FIREARM FIRING CONTROL SYSTEM AND RED DOT POSITIONING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A firearm firing control system includes a touchless sensor firing control assembly for touchless control of firing the firearm. The sensor is electrically connected to a power source and a load. When the sensor senses input (e.g., movement), an activation voltage from the power source causes the load to mechanically operate the trigger mechanism of the firearm. Circuit logic electrically resets the sensor, and the action of the slide mechanically resets the load.

Claims

1. A touchless sensor firing control assembly comprising: a power source; a touchless sensor electrically connected to the power source, and a load electrically connected to the sensor and configured to be actuated by an actuation voltage from the power source upon detection of movement by the sensor; wherein the load is configured to be mechanically connected to a trigger assembly of a firearm such that actuation of the load actuates a firing pin of the firearm.

2. The firing control assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

3. The firing control assembly of claim 2, wherein the proximity sensor is a dielectric-type capacitive proximity sensor.

4. The firing control assembly of claim 3, wherein the dielectric-type capacitive proximity sensor is configured to be positioned to detect movement within a trigger guard of the firearm.

5. The firing control assembly of claim 2, wherein the sensor is configured to be positioned to detect movement within a trigger guard of the firearm.

6. The firing control assembly of claim 5, further comprising a power switch for selective activation and deactivation of the power source.

7. The firing control assembly of claim 1, further comprising a power switch for selective activation and deactivation of the power source.

8. The firing control assembly of claim 1, in combination with a firearm, wherein the load is mechanically connected to a trigger assembly of the firearm such that actuation of the load actuates a firing pin of the firearm.

9. The firing control assembly of claim 8, wherein the load is a linkage mechanically connected to a trigger bar of the trigger assembly such that actuation of the load releases the trigger bar whereby the firing pin is actuated.

10. A touchless sensor firing control assembly for use with a firearm comprising a red dot positioning assembly operatively connected to the firearm and configured to capture a first image of a field of view of a red dot optic, the firing control assembly comprising: a power source; a touchless sensor electrically connected to the power source; and a load electrically connected to the sensor and configured to be mechanically connected to a trigger assembly of the firearm such that actuation of the load actuates a firing pin of the firearm; wherein the load is configured to receive an actuation voltage from the power source upon both: i) detection of a second image of a field of view by the red dot positioning assembly and determination that the second image is substantially the same as the first image; and ii) detection of movement by the touchless sensor.

11. The firing control assembly of claim 10 wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor configured to be positioned on the firearm to detect movement within a trigger guard of the firearm.

12. A touchless firing control system comprising a touchless sensor firing control assembly operatively connected to a firearm.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the touchless sensor firing control assembly comprises a touchless sensor configured to detect object movement and to cause actuation of a firing pin of the firearm in response thereto.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the touchless sensor is configured to detect object movement within a trigger guard of the firearm.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the touchless sensor firing control assembly further comprises: a power source, and a load electrically connected to the sensor and configured to be actuated by an actuation voltage from the power source upon detection of object movement by the sensor; wherein the load is mechanically connected to a trigger assembly of the firearm; and wherein actuation of the load causes actuation of the firing pin.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a red dot positioning assembly operatively connected to the firearm and configured to capture a first image of a field of view of a red dot optic, wherein the load is configured to receive an actuation voltage from the power source only upon both: i) detection of a second image of a field of view by the red dot positioning assembly and determination that the second image is substantially the same as the first image; and ii) detection of movement by the touchless sensor to cause actuation of the firing pin of the firearm in response thereto.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a cut-away view of the mechanical components of a PRIOR ART hammer fire, semi-automatic handgun with a round chambered and the hammer cocked.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of the mechanical components of a PRIOR ART striker fire, semi-automatic handgun with a round chambered.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows the handgun of FIG. 2 with the addition of a touchless firearm firing control assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of a touchless sensor firing control assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows various locations on a firearm where sensors of the touchless sensor firing control assembly may be placed in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows a direct current (DC) generator operatively connected as a power source to a touchless firearm firing control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows a red dot positioning assembly operatively connected to a handgun in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 8A-8D show the red dot positioning assembly of FIG. 7 in different arrangements as may be adapted for integration into various known red dot optics.

[0025] FIG. 9 shows a red dot positioning assembly and a touchless sensor firing control assembly combination operatively connected to a handgun in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 shows a multi-position switch and circuit configuration of the red dot positioning assembly and a touchless sensor firing control assembly combination shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The invention relates to a firearm firing control system and related methods, and more particularly to a touchless sensor firing control assembly for touchless control of the firing of a firearm to enhance shooting consistency and accuracy. Exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an example of a firearm 5, in this regard, a hammer-fire, semi-automatic handgun, with a round 10 chambered and the hammer 15 cocked. Pulling back on the slide 20 engages the slide 20 with the hammer 15 causing the hammer 15 to rotate about a central axis 25. The hammer 15 is tensioned by a hammer main spring 30. Rotation of the hammer 15 permits a sear 35 to engage a notch 40 on the hammer 15 and retain the hammer 15 in a cocked position. A trigger bar 45 is connected between the trigger 50 and the sear 35. Some firearms may also include a sear disconnect, a firing pin block, an internal safety lever, or other components. However, in general, placing pressure on the trigger 50 moves the trigger bar 45 to disengage the sear 35 from the notch 40, allowing the hammer 15 to rotate and engage the firing pin 55. The hammer 15 forces the firing pin 55 to contact the primer 105 of the chambered round 10 causing an explosion within a casing 90 that retains a projectile 60. In addition to expelling the projectile 60 from the barrel of the handgun 5, the force of combustion forces the slide 20 back to eject a spent casing 90, cock the hammer 15, and reset the internal mechanics of the handgun 5 before the slide 20 then either moves forward due to spring tension, chambering another round 10, or remains locked back in a slide-lock position if no more rounds 10 are available in the magazine to be chambered.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows another example of a firearm 5, in this regard, a striker-fire, semi-automatic handgun, with a round 10 chambered. While the internal features of the striker-fire handgun shown in FIG. 2 differ from the internal features of the hammer-fire handgun shown in FIG. 1, the basic operation of pulling a trigger 50 to move a trigger bar 45 to allow a firing pin 55 to contact a primer 105 of a chambered round 10 is similar.

[0030] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the trigger bar 45 engages the striker 80 to prohibit the firing pin 55 from contacting the primer 105 of the chambered round 10. As the trigger 50 is pulled, a connector 85 engaged with the trigger bar 45 forces the trigger bar 45 downward to release the striker 80 from engagement with the trigger bar 45. Since the striker 80 is under spring tension, disengaging the striker 80 from the trigger bar 45 pushes the striker 80 forward causing the firing pin 55 to contact the primer 105 of the chambered round 10. The ensuing explosion expels the projectile 60 from the barrel of handgun 5, and forces the slide 20 back to eject a spent casing 90 and reset the internal mechanics of the handgun 5, including a reset and engagement of the trigger bar 45 with the striker 80 before the slide 20 moves forward and chambers another round 10 (or remains in slide-lock if no more rounds 10 are available). FIG. 2 also shows two elective safety features including a trigger safety 95 and a firing pin safety 100.

[0031] Regardless of the type of firearm, the basic structure and process for operating a fireman is similar across all platforms. A shooter must apply pressure to a trigger 50 to release a firing pin 55 that contacts the primer 105 of a round 10 leading to an explosion and a projectile 60 then being expelled from the firearm 5. Thus, proper trigger control is an important consideration in maintaining consistent and accurate shooting, and any feature of a firearm that improves trigger control is valued.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows the hammer-fire firearm 5 of FIG. 2 further including a touchless firearm firing control assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The firearm 5 and the firing control assembly 110 in combination represent a touchless firearm firing control system 2. The firearm 5 shown in FIG. 3 includes the trigger 50, the trigger bar 45, the connector 85, the striker 80, and the firing pin 55, with a chambered round 10, as generally shown in the handgun 5 of FIG. 2. The firing control assembly 110 shown in FIG. 3 includes a sensor 115, a power source 116, a power on/off switch 125, a load 130 (shown as an electro-mechanical linkage), and mechanical/electrical connectivity 135 between the sensor 115, power source 116, power switch 125, and load 130. The size, dimensions, operating characteristics, positioning, and combination of the elements of the firing control assembly 110 may differ for various firearms. As such, each firearm should be assessed for practical application of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Sensor 115

[0033] Various types of sensors 115 may be used. One example is a proximity sensor that detects movement or presence of an object 190 without making physical contact with the object 190, then converts the information of detected movement or presence into an electrical signal. In other words, a proximity sensor is a touchless sensor for the detection of object movement. With firearms, the relevant object 190 moving is typically a finger (as shown in FIG. 3) or more precisely, a portion of a finger, and the relevant movement is typically movement within the trigger guard 140. A proximity sensor can sense the presence of the object 190 (e.g., a finger) by sensing object movement in the sensor's coverage zone, which may vary for different sensors based on manufacturer specifications or may even be adjustable. The coverage zone may entail parameters such as distances in x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions (measured in straight lines or curves) and/or sensitivity. In response to detection of such movement, the proximity sensor sends or allows to pass an electrical signal to a load 130. There are many types of proximity sensors, and each detects the presence of an object 190 in a unique way. In the touchless sensor firing control assembly 110 shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 115 may be embodied as a proximity sensor including a photoelectric sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, or a similar sensor.

[0034] A photoelectric sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of an object 190 or for measuring the distance between a point and an object using a light. A photoelectric sensor consists of an emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode for emitting light and a receiver such as a photo diode or photo transistor for receiving the light. Depending on the type of photoelectric sensor, the emitter and receiver may be housed in separate units, or the emitter and receiver may be housed in the same unit. The emitter converts an electrical signal from a power source to light energy such as a beam of visible light or infrared light. When the emitted light is interrupted, as in a thru-beam sensor, or reflected/diffused, as in a retro-reflective or diffuse-reflective sensor respectively by the object 190, the amount of light that arrives at the receiver is changed. The receiver detects the change in light amount and converts it to a digital output of either of an on or off switched output state.

[0035] With a photoelectric sensor the terms light on and dark on are used to define what the sensor output is doing in the absence or presence of light at the receiver of the photoelectric sensor. In the light on mode the output from the sensor turns on when the receiver detects light from the emitter whereas in the dark on mode the output from the sensor turns on when the receiver detects no light from the emitter. The sensor output to a load may be a positive voltage (PNP or source output) or a negative voltage or ground (NPN or sink output). As disclosed herein, the output of the photoelectric sensor may be electrically connected to a load 130 such as the electro-mechanical linkage shown in the drawings, to induce a mechanical action.

[0036] A capacitive proximity sensor is based on the principle of a parallel plate capacitor. A parallel plate capacitor consists of two parallel plates separated by a dielectric material. Once connected to a power source 116, an electric field is created as the parallel plates become oppositely charged creating an electric field between the plates that holds a capacitive charge. The ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge when a voltage is applied is called capacitance. The capacitance of a capacitor is directly proportional to the ability of the dielectric material between the two charged plates to store a charge, known as the dielectric constant, and inversely proportional to the distance between the two plates.

[0037] A dielectric-type capacitive proximity sensor can detect any object 190 including a finger that has a dielectric constant greater than air. The dielectric capacitive sensor has two parallel plates linked to an oscillator and a detector circuit acting as switch inside the sensing head that operate like an open capacitor with air acting as the dielectric. When no object is present the capacitance between the plates will be at a low initial value. However, when an object 190 such as a finger having a dielectric constant greater than air is in proximity to the plates, i.e., the sensor detects object movement, the capacitance between the plates increases. An increase in capacitance increases the amplitude of oscillations in the oscillator. When the amplitude exceeds a specific value, the detector produces an electrical output. With a capacitive proximity sensor, the terms normally open or normally closed are used to define the sensor output when an object 190 is detected. As disclosed herein, the output of the capacitive proximity sensor may be electrically connected to a load 130 such as the electro-mechanical linkage shown in the drawings, to induce a mechanical action.

[0038] Turning to FIG. 4, a basic circuit 65 is shown for the sensor assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows representative examples of the power source 116 including positive and negative terminals, the sensor 115, an internal detector switch 117 of the sensor 115 for detection of an object 190, the load 130, and a power switch 125. The circuit further includes a capacitor 122 and resistor 127. The capacitor 122 and load 130 form a circuit branch 70 in parallel with a circuit branch 75 containing only the resistor 127.

[0039] In one example of circuit operation, the power switch 125 used to selectively engage or disengage the sensor assembly 110 is placed to an on position or engage position to apply power to the sensor 115. With power being supplied to the sensor 115, if an object 190 is detected by the sensor 115, an internal detector switch 117 closes, thus completing the circuit 65 such that voltage from the power source 116 is distributed equally across parallel branches 70 and 75 of the circuit 65. Initially, no voltage potential appears across the capacitor 122. In one example, if the power source 116 is a 9-volt battery, after completing the circuit 65, a 9-volt potential is placed across the resistor 127 and load 130, and no voltage potential is placed across the capacitor 122. The voltage from the power source 116 applied to the load 130 is equal to or greater than the activation voltage required to activate the load 130. As such, after completing the circuit 65, an activation voltage is applied to the load 130 causing directional movement of the load 130 thus causing the firing pin 55 to strike the primer 105.

[0040] As current flows through the parallel branches 70, 75 of the circuit 65, the capacitor 122 is charged. The charge on the capacitor 122 opposes current flow. As current flow is reduced through circuit branch 70, the voltage across the load 130 is correspondingly reduced to a level below the activation voltage. The charge on the capacitor 122 continues to rise until current ceases to flow in circuit branch 70. As the load 130 no longer has the activation voltage applied, cycling of the slide 20 on the firearm 5 mechanically resets the trigger bar 45.

[0041] With the capacitor 122 fully charged and both the power switch 125 and the internal detector switch 117 closed, current flows only in circuit branch 75. The steady state of the circuit 65 is maintained until either the power switch 125 or the internal detector switch 117 is opened. In one example, removing the object 190 from the coverage area of the sensor 115 opens the internal detector switch 117. With the internal detector switch 117 open, the capacitor 122 discharges. In this regard, the potential across the capacitor 122 is discharged across the resistor 127 and the load 130. In one example, the resistor 127 is of a sufficient resistive value so that the voltage across the load 130 remains below the actuation voltage. With the internal detector switch 117 open and the capacitor 122 discharged, no current flows in the circuit 65 and all voltages remain at zero volts until the internal detector switch 117 is closed by detection of an object 190. At that time, the load 130 again receives an activation voltage from the power supply 116, and the cycle repeats.

[0042] In summary, when a shooter places a finger in the presence of the proximity sensor, as may by the case when placing a finger in the trigger guard, the firearm will fire, and the slide will re-cycle and reset the trigger bar in the normal manner. Regardless of how long the finger remains in the presence of the sensor, the firearm will only fire once. In this regard, the finger must be moved from the coverage zone of the sensor and again moved into the coverage zone to allow a new detection of the finger by the sensor before the firearm once again fires. The firearm will fire each time the sensor detects the action of moving the finger in-and-out of the coverage zone. Placing the power switch 125 into an off position will open the power switch 125 to disengage the firing control assembly 110 and allow the trigger 50 to function in the traditional manner.

[0043] While a photoelectric sensor (including an ultra-minute/miniature photoelectric sensor) and a dielectric-type capacitive sensor are types of proximity sensors that may be considered as sensors 115 for the detection of the presence or absence of an object 190 such as a finger within a trigger guard 140 of a firearm, other sensor types may also be appropriate. Likewise, the physical properties including size, weight, and durability, as well as the electrical properties including input and output voltages, current handling capabilities, detection sensitivity, and other considerations of any sensor 115, may be selected based on a variety of factors including the space limitations for positioning within the firearm as well as operational compatibility with other elements of the touchless sensor firing control assembly 110.

[0044] Turning now to FIG. 5, a trigger guard 140 of a firearm 5 is shown with examples of possible locations (S1-S6) for one or more proximity sensors 115 to be placed. These examples allow detection of the presence of an object 190 within the coverage zone of sensor(s) 115, for example directly in front of the trigger 50 or within the trigger guard 140. The locations shown are representative and not intended to show the exact location of any particular sensor(s) 115. In this regard, location S1 is a possible location for a retro-reflected sensor 115 having a reflective substance (S1A) positioned opposite to reflect a beam projected from an emitter of the sensor 115 back to a receiver of the sensor 115. Location S2 is a possible location for a diffuse-reflective sensor 115 in which the projected beam from an emitter of the sensor 115 is reflected by the detected object 190 back to a receiver of the sensor 115. Location S3 is a possible location of a thru-beam sensor 115 projecting a beam from an emitter of the sensor 115 through an orifice S4 formed in the trigger 50 of the firearm 5 to a receiver S5 positioned in alignment with the beam from the emitter of the sensor 115. Location S6 is a possible location of a dielectric-type capacitive proximity sensor 115.

[0045] The size, shape, and/or configuration of any trigger guard or housing 140 and trigger 50 should be considered in determining the actual type of sensor 115 used and its location relative to the trigger guard 140. For example, a flat trigger, a curved trigger, and a trigger having a trigger safety may each offer certain advantageous or disadvantages in one instance when compared to the alternative trigger options.

[0046] In one embodiment, multiple sensors 115 with multiple corresponding detector switches 117 are used such that multiple detections of movement in multiple corresponding locations are required to activate the corresponding switches 117 and complete the circuit 65. For example, a first sensor 115 may be configured to detect movement within the trigger guard 140, and a second sensor 115 may be configured to detect movement in the grip of the firearm 5. Logic circuitry may be preprogrammed, programmable, or user-adjustable to set a certain time period within which the two movements must be detected relative to each other to activate the corresponding switches. For example, if a first sensor 115 detects movement, and the second sensor 115 detects movement within 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 seconds, or any other suitable time period, that would be indicative of the shooter intending to fire the firearm 5. Alternatively, the time period may be dependent on which sensor 115 senses movement first. For example, if the first sensor senses movement in a zone of coverage at the back of the handgrip, indicating the firearm is in the shooter's hand, the time period may be set to effectively infinity (or constantly reset) until the first sensor 115 detects another movement (e.g., removal of the hand from the handgrip), thus converting the logic circuit to effectively the single sensor embodiment in which the actuation voltage is sent to the load 130 upon detection of movement by the second sensor 115. In this two-sensor embodiment, the actuation voltage will not reach the load 130, and thus the trigger bar 45 will not be actuated to release the firing pin 55, unless motion is detected in both zones of coverage within the applicable time period. This configuration could be used as an extra safety measure in suitable implementations of the invention.

Power Source 116 Power source 116 connects electrically to the sensor 115 to provide a supply voltage to the sensor 115. As shown in FIG. 4, upon activation of the sensor 115 (due, e.g., to detection of the presence of an object 190), the sensor 115 outputs the supply voltage from the power source 116 to the load 130. Voltage requirements for the sensor 115 and sensor output voltage may vary depending on the type of sensor 115 utilized, operating parameters of the sensor 115, and voltage requirement of the load 130. Choice of power source 116 may also take into consideration size and space limitations of the firearm 5 for placement of the power source 116. In this regard, suitable power sources 116 may include, but are not limited to a 3V ENERGIZER 1632 lithium battery, a 3V CR 2032 LiCB battery, a CRI23A 3v Lithium battery, a 28A DURACELL 6V battery, or an A23 12V battery.

[0047] The power source 116 may be a dedicated power source or may be shared with other components. For example, many firearms 5 use a red dot optic sighting device that typically includes a battery to provide power to generate the red dot optical beam. While some modification of the red dot device may be required, in some applications it may be suitable to electrically connect and utilize the battery of the red dot optic to supply power to the sensor 115.

Load 130

[0048] Load 130, for example an electro-mechanical linkage, is operatively connected to the trigger bar 45 to allow the firing pin 55 to engage the primer 105 once the load 130 receives the actuation voltage from the sensor 115. In this regard, the load 130 is electrically connected to the sensor 115 and power source 116, and operatively connected to the fire firearm 5 upon detection of object movement by the sensor 115. More specifically, the load 130 may be a linkage electrically connected to the sensor 115 that receives an activation voltage from the sensor 115 upon detection of an object 190 by the sensor 115, and mechanically connected to the trigger assembly of the firearm 5 to disengage the firing pin 55 to fire the firearm 5. Typically, the load 130 will be connected directly to the trigger bar 45.

[0049] The load 130 (typically electro-mechanical linkage) may be a solenoid, a spring, a relay, a moveable arm/plunger, or any suitable device that can receive an electrical input such as supply voltage and provide a mechanical output. For example, a solenoid includes a coiled wire having a central core for positioning of a plunger (linkage). When a voltage is applied to the coil a magnetic field is created that causes a directional movement of the linkage. In another example, power is applied to a small DC motor to cause rotary motion in an armature that is mechanically linked by one or more gears of the linkage to cause directional movement of the linkage. In still another example, a relay having a control circuit that receives power to create a magnetic field to attract or repel a magnetic arm provides directional movement to a linkage. In each example, a spring or the movement of the slide in combination with the circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 4 is used to return the load 130 to a reset position.

[0050] The mechanical output of the electro-mechanical linkage 130 is a directional movement of sufficient force to disengage the trigger bar 45 from engagement with the firing pin 55 or the striker 80 to allow the firing pin 55 to engage the primer 105. After the primer 105 ignites and an explosion occurs, the energy of the explosion forces the slide 20 backward and then the energy of a recoil spring forces the slide 20 forward to chamber another round 10, reset the slide 20, and reset positioning of the electro-mechanical linkage 130 relative to the trigger bar 45. The cycle of the output voltage from the sensor 115 to the electro-mechanical linkage 130 upon detection of an object 190, mechanical motion of the electro-mechanical linkage 130 to disengage the trigger bar 45, and reset of the slide 20, the trigger bar 45, and the electro-mechanical linkage 130, repeats during operation of the firearm 5, or remains in slide-lock if no more rounds 10 are available.

Power Switch 125

[0051] Touchless firing control assembly 110 may be disabled so as not to affect normal operation of the firearm 5. With the assembly 110 disabled, the shooter can apply pressure to the trigger 50 and the firearm 5 will operate as mechanically designed without interference by the firing control assembly 110. This is accomplished by use of the power switch 125 that allows the shooter to selectively engage/disengage the firing control assembly 110. In the OFF position, the power switch 125 opens the circuit 65 so the electrical connectivity 135 between the power source 116, sensor 115 and load 130 is broken or interrupted.

[0052] The touchless firearm firing control assembly 110 may be selectively engaged and disengaged with the power switch 125. Design of the circuit 65 and the ability to selectively engage the control assembly 110 offers the shooter a variety of ways to fire the firearm 5. In this regard, with the power switch 125 in the OFF position, the touchless firearm firing control assembly 110 is inoperable. As such, in the OFF position the power switch 125 functions as a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm in a touchless manner. Accordingly, the firearm is operated or fired in a traditional manner by pulling the trigger.

[0053] With the power switch 125 in the ON position the firearm 5 may be fired in a touchless manner or in the traditional manner using the trigger 50. For example, with the control assembly 110 operational, placement of a finger 190 into the trigger guard 140 permits touchless firing control of a first shot from the firearm 5. Subsequent shots may be fired using the touchless firing control assembly 110 by moving the finger 190 in-and-out of the coverage zone of the sensor 115. Alternatively, the second shot or any follow-up shots may be fired using the trigger 50 or in a touchless manner using the touchless firing control assembly 110. Accordingly, the power switch 125 and circuit 65 of the touchless firearm firing control assembly 110 provide an enhanced level of safety while offering the shooter a variety of firing options in operation of the firearm 5.

Mechanical and Electrical Connectivity 135

[0054] Mechanical connections and/or electrical connectivity 135 are provided between the elements of the sensor assembly 110 including the sensor 115, power source 116, power switch 125, and load 130, as required for selective operation of the touchless firearm firing control system 2. Hardware such as fasteners, nuts, washers, seals, etc., as well as solder joints and other common elements used in forming connections between elements are not shown but are well-known.

DC Generator Power Source

[0055] While a battery is a suitable power source 116 for powering the sensor 115 and providing the actuation voltage to the load 130, the linear mechanical motion of the slide 20 or rifle bolt moving back and forth during normal operation may be converted into electrical energy through the rotation of an armature 147 of a direct current (DC) generator 145 to charge the sensor 115 such as the dielectric-type proximity sensor. In this regard, FIG. 6 shows a representation of a direct current (DC) generator 145 operatively connected as the power source 116 in the touchless firearm firing control system 2.

[0056] Armature 147 of the DC generator 145 is mechanically connected to receive the mechanical input from the slide 20 as the slide 20 is moved back-and-forth during the initial manual loading of a round 10 into the chamber of the firearm 5 (racking the slide) or during normal operation of the firearm 5 as the energy from the explosion of firing a round 10 is released. The DC generator 145 may be connected to the slide 20 in a variety of ways to impart the mechanical motion of the slide 20 to the armature 147 of the DC generator 145. For example, friction between the slide 20 and the armature 147 rotates the armature 147, serrations on the bottom of the slide 20 mate with teeth on a gear positioned on the armature 147 to rotate the armature 147, or a coiled wire attached to the armature 147 and connected to the slide 20 is extended and recoiled through material memory to rotate the armature 147.

[0057] The DC generator 145 is electrically connected to the sensor 115. Rotation of the armature 147 produces an instantaneous electromagnetic force (EMF) or e equal to B.Math.l.Math.v.Math.sin , where B is strength of the magnetic field, 1 is the length of conductor cutting the lines of magnetic force, v is velocity of the conductor, and sin is the angle of conductor to the lines of magnetic flux.

[0058] The dielectric-type proximity sensor 115 is essentially a capacitor. As such, the EMF of the DC generator 145 electrically connected to the sensor 115 charges the dielectric-type proximity sensor 115 to a sufficient charge for operation of the load 130. The energy stored in the sensor 115 is discharged or released to the load 130 through an electrical connection with the sensor 115 when the sensor 115 detects the presence or absence of an object 190 such as a finger. The load 130 is operatively (mechanically) connected to the trigger assembly of the firearm 5 (typically to the trigger bar 45) to disengage the trigger bar 45 allowing the firing pin 55 to engage the primer 105 to cause an explosion and release the energy stored in the casing 90. The explosion and release of energy causes the slide 20 to move back-and-forth and the sensor 115 to be charged as the cycle of energy charge/discharge repeats during operation of the firearm 5.

[0059] A battery will provide a relatively constant source of power as required to maintain activation of a beam in a photoelectric proximity sensor; however, a dielectric-type proximity sensor does not project a beam, so a continuous power source is not required. A charge on the dielectric-type proximity sensor is only required prior to the touchless detection of presence or absence of an object. Use of a DC generator 145 to periodically convert mechanical energy to electrical energy may be a suitable alternative power source to a battery.

Red Dot Positioning Assembly and Sensor Assembly Combination

[0060] FIG. 7 shows an example of a red dot positioning assembly 150 operatively connected to a firearm 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Optics utilized for firearms incorporate a variety of optic technologies including a red dot sight, a reflex sight, a prism sight, and a holographic sight, as well as visual features to indicate that a firearm 5 is properly aimed at a target 180. These features include, but are not limited to a red dot, a green dot, a circle, and circle dot. As used herein, the terms red dot optic and red dot are intended to include the red dot sight, the reflex sight, the prism sight, and the holographic sight optics, as well as at least the red dot, green dot, circle, circle dot, or similar visual feature that aids the shooter in aiming the firearm 5.

[0061] The red dot positioning assembly 150 includes electro-mechanical connectivity 170 between the power source 116, a power switch 126, a red dot optic 152, a vision capture device 155, a storage device 160, a processor 162 having processor elements 164, a recognition circuit 163, and a cue device 157. The cue device 157 may be an audible device (e.g., a speaker or beeper), a visual device (e.g., an LED), or any other device sufficient to output a perceptible signal.

[0062] Generally, with a red dot optic 152 mounted on the firearm 5, while looking through a viewing plane of the red dot optic 152, a shooter visually places a red dot 175 on an intended target 180. The red dot positioning assembly 150 includes a vision capture device 155 positioned on the firearm 5 to capture a field of view 156 as seen by the shooter through the red dot optic 152. The field of view 156 as seen by the shooter when looking through the red dot optic 152 is represented in FIG. 7 to the left of the vision capture device 155 as a red dot 175 positioned on the target 180.

[0063] The vision capture device 155 may be for example, a fiber optic camera such as those used in the medical field, inspection, surveillance, etc. The vision capture device 155 may be connected directly with wires or wirelessly to a storage device 160 and processor 162 having processor elements 164. The vision capture device 155 is configured to view images, capture an image, and transmit the captured image to the storage device 160 and/or processor 162. Images captured are stored for later comparison to other images. In this regard, like well-known facial recognition systems, a recognition circuit 163 of the red dot positioning assembly 150 includes: extracting information from a database (storage); comparing the information, for example a digital map of a field of view 156, with other information; and determining if the information from the database substantially matches the other information.

[0064] To populate the database, for example, the red dot 175 of the red dot optic 152 is positioned on an intended target 180, as may be the case with a fixed target having a bullseye. The vision capture device 155 is configured to capture one or more first images of the viewing field 156 of the red dot optic 152. Capture of the first images may occur in a variety of ways including a push of a button, a swipe or tap of surface located on the vision capture device 155 or on the firearm 5, or a verbal command from the shooter. The captured image is sent to the storage device 160 and/or processer 162 having processor elements 164.

[0065] The processor 162 maps a fixed field of pixel locations corresponding to the red dot 175 positioned on the intended target 180, i.e., the viewing field 156 captured by the vision capture device 155, by using a known color/gray-scale pixel determination process including one or more processing elements 164 and program instructions for directing one or more processing elements with access to the storage device 160. The red dot 175 of the red dot optic 152 may be interpreted as a white dot or other contrasting color from target the 180 to distinguish and map the field of pixel locations more accurately. The set of fixed field pixel locations is communicated and stored in the storage device 160 as database information.

[0066] Images appearing in the field of view 156 of the red dot optic 152 during use of the firearm 5 are continually communicated to the processor 162 and processing elements 164 by the vision capture device 155. These images are compared by the recognition circuit 163 to the first image(s). When a viewing field 156 in the red dot optic 152 matches or is within a preset or otherwise determined degree of precision of matching any of the first image(s) stored in memory (i.e., substantially the same), such conditions represent the red dot 175 being positioned on or within a predefined distance of the intended target 180 and accordingly an input is provided to the cue device 157 which then cues the shooter that the red dot 175 is on the target 180.

[0067] The first image of the field of view 156 may be removed or deleted from the storage device 160 in a similar manner as used to capture the first image. For example, if a single push of a button, a single swipe, single tap of surface located on the vision capture device 155 or on the firearm 5, or an oral command from the shooter is used to capture an image, a double button push, double swipe, double tap, or alternative oral command from the shooter may be used to remove or delete the first image of the field of view 156 stored in the storage device 160.

[0068] FIGS. 8A-8D show the red dot positioning assembly 150 of FIG. 7 in different arrangements as may be adapted for integration into various known red dot optics. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, known red dot optics 152 are varied in design configuration, size, and attachment options including a mounting plate 166 and a riser 167. Accordingly, the integration of the red dot positioning assembly 150 into a known red dot optics depends on various factors. For example, known red dot optics 152 utilize an internal power source to generate an optical beam that forms the red dot 175. With integration of the red dot positioning assembly 150, a power source 116 may be utilized to power the red dot positioning assembly 150. Alternatively, the internal power source of the red dot optic 152 may be configured to power the red dot optic 152 and the red dot positioning assembly 150.

[0069] FIG. 8A shows the vision capture device 155 integrated into a red dot optic 152 to capture a field of view 156. FIG. 8A further shows the storage device 160, processor 162, recognition circuit 163, and processor elements 164 as may be integrated into the housing of the red dot optic 152 (FIG. 8B), the mounting plate 166 (FIGS. 8A and 8C), or the riser 167 (FIG. 8D) of the red dot optic 152. FIG. 8B shows another red dot optic 152 with integration of the vision capture device 155 and one example of the cue 157 formed as an LED band along an upper edge of the red dot optic 152. In this regard, the cue 157 acts as a perceptible visual signal to affirm the red dot 175 is positioned on the target 180.

[0070] FIG. 9 shows a combination red dot positioning assembly 150 and touchless sensor firing control assembly 110 operatively connected in a touchless firearm firing control system 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electromechanical connections 170 have been removed from FIG. 8 for clarity. The combined elements of the red dot positioning assembly 150 and the touchless firearm firing control assembly 110 operate generally as described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 3 respectively, however a logic AND gate 165 is included and a multi-position power switch 128 replaces power switches 125 and 126.

[0071] Once first images are stored for later comparison to intended targets, red dot positioning assembly 150 operates in combination with sensor assembly 110 such that two conditions must be met for the actuation voltage to be sent to load 130. More specifically, load 130 is configured to receive an actuation voltage from power source 116 only upon both: i) detection of a second image of a field of view by the red dot positioning assembly 150 and determination that the second image is substantially the same as one of the first images; and ii) detection of movement by touchless sensor 115.

[0072] This may be accomplished using an AND gate 165, with two inputs (shown as inputs A and B) and a single output (shown as output Y). In AND gate 165, if either of the inputs A or B is low (0), then the output Y is also low. In other words, both inputs A and B must be high (1) for output Y to be high.

[0073] Input A receives a high input (1) from storage device 160 only when a second image of viewing field 156 appearing in red dot optic 152 substantially matches one of first images stored in storage device 160. Input B receives a high input (1) from sensor 115 when sensor 115 senses object movement, as previously described herein.

[0074] The output Y (voltage) of AND gate 165 is sent to and received by load 130. As described herein, that voltage will be high only if both inputs A and B are high, or in other words, only if: i) detection of a second image of a field of view 156 by the red dot positioning assembly 150 and determination that the second image is substantially the same as one of the first images; and ii) detection of movement by touchless sensor 115.

[0075] Accordingly, when the red dot 175 is positioned on a target 180 substantially matching one of the first captured images, and sensor 115 detects an object 190, the firearm 5 will fire. In this regard, the combination of red dot positioning assembly 150 and touchless sensor firing control assembly 110 provides an enhanced level of shooting consistency and accuracy.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows a multi-position switch 128 and a circuit configuration of the red dot positioning assembly 150 and the touchless sensor firing control assembly 110 combination shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electro-mechanical connectivity connections include: an output Y of logic AND gate 165, the load 130, the power source 116 and the multi-position power switch 128; and the power source 116, the capture device 155, storage device 160, processor 162, processor elements 164, and recognition circuit 163. Additional connections include input A of the logic AND gate 165 from sensor 115, and input B of the logic AND gate 165 from the red dot positioning assembly 150. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the power source 116 supplies power directly to the sensor 115, and to the red dot positioning assembly 150 through the multi-position power switch 128. Depending on the intended operational applications, size limitations, and other considerations various circuit configurations may be employed.

[0077] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, multi-position power switch 128 is a four-position switch that offers separate and distinct selective activation and deactivation of the firing control assembly 110 and/or the red dot positioning assembly 150. With power switch 128 placed in a first position 177-1, no connections are made through the power switch 128 for either the firing control assembly 110 or the red dot positioning assembly 150. Accordingly, the firearm 5 may be operated in the traditional manner by pulling the trigger 50 and utilizing the back-up iron sights. With power switch 128 placed in a second position 177-2, the firing control assembly 110 is activated and detection of an object 190 by sensor 115 will provide an actuation voltage to load 130 causing directional movement of the load 130 connected to the trigger bar 45 resulting in firing of the firearm. Accordingly, with power switch in the second position 177-2, the fireman 5 may be operated as described with reference to FIG. 3. With power switch 128 placed in a third position 177-3, the red dot positioning assembly 150 is activated and the red dot positioning assembly 150 operates to capture, store, process, and recognize field of view 156 to provide a cue as described with reference to FIG. 7. With power switch 128 in a fourth position 177-4, the firing control assembly 110 and the red dot positioning assembly 150 are activated and the combination of firing control assembly 110 and red dot positioning assembly 150 are used together and operate as described with reference to FIG. 8 to provide inputs to the logic AND gate 165, such that logic AND gate 165 outputs output Y to load 130.

[0078] The four positions of the multi-position power switch 128 and the corresponding activation of related elements has no effect on the operation of those assembly elements that are deactivated. Power switch 128 thus acts as a safety switch in that while activation of only the red dot positioning assembly 150 may enhance shooting consistency and accuracy, activation of the red dot positioning assembly 150 alone with power switch 128 in the third position 177-3 will not cause firing of the firearm 5 unless the trigger 50 is pulled in the traditional manner. In summary, the firing control assembly 110 and the red dot positioning assembly 150 may be used together or separately to adapt to a variety of shooting needs or other requirements while enhancing shooting consistency and accuracy.

[0079] The apparatus and methods of the claimed subject matter have been described with some particularity, but the specific designs, constructions and steps disclosed are not to be taken as delimiting of the subject matter. Obvious modifications will make themselves apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, all of which will not depart from the essence of the claimed subject matter and all such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims.