Safety trigger

• US 5,603,179 A
• Filed: 10/11/1995
• Issued: 02/18/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Heiko B. Adams
• Original Assignee: Heiko B. Adams
• Inventors: Adams, Heiko B.
• Primary Examiner(s): JOHNSON, STEPHEN
• Application Number:
  US08/540,779
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 42/70.11, 42/70.06, 42/70.09, 42/70.05, 42/70.01
• US Class Current: 42/70.08
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/066 having means for recognizing biometric parameters, e.g. voice control, finger print or palm print control

Abstract

A safety mechanism for a firearm consisting of a specialized scanning mechanism built into the firearm'"'"'s trigger. The scanner is programmed to read the unique fingerprints of a given individual. The device is also capable of holding the programmed print information for more than one person, so that multiple people would he able to use the firearm. However, usage is limited to only those persons whose hand prints have been prestored in the scanner. The scanner mechanism is connected to the firearm'"'"'s safety lock. The safety is prevented from being released without proper authorization from the scanner. When a person grips the weapon and places his finger on the trigger, the pressure of the finger on the trigger activates the scanner, and the scanner reads the fingerprint to determine if the scanned fingerprint matches one of the pre-stored fingerprint images. If the individual is an authorized user, the scanner transmits a signal to the safety, releasing this device and activating the firearm for use.

Claims

1. A safety trigger device for a hand-held firearm, said firearm having a hammer, a firing pin, and a pistol grip having a front surface, a rear surface, and two side surfaces, said surfaces defining a cavity within the pistol grip, said pistol grip further having an outer access door for accessing the cavity within said pistol grip, said device comprising:

(a) a sensor trigger having a front surface and two side surfaces, and a rear surface, said sensor trigger having a fingerprint recognition sensor on the front surface thereof;

(b) a scanner optically connected to said front surface of said sensor trigger, and activated by pressure on said sensor trigger;

(c) an internal safety mechanism mechanically connected to the scanner and engagingly coupled to the hammer of said firearm;

(d) a central processing unit within said cavity within said pistol grip electrically connected to said scanner, said central processing unit holding a fingerprint recognition program;

(e) a program card with fingerprint information contained thereon,

(f) a program port electrically connected to said central processing unit for the reception of said program card.

2. The safety trigger device as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor trigger has a pressure sensitive membrane.

3. The safety trigger device as recited in claim 1, wherein said safety trigger device further comprises a battery unit electrically connected to said central processing unit for powering the same.

4. The safety trigger device as recited in claim 1, wherein said outer access door is attached to rear surface of said pistol grip, whereby access is provided to interior of said pistol grip.

5. The safety trigger device as recited in claim 1, wherein said central processing unit has an on/off switch and means for the reception of battery power.