is actuated in an “on” position. The manual safety completely disables the firearm even if the trigger is actuated, thereby rendering the firearm safer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH & WESSON CORP
    Inventor: Gary Zukowski