U.S. patent application number 10/973112 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for weapon with electro-mechanical firing mechanism for use with combination percussive and electrically responsive cartridge primer.
Invention is credited to Ealovega, George D..
Application Number | 20050257676 10/973112 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35373951 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050257676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ealovega, George D. |
November 24, 2005 |
Weapon with electro-mechanical firing mechanism for use with
combination percussive and electrically responsive cartridge
primer
Abstract
A weapon for utilizing a combination percussive and electrically
responsive cartridge primer includes an electromechanical firing
mechanism that operates to fire rounds percussively and
electrically, and an electrical controller for regulating the
firing of rounds electrically. A method of firing a combination
percussive and electrically responsive cartridge primer includes
mechanically firing a first round having the primer, and
electrically firing subsequent rounds having the primer. A weapon
may have an energy generating mechanism and a device for utilizing
the energy, where the energy generating mechanism generates energy
from the kinetic energy of one or more moving components.
Alternately, the energy generating mechanism may include a
thermoelectric generator.
Inventors: |
Ealovega, George D.; (Vero
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph V. Gamberdell, Jr.
PERMAN & GREEN, LLP
425 Post Road
Fairfield
CT
06824
US
|
Family ID: |
35373951 |
Appl. No.: |
10/973112 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60513721 |
Oct 23, 2003 |
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60523890 |
Nov 20, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/28.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/66 20130101;
F41A 19/43 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
089/028.1 |
International
Class: |
F41A 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A weapon for utilizing a combination percussive and electrically
responsive cartridge primer comprising: an electromechanical firing
mechanism that operates to fire rounds percussively and
electrically; and an electrical controller for regulating the
firing of rounds electrically.
2. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the electromechanical firing
mechanism includes components for regulating the firing of rounds
percussively.
3. The weapon of claim 1, further comprising a trigger sensor
connected to the controller such that when the trigger sensor
senses a pulled trigger the controller is activated and when the
trigger sensor senses a released trigger the controller is
deactivated.
4. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the electromechanical firing
mechanism operates to fire a first round percussively and
subsequent rounds electrically.
5. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the controller operates to
control a number of the electrically fired rounds.
6. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the controller operates to
control a firing rate of the electrically fired rounds.
7. The weapon of claim 1, further comprising a firing sensor
connected to the controller such that a round is fired electrically
only after a previous firing.
8. The weapon of claim 1, further comprising a power source for the
controller that includes a mechanism for harvesting energy
generated by movements within the weapon.
9. The weapon of claim 8, further comprising a bolt assembly,
wherein the power source includes a piezo electric crystal that,
when deformed by action of the bolt assembly, produces electrical
power for the controller.
10. The weapon of claim 1, further comprising an actuator that
changes shape in response to a signal from the controller, such
that in one shape the actuator prevents the weapon from firing and
in another shape the actuator allows the weapon to fire.
11. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a device
for detecting a remote control signal.
12. The weapon of claim 11, wherein the controller utilizes a burst
rate in response to the remote control signal.
13. The weapon of claim 11, further comprising an actuator that
changes shape in response to a signal from the controller, such
that in one shape the actuator prevents the weapon from firing and
in another shape the actuator allows the weapon to fire, wherein
the controller signals the actuator in response to the remote
control signal.
14. A method of firing a combination percussive and electrically
responsive cartridge primer comprising: mechanically firing a first
round having the primer; and electrically firing subsequent rounds
having the primer.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising activating the
electrical firing upon sensing a pulled trigger and deactivating
the electrical firing upon sensing a released trigger.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising controlling a number
of the electrically fired rounds.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising controlling a firing
rate of the electrically fired rounds.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising firing a round
electrically only after a previous firing.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising harvesting energy
generated by firing rounds to power the electrical firing of the
subsequent rounds.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving a remote
control signal; and disabling or enabling mechanically and
electrically firing in response to the remote control signal.
21. A weapon comprising: an energy generating mechanism; and a
device for utilizing the energy.
22. The weapon of claim 21, further comprising one or more moving
components, wherein the energy generating mechanism generates
energy from the kinetic energy of the one or more moving
components.
23. The weapon of claim 22, wherein the moving components include a
firing assembly.
23. The weapon of claim 22, wherein the moving components include a
trigger assembly.
24. The weapon of claim 22, wherein the moving components comprise
a bolt assembly.
25. The weapon of claim 21, wherein the energy generating mechanism
includes a piezoelectric device deformed by a moving component of
the weapon.
26. The weapon of claim 21, wherein the energy generating mechanism
includes a magnetic electrical generating device.
27. The weapon of claim 21, wherein the energy generating mechanism
includes a thermoelectric generator.
28. The weapon of claim 27, wherein the thermoelectric generator is
powered by heat from the weapon.
29. The weapon of claim 27, wherein the thermoelectric generator is
powered by heat in an environment in which the weapon is
present.
30. The weapon of claim 21, wherein the device for utilizing the
energy includes a controller for regulating the firing of the
weapon.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/513,721, filed Oct. 23, 2003, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/523,890, filed Nov. 20, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to weapons operations and,
more particularly, to a firing system that regulates a firing rate
and employs both percussive and electrical methods of cartridge
primer detonation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELATED DEVELOPMENTS
[0003] Automatic weapons have a tendency toward reduced control and
accuracy when firing in fully automatic mode, especially at high
rates of fire. For example, all weapons experience some degree of
muzzle rise due to recoil. When the rate of full-auto-fire exceeds
a certain optimal rate for a particular weapon design, the muzzle
no longer has sufficient time to return to the original point of
aim between successive rounds and causes the weapon to
progressively "climb" away from the original point of aim. This
results in wasted ammunition and, more importantly, the possible
unintentional hitting of objects other than the intended
target.
[0004] This control problem is compounded by the desire to reduce
the size and weight of newly developed weapons. In particular,
while a reduction in weight makes a weapon easier to transport and
applicable to a larger user population, less weapon mass generally
decreases stability and control during rapid rates of fire.
[0005] An electronic rate-control-mechanism is advantageous in that
it allows a weapon designer to first determine and then employ the
precise optimal rate-of-fire relative to that, weapon's stability,
control and hit-probability. An added advantage of such a rate
control mechanism system is the ability to precisely employ
multiple rates-of-fire and multiple modes-of-fire in the same
weapon to meet specific end-user requirements.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,379,677, 5,485,776, 5,713,150, 5,770,814
and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/349,206 by Ealovega disclose
various techniques for controlling the firing rate of an automatic
weapon by controlling the movement of the bolt of the weapon.
[0007] In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,150 describes
percussively discharging rounds using an electrical system that
includes an actuator attached to a piezo-electric member. Movement
of the piezo-electric member causes an automatic mechanical sear to
move between a hammer holding position and a hammer release
position. While, after the first firing, the system may be
electronically controlled, all firings involve substantially all
moving parts of the firing mechanism and are limited to
percussively discharging rounds.
[0008] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/349,206 describes percussively
discharging rounds using a system that includes a piezo-electric
member that operates as an electrically controlled automatic sear.
Similar to the '150 patent, all firings involve substantially all
moving parts of the firing mechanism and only fire rounds
percussively.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
weapon for utilizing a combination percussive and electrically
responsive cartridge primer. The weapon includes an
electromechanical firing mechanism that operates to fire rounds
percussively and electrically, and an electrical controller for
regulating the firing of rounds electrically.
[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a method of firing a combination percussive and electrically
responsive cartridge primer. The method includes mechanically
firing a first round having the primer, and electrically firing
subsequent rounds having the primer.
[0011] In still another embodiment, the present invention is
directed to a weapon having an energy generating mechanism and a
device for utilizing the energy. The energy generating mechanism
may generate energy from the kinetic energy of one or more moving
components. The energy generating mechanism may also include a
thermoelectric generator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing aspects and other features of the present
invention are explained in the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of a weapon incorporating
features of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of primer which is simultaneously
capable of detonation by both percussive and electrical means;
[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a portion of a
lower receiver and trigger mechanism of the weapon shown in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electrical system for use
with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an additional cross sectional view of a portion of
the lower receiver and trigger mechanism illustrating the operation
and details of another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of a portion of a
lower receiver and trigger mechanism illustrating still another
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an elevational side view of a weapon 10
incorporating features of the present invention. The weapon 10 may
be similar to an M16/M4 type of rifle used by the United States
Armed Forces. Although the present invention is being described
with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it should be
understood that the present invention can be used with any suitable
gas operated, blow back, or other type of firearms including
assault weapons, machine guns, and submachine guns. In addition, it
should also be understood that the present invention may
incorporate any suitable size, shape, or type of elements and
suitable type of materials without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
[0020] The present invention is directed to a system and method for
cyclic-rate-control/regulation of fully automatic weapons; to the
combined employment of both percussive and electrical methods of
cartridge primer detonation in a rate regulating system; to a
cartridge primer capable of detonation by both percussive means and
electrically responsive means; and to the harvesting of energy from
weapons operations.
[0021] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the weapon 10 may include
a stock 12 mounted on a receiver 14. The receiver 14 has a
cartridge magazine 16 mounted therein. A barrel 18 is operatively
connected to the receiver 14 and has a handgrip 20 mounted
thereupon for isolating a user's hand from direct contact with the
barrel 18. The receiver 14 generally houses a firing mechanism 22,
which generally includes a bolt assembly 24 and a trigger mechanism
26. The receiver 14 is generally comprised of metal and has a lower
receiver 28 and an upper receiver 29 which are held together by two
pins or screws 19 and 21. The lower receiver 28 generally houses
the trigger mechanism 26 and the upper receiver 29 may be generally
provided with a longitudinal cavity or chamber into which the bolt
assembly 24 is reciprocally mounted. The weapon also includes an
electrical system 400 shown in FIG. 4 that includes one or more
sensors and an electrical firing system 34.
[0022] One aspect of the present invention includes a cartridge
detonator, also refereed to as a primer 210, as shown in FIG. 2.
Primer 210 is simultaneously capable of both mechanical percussive
detonation and electrical energy detonation. Such a combination
primer generally includes both the necessary relevant components of
a percussive primer and also the components of an electrical
detonation device. Primer 210 includes an impact receiving device
220, such as a firing pin cup, an electrical energy receiving
device 225, such as an electrode, and explosive material 230.
[0023] In one embodiment, the impact receiving device 220 and the
electrical energy receiving device 225 may be the same. Explosive
material 230 may be detonated by impact and by application of
electricity. In another embodiment, primer 210 may include two
separate types of explosive material, one that detonated by impact
and another that is detonated by application of electricity. A
round containing such a combination primer could therefore be
discharged either by a physical impact to the primer or
alternatively by the application of an electrical charge.
[0024] In another embodiment, the electrically responsive
components or elements of this dual capability primer could be
similar in design to the electrically responsive EtronX.TM. primer
manufactured by the Remington Arms Company.
[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B show one embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 3A, the trigger mechanism 26 includes a trigger
30, a trigger sensor 96, and a disconnector 32. As part of the
weapon's electrical system 400 (FIG. 4), the firing mechanism 22
includes one or more sensors, for example a firing sensor 63 for
indicating that the bolt assembly 24 is at a battery position
and/or that the bolt assembly 24 has cycled after firing of the
weapon 10. A member 65, such as a magnet, may be located on the
bolt assembly 24 to actuate the firing sensor 63. In an alternate
embodiment, any suitable type of sensor or switch could be used to
indicate that the bolt assembly 24 is at the battery position
and/or that the bolt assembly 24 has cycled after firing of the
firearm. Rather than sense the movement or position of the bolt
assembly 24, the firing sensor 63 could sense the location or
movement of the hammer 36 or other suitable component to provide an
indication that the weapon has fired.
[0026] In accordance with the present invention, the trigger sensor
96 controls an electrical controller, referred to herein as an
electronic firing system 34 (FIG. 4) such that when the trigger 30
is pulled, the electronic firing system 34 is activated or
otherwise operational, and when the trigger 30 is released, the
electronic firing system 34 is disabled or deactivated. Sensor 63
is also connected to or in communication with electronic firing
system 34.
[0027] The electronic firing system 34 may generally include, be
coupled to, or control an electrical detonation device 300, for
example, a device similar to a spark-plug of an internal combustion
engine which causes an electrical spark which in turn causes a
detonation of a fuel, energy or propellant source such as explosive
material 230 (FIG. 2). Another exemplary detonation device 300
could include a filament which generates sufficient heat and energy
to detonate or discharge a round when electrical energy is
channeled through the filament. This device could produce energy
similar to the flash of heat-energy produced in a common
photographic flash-bulb. Any other suitable detonation device which
utilizes electrical energy to detonate a propellant, which in turn
operates upon a projectile, could be employed.
[0028] When the trigger 30 is pulled, the electronic firing system
34 is activated or otherwise operational and controls the
electrical detonation device 300, and when the trigger 30 is
released, the electronic firing system 34 is disabled or
deactivated and no electrical power is provided to the electrical
detonation device 300.
[0029] The bolt assembly 24, trigger 30 and disconnector 32 may be
similar to the bolt assembly, trigger, and disconnector in an
M16/M4 type of rifle. The firing mechanism 22 may also include a
hammer 36 and a selector switch 38 which may be similar to the
hammer and selector switch in an M16/M4 type of rifle.
[0030] In this exemplary embodiment, when the selector switch 38,
is set to a semi-automatic firing setting (see FIGS. 2A and 2B),
during the first actuation of the trigger 30 and a resulting first
round discharge, the trigger 30, disconnector 32 and hammer 36 may
function the same as in an M16/M4 type of rifle.
[0031] The trigger 30 is pivotally mounted within the lower
receiver 28 by a transversely orientated pivot pin 40. The trigger
30 has an elongated upper portion, which includes a forward trigger
sear 42 adapted to retain the hammer 36. Additionally mounted on
the pivot pin 40 is the disconnector 32. The lower portion of the
disconnector 32 is located within a groove 44 in the upper portion
of the trigger 30. A compression spring 46 is interposed between
the bottom of the groove 44 and the underside of the disconnector
32 in order to urge the rear of the disconnector in an upward
direction about the pivot pin 40. The hammer 36 is provided with a
first sear abutment 48, a second sear abutment 50, and a third sear
abutment 52. The hammer 36 is pivotally mounted to the lower
receiver 28 at the pivot pin 54.
[0032] The disconnector 32 includes a vertically extending portion,
which includes a hook sear 56. The trigger 30, by virtue of its
pivotal mounting on the pin 40, is adapted to pivot from a first
position shown in FIG. 3A to a second position shown in FIG. 3B. In
the first position shown in FIG. 3A the trigger sear 42 is suitably
located to engage the first sear abutment 48 and hold the hammer 36
in its cocked position shown. The selector switch 38 shown in FIG.
3A is set at a semi-automatic firing position. In this position the
selector switch 38 allows the rear end of the disconnector 32 to
move upward as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0033] In this embodiment, when the selector switch 38 is set to
the semi-automatic position it may generally enable or engage the
electronic firing system 34.
[0034] Upon a first rearward pivotable movement of the trigger 30
about its pivot pin 40, that is, when the trigger is pulled against
the bias of the trigger spring 58 for the first time, the trigger
sear 42 moves down to thereby release the first sear abutment 48.
The trigger sensor 96 senses the pulled position of the trigger 30.
The hammer 36 swings upwardly under the bias of a hammer spring 60
about its pivot pin 54. During upward swinging between its cocked
position shown in FIG. 3A and a firing position or battery position
in which the hammer 36 contacts the firing pin 61, the hammer 36
passes through a bottom longitudinal aperture or slot in the lower
portion of the bolt assembly 24. Upon striking the firing pin 61 a
chambered cartridge is percussively fired.
[0035] When the bolt assembly 24 recoils, the hammer 36 is urged by
the bolt assembly 24 in a downward or counterclockwise direction.
Assuming that the trigger 30 has been retained in its depressed
position shown in FIG. 3B during this downward movement, the second
sear abutment 50 of the hammer 36 engages the hook sear 56 on the
disconnector 32 after temporarily displacing the disconnector 32 in
a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 40. Conversely, if
the trigger 30 is immediately returned to its first position after
firing of the chambered cartridge, the hammer 36 will be caught by
the trigger sear 42 at the first sear abutment 48 to retain the
hammer 36 back at its cocked position shown in FIG. 3A.
[0036] After the hammer 36 is caught on the hook sear 56 the user
must release the trigger 30 in order to percussively fire the
firearm again. When the user releases the trigger 30, the trigger
sear 42 moves into a path in front of the first sear abutment 48.
The trigger 30 also presses upward on the disconnector 32 at the
front of the disconnector to thereby pivot the disconnector in a
counterclockwise direction.
[0037] As the disconnector 32 is rotated in a counterclockwise
direction the hook sear 56 disengages from the second sear abutment
50, which releases the hammer 36 from the disconnector 32. The
hammer 36 rotates upwards slightly but is held at its cocked
position by engagement of the trigger sear 42 with the first sear
abutment 48. The user may percussively fire the weapon 10 again by
actuating the trigger 30 again.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the weapon's electrical
system 400 including the electrical firing system 34 and sensors
used in the weapon 10. The electrical firing system 34 generally
controls a supply of electricity from a power source 410 to the
detonation device 300 using trigger sensor 96 and sensor 63.
[0039] The electrical firing system 34 may include circuitry 420
for applying a charge to the detonation device 300 at a
predetermined rate, or after receiving a signal from sensor 63. The
electrical firing system 34 may also include circuitry 430 for
applying a charge to the detonation device 300 a predetermined
number of times, corresponding to a number of rounds to be fired.
The electrical firing system 34 may also include circuitry 440 for
applying a charge to the detonation device 300 for a predetermined
period of time. Power source 410 may be a battery in this
embodiment, but may include any suitable source of electrical
power.
[0040] Returning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, as mentioned above, the
trigger sensor 96 senses the position of trigger 30. In this
embodiment, if after the first percussive discharge, the user
maintains the trigger 30 in a pulled position, the electronic
firing system 34 electronically controls subsequent round
discharges. As a result of the first percussive discharge, the
electronic firing system 34 receives a signal from sensor 63
indicating that the weapon has fired. In response, the electronic
firing system 34 energizes the detonation device 300 to cause an
electrically initiated round discharge.
[0041] This sequence continues until the trigger 30 is released,
all rounds have been expended, or a certain predetermined number of
rounds have been fired, for example, a two or three round burst.
Each discharge caused by the electronic firing system 34, is always
dependent upon the successful discharge of a previous round. One
discharge causes the generation of a signal from sensor 63, which
in turn, causes the discharge of a subsequent round. This discharge
then causes the generation of another signal, which in turn, causes
the discharge of a subsequent round, and so on.
[0042] Upon receiving a signal from sensor 63, the electronic
firing system 34 may delay energizing the detonation device 300 for
a preset time period, thus determining a cyclic rate of fire for
the weapon 10. This delay may be user programmable, or may be
predetermined at the time of manufacture, or may be predetermined
by certain conditions or rules, etc.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a further cross sectional view illustrating the
operation and details of another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the weapon 10 includes an energy
generating mechanism. For example, power source 410 may include a
mechanism for harvesting the energy generated within the weapon 10.
This embodiment may include using the kinetic energy of a moving
mass (such as a component of a weapon's operating mechanism) to
generate electrical power. Generating energy from thermal effects
is also contemplated.
[0044] For example, power source 410 may utilize an electrical
generating device such as a piezo electric crystal 510 that, when
deformed by action of the bolt assembly 24, produces electrical
power. As a further example, an existing bolt-buffer in weapon 10
may be replaced with the electrical generating device, or the
electrical generating device could simply be positioned within the
bolt buffer. Each time the operating mechanism of the weapon 10 is
cycled, the impact of the bolt on the electrical generating device
located in the buffer, or replacing the buffer, may cause power to
be generated.
[0045] In another embodiment, the electrical generating device such
as piezo electric crystal 510 may be positioned so that movement of
any other component of weapon 10 causes deformation and generation
of electrical power. In one embodiment, such a power source could
employ Face International Corporation's product currently known as
"Lightning".
[0046] The energy generating mechanism could include a magnetic
electrical generating device. For example, a magnet 520 could be
connected to bolt assembly 24 such that movement of the bolt causes
the magnet 520 to pass in the vicinity of a coil 525 or other
device for generating an electric current in the presence of a
magnetic field. The coil could be connected to power source 410 or
any other device that may utilize electrical energy. The magnet and
coil may be mounted on any components of the weapon 10 that move
relative to each other.
[0047] The energy generating mechanism could include a
thermoelectric generator. For example, a Peltier device 530 could
be attached to the weapon in a position to receive heat generated
by the weapon, such as from the chamber. The thermoelectric
generator 530 could also be exposed to the environment or any other
source of heat. The thermoelectric generator 530 could in turn be
connected to the power source 410 or any other device that may
utilize electrical energy. The thermoelectric generator 530 may be
located anywhere that provides adequate heat for generating
electrical power.
[0048] The electrical power generated by the electrical generating
device during the first percussive discharge may then be utilized
by electrical firing system 34 to control further discharges as
described herein. In this embodiment, the only source of electrical
power may be the electrical generating device.
[0049] In the present invention, in any burst of fire, the first
discharge is always caused by a mechanical release of the
mechanical trigger mechanism causing a firing-pin or striker device
to cause the percussive detonation of a primer. In any burst of
fire, the second and all subsequent discharges are caused by the
electrical firing system 34 and the detonation of the combined
percussive and electrically responsive primers.
[0050] In any burst of full-auto fire, the operation of the
electrical firing system 34 and the detonation of the combined
percussive and electrically responsive primers/rounds are always
dependent on a first mechanical release of the solely mechanical
trigger mechanism causing a hammer or striker device to cause a
percussive detonation of the primer of the first round of the burst
of full-auto-fire. The operation of the fully mechanical trigger
mechanism is always totally independent of the operable condition
or even the very existence of the electro-mechanical rate-control
and firing mechanism to cause a discharge.
[0051] Alternately, power source 410 may include the piezo electric
device 510 and a rechargeable battery or other electrical storage
device 460 (FIG. 4) such as a capacitor. The stored energy may then
be used to operate electrical firing system 34 and or any other
electronic accessory or device.
[0052] In yet another embodiment, one selectable mode could enable
an initial first round firing utilizing the detonation device to
fire an electrically responsive primer. This embodiment would be
desirable in order to create an electronic, non-mechanically
released trigger system for sniper use. Such an electronic trigger
system would allow for extremely light trigger pulls and
exceptionally fast lock times resulting in increased accuracy.
[0053] In this embodiment, electrical firing system 34 senses an
initial trigger pull through trigger sensor 96 and energizes
detonation device 300 to fire a round. Subsequent rounds would be
controlled by the electrical firing system 34, as described above,
and firing continues until the trigger 30 is released, all rounds
have been expended, or a certain predetermined number of rounds
have been fired, for example, a one, two, or three round burst. As
mentioned above, each discharge caused by the electronic, firing
system 34 is always dependent upon the successful discharge of a
previous round.
[0054] By way of example, one embodiment could include certain
electronic design elements similar to the electronic design
elements found in the Remington Model 700.TM. EtronX.TM. weapon.
However, it must be emphasized that this embodiment would only be
practical for military/battle-field use as an additional mode to be
included within the design of the embodiments previously described
in FIGS. 3A and 3B because, should the electrical firing system 34
fail, the original fully mechanical trigger mechanism would still
be required as a fail-safe back-up. Also, the mechanical mechanism
would be still necessary to fire standard percussively detonated
primers in the event the new combination percussive and
electrically detonated ammunition was unavailable.
[0055] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, weapon
10 could utilize only the components of the electrical firing
system 34 to fire rounds where power source 410 includes the
storage device 460 to fire the first round and the electrical
generating device 510 to fire subsequent rounds. One, would have to
accept that there was no fully mechanical back-up system in this
embodiment, but the advantage would be an extremely compact and
energy efficient firing mechanism with extremely fast lock time and
a very light trigger pull. This could be applicable to a very
special purpose semi-auto and fully automatic weapon, very compact
and very accurate, but perhaps not suitable as a main infantry type
battle weapon in all cases. Also, such a weapon may only operate
with electrically detonated cartridges.
[0056] Turning to FIGS. 4, 6A and 6B, the electrical firing system
34 may also include an antenna or other device 450 for detecting an
electromagnetic signal and include receiving capabilities 455 for
receiving and conditioning the signal for use by the electrical
firing system 34. The electrical firing system 34 may also include
an actuator 710.
[0057] The electrical firing system 34 may receive radio or other
types of signals allowing weapon 10 to be controlled remotely in
response to those signals. Remote control may be implemented using
various techniques, for example, radio, infrared, magnetic, any
other type of optical or electromagnetic signaling. A remote
control signal may modify operation of the electrical firing
system, for example, by specifying a burst rate, or by enabling or
disabling use of the detonation device 300.
[0058] In one embodiment, the electrical firing system 34 may
operate actuator 710 to lock the firing mechanism of weapon 10 in a
safe, non-operable condition. Actuator 710 may include a piezo
electric device that changes shape in response to a signal from
electrical firing system 34. As shown in FIG. 6A, actuator 710 may
be positioned so that in one shape it disables trigger assembly 22,
thus preventing firing of the weapon, and as shown in FIG. 6B,
assumes a shape that allows trigger assembly 22 to operate
unimpeded, thus enabling the weapon to be fired. Electrical firing
system may signal actuator 710 in the event of a failure or in
response to receiving a signal through antenna 450.
[0059] In one embodiment, the electrical firing system 34 could
signal actuator 710 in response to a signaling device 465 such as a
magnet, a transmitter, or some other device, which remotely emits a
form of energy recognized by the electrical firing system 34. For
example, if the signaling device 465 is within a certain distance
of the weapon 10, the electrical firing system 34 could signal the
actuator 710 so that trigger operations are allowed. If a
predetermined distance between the signaling device 465 and the
weapon 10 is exceeded, the electrical firing system 34 could again
signal the actuator 710, disabling trigger operations. Actuator 710
could be positioned to block operations of other components in
order to disable weapon 10.
[0060] The present invention is advantageous because it could be
used to eliminate the need for an electro-mechanical full auto sear
or a solid-state full auto sear as described in the references
discussed above. This could result in a significant component cost
savings and also in a reduction of physical space required for the
total rate-regulation system. This, in turn, would allow for the
employment of the system in much smaller weapon designs such as
existing and future pistols and mini-sub machine guns. Another
advantage is that the combined percussive and electrically
responsive primer may well prove to require substantially less
electrical power than that which may be required to operate an
electro-mechanical full-auto-sear.
[0061] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
original mechanical full auto sear of a weapon such as the M4/M16
could now be retained as a fail-safe backup device. This would now
be possible because in the present invention, the electrical firing
system 34 is activated and operated with the original fully
mechanical trigger mechanism and mechanical mode selector in
semi-auto mode. A separate trigger sensor 96 activates the
electrical firing system 34 electronically operated full auto-fire.
In the '150 patent and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/349,206, a
failure in the electro-mechanical rate-regulation system generally
results in a weapon that could still continue to be fired in
mechanical semi-auto mode, but not in full-auto-mode. In the
present invention, although the significant advantages of
electrical rate regulation could be lost when employing the
original solely mechanical full auto sear, retaining the original
mechanical full-auto-sear would mean that the weapon could fire in
both mechanical semi auto mode and mechanical full auto mode with
standard percussive detonated rounds should the electrical firing
system 34 fail or should dual propose, combination percussive and
electrically detonated rounds not be available.
[0062] It is important to note that a significant feature of the
present invention is that it provides a viable weapon that utilizes
rounds simultaneously capable of both mechanical percussive
detonation and electrical energy detonation. Related to this
aspect, the present invention has further advantages in that it may
make use of three different types of ammunition depending upon
availability: percussively fired rounds, electrically fired rounds,
and combination percussively and electrically fired rounds, thus
providing a unique level of versatility. Furthermore, in the event
of a failure of either the mechanical firing system or the
electrical firing system, as long as the other system remains
functional, the weapon will still fire.
[0063] 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 invention. Accordingly, the present invention is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
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