U.S. patent application number 11/555510 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for sequential discharge electronic ignition system for blackpowder firearms.
Invention is credited to Angel O. ARAMBURU, Inigo L. IBARGUREN, Terrance D. OERTWIG.
Application Number | 20070137470 11/555510 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46326473 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070137470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OERTWIG; Terrance D. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2007 |
SEQUENTIAL DISCHARGE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM FOR BLACKPOWDER
FIREARMS
Abstract
An electronic ignition system for use with a personal firearm
utilizing black powder or black powder substitutes, such as a
shotgun, rifle, or pistol, is disclosed. The electronic ignition
system generates an electric arc in the barrel of the firearm,
which ignites the propellant charge in the firearm, discharging it
when a firing switch is closed. A sequential discharge of lower and
higher capacitance capacitors increases reliability of discharge of
the firearm. A multi-switch system may include an arming switch to
charge the ignition system, a safety switch to selectively enable
and disable firing, and/or a firing switch for triggering discharge
of the firearm, for increased safety in use.
Inventors: |
OERTWIG; Terrance D.; (West
Plains, MO) ; ARAMBURU; Angel O.; (Guipuzcoa, ES)
; IBARGUREN; Inigo L.; (Bergara, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF SANTOS & GREENWALD, P.C.
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
46326473 |
Appl. No.: |
11/555510 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10920807 |
Aug 18, 2004 |
7197843 |
|
|
11555510 |
Nov 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
60547450 |
Feb 25, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/28.05 ; 42/84;
89/28.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/63 20130101;
F41A 19/58 20130101; F42C 19/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
089/028.05 ;
042/084; 089/028.1 |
International
Class: |
F41A 19/00 20060101
F41A019/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic ignition system for a firearm, said ignition
system comprising at least one electrode for igniting a propellant
within the firearm, a first capacitor and a second capacitor, and a
firing switch for triggering discharge of the first and second
capacitors, wherein the first and second capacitors discharge
sequentially and discharge of the first capacitor provokes
discharge of said second capacitor to deliver ignition energy to
the at least one electrode.
2. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, wherein the first
capacitor has a lower capacitance than the second capacitor.
3. The electronic ignition system of claim 2, further comprising a
transformer, and wherein the first capacitor discharges on the
transformer to generate arcing at the at least one electrode to
provoke discharge of the second capacitor.
4. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, wherein the firing
switch is linked to the trigger of the firearm.
5. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, wherein the firing
switch has an adjustable release force.
6. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, further comprising an
indicator light that indicates whether the capacitors are fully
charged.
7. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, further comprising a
battery for charging the capacitors.
8. The electronic ignition system of claim 7, further comprising an
arming switch switchable between a first state for permitting
charging of the capacitors and a second state for preventing
charging of the capacitors.
9. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, further comprising a
safety switch, and wherein both the safety switch and the firing
switch must be actuated to fire the firearm.
10. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, wherein the firing
switch comprises a plurality of redundant switches.
11. The electronic ignition system of claim 10, wherein at least
one of the plurality of redundant switches is a mechanically
actuated switch, and at least one of the plurality of redundant
switches is an electronically actuated switch.
12. The electronic ignition of claim 11, wherein the electronically
actuated switch has a slight delay with respect mechanically
actuated switch.
13. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, in combination with
a muzzleloading firearm.
14. The electronic ignition system of claim 1, housed within a
retrofit component for use in combination with a muzzleloading
firearm.
15. The electronic ignition system of claim 14, wherein the
retrofit component takes the place of the breechplug of the
muzzleloading firearm.
16. In a muzzleloading firearm comprising a trigger and a barrel
having a closed breech end and an open muzzle end for receiving a
propellant and a projectile, the improvement comprising an
electronic ignition system, said electronic ignition system
comprising at least one electrode at the breech end of the
firearm's barrel, a high-capacitance capacitor in
electrically-conductive contact with the at least one electrode, a
low-capacitance capacitor for initiating discharge of the
high-capacitance capacitor, and a firing switch operated by
actuation of the firearm's trigger to discharge low-capacitance
capacitor.
17. The improvement to a muzzleloading firearm as claimed in claim
16, wherein said electronic ignition system further comprises a
transformer, and wherein the low-capacitance capacitor discharges
on the transformer to generate arcing at the at least one electrode
and provoke discharge of the high-capacitance capacitor.
18. A muzzleloading firearm comprising: a stock; a barrel mounted
to said stock, and having a bore extending between an open muzzle
end and a closed breech end; a trigger; and an electronic ignition
system having at least one electrode within the bore at the breech
end, a higher capacitance capacitor and a lower capacitance
capacitor each electrically coupled to the at least one electrode,
and a firing switch actuated by the trigger to initiate discharge
of the capacitors.
19. The muzzleloading firearm of claim 18, wherein discharge of the
lower capacitance capacitor provokes discharge of the higher
capacitance capacitor.
20. The muzzleloading firearm of claim 19, wherein the lower
capacitance capacitor discharges onto a transformer to generate
arcing at the at least one electrode, thereupon provoking discharge
of the higher capacitance capacitor to generate increased arcing at
the at least one electrode.
21. The muzzleloading firearm of claim 18, wherein the stock houses
a battery to charge the capacitors.
22. A muzzleloading firearm comprising a barrel having a bore for
receiving a propellant, at least one electrode for igniting the
propellant within said bore, an energy source coupled to said
electrode, and a switching system comprising a plurality of
switches operable to deliver ignition energy from said energy
source to said electrode.
23. The muzzleloading firearm of claim 22, wherein the plurality of
switches of the switching system comprise a firing switch and a
safety switch.
24. The muzzleloading firearm of claim 22, wherein the plurality of
switches of the switching system comprise a firing switch and an
arming switch.
25. The muzzleloading firearm of claim 24, wherein the plurality of
switches of the switching system comprise a redundant array of
switches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/920,807, filed Aug. 18, 2004; which
application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/547,450, filed Feb. 25, 2004, the entireties of which
applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to muzzleloading
firearms, and more particularly to an electronic ignition system
that generates an electric arc to ignite the powder charge
propellant in a muzzleloading firearm and to a firearm
incorporating such an ignition system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hunting and shooting with muzzleloading firearms has gained
a level of popularity as a sport. In typical embodiments, a
muzzleloading firearm is a rifle, shotgun or pistol, based to some
degree on primitive firearm designs used during the early days of
America. Such firearms typically lack the effective range and speed
of reloading enabled by modern center-fire cartridge firearms,
adding to the challenge and enjoyment of the sport. Because of
their popularity, many states have adopted special muzzleloader
seasons for hunting with these weapons to allow sportsmen using
them (who generally have to get much closer to their targets and be
more sure of their aim than those using modern cartridge rifles) to
be able to effectively hunt. And with the creation of these special
seasons, more hunters are drawn to muzzleloaders.
[0004] A muzzleloader is also sometimes referred to as a "black
powder" firearm due to its use of a different chemical formulation
of gunpowder, commonly called black powder (which does not
specifically relate to the color). As opposed to a more modern
firearm which is typically loaded with a cartridge at the breech,
in a muzzleloader loose powder (or powder pellets) and the
projectile are loaded into the barrel via the muzzle of the gun and
tamped against the breechplug. The powder used is typically a black
powder or more modern substitute for black powder such as, but not
limited to, Pyrodex.TM. or Triple 7.TM. manufactured by the Hodgdon
Powder Company. The modern smokeless powder used in cartridges and
shotgun shells, however, cannot be safely used with most
muzzleloaders.
[0005] Current black powder firearms typically use one of two
systems to ignite the powder charge that propels the projectile
from the firearm. The more primitive type of muzzleloading firearm
ignition system is the flintlock, which utilizes a flint striker
that is thrown forward by a spring-driven hammer (which is
generally mounted on the side of the firearm) into a piece of steel
(the frizzen) to generate a spark. The spark ignites a priming pan
of fine black powder. The burning priming powder sends a flash or
spark through a touchhole, which is a small hole in the side of the
firearm's barrel. The flash or spark then ignites the main powder
charge in the barrel, which discharges the firearm to propel the
bullet toward its target.
[0006] A more modern variety of black powder firearm utilizes a
caplock ignition system. The traditional caplock still has a
spring-driven hammer on the side of the barrel, but the flint,
steel and priming pan are eliminated. Instead the hammer is driven
against a percussion cap or primer, which typically contains an
explosive fulminate of mercury. The percussion cap is typically
removably installed on a nipple on the barrel having an opening
through which a spark generated by the cap travels to ignite the
main propellant charge in the barrel. The in-line caplock is a more
modern type of caplock muzzleloader developed to provide more
effective discharge. The in-line caplock ignition system operates
in much the same manner as a traditional caplock, but instead of
having the hammer, nipple and cap on the side of the gun, they are
placed in line with the barrel, for example with the priming cap
installed in the barrel's breechplug. The in-line caplock is
essentially a modernized muzzleloader that retains the firing and
loading profile of a traditional muzzleloader, but with a more
modern ignition system.
[0007] By their very nature, most muzzleloaders are essentially
primitive firearms, and for many hunters and shooters this
primitive nature is part of their appeal. The weapon's decreased
effective range requires the hunter to be a more effective stalker.
Further, the time it takes to reload a muzzleloader generally means
that the hunter gets only a single shot at a game target, requiring
the hunter to be sure of their aim before firing. However, there is
a degree of polarization among muzzleloading hunters. Some
muzzleloading hunters wish to only utilize traditional firearms,
and are very interested in the nostalgia. These hunters tend to use
flintlocks and sidelocks to more accurately represent primitive
hunting. Other muzzleloading hunters are continuously seeking to
modernize the "primitive" muzzleloading firearm to provide for
improved performance (e.g., better triggering, safety and
accuracy), while still loading powder and shot down the muzzle so
as to still qualify for the special muzzleloading hunting seasons.
These hunters tend to use in-line caplocks that may resemble more
modern firearm designs, and are always interested in improving on
the design without altering the basic loading and shooting
characteristics of the firearm. Many of these improvements relate
to modernized projectiles that provide improved flight
characteristics, modern propellants that provide improved
propulsion and ignition, and the in-line caplock design, which
provides for surer ignition.
[0008] Because the powder, projectile and percussion cap are
separately loaded for each shot and are not subject to mechanical
assembly as in a cartridge rifle, muzzleloaders are particularly
vulnerable to conditions known as "hangfire" or "misfire" where the
gun does not discharge immediately upon the trigger being pulled. A
misfire occurs when the gun does not fire at all. A hangfire occurs
when the cap or flint successfully flames and sends sparks toward
the main charge, but the main charge does not ignite for a few
seconds after the trigger is pulled. A hangfire can be particularly
problematic because the action of the hammer may startle the
intended target, and the gun may discharge later without the
intended target in the field of fire. Further, a hangfire may
result in the user positioning the gun unsafely prior to its
eventual discharging, thinking the gun has misfired, potentially
leading to accidents.
[0009] Most of these problems result from imperfect operation of
the ignition system of the firearm. In a cartridge firearm, the
ignition system and primary propellant are both encased in the
cartridge, which allows them to be in direct contact when the gun
is fired. Therefore, hangfires are unlikely. In a muzzleloading
firearm, however, there is always some distance that the primer
spark or flame needs to travel to get from the cap or priming pan
to the primary propellant. The travel time of the spark can be
undesirably increased if the conditions are wet or if there is
powder in the nipple opening or touch hole that must burn,
essentially like a fuse, for the spark to reach the primary
propellant charge.
[0010] Thus it can be seen that needs exist for improved ignition
systems for muzzleloading firearms. It is to the provision of
improved ignition systems meeting this and other needs that the
present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] To improve upon such ignition systems that are known in the
art, described herein are example embodiments of electronic
ignition systems for use with personal black powder firearms such
as muzzleloading rifles, shotguns and pistols. The terms black
powder firearm and muzzleloader are used interchangeably in this
disclosure to refer to firearms of the same general type--in
particular, to firearms wherein the propellant charge is not
encased in a cartridge with the projectile and ignition material,
but wherein the principal propellant is in contact with the barrel
of the firearm.
[0012] The electronic ignition systems discussed herein generally
provide for a more predictable and reliable ignition of the primary
propellant charge in the firearm when the firearm is triggered,
which helps to improve safety and reliability of the firearm
relative to a similar firearm utilizing a propellant cap. At the
same time, the electronic ignition systems described herein do not
alter the ballistics of the projectile or dramatically accelerate
the reloading time of the firearm. In this way, a black powder
hunter can be more certain that his firearm will both discharge
safely and discharge when triggered, even in inclement weather,
without having to give up the characteristics of a black powder
firearm that many hunters particularly seek out.
[0013] In an embodiment of the invention described herein, an
electronic ignition system for a firearm comprises: an electrode,
the electrode being capable of producing an electric arc; a battery
electrically connected to said electrode for providing electricity
to said electrode; and a firing switch electrically connected
between said battery and said electrode such that when said firing
switch is closed said electricity from said battery produces an
electric arc from said electrode; wherein said electrode is sized
and shaped so that said electric arc contacts a propellant charge
in said firearm igniting said propellant charge. In example
embodiments, the electric arc is generated between a first
electrode and a second electrode. In alternate embodiments, the
electric arc is generated between a single electrode and a breach
plug, barrel portion, or other conductive surface or component
supporting or adjacent to the electrode; or between the electrode
and an adjacent propellant charge or other material.
[0014] In another aspect, the electronic ignition system comprises
a capacitor, said capacitor placed between said battery and said
firing switch such that said capacitor is charged by said battery
and discharges when said firing switch is closed; an arming switch
electrically connected between said capacitor and said battery
wherein said capacitor cannot charge when said arming switch is
open, a safety switch electrically connected between said capacitor
and said firing switch wherein said electric arc cannot be
generated unless both said firing switch and said safety switch are
closed.
[0015] In another aspect, the electronic ignition system of the
present invention comprises two capacitors, said capacitors placed
between said battery and said firing switch such that said
capacitors are charged by said battery and discharge when said
firing switch is closed; an arming switch electrically connected
between said capacitors and said battery, wherein said capacitors
cannot charge when said arming switch is open; and a safety switch
electrically connected between said capacitors and said firing
switch, wherein said electric arc cannot be generated unless both
said firing switch and said safety switch are closed. When the two
switches are closed a sequential discharge of the two capacitors
takes place. The first capacitor, which is a lower capacitance
capacitor, discharges on the primary winding of a high voltage
transformer causing, with the high voltage generated on the
secondary winding, an electrical arc that provokes the discharge of
the second capacitor, which is a higher capacitance capacitor. The
second capacitor is preferably connected to the electrode where the
arc is produced and once the discharge of the first capacitor has
been initiated, the resistance between terminals of the capacitor
is drastically reduced thus discharging the energy stored in the
capacitor through the spark, producing a more powerful electrical
arc than the initial one, lasting while the second capacitor
discharges and having enough current remaining to maintain the
ionization in the air gap between the electrode and the ground.
Also preferably included in the embodiment is an indicator,
electrically connected to the second capacitor, and serving to
indicate when the second capacitor is charged.
[0016] The ignition system of the present invention can be
retrofitted into an existing firearm or originally manufactured as
part of a new firearm. For example, in various embodiments, the
invention includes the electronic ignition system described herein
in combination with a firearm such as a muzzleloading rifle,
shotgun or pistol. In alternate embodiments, the invention
comprises a retrofit component for a muzzleloading firearm, wherein
the retrofit component has a shell or housing with an outer
configuration substantially identical to that of an existing
component, such as a breechplug, bolt, or other firearm component,
and having an ignition system as described herein or portion(s)
thereof mounted into and/or onto the shell or housing, for retrofit
onto an existing firearm.
[0017] In another aspect, the invention is a firearm comprising: a
barrel; a breech plug; one or more (preferably at least two)
electrode(s) in or on said breech plug; a source of electricity
electrically connected to said electrode(s); and a firing switch
electrically connected between said electrode(s) and said source of
electricity, such that when said firing switch is closed, an
electric arc is created between the electrodes or between at least
one electrode and an adjacent portion of the breechplug or other
component of the firearm, said electric arc being inside said
barrel.
[0018] In an example embodiment of the firearm, the firearm further
comprises: a capacitor, said capacitor electrically connected
between said source of electricity and said firing switch such that
said capacitor is charged by said source of electricity and
discharges when said firing switch is closed; an arming switch
electrically connected between said capacitor and said source of
electricity, wherein said capacitor cannot charge when said arming
switch is open; a safety switch electrically connected between said
capacitor and said firing switch, wherein said electric arc cannot
be generated unless both said firing switch and said safety switch
are closed; and an indicator electrically connected to the
capacitor, said indicator indicating when said capacitor is
charged.
[0019] In another embodiment, the firearm further comprises: a pair
of capacitors, said capacitors electrically connected between said
source of electricity and said firing switch such that said
capacitors are charged by said source of electricity, and they
discharge when said firing switch is closed; an arming switch
electrically connected between said capacitors and said source of
electricity, wherein said capacitors cannot charge when said arming
switch is open; a safety switch electrically connected between said
capacitors and said firing switch, wherein said electric arc cannot
be generated unless both said firing switch and said safety switch
are closed; and an indicator electrically connected to the larger
of the two capacitors, said indicator indicating when said larger
capacitor is charged.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the firearm further
comprises a propellant charge and at least one projectile within
said barrel, wherein said electric arc ignites said propellant
charge and the explosion of said propellant charge expels said
projectile from said barrel.
[0021] The firearm of the present invention is preferably a
muzzleloader or blackpowder firearm, such as for example a rifle, a
shotgun or a pistol.
[0022] In yet a further embodiment, there is described herein a
firearm comprising: a barrel; means for producing an electric arc
in said barrel; and switching means electrically connected to said
means for producing said electric arc such that when said switching
means is switched from a first state to a second state said
electric arc is generated in said barrel.
[0023] In another embodiment, the level of safety of the circuitry
that controls the electrical spark production is increased using
redundant switches. The firing switch accordingly comprises a
plurality of switches, some activated by the trigger of the firearm
and others activated by the electronic circuit itself, the latter
being activated when all of the previous switches (those activated
by the trigger) are activated simultaneously. If the simultaneity
does not exist, a failure or malfunction in some of the switches
actuated by the trigger is considered to have occurred, and the
switches actuated by the electronic circuit, that constitutes the
end switch that should activate to produce the electric arc, will
not activate, and no ignition spark is generated.
[0024] In another aspect, the invention is an electronic ignition
system for a firearm, the ignition system including at least one
electrode for igniting a propellant within the firearm, a pair of
capacitors for delivering ignition energy to the at least one
electrode, and a firing switch for triggering discharge of the pair
of capacitors.
[0025] In still another aspect, the invention is an improved
muzzleloading firearm of the sort having a trigger, and a barrel
having a closed breech end and an open muzzle end for receiving a
propellant and a projectile. The improvement is an electronic
ignition system including at least one electrode at the breech end
of the firearm's barrel, at least one capacitor in
electrically-conductive contact with the at least one electrode,
and a firing switch operated by actuation of the firearm's trigger
to discharge the at least one capacitor and ignite the propellant
to cause the projectile to be fired from the barrel.
[0026] And in another aspect, the invention is a muzzleloading
firearm including a stock; a barrel mounted to the stock, and
having a bore extending between an open muzzle end and a closed
breech end; a trigger; and an electronic ignition system having at
least one electrode within the bore at the breech end, at least one
capacitor electrically coupled to the at least one electrode, and a
firing switch actuated by the trigger to initiate discharge of the
at least one capacitor.
[0027] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary
and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are
not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic
ignition system according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2a is a block diagram of another embodiment of an
electronic ignition system according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2b is a block diagram of another embodiment of an
electronic ignition system according to the present invention,
having a plurality of firing switches.
[0031] FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an
electronic ignition circuit according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an
electronic ignition circuit according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a portion of a firearm including an embodiment
of an electronic ignition system according to the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic ignition circuit
that incorporates a microprocessor and a plurality of switches,
including firing switches activated by a trigger and other firing
switches activated by the ignition circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of the invention
taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which
form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this
invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods,
conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that
the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended
to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the
specification including the appended claims, the singular forms
"a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a
particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be
expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular
value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular
value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes
from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.
Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of
the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular
value forms another embodiment.
[0036] The embodiments of the invention discussed herein are
principally shaped and designed for use to replace the firing
mechanism of a modern in-line caplock muzzleloading rifle. However,
one of ordinary skill in the art would understand how the
electronic ignition systems discussed herein can be used to replace
the firing system on a sidelock or flintlock simply by reshaping
components. Further, while the ignition system is also principally
discussed herein for use on a rifle, the ignition system can be
used on a shotgun, pistol or any other style of personal black
powder firearm without undue experimentation. Still further, while
the systems discussed herein are discussed to be retrofitted into
an existing in-line caplock rifle, replacing the in-line caplock
mechanism, this is done simply to show comparison to existing
systems; and the ignition system will often be built into an
originally constructed black powder firearm providing a completely
new class of black powder firearm.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an
electronic ignition system (100) for use in connection with a
firearm. In FIG. 1 there is shown a breach plug (101) including a
positive electrode (103) therein. The electrode (103) is preferably
an electrically conductive wire or similar component arranged so
that at least a portion of the electrode (103) is unshielded and
extends from the front end (111) of the breach plug (101).
Generally, electrical discharge from the electrode (103) will be an
electric arc or spark generated between the electrode (103) to the
breach plug (101) or to another component or material which acts as
an opposing electrode. The breach plug (101) will be used to
replace the existing breach plug on a muzzleloading firearm
substantially of the type known to the prior art with the front end
(111) placed toward the barrel (401) of the firearm, as shown in
FIG. 4, and the rear end (113) placed toward the stock (403) or
handle of the firearm. The electrode (103) is electrically
connected to wiring (105) toward the rear end (113) of the breach
plug (101). The wiring (105) will preferably be insulated so as to
decrease the risk of electric shock or short in the system (100).
The breach plug (101) is preferably made of metal and can act as a
ground for the electrode (103).
[0038] The wiring (105) is in turn connected to a printed circuit
board (PCB), integrated circuit (IC), or other circuit arrangement
that comprises an electronic ignition circuit (107). Example
embodiments of electronic ignition circuits are shown in FIGS. 3a
and 3b, discussed below. The electronic ignition circuit (107) will
generally be a circuit to allow discharge of one or more capacitors
included within the electronic ignition circuit (107). While
particular examples of electronic ignition circuits (107) are shown
in FIGS. 3a and 3b, one of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that this circuit is merely exemplary. For this reason
only the most basic function of the circuit will be discussed.
[0039] Attached in a manner to provide power to the electronic
circuit (107) is a source of electricity such as, but not limited
to, a battery (151). The battery (151) is preferably a standard 1.5
volt alkaline or rechargeable (e.g., nickel--cadmium) battery
preferably of a smaller size, such as those classified as AA or AAA
or used as photo batteries. However, any sized battery of any
voltage and amperage could be used, as would be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art, to drive an appropriately laid out
electronic circuit. The battery (151) will serve to charge up the
capacitor(s) in the electronic ignition circuit (107) when the
arming switch (125) is closed.
[0040] The electronic ignition system of FIG. 1 can be used to
replace the caplock mechanism of an existing in-line caplock
firearm in the following manner as shown in FIG. 4. The caplock
firing mechanism is removed from the firearm by removing the
existing bolt, hammer system/firing pin, nipple, and breach plug.
The breach plug of the caplock is then replaced with the breach
plug (101) with the electrode (103) projecting into the barrel
(401) of the firearm (400). The wiring (105), electronic circuit
(107), and battery (151) are then placed into the space the bolt
was removed from. Some or all of the bolt assembly (405) can be
used to cover the electronic ignition system (100) to protect it
from the elements, depending on the construction of the device, or
a new cover is installed to protect the system (100) or any portion
of the system. The safety switch (123) can be wired in a manner to
allow the existing safety in the firearm (400) to be used to open
and close the safety switch (123), and the firing switch (121) can
be wired to the existing trigger (407) to allow the trigger (407)
to be used to close the firing switch (121) in the traditional
manner of most firearms. The arming switch (125) can be placed
anywhere to make it accessible to the user, and will generally be
provided in a custom location in the breech area or in the stock,
for example adjacent the trigger guard or gripping areas of the
stock.
[0041] The electronic ignition system (100') of FIG. 2a is
essentially the same as that of FIG. 1; however, instead of using a
single positive electrode (103) with a ground in the breach plug
(101), whereby the electric arc therebetween triggers the
propellant charge, the breach plug (201) of this embodiment
includes both a positive electrode (203a), and a negative electrode
(203b) (sometimes referred to in combination herein as electrodes
(203)), closely spaced, and both of which extend from the front
(211) of the breach plug (201). When the capacitor(s) of the
electronic ignition circuit (107) discharge, the electrodes (203)
will produce an electrical arc across the air gap between them, and
this electrical arc starts the ignition of the main propellant
charge (411), which fires the projectile (413). With embodiments of
the electronic ignition circuit having two capacitors, the initial
electrical arc between electrodes (203a, 203b) generated by the
first capacitor induces the discharge of the second capacitor, thus
increasing the initial electrical arc energy, and more robustly
ignites the main propellant charge (411), which fires the
projectile (413).
[0042] The electronic ignition system of either embodiment (100,
100') preferably includes numerous features to help improve safety.
The clearest is in the reliability of discharge. The main
propellant charge (411), when loaded, will be preferably placed in
contact with the electrode(s) (103) or (203a, 203b). Therefore,
there is no need for a spark to be transferred through a nipple or
flash hole, which as discussed above can suffer the disadvantages
of increased lock time, misfire and/or hangfire.
[0043] In particular, the main propellant (411), when loaded in the
barrel (401) of the firearm (400) will rest, at least partially on
the breach plug (101) and will lie immediately adjacent to, or
within, the air gap through which the electric arc will pass.
Alternatively, a shaped powder charge may be used, placing the
propellant in a similar arrangement. The electrical spark generated
by the arcing electrodes is preferably in direct contact with the
main propellant charge (411) when generated. Because there is no
need for the transfer of a spark to the main propellant charge
(411), as it is generated in sufficiently close proximity to not
require transfer, there is a decreased risk of hangfire resulting
from a small amount of powder in the hole that acts as a fuse, or
the spark being otherwise delayed on its way to the propellant
charge (411). This generally decreases the risk of a hangfire
situation and makes the firing of the weapon more reliable.
[0044] The electric arc ignition also is preferable for use in
inclement weather. In inclement weather conditions, particularly
damp conditions, traditional black powder firearms are generally
more prone to hangfires or misfires, as the traveling spark can be
extinguished or have problems traveling. In an electric arc
ignition system, however, the entire ignition structure is
protected from the elements by being internal to the firearm. This
will protect it from the weather conditions. Further, with
appropriate insulation, protection, and design, electric systems
may be shielded from the elements to provide for reliable discharge
and arc generation, which results in both more reliable and safer
firing characteristics.
[0045] Also preferably included are three switches in the electric
ignition system (100), acting as safety switches and helping
prevent unintended discharge of the firearm (400), which system is
generally more effective than traditional mechanical safeties.
Firstly, there is included an arming switch (125). The arming
switch (125) is electrically connected in the system to serve to
prevent the capacitor(s) from charging from the battery (151) until
the user arms the firearm (400). The arming switch (125) can be
placed as shown in FIG. 3a, or as shown in FIG. 3b, or in various
other positions wherein it can be switched to prevent the
capacitor(s) from charging. In this way, when the firearm (400) is
not armed it is highly unlikely that the ignition system (100) will
accidentally discharge the firearm (400), as the capacitor(s) lack
the necessary charge to send an electrical current of sufficient
strength to the electrode (103 or 203) to create the electric
arc.
[0046] In preferred embodiments, the arming switch (125) and
capacitor(s) are connected to an LCD light, LED, display, or
similar indicator (421) that indicates if the capacitor(s) is/are
fully charged or not. The indicator may optionally also signal the
user of a low-battery condition or other accessory functions. In
this way, the user of the firearm (400) can load the firearm (400)
with the ignition system (100) disarmed to decrease the danger of
the firearm (400) firing during loading. Also, in preferred
embodiments the arming switch (125) will automatically open after
firing of the firearm (400) (or triggering of the electronic
ignition system (100) even if the firearm (400) hangfires or
misfires). In this way, when the one or more capacitor(s)
discharge(s), they will not be able to recharge prior to the user
rearming the ignition system (100).
[0047] If the arming switch (125) is open, but the capacitor(s)
is/are already charged, there is still a possibility of the firearm
(400) firing, as the capacitor(s) still have sufficient charge to
generate an electric arc as they slowly discharge. By opening the
arming switch (125) when the capacitor(s) is/are discharged, the
capacitor(s) have no chance to recharge until the arming switch
(125) is purposefully reengaged.
[0048] In another embodiment, there is also included a further
system for safely discharging the capacitor(s), bypassing the
electrode (103) or discharging them through an electronic switch
(transistor, thyristor or so on) when the arming switch is opened,
so that the user may discharge the capacitor(s) without generating
an arc from the electrode (103, 203) or firing the firearm (400),
even if the firearm (400) is loaded. The arming switch (125)
effectively acts to safe the firearm (400) and prevent discharge by
eliminating the ability of the ignition system (100) to ignite the
main propellant (411). In this way, the firearm (400) may be safely
carried even while loaded.
[0049] Preferably, there are also two more switches included in the
ignition system (100). The second or safety switch (123) acts
similarly to a mechanical safety for a firearm. As the safety
switch (123) is in the path between the electrode (103, 203) and
one or more of the capacitor(s), if the safety switch (123) is
open, the electronic circuit (107) is designed not to discharge
through the electrode (103, 203). The safety switch (123) therefore
acts to protect against accidental discharge of the firearm (400)
once the electronic circuit (107) has been armed. The use of a
safety switch (123) is preferred, but by no means required, and the
safety switch (123) acts in many ways like, and may even be
connected to, the existing safety switch (123) of a muzzleloading
firearm.
[0050] The third switch is the firing switch (121). The firing
switch (121) closes the electronic circuit (107) and, in the
intended manner of operation, if the safety switch (123) is closed
and the capacitor(s) is/are charged, triggers the electrical arc at
the electrode(s), ignites the main propellant (411), and fires the
firearm (400) to propel the projectile (413) at the target. The
firing switch (121) is effectively the firearm's trigger (407).
Depending on the preference of the user, the firing switch (121)
may be linked to a mechanical trigger of the type known to those of
ordinary skill in the art, or may replace the trigger with an
electronic switch. The firing switch (121) will preferably be a
type of switch that will default to an open position whereby the
user must hold the firing switch (121) closed to place it in the
closed position.
[0051] It would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art,
that the use of an electronic switch to either replace or
supplement the existing mechanical trigger has particular
advantages. It is well known in shooting that one of the
difficulties in shooting a firearm accurately is that pulling the
trigger requires a particular amount of force, and applying that
force can cause the firearm to be moved off target. In the black
powder case, due to the inaccuracies and single shot limitation
commonly inhering in such firearms, such movement is more likely to
result in a missed target and lost opportunity. Also, it is almost
always safer to have the projectile hit the intended target, so
easier controlled and accurate discharge of the firearm is
generally a safety improvement.
[0052] Because the firing switch (121) is electronic, even if a
traditional trigger is used, the trigger can require little to no
strength to activate, which can help to eliminate inaccuracy due to
trigger pull force. Further, the mechanical trigger can be replaced
with a purely electrical switch, which can provide further
benefits. For instance, the electrical switch can incorporate
computer chips, scanners or similar devices to determine, before
triggering the firearm (400), that the user is the owner of the
firearm (400) (such as by, but not limited to, scanning a
fingerprint from the surface of the switch). The firing switch
(121) can also be customized for the intended application. For
instance, in a hunting situation, the firing switch (121) may be
placed in a manner to allow for triggering without noise, so in the
unlikely event of a misfire the target is not spooked by the firing
mechanism being activated. The firing switch (121) may also be able
to supply different amounts of pull depending on the need of the
user and may be switchable or variably adjustable. For instance,
the user may be able to set the trigger to a very high pull
strength when transporting the firearm (400) and approaching the
target, but lower the pull strength once the hunter is ready to
fire. Used in conjunction with the safety switch (123) and/or
arming switch, this can make it very difficult to accidentally
discharge the firearm (400). The amount of pull strength may be
based on a force feedback or other electronic or electromagnetic
resistance device, which may be controlled by the user of the
firearm (400) by a dial or similar control (not shown). Any or all
of the switches may be electronic, electric, electromechanical, or
mechanical switches in various embodiments of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 3a shows a first example embodiment of an electronic
ignition circuit (107) suitable for use in connection with the
electronic ignition system (100, 100') of a firearm (400),
according to the present invention, which includes a plurality of
capacitors including C2 and C3, an inverter transformer T1, and a
high-voltage transformer T2, configured as shown and as described
above. The capacitors are charged by the battery (151) when the
arming switch (125) is closed, and discharge when the firing switch
(121) is closed. The indicator lamp 421 is preferably electrically
connected to capacitor C2, serving to indicate when capacitor C2 is
charged. The capacitors cannot charge when the arming switch (125)
is open. The safety switch (123) prevents firing unless both the
firing switch (121) and the safety switch (123) are closed.
[0054] When the two switches 121 and 123 are closed, a sequential
discharge of capacitors C2 and C3 takes place. Capacitor C3, which
is a lower capacitance capacitor (for example between 22 nF and 100
nF), discharges on the primary winding of the high voltage
transformer T2, whereby the high voltage generated on the secondary
winding produces an electrical arc at the electrode(s) (103, 203)
that causes capacitor C2 to discharge. Capacitor C2 is a higher
capacitance capacitor (for example between 80 and 300 .mu.F).
Capacitor C2 is connected to the electrode (103, 203) through the
secondary winding of the transformer T2. In the secondary winding
of transformer T2, high voltage is produced greater than the
ionisation voltage between the electrode (103) and the ground
(inner surface of breach plug 101) or between the two electrodes
(203a, 203b), establishing an electrical arc. High impedance
normally exists between the terminals of capacitor C2, but when the
electric arc is established between the electrodes due to the
discharge of C3, the impedance between the terminals of capacitor
C2 is drastically reduced, initiating the discharge of capacitor C2
through the electric arc. Accordingly, once the discharge of
capacitor C3 has been initiated, the impedance between the
terminals of capacitor C2 is drastically reduced thus discharging
the energy stored in capacitor C2 to the electrodes (or between the
electrode and ground). This produces a more powerful electrical arc
than the initial one, which lasts while capacitor C2 discharges and
has enough current to maintain ionization in the air gap between
the electrode and the ground. The electric arc initiated by the
discharge of the capacitor C3, becomes much stronger with the
current supplied during the discharge of C2, given that this
capacitor stores more energy than C3 (the energy stored in a
capacitor depends on the voltage it has been charged to and its
capacitance, E=1/2C.times.V.sup.2). The electric arc disappears
when the current passing through C2 during its discharge falls
below the minimum value needed for the maintenance of the
ionisation between the electrodes.
[0055] FIG. 3b shows another embodiment of an electronic ignition
circuit (107') suitable for use in connection with the electronic
ignition system (100, 100') of a firearm (400), according to the
present invention. This embodiment similarly includes a plurality
of capacitors including C3 and C4, a first transformer T1, and a
second transformer T2. The capacitors cannot charge when the arming
switch (125) is open, and are charged by the battery (151) when the
arming switch (125) is closed. When both the firing switch (121)
and the safety switch (123) are closed, a sequential discharge of
capacitors C4 and C3 takes place. Capacitor C4, which is a lower
capacitance capacitor, discharges on the primary winding of
transformer T2, initiating arcing at the electrode(s) and provoking
discharge of capacitor C3, which is a higher capacitance capacitor.
Capacitor C3 then also discharges on the electrode (103, 203)
generating a more substantial arc for reliably igniting the
propellant to fire the firearm (400).
[0056] Use of the electronic ignition system (100) is generally as
follows. The user will begin by loading the firearm (400). At this
time, the arming switch (125) will typically be closed, and the
safety switch (123) and the firing switch (121) will preferably be
open to prevent inadvertent ignition. After verifying that the
safety switch (123) is open, the user will load the main propellant
(411) into the barrel (401) of the firearm (400), seating the
propellant (411) in contact with or in close proximity to the
electrode (103, 203). With loose grain powder, this can result from
simply pouring the powder into the barrel (401) in the standard
fashion onto the electrodes (103, 203). If a powder plug, or other
preconstructed powder object is used, the system may require a
particular shape of plug to insure contact or proximity, which may
be constructed to be used with the firearm (400) and ignition
system (100). The projectile (413) is then loaded as normal onto
the propellant (411). Any type of propellant or projectile, known
now or later discovered, which can be ignited by an electric arc
and safely discharge the firearm may be used as the propellant
(411) and projectile (413) as understood by those of ordinary skill
in the art. In an alternate form of the invention, the arming
switch (125), safety switch (123), and firing switch (121) are open
at the time of loading, and the one or more capacitors will
preferably be discharged. The user may verify discharge of a
capacitor by determining that the "armed" indicator (421) indicates
that a capacitor is no longer charged. If there is an indication
that the capacitor is charged, the user should either safely
discharge the capacitor by dry firing the firearm (400) (firing
with no propellant or projectile in a safe direction and into a
safe backstop), waiting for the capacitor to discharge over time or
using a safe discharge mechanism bypassing the electrode(s) (103,
203), or discharging the capacitor through an electronic switch
(transistor, thyristor, etc.) if the firearm (400) is provided with
such a mechanism. After verifying that the weapon is not armed, the
user will load the main propellant (411) into the barrel (401) of
the firearm (400), and proceed generally as outlined above.
[0057] Once loaded, the user will prepare to shoot. It is
preferred, but not required, that the user not arm the ignition
system until he is ready to take his shot. However, the user may
arm the ignition system before being ready to shoot in an
alternative embodiment. The firearm (400) is only considered to be
"safe," once loaded with propellant (411) and projectile (413),
when the capacitors are discharged and the arming switch (125) is
open.
[0058] When the user is ready to discharge the firearm (400), he
will first arm the firearm (400) by closing the arming switch
(125). At this time, the capacitor(s) will charge from the battery
(151) and, once charged, will be so indicated by the armed
indicator (421), The user can then set their desired trigger pull
weight if such functionality is included. The user will then close
the safety switch (123) readying the firearm (400) to fire. They
will then fire the firearm (400) by closing the firing switch (121)
either by pulling trigger (407) to close the firing switch (121),
or by triggering any other mechanism. When the firing switch (the
firing switch (121)) is closed, the ignition process commences with
the capacitor(s) discharging. The electric arc will ignite the
primary propellant charge (411) whose explosion in turn shoots the
projectile (413) from the barrel (401). Upon capacitor discharge,
the user will release the firing switch (121) allowing it to open.
However, even if the firing switch (121) is held down after firing,
the firearm (400) will preferably not discharge again as it has not
yet been loaded. Further, even if the arming switch (125) remains
closed while the firing switch (121) is closed, the capacitor(s)
will generally not recharge, as the electricity will flow into the
electrode and safely to ground.
[0059] The arming switch (125) will preferably automatically open
upon firing of the firearm (400) or the generation of the electric
arc. Alternatively, the arming switch (125) may remain closed after
firing, with the safety switch and the firing switch providing
redundant safety against unintended discharge of the firearm; or
the arming switch (125) may be manually opened and the capacitors
discharged, for additional redundancy. Opening of the arming switch
(125) preferably occurs upon the closing of the firing switch
(121), as the firearm (400) will fire so long as the capacitor(s)
is/are charged and the safety switch (123) and firing switch (121)
are both closed, even if the arming switch (125) is open.
Alternatively, the arming switch (125) may open upon opening of the
firing switch (121) or when another specified event occurs. The
safety switch (123) preferably also automatically opens upon firing
of the firearm (400). The user will then wait to make sure there is
no residual burning of propellant (411) in the barrel (401) and
that all switches (121, 123 and 125) are open. The user may also
alter the pull or type of the trigger mechanism, if such
functionality is provided. The user can then repeat the above steps
to prepare the weapon to fire again.
[0060] The high level of reliability and safety achieved through
the use of the arming switch (125), the safety switch (123) and the
firing switch (121), can be increased even further through the use
of redundant switches in any of the arming, safety or firing
switches, as shown by way of example embodiments of the ignition
system 100'' in FIG. 2b and of the ignition circuit 107'' in FIG.
5. In these more sophisticated embodiments, the firing switch (121)
comprises serially or cascade-connected switches, which may be of a
different type (whether one of them be electromechanical and the
other semi-conductor, either an IGBT, transistor, thyristor or any
other semiconductor device used as a switch), with the
electromechanical switch(es) (121') being activated by the firearm
trigger (407) and the other switch(es) (121) being activated by the
electronic ignition circuit (107,107', 107'') (once the activation
of the first switch has been detected) with a slight delay with
respect to the first switch; so as to produce the electric arc when
the bounces or oscillations that are usually produced on activating
the mechanical switch and in order to guarantee that the electric
arc is cleaner and stronger, have disappeared.
[0061] The firing switch (121) optionally also comprises a set of
or various switches that may be of different types
(electromechanical, reed switch, semiconductor or proximity
sensors); so that some of them (121') are activated by the firearm
trigger (407) and another (or others, preferably semiconductor
switches) (121) are activated by the electronic circuit (See FIG.
5). The electronic circuit can detect when one of the switches
actuated by the trigger is activated. Therefore all the switches
connected to the trigger are also activated within a certain time
interval, so that if said activation is not produced
simultaneously, there is considered to be a malfunction or the
failure of some switch, and the circuit does not activate the
semi-conductor switches. As a result, the firearm does not fire.
Additionally the electronic circuit can optionally include other
safety measures, such as discharging the capacitors that produce
the arc, which would make the unforeseen firing of the firearm
substantially impossible.
[0062] In a more sophisticated embodiment, two switches can be
serially connected or a set of various switches carrying out the
function of a safety switch (123) can be provided, as was explained
before for the firing switch (121).
[0063] In addition to the function described above, the electronic
circuit can optionally be further optimized so that the battery
disconnection or the opening of the arming switch (125) provokes
the capacitor(s) to discharge as a precautionary measure, to avoid
unforeseen firing, thereby making it substantially impossible to
produce an accidental electrical arc.
[0064] The stated functions can be carried out with traditional
analog-digital circuitry or more preferably with a microprocessor
that supervises the state of the switches that require inspection
and, depending on their state, actuates the switches that provoke
the spark production and the consequent ignition of the gunpowder
(or if not applicable actuate the switches that provoke the
capacitors discharge), through the use of the corresponding
microprocessor input and output gates and in accordance with the
appropriate software. Therefore, the electronic circuit of the
ignition system can optionally comprise analog circuitry, a
combination of digital-analog circuitry, digital circuitry as by a
circuit based on a microprocessor or microcontroller, and/or by an
ASIC circuit or by a circuit utilizing onboard or external
software.
[0065] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a
limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and
variations of the described embodiments may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the following claims, and other embodiments should be understood to
be encompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *