GB1289514A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1289514 Shooting ranges D C L GRIEW 15 June 1970 [18 June 1969] 30828/69 Heading F3X A small arms weapon for use in a shooting range comprises a receiver arranged to give a signal when receiving a beam of specific electromagnetic radiation, the receiver being connected to an interlock system such that the weapon cannot be fired unless the receiver receives the beam. In the construction shown the weapon has a striker 6 with a striker head 4 normally restrained by a sear 5 which is urged against a stop 11 by a spring 27. A solenoid operated rod 1 in its inoperative position urges a lever 8 to pivot against a stop 21. The sear 5 is held by a catch 13 which is disengaged therefrom by a trigger 10 and if the receiver is receiving a beam of radiation the solenoid is actuated to cause the rod 1 to move in the direction A so pivoting the lever 8 until it engages a pin 65 on the sear 5 to disengage the sear from the striker head. A proximity sensors 61, (2, Fig. 7, not shown) are provided to give signals when the trigger is pulled and when the breech bolt is locked respectively. The various signals are fed into an interlock control circuit (Fig. 3, not shown) which is provided with a number of visual indicators to give indications of the various states of the weapon. A detection system may be provided about the shooting range to immobilize the weapon if a person enters the range in the target areas. Such a system comprises infra-red or lazer beam transmitters co-operating with mirrors or transmitters and detectors of electromagnetic or ultrasonic signals. The beam of electromagnetic radiation falling on the receiver is provided by one or more transmitters of e.g. infra-red radiation arranged adjacent the target, the beam received by the receiver being so limited that the weapon can only be fired at substantially the target area (Figs. 5, 6, not shown). The receiver may be an annular sensor surrounding the barrel of the weapon. The radiation may be modulated so that the receiver will only give a signal on the receipt of a specific modulation. A solenoid operated catch may directly bear against the striker head 4 to retain the firing mechanism in its cocked position (Fig. 4, not shown). The lack of a signal from the receiver may cause the interlock system to place a component in the firing mechanism to prevent firing of the weapon.