Electronic trigger apparatus for use with firearms

A trigger apparatus for use with a firearm, comprising:

• a trigger lever and a trigger arm pivotally coupled about a lateral axis of the firearm, the trigger arm having a rod that includes a first contact portion spaced from a second contact portion, wherein the trigger lever pivots between an initial position and a discharge position;
• a first spring to bias the trigger lever to the initial position and to provide a first trigger pull resistance between the initial position and a trigger slack region, wherein the trigger slack region has a second resistance that is greater than the first resistance exerted by the first spring;
• a switch having a deflectable first end, the switch positioned substantially between the first and second contact portions of the rod such that the first contact portion is adjacent the switch when the trigger lever is in the initial position and the second contact portion is adjacent the switch when the trigger lever is in the discharge position;
• and
• a sensor operatively coupled to the switch to detect a force or deflection imparted to the first end of the switch by the second contact portion of the rod when the trigger lever moves through the trigger slack region to the discharge position, the sensor is to convey a signal to cause the firearm to discharge when the trigger lever is at the discharge position.

A electronic trigger apparatus comprising:

• a trigger assembly pivotally coupled to a firearm to pivot between an initial position and a discharge position, the trigger assembly having a rod that includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion, wherein the trigger assembly is configured to provide a greater resistance between a pressure-point position and the discharge position than a resistance provided between the initial position and the pressure-point position;
• a switch operatively coupled to the firearm and substantially positioned between the first and second contact portions of the rod, the switch to be engaged by the second contact portion of the trigger assembly when the trigger assembly is in the pressure-point position, and wherein the second contact portion of the trigger assembly is to exert a force or deflect the switch when the trigger assembly is in the discharge position;
• and
• a sensor operatively coupled to the switch to sense the force or deflection imparted to the switch by the second contact portion of the trigger assembly when trigger assembly moves between the pressure-point position and the discharge position, wherein the sensor is to convey a signal when the sensor detects a force or deflection imparted on the switch.