Weapon control system and method

Control system for a hand operated weapon comprising in combination with a hand weapon including finger operated means for activating said weapon,

• first means for normally preventing the operation of said weapon,
• said first means being operable from a first position preventing operation of said weapon to a second position whereby it enables the operation of said weapon,
• electro-mechanical means supported by said weapon for operating said first means to move said first means to enable operation of said weapon when said finger operated means activates said weapon,
• second means including a source of electrical energy, electronic control means and means for generating an energy field in the vicinity of said weapon, said second means being supported by said weapon,
• said electronic control means being operable, when activated, to permit electrical energy from said source to operate said electro-mechanical means to enable said hand weapon to be operated,
• third means supported by a person manually engaging said hand weapon for causing activation of said electronic control means when said weapon is operatively engaged by said person so as to cause said electro-mechanical means to be activated enabling said hand weapon to be operated by said person,
• said third means including means for altering the energy field generated by said second means,
• said second means including means for detecting when said energy field is altered by said third means,
• a normally open switch located between said source of electrical energy and said electro-mechanical means and means for generating a control signal upon detecting when said energy field is altered by the presence of said third means,
• means for applying said control signal to the switching input of said normally open switch so as to effect its closure and to enable energy from said source of electrical energy to pass to and actuate said electro-mechanical means so as to enable said hand weapon to be operated.