US20010032405A1 - Firearm with safety system having a communications package - Google Patents
Firearm with safety system having a communications package Download PDFInfo
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- US20010032405A1 US20010032405A1 US09/827,987 US82798701A US2001032405A1 US 20010032405 A1 US20010032405 A1 US 20010032405A1 US 82798701 A US82798701 A US 82798701A US 2001032405 A1 US2001032405 A1 US 2001032405A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- firearm
- communications
- frame
- firing mechanism
- hand grip
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A17/00—Safety arrangements, e.g. safeties
- F41A17/06—Electric or electromechanical safeties
- F41A17/063—Electric or electromechanical safeties comprising a transponder
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A17/00—Safety arrangements, e.g. safeties
- F41A17/08—Safety arrangements, e.g. safeties for inhibiting firing in a specified direction, e.g. at a friendly person or at a protected area
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
- F41G1/00—Sighting devices
- F41G1/32—Night sights, e.g. luminescent
- F41G1/34—Night sights, e.g. luminescent combined with light source, e.g. spot light
- F41G1/35—Night sights, e.g. luminescent combined with light source, e.g. spot light for illuminating the target, e.g. flash lights
Definitions
- the present invention relates to firearms and, more particularly, to a firearm safety system with communications electronics.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,138 discloses a magazine module with a microprocessor and a grip module with electronic circuitry. The magazine module also houses batteries.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,812 discloses a firearm with a transmitter and a receiver, a ring having a transponder worn by a user, and a safety solenoid to block movement of a trigger mechanism.
- a firearm having a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, the firing mechanism having a trigger, and a firing mechanism interrupter connected to the firing mechanism to prevent firing of the firearm.
- the interrupter comprises control circuitry, a first switch, and a second switch.
- the first switch is electrically connected to the control circuitry to signal actuation of the first switch.
- the second switch is connected to the frame at a hand grip section and electrically connected to the control circuitry to signal gripping of the hand grip section of frame by a user. Both the first and second switches must be actuated before the control circuitry allows the firing mechanism to fire.
- a firearm comprising a frame, a firing mechanism, a firing mechanism controller, a first hand grip panel and a second hand grip panel.
- the firing mechanism is connected to the frame and has a trigger.
- the firing mechanism controller comprises communication electronics, a battery, a firing mechanism interrupter bar, and an electrically operated driver for moving the interrupter bar.
- the first hand grip panel is connected to the frame and has a first set of electrical components thereon including at least a portion of the communication electronics.
- the second hand grip panel is connected to the frame and has a second set of electrical components thereon including the battery and the driver. The first and second sets of electrical components are electrically connected to each other.
- a firearm system comprising a firearm and a unit intended to be carried on a user.
- the firearm has a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, a firing mechanism interrupter connected to the firing mechanism to prevent actuation of the firing mechanism, and a communications package connected to the frame and electrically connected to the interrupter.
- the unit has a magnetic coupled transponder for receiving a signal from the communications package and transmitting a magnetic coded analog signal to the communications package on the firearm.
- the firing mechanism interrupter prevents the firing mechanism from being actuated unless the communications package is within range of the transponder and receives the correct magnetic coded analog signal from the transponder.
- a firearm system comprising a firearm and a unit intended to be carried on a user.
- the firearm has a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, a firing mechanism interrupter connected to the firing mechanism for preventing firing of the firearm, and a first communications package connected to the frame and electrically connected to the interrupter.
- the unit has a second communications package. At least one of the communications packages is adapted to transmit coded magnetic signals and the other communications package is adapted to read the signals.
- a firearm comprising a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, and means for preventing sears of the firing mechanism from contacting each other.
- the firing mechanism comprises a striker, a trigger, a drawbar connected to the trigger and having a first sear surface, and a second sear surface connected to the striker.
- the means for preventing prevents the first and second sears from contacting each other when the trigger is pulled by a user.
- the means for preventing comprises an electrical driver with a shaft adapted to contact the drawbar to move the drawbar in a downward direction and a communications package connected to the driver.
- a firearm safety system comprising a first communications system on a firearm, a second communications system carried on a user separate from the firearm, and means for limiting communication between the first and second communications systems, at least partially, to a rearward facing path of less than about 180° at a rear end of the firearm.
- a firearm system comprising firearms and units to be carried by users.
- the firearms each have a safety system with a first communications package.
- the units to be carried by the users each comprise a second communications package adapted to communicate with at least one of the first communication packages.
- the second communications package of at least one of the units is adapted to communicate with the first communications package of at least two of the firearms.
- a firearm system comprising firearms and units to be carried by users.
- the firearms each have a safety system with a first communications package.
- the units to be carried by users each have a second communications package adapted to communicate with at least one of the first communications packages.
- the first communications package of at least one of the firearms is adapted to communicate with the second communications package of at least two of the units.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm incorporating features of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the firearm shown in FIG. 1 from an opposite side;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portion of the firing mechanism of the firearm shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the control module of the firearm shown in FIG. 1 that is shown connected to other components of the firearm;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery recharger for use with the firearm shown in FIG. 1.;
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a ring of a firing system used with the firearm shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a transponder used in the ring shown in FIG. 6A;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a programming unit for use with the firearm shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is an left side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a pistol incorporating features of the present invention.
- FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of some of the components of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of connection between the two panels of the pistol shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;
- FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of some of the communications electronics in the firearm.
- FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of another alternate embodiment of some of the communications electronics in the firearm.
- FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of the transponder unit to be worn by a user
- FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the transponder unit shown in FIG. 10A;
- FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the transponder unit shown in FIG. 10A;
- FIG. 11A is a partial perspective view with a cut-away section of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 11B is a partial side view with cut-away sections of part of the firing mechanism of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIGS. 12A and 12B show an alternate embodiment of the interaction of the interrupter driver and drawbar
- FIG. 13 is a top schematic plan view of the pistol shown in FIG. 8 being held by a user;
- FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of systems having multiple firearms and units.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a PC′ based programming unit.
- FIG. 1 there is shown a pistol 10 incorporating features of the present invention.
- the pistol 10 is a semiautomatic pistol which comprises a frame 12 , a barrel 14 , a firing mechanism 16 , and a removable cartridge magazine 18 .
- the frame 12 includes a main section 20 and a slide 22 .
- the slide 22 is slidingly mounted on the main section 20 .
- the main section 20 includes a hand grip section 24 and a front laser housing section 26 .
- the hand grip section has a receiving area 28 for removably receiving the cartridge magazine 18 .
- a laser sighting device 30 is mounted in the front laser housing section 26 .
- a battery 32 for the laser sighting device 30 is also mounted in the housing section 26 behind the device 30 .
- the laser sighting device 30 and/or laser battery 32 need not be provided.
- the section 26 could then be used to house merely a second larger battery for use with the firing mechanism and/or safety system. Alternatively, the section 26 need not be provided. Referring also to FIG.
- the right side of the main section 20 has a display housing section 34 with a rearward facing electronic display 36 , such as an LCD.
- a display housing section 34 with a rearward facing electronic display 36 , such as an LCD.
- an electronic display need not be provided.
- the rear of the main section 20 includes a movable safety lever or grip safety 38 that is depressed when a user grasps the hand grip section 24 .
- the grip safety 38 is preferably a combined mechanical safety to prevent the firing pin from reaching a battery position and, an electrical switch.
- the grip safety 38 could merely be a mechanical safety or an electrical switch.
- the lever 38 need not be provided.
- the firing mechanism 16 includes a user actuated trigger 40 , a trigger bar 42 , and sear 44 .
- the trigger 40 is pivotably connected to the main section 20 of the frame 12 . In an alternate embodiment the trigger could be slidingly mounted on the frame.
- the trigger bar 42 is pivotably connected to the trigger 40 .
- the trigger bar 42 has a sear section 43 and a stop surface 46 .
- the sear 44 is connected to a firing pin (not shown) in the slide 22 .
- the trigger 40 When the trigger 40 is pulled to rotate rearward by a user, the trigger bar 42 can move the sear 44 rearward by the sear surface 43 pushing against the sear 44 . At an end of rearward travel, the sear surface 43 disengages from the sear 44 to allow the firing pin to propel forward to contact and discharge a cartridge.
- the firearm 10 also has a safety system with an interrupter or blocker 48 .
- the blocker 48 in the embodiment shown, is a solenoid device with a movable blocking section 50 .
- the blocking section 50 can be moved out of and into the path of the trigger bar 42 behind the stop surface 46 .
- the blocking section 50 is located in the path behind the stop surface 46 , it prevents the trigger bar 42 from moving rearward. Therefore, the firing mechanism is prevented from operating.
- the blocking section 50 is located in the path of the trigger bar 42 when the solenoid is de-energized.
- the blocking section 50 could be located in the path of the trigger bar 42 only when the solenoid is energized.
- any suitable type of blocker could be provided, such as a micro-motor with a blocking section.
- Any suitable type of firing mechanism could also be provided.
- One alternate embodiment could include a pin which is moved in and out of a blocking position by an electric motor.
- Another alternate embodiment could include a gear motor moving a pin or a selector gear.
- the firearm 10 includes a module 52 that is attached to the main section 20 of the frame 12 at the left side of hand grip section 24 .
- the module 52 could be suitably sized and shaped to be attached to any suitable location on a frame. It is known in the art to attach hand grip panels to the lateral sides of the hand grip section of a frame of a pistol. However, such hand grip panels merely function to cover holes in the frame at the hand grip section, form a good hand grip surface, and serve a decorative purpose.
- the module 52 has a housing 54 .
- the housing 54 has an exterior side that forms a substantial portion of the left exterior side of the firearm at the hand grip section 24 .
- the module housing 54 in addition to other features, performs the same function as one of the old prior art hand grip panels.
- a module could be alternatively or additionally attached to the right side of the hand grip section.
- the module 52 includes the housing 54 , a controller 56 , a battery 58 , a switch 60 , a transceiver 62 , a first input 64 , a second input 66 , and electrical contacts 68 .
- the housing 54 is stationarily connected to the main section 20 of the frame 12 .
- the housing 54 is removably connected to the main section 20 by tamper resistant fasteners 70 .
- the exterior of the housing 54 at the left side, is textured for better grip by the user. As seen in comparing FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, the right side of the hand grip section is substantially flat.
- the left side projects slightly outwardly in order to accommodate the thickness of the components inside the housing 54 .
- the housing 54 is received in a receiving seat of the frame 12 .
- a rear side of the housing 54 is located adjacent the magazine receiving area 28 and forms a portion of a side wall of the receiving area 28 .
- the module 52 is a separate component from the magazine 18 and does not intrude into the magazine receiving area of the firearm.
- the magazine 18 is of a substantially conventional configuration consisting of merely a housing, a spring and a follower.
- the electrical contacts 68 are mounted on the housing 54 and make a removable electrical connection with electrical contacts 72 on the main section 20 of the frame.
- the contacts 72 are electrically connected to the other electrical and electronic components of the firearm; grip safety 38 , solenoid 48 , laser 30 , second battery 32 , and display 36 .
- the module 52 could have wire conductors that extend to the various other electrical and electronic components.
- the controller 56 preferably comprises a printed circuit board with a micro-computer or microprocessor, and a power relay.
- the battery 58 is connected to the controller 56 .
- the controller 56 controls whether or not energy from the battery 58 is used to energize the solenoid 48 .
- the battery 58 is a rechargeable battery.
- a non-rechargeable battery could be used.
- the first input 64 is a battery recharger terminal which is connected to the battery 58 .
- a battery recharger 74 for use with the firearm 10 and module 52 is shown in FIG. 5.
- the recharger 74 is merely an AC transformer with electrical terminals 76 to be inserted into an electrical outlet, a plug 78 for insertion into the terminal 64 , and indicator lights 80 for signaling status, such as power ON, charging, and fully charged.
- any suitable type of battery charger could be provided.
- the switch 60 is a user actuated switch with an actuator 82 located on the exterior side of the housing 54 .
- the actuator 82 can be depressed by a user's finger.
- the switch 60 is an electrical switch that is electrically connected to the laser 30 and second battery 32 by the controller 56 . In an alternate embodiment the switch could be connected to the laser 30 and second battery 32 separate from the controller 56 . When a user depresses the actuator 82 the switch 60 is closed to supply electricity from the second battery 32 to the laser 30 .
- the first battery 58 could supply electricity to the laser 30 or both batteries could supply electricity to the laser 30 .
- Other types of actuators could also be provided.
- the actuator 82 is located at the front of the module housing 54 and has a general bar shape for easy depression by a variety of user hand sizes.
- the transceiver 62 is adapted to send and receive radio signals. In a preferred embodiment the transceiver 62 is only active when the safety grip 38 is depressed.
- the controller 56 supplies power to the transceiver 62 from the first battery 58 .
- a unit 84 is shown that forms a firearm system with the firearm 10 .
- the unit 84 is a finger ring intended to be worn by a user.
- the ring 84 has a radio frequency transponder 86 .
- the transponder 86 receives the signal and transmits a signal back to the receiver section of the transceiver 62 .
- the transceiver 62 sends a signal to the controller 56 .
- the controller 56 moves the solenoid 48 to a non-blocking position such that the pistol 10 can be fired.
- the controller 56 stops the supply of power to the is transceiver 62 while the grip safety is still depressed. This serves to conserve power of the first battery 58 .
- the controller 56 keeps the solenoid 48 in its non-blocking position until the grip safety 38 is released.
- the signal range of the transceiver 62 and transponder 86 are limited.
- the transceiver 62 and transponder 86 have a maximum interactive signal range of about three feet.
- this signal range could be varied based upon power supplied to the transceiver and transponder to between about one inch to about five feet.
- the transceiver and transponder operate in radio frequencies in the 900 MHz range.
- the signal range could also be configured based upon antenna length and/or shielding in the module 52 .
- the signals transmitted between the transceiver 62 and the transponder 86 are preferably coded, such as with a pulse coding or a frequency coding. Only if the transceiver and transponder are within range of each other, and the proper signals are received by the transceiver, does the controller 56 move the blocker 48 out of its blocking position.
- the transponder 86 could have its own power supply in the unit 84 or merely use the power from the transceiver signal to supply the return signal to the transceiver. Rather than the transponder 86 , the unit 84 carried or worn by the user could have a transceiver and additional circuitry.
- the signal frequency and/or recognition code of each firearm/unit pair is unique such that only a designated firearm and unit can be used together. However, groups of firearm/unit pairs could be similarly programmed, such as for pairs of police officer partners.
- the transceiver could be located in another item, such as a police badge.
- the transceiver could be carried in a location that the user could easily throw away from him, such as if the user is in a struggle with a criminal for the firearm. By throwing the transponder unit out of the range of the firearm, the firearm becomes unable to fire, thereby preventing the criminal from shooting the rightful user with his own firearm.
- the firearm 10 could have a switch 88 , such as a magnetic reed switch, that is activated when the firearm 10 is removed from a holster that has a magnet.
- the unit 84 could also comprise an emergency off switch that could be activated by the user.
- the firearm 10 can also comprise an emergency control 90 to mechanically place the blocker 48 in a non-blocking position.
- the emergency control 90 is a code control mechanism having push buttons 92 .
- the push buttons have to be actuated in a predetermined sequence before the blocker 48 is manually moved to a non-blocking position.
- the programming unit 100 for use with the firearm 10 is shown.
- the programming unit 100 has a housing 102 , keys 104 , a display 106 , and an infrared transmitter 108 .
- the second input 66 on the module 52 is an infrared receiver.
- the programming unit 100 can be used to program the controller 56 by infrared signals received by the input 66 .
- the programming of the controller 56 could include any suitable coding instruction or operational instruction. In alternate embodiments, other types of programming units could be provided.
- the means for re-programming could also be other than infrared, such as a direct electrical connection by a conductor or radio signals.
- the module 52 need not be re-programmable and may be sealed to prevent re-programming.
- the module 52 can display program codes on the LCD display 36 and may also be provided with a signaler to give audible tones as programming is changed and/or to signal low battery power. If desired, the unit 100 could be used to turn the signaler ON and OFF. Removal of the module 52 from the frame 12 preferably makes operation of the firing mechanism impossible without removing the blocker and/or adding additional parts. Modules 52 could be provided on both the left and right sides of the hand grip section for added redundancy in both the power supply and the safety systems.
- the module 52 is preferably attached to the frame 12 by tamper resistant fasteners.
- the fasteners would be specially attached during manufacture and could require return to the factory for removal. Therefore, if the pistol 10 is stolen or wrongfully taken away from the user, it will take considerable time and effort to remove the module 52 to attempt to remove the safety system. However, this helps to prevent the pistol 10 from being immediately used against the rightful user.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 there are shown schematic left and right side elevational views of an alternate embodiment of a pistol 120 incorporating features of the present invention.
- the pistol 120 has a frame 122 , a firing mechanism 124 including a trigger 126 and a hammer or striker 128 , and a firing mechanism interrupter system.
- the pistol 120 has a left side hand grip panel 130 and a right side hand grip panel 132 fixedly removably connected to the frame 122 .
- the panels 130 , 132 preferably have housings 131 , 132 made of molded polymer material that are attached to the frame by fasteners.
- Mounted to or inside the left side panel 130 is a battery 134 , a driver 136 and a driver controller 138 .
- the driver 136 has a rod or bar 140 which extends past the top side of the left side panel 130 .
- FIG. 8A a schematic diagram is shown of the left side panel 130 and its electrical connections to some other components of the pistol.
- Part of the safety system of the pistol 130 includes two sensors or switches 142 , 144 .
- the first switch 142 is a trigger switch which is actuated when a user moves the trigger 126 .
- the second switch 144 is a palm grip switch.
- the trigger switch 142 is electrically connected to the controller 138 by an electrical wire or a conductive lead on the frame 122 , such as when the frame is at least partially comprised of a dielectric molded polymer material.
- the panel 130 could have an electrical contact 146 on its housing 131 for making a removable electrical connection with the conductor from the trigger switch 142 .
- the palm grip switch 144 is connected to the frame 122 at the rear end of the hand grip area of the pistol.
- the palm grip switch 144 is adapted to signal the controller 138 when a user is grasping the pistol with his or her palm against the switch 144 .
- the palm grip switch 144 is electrically connected to the controller 138 by an electrical wire or a conductive lead on the frame 122 .
- the panel 130 could have an electrical contact 148 on its housing 131 for making a removable electrical connection with the conductor from the palm grip switch 144 or directly on a contact of the switch 144 .
- the controller 138 is preferably a computer such as a microprocessor.
- the controller 138 is connected to the driver 136 to control actuation of the driver 136 .
- the battery 134 is used to power the controller 138 and the driver 136 .
- the driver 136 is an electrically operated driver such as a solenoid or a micro motor.
- the controller 138 is adapted to allow actuation of the driver 136 only if both the switches 144 , 150 are actuated. In other words, only if a user's palm is actuating the palm grip switch 144 and fingers are actuating the finger switch 150 will the controller 138 allow the driver 136 to be actuated.
- the controller 138 allow the driver 136 to be actuated.
- the trigger switch 142 can be used to actuate a laser sight.
- the trigger switch 142 could be used in the firing mechanism control scheme.
- the driver rod 140 extends from the driver 136 to a portion of the firing mechanism 124 . In a first position of the rod 140 the firing mechanism 124 is prevented from operating to cause a discharge of the pistol. In a second position of the rod 140 the firing mechanism 124 is allowed to operate to cause a discharge of the pistol. The rod 140 is moved between the two positions by the driver 136 .
- the rod 140 could function as part of a blocker or alternatively as part of a movement system such as moving the drawbar of the pistol to prevent interaction with a sear of the hammer. This feature is further described below.
- the pistol 120 could have a third switch 150 , such as a finger grip switch.
- a third switch 150 such as a finger grip switch.
- the finger grip switch 150 is connected to the frame 122 at the front of the hand grip area of the pistol such that the switch 150 can be actuated by a user's fingers when the pistol is grasped by the user.
- this third switch 150 would be electrically connected to the controller 138 , such as by a contact 152 on the housing 131 of the panel 130 .
- the controller 138 could be programmed to allow actuation of the driver 136 to move the driver rod 140 between its two positions only if all three switches 142 , 144 and 150 are actuated.
- actuation of the palm grip switch 144 signals the communications package 158 in the right panel 132 to leave a standby mode and go into an active mode.
- the package 158 transmits a polling signal to locate a transponder. If the correct transponder is within the enabling zone, the transponder will exit a standby mode and send a coded signal to the firearm, then the firearm will become enabled. If there is no correct transponder within the enabling zone, the firearm remains disabled.
- the inactive, standby mode will require only a very small current to maintain the microprocessor's operation, while also maintaining ID codes in memory, and monitoring battery status.
- the palm and finger switches 144 , 150 could be connected in parallel such that only one needs to be actuated to operate the firearm.
- the third switch 150 and/or the first and second switches 142 , 144 could be used to actuate, via the controller 138 , an additional electric or electronic component on the pistol, such as a laser sight 154 shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8A.
- the laser sight 154 can have its own separate battery 156 separate from the battery 134 .
- the third switch 150 could alternatively be connected directly to the laser sight 154 without use of the controller 138 .
- the right panel 132 as seen in FIG. 9 has an electronic communications package 158 connected thereto or therein.
- the package 158 includes an antenna 160 , a transceiver 162 , a controller 164 and a battery 166 .
- the transceiver 162 is connected to the controller 164 .
- the right panel controller 164 is electrically connected to the left panel controller 138 by at least one conductor 168 .
- the conductor 168 could be a wire or a conductive lead on the frame 122 .
- the panels 130 , 132 could have contacts 170 , 172 for making removable electrical connection to the conductor 168 .
- a non-removable connection could be made or the two panels 130 , 132 could be provided with a common housing.
- the two panels 130 , 132 could have only a single controller located in either one of the panels and/or the two panels 130 , 132 could have only one battery rather than the two separate batteries 134 , 166 .
- the two panels 130 , 132 are interchangeably located on the frame 122 .
- the two panels 130 , 132 could be repositioned on the different sides of the frame to reconfigure the pistol for right handed and left handed shooters.
- the conductor 168 actually provides multiple separate electrically conductive signal paths.
- the left panel controller 138 is preferably programmed such that when a predetermined one, or more than one, of the switches 142 , 144 , 150 are actuated, the left panel controller 138 sends a signal to the right panel controller 164 .
- the left panel controller 138 does not actuate the interrupter 136 , 140 yet.
- the right panel controller 164 then activates the transceiver to transmit a polling signal.
- the polling signal would be received by a unit 180 worn or carried by the user which has a second communications package, if within range of the polling signal.
- the second communications package preferably comprises a battery 182 and a transponder 184 .
- the type of transponder used in the unit 180 will depend upon the type of transceiver 162 being used in the pistol 120 .
- the polling signal depending on the configuration of the transceiver 162 , will be either a radio wave signal or a magnetic coded signal.
- the transponder 184 is adapted to receive the polling signal and generate a return signal.
- the unit 180 could also have means, such as a controller with a microprocessor and memory to determine if the polling signal is a predetermined acceptable polling signal(s), and generate the return signal.
- the return signal depending on the configuration of the transceiver 162 , will be either a radio wave signal or a magnetic coded signal, such as a 32 or 16 bit signal or an analog signal.
- the return signal if within range of the transceiver 162 , will be received by the transceiver.
- the right panel controller 164 will then determine if the return signal is a predetermined acceptable return signal(s).
- the controller 164 could have a memory with the predetermined acceptable return signal(s). If an acceptable return signal has been received, the right panel controller then sends a signal to the left panel controller 138 .
- the left panel controller 138 then actuates the driver 136 to move the rod 140 . If the right side controller 164 does not receive an acceptable return signal, for whatever reason, the interrupter system will prevent the firing mechanism from firing the pistol. Likewise, if the two switches 142 , 144 are not both actuated, preferably the interrupter system will prevent the firing mechanism from firing the pistol.
- the interrupter system is configured to have a home position in which the firing mechanism can fire the firearm if any of the two pistol batteries 134 or 166 fail.
- This type of embodiment would preferably be for law enforcement use. In such an embodiment, with good batteries, actuation of one or both of the switches 144 , 150 would cause the driver 136 to move the rod 140 to a firearm disabling position and stay there unless and until the communications package 158 received an acceptable return signal. Thus, this pistol would be configured to be normally armed. In another type of embodiment, such as for use in a home, the pistol could be configured to be normally disarmed. Only upon receiving an acceptable return signal would the firearm be able to become armed. Thus, if the firearm is stolen from an owner's house, the thief cannot overcome the interrupter system by merely removing the batteries 134 , 166 .
- communication between the two communications packages 158 , 181 includes at least one of either the polling signal or the return signal being a magnetic coded signal from a magnetic coupled communication system, such as a magnetic coupled transponder system.
- a magnetic coupled communication system generally comprises a magnetic reader or magnetic field communications receiver and a magnetic field transmitter or transponder. Coupling is by means of coils for antennas. Due to the magnetic method of signaling, range is limited to only a number of inches being determined by fields generated between the effective North and South poles of the reader. A magnetic coupled transponder system is preferred because of the limited range of detection of the transponder from the reader and the reader's magnetic field.
- Magnetic transponders also known as magnetic tags, are used for tagging animals, labeling gas bottles, electronic automobile key identification and factory automation.
- the system uses a A 249 chip manufactured by Smartlink of Berkely, Calif.
- the system will communicate only by the means of a magnetic field, and the code transmission will be in the form of analog signals.
- RF applications are most noteworthy in that they operate “seamlessly”, requiring no conscious action for the user to perform (e.g. pushing a button); they are not overly alignment critical, meaning that the user doesn't have to line up a button with a button-hole; a larger enabling zone is possible; and it makes no difference whether the user is wearing gloves or if the users hand is injured.
- RF technology will be too open to being defeated by jamming or it will be easily intercepted to reproduce enabling devices.
- the present invention does not need to involve an RF signal.
- RF is composed of electrostatic and magnetic field components that together allow the RF signal to travel long distances, or propagate. Our system can communicate only by the means of magnetic field, and the code transmission will be in the form of analog signals.
- Magnetic fields carrying analog signals reduce the risks of communications between the firearm and the transponder being detected, since the communicating range is so short, and there is no rapid transition between signal elements in a continuously varying analog signal as there is in digital (0/1) communications. Sharp signal transitions in digital communications generate large electrostatic fields that are easily detected.
- Communication between the firearm and the transponder is preferably an active tag system rather than a passive tag system.
- An active tag system means that both the base communicator in the firearm and the user worn transponder will transmit using separate power sources each will have their own battery. Although a passive tag transponder would not require it's own power source, an active tag system has too many benefits to dismiss.
- the active system operating frequencies can be low, suited for short-range operation, and requires very little power to operate.
- the active tag system can communicate using only magnetic fields and analog coded signals, making jamming or code interception and reconstruction very difficult.
- the interrupter system will preferably mechanically “disconnect” the trigger, using the firearms own drawbar disconnect system. This should result in disabling the handgun without the user being capable of applying any force on the disabling mechanism.
- FIGS. 9B and 10B show alternate embodiments of the communications packages 158 ′ and 181 ′.
- the firearm communications package 158 ′ has the controller 164 , the battery 166 , the antenna 160 , an RF transmitter 190 and magnetic reader 192 .
- the unit 180 ′ has the batter 182 , an RF receiver 194 , a magnetic transmitter 196 , and a controller 198 .
- the transmitter 190 would transmit an RF polling signal to the receiver 194 .
- the controller 198 could compare the polling signal to stored acceptable polling signals and, if one is received cause the transmitter 196 to transmit a return coded magnetic analog signal. If within range of the reader 192 , the reader 192 will send the signal to the controller 164 for comparison with stored acceptable return signals.
- FIGS. 9C and 10C show alternate embodiments of the two communications packages 158 ′′ and 181 ′′.
- the firearm communications package 158 ′′ has the controller 164 , the battery 166 , the antenna 160 , an RF Receiver 198 and a magnetic transmitter 200 .
- the unit 180 ′′ has the battery 182 , on RF transmitter 202 , the magnetic reader 204 , and the controller 198 .
- the transmitter 200 would transmit the polling signal as a magnetic signal to the reader 204
- the controller 198 could compare the polling signal to stored acceptable polling signals and, if one is received, cause the transmitter 202 to transmit a return radio wave signal.
- Receiver 198 will send the signal to the controller 164 for comparison with stored acceptable return signals.
- the firing mechanism 124 includes the trigger 126 , a drawbar 206 , the hammer 128 , a hammer spring 208 , and a hammer sear 210 .
- the trigger 126 is pivotably mounted to the frame 122 at pin 212 .
- the drawbar 206 has a front end pivotably mounted to the trigger 126 , a middle section 214 , and a rear end 216 .
- the rear end 216 has a sear surface 218 and a camming ramp 220 .
- the middle section 214 has a cam slot 222 .
- FIG. 11B shows the position of the drawbar 206 when the trigger 126 has been pulled back and when the driver bar 140 is in a down position. With the driver bar 140 in the down position and the trigger in a forward non-pulled position the bar 140 is at the bottom 224 of the cam slot 222 . The sear surface 228 of the sear 210 is located behind the sear surface 218 of the drawbar 206 . As the trigger is pulled back by the user, the drawbar 206 moves rearward.
- the firing mechanism thus pushes the sear 210 rearward to rotate the hammer to its cocked position with the two sear surfaces 218 , 228 separating when the camming ramp 220 is cammed downward at the end of rearward travel of the drawbar.
- the driver bar could be held in an up position to keep the two sear surfaces separated.
- Other types of camming systems could be provided or no camming system need to be provided if a straight slot is used and the driver 140 has a long enough up and down travel distance.
- the present invention could also be used with other types of triggers, drawbars, hammers and sears.
- the interrupter system has a driver which is a solenoid 230 having a shaft 232 .
- the solenoid 230 is not part of the hand grip panel, but is instead located at a lateral side of the drawbar 206 .
- the solenoid is adapted to move its shaft 232 , laterally into and out of the slot 222 .
- FIG. 13 a schematic top plan view of the pistol 120 being held by a user is shown.
- the user has two units 180 provided as wrist band units; one on each wrist.
- One of the goals in designing the communications system of the present inventions is to provide a pistol for law enforcement that provides more protection to an officer in a take-away situation. Since most take-away scenarios are at close quarters, with the worst case scenario being a surprise take-away from behind, it is important that the transponder enabling distance be as small as possible.
- the magnetic signaling technique described above can operate over a range of up to 36 inches and can be easily de-tuned to operate at shorter distances. In a preferred embodiment the range R is about 8 inches.
- an 8-inch radius would include the entire wrist and portion of the lower forearm. This would allow the user to locate a transponder on a wristband, bracelet, sweatband or into a uniform sleeve. A larger enabling distance only diminishes the amount of protection that the pistol can offer in a take-away situation.
- the firearm communications package will distinguish between the two transponders and eliminate contention, or interference between the two transponders when both are in close proximity to the pistol. Since the firearm electronic communications package will include a microprocessor, the program software will handle contention. Each transponder will transmit its own identity when polled by the firearm; the “dominant” responding transponder will then take control of the remaining communications.
- a Faraday shield 240 could be provided on the pistol 120 to define the wedge shaped area W.
- each firearm 120 will have a specifically coded communication unit 180 that can only be used with the particular firearm as illustrated by lines B.
- a second type of unit 250 can be provided, such as for a supervisor, that can be used with multiple firearms as illustrated by lines C.
- a firearm 252 could also be adapted to function with either one of two or more units 250 wherein the units 250 are also adapted to function singularly with the respective firearms 120 .
- a personal computer (PC) based reprogramming system is shown.
- the system includes a computer 260 , a monitor 262 , a keyboard 264 , a first unit input/output device 266 and a second firearm input/output device 268 .
- the unit input/output device 266 has seats 270 and electrical contacts (not shown) in each seat that are connected to the computer 260 .
- Units 180 , 250 are provided with electrical contacts connected to their controllers 198 . When the units 180 are inserted into the seats 270 the contacts form an electrical connection between the controllers 198 and the computer 260 .
- the computer 260 can be used to change the stored acceptable polling signal(s) in the controllers.
- the firearm input/output device 268 has seats 272 and electrical contacts (not shown) in each seat that are connected to the computer 260 .
- Firearms 120 are provided with electrical contacts connected to their communications package controllers 164 . When the pistols 120 are inserted into the seats 272 the contacts form an electrical connection between the controllers 164 and the computer 260 .
- the computer can be used to change the stored acceptable return signal(s) in the controllers 164 .
- stored acceptable or communication protocols can be changed, added or removed as desired to increase security.
- access to change stored acceptable signal(s) identification can be password protected and/or encrypted.
- changeability of stored communication protocols need not be provided; i.e.: a read only system.
- the PC system could also be used to perform diagnostics on the firearm and transponder communications package.
- one or both of the input/output devices 266 , 268 do not need electrical contacts to communicate with the firearms and/or units.
- the devices 266 , 268 could have coil antenna and the devices, firearms and units could be configured to partially or solely communicate by magnetic coded signals for diagnostics and/or reconfiguration and changing of codes.
- the personal computer based stations could have different levels of accessibility and function.
- the highest level programming station would be located within a police station, having a designated and authorized person in charge of tracking and modifying, if necessary, each officer's firearm access codes.
- Lower level stations could be located on the officer's home computer or connected to a portable computer that would only allow the officer to perform an operational status check of the firearm, and not allow access code changes. The operation check could also be made in the squad car if it were so equipped.
- the pistol's communications package requires very little current to operate and even less in standby mode, it is conceivable that the batteries in the transponder and base communications packages will last for over 5 years. These batteries can be hermetically sealed together -with the communications package to increase survivability and reliability of the system. Therefore they would not be a user replaceable item.
- Battery life is another trade-off item, i.e. depending on how many are used, and how many codes and program operations that the firearm will have to process every time that it operates.
- the device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, the actuator 136 will require more current. At this time, we believe that this battery should be a user replaceable item. This could be subject to change, if an actuator that requires less battery current is used.
Abstract
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/934,525 filed Sep. 22, 1997, which is a divisional patent application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/685,347 filed Jul. 23, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,153 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to firearms and, more particularly, to a firearm safety system with communications electronics.
- 2. Prior Art
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,138 discloses a magazine module with a microprocessor and a grip module with electronic circuitry. The magazine module also houses batteries. U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,812 discloses a firearm with a transmitter and a receiver, a ring having a transponder worn by a user, and a safety solenoid to block movement of a trigger mechanism.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a firearm is provided having a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, the firing mechanism having a trigger, and a firing mechanism interrupter connected to the firing mechanism to prevent firing of the firearm. The interrupter comprises control circuitry, a first switch, and a second switch. The first switch is electrically connected to the control circuitry to signal actuation of the first switch. The second switch is connected to the frame at a hand grip section and electrically connected to the control circuitry to signal gripping of the hand grip section of frame by a user. Both the first and second switches must be actuated before the control circuitry allows the firing mechanism to fire.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a firearm is provided comprising a frame, a firing mechanism, a firing mechanism controller, a first hand grip panel and a second hand grip panel. The firing mechanism is connected to the frame and has a trigger. The firing mechanism controller comprises communication electronics, a battery, a firing mechanism interrupter bar, and an electrically operated driver for moving the interrupter bar. The first hand grip panel is connected to the frame and has a first set of electrical components thereon including at least a portion of the communication electronics. The second hand grip panel is connected to the frame and has a second set of electrical components thereon including the battery and the driver. The first and second sets of electrical components are electrically connected to each other.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a firearm system is provided comprising a firearm and a unit intended to be carried on a user. The firearm has a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, a firing mechanism interrupter connected to the firing mechanism to prevent actuation of the firing mechanism, and a communications package connected to the frame and electrically connected to the interrupter. The unit has a magnetic coupled transponder for receiving a signal from the communications package and transmitting a magnetic coded analog signal to the communications package on the firearm. The firing mechanism interrupter prevents the firing mechanism from being actuated unless the communications package is within range of the transponder and receives the correct magnetic coded analog signal from the transponder.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a firearm system is provided comprising a firearm and a unit intended to be carried on a user. The firearm has a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, a firing mechanism interrupter connected to the firing mechanism for preventing firing of the firearm, and a first communications package connected to the frame and electrically connected to the interrupter. The unit has a second communications package. At least one of the communications packages is adapted to transmit coded magnetic signals and the other communications package is adapted to read the signals.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a firearm is provided comprising a frame, a firing mechanism connected to the frame, and means for preventing sears of the firing mechanism from contacting each other. The firing mechanism comprises a striker, a trigger, a drawbar connected to the trigger and having a first sear surface, and a second sear surface connected to the striker. The means for preventing prevents the first and second sears from contacting each other when the trigger is pulled by a user. The means for preventing comprises an electrical driver with a shaft adapted to contact the drawbar to move the drawbar in a downward direction and a communications package connected to the driver.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a firearm safety system is provided comprising a first communications system on a firearm, a second communications system carried on a user separate from the firearm, and means for limiting communication between the first and second communications systems, at least partially, to a rearward facing path of less than about 180° at a rear end of the firearm.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a firearm system is provided comprising firearms and units to be carried by users. The firearms each have a safety system with a first communications package. The units to be carried by the users each comprise a second communications package adapted to communicate with at least one of the first communication packages. The second communications package of at least one of the units is adapted to communicate with the first communications package of at least two of the firearms.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a firearm system is provided comprising firearms and units to be carried by users. The firearms each have a safety system with a first communications package. The units to be carried by users each have a second communications package adapted to communicate with at least one of the first communications packages. The first communications package of at least one of the firearms is adapted to communicate with the second communications package of at least two of the units.
- The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm incorporating features of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the firearm shown in FIG. 1 from an opposite side;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portion of the firing mechanism of the firearm shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the control module of the firearm shown in FIG. 1 that is shown connected to other components of the firearm;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery recharger for use with the firearm shown in FIG. 1.;
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a ring of a firing system used with the firearm shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a transponder used in the ring shown in FIG. 6A;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a programming unit for use with the firearm shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is an left side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a pistol incorporating features of the present invention;
- FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of some of the components of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of connection between the two panels of the pistol shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;
- FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of some of the communications electronics in the firearm;
- FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of another alternate embodiment of some of the communications electronics in the firearm;
- FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of the transponder unit to be worn by a user;
- FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the transponder unit shown in FIG. 10A;
- FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the transponder unit shown in FIG. 10A;
- FIG. 11A is a partial perspective view with a cut-away section of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 11B is a partial side view with cut-away sections of part of the firing mechanism of the pistol shown in FIG. 8;
- FIGS. 12A and 12B show an alternate embodiment of the interaction of the interrupter driver and drawbar;
- FIG. 13 is a top schematic plan view of the pistol shown in FIG. 8 being held by a user;
- FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of systems having multiple firearms and units; and
- FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a PC′ based programming unit.
- Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a
pistol 10 incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the single embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that features of the present invention can be embodied in various different forms of alternative embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. Features of the present invention may also be incorporated into other various types of firearms. Thepistol 10 is a semiautomatic pistol which comprises aframe 12, abarrel 14, afiring mechanism 16, and aremovable cartridge magazine 18. - The
frame 12 includes amain section 20 and aslide 22. Theslide 22 is slidingly mounted on themain section 20. Themain section 20 includes ahand grip section 24 and a frontlaser housing section 26. The hand grip section has a receivingarea 28 for removably receiving thecartridge magazine 18. Alaser sighting device 30 is mounted in the frontlaser housing section 26. Abattery 32 for thelaser sighting device 30 is also mounted in thehousing section 26 behind thedevice 30. In an alternate embodiment thelaser sighting device 30 and/orlaser battery 32 need not be provided. Thesection 26 could then be used to house merely a second larger battery for use with the firing mechanism and/or safety system. Alternatively, thesection 26 need not be provided. Referring also to FIG. 2, the right side of themain section 20 has adisplay housing section 34 with a rearward facingelectronic display 36, such as an LCD. However, in an alternate embodiment, an electronic display need not be provided. The rear of themain section 20 includes a movable safety lever orgrip safety 38 that is depressed when a user grasps thehand grip section 24. Thegrip safety 38 is preferably a combined mechanical safety to prevent the firing pin from reaching a battery position and, an electrical switch. However, thegrip safety 38 could merely be a mechanical safety or an electrical switch. In an alternate embodiment thelever 38 need not be provided. - Referring also to FIG. 3, the
firing mechanism 16 includes a user actuatedtrigger 40, atrigger bar 42, and sear 44. Thetrigger 40 is pivotably connected to themain section 20 of theframe 12. In an alternate embodiment the trigger could be slidingly mounted on the frame. Thetrigger bar 42 is pivotably connected to thetrigger 40. Thetrigger bar 42 has asear section 43 and astop surface 46. The sear 44 is connected to a firing pin (not shown) in theslide 22. When thetrigger 40 is pulled to rotate rearward by a user, thetrigger bar 42 can move the sear 44 rearward by thesear surface 43 pushing against the sear 44. At an end of rearward travel, thesear surface 43 disengages from the sear 44 to allow the firing pin to propel forward to contact and discharge a cartridge. - The
firearm 10 also has a safety system with an interrupter orblocker 48. Theblocker 48, in the embodiment shown, is a solenoid device with amovable blocking section 50. When the solenoid is energized and de-energized, the blockingsection 50 can be moved out of and into the path of thetrigger bar 42 behind thestop surface 46. When the blockingsection 50 is located in the path behind thestop surface 46, it prevents thetrigger bar 42 from moving rearward. Therefore, the firing mechanism is prevented from operating. In a preferred embodiment, the blockingsection 50 is located in the path of thetrigger bar 42 when the solenoid is de-energized. However, in an alternate embodiment, the blockingsection 50 could be located in the path of thetrigger bar 42 only when the solenoid is energized. In other alternative embodiments, any suitable type of blocker could be provided, such as a micro-motor with a blocking section. Any suitable type of firing mechanism could also be provided. One alternate embodiment could include a pin which is moved in and out of a blocking position by an electric motor. Another alternate embodiment could include a gear motor moving a pin or a selector gear. - As seen best in FIG. 1, the
firearm 10 includes amodule 52 that is attached to themain section 20 of theframe 12 at the left side ofhand grip section 24. In an alternate embodiment, themodule 52 could be suitably sized and shaped to be attached to any suitable location on a frame. It is known in the art to attach hand grip panels to the lateral sides of the hand grip section of a frame of a pistol. However, such hand grip panels merely function to cover holes in the frame at the hand grip section, form a good hand grip surface, and serve a decorative purpose. Themodule 52 has ahousing 54. Thehousing 54 has an exterior side that forms a substantial portion of the left exterior side of the firearm at thehand grip section 24. Themodule housing 54, in addition to other features, performs the same function as one of the old prior art hand grip panels. In an alternate embodiment a module could be alternatively or additionally attached to the right side of the hand grip section. - Referring also to FIG. 4, the
module 52 includes thehousing 54, acontroller 56, abattery 58, aswitch 60, atransceiver 62, afirst input 64, asecond input 66, andelectrical contacts 68. Thehousing 54 is stationarily connected to themain section 20 of theframe 12. Preferably, thehousing 54 is removably connected to themain section 20 by tamperresistant fasteners 70. The exterior of thehousing 54, at the left side, is textured for better grip by the user. As seen in comparing FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, the right side of the hand grip section is substantially flat. The left side, however, projects slightly outwardly in order to accommodate the thickness of the components inside thehousing 54. Thehousing 54 is received in a receiving seat of theframe 12. A rear side of thehousing 54 is located adjacent themagazine receiving area 28 and forms a portion of a side wall of the receivingarea 28. Thus, themodule 52 is a separate component from themagazine 18 and does not intrude into the magazine receiving area of the firearm. Preferably, themagazine 18 is of a substantially conventional configuration consisting of merely a housing, a spring and a follower. Theelectrical contacts 68 are mounted on thehousing 54 and make a removable electrical connection withelectrical contacts 72 on themain section 20 of the frame. Thecontacts 72 are electrically connected to the other electrical and electronic components of the firearm;grip safety 38,solenoid 48,laser 30,second battery 32, anddisplay 36. In an alternate embodiment, rather than thecontacts 68 mounted on thehousing 54, themodule 52 could have wire conductors that extend to the various other electrical and electronic components. - The
controller 56 preferably comprises a printed circuit board with a micro-computer or microprocessor, and a power relay. Thebattery 58 is connected to thecontroller 56. Thecontroller 56 controls whether or not energy from thebattery 58 is used to energize thesolenoid 48. Preferably, thebattery 58 is a rechargeable battery. However, a non-rechargeable battery could be used. Thefirst input 64 is a battery recharger terminal which is connected to thebattery 58. Abattery recharger 74 for use with thefirearm 10 andmodule 52 is shown in FIG. 5. Therecharger 74 is merely an AC transformer withelectrical terminals 76 to be inserted into an electrical outlet, aplug 78 for insertion into the terminal 64, andindicator lights 80 for signaling status, such as power ON, charging, and fully charged. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of battery charger could be provided. - Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 4, the
switch 60 is a user actuated switch with anactuator 82 located on the exterior side of thehousing 54. Theactuator 82 can be depressed by a user's finger. Theswitch 60 is an electrical switch that is electrically connected to thelaser 30 andsecond battery 32 by thecontroller 56. In an alternate embodiment the switch could be connected to thelaser 30 andsecond battery 32 separate from thecontroller 56. When a user depresses theactuator 82 theswitch 60 is closed to supply electricity from thesecond battery 32 to thelaser 30. In an alternate embodiment thefirst battery 58 could supply electricity to thelaser 30 or both batteries could supply electricity to thelaser 30. Other types of actuators could also be provided. In the embodiment shown, theactuator 82 is located at the front of themodule housing 54 and has a general bar shape for easy depression by a variety of user hand sizes. - The
transceiver 62 is adapted to send and receive radio signals. In a preferred embodiment thetransceiver 62 is only active when thesafety grip 38 is depressed. Thecontroller 56 supplies power to thetransceiver 62 from thefirst battery 58. Referring also to FIG. 6A, aunit 84 is shown that forms a firearm system with thefirearm 10. Theunit 84 is a finger ring intended to be worn by a user. Referring also to FIG. 6B, thering 84 has aradio frequency transponder 86. When the transmitter section of thetransceiver 62 sends out a signal, thetransponder 86 receives the signal and transmits a signal back to the receiver section of thetransceiver 62. When this is accomplished thetransceiver 62 sends a signal to thecontroller 56. Thecontroller 56, in turn, moves thesolenoid 48 to a non-blocking position such that thepistol 10 can be fired. In a preferred embodiment, once thecontroller 56 receives a signal from thetransceiver 62, thecontroller 56 stops the supply of power to the istransceiver 62 while the grip safety is still depressed. This serves to conserve power of thefirst battery 58. Thecontroller 56 keeps thesolenoid 48 in its non-blocking position until thegrip safety 38 is released. The signal range of thetransceiver 62 andtransponder 86 are limited. Preferably, thetransceiver 62 andtransponder 86 have a maximum interactive signal range of about three feet. However, this signal range could be varied based upon power supplied to the transceiver and transponder to between about one inch to about five feet. Preferably, the transceiver and transponder operate in radio frequencies in the 900 MHz range. The signal range could also be configured based upon antenna length and/or shielding in themodule 52. The signals transmitted between thetransceiver 62 and thetransponder 86 are preferably coded, such as with a pulse coding or a frequency coding. Only if the transceiver and transponder are within range of each other, and the proper signals are received by the transceiver, does thecontroller 56 move theblocker 48 out of its blocking position. Thetransponder 86 could have its own power supply in theunit 84 or merely use the power from the transceiver signal to supply the return signal to the transceiver. Rather than thetransponder 86, theunit 84 carried or worn by the user could have a transceiver and additional circuitry. Preferably, the signal frequency and/or recognition code of each firearm/unit pair is unique such that only a designated firearm and unit can be used together. However, groups of firearm/unit pairs could be similarly programmed, such as for pairs of police officer partners. - In an alternate embodiment, the transceiver could be located in another item, such as a police badge. In another alternate embodiment, the transceiver could be carried in a location that the user could easily throw away from him, such as if the user is in a struggle with a criminal for the firearm. By throwing the transponder unit out of the range of the firearm, the firearm becomes unable to fire, thereby preventing the criminal from shooting the rightful user with his own firearm. In the alternate embodiment where the
grip safety 38 is not electrically connected to thecontroller 56, thefirearm 10 could have aswitch 88, such as a magnetic reed switch, that is activated when thefirearm 10 is removed from a holster that has a magnet. Theunit 84 could also comprise an emergency off switch that could be activated by the user. Thefirearm 10 can also comprise anemergency control 90 to mechanically place theblocker 48 in a non-blocking position. Preferably theemergency control 90 is a code control mechanism havingpush buttons 92. The push buttons have to be actuated in a predetermined sequence before theblocker 48 is manually moved to a non-blocking position. With this embodiment, even if thebattery 58 fails or if theblocker 48 fails or if thetransceiver 62,transponder 86 or any part of themodule 52 fails, a user who knows the code for thecontrol 90 can place the firearm into operation. - Referring also to FIG. 7, a
programming unit 100 for use with thefirearm 10 is shown. Theprogramming unit 100 has ahousing 102,keys 104, adisplay 106, and aninfrared transmitter 108. Thesecond input 66 on themodule 52 is an infrared receiver. Theprogramming unit 100 can be used to program thecontroller 56 by infrared signals received by theinput 66. The programming of thecontroller 56 could include any suitable coding instruction or operational instruction. In alternate embodiments, other types of programming units could be provided. The means for re-programming could also be other than infrared, such as a direct electrical connection by a conductor or radio signals. Alternatively, themodule 52 need not be re-programmable and may be sealed to prevent re-programming. Themodule 52 can display program codes on theLCD display 36 and may also be provided with a signaler to give audible tones as programming is changed and/or to signal low battery power. If desired, theunit 100 could be used to turn the signaler ON and OFF. Removal of themodule 52 from theframe 12 preferably makes operation of the firing mechanism impossible without removing the blocker and/or adding additional parts.Modules 52 could be provided on both the left and right sides of the hand grip section for added redundancy in both the power supply and the safety systems. - As noted above, the
module 52 is preferably attached to theframe 12 by tamper resistant fasteners. The fasteners would be specially attached during manufacture and could require return to the factory for removal. Therefore, if thepistol 10 is stolen or wrongfully taken away from the user, it will take considerable time and effort to remove themodule 52 to attempt to remove the safety system. However, this helps to prevent thepistol 10 from being immediately used against the rightful user. - Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 there are shown schematic left and right side elevational views of an alternate embodiment of a
pistol 120 incorporating features of the present invention. Thepistol 120 has aframe 122, afiring mechanism 124 including atrigger 126 and a hammer orstriker 128, and a firing mechanism interrupter system. Thepistol 120 has a left sidehand grip panel 130 and a right sidehand grip panel 132 fixedly removably connected to theframe 122. Thepanels housings left side panel 130 is abattery 134, adriver 136 and adriver controller 138. Thedriver 136 has a rod or bar 140 which extends past the top side of theleft side panel 130. Referring also to FIG. 8A a schematic diagram is shown of theleft side panel 130 and its electrical connections to some other components of the pistol. Part of the safety system of thepistol 130 includes two sensors or switches 142, 144. Thefirst switch 142 is a trigger switch which is actuated when a user moves thetrigger 126. Thesecond switch 144 is a palm grip switch. Thetrigger switch 142 is electrically connected to thecontroller 138 by an electrical wire or a conductive lead on theframe 122, such as when the frame is at least partially comprised of a dielectric molded polymer material. Thepanel 130 could have anelectrical contact 146 on itshousing 131 for making a removable electrical connection with the conductor from thetrigger switch 142. Thepalm grip switch 144 is connected to theframe 122 at the rear end of the hand grip area of the pistol. Thepalm grip switch 144 is adapted to signal thecontroller 138 when a user is grasping the pistol with his or her palm against theswitch 144. Thepalm grip switch 144 is electrically connected to thecontroller 138 by an electrical wire or a conductive lead on theframe 122. Thepanel 130 could have anelectrical contact 148 on itshousing 131 for making a removable electrical connection with the conductor from thepalm grip switch 144 or directly on a contact of theswitch 144. - The
controller 138 is preferably a computer such as a microprocessor. Thecontroller 138 is connected to thedriver 136 to control actuation of thedriver 136. Thebattery 134 is used to power thecontroller 138 and thedriver 136. Thedriver 136 is an electrically operated driver such as a solenoid or a micro motor. Thecontroller 138 is adapted to allow actuation of thedriver 136 only if both theswitches palm grip switch 144 and fingers are actuating thefinger switch 150 will thecontroller 138 allow thedriver 136 to be actuated. Alternatively, only if either thepalm grip switch 144 or thefinger switch 150 are actuated will thecontroller 138 allow thedriver 136 to be actuated. In this type of embodiment, thetrigger switch 142 can be used to actuate a laser sight. However, thetrigger switch 142 could be used in the firing mechanism control scheme. Thedriver rod 140 extends from thedriver 136 to a portion of thefiring mechanism 124. In a first position of therod 140 thefiring mechanism 124 is prevented from operating to cause a discharge of the pistol. In a second position of therod 140 thefiring mechanism 124 is allowed to operate to cause a discharge of the pistol. Therod 140 is moved between the two positions by thedriver 136. Therod 140 could function as part of a blocker or alternatively as part of a movement system such as moving the drawbar of the pistol to prevent interaction with a sear of the hammer. This feature is further described below. - In an alternate embodiment of the invention the
pistol 120 could have athird switch 150, such as a finger grip switch. As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8, in one embodiment thefinger grip switch 150 is connected to theframe 122 at the front of the hand grip area of the pistol such that theswitch 150 can be actuated by a user's fingers when the pistol is grasped by the user. As shown in FIG. 8A thisthird switch 150 would be electrically connected to thecontroller 138, such as by a contact 152 on thehousing 131 of thepanel 130. Thecontroller 138 could be programmed to allow actuation of thedriver 136 to move thedriver rod 140 between its two positions only if all threeswitches palm grip switch 144 signals thecommunications package 158 in theright panel 132 to leave a standby mode and go into an active mode. Thepackage 158 transmits a polling signal to locate a transponder. If the correct transponder is within the enabling zone, the transponder will exit a standby mode and send a coded signal to the firearm, then the firearm will become enabled. If there is no correct transponder within the enabling zone, the firearm remains disabled. The inactive, standby mode will require only a very small current to maintain the microprocessor's operation, while also maintaining ID codes in memory, and monitoring battery status. The palm and finger switches 144, 150 could be connected in parallel such that only one needs to be actuated to operate the firearm. Alternatively, or additionally, thethird switch 150 and/or the first andsecond switches controller 138, an additional electric or electronic component on the pistol, such as alaser sight 154 shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8A. In this alternate embodiment thelaser sight 154 can have its ownseparate battery 156 separate from thebattery 134. Thethird switch 150 could alternatively be connected directly to thelaser sight 154 without use of thecontroller 138. - The
right panel 132 as seen in FIG. 9 has anelectronic communications package 158 connected thereto or therein. In this embodiment thepackage 158 includes anantenna 160, atransceiver 162, acontroller 164 and abattery 166. Referring also to FIG. 9A, thetransceiver 162 is connected to thecontroller 164. Theright panel controller 164 is electrically connected to theleft panel controller 138 by at least oneconductor 168. Theconductor 168 could be a wire or a conductive lead on theframe 122. Thepanels contacts conductor 168. In an alternate embodiment a non-removable connection could be made or the twopanels panels panels separate batteries panels frame 122. Thus, the twopanels conductor 168 actually provides multiple separate electrically conductive signal paths. - The
left panel controller 138 is preferably programmed such that when a predetermined one, or more than one, of theswitches left panel controller 138 sends a signal to theright panel controller 164. Theleft panel controller 138 does not actuate theinterrupter right panel controller 164 then activates the transceiver to transmit a polling signal. Referring also to FIG. 10A, the polling signal would be received by aunit 180 worn or carried by the user which has a second communications package, if within range of the polling signal. The second communications package preferably comprises abattery 182 and atransponder 184. The type of transponder used in theunit 180 will depend upon the type oftransceiver 162 being used in thepistol 120. The polling signal, depending on the configuration of thetransceiver 162, will be either a radio wave signal or a magnetic coded signal. Thetransponder 184 is adapted to receive the polling signal and generate a return signal. Theunit 180 could also have means, such as a controller with a microprocessor and memory to determine if the polling signal is a predetermined acceptable polling signal(s), and generate the return signal. The return signal, depending on the configuration of thetransceiver 162, will be either a radio wave signal or a magnetic coded signal, such as a 32 or 16 bit signal or an analog signal. The return signal, if within range of thetransceiver 162, will be received by the transceiver. Theright panel controller 164 will then determine if the return signal is a predetermined acceptable return signal(s). Thecontroller 164 could have a memory with the predetermined acceptable return signal(s). If an acceptable return signal has been received, the right panel controller then sends a signal to theleft panel controller 138. Theleft panel controller 138 then actuates thedriver 136 to move therod 140. If theright side controller 164 does not receive an acceptable return signal, for whatever reason, the interrupter system will prevent the firing mechanism from firing the pistol. Likewise, if the twoswitches - In one type of embodiment the interrupter system is configured to have a home position in which the firing mechanism can fire the firearm if any of the two
pistol batteries switches driver 136 to move therod 140 to a firearm disabling position and stay there unless and until thecommunications package 158 received an acceptable return signal. Thus, this pistol would be configured to be normally armed. In another type of embodiment, such as for use in a home, the pistol could be configured to be normally disarmed. Only upon receiving an acceptable return signal would the firearm be able to become armed. Thus, if the firearm is stolen from an owner's house, the thief cannot overcome the interrupter system by merely removing thebatteries - In a preferred embodiment, communication between the two
communications packages - RF applications are most noteworthy in that they operate “seamlessly”, requiring no conscious action for the user to perform (e.g. pushing a button); they are not overly alignment critical, meaning that the user doesn't have to line up a button with a button-hole; a larger enabling zone is possible; and it makes no difference whether the user is wearing gloves or if the users hand is injured. However, there is a fear that RF technology will be too open to being defeated by jamming or it will be easily intercepted to reproduce enabling devices. To overcome this fear, the present invention does not need to involve an RF signal. RF is composed of electrostatic and magnetic field components that together allow the RF signal to travel long distances, or propagate. Our system can communicate only by the means of magnetic field, and the code transmission will be in the form of analog signals.
- Magnetic fields carrying analog signals reduce the risks of communications between the firearm and the transponder being detected, since the communicating range is so short, and there is no rapid transition between signal elements in a continuously varying analog signal as there is in digital (0/1) communications. Sharp signal transitions in digital communications generate large electrostatic fields that are easily detected. Communication between the firearm and the transponder is preferably an active tag system rather than a passive tag system. An active tag system means that both the base communicator in the firearm and the user worn transponder will transmit using separate power sources each will have their own battery. Although a passive tag transponder would not require it's own power source, an active tag system has too many benefits to dismiss. The active system operating frequencies can be low, suited for short-range operation, and requires very little power to operate. The active tag system can communicate using only magnetic fields and analog coded signals, making jamming or code interception and reconstruction very difficult.
- The interrupter system will preferably mechanically “disconnect” the trigger, using the firearms own drawbar disconnect system. This should result in disabling the handgun without the user being capable of applying any force on the disabling mechanism.
- FIGS. 9B and 10B show alternate embodiments of the
communications packages 158′ and 181′. In this embodiment thefirearm communications package 158′ has thecontroller 164, thebattery 166, theantenna 160, anRF transmitter 190 andmagnetic reader 192. Theunit 180′ has thebatter 182, anRF receiver 194, amagnetic transmitter 196, and acontroller 198. Thetransmitter 190 would transmit an RF polling signal to thereceiver 194. Thecontroller 198 could compare the polling signal to stored acceptable polling signals and, if one is received cause thetransmitter 196 to transmit a return coded magnetic analog signal. If within range of thereader 192, thereader 192 will send the signal to thecontroller 164 for comparison with stored acceptable return signals. - FIGS. 9C and 10C show alternate embodiments of the two
communications packages 158″ and 181″. In this embodiment thefirearm communications package 158″ has thecontroller 164, thebattery 166, theantenna 160, anRF Receiver 198 and amagnetic transmitter 200. Theunit 180″ has thebattery 182, onRF transmitter 202, themagnetic reader 204, and thecontroller 198. Thetransmitter 200 would transmit the polling signal as a magnetic signal to thereader 204, thecontroller 198 could compare the polling signal to stored acceptable polling signals and, if one is received, cause thetransmitter 202 to transmit a return radio wave signal.Receiver 198 will send the signal to thecontroller 164 for comparison with stored acceptable return signals. - Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, one embodiment of interaction between the
firing mechanism 124 and the interrupter system will be described. In this embodiment thefiring mechanism 124 includes thetrigger 126, adrawbar 206, thehammer 128, ahammer spring 208, and ahammer sear 210. Thetrigger 126 is pivotably mounted to theframe 122 atpin 212. Thedrawbar 206 has a front end pivotably mounted to thetrigger 126, amiddle section 214, and arear end 216. Therear end 216 has asear surface 218 and acamming ramp 220. Themiddle section 214 has acam slot 222. A top end of thedriver bar 140 is located in thecam slot 222. FIG. 11B shows the position of thedrawbar 206 when thetrigger 126 has been pulled back and when thedriver bar 140 is in a down position. With thedriver bar 140 in the down position and the trigger in a forward non-pulled position thebar 140 is at the bottom 224 of thecam slot 222. Thesear surface 228 of the sear 210 is located behind thesear surface 218 of thedrawbar 206. As the trigger is pulled back by the user, thedrawbar 206 moves rearward. However, interaction between thedrawbar 206 in thecam slot 222 and thedriver bar 140 cams the rear of the drawbar downward thereby preventing the twosear surfaces drawbar 206 from moving thehammer 128 to its cocked position. With thedriver bar 140 in an up position, the top of thebar 140 is in the top 226 of thecam slot 222 when the trigger is first pulled. Therefore, thedriver bar 140 does not cam the rear end of thedrawbar 206 downward when the trigger is pulled. The firing mechanism thus pushes the sear 210 rearward to rotate the hammer to its cocked position with the twosear surfaces camming ramp 220 is cammed downward at the end of rearward travel of the drawbar. In an alternate embodiment the driver bar could be held in an up position to keep the two sear surfaces separated. Other types of camming systems could be provided or no camming system need to be provided if a straight slot is used and thedriver 140 has a long enough up and down travel distance. The present invention could also be used with other types of triggers, drawbars, hammers and sears. - Referring also to FIGS. 12A and 12B an alternate embodiment of interaction with the
drawbar 206 is shown. In this embodiment the interrupter system has a driver which is asolenoid 230 having ashaft 232. Thesolenoid 230 is not part of the hand grip panel, but is instead located at a lateral side of thedrawbar 206. The solenoid is adapted to move itsshaft 232, laterally into and out of theslot 222. - Referring now to FIG. 13, a schematic top plan view of the
pistol 120 being held by a user is shown. In this figure the user has twounits 180 provided as wrist band units; one on each wrist. One of the goals in designing the communications system of the present inventions is to provide a pistol for law enforcement that provides more protection to an officer in a take-away situation. Since most take-away scenarios are at close quarters, with the worst case scenario being a surprise take-away from behind, it is important that the transponder enabling distance be as small as possible. The magnetic signaling technique described above can operate over a range of up to 36 inches and can be easily de-tuned to operate at shorter distances. In a preferred embodiment the range R is about 8 inches. As FIG. 13 shows, an 8-inch radius would include the entire wrist and portion of the lower forearm. This would allow the user to locate a transponder on a wristband, bracelet, sweatband or into a uniform sleeve. A larger enabling distance only diminishes the amount of protection that the pistol can offer in a take-away situation. - Since the enabling distance will be kept to a minimum, weak hand shooting would require that another transponder be worn on the weak hand. The firearm communications package will distinguish between the two transponders and eliminate contention, or interference between the two transponders when both are in close proximity to the pistol. Since the firearm electronic communications package will include a microprocessor, the program software will handle contention. Each transponder will transmit its own identity when polled by the firearm; the “dominant” responding transponder will then take control of the remaining communications. By defining a wedge shaped area W behind the firearm as the enabling zone, the amount of protection offered in a struggle or take-away situation is greatly enhanced. For a magnetic signaling system a
Faraday shield 240 could be provided on thepistol 120 to define the wedge shaped area W. - Referring now to FIG. 14, in a law enforcement agency there will be
multiple firearms 120. Preferably, eachfirearm 120 will have a specifically codedcommunication unit 180 that can only be used with the particular firearm as illustrated by lines B. However, preferably a second type ofunit 250 can be provided, such as for a supervisor, that can be used with multiple firearms as illustrated by lines C. Referring also to FIG. 15, afirearm 252 could also be adapted to function with either one of two ormore units 250 wherein theunits 250 are also adapted to function singularly with therespective firearms 120. This could be provided in a situation such as when thefirearms 120 are pistols of two officers working as partners, each officer having one of theunits 250, and thefirearm 252 is a vehicle carried firearm, such as a shotgun. Thus both officers could use the shotgun, but they could not interchange use of their respective pistols. - Referring also to FIG. 16, a personal computer (PC) based reprogramming system is shown. The system includes a
computer 260, amonitor 262, akeyboard 264, a first unit input/output device 266 and a second firearm input/output device 268. The unit input/output device 266 hasseats 270 and electrical contacts (not shown) in each seat that are connected to thecomputer 260.Units controllers 198. When theunits 180 are inserted into theseats 270 the contacts form an electrical connection between thecontrollers 198 and thecomputer 260. Thecomputer 260 can be used to change the stored acceptable polling signal(s) in the controllers. The firearm input/output device 268 hasseats 272 and electrical contacts (not shown) in each seat that are connected to thecomputer 260.Firearms 120 are provided with electrical contacts connected to theircommunications package controllers 164. When thepistols 120 are inserted into theseats 272 the contacts form an electrical connection between thecontrollers 164 and thecomputer 260. The computer can be used to change the stored acceptable return signal(s) in thecontrollers 164. Thus, stored acceptable or communication protocols can be changed, added or removed as desired to increase security. Of course, access to change stored acceptable signal(s) identification can be password protected and/or encrypted. In addition, changeability of stored communication protocols need not be provided; i.e.: a read only system. The PC system could also be used to perform diagnostics on the firearm and transponder communications package. In an alternate embodiment, one or both of the input/output devices devices - The personal computer based stations could have different levels of accessibility and function. The highest level programming station would be located within a police station, having a designated and authorized person in charge of tracking and modifying, if necessary, each officer's firearm access codes. Lower level stations could be located on the officer's home computer or connected to a portable computer that would only allow the officer to perform an operational status check of the firearm, and not allow access code changes. The operation check could also be made in the squad car if it were so equipped.
- It is currently conceivable to use a 32-bit code that would allow the use of over 4.2 billion different enabling codes. However, if operational speed becomes a concern, the code length can be shortened to a more convenient length that will optimize the time it would take for the firearm to become armed.
- Since the pistol's communications package requires very little current to operate and even less in standby mode, it is conceivable that the batteries in the transponder and base communications packages will last for over 5 years. These batteries can be hermetically sealed together -with the communications package to increase survivability and reliability of the system. Therefore they would not be a user replaceable item.
- Battery life is another trade-off item, i.e. depending on how many are used, and how many codes and program operations that the firearm will have to process every time that it operates. The device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, the
actuator 136, will require more current. At this time, we believe that this battery should be a user replaceable item. This could be subject to change, if an actuator that requires less battery current is used. - It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (37)
Priority Applications (1)
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US09/827,987 US6363647B2 (en) | 1996-07-23 | 2001-04-06 | Firearm with safety system having a communications package |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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US08/685,347 US5704153A (en) | 1996-07-23 | 1996-07-23 | Firearm battery and control module |
US08/934,525 US5867930A (en) | 1996-07-23 | 1997-09-22 | Firearm battery and control module |
US09/152,547 US6237271B1 (en) | 1996-07-23 | 1998-09-14 | Firearm with safety system having a communication package |
US09/827,987 US6363647B2 (en) | 1996-07-23 | 2001-04-06 | Firearm with safety system having a communications package |
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US09/152,547 Division US6237271B1 (en) | 1996-07-23 | 1998-09-14 | Firearm with safety system having a communication package |
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US09/827,987 Expired - Fee Related US6363647B2 (en) | 1996-07-23 | 2001-04-06 | Firearm with safety system having a communications package |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6363647B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 |
WO2000016030A3 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
WO2000016030A2 (en) | 2000-03-23 |
US6237271B1 (en) | 2001-05-29 |
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