Equipment operator personalization device

• US 20050188583A1
• Filed: 02/17/2004
• Published: 09/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles L. Jackson, Christopher S. Weaver
• Original Assignee: Charles L. Jackson, Christopher S. Weaver
• Inventors: Weaver, Christopher S., Jackson, Charles L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,096,619 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 42/70.110
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/06 Electric or electromechanical safeties F41A17/04, F41A17/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/066 having means for recognizing biometric parameters, e.g. voice control, finger print or palm print control
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/08 for inhibiting firing in a specified direction, e.g. at a friendly person or at a protected area F41A27/02 takes precedence

Abstract

A motion sensing device is embedded in a firearm. A processor in the firearm senses the pattern of motion of the firearm, and on sensing a specified sequence of motions, the processor permits operation of the firearm. The operator would move the firearm in a prescribed fashion to “unlock the gun.” For example, the operator might trace out his or her initials with the muzzle of a pistol. Unlocking would stay valid until the operator released the gun handle or squeezed extra hard on the handle.

Claims

1. A system for authorizing the operation of equipment comprising:

a motion sensor for sensing a movement of said equipment;

a processor connected to an output of said motion sensor for analyzing a movement of said equipment;

an energy source connected to said motion sensor and said processor, and

an operation enablement subsystem connected to said processor for enabling operation of said equipment in response to a signal from said processor.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion sensing device comprises an accelerometer.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion sensing device comprises a plurality of accelerometers.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein said accelerometer comprises a 3-axis accelerometer.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein said accelerometer comprises a 2-axis accelerometer.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein said accelerometer comprises a 1-axis accelerometer.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a dead-man switch for enabling and disabling operation of said system.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said dead-man switch comprises a pressure activated electrical switch.

9. A system according to claim 7 wherein said dead-man switch comprises a conductive sensor.

10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said equipment comprises a firearm.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said motion sensing device comprises an accelerometer.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein said motion sensing device comprises a plurality of accelerometers.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein said accelerometer comprises a 3-axis accelerometer.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein said accelerometer comprises a 2-axis accelerometer.

16. A system according to claim 10 wherein said motion sensor is mounted on a barrel of said firearm.

17. A system according to claim 10 wherein said motion sensor is located within a handle of said firearm.

18. A system according to claim 10 wherein said processor is located within a handle of said firearm.

19. A system according to claim 10 wherein said operation enablement system comprises an electronic firing system.

20. A system according to claim 9 further comprising a mechanical safety;

wherein said energy source provides energy to said processor only when said mechanical safety is disengaged.

21. A system according to claim 9 further comprising a mechanical safety;

wherein said energy source provides energy to said motion sensor only when said mechanical safety is disengaged.

22. A system according to claim 1 wherein said energy source comprises a battery.

25. A system according to claim 1 further comprising an indicator for indicating to the operator that operation of the equipment has been authorized.

26. A system according to claim 25 wherein said indicator comprises a light.

27. A system according to claim 25 wherein said indicator comprises a means for causing a vibration of said equipment.

15. The system of claim 111 wherein said accelerometer comprises a 1-axis accelerometer.

23. A system for authorizing the operation of equipment comprising:

a motion sensor for sensing a motion said equipment;

a processor connected to an output of said motion sensor, said processor having an energy-conserving state and an active state;

an energy supply subsystem connected to said motion sensor and said processor;

an operation enablement subsystem;

a dead-man switch; and

means for deactivating said system;

wherein, said energy supply subsystem periodically applies energy to said processor when said processor is in said energy-conserving state, and when said energy is applied said processor determines whether an activation sequence is beginning based upon a state of said dead-man switch and an output of said motion sensor.

24. A system according to claim 23 wherein upon a determination that an activation sequence is beginning, said processor establishes full power until said means for deactivating deactivates said system.

28. A method for authorizing use of a firearm comprising the steps of:

sensing a movement of said firearm;

comparing said sensed movement with a stored movement;

authorizing use of said firearm based upon said comparison.

29. A method according to claim 28 further comprising the step of providing an indication to a user whether use of said firearm is authorized.