US 2001/0042332 A1 · Fire control authorization system for a firearm

Abstract

An authorization system for a firearm includes a personal device worn by the authorized user, modifications to the firearm's fire control system, and an authorization control circuit carried in the backstrap of the firearm handle. The authorization control circuit controls the fire control system and communicates with the personal device. In particular, the authorization control circuit will send a first signal to the personal device via an ultrasonic transponder and wait for a coded response. If the personal device is worn by a user and is within range and properly oriented, it will respond to the first signal. If the correct coded response is not received, the authorization control circuit signals a bi-stable solenoid located near the trigger arm to move its plunger to an extended position where it will cam the edge of the trigger bar out of engagement with the sear when the trigger is pulled. Consequently, the trigger bar will not move the sear. The firearm also forces the user to obtain authorization by not allowing the trigger to be pulled unless the firearm is held in normal firing position grasp. In that position, the user depresses a pressure sensing device on the handle. Depressing that device enables the trigger and initiates the authorization request.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A firearm, comprising:

a frame including a hollow handle;
a barrel carried by said frame;
fire control means carried by said frame and adapted so that, when a round of ammunition is loaded into said firearm, said round can be fired through said barrel by said fire control means;
authorization control means for verifying authorization of a user, said authorization control means being carried by said frame, said fire control means responsive to signals from said authorization control means so that said fire control means is enabled to fire said round of ammunition when so signaled by said authorization means and said fire control means is not able to fire said round of ammunition when so signaled by said authorization control means, said authorization control means including a first ultrasonic transponder;
and
a second ultrasonic transponder responsive to said first ultrasonic transponder so that when a first signal is transmitted by said first ultrasonic transponder, said second ultrasonic transponder, if said first signal is received by said second ultrasonic transponder, responds by transmitting a response.

3 more elements

A firearm, comprising:

a frame including a hollow handle and a trigger guard;
a barrel carried by said frame;
fire control means carried by said frame and adapted so that, when a round of ammunition is loaded, said round can be fired through said barrel by said fire control means, said fire control means including a trigger, a trigger arm that moves in response to movement of said trigger, a sear that is movable when engaged by said trigger arm;
authorization control means for verifying authorization of a user, said authorization control means being carried by said frame, said fire control means responsive to signals from said authorization control means so that said fire control means is enabled to fire said round of ammunition when so signaled by said authorization means and said fire control means is disabled from firing said round of ammunition when so signaled by said authorization control means, said authorization control means including a first transponder;
and
a second transponder responsive to said first transponder so that when a first signal is transmitted by said first transponder, said second transponder, if said first signal is received by said second transponder, responds by transmitting a response.

3 more elements

A firearm, comprising:

a frame including a hollow handle and a trigger guard;
a battery carried by said frame;
a barrel carried by said frame;
fire control means carried by said frame and adapted so that, when a round of ammunition is loaded, said round can be fired through said barrel by said fire control means, said fire control means including a trigger, a trigger arm that moves in response to movement of said trigger, a sear that is movable when engaged by said trigger arm;
authorization control means for verifying authorization of a user, said authorization control means being carried by said frame and in electrical connection with said battery, said fire control means responsive to signals from said authorization control means so that said fire control means is enabled to fire said round of ammunition when so signaled by said authorization means and said fire control means is disabled from firing said round of ammunition when so signaled by said authorization control means, said authorization control means including a first transponder, said authorization control means drawing on said battery only when said authorization control means is verifying authorization;
and
a personal device including a second transponder responsive to said first transponder so that when a first signal is transmitted by said first transponder, said second transponder, if said first signal is received by said second transponder, responds by transmitting a response.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fire control authorization system for a firearm

Life of this patent

Fire control authorization system for a firearm

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21