U.S. patent application number 15/030630 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-01 for a magazine and a system for locking a firearm.
The applicant listed for this patent is CLIP FORT LTD.. Invention is credited to Eyal ARTSIELY, Daniel BIRAN.
Application Number | 20160252317 15/030630 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52992359 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160252317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BIRAN; Daniel ; et
al. |
September 1, 2016 |
A MAGAZINE AND A SYSTEM FOR LOCKING A FIREARM
Abstract
The present invention provides a magazine holding ammunition and
electronic components arranged to be locked/unlocked biometrically
or by radio signal, the magazine comprising a housing having a
capacity for holding both a column of cartridges and electronic
components. The housing being dimensioned to be insertable into a
standard firearm without requiring any modification of the firearm.
Further, the magazine includes an assembly for preventing the
charging of the firearm by a mechanical element extending
longitudinally outside of the housing or a cartridge barrier
element preventing cartridges exiting the magazine housing; and
manually or electro-mechanic actuating means for pulling/pushing
the mechanical elements in response to a received radio signal, or
biometrically released; and electronic means in the housing for
processing incoming radio signals for actuating all means and a
mobile power supply attached to the housing.
Inventors: |
BIRAN; Daniel; (Moshav
Aviel, IL) ; ARTSIELY; Eyal; (Moshav Yafit,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CLIP FORT LTD. |
Haifa |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
52992359 |
Appl. No.: |
15/030630 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
October 21, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2014/050908 |
371 Date: |
April 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/1.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/38 20130101;
F41A 17/063 20130101; F41A 9/71 20130101; F41A 9/65 20130101; F41A
17/066 20130101; F41A 17/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/30 20060101
F41A017/30; F41A 9/65 20060101 F41A009/65; F41A 17/06 20060101
F41A017/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 21, 2013 |
IL |
229004 |
Claims
1. A magazine holding ammunition and electronic components arranged
to be locked/unlocked biometrically or by a radio signal, said
magazine comprising a housing having a capacity for holding both a
column of cartridges and electronic components, said housing being
dimensioned to be insertable into a standard firearm without
requiring any modification of said firearm; an assembly for
preventing charging the firearm comprising: a mechanical element
extending longitudinally outside said housing having a first state
in which said element is rigidly locked to project into the path of
the firearm cocking mechanism, sometimes referred to as the arming
or charging mechanism, and having a second state wherein said
element can be pushed at least partially out of the path of said
cocking mechanism to allow said firearm to be operated; or a
cartridge barrier preventing cartridges exiting said magazine
housing when said cartridge barrier is in its first state and
releasing cartridges from said magazine when said barrier is in its
second state to allow said firearm to be operated; manually or
electro-mechanic actuating means for pull/pushing said mechanical
element in response to a received radio signal, or biometrically
released; a mechanical member extending laterally outside said
housing having a first state in which said member is electronically
locked to project into a cavity of said firearm, said projection
being in an outward-extending position when said magazine is in a
locked position thereby preventing removal of said magazine, and
being electronically unlocked by a radio signal or biometrically
released to allow said magazine to be removed from said firearm;
actuating means arranged to at least indirectly cause
locking/unlocking of both said first and said second mechanical
elements; a switching element operationally connected to said
actuating means; biometrically released or radio receiving means
connected to said housing for receiving a radio signal; electronic
means in said housing for at least processing said incoming radio
signal or biometric released and causing said switching element to
power/cut-off power to said actuating means; and a mobile power
supply attached to said housing.
2. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, further provided with a
radio transmitter arranged to send an outgoing signal to said
remote controller when said mechanical element is moved into said
second position, whether such movement was generated by said
actuating means or from an action taken by any person holding said
firearm, said outgoing signal including elements allowing the
identification of the specific magazine generating said outgoing
signal.
3. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic
components include a GPS (Global Positioning System) component to
enable a remote controller to receive data for displaying the
location of said magazine.
4. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing is
dimensioned to replace a standard magazine holding cartridges
stacked in a staggered column.
5. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magazine is
internally divided into a first and a second compartment, said
first compartment holding a column of cartridges and said second
compartment holding said electronic and radio components said power
supply and associated components.
6. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating means
is an electric motor.
7. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said radio signals
used for communicating with a remote source have a format
conforming to a commercially-established standard wireless
technology.
8. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second
mechanical element is locked laterally outside said housing by a
screw mechanism driven by a miniature electric motor.
9. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, further provided with a "low
battery" warning device attached to said housing.
10. The magazine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating
means is a solenoid.
11. A firearm fitted with a magazine as claimed in claim 1.
12. A system for the remote control of at least one magazine, said
system comprising at least one magazine as claimed in claim 1 and
includes a remote controller able to generate radio signals to be
received by said radio receiving means of any specific selected
magazine in its range and to be understood as a lock/unlock command
by said electronic means carried in said magazine housing.
13. A system for the remote control of at least one magazine as
claimed in claim 12, wherein a relock signal is automatically
generated by said remote system in response to said remote
controller detecting that said magazine has been moved to a
location outside a predefined location, or that a
previously-defined time period allowing use of the weapon has
expired.
14. A magazine for use of a pre-specified person only, provided
with a receiver pad for receiving biometric data, said data when
received being transmitted to an electronic comparison circuit in
said housing, electronic means being provided to store
preprogrammed biometric data relating to said specified person, and
if said comparison circuit determines that the new data matches
said preprogrammed data, generating a signal causing unlocking of
said magazine, where after said magazine may be relocked in
response to receipt of a radio signal generated from a remote
source.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to securing firearms from
misuse.
[0002] More particularly, the invention provides a remotely
controlled locking/unlocking system to reduce the possibilities of
misuse of handguns either by adults or by children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] While the locking of a weapon such as a handgun is not
particularly difficult, there is also a requirement that the weapon
must be available for immediate use by an authorized person, often
at an unexpected moment. As a general rule it is desirable that the
weapon should be operateable only in the hands of a person
authorized to do so, and only during the time period when said
person is on duty. However during this time period the weapon must
be ready for use within a few seconds of the moment that a security
threat is determined justifying firing the weapon.
[0004] Today pistols and rifles are widely distributed among
security guards for buildings and for protecting VIPs and groups of
travelers. Some armed guards, typically employed by private
security companies, are not resistant to the temptation to employ
their weapon outside the time, the place and the scope of their
defined duty. Such criminal actions are difficult to counter,
because the guard, if challenged, will display a valid license for
possession of the weapon. As any law-abiding guard, after
completion of duty the guard will take the weapon home to be
conveniently available for the next days' duty stint.
[0005] In a previous disclosure, U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,450 issued May
29, 2007 the present inventors claimed a firearm magazine which
held no ammunition and which blocked the weapon and could be
removed only by a person whose fingerprint matched the fingerprint
of the person authorized to use the weapon. Thus as long as said
blocking magazine was in place no unauthorized person could use the
weapon and there was no danger of children being able to fire
same.
[0006] However recently news reports have shown an alarming rise in
crimes committed with handguns which were being misused by the very
person authorized to carry the weapon, in some cases for the
purpose of "settling" family or business related disputes. A brief
review of patents issued after the '450 patent makes clear that no
solution has yet been found to prevent or even limit such actions
and/or to enable a controlling authority to know the whereabouts of
each handgun and to be warned if such weapon is carried to a
location outside the area authorized therefor.
[0007] With regard to the prior art, reference is made to the
following US Patents which have been issued since our previous
patent was published. Theses designs refer to weapons which are not
ready for immediate use or require modification of the firearm for
implementation. These designs also are not or cannot be arranged
for remote control. These designs also do not relate to the problem
of limiting the use of the weapon by the authorized user
him/herself.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,345 McGarry claims a pistol, a
magazine and a blocking member, wherein removal of the magazine
activates the blocking member and prevents use of the firing pin.
An actuator may be used to disengage the blocking member after the
magazine is reinserted.
[0009] Bubits in Patent 7,568,3092 proposes a locking body to be
inserted into the magazine receiving space, the locking body having
an eccentric element engaging a catch in the pistol.
[0010] Schaefer prefers to block the slide ejection port of the
firearm in U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,403. A lock is rotatably connected
bottom end of the magazine housing.
[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,449 (Patent Application 20050115132)
Clifton Jr claims a magazine which blocks the charging handle.
[0012] In US Patent Application 20020069570 Lee discloses a handgun
in which the spring-loaded slide is replaced by an electric motor,
which requires entry of an access code to allow use of the weapon.
When not in use the magazine is removed and the motor drives the
slide rearwards.
[0013] The design proposed by Abad in US Patent Application
20020162265 is limited to breech-load and revolver-type weapons. A
shackle lock is inserted in the weapon preventing loading therein
of a magazine.
[0014] A novel idea is disclosed by Aske in Patent Application
20040211103 wherein the first cartridge in line to be fired is a
safety cartridge which, if fired, jams the weapon. The owner of the
weapon may operate same by first ejecting the safety cartridge to
allow firing.
[0015] In 20080120888 Matyko et al. describe a lock including a
blocking member extending from the upward portion of a magazine
insertion member.
[0016] None of the prior art designs limit the use of the weapon by
the person who is authorized to use same.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention
to obviate the limitations of the prior art and to provide a
magazine which can be locked to remotely limit use by the person to
whom the weapon was issued.
[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to achieve
this without requiring any modification of the weapon.
[0019] Yet a further object of the present invention is to achieve
this while allowing immediate use of the weapon when used in a
legal manner, while locking the weapon in circumstances indicating
that the user will use the weapon in an unauthorized place or
time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention achieves the above objects by
providing a magazine holding ammunition and electronic components
arranged to be locked/unlocked biometrically or by a radio signal,
said magazine comprising [0021] a housing having a capacity for
holding both a column of cartridges and electronic components, said
housing being dimensioned to be insertable into a standard firearm
without requiring any modification of said firearm; [0022] an
assembly for preventing the charging of the firearm comprising:
[0023] a mechanical element extending longitudinally outside said
housing having a first state in which said element is rigidly
locked to project into the path of the firearm cocking mechanism,
sometimes referred to as the arming or charging mechanism, and
having a second state wherein said element can be pushed at least
partially out of the path of said cocking mechanism to allow said
firearm to be operated; [0024] or a cartridge barrier element
preventing cartridges exiting said magazine housing when said
cartridge barrier is in its first state and releasing cartridges
from said magazine when said barrier is in its second state to
allow said firearm to be operated; [0025] manually or
electro-mechanic actuating means for pull/pushing said mechanical
element in response to a received radio signal, or biometrically
released; [0026] a mechanical member extending laterally outside
said housing having a first state in which said member is
electronically locked to project into a cavity of said firearm,
said projection being in an outward-extending position when said
magazine is in a locked position thereby preventing removal of said
magazine, and being electronically unlocked by a radio signal or
biometrically released to allow said magazine to be removed from
said firearm; [0027] actuating means arranged to at least
indirectly cause locking/unlocking of both said first and said
second mechanical elements; [0028] a switching element
operationally connected to said actuating means; [0029]
biometrically released or radio receiving means connected to said
housing for receiving a radio signal; [0030] electronic means in
said housing for at least processing said incoming radio signal or
biometric released and causing said switching element to
power/cut-off power to said actuating means; and [0031] a mobile
power supply attached to said housing.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a magazine further including a radio transmitter arranged
to send an outgoing signal to said remote controller when said
mechanical element is moved into said second position, whether such
movement was generated by said actuating means or from an action
taken by any person holding said firearm, said outgoing signal
including elements allowing the identification of the specific
magazine generating said outgoing signal.
[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine wherein said housing is dimensioned to
replace a standard magazine holding cartridges stacked in a
staggered column.
[0034] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine wherein said magazine is internally
divided into a first and a second compartment, said first
compartment holding a column of cartridges and said second
compartment holding said electronic and radio components said power
supply and associated components.
[0035] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present
invention there is provided a magazine wherein said actuating means
is an electric motor.
[0036] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present
invention there is provided a magazine wherein said radio signals
used for communicating with a remote source have a format
conforming to a commercially-established standard wireless
technology.
[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine wherein said magazine is internally
divided into a first and a second compartment, said first
compartment holding a column of cartridges and said second
compartment holding said electronic and radio components said power
supply and associated components.
[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine wherein said actuating means is an
electric motor.
[0039] In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine wherein said radio signals used for
communicating with a remote source have a format conforming to a
commercially-established standard wireless technology.
[0040] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine wherein said second mechanical element
is locked laterally outside said housing by a screw mechanism
driven by a miniature electric motor.
[0041] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine further having a "low battery" warning
device attached to said housing.
[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine wherein said actuating means is a
solenoid.
[0043] The invention also includes a firearm fitted with a magazine
as described above.
[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a system for the remote control of at least one
magazine, said system comprising at least one magazine and
including a remote controller able to generate radio signals to be
received by said radio receiving means of any specific selected
magazine in its range and to be understood as a lock/unlock command
by said electronic means carried in said magazine housing.
[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a system for the remote control of at least one
magazine wherein a relock signal is automatically generated by said
in response to said remote controller detecting that said magazine
has been moved to a location outside a predefined location, or that
a previously-defined time period allowing use of the weapon has
expired.
[0046] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a magazine for use of a pre-specified person
only, provided with a receiver pad for receiving biometric data,
said data when received being transmitted to an electronic
comparison circuit in said housing, electronic means being provided
to store preprogrammed biometric data relating to said specified
person, and if said comparison circuit determines that the new data
matches said preprogrammed data, generating a signal causing
unlocking of said magazine, where after said magazine may be
relocked in response to receipt of a radio signal generated from a
remote source.
[0047] It will thus be realized that the novel device of the
present invention serves to limit use of the weapon to a time and
place authorized for its use. While there is no way of completely
preventing a person who has been given a weapon for guard duty or
self defense from misusing the weapon which in the line of duty
must be ready for use within a few seconds, much can be achieved if
the weapon can be locked in circumstances indicating imminent
misuse.
[0048] The invention provides a capacity for indicating that the
weapon has been taken out of its authorized area. This could happen
as a result of theft or as a deliberate decision by the guard to go
to a place where he wishes to "settle accounts".
[0049] It should be noted that radio control of the weapon is
useful not only for remote control but also by a supervising
officer who may tour the sites where guars in the employ of his
company are stationed. If for example the supervisor suspects that
a guard is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, he/she
is likely to lock the weapon on site even without confronting the
offender.
[0050] The invention will now be described further with reference
to the accompanying drawings, which represent by example preferred
embodiments of the invention. Structural details are shown only as
far as necessary for a fundamental understanding thereof. The
described examples, together with the drawings, will make apparent
to those skilled in the art how further forms of the invention may
be realized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] In the drawings:
[0052] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of
the magazine according to the invention;
[0053] FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the same embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of an embodiment in two-way
communication with a controller;
[0055] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but provided with a GPS
link;
[0056] FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view of an embodiment with
locking means to the firearm driven by an electric motor;
[0057] FIGS. 6a and 6b are views of a solenoid driven embodiment
for locking the upper projection;
[0058] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a pistol carrying a
magazine according to the invention;
[0059] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a system for controlling
multiple magazines, and
[0060] FIG. 9 is a fragmented sectional view of an embodiment
unlockable by inputting biometric data.
FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] There is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 a magazine 10 holding
cartridges 12 and electronic components to be described
hereinafter. The magazine 10 may be locked/unlocked by a radio
signal 14, either from a remote control station or from nearby,
such as a supervising officer on site.
[0062] Two locking mechanisms for the magazine 10 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0063] The magazine 10 is provided with a housing 22 having a
capacity for holding both a column of cartridges 12 and the
electronic components 24 which control the magazine. The housing 22
is dimensioned to be insertable into a standard firearm 20 (seen in
FIG. 7) without requiring any modification thereof. This is
important not only to ease usage of the magazine 10 but also
because any modification of the firearm, such as drilling a hole
therein, will cancel the manufacturer's guarantee thereof.
[0064] The housing 22 illustrated is dimensioned to replace a
standard magazine holding cartridges stacked in a staggered column
Space for the electronic components 24 is provided by arranging the
cartridges 12 in a narrow straight column 26.
[0065] The cartridges 12 and electronic components 24 are kept
apart from each other in the housing 22 by an internal divider 28
forming a first and a second compartment 30, 32. The first
compartment 30 holds a column 26 of cartridges 12. The second
compartment holds the electronic components 24, radio components 34
and the power supply 36.
[0066] The firearm 20 (seen in FIG. 7) is prevented from firing
because its cocking mechanism is obstructed by a mechanical element
38 extending longitudinally outside the open face 40 of the housing
22. In a first state the said element 38 is rigidly locked and
projects beyond the open face 40 of the housing 22 into the path 42
of the firearm cocking mechanism, sometimes referred to as the
arming or charging mechanism, thus preventing use of the firearm.
Alternatively a cartridge barrier 44 is provided preventing
cartridges 12 exiting through the open face 40 when the first
element in its first state
[0067] In a second state, unlocked, which is seen in the present
two figures, the said element 38 is temporarily pushed at least
partially into the housing 22 out of the path 42 of the cocking
mechanism. A spring-loaded cartridge pusher 64 raises the
cartridges while the leading cartridge 12 passes through the open
face 40 and enters the firing chamber to allow the firearm to be
operated.
[0068] Further, there is provided a mechanical member 46 extending
bolt-like laterally outside the housing 22 to project into the
magazine catch (not seen) of the firearm, which prevents
inadvertent disengagement of the magazine 10 from the firearm. In a
first state the member 46 is electronically locked in which state
the magazine 10 is locked and cannot be removed from the firearm.
In this state not only does the present magazine become unusable
but also it is impossible to insert any alternative magazine into
the firearm.
[0069] The magazine 10 can be freed only by receiving a radio
signal 14, which can be sent only by an authorized person. When the
cartridge is in this freed second state a cocking action is
possible and this will release a cartridge 12 from the magazine 10
into the firing chamber;
[0070] FIGS. 5 and 6 will describe examples of actuating means such
as a motor 50 or solenoid 108 for locking the magazine.
[0071] A switching element 48 such as a transistor is operationally
connected between the battery 36 and the electro-magnetic actuating
means 50, 108 seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The switching element 48 is
commanded electronically by a circuit including radio receiving
means 34 for a radio signal 14, the signal 14 being usually
configured for receipt by only one predetermined magazine 10. It is
of course possible to arrange several magazines 10 to be controlled
by one signal 14 if this is appropriate.
[0072] Advantageously the radio signal 14 has a format conforming
to a commercially-established standard wireless technology, for
example Bluetooth or WiFi.
[0073] Electronic means 54 are provided for processing the incoming
radio signal 14 and commanding the switching element 48 to
power/cut-off power to the actuating means 50, 108 seen in FIGS. 5
and 6.
[0074] A mobile power supply inside the housing, such as an
electric storage battery 56 is included in the housing 22 to
provide the needed power.
[0075] Preferably a "low battery" warning device 58 is attached to
the housing 22 in a position where it is visible also after the
magazine 10 has been inserted into a firearm. Further indicators
may be added, such as status indicators 56, out-of-range warning 60
and out-of-time indicators 62.
[0076] With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference
numerals have been used to identify similar parts.
[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a magazine 66 further
provided with a radio transmitter 68 arranged to also send an
outgoing signal 70 to a remote controller 72. Such signal 70 can
notify a controller that the mechanical element 38 has been moved
into its second position, i.e. it is unlocked. Notification is
received whether such movement was generated by the actuating means
as commanded by radio wave 14, or resulted from an unauthorized
action taken by any person holding the firearm. The signal 70
includes elements allowing the identification of the specific
magazine generating this signal.
[0078] Seen in FIG. 4 is a representation of a magazine 74 similar
to the magazine 66 seen in FIG. 3 wherein the electronic components
include a GPS (Global Positioning System) component 76. The GPS
component 76 periodically allows a remote controller to receive
data for displaying the location of the magazine 74. Thus the
controlling person is immediately warned if the magazine 74 is
being moved outside a predefined area, and the controller can
immediately lock the magazine 74 to prevent its misuse.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a magazine 78
seen in the first locked state. The firearm 20 (seen in FIG. 7) is
prevented from firing because the path 42 of the cocking mechanism
is obstructed by the first mechanical element 38 extending
longitudinally outside the open face 40 of the housing 22.
[0080] The electro-magnetic actuator is a bi-directional electric
motor 50.
[0081] In the present embodiment the second mechanical element 46
is a spring-loaded horizontal-axis bolt member, extended laterally
outside the housing 22. An internally-threaded lock pin 82 is
arranged to be free to move axially but is restrained from
revolution. The lock pin 82 has been axially pushed into a recess
84 in the element 46 because the motor 50 has revolved an
externally threaded member 86 entering the lock pin 82. The
resulting upward movement of the lock pin 82 prevents withdrawal of
the element 46, and thus prevents withdrawal of the magazine 78
from the firearm seen in FIG. 7.
[0082] The magazine 78 is unlocked by a radio signal 14 which is
processed by the electronic components 24 to command the motor 50
to operate in the opposite direction.
[0083] In the present embodiment there is provided a power-saving
switch 80 which cuts power to those electronic circuits which are
not needed for the receipt or transmission of radio signals. Finger
pressure on a push rod 90 returns power to all required circuits of
the electronic components 24.
[0084] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a mechanism useful for
locking/unlocking the first mechanical element 38 which extends
longitudinally outside the open face 40 of the housing 22.
[0085] A 2 bar toggle mechanism 92, 94 is pin-hinged to the housing
22 at 96, and pin hinged to a stop member at 98. The stop member 98
is pinned to the housing 22 at 100, and in the locked position seen
in FIG. 6a the stop member enters a recess 112 in the element 38.
The stop member 98 thus prevents any downward movement of the
element 38 and may be safely retained in the locked state by a
light spring 102. In this state, seen in FIG. 6a, the element 38 is
rigidly locked and projects beyond the open face 40 of the housing
22 into the path 42 of the firearm cocking mechanism, thus
preventing use of the firearm. The drawing also shows a housing pin
104 guiding the element 38 by means of a slot 106 in the element
38
[0086] When an "UNLOCK" command is to be executed a pull-push
solenoid 108 is powered to push the joint 106 upwards, thereby
withdrawing the stop member 98 from recess 112 and allowing the
mechanical element 38 to move downwards out of the path 42 of the
cocking mechanism as seen in FIG. 6b.The element 38 is now free to
move downwards away from the path 42 of the firearm cocking
mechanism thus allowing use of the firearm.
[0087] With regard to the locked position, this will be retained
even after power to the solenoid 108 has been cut off.
[0088] Seen in FIG. 7 illustrates is a firearm 20 fitted with a
magazine 10 as described with reference to FIG. 1. The magazine 10
fits a standard firearm 20, for example a pistol as seen in the
present figure, without requiring any modification thereof. The
firearm 20 is seen in its locked state.
[0089] Represented in FIG. 8 is a remote control system 120 for
several magazines 74 as described with reference to FIG. 4. The
system 120 is part of the present invention.
[0090] A remote controller 122 is arranged to lock/unlock any or
all magazines 74. The controller 122 is arranged to generate radio
signals 70 to be received by the radio receiving means of any
specific selected magazine in its range and to be understood as a
lock/unlock command by the electronic means carried in the magazine
housing. The magazines 74 generate radio signals 14 which provide
data including the location of the magazine 74.
[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the system 120 which is shown
diagrammatically in the figure a LOCK signal 70 is automatically
generated by the remote controller 122 in response to the remote
controller 122 having determined that one of the magazines 74a has
been moved to a location 124 outside a predefined authorized area
126. Furthermore the controller 122 may be activated by a timer 128
so that when a previously-defined time period allowing use of the
magazine 74 has expired, for example after completion of the night
shift of a security guard, the magazine 74 is automatically locked
by a radio signal.
[0092] In some circumstances it may be desirable to allow unlocking
of the magazine when required for use by an authorized person. FIG.
9 indicates such an embodiment of the magazine 130 serving this
purpose. The upper portion of the magazine is not shown because it
is the same as the embodiment seen in FIG. 1. In the lower portion
of the magazine seen in the drawing the authorized person uses a
receiver pad 132 for entering biometric data, such as a
fingerprint. An electronic memory circuit 134 is provided to store
preprogrammed biometric data relating to the specified person. If a
comparison circuit 136 determines that the new data matches the
preprogrammed data, a signal 138 is generated causing unlocking of
the magazine 130
[0093] Thereafter the magazine 130 may be relocked in response to
receipt of a further radio signal 140.
[0094] The scope of the described invention is intended to include
all embodiments coming within the meaning of the following claims.
The foregoing examples illustrate useful forms of the invention,
but are not to be considered as limiting its scope, as those
skilled in the art will be aware that additional variants and
modifications of the invention can readily be formulated without
departing from the meaning of the following claims.
* * * * *