Laser weapon simulator apparatus with firing detection system

• US 5,591,032 A
• Filed: 03/23/1995
• Issued: 01/07/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard L. Powell
• Original Assignee: Richard L. Powell
• Inventors: Powell, Richard L., Jacobsen, W. Joe
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Smith, Jeffrey A.
• Application Number:
  US08/409,336
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: 434/11, 434/16, 434/19, 434/21, 434/22
• US Class Current: 434/22
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 3/2683 with reflection of the beam on the target back to the weapon

Abstract

A laser weapon simulator apparatus for practice in the shooting of a firearm at a target having reflective material thereon. The apparatus includes a laser beam transmitter that is actuable to emit a laser beam of short duration, a laser beam receiver for collecting and processing a reflected portion of the laser beam, circuitry for detecting the emission of the laser beam by the transmitter, and a visual display. The receiver includes circuitry adapted to produce a "hit" signal upon receiving the reflected portion of the laser beam and the detecting circuitry is adapted to produce a "try" signal in response to the emission of the laser beam. The visual display produces an output "hit" display signal upon the concurrent receipt of a "hit" signal from the receiver and a "try" signal from the detecting circuitry.

Claims

1. A laser weapon simulator apparatus for use with a firearm comprising a firing chamber, a firing pin adjacent said firing chamber, and a barrel having a first end proximal said firing chamber and a second end distal said firing chamber, the apparatus being for practice in the shooting of the firearm at a target having reflective material thereon, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a laser beam transmitter contained in a housing that is adapted for being positioned in the firing chamber of the firearm and is actuable to emit a laser beam of short duration;

(b) a laser beam receiver adapted for mounting on the exterior of the firearm for receiving a portion of said laser beam that is reflected from the target and processing said portion to produce a "hit" signal;

(c) means for detecting the emission of said laser beam and producing a "try" signal in response thereto; and

(d) display means that produces an output "hit" display signal upon the concurrent receipt of a "hit" signal from said receiver and a "try" signal from said detecting means.

2. A weapon simulator apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said transmitter is actuated when struck by the firing pin of the firearm.

3. A weapon simulator apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said receiver is mounted on the barrel of said firearm.

4. A weapon simulator apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said detecting means includes a fiber optic link that is clipped to the end of the barrel of the firearm in such fashion that it senses the emission of a laser beam by said transmitter.

5. A weapon simulator apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein said receiver includes a light collecting member that is tubular in shape and serves as a hood for said receiver.

6. A weapon simulator apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein said display means produces an output "try" display signal upon the receipt of a "try" signal from said detecting means.