U.S. patent application number 12/600004 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for device for controlling ammunition consumption in real time.
Invention is credited to Ra l Delgado Acarreta.
Application Number | 20100299985 12/600004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40074597 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100299985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Delgado Acarreta; Ra l |
December 2, 2010 |
DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AMMUNITION CONSUMPTION IN REAL TIME
Abstract
Device (12) for counting the total number of shots fired by a
firearm (11) and those fired with a same loader mounted on the
weapon by means of the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of
physical parameters relating to its firing cycle, in such a way
that the information obtained is shown in real time on a visual
display unit with the activation, visual display and setting to
zero being automatic actions without intervention from the user, by
means of a computer programme, with it being possible to carry out
such operations manually as well. The visual display unit may show
other parameters of the firearm's operation (11) such as the
temperature of those points most likely to overheat so that the
weapon may be used with safety and precision.
Inventors: |
Delgado Acarreta; Ra l;
(Tudela, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY LLP
26 WEST 61ST STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10023
US
|
Family ID: |
40074597 |
Appl. No.: |
12/600004 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
May 30, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES2007/070105 |
371 Date: |
July 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/1.03 ;
42/1.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/1.03 ;
42/1.01 |
International
Class: |
F41A 19/01 20060101
F41A019/01; F41A 35/00 20060101 F41A035/00 |
Claims
1. Ammunition consumption control device, in real time for a
firearm (11) which makes the mechanical action of firing;
characterised in that the counting device (12) comprises a sensor
(32) which is adapted to perceive the movement of a means (31)
solid to a mobile mechanical element of the firearm which moves as
a result of the shot and/or which is adapted to perceive mechanical
disturbances generated during the shot; the aforementioned sensor
(32) is adapted to generate an electric signal which is sent to a
programmable logic control means (33) so that a count in a counter
unit stored in said programmable logic control means (33) varies
according to the number of shots fired by the firearm (11) in turn,
the programmable logic control means (33) sends said count
generated to a visual display unit (21).
2. Device in accordance with claim 1; characterised in that the
counting device (12) in a unit the count varies according to the
number of shots fired with the firearm (11) based on the
realisation of the dynamic firing cycle compared to the time and/or
speed standards of the mobile mechanical element characteristic of
the firearm (11) previously stored in the programmable logic
control means (33).
3. Device in accordance with claim 1; characterised in that in the
counting device (12) in a unit the count varies according to the
number of shots fired with the firearm (11) based on the
realisation of the dynamic firing cycle compared to the standard
value of characteristic mechanical disturbance of the firearm (11),
with said value having been previously stored in the programmable
logic control means(33).
4. Device in accordance with claim 2; characterised in that the
count made corresponds to the total number of shots fired by the
firearm (11) to the number of shots fired with a loader (13)
mounted by the firearm (11) or the number of cartridges available
in the loader (13).
5. Device in accordance with claim 4; characterised in that the
counting device (12) is automatically activated through the
perception or sensor medium (32) by an impact or piezoelectric
sensor, or magnetic switch when the firearm is used; following a
predetermined period the counter (12) returns to its resting
position maintaining the value of the counters, both total and
partial.
6. Device in accordance with claim 5; characterised in that the
count corresponding to the partial counter may automatically set to
zero when the counting device (12) identifies the shot of the last
available cartridge which identifies an incomplete dynamic firing
cycle.
7. Device in accordance with claim 5; characterised in that the
counting device (12) is equipped with a mechanical sensor and the
loader (13) with a magnet, in order to effect the automatic setting
to zero of the partial counter when the loader is replaced.
8. Device in accordance with claim 5; characterised in that the
counting device (12) is equipped with a microswitch for
automatically setting the partial counter to zero when the loader
is substituted.
9. Device in accordance with claim 5, characterised in that the
sensor (32) comprises one or more sensors which may be of the
magnetic type, or electromagnetic, visible or not to the human eye,
by a combination thereof situated on the firearm (11) or by one or
more vibration sensors for example, of the piezoelectric type.
10. Device in accordance with claim 9, characterised in that the
solid means (31) is the actual slide or at least a layer or a
reflective surface situated on the slide or closing system of the
firearm when the sensor (32) is of the electromagnetic radiation
type.
11. Device in accordance with claim 9, characterised in that the
solid means (31) is the actual slide or at least a magnet situated
on the slide or closing system of the firearm (11) when the sensor
(32) is of the magnetic type.
12. Device in accordance with claim 11; characterised in that an
auxiliary magnet is placed next to the sensor (32) when the solid
means (31) is the actual slide.
13. Device in accordance with claim 1; characterised in that the
counting device (12) in a unit varies the count according to the
number of shots fired with the firearm (11) based on the
realisation of the static firing cycle compared to the standard
value of characteristic mechanical disturbance of the firearm (11),
with said value having been previously stored in the programmable
logic control means(33).
14. Device in accordance with claim 13; characterised in that the
sensor 32 includes one or more vibration sensors, for example, of
the piezoelectric type.
15. Device in accordance with claim 5; characterised in that it
includes a data entry means (34) which is adapted to select at
least one item of information stored in the programmable logic
medium (33) so that the type of information selected is shown in
real time, visually on the visual display unit(21)
16. Device in accordance with claim 15; characterised in that the
data entry means (34) consist of one or various buttons.
17. Device in accordance with claim 16; characterised in that the
counting device (12) is affixed to the firearm (11) in such a way
that the visual display unit (21) is facing towards the
shooter.
18. Device in accordance with claim 16; characterised in that an
element of the firearm (11) is adapted to receive the counting
device (12) in such a way that the visual display unit (21) is
facing towards the shooter.
19. Device in accordance with claim 16; characterised in that the
counting device (12) is adapted to be integrated in an accessory
which is coupled to the firearm (11) in such a way that the visual
display unit (21) is facing towards the shooter.
20. Device in accordance with claim 17; characterised in that the
visual display unit(21) is a liquid crystal, electroluminescent,
plasma, coherent light screen or similar and is situated in the
environment of the sighting system of the firearm (11).
21. Device in accordance with claim 20; characterised in that the
information stored in the programmable logic medium (33) may be
transmitted through electrical connections, or through a
transmission means which uses an air interface in order to transmit
information, to a reception and data processing system and/or may
be shown on another visual display unit different from the screen
(21).
22. Device in accordance with claim 21; characterised in that the
counting device (12) is equipped with different buttons for setting
the partial counter to zero, switching the visual display unit on
or off or pre-establishing a certain number on the visual display
unit (21) in such a way that the counter (12) discounts a unit each
time that the new shot is fired.
23. Device in accordance with claim 20; characterised in that the
information displayed on the visual display unit may be shown with
different light intensities in order to adapt to the intensity of
the ambient lighting.
24. Device in accordance with claim 20; characterised in that the
visual display unit may additionally show information relating to
the temperature of the barrel of the firearm.
25. Device in accordance with claim 24; characterised in that the
temperature of the barrel of the firearm may be shown with a
temperature value.
26. Device in accordance with claim 24; characterised in that the
temperature of the barrel of the firearm may be shown indirectly by
means of the manner in which the value of the partial counter is
shown.
27. Firearm which incorporates a device for counting in accordance
with claim 1.
Description
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention refers, in general, to a device for counting
shots fired with a firearm. More specifically, this invention
refers to a device which counts the shots made with a firearm,
albeit an automatic, semiautomatic or manual weapon, by means of
the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of signals generated
in the firearm's firing cycle. The device functions automatically,
activating, disconnecting and setting at zero when the ammunition
is consumed from the loader in use, therefore the firearm user does
not intervene in the operation of the aforementioned device, and
furthermore is provided with information on the ammunition
consumption in real time as it is produced.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Currently the improvement of firearms, such as short arms or
pistols has led to a pistol loader having a capacity to house more
than a dozen cartridges, for example, 18 cartridges.
[0003] In a revolver type firearm, that is, a firearm which has
drum normally able to hold 6 cartridges, it is relatively easy to
mentally control the number of cartridges shot or used. In the case
of a pistol which mounts a loader which can store 18 cartridges,
plus one in the chamber, the task of controlling the number of
shots carried out may become arduous and complicated, and the
shooter may be surprised with the last unexpected shot that is,
without prior warning.
[0004] In automatic firearms, with a high shooting rate, between
250 and 1200 shots per minute, the problem is further aggravated as
even the slightest excess of time pressing the trigger leads to an
enormous waste of ammunition. In manual activation, even though the
amount of ammunition spent is much more restrained, as we will be
able to keep count of the ammunition spent and the total number of
shots fired with the firearm.
CHARACTERISATION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention seeks to resolve or reduce one or more of the
disadvantages described above by means of an automatic shot counter
such as that defined in claim 1. Embodiments of the invention are
established in the dependent claims.
[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a device which is
able to count and show, in real time, the number of shots fired
with the firearm by means of the weapon's firing cycle.
[0007] The shot counter in this invention counts the number of
shots fired with the firearm which has a dynamic or static firing
cycle.
[0008] A dynamic firing cycle is that which is fired by an
automatic or semiautomatic firearm, which includes at least the
mechanical actions of shooting, hammering and loading in such a way
that it is prepared for the next shot and which implies movement of
specific mechanical elements. Each dynamic cycle corresponds to a
partial count and the sum of all the partial counts, that is, the
shots fired, corresponds to a total count of the number of shots
fired by the firearm throughout its operative life.
[0009] In turn, the static firing cycle is defined as that made by
a firearm which comprises, at least, the mechanical action of
shooting, and in which the operations of introducing the cartridge
into the chamber and extraction of the spent cartridge are made
manually. Each static cycle corresponds to a partial count and the
sum of all the partial counts, that is, the shots fired,
corresponds to a total count of the number of shots fired by the
firearm throughout its operative life
[0010] The result of these counts is shown, in real time, in a
visual display unit which may or may not be incorporated in the
firearm, thus forming part of the shooter's equipment, or of a data
collection centre of a multiplicity of shooters. As a result, the
shooter is able to know the number of cartridges available at any
given movement, permitting him to more effectively control
consumption of the ammunition and avoiding the dangerous surprise
of running out of ammunition at a highly emotional tense
moment.
[0011] Furthermore, the total counter of the shots fired by the
firearm enable perfect maintenance of those parts which undergo
most wear during use, thus preventing irreparable damage to the
firearm.
[0012] In firearms which make dynamic firing cycles, the count
thereof is made in one of the following two ways In the first, on
the basis of times and speeds of displacement of a linear or
rotational movement of an element which is displaced in reaction to
the shot, thus forming part of the firearm's closing system.
[0013] In the second, on the basis of the characteristics of the
disturbances generated in at least one element of the firearm when
the shot occurs. Parameters which characterise a disturbance may be
for example, amplitude, duration etc. of the disturbance.
[0014] It should be noted that in both cases it is possible to
differentiate the action of shooting of any manual action made by
the user thereof. It also enables identification of the last
available cartridge which permits the automatic setting at zero of
the partial counter.
[0015] In a firearm which makes static firing cycles, the count
thereof is made on the basis of the characteristics of the
disturbances generated in at least one element of the firearm when
the shot is produced. Parameters which characterise a disturbance
may be for example, amplitude, duration etc. of the
disturbance.
[0016] In this case it is also possible to differentiate the action
of shooting from any other manual action carried out by the
shooter.
[0017] The dynamic cycle may be complete or incomplete. A dynamic
cycle should be considered to be complete when it ends with a new
cartridge fed into the chamber and, therefore, ready to be fired.
The dynamic cycle is incomplete when the firearm is unloaded as
there are no more cartridges in the loader or as it has jammed,
that is, the firearm cannot fire again until a new loader has been
inserted.
[0018] Another object of the invention is its ability to ensure
visibility in real time of the partial and total count in a visual
display unit, situated in the firearm itself or in a device
situated at a distance from the firearm which is firing the shot
and in any situation when using the firearm.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to make a lightweight
counter with reduced dimensions which does not interfere with the
use of the firearm and which is simple to mount both in long and
short arms, of the type already in existence or new
manufacture.
[0020] A further object of the invention is that the counter has
considerable operational autonomy, including several thousand
shots, as a result of its reduced electrical energy consumption.
This autonomy is achieved by means of electronic circuits which
remain in repose until a shot is fired. At that moment the counter
is automatically activated, presents the information relating to
the partial count, that is, that which corresponds to the loader
which is being used, during a pre-established time period and
finally it returns to the resting position until the next shot.
[0021] Another object of the shot counter is that the shooter does
not intervene or interfere in its operation. When a shot is fired,
the counter is activated, it memorises the information, shows it
during a pre-established time period on the visual display unit so
that it does not distract the shooter's attention any longer than
necessary and prevents its position from being visible in the dark
and returns to its resting state until the next shot. If the user
wishes to consult the number of shots fired, a button is activated
for this purpose, causing the stored information to be shown on the
visual display unit for a number of seconds.
[0022] Another object of the invention is to provide useful
information in order to assess the ageing and wear of the main
components of the firearm by means of analysis of the firing cycles
made with the arm throughout its lifetime.
[0023] Another object of the invention is to use the visual display
unit and the electronic circuits of the shot counter to show other
information inherent to the operation of the firearm such as, for
example, the barrel temperature. In this way we will be able to
avoid excessive temperature values during intensive use, in short
periods of time, as these could affect the firearm's precision or
endanger the shooter and/or the firearm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] A more detailed explanation of the invention is given in the
following description based on the attached figures in which:
[0025] FIGS. 1a and 1b show projected views of a firearm with a
counter device in accordance with this invention.
[0026] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c show profile views of the shot counter
in accordance with the invention and
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the shot counter device in
accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Below, FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 2c show illustrations of
shot counter devices 12 for firearms 11, for example, pistols and
rifles which include a viewing panel 21 placed preferably round the
firearm's aiming system, so that the screen in itself is oriented
towards the shooter's sight, and therefore, within the field of
vision of the sighting system.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the shot counter 12 which
includes a first means of perception or sensor 32 which is adapted
to perceive certain physical characteristics relating to the action
of the shot made with the firearm 11.
[0030] In the case of a firearm with a dynamic firing cycle, the
function of counting the number of shots fired is based on the
times or speeds of displacement of an element associated with the
firearm's closing system for example. In this case, the sensor 32
includes one or more sensors which may be magnetic, or of the
electromagnetic radiation type, irrespective of whether or not they
are visible to the human eye, or a combination of these. In order
for the sensor 32 to be able to perceive the shot, the
aforementioned sensor perceives a solid medium 31 which
participates from movement of the alternative sliding, backwards
and forwards once more, from at least one element of the closing
system of the firearm 11.
[0031] When the sensor 32 is of the magnetic type, the
aforementioned solid means 31 is, at least, a magnet situated on
the slide or closing system of the firearm, with the possibility of
the actual slide being the aforementioned means 31, in which case
an auxiliary magnet will be placed close to the sensor 32. When the
sensor 32 is of the type with electromagnetic radiations, the solid
medium 31 is, at least, a reflective layer or surface situated on
the slide or firearm closing system, with the aforementioned means
31 being the slide itself.
[0032] In addition, the firearm which carries out a firing cycle
may obtain information in order to count the shots carried out on
the basis of the characteristics of the dynamic disturbances
suffered by the firearm when it fires a shot. Therefore, the sensor
32, includes one or more vibration sensors such as for example of
the piezoelectric type.
[0033] In the case of a firearm which carries out static firing
cycles, the function of counting the number of shots fired is based
on the characteristics of the dynamic disturbances to which the
firearm 11 is subject in a similar manner to the previously
mentioned case. As a result, the sensor 32, includes one or more
vibration sensors such as for example of the piezoelectric type as
well.
[0034] when a shot is fired brusque and strong dynamic disturbances
of the firearm occur. Furthermore, in the firearm 11 with dynamic
firing cycle, there is a strong acceleration of the slide or
closing system, in the opposite direction of the shot, in general,
due to conservation of the movement amount.
[0035] When the slide reaches the end of its run or the closing
system causes a backward thrust and driven by the recovery spring
it changes the direction of its movement returning forwards again
until the firing cycle is completed. Both phenomena are very
different from those produced by an accidental blow or by handling
of the firearm 11 by the shooter.
[0036] The first means of perception or sensor 32 will directly
receive, or through the solid medium 31, the characteristics of the
firearm shot 11. The sensor 32 generates at one of its exits an
electrical signal which is sent, through electrical connections to
a programmable logical control means 33 which, in turn is connected
to the visual display unit 21.
[0037] The electrical signal generated is analysed and compared
with the signal model corresponding to a shot. In the event that
they are equal or substantially similar, the microprocessor 33
varies in a unit both in terms of the number of total shots fired
with a firearm 11, total count, such as the number of shots fired
with the loader 13 mounted by the firearm 11, partial count.
[0038] Previously the model electrical signal corresponding to the
type of firing cycle characteristic of the firearm 11, dynamic or
static, would have been stored in the microprocessor memory 33.
This information is a characteristic parameter of each firearm 11
and of the type of ammunition used thereby, so that it is possible
to distinguish between a complete and an incomplete cycle as well
as handling of the slide by the shooter and the jamming of the
weapon or when the casing is trapped by the closing system.
[0039] The programmable logic control means 33 based on a
programming means such as a microprocessor, may be connected to an
data entry means 34 which includes one or various switches or
buttons which permit the selection and visual display in real time
on the counter screen 21 the information required by the shooter at
any time, such as the total count or partial count etc.
[0040] The partial counter automatically sets to zero when the
microprocessor 33 identifies an incomplete dynamic firing cycle, or
in another embodiment, when it identifies that the shooter has
acted manually on the slide or closing system of the firearm
11.
[0041] It may also be set at zero with a button included for this
purpose or when the loader is changed for another by means of a
mechanical microswitch or a magnetic type sensor, not shown in the
drawings, placed on the firearm 11 and a magnet inserted in the
loader 13.
[0042] The counter 12 may be configured as an accessory which is
coupled to the body of the firearm 11, to any of the firearm
components 11 or to any of its accessories; as a system which is
housed or embedded in the firearm casing in any of the firearm 11
components, or in any of its accessories etc; so that the screen 21
may be visualised at any time by the shooter when firing a shot,
that is, the screen 21 is facing towards the shooter.
[0043] The microprocessor information 33 may be transmitted through
electrical connections, or through any means of transmission of
information via an air interface to a receiver and data processing
system and/or another visual display unit not shown in the drawings
which form part of the shooter's equipment, or distanced
therefrom.
[0044] The counter 12 comprises a supply unit in the form of a
battery or cell 35, not shown, which supplies electrical energy to
all counter circuits 12. The battery 35 is small in size and of the
long term type. Rechargeable batteries may also be used.
[0045] In order to extend the battery life 35, the counter 12 is
automatically activated when a shot is fired. Initially it is in
repose, with the visual display unit turned off. When the firearm
fires, the sensor 32 generates a signal activating the counter 12.
Following a predetermined period of non use of the fire arm, the
counter returns to its resting position, maintaining the value of
the counters both total and partial.
[0046] The counter 12 may also be automatically activated by an
impact sensor, a magnetic switch or a piezoelectric sensor which
picks up the mechanical vibrations of the firearm 11 when it
fires.
[0047] The counter 12 may also include buttons for carrying out
further functions such as: exclusively switching off the screen
without affecting the counter as it continues incrementing as new
shots are fired or selecting a certain number on the visual display
unit 21 so that the counter 12 discounts a unit every time that a
new shot is fired.
[0048] The visual display unit may be of the liquid crystal type
LCD, electroluminescent, plasma, coherent light or similar, due to
the fact that these technologies consume very little power.
[0049] The screen information 21 will be shown with different
degrees of light intensity in accordance with ambient light
available at any given time in order to facilitate viewing at all
times. In this way it will be notably reduced when the intensity of
ambient light is low or dark and it will increase when the opposite
is the case.
[0050] In respect of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 2c, the screen 21
will comprise at least two digits which may be together or
separate. It may also be formed by 11/2 digits, namely, by a
complete digit and another formed solely by two vertical segments
aligned in such a way that as they take up a small amount of space
it will be easier to integrate them in small firearms. In this
case, for the count of more than 20 shots for example, the points
at the foot of each digit will be used in order to codify the
information.
[0051] In order to have evidence of the temperature in the barrel
of the firearm at least one temperature probe may be placed, not
shown in the figures, at an appropriate point of the barrel. This
probe generates an electrical signal based on its temperature which
is sent, through electrical connections, to the programmable logic
control means 33.
[0052] Although the value of the temperature may appear on the
visual display unit when activated by the button, in the preferred
embodiment it is shown indirectly through the mode which visualises
the partial counter. For example, with its intermittent flashing
with two different frequencies corresponding to the two temperature
scales, one lower for warning and one higher for danger, which have
been previously established in the programmable logic control means
33.
[0053] In order to avoid placing long electrical connections along
the firearm 11, the temperature probe may be placed at another part
of the firearm so that measuring the temperature at that point
infers the same, given that the temperature at both points is
related given since weapon in question is the same article.
[0054] The embodiments and examples established in this report are
presented as the best explanation of this invention and its
practical application, and thus permitting experts in the art to
put this invention into practice and use. Nevertheless, experts in
the art will recognise that the description and the foregoing
examples have been presented for the purpose of illustrating and
merely as an example. The description as explained herein is not
considered to be exhaustive or to restrict the invention to the
precise form in which it is described. Modifications and variations
are possible in the light of the above teaching without abandoning
the spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *