Smith & Wesson Corporation

David J Petig

John F Klebes

Robert L Constant

Pardip K Vaid

Richard Frederick Mikuta

Lee M Lenkarski

Craig Albert Mariani

A method for assembling a firearm having a frame which houses a security apparatus for enabling generation of a firing signal by a firing apparatus to discharge a non-percussively fired ammunition cartridge along a firing axis. The method includes forming the frame to include a generally longitudinal section in alignment with the firing axis. A downwardly extending section is formed integral with the longitudinal section and has front handgrip section as well as a magazine chamber for accommodating a selective insertable ammunition magazine. A backstrap module is mated to the front handgrip section to form a firearm handgrip, the backstrap module forming a back handgrip section of the firearm handgrip. An electronic firing probe assembly is secured within a slide assembly which is affixed to a top portion of the longitudinal section, said firing probe assembly being concentrically aligned about said firing axis. A battery is inserted into the ammunition magazine which is subsequently nested within said ammunition chamber, placing the battery in electrical communication with the backstrap module, the security apparatus, the firing apparatus and the firing probe assembly.

Method of assembling a firearm having a security apparatus

A slide assembly capable of repeated reciprocal movement about an upper portion of a firearm having a firing pin assembly, including a firing probe tip for selectively contacting a chambered ammunition cartridge, includes a frame having a forward end and an aft end, the frame accommodating a barrel of the firearm along a longitudinal firing axis. An ejector port is formed in the frame and has a breech face against which an end cap of the ammunition cartridge abuts when in a firing position. A longitudinal firing probe bore is formed within the frame and extends from adjacent the aft end of the frame to adjacent the breech face, the firing probe bore also is in concentric alignment with the firing axis. The slide assembly further includes a probe tip bore in concentric alignment with the firing axis and extending between the breech face and the firing probe bore for allowing the firing probe tip access beyond the breech face and into the ejector port. An engagement slot is further formed in the firing probe bore for mating engagement with a lower key housing of the firing pin assembly, thereby rotationally securing the firing pin assembly in the firing probe bore.

Slide assembly for a firearm

A firing probe assembly for communicating an electronic firing signal generated by a firing apparatus of a firearm to thereby cause the detonation of an electrically fired ammunition cartridge includes an electrically non-conductive housing having an approximately cylindrical firing probe cavity formed along its longitudinal length and concentrically aligned with a firing axis of the firearm, the housing having a rear end and a forward end. The firing probe assembly further includes an elongated and electrically conductive firing probe disposed within the cavity including a firing probe tip section disposed on a distal end thereof. The tip section is concentrically aligned with the firing axis and extending through a tip bore formed in the forward end of the housing. An electrically non-conductive, outwardly extending contact protrusion is formed adjacent the rear end of the housing and is integral with the housing. The contact protrusion accommodates a contact assembly for enabling electrical communication between the firing apparatus and the firing probe.

Electric firing probe for detonating electrically-fired ammunition in a firearm

According to the present invention, a firing probe assembly adapted to deliver an electric firing signal from a firing apparatus to a non-impact fired ammunition cartridge in a firearm comprises a probe shaft, a probe spring, a probe tip, and an actuator bushing. The probe shaft is secured to a frame of the firearm and in communication with the firing apparatus. The probe spring is mounted between the probe shaft and probe tip, thereby urging the probe tip forwardly against the actuator bushing. The actuator bushing is biased rearwardly by an actuator bushing spring and is positioned and configured to be displaced forwardly by momentum of a firing mechanism of the firearm. The actuator bushing is further configured and positioned to bring the probe tip into contact with the cartridge when the firing mechanism drives the actuator bushing in the forward direction.

Firing probe for use in a non-impact firearm

A multi-chambered firearm for firing a non-impact primer ammunition includes an electrically-conductive firing probe adapted to deliver a firing charge to ignite the primer and cause firing. The firing signal is controlled by a computer control system located in the firearm that determines firing ready conditions, including operator identification, and causes the firing signal to be delivered in response thereto.

Firing control system for non-impact fired ammunition

A firearm for firing non-impact primer ammunition includes an electrically-conductive firing probe adapted to deliver a firing charge to ignite the primer and cause firing. The firing signal is controlled by a computer control system located in the firearm that determines firing ready conditions, including operator identification, and causes the firing signal to be delivered in response thereto.

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Ludlow, MA, United States of America

David J Petig