Abstract: Provided is a trigger mechanism for a firearm having a receiver with a fire control mechanism pocket and a bolt carrier that reciprocates to pivotally displace a hammer when cycled. It includes a hammer having a sear notch and mounted in the fire control mechanism pocket to pivot on a transverse axis between set and released positions. A trigger member has a sear and is mounted in the fire control mechanism pocket to pivot on a transverse axis between set and released positions. The trigger member has a first surface positioned to be forcibly contacted by the hammer when the hammer is displaced by cycling of the bolt carrier, the contact causing at least in part the trigger member to be forced to the set position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modified rifle bolt carrier allowing a selectively openable vent/valve at the location where exhaust gas is pressurizing the bolt carrier to control carrier speed under suppressed fire in a first valve position or unsuppressed fire in a second valve position. A valve core is disclosed which may be rotated 180° to a first “open” setting for non-suppressed fire from its position in a “closed” position for suppressed fire, and a third “median” position. The modified bolt carrier will allow an operator of the firearm to adjust for a suppressor without changing the gas block or having to modify or adapt the front end or barrel end of the firearm.

Abstract: A linear encoder may be used to accurately determine a number of cartridges within a magazine. Further, using a set of magnetic sensors within a buffer tube of a firearm, it is possible to determine whether a cartridge is loaded within a chamber of the weapon and/or whether the firearm is jammed. The determination of cartridges within the magazine in conjunction with the determination of whether a cartridge is in a chamber of a firearm can give a user an accurate ammunition count. Further, the use of the linear encoder makes it possible to accurately determine the cartridge count when different cartridges are loaded into the magazine or when the magazine degrades in quality over time. Moreover, the ability for magazines to communicate with a firearm enables a user to determine a total available ammunition to the user in a single display without individually checking each magazine.

Abstract: A firearm firing mechanism is so configured that a hammer is retained by a front retaining block before pressing a trigger; pressing the trigger slightly at a first stage causes a main bar to bias a rear retaining block and the front retaining block backwardly at a relatively smaller angle to release the hammer in performing a single-shot action; pressing the trigger heavily at a second stage causes the main bar at a relatively longer distance so that the hammer is kept away from the front retaining block when it is returned, and the hammer is secured by the rear retaining block upon a backward displacement of a bolt and backward biasing of the hammer, and a linkage is forced to move the rear retaining block in releasing the hammer for firing when the bolt is forward again, and a continuous multi-shot firing action is performed by means of repeating this operation.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclose rate reducer systems and methods to reduce the cyclic rate of self-powered firearms. The reduction in cyclic rate is achieved by mechanically delaying the firing step in the cycle of functioning. This delay is achieved by temporarily latching an inertia weight at the rear of the recoil stroke while the recoiling parts return to battery (i.e. a firing position). When the recoiling parts go into battery, the inertia weight is released and urged forward. At the forward end of its travel, the inertia weight actuates the firing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention includes a gas valve having an annular body with an inner surface defining a gas chamber and first and second annular end surfaces defining first and second openings of said gas chamber, the gas valve further having outer surface and at least one gas channel extending between the inner surface and the outer surface providing a gas communication path from the outer surface to the gas chamber, wherein said at least one gas channel is orientated to direct fluid egressing from the channel into the chamber along the inner surface. The invention further includes a regulator occupying a portion of the chamber to define a chamber operating volume and flowrate, the regulator having a at least one outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the passage to substantially inhibit gas flow from passing through the second opening.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a firearm, the trigger mechanism having: a trigger for actuating a hammer of the trigger mechanism, wherein actuation of the trigger causes the hammer to advance to a firing position; and a release configured for movement between a first position and a second position, the release must be first actuated from the first position to the second position and thereafter from the second position to the first position in order to allow for the hammer to advance to the firing position.

Abstract: A gas cutoff system for use with a gas-operated firearm. The gas cutoff system includes a gas block affixed to the barrel and having a plurality of openings adjacent the barrel for receiving gas redirected from the barrel of the firearm upon firing. At least one gas cylinder is disposed within the gas block and includes a piston disposed within and moveable along the gas cylinder. A valve assembly is disposed within the gas cylinder adjacent to the at least one piston. The valve assembly includes a selectively closeable valve that can be actuated upon firing of the firearm when the volume/pressure of gas entering the gas block through the plurality of openings overcomes a biasing force of a spring so as to actuate movement of the valve within the gas cylinder. A portion of the valve is moved to a location blocking the openings through which the gas is entering the gas block to prevent excess gas from entering the gas operating system.

Abstract: The invention includes a gas valve having an annular body with an inner surface defining a gas chamber and first and second annular end surfaces defining first and second openings of said gas chamber, the gas valve further having outer surface and at least one gas channel extending between the inner surface and the outer surface providing a gas communication path from the outer surface to the gas chamber, wherein said at least one gas channel is orientated to direct fluid egressing from the channel into the chamber along the inner surface. The invention further includes a regulator occupying a portion of the chamber to define a chamber operating volume and flowrate, the regulator having a at least one outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the passage to substantially inhibit gas flow from passing through the second opening.

Abstract: An adjustable gas valve having an annular body with an inner surface defining a gas chamber and first and second annular end surfaces defining first and second openings of said gas chamber, the gas valve further having outer surface and at least one gas channel extending between the inner surface and the outer surface providing a gas communication path from the outer surface to the gas chamber, wherein said at least one gas channel is orientated to direct fluid egressing from the channel into the chamber along the inner surface. The invention further includes a regulator occupying a portion of the chamber to define a chamber operating volume, the regulator having at least one outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the passage to substantially inhibit gas flow from the pass through the second opening.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved designs in a recoil control device comprising a bolt and slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt and slider are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt results in a force component accompanying the slider as it moves along a slider path that traverses a line formed by a linear firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The slider can have additional structural and functional features, including stabilizing features, vibrational damping elements, elements of the fire control mechanism, and devices to manage the peak impulse of the slider movement as it contacts a base or terminus point.

Abstract: An automatically-reloadable, remotely-operated weapon system may include an operator station located distant from a weapon station. The weapon station may include an externally-powered firearm, a firearm mover for adjusting an azimuth and an angle of inclination of the firearm, and an ammunition storage and transport system for automatically moving ammunition to and from the firearm. From the operator station, a user may remotely control all aspects of firearm operation and ammunition reloading.

Abstract: The characteristic of one or more of the gas springs themselves used in a revolver cannon or breech cannon is adjusted while the system is in operation. This is done by a separate, self-contained system, which can adjust the gas spring from hard to soft, for example, and back to harder/hard and can thus adjust the characteristic of the gas spring without the loss of gas. In the simplest embodiment, this system has two additional elements, preferably a reserve tank and a connecting line that connects the reserve tank to the gas spring via a valve.

Abstract: A paintball marker with a barrel that is coupled to a receiver. The marker may include a grip assembly in which an electronic circuit is disposed. The electronic circuit is configured to actuate launching of a projectile responsive to the trigger moving to the firing position.

Abstract: An action rate control system for a gas operated firearm that includes an action sleeve and an action rate control cylinder. The action sleeve moves in a rearward direction in response to a volume of combustion gases that are generated during firing of the firearm and diverted from the barrel of the firearm through gas ports. The action rate control cylinder is connected to the action sleeve by a linkage that controls movement and slowing of the action sleeve as it approaches a rear limit for its movement. The resistance force generated by the rate control cylinder is a function of the velocity of the action sleeve during its movement. In another aspect, a gas operated firearm includes a barrel, a bolt assembly, an action system coupled to the bolt assembly, and a rate control cylinder coupled to the action system. The action system includes a sleeve assembly that is driven by a volume of combustion gases that are diverted from the barrel when a round of ammunition is fired.

Abstract: A recoil-operated, impulse averaging, air-cooled, magazine-fed, automatic weapon. An operating group of the weapon includes a chamber, a bolt, a barrel extension and one or more toggles. The recoil action of the weapon from firing a first round drives the toggles in a motion constrained by a cam way. The toggles then drive the chamber in a linear reciprocating motion ejecting a first round and over-riding the next round. An impulse averaging system controls the speed of the recoil.

Abstract: A recoil-operated, impulse averaging, air-cooled, magazine-fed, automatic weapon. An operating group of the weapon includes a chamber, a bolt, a barrel extension and one or more toggles. The recoil action of the weapon from firing a first round drives the toggles in a motion constrained by a cam way. The toggles then drive the chamber in a linear reciprocating motion ejecting a first round and over-riding the next round. An impulse averaging system controls the speed of the recoil.

Abstract: A semi-automatic firearm has forward and rearward ends. A receiver has a safety selector aperture, a barrel, a reciprocating loading mechanism and a magazine. A trigger finger and inner portions. The inner portion has a seat with a groove. A disconnector has a hammer hook coupled to the trigger. A trigger mounting pin couples the trigger to the firearm. A trigger disconnector spring couples the trigger and the disconnector. A hammer having an upper striking portion with a disconnector hook receptacle. A hammer mounting pin couples the hammer to the firearm. A hammer spring is coupled to the hammer and hammer mounting pin. A cam body subassembly comprises a cam body housing, a cam and a cam mounting pin. The cam body subassembly is coupled to the firearm. A safety selector is coupled to the firearm. A trigger extender is mated with the upward trigger groove.

Abstract: A method of preventing trigger bounce during the launching of a projectile by a projectile launcher includes the step of first providing a projectile launcher having a trigger capable of actuating between a full non-firing position and a full firing position. An amount of time is determined for the trigger to normally transition from a full non-firing position to a full firing position. A sensor, such as an analog optical sensor, is used to sense position of the trigger. If the time for the trigger to transition from a non-firing position to a firing position exceeds the time for the trigger to normally transition from a full non-firing position to a full firing position, launch of the projectile is delayed period of time requiring the trigger to be release to a full non-firing position.

Abstract: A firing mechanism includes a hammer, an electrical solid-state full auto sear positioned to engage the hammer in a first electrical state and to disengage from the hammer in a second electrical state, and a controller connected to the electrical solid-state full auto sear for causing the electrical solid-state full auto sear to change from the first electrical state to the second electrical state. The controller may include circuitry for causing the electrical solid-state full auto sear to change from the first electrical state to the second electrical state at a predetermined rate, a predetermined number of times, or for a predetermined period of time. The hammer may include a retractable hammer bent for engagement with the electrical solid-state full auto sear, and the electrical solid-state full auto sear may include a piezoelectric device.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for a weapon for firing burst of several shots. The device unlocks and latches the rifle bolt in the rear position to avoid heat distribution from the chamber or barrel to the powder or explosives in the booster charge or the explosive projectile, and to prevent firing by emptying or handling the weapon. The activator moves the trigger into engagement with the stop flap of the rifle bolt, thereby releasing the spring force of the rifle bolt forwardly during firing only when the rifle bolt and the cover are in the locked position.

Abstract: A switching assembly that operatively cooperates with the triggering mechanism of a firearm, such as a rocket launcher, is disclosed. The switching assembly allows for an adjustable trigger linear travel of about 0.4″ within an accuracy of 0.01 inches, while at the same time prevents any over-travel of the switch activator from damaging a depressible switch that is operatively interconnected to firing of the rocket from the launcher.

Abstract: An automatic projectile firing weapon and a related method for absorbing the recoil force of an automatic projectile firing weapon are disclosed. The weapon includes a barrel assembly that is slidably mounted in a receiver, biased by an operating spring, and engageable with a main sear. A gas operated bolt assembly is slidably mounted within the barrel assembly and is driven by a bolt spring. A trigger is provided to release the main sear and allow the operating spring to move the barrel assembly forwardly in the receiver. There is further provided a buffer connected between the receiver and the barrel assembly to dampen the velocity of the barrel assembly to ensure the barrel assembly is moving at a predetermined maximum velocity when a round is fired at a predetermined firing position. The recoil energy from the fired round is absorbed mainly by the forward motion of the barrel assembly and in part by the operating spring and buffer.