Firearm safety system

• US 20010032407A1
• Filed: 04/19/2001
• Published: 10/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Original Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Inventors: Lennon, Andrew M., Carkhuff, Bliss G., Cain, Russell P.
• Application Number:
  US09/838,046
• Publication Number:
  US 20010032407A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 42/70.11
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/063 comprising a transponder

Abstract

Use of a handgun is achieved by having a user wear a passive unique RF tag that may be imbedded in a ring on the shooting hand of the user, a wristband, etc. The RF tag is designed to communicate with an RF system embedded in the stock of a firearm. The RF system includes a battery powered micro-controller, a watchdog timer that pings the surrounding area seeking a pre-programmed unique RF code, an RF coil, a programming port, RF interface circuitry, a latching actuator, and a latch. If the RF tag matches the RF code then the latch actuator releases the latch that engages a mechanical firing mechanism and allows the firearm to be discharged. The firearm remains active as long as the RF tag and RF code remain within range of the RF system and is returned to safe mode when the RF tag is no longer detected.

Claims

1. A firearm safety system, comprising:

a microcontroller;

a firing mechanism;

a latch, coupled to said firing mechanism, obstructing said firing mechanism;

a latch actuator, coupled to said latch, for arming or disarming said firing mechanism;

an RF communication subsystem that pings the surrounding area to detect a code from a passive RF tag in the vicinity, and, upon detection of said code, said RF communication subsystem relays the detected code to said micro-controller;

a computational subsystem including said micro-controller that receives said detected code from said RF communication subsystem and compares the detected code to a pre-programmed code stored in said micro-controller, and if the detected code matches the pre-programmed code, said micro-controller sends out a control signal; and

a mechanical actuation subsystem that receives said control signal from said computational subsystem wherein said control signal causes said latch actuator to release said latch, said latch obstructing said firing mechanism prior to reception of said control signal such that the firearm is inoperable until said latch is released.

2. The system of

claim 1

further comprising a programming port coupled to said micro-controller, said programming port allowing an external device to access and program codes into said micro-controller.

3. The system of

claim 2

wherein said micro-controller can be programmed with multiple codes.

4. A firearm safety system utilizing wireless RF communication, comprising:

a mechanical firing mechanism;

a latch, operatively connected to said mechanical firing mechanism, capable of obstructing said mechanical firing mechanism within the firearm;

a latch actuator coupled with said latch, said latch actuator disengaging said latch from said mechanical firing mechanism in response to a control signal;

an RF interface including an RF coil; and

a programmable micro-controller coupled with said RF interface and said latch actuator, said micro-controller;

causing said RF interface to ping the surrounding area to detect a unique code emitted by a passive RF tag,

verifying that a detected code matches a code pre-programmed into said micro-controller; and

sending said control signal to said latch actuator only when said code detected by said RF interface matches a code pre-programmed into said micro-controller.

5. The system of

claim 4

further comprising a programming port coupled with said micro-controller, said programming port allowing an external device to access and program codes into said micro-controller.

6. The system of

claim 5

wherein said micro-controller can be programmed with multiple codes.

7. A firearm safety system, comprising:

a firing mechanism for enabling said firearm;

means for pinging the area surrounding the firearm to detect a code;

means for relaying the detected code to a micro-controller upon detection of said code;

means for comparing the detected code to a pre-programmed code stored in said micro-controller;

means for causing said micro-controller to send out a control signal if the detected code matches the pre-programmed code; and

means for releasing a latch in response to said control signal, said latch obstructing said firing mechanism prior to reception of said control signal such that the firearm is inoperable until said latch is released.

8. The system of

claim 7

further comprising means for allowing an external device to access and program codes into said micro-controller.

9. The system of

claim 8

wherein said micro-controller can be programmed with multiple codes.