Electromagnetic firing system for firearm with interruptable trigger control

US11300378B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Louis M. Galie · Leander, US
• Robert Gilliom · Conway, US
• John Klebes · Feeding Hills, US
• John M. French · Meridian, US
• Gary Hamilton · South Windsor, US
• Rafal Slezok · Newington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 26, 2021
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 26, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F41A19/69
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An interruptible electronic trigger system for firearms includes a trigger unit comprising an electromagnetic actuator operably coupled to the firing mechanism and a programmable trigger microcontroller. The actuator is changeable between a non-powered unactuated position and powered actuated firing position. Upon detecting user initiated trigger activity, the trigger microcontroller transmits a shot initiated signal to an adaptive optics unit of a fire control targeting system mounted to the firearm when the trigger activity exceeds a preprogrammed trigger setpoint. A targeting microcontroller returns a shot authorization signal to the trigger microcontroller after performing ballistics computations based on sensor input and displaying a corrected reticle on the optics unit sight for user visual alignment with the target. Multiple trigger setpoints may be programmed to confirm continued intent to fire. The trigger microcontroller may deactivate the actuator and permit manual firing when preprogrammed maximum trigger force/displacement limits are exceeded.