Method and apparatus for detecting and identifying firearms
First Claim
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1. A method of detecting firearms, comprising:
- embedding a transponder unit encoded with a serial number for the firearm in the firearm; and
transmitting an interrogating radiofrequency signal from a reader which is received by the transponder and causes the transponder to trigger transmission of a responding signal for reception by the reader, including an identification of the serial number of the firearm.
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Abstract
A system for detecting the presence of firearms and identifying their unique status includes a radiofrequency identification chip supported within each firearm either by the manufacturer or by later retrofit. The RFID chip stores the unique serial number for the firearm, preferably in nonvolatile form. A reader for the chips may be used to transmit an interrogating signal from a distance which causes the chip to send a responsive signal including its serial number. The reader picks up the serial number and provides it to an associated computer. The serial number so obtained may be used with databases to maintain inventories of firearms or determine the history of firearms.
63 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of detecting firearms, comprising:
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embedding a transponder unit encoded with a serial number for the firearm in the firearm; and
transmitting an interrogating radiofrequency signal from a reader which is received by the transponder and causes the transponder to trigger transmission of a responding signal for reception by the reader, including an identification of the serial number of the firearm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for detecting firearms comprising:
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a plurality of firearms having RFID chips embedded within them, each RFID chip being encoded with the serial number of the associated firearm;
a reader for transmitting a radiofrequency interrogating signal which may be picked up by RFID chips within its transmission area and will trigger the RFID chips responding to a signal, including the serial number of the associated handgun for reception by the reader; and
a computer operative to receive the serial numbers received by the reader and to generate an output signal. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A firearm for use with a firearm detection and identification system, comprising:
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a cavity formed on the surface of the firearm; and
an RFID chip supported within the cavity, the RFID chip being encoded with the serial number of the firearm;
whereby an RFID chip reader can determine the presence and serial number of the firearm bearing the chip remotely. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification