×

Alarm apparatus for handgun security

  • US 5,196,827 A
  • Filed: 05/13/1991
  • Issued: 03/23/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/13/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An alarm apparatus for sensing the removal of a handgun, comprising:

  • a lower base plate;

    an upper base plate separate from said lower base plate and disposed above and adjacent to the lower base plate, the upper base plate having an upper surface for placement of said handgun on said surface;

    at least one alarm means for producing an alarm signal in response to an alarm activation signal;

    a symmetrical array of force sensors disposed directly between said lower base plate and said upper base plate and secured to one of said plates, said force sensors each comprising a thin membrane having an electrical property which varies in response tot he force applied to each of said force sensors by said upper and lower base plates;

    a cushioning pad located directly between each of said force sensors and one of said plates for cushioning said sensors;

    a sensor signal means for providing a voltage comprising a sensor signal proportional to said electrical property of each of said force sensors;

    an upper threshold means for providing an upper sensor signal level, the upper threshold means including means for adjusting said upper sensor signal level in response to the force applied by said handgun on said upper base plate;

    a lower threshold means for providing a lower sensor signal level, the lower threshold means including means for adjusting the lower sensor signal level in response to the force applied by said handgun on said upper plate;

    the upper and lower sensor signal levels together defining a force threshold window encompassing the force exerted by the handgun weight on said upper plate;

    a compressor means for detecting said sensor signal and generating an alarm activation signal in response to said sensor signal falling outside the force threshold window bounded by said upper and lower sensor signal levels; and

    a reset means for resetting the alarm apparatus.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×