IL268164B1

IL268164B1 - Firearm diagnostic system

Info

Publication number: IL268164B1
Application number: IL268164A
Authority: IL
Inventors: Shneorson Zeev; Haitin David; Sender Haim; Cooper Alexander; Gur Ron; Sobol Aviram; Sagy Naor
Original assignee: Israel Weapon Ind I W I Ltd; Shneorson Zeev; Haitin David; Sender Haim; Cooper Alexander; Gur Ron; Sobol Aviram; Sagy Naor
Priority date: 2019-07-18
Filing date: 2019-07-18
Publication date: 2024-03-01
Also published as: IL268164A; IL268164B2

Description

268164/ FIREARM DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to firearms and more specifically to a diagnostic system for evaluating the status of a firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Firearms are generally manufactured by the assembly of numerous components into a functional mechanism. Once the components of the firearms are made and assembled, the manufacturer tests the firearm for proper operation by firing it in a firing range before releasing it to be sold. Typically by testing the firearm in a firing range the manufacturer generally can only determine that the firearm is functional but cannot differentiate between a normal functional unit and an imperfect unit, for example a unit in which the parts do not move as smoothly as they should. Typically identifying an imperfect unit by the manufacturer requires use of a complex physical setup, for example using a shooting chronograph or similar devices to measure the projectile speed and/or other equipment to evaluate the motion of the firearm parts relative to each other. Likewise a user operating multiple firearms of a specific type, has no prior indication if a specific firearm is relatively faulty except by statistically keeping track of fail events occurring in a large group of identical firearms. Based on the statistical data the user may be able to identify a firearm that is more prone to fail than others of the same type.

Furthermore, a user of a specific firearm has no indication if his firearm is about to fail. Additionally, when handling a fail event the user must check all possibilities since he has no indication if the event is due for example to an empty magazine, a faulty bullet, dirt or some other obstruction in the internal path of the firearm.

It would therefore be desirable to have a simple system that can be attached to the firearm or included therein internally or externally to diagnose the 268164/ firearm and provide accurate indications for the manufacturer, the gunsmith and the user regarding the status of the firearm and fail events. 268164/ SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure, relates to a diagnostic system for testing a firearm by monitoring the motion of the bolt carrier of the firearm. The diagnostic system includes an on board computer in the form of microprocessor and memory and one or more sensors to continuously monitor the motion of the bolt carrier and store the measurements in the memory. Analysis of the stored measurements by the microprocessor enable determination of the position and velocity of the bolt carrier at any moment during a shooting cycle. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the sensors include one or more coils that measure an electromagnetic field affected by the motion of the bolt carrier or other moving parts of the firearm. Alternatively or additionally, the sensors include one or more Hall-Effect sensors that measure the magnetic field of a magnet embedded within the moving parts of the firearm. Optionally, the sensors may also include gyroscope and acceleration sensors that measure the movement and acceleration of the firearm itself during the firing cycle and provide indications of specific events (e.g. release of a projectile). In some embodiments of the disclosure, a magnet or magnets may be coupled to the bolt carrier and/or to other parts of the firearm such as a hammer, a sear, a trigger to enhance the ability of the sensors to follow their position. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the position and motion of a specific part of the firearm can be determined by monitoring the position or motion of another part of the same firearm, for example the position or motion of the bolt carrier may be determined by monitoring the position of the hammer, sear and/or trigger.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the firearm is equipped with an electronic firing mechanism so that the diagnostic system is also able to collect data from sensors that are embedded in the EMFC (Electro Mechanical Fire Control system).

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the diagnostic system could also monitor the kinematic behavior of the firearm itself based on measurement of accelerations and combine the measurements with the measurements of the position 268164/ of the internal parts of the firearm. An algorithm (e.g. AI, statistical) can be used to analyze the measurements and conclude if the firearm is working normally, has failed or is about to fail. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the microprocessor compares recent measurements (e.g. of the last magazine or last hour) to pre- defined values to determine a performance score for the firearm. A performance score below a threshold value indicates that the firearm is faulty. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the microprocessor compares the recent set of measurements to a statistical calculation of previously recorded measurements stored in the memory in order identify, in real time, deviations of the regular operation of the firearm. Optionally, an indicator or indicators included with the diagnostic system (e.g. a LED, Buzzer or other indicators) may notify the user if the firearm functions properly or not. Alternatively or additionally, the diagnostic system may be connected (by cable or wirelessly) to an external device (e.g. a computer) and recorded measurements stored in the memory may be transferred to the external device for analysis, storage or distribution. Optionally, the external device may be adapted to identify trends in the performance of the firearm over time or relative to other identical firearms. Based on the identified trends the user can service the firearm (e.g. replace parts or clean and oil the firearm). Further alternatively or additionally, the diagnostic system may continuously analyze the status of the firearm and provide real-time warnings to the user, for example identifying a cause of a potential event, so that the user may immediately take appropriate actions without wasting time to check. For example to re-cock the firearm without changing the magazine based on indications provided by the diagnostic system. There is thus provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a diagnostic system for monitoring the motion of a bolt carrier of a firearm, comprising: A microprocessor; A memory; 268164/ One or more sensors configured to continuously monitor the motion of the bolt carrier and store measurements recorded by the sensors in the memory; Wherein the microprocessor analyzes the stored measurements to determine the position and velocity of the bolt carrier at any moment during a shooting cycle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the diagnostic system includes at least one additional sensor, which provides an indication when the bolt carrier is in a specific position. Optionally, the diagnostic system includes at least one additional sensor, which provides an indication upon occurrence of a specific event in the firearm. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the microprocessor is configured to compare the measurements recorded by the one or more sensors to predefined values and determine a performance score indicating if the firearm is functioning correctly or is faulty.

In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, the microprocessor is configured to compare the recent set of measurements to a statistical calculation of previously recorded measurements stored in the memory in order identify in real time, deviations from the regular operation of the firearm.

Optionally, the diagnostic system further comprises: A communication interface configured to communicate with external devices and transmit information from the memory for analysis; Wherein the transmitted information enables the external device to identify trends in the performance of the firearm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the diagnostic system further comprises: An output interface configured to provide a real-time indication to a user of the firearm; Wherein the real time indication pre-informs the user of required actions to continue using the firearm.

Optionally, the one or more sensors include a coil that monitors the position of the bolt carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors include a Hall-Effect sensor that monitors the position of the bolt carrier. Further 268164/ alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors include a hammer sensor that monitors the position of the hammer and indirectly monitors the motion of the bolt carrier. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the hammer sensor provides an indication of a type of malfunction occurring in the firearm. Optionally, the diagnostic system is provided as a kit with a magnet embedded in the bolt for replacing the bolt of the firearm. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the diagnostic system includes additional sensors configured to monitor the status of a trigger, a hammer, a sear, an electromechanical firing control (EMFC) system, a firing pin status sensor, a firing chamber status sensor or any combination thereof.

Optionally, the one or more sensors include an accelerometer, a gyroscope or both. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include data relating to the cycle of each cartridge, including from when the bolt carrier starts moving backward from a starting point until returning to the starting point. Optionally, the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include the average bolt carrier speed at specific interest points during each cycle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include a distance from the starting point to a stopping point at which the bolt carrier halts and turns back toward the starting point. Optionally, the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include a rebound distance of the bolt carrier when locking a cartridge in a firing chamber for shooting. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more sensors measure an electromagnetic field formed by a magnet or magnets on the bolt carrier and a magnetic field conductor is positioned between the one or more sensors and the magnets on the bolt carrier as they pass by, to enhance measuring the magnetic field by the one or more sensors.

There is further provided by an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a method of diagnosing motion of a bolt carrier of a firearm, comprising: 268164/ Monitoring the motion of the bolt carrier of the firearm continuously with one or more sensors; Storing measurements recorded by the sensors in a memory; Wherein a microprocessor is configured to analyze the measurements stored in the memory to determine the position and velocity of the bolt carrier at any moment during a shooting cycle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the method further comprises: Comparing the measurements recorded by the sensors, to predefined values or to a statistical calculation of previously recorded measurements and calculating a performance score; Determining, based on the performance score, the status of the firearm as functioning correctly or faulty; Notifying a user regarding the status of the firearm. 268164/ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will be understood and better appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, wherein: Fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of a firearm with a diagnostic system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 1B is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a firearm, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a diagnostic system for monitoring the internal motion in a firearm, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of monitoring the status of firearm, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 4A is a graph of the continuous motion of a bolt recorded by two sensors while firing a sequence of cartridges in automatic mode, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 4B is a graph showing the results of a single shot and data recorded for a series of shots, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 5A is a graph of the continuous motion of a bolt carrier recorded from the measurements taken of two sensors, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 5B is a graph of the continuous motion of the bolt carrier recorded from the measurements taken of two sensors with a fault occurring in the motion of the bolt carrier, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 6A is a schematic illustration exemplifying the motion of a bolt carrier in a firearm with two sensors taking measurements of the the motion, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 268164/ Fig. 6B is a side cross sectional view A-A and a perspective cross sectional view A-A of the firearm from Fig. 6A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 7 is a graph showing the location and velocity of the bolt carrier as a function of time, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and Figures 8A to 8D illustrate the interaction between a bolt carrier and a hammer, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 268164/ DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of a firearm 100 with a diagnostic system 110 and Fig. 1B is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a firearm, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Firearm 100 is a semi- automatic or fully automatic firearm including an action part 120, a stock part 1 and barrel part 140. The stock part 130 may include a stock 132, a handguard 134, a pistol grip 135 and other elements for supporting the firearm 100. The barrel part 140 serves to direct a projectile 127 from a cartridge 126 toward a target. The action part 120 typically includes a mechanism for loading cartridge 126 from a magazine 128 into a firing chamber 124, firing the projectile 127 from the cartridge 1 through a barrel 141 of the barrel part 140 and then unloading a remaining cartridge case 121.

The firearm 100 includes a bolt carrier 136 (fig. 1B) that moves back and forth to generate the action of the action part 120 of the firearm 100. The bolt carrier 136 is initially cocked by the user to load the firearm 100 and typically a spring 138 is used to force the bolt carrier 136 forward to discharge a projectile 127. Optionally, the bolt carrier 136 moves a bolt 122 that loads a cartridge 1 from the magazine into the firing chamber 124 and extracts the case 121 of the cartridge 126 from the firing chamber 124 after releasing the projectile 127. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a firing pin 129 is positioned in the bolt 122 to activate cartridges 126 and launch the projectile 127 of the cartridge 126.

Optionally, the firearm 100 may use a closed bolt mechanism or an open bolt mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, diagnostic system 1 includes one or more sensors (e.g. sensor 142, sensor 144 and sensor 146) that constantly monitors the continuous motion of the bolt carrier 136 as it moves within the firearm 100. The constant monitoring includes measuring and determining the position and motion of the bolt carrier 136 and is not limited to measurements from specific positions (e.g. only identifying the bolt carrier passing a specific position) during a cartridge shooting cycle or limited to specific events (e.g. only identifying 268164/ the release of a shot). The measurements enable determination of the position, speed and acceleration of the bolt carrier 136 at every moment of the cartridge shooting cycle and is not limited to only providing a time interval for completing the cycle, an average cycle speed or time of arrival at specific positions. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a continuous graph of the motion of the bolt carrier 136 as a function of time for the shooting cycle of each cartridge 1 can be constructed based on the measurements of the sensors (e.g. 142, 144, 146) to illustrate the motion of the bolt carrier 136. Optionally, the position and velocity of the bolt carrier 136 at any moment can be determined to identify if the firearm 100 is functioning correctly.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the constant monitoring of the continuous motion enables determination of the withdrawal time of the bolt carrier 136 after release of a projectile 127, the return time of the bolt carrier 136, the withdrawal distance of the bolt carrier 136, the rebound/bounce distance of the bolt carrier 136 when reloading a cartridge 126, the acceleration of the bolt carrier 136 in response to the discharge of a projectile 127, the speed of the bolt carrier at selected positions, the maximum speed of the bolt carrier 136 and other information. The determined values can be compared to preconfigured values or to previously taken measurements stored in the memory to conclude if the firearm 1 is functioning correctly, for example if the bolt carrier 136 withdrew the entire required path at the correct speed.

Optionally, diagnostic system 110 can be installed outside the firearm 100, for example on a rail 123 (e.g. a Picatinny rail) installed on the firearm 100.

Alternatively, diagnostic system 110 may be installed inside the firearm 100, for example within the stock part 130 to be near the bolt carrier 136 and bolt 122, inside the pistol grip 135 or in the lower receiver of the firearm.

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a diagnostic system 110 for monitoring the internal motion in firearm 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the diagnostic system 110, may include a microprocessor 210, a memory 220, a power 268164/ source 230 (e.g. a battery), a real time clock 270 and one or more sensors 240 (e.g. 142, 144, 146, 147, 148, 149). Optionally, the diagnostic system may further include an output interface 250 for notifying the user in real-time of the status of the firearm 100, a communication interface 260 for communicating recorded data to an external computer or external device.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the sensors 240 include one or more coils (e.g. 142) that measure the motion of the bolt carrier 136, for example by measuring changes to an electromagnetic field that is disturbed by the metal body of the bolt carrier 136. Alternatively or additionally, the sensors may include one or more Hall-Effect sensors (e.g. 144) that measure changes in a magnetic field.

Optionally the sensors may be installed along a path parallel to the motion of the bolt carrier 136, for example one sensor may be installed at one end of the path of the bolt carrier 136 and one sensor may be installed at another end, or multiple sensors may be installed along the path (e.g. 4, 8 or 16 sensors). In some embodiments of the disclosure, a magnet 125 is attached to the bolt carrier 136 or to other parts of the firearm 100 to enhance the strength of the magnetic field measured by Hall-Effect sensors 144. Alternatively or additionally, the bolt 122 or other moving parts may be replaced with similar magnetic or ferromagnetic parts. Optionally, the sensors may include an accelerometer (e.g. 146) or an accelerometer combined with a gyroscope to identify recoil and other motion of parts of the firearm 100 and can help to identify the release of a projectile 127 or malfunction of the firearm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the type of malfunction can be identified by measurements recorded from a single sensor 240 or from the measurements recorded from a combination of sensors 240. For example monitoring the movement of the hammer 152 during a shooting cycle can provide an indication of the type of malfunction (e.g. misfire, empty magazine 128).

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, microprocessor 2 receives measurements from sensors 240 and stores the measurements in memory 220. Optionally, timing information may be acquired from real time clock 270 and 268164/ stored with the measurements. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, microprocessor 210 analyzes the measurements, for example by comparing the measurements to predefined values or to previously recorded measurements stored in the memory 220, to determine if the bolt carrier 136 is moving as expected or for example if it is behaving abnormally (e.g. moving slower than expected or if the bolt carrier halted unexpectedly and did not finish traversing an expected path).

Abnormal behavior may signify that the firearm needs to be cleaned, oiled or parts thereof need to be repaired or replaced. Additionally, the analysis can provide information regarding the firing rate, bolt carrier 136 speed, cycle time, halting positions, number of cartridges fired, firing time and position or motion of other mechanical parts (e.g. the hammer, the sear and the trigger) during a continuous firing cycle. Optionally, an embedded EMFC 154 (Electro-Mechanical Fire Control system) may be diagnosed as well to determine if it is functioning properly.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, additional sensors 240 may be installed to record the status of other elements of the firearm 100, for example of the trigger 150 (sensor 149), sear (sensor 148), firing pin 129, hammer 152 (sensor 147), firing chamber 124 (empty or occupied) or of other elements. Optionally, at least one sensor 240 provides continuous indications, for example an amplitude of an electromagnetic or magnetic field based on the distance from the bolt carrier 1 (e.g. that the bolt carrier 136 is approaching or moving away from the sensor). In contrast, some sensors 240 (e.g. an accelerometer 146), may provide non- continuous indications, for example the accelerometer 146 that identifies when a shot is released, the firing chamber sensor that identifies if the firing chamber 1 is occupied or empty or a trigger sensor 149 that identifies if the trigger is engaged.

The non-continuous indications may relate to specific events and may be combined with the continuous measurements that provides a value for every position of the bolt carrier 136 to authenticate the measurements of the sensor that provides continuous indications.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, diagnostic system 110 is preinstalled at the factory when manufacturing firearm 100, or diagnostic system 268164/ 110 is provided to a firearm owner as a kit for a specific type of firearm 1 including sensors 240, which may be deployed on the body of firearm 100 or within firearm 100. Optionally, the kit may include replaceable elements, for example a modified bolt carrier 136 with an embedded magnet 125.

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 300 of monitoring the status of firearm 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, diagnostic system 110 is installed (310) in firearm 100 during manufacture of the firearm 100 or as a kit provided to a user to enhance the ability to monitor the status of the firearm 100. The firearm 100 is used normally, for example to fire a magazine 128 of cartridges 126 in a firing range or over an extended period of time (e.g. a month, a few months or a year). While being used the diagnostic system 110 continuously monitors (320) the motion of the bolt carrier 136 and optionally other elements of the firearm 100.

Diagnostic system 110 stores (330) measurements recorded from sensors 240 in memory 220. The memory 220 may be a non-volatile memory to maintain the stored information even if power source 230 is depleted. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the microprocessor 210 of the diagnostic system 1 analyzes (340) the measurements, for example by comparing to preconfigured values to determine a performance score for the firearm 100 or by comparing to a results of calculations performed on previously recorded measurements stored in the memory 220. Optionally, diagnostic system 110 is configured to selectively output information in three different modes, as described below: 1. After manufacturing the firearm 100 or at any other time, the manufacturer or user may test the firearm at a firing range and communicate with the diagnostic system 110 to receive output of a basic firearm status (350) to determine how well the firearm 100 is functioning. For example the performance score may be calculated based upon immediate usage of the firearm 100 (for example the last magazine fired or usage in the last few hours) to indicate if the internal elements of the firearm 100 are currently moving at an ideal speed without stalling or slowing down unnecessarily and e.g. that the bolt carrier 136 is moving 268164/ the full expected distance at the correct speed. Optionally, the manufacturer may use a computer to communicate by wire or wirelessly with communication interface 260 (e.g. with USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or other known data transfer protocols). The performance score may indicate if the firearm 100 is functioning correctly or if below a preselected value indicate that the firearm needs maintenance or is faulty.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, diagnostic system 110 may use output interface 250 to turn on a LED signifying that the firearm passed the test. 2. After continuous usage of the firearm 100, a technician may connect a computer to the communication interface 260 of diagnostic system 110 and receive output of historic information 360 recorded in memory 220, for example information from a few months or selected time interval. The historic information can be analyzed to show trends in the status of the firearm 100, for example if the bolt carrier 136 speed is deteriorating or if certain faults repeatedly occur during use of the firearm 100. Based on the historic information the technician can repair the firearm 100, for example by replacing elements or cleaning and oiling specific elements. 3. During use of firearm 100, the firearm may output real-time indications 370 for the user via output interface 250. Optionally, the output interface may provide indications in the form of audible signals (e.g. via a speaker 254), vibrations (e.g. via a vibrator 252) or visual signals (e.g. via lights 256).

Optionally, the real-time indications may notify the user if the magazine 128 is empty and needs to be replaced or if a cartridge 126 was misfed and the user needs to cock the firearm 100 or remove the magazine 128 and cock the firearm 100.

Optionally, by providing different indications (e.g. different signals or different vibrations) the user is pre-informed of the required action and does not need to waste time looking for the reason for failure of the firearm 100.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the diagnostic system 1 includes one or more LED or LCD indicators on an enclosure of the diagnostic system 110 or on the stock part 130 (e.g. the pistol grip 135, the stock 132 or the handguard 134), to notify the user of the status of the firearm 100 or the status of 268164/ the diagnostic system 110 itself. For example the LED indicators may use different color LEDs, flashing LEDs or multiple LEDs.

Alternatively or additionally, the diagnostic system 110 may include a vibrating motor indicator located within the pistol grip 135 or the hand guard 132 to notify the user of the status of the firearm 100 by vibrating different signals of the status of the firearm 100. Alternatively or additionally, the diagnostic system 110 may communicate using a display, which may be located on the stock part 130 or in an optical scope 158 installed on the firearm 100.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, two or more sensors 2 (e.g. coils 142 or Hall-Effect sensors 144) may be positioned in parallel to the axis of motion of the bolt carrier 136, to monitor the continuous motion of the bolt carrier 136 while shooting with the firearm 100. Fig. 4A is a graph 400 of the recorded motion of bolt carrier 136 by two sensors (e.g. 142 or 144) while firing a sequence of cartridges 126 in automatic mode, and Fig. 4B is a graph 450 showing the results of a single shot and data recorded for a sequence of cartridges 1 released in automatic mode, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Optionally, the data may include: 1. The cartridge number in the magazine; 2. The round number released by the user from the magazine; 3. The cartridge (bullet) number of the round (for automatic firing); 4. The cycle time from when the bolt carrier 136 starts moving backward (e.g. from releasing a projectile 127) until returning to the starting point; . The distance to the backward stopping point of the bolt carrier 1 (mm); 6. The average bolt carrier 136 speed at specific points during a cycle; 7. The time from real time clock 270; 8. Various speeds for specific actions of motion. 9. The rebound distance when completing a loading cycle before firing the next round. 268164/ Fig. 5A is a graph 500 of the continuous motion of the bolt carrier 1 recorded by the measurements of two sensors (e.g. 142, 144) providing continuous information, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, one line 505 designates the measurements of a first sensor and a second line 515 designates the measurements of a second sensor (e.g. a forward sensor and a rear sensor (or different types of sensors) measuring changes to an electromagnetic field as detected by the sensor).

Point 510 designates the release of a projectile 127. In response bolt carrier 1 moves backward toward the stock 132 of the firearm 100 as shown by segment 520.

At point 530 the bolt carrier 136 halts and then returns forward toward the firing chamber 124 as shown by segment 540. Segment 550 shows the bounce of the bolt carrier 136 after loading a new cartridge 126 into the firing chamber 124. Point 5 designates the beginning of the release of a new shot. Optionally, distortions to the form of graph 500 may signify that a fault occurred, for example that cartridge 1 did not fire correctly or cartridge 126 was misfed into the firing chamber 124.

Fig. 5B is a graph 502 of the continuous motion of the bolt carrier 1 recorded by the measurements of two sensors (e.g. 142, 144) with a fault occurring in the motion of the bolt carrier 136. As shown in Fig. 5B the bolt carrier stopping point did not reach the optimal position due to a lack of energy, enhanced friction or other mechanical problems. Optionally, firearm 100 functioned properly however the diagnostic system shows that there is a problem that may become more severe in the future, for example due to insufficient oiling or dirt.

Fig. 6A is a schematic illustration exemplifying the motion of bolt carrier 136 in a firearm 100 with two sensors 240 sensing the motion, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Point 610 illustrates the optimal stopping point to which the bolt carrier 136 optimally reaches when recoiling from releasing a shot.

Fig. 6B is a side cross sectional view A-A and a perspective cross sectional view A-A of firearm 100 from Fig. 6A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Fig 6B exemplifies use of a magnet 125 coupled to 268164/ the bolt carrier 136 and one or more Hall-effect sensors 144 located along the axis of motion 650 of the bolt carrier 136 coupled to the body 630 of the firearm 100 to sense the position of the bolt carrier 136. A magnetic field conductor 620 may be used to enhance detection of magnet 125 by the Hall-Effect sensors 144. The magnetic field conductor 620 may be any shape whereas the Hall-effect sensor 144 may need a specific shaped volume to be deployed and cannot necessarily be positioned close to magnet 125 that is deployed on the bolt carrier 136. Therefore one or more magnetic field conductors 620 are positioned on the body 630 of the firearm to enhance the readings of the Hall-effect sensor 144. One side of the magnetic field conductor 620 is located so that it is near the magnet 125 when bolt carrier 136 passes by and one side is near the Hall-effect sensor 144. The magnetic field conductor 620 enhances the signal picked up by the Hall-Effect sensor 144 when the magnet 125 passes nearby another end of the magnetic field conductor 620.

Fig. 7 is a graph 700 showing the location and velocity of the bolt carrier 136 as a function of time, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Optionally, the details of graph 700 are based on transforming the measurements of the electromagnetic fields depicted in previous graphs. Graph 700 further depicts the location 710 and time 720 of occurrence of specific exemplary events occurring within a shooting cycle: 1. A projectile 128 exits barrel 141 - 730; 2. The hammer is cocked – 735; 2. The cartridge case 121 is extracted from within firing chamber 124 - 740; 3. The bolt 122 passes the opening of the magazine 128 – 750; 4. A new cartridge 126 rises into the firing chamber 124 – 760; . The new cartridge 126 is dragged into position for firing – 770; 6. The bolt 122 locks the new cartridge into position for firing – 780. 268164/ In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, when analyzing the motion of the bolt carrier 136 the following details (or similar details) for detecting proper motion in a typical firearm 100 can also be considered: 1. The maximum and minimum acceleration occurs when the bolt carrier is recoiling toward the rear (stock 132) of the firearm 100; 2. The time for recoiling of the bolt carrier is about 38% of the motion of the bolt carrier; 3. The bolt carrier 136 slows down since it performs the following actions, which resist the rearward motion: releasing the locking of the bolt 122, re- cocking the hammer 152, extracting the cartridge case 121; sliding past the magazine 128; 4. The forward motion of the bolt carrier is performed under the influence of a linear spring 138 and is therefore slower than the rearward motion.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure deviations from known characteristics of a specific weapon type can indicate an imminent problem.

Figures 8A to 8D illustrate the interaction between the bolt carrier 1 and the hammer 152, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a sensor 147 monitors the position/angle of the hammer 152 during the shooting cycle of the firearm 100 and provides diagnostic system 110 with measurements, which can identify specific events and/or verify positions of the bolt carrier 136, for example determine the position of the bolt carrier 136 based on the angle of the hammer 152. Optionally, other sensors such as sear sensor 148, trigger sensor 149 and accelerometer 1 may also provide measurements to diagnostic system 110 to monitor the status of the firearm. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the hammer sensor 1 can serve as a continuous sensor that is able to provide a continuous indication of the position of the bolt carrier 136 based on the position/angle of the hammer 1 as a function of time. Optionally, diagnostic system 110 can follow the rise and decent of the hammer as a function of time and determine the position of the bolt 268164/ carrier 136 even without use of a coil sensor 142 or a Hall Effect sensor 144. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hammer sensor 147 is combined with a coil sensor 142 and/or a Hall Effect sensor 144 and/or accelerometer 146 to enhance accuracy of the measurements.

As shown in figures 8A-8D the position of the bolt carrier 136 dictates the position of the hammer 152.

Fig. 8A illustrates the mechanism of firearm 100 in a ready to fire position with the bolt carrier 136 positioned forward in firearm 100. The hammer 152 is at a high normal position before swinging and striking the firing pin 1 since it is held down by trigger 150 or the sear.

Fig. 8B illustrates the mechanism of firearm 100 with the bolt carrier 136 in the middle of returning from recoiling after releasing a shot. Optionally, if the bolt carrier 136 remains stuck in that position holding the hammer 152 at the lowest point below the bolt carrier 136 it is an indication of a failure to load a cartridge 126 into the firing chamber 124. If the hammer 152 is only held momentarily then the position and velocity can be determined from the position of the hammer 152 as a function of time.

Fig. 8C illustrate the mechanism of firearm 100 with the bolt carrier 1recoiling and the position of the hammer 152 adjusted based on the position of the bolt carrier 136 (higher than in Fig. 8B), but lower than the hammer 152 position in figure 8A.

Fig. 8D illustrate the mechanism of firearm 100 with the bolt carrier 1 positioned forward and the hammer 152 engaged by the sear.

Optionally, at any moment sensor 147 provides the position/angle of the hammer 152 and based on the previous state and the current state diagnostic system 110 can determine the location of the bolt carrier 136 and if a malfunction occurred.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, diagnostic system 1 stores the recorded information in memory 220, analyzes the information and may provide a real-time notification to a user of the firearm 100 to help the user to respond faster and more accurately to events occurring during use of the firearm 268164/ 100 (e.g. a situation when the magazine 128 is out of cartridges 126 or other malfunctions).

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a single sensor 240 is sufficient to continuously follow the motion of the bolt carrier 136 (e.g. 142, 144, 146, 147).

Optionally, additional sensors 240 increase accuracy of the measurements.

Alternatively, a single sensor may cover only a part of the motion of the bolt carrier 136 and additional sensors 240 cover other parts of the motion of the bolt carrier 136. In this case the combination of the measurements of a group of sensors 2 covers the entire motion range of the bolt carrier 136.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the accelerometer 1 provides indications regarding the successful completion of actions in firearm 100. Optionally, the accelerometer 146 provides indications of release of a shot, motion of the bolt carrier 136, locking of the bolt 122, rebound of the bolt 122, cocking the hammer 152, release of the hammer 152, motion of cartridges 126 in the magazine 128, breaking of the motion of the bolt carrier 136, acceleration of the bolt carrier 136 and motion of other parts in the firearm 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the measured acceleration values are compared to reference values representing correct action of the firearm 100 to determine when each action occurred and if it occurred correctly (e.g. regarding time and intensity). The measurements from the accelerometer 146 may be used to identify malfunctions and in combination with measurements of other sensors.

It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the disclosure.

Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the disclosure.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described 268164/ hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.

Claims

268164/ -23- CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. A diagnostic system for monitoring the motion of a bolt carrier of a firearm, comprising: a microprocessor; a memory; a magnet that is attached to one or more of the following parts: the bolt carrier, a hammer, a sear and a trigger; or a replacement of one or more of the following parts: the bolt carrier, the hammer, the sear and the trigger with a similar part with an embedded magnet; one or more sensors configured to continuously monitor the motion of the bolt carrier and store measurements recorded by the sensors in the memory; wherein the microprocessor analyzes the measurements stored in the memory to determine the position and velocity of the bolt carrier at any moment during a shooting cycle.

2. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic system includes at least one additional sensor, which provides an indication when the bolt carrier is in a specific position.

3. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic system includes at least one additional sensor, which provides an indication upon occurrence of a specific event in the firearm.

4. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is configured to compare the measurements recorded by the one or more sensors to predefined values and determine a performance score indicating if the firearm is functioning correctly or is faulty. 268164/ -24-

5. The diagnostic system of claim 1, further comprising: a communication interface configured to communicate with external devices and transmit information from the memory for analysis; wherein the transmitted information enables the external device to identify trends in the performance of the firearm.

6. The diagnostic system of claim 1, further comprising: an output interface configured to provide a real-time indication to a user of the diagnostic system; wherein the real time indication pre-informs the user of required actions to continue using the firearm.

7. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a coil that monitors the position of the bolt carrier.

8. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a Hall-Effect sensor that monitors the position of the bolt carrier.

9. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a hammer sensor that monitors the position of the hammer of the firearm thereby indirectly monitoring the motion of the bolt carrier.

10. The diagnostic system of claim 9, wherein measurements from the hammer sensor provide an indication of a type of malfunction occurring in the firearm.

11. The diagnostic system of claim 1, including one or more additional sensors configured to monitor the status of the trigger, the hammer, the sear, an electromechanical firing control (EMFC) system, a firing pin status sensor or a firing chamber status sensor. 268164/ -25-

12. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include an accelerometer with or without a gyroscope.

13. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include data relating to the cycle of each cartridge, including from when the bolt carrier starts moving backward from a starting point until returning to the starting point.

14. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include the average bolt carrier speed at specific interest points during each cycle.

15. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include a distance from the starting point to a stopping point at which the bolt carrier halts and turns back toward the starting point.

16. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the stored measurements recorded by the one or more sensors include a rebound distance of the bolt carrier when locking a cartridge in a firing chamber for shooting.

17. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors measure an electromagnetic field formed by the magnet attached to the bolt carrier or the replacement bolt carrier with the embedded magnet, and a magnetic field conductor is positioned between the one or more sensors and the magnet attached to or embedded with the bolt carrier as they pass by, to enhance measuring the magnetic field by the one or more sensors.

18. A method of diagnosing motion of a bolt carrier of a firearm, comprising: 268164/ -26- attaching a magnet to one or more of the following parts: the bolt carrier, a hammer, a sear and a trigger; or replacement of one or more of the following parts: the bolt carrier, the hammer, the sear and the trigger with a similar part with an embedded magnet; monitoring the motion of the bolt carrier of the firearm continuously with one or more sensors; storing measurements recorded by the sensors in a memory; analyzing the stored measurements using a microprocessor to determine the position and velocity of the bolt carrier at any moment during a shooting cycle.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: comparing the measurements recorded by the sensors, to predefined values; calculating based on the comparing a performance score indicating if the firearm is functioning correctly or is faulty; notifying a user regarding the status of the firearm.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: comparing the measurements recorded by the sensors, to results of a calculation performed on previously recorded measurements stored in the memory and identifying deviations from the regular operation of the firearm; notifying a user regarding the status of the firearm.