Fast action shock invariant magnetic actuator for firearms

A firearm with firing mechanism comprising:

• a frame;
• a barrel supported by the frame and including a chamber configured for holding an ammunition cartridge;
• a trigger-operated firing mechanism comprising a trigger and a spring-biased striking member operably coupled thereto, the striking member movable between a rearward cocked position and a forward firing position for discharging the firearm;
• an electromagnetic actuator operably interacting with the firing mechanism, the actuator comprising:
• an annular body defining a central space and central axis;
• a stationary magnetic yoke having an outer portion forming at least part of the annular body and an inner portion extending into the central space;
• a rotating member pivotally mounted in the central space to the inner portion of the yoke about an axis of rotation, the rotating member pivotably movable relative to the yoke between first and second actuation positions;
• an electromagnet coil disposed in the central space around the inner the inner portion of the yoke;
• and
• a pair of first and second permanent magnets affixed to the yoke or rotating member, the magnets positioned to generate opposing magnetic fields within the rotating member and creating a static holding torque on the rotating member for maintaining the first or second actuation positions;
• an electric power source operably coupled to the electromagnet coil;
• wherein the rotating member is rotatable between the first and second actuation positions by applying an electrical current pulse of alternating polarity to the electromagnet coil.

An electromagnetic-actuated firing system for a firearm, the system comprising:

• a trigger-operated firing mechanism configured for mounting to a firearm, the firing mechanism comprising a spring-biased striking member movable between a rearward cocked position and a forward firing position;
• an actuator control circuit;
• an electric power source operably coupled to the control circuit;
• an electromagnetic actuator operably coupled to the control circuit, the actuator configured for mounting to a firearm and comprising:
• a central axis;
• a stationary yoke assembly comprising an outer yoke configured for mounting in a firearm, and an axially elongated inner yoke disposed in a central space defined by the outer yoke;
• an electromagnet coil disposed around the inner yoke;
• a rotating member pivotally coupled to the inner yoke in the central space about a pivot axis defining a center of rotation, the rotating member pivotably movable relative to the yoke assembly between first and second actuation positions;
• an engagement feature formed on the rotating member and operably coupled directly or indirectly to the striking member;
• a pair of openable and closeable first and second air gaps formed between the yoke assembly and rotating member;
• a pair of first and second permanent magnets attached to the outer yoke or rotating member and creating a static holding torque on the rotating member to maintain the first or second actuation positions;
• the yoke assembly, permanent magnets, and rotating member collectively forming a first magnetic flux circuit and a second magnetic flux circuit, wherein opposing lines of magnetic flux are created in the inner yoke and rotating member;
• wherein the rotating member is rotatable between the first and second actuation positions by applying an electrical current pulse of alternating polarity to the electromagnet coil by the control circuit.