Abstract: An interruptible electronic trigger system for firearms includes a trigger unit comprising an electromagnetic actuator operably coupled to the firing mechanism and a programmable trigger microcontroller. The actuator is changeable between a non-powered unactuated position and powered actuated firing position. Upon detecting user initiated trigger activity, the trigger microcontroller transmits a shot initiated signal to an adaptive optics unit of a fire control targeting system mounted to the firearm when the trigger activity exceeds a preprogrammed trigger setpoint. A targeting microcontroller returns a shot authorization signal to the trigger microcontroller after performing ballistics computations based on sensor input and displaying a corrected reticle on the optics unit sight for user visual alignment with the target. Multiple trigger setpoints may be programmed to confirm continued intent to fire.

Abstract: A unitary cartridge for a conducted electrical weapon (CEW) may include a cartridge body that stores an electrode, a piston, a propulsion module, and a propulsion module contact. To launch the electrode from the cartridge body, a signal may be sent from the CEW through a conductor disposed within the propulsion module. The signal may be configured to heat up the conductor and ignite a pyrotechnic material in the propulsion module to create a rapidly expanding gas. The rapidly expanding gas may move the piston to propel the electrode from the cartridge body and toward a target. A frangible cap may be disposed at one end of the cartridge body to retain the electrode in the cartridge body prior to launch.

Abstract: Disclosed are remote controlled safety catch or fire-mode selectors for disablement of one or more firearms at live fire-ranges and related methods.

Abstract: A control device includes an acquisition unit acquiring a condition of a vehicle upon reception of a control request, an execution ability determination unit determining whether or not the vehicle is in a condition where the control request can be executed safely, an execution control unit executing the control request when the vehicle is determined to be in a condition where the control request can be executed safely, and a changeover control unit implementing control to change over the condition of the vehicle to a condition where the control request can be executed safely. When the vehicle is in a condition where the control request cannot be executed safely, the changeover control unit is activated. After the vehicle becomes in a condition where the control request can be executed safely, the execution control unit executes the control request.

Abstract: Firing preventing and stoppage apparatus for remotely operated automatic weapon such as installable in RCWS (Remotely Controlled Weapon Station), that comprises a barrier component and an actuator connected to the barrier component, wherein the barrier component is suited to movement through a cartridges ejection port from an automatic weapon, to a movement path of the breech block of the weapon, for preventing in advance or stoppage of runaway firing from it, and outwards from it in a manner that enables firing, an RCWS equipped with such apparatus and a method for preventing and stopping runaway firing of automatic weapons that are mountable in an RCWS and comprises a breech block and a cartridges ejection port that is implemented in such apparatus.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an image and compensating for movement of a weapon is provided, comprising: providing an image stabilization device for an optical scope mounted on a weapon, wherein the image stabilization device includes a sensor to detect motion of the weapon; providing a trigger release device operatively connected to a trigger on the weapon; detecting movement of the weapon by the sensor; generating an output signal from the sensor, wherein the output signal corresponds to the position and velocity of the weapon in a plane perpendicular to the line of sight upon alignment of a feedback reticle with a telescopic sight reticle; processing the output signal to determine an optimal release period, and then generating a release signal during the release period; and using the release signal to activate the trigger release.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring-loaded air rifle which includes a trigger that actuates a firing mechanism that controls an interconnection part, which exerts a force on a counter-pawl that releases a spring that actuates a piston, in which said firing mechanism is an electronic firing mechanism which includes a flexible rod for actuating a switch.

Abstract: A device and method which combine electromagnetic acceleration with acceleration by high-pressure gases derived from chemical energy to achieve high slug speeds.

Abstract: An electrically-ignited muzzle loader is provided having a stock portion, a trigger assembly, and a barrel portion. The trigger assembly is electrically coupled to a spark plug which extends partially into the barrel portion of the gun. Within the stock is a hand cranked magneto for generating an electric charge. The magneto is electrically coupled to capacitor and coil portions to configure the electrical charge so as to cause the spark plug to generate an igniting spark.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target impact of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from an axial vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; and determining if the munition has axially impacted a target based on the output.

Abstract: An automatic weapon system that closely controls the operation of a weapon, such as a cam rotor gun. The system has, among other things, an actuator for firing ammunition, a feeder for supplying ammunition to be fired, and a counter for determining the amount of fired ammunition. An actuator sensor is in communication with the actuator and a counter sensor is in communication with the counter. A controller is in communication with the actuator sensor, the counter sensor and the feeder to control the operation of the weapon.

Abstract: A munition including: a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; a processor operatively connected to the power supply for initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A system that provides wireless power transfer between a weapon and a platform. A method for loading, testing, targeting, and launching a weapon.

Abstract: The shoulder-fired grenade launcher includes an electrical firing mechanism powered by a suitable small electrical power source, e.g., a nine-volt dry cell battery. A battery voltage indicator is provided at the side of the action of the weapon. The weapon has a relatively short barrel, capable of firing a single muzzle-loaded round with each firing. The round is only slightly shorter than the barrel. Reliefs are provided at the sides of the muzzle to enable the operator to extract the spent shell from the barrel. An electrical safety switch is provided. LEDs or other suitable lights indicate the status of the safety switch. Closure of the electrical circuit for firing the projectile is accomplished by an electrical toggle switch used for the trigger.

Abstract: A gun with a wedge-type breechblock containing a single make-break junction assembly, located between the stationary mass of the cradle and the breechblock. The make-break junction assembly having a first set of contacts located along the bottom of the ramp structure affixed to the cradle and a second set of contacts housed in a shoe affixed to the bottom of the breechblock, at a location corresponding to the first set of contacts. Such that, when the breechblock is in-battery and the gun loaded, this shoe will be aligned with and adjacent to the first set of contacts, so that the make-break circuit will be completed.

Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets.

Abstract: A system that provides wireless power transfer between a weapon and a platform. A method for loading, testing, targeting, and launching a weapon.

Abstract: In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.

Abstract: A remote digital firing system for selectively firing a plurality of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a first set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding first set of remote mission payloads and a second set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding second set of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a firing control panel communicatively linked to the first and second sets firing circuits, a first digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the first set and the firing control panel, a second digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the second set and the firing control panel, and a payload selector switch for selecting a remote mission payload.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling the aimed shooting of a sniper and the observation of a spotter. At the same time that a sniper directly checks the shape of the target using a sighting telescope, a spotter observes the surroundings of the target using an observatory telescope. The sniper deflects images of the target using a prism, focuses the images, and converts the focused images into digital moving image signals. The spotter deflects images of the target using a prism, focuses the images, and converts the focused images into digital moving image signals. Two types of images can be selectively transmitted, or can be combined with each other using a multiplexer and transmitted to a shooting controller in a multi-screen division form. A commanding office can identify a precise target and make a decision pertaining to shooting.

Abstract: A remote digital firing system for selectively firing a plurality of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a first set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding first set of remote mission payloads and a second set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding second set of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a firing control panel communicatively linked to the first and second sets firing circuits, a first digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the first set and the firing control panel, a second digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the second set and the firing control panel, and a payload selector switch for selecting a remote mission payload.

Abstract: An electrically actuated weapon system is provided, which may be mounted in a robotic vehicle or device, and controlled remotely by a user. In particular, the electrically actuated weapon system is composed of an electrically actuated weapon, a weapon control means connected thereto, and a controller means remotely located therefrom. The controller means is in wireless communication with the weapon control means, which is operable to control three linear actuators which cycle the weapon. These linear actuator means are controlled electronically, based on communications received from the controller means. Accordingly, if the weapon is stolen, lost, or captured by an enemy combatant during combat, the weapon will cease to be functional. Further, the weapon can be reliably operated from remote locations, as the cycling of the weapon is not dependent upon recoil forces.

Abstract: A substantially noiseless firearm and ammunition therefor, in which the projectile of the ammunition is attached to the front end of a sabot which fills the cross-sectional area of the barrel and is fired with the projectile. The barrel is provided with lands designed to catch the sabot at the front end of the barrel in such manner that the barrel is sealed off in a gas-proof fashion by the sabot.

Abstract: A projectile system includes an enclosure, first and second propellants, and first and second projectiles. The first and second propellants are disposed within the enclosure. The first projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the first propellant and a first end of the enclosure, and is operable to exit the enclosure via the first end in response to detonation of the first charge. The second projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the second propellant and a second end of the enclosure, and is operable to exit the enclosure via the second end in response to the detonation of the second propellant.

Abstract: A method of preventing initiation of an explosive device. The method comprises substantially encasing an explosive device with a conductive foam. The explosive device is configured to be initiated by an electromagnetic radiation signal, such as that emitted by a transmitter of a wireless door bell device. Deactivated explosive devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for validating a firing of a munition and duration of firing of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining one or more of whether the munition has been fired and the duration of firing based on the calculation.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating a non-firing event of a munition from a firing event. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining whether the munition is to be fired based on the calculation.

Abstract: A firing device (1) for close-in defense ammunition (2), ammunition incorporating a rigid casing (6) enclosing at least one projectile (7), casing integral with a base (8) that can be joined by linking means to a firing device base (3) incorporating means to prime the ammunition, device characterized in that it incorporates a tube (10) capping the ammunition (2) after this ammunition has been fixed onto the firing base (3), such tube that is itself made integral with the firing base (3) by attachment means (11), such tube further carrying an articulated bipod (15) enabling the orientation in elevation of the device (1).

Abstract: An improved electronic aiming device for use with a weapon or other manually aimed device. Means are provided to vary the field of view, i.e., the magnification, of the aiming device in relation to the movement of the device upon which the aiming device is securely mounted and the target.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launch system including an electrothermal launcher, an inductive power supply (IPS), including a DC source (Vb) and a storage inductor (L), and an opening switch (OS), wherein at least a portion of at least one of the IPS and the OS is integrated in a projectile.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: An electrically-fired round includes a case sized to fit in a conventional large caliber gun; a launch tube disposed in the case; a plurality of projectiles axially stacked in the launch tube; each projectile comprising a cylindrical body having a circular lid that closes the forward end and a circular base that closes the rear end, the circular lid and the circular base defining a payload volume therebetween, the circular base including a cavity formed therein, a propellant charge disposed in the cavity, and an igniter disposed in the propellant charge; a case base plate that closes a rear end of the case; and electrical connections between the case base plate and each igniter.

Abstract: An apparatus for weaponizing a mobile robotic platform with a mechanically triggered weapon and a firing circuit provides a weaponized mobile robotic platform, in which the mechanically triggered weapon can be fired in a safe, secure, and controlled manner in response to a single electrical pulse from the firing circuit.

Abstract: An ETC igniter and compatible electrical connector for enabling an ETC gun to be used in a battlefield setting in close proximity with personnel and sensitive electronic equipment. This is accomplished by providing a current path to and from the igniter that is electrically isolated from all other portions of the gun. The connector and igniter are adapted to be capable of withstanding the high connection forces necessary to prevent arcing and the extreme stresses imposed during firing of the gun.

Abstract: A shotgun which allows its operator to fire modified ammunition rounds as either slug rounds or rounds of shot. The shotgun is modified by the addition of components creating an electric circuit in the shotgun. The modified ammunition rounds contain a modified slug round formed by a plurality of shot pellets held together by an epoxy which disbonds upon the application of an electric current. The operator of the shotgun may choose which type of round to fire by operating a selector switch component installed in the shotgun. The shotgun may include a modification to its trigger in which the trigger acts as the switching mechanism to disbond the epoxy binding the shot pellets in the modified slug round.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device and method for firing firearm ammunition using a plasma torch generator. In a particular embodiment, the device relates to the control or management of the rate of fire and number of rounds fired in a burst firing mode for automatic firearms. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to provide precise control of the rate of fire. The device and method can be applied to conventional mechanical primer ammunition or used without the need for a primer, particularly in field artillery, aircraft, and watercraft.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: An ignition arrangement for a barrel assembly (10) including a barrel (11) having a plurality of projectiles (15a, 15b, 15c) axially stacked within the barrel (11) together with respective propellant charges (20) for propelling the projectiles sequentially from the barrel, said ignition arrangement including a fuse (21, 22) disposed in a cavity (27) provided in a body (18) of each projectile, wherein the cavity (27) communicates both forwardly (28) and rearwardly (29) of the projectile body (18); whereby in use, said fuse (21) burns at a controlled rate in the cavity (27) and causes ignition of the propellant charge (20) associated with said projectile (15a), which in turn ignites the next following fuse (22) associated with a trailing projectile (15b).

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: An electric shock bullet launching device includes a gun body and a magazine for receiving electric shock bullets. The magazine includes a power supply device and a charging device which charges the bullets. The magazine includes a hole in the underside thereof and is slidably connected to the body of the launching device so that the bullets are fed into a slot in a top of the body via the hole.

Abstract: 20 A grip frame 21 replaces an existing grip frame 1 on a paintball marker in order to convert said paintball marker from a mechanically operated paintball marker into an electro-pneumatic paintball marker. The electronic grip frame 21 utilizes an optical sensor in order to detect the operation of a trigger 29 and a second optical sensor to detect the presence of objects within the breech of the paintball marker. Electrical signals from these sensors are taken to an electronic circuit board 24, which controls the operation of two solenoids (one shown 26) in order to fire and recock the paintball marker. A user interface comprising pushbuttons 12, 13, 14 and a multi-character display 16, allows the user to define how the grip frame 21 functions.

Abstract: An electric shock gun includes a barrel for receiving electrode bullets and a trigger which controls a firing device received in a rear end of the gun. The firing device includes an electric power source and a charging device. Each electrode bullet has two spines on a first end thereof and a conductive block on a second end and the firing device is electrically connected to the conductive block. Each electrode bullet includes a capacitor which is charged within a short period of time and connected to the spines and the conductive block. The electrode bullet goes out from the barrel by pulling the trigger.

Abstract: A device to provide an electrical connection between a power generator integral with a weapon and a first contact area integral with a piece of ammunition, said device comprising a conductive rod carried by a breech of the weapon and able to translate with respect to said breech in order to come into contact with said first contact area of said ammunition, said rod incorporating a pointed end ensuring the deformation of said area wherein said rod has a rack onto which meshes a pinion integral with said breech, said pinion being driven in rotation by drive means actuated when said breech is closed.

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.

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: This invention provides a handgun assembly such as a rifle (9) which has a barrel assembly (24) including a cluster of barrels each supporting a longitudinal arrangement of aerodynamically shaped, directional projectiles (15) and interposed propellant charges (16) whereby the barrel assembly has longitudinal arrays or layers or projectiles and interposed propellant charges. Ignition means is provided for selectively igniting the propellant charges (16) including for simultaneously igniting the propellant charges in the leading layer of projectiles to provide a shotgun-like blast.

Abstract: A gun having a wedge-type breech block and a barrel seated in a cradle for firing electrically-ignitable cartridges containing electronic components, and an ignition contact (4) for connection to an external current source, and a signal contact (5) for connecting the electronic components to an external electronic control device are disposed on the cartridge base (3). To ensure reliable ignition of the cartridge, and transmission of data from the cartridge, an axially displaceable ignition and signal-transmission unit (8) is provided in the breech block, and includes a housing (11) having two parallel, axial guides (12, 13), and two spring-loaded, needle-shaped contact devices (16, 17) arranged to be displaced inside the respective guides such that, in the extended position of the unit (8), the first contact device (16) is pressed against the cartridge ignition contact (4) and the second contact device (17) is pressed against the cartridge signal contact (5).

Abstract: A barrel assembly (70) comprising a plurality of projectiles (75) axially disposed within a barrel (71) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (74) for propelling the projectiles from the barrel. The essence of the invention is the provision of a pressure relief valve, for example comprised by a port (73) and plug (76), associated with a chamber in which a propellant charge (74) is ignited. The pressure relief valve (73, 76) is designed to prevent catastrophic failure of the barrel (71) by exhausting via a chamber (72) in the event that the barrel is blocked by a projectile and detonation of one or more propellant charges (74) occurs.

Abstract: Electronic firearm for firing electrically activated ammunition comprising a system control means for controlling and regulating firing, diagnostic functions, power consumption, and a process for operating the firearm.