Equipment operator personalization device

• US 7,096,619 B2
• Filed: 02/17/2004
• Issued: 08/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Charles L. Jackson, Christopher S. Weaver
• Original Assignee: Charles L. Jackson, Christopher S. Weaver
• Inventors: Weaver, Christopher S., Jackson, Charles L.
• Primary Examiner(s): JOHNSON, STEPHEN
• Application Number:
  US10/780,058
• Publication Number:
  US 20050188583A1
• Time in Patent Office: 924 Days
• Field of Search: 42/700.1, 42/701.1
• US Class Current: 42/70.11
• 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 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 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 switch and an output of said motion sensor.

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

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

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said switch comprises a pressure activated electrical switch.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said switch comprises a conductive sensor.

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

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

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said accelerometer comprises a 3-axis accelerometer.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein said operation enablement system comprises an electronic firing system.

10. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a mechanical safety;

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

11. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a mechanical safety;

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

12. A system according to claim 1 wherein said energy supply subsystem comprises a battery.

13. A system according to claim 1 wherein upon a determination that an activation sequence is beginning, said processor establishes full power until said means for deactivating deactivates said system.

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

15. A system according to claim 14 wherein said indicator comprises a light.