Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.

Rafal Slezok

Louis M Galie

John Klebes

John M French

Gary W Hamilton

Rob Gilliom

Robert Gilliom

Scott Warburton

Gary Hamilton

Louis M Glalie

John M Klebes

An electronic trigger system with safety mechanism for firearms includes a trigger unit comprising an electromagnetic actuator operably coupled to the firing mechanism and a programmable trigger mechanism microcontroller. The actuator is changeable between a non-powered unactuated position and powered actuated firing position via pulling both an outer trigger and inner safety trigger of the trigger unit. The actuator is operably interfaced with a movable firing component of the firing mechanism operable to discharge the firearm. In a blocking position of the safety trigger, the safety trigger is configured to block outer trigger movement which prevents energizing and actuating the electromagnetic actuator thereby preventing the firearm from discharging. Conversely in an unblocking position, the safety trigger allows outer trigger movement sufficient to discharge the firearm by either energizing the actuator when a pre-selected trigger pull force threshold is applied or applying sufficient trigger force to manually trip the actuator.

Safety for firearm electromagnetic firing system

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.

Electromagnetic firing system for firearm with interruptable trigger control

An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes an electromagnetic actuator including a stationary yoke, a rotating member movable about a pivot axis relative to the stationary yoke and operably coupled to a firing mechanism of the firearm, a trigger operable when pulled by a user to move the rotating member between an unactuated position and an actuated position for discharging the firearm, and a magnetic coil when energized generating a user-adjustable magnetic field which changes a trigger pull force required to be exerted by a user on the trigger to discharge the firearm. A programmable microcontroller is configured to selectively energize the coil for discharging the firearm in response to detecting a trigger pull event. The microcontroller in one embodiment is configured to count each energization of the coil as indicative of a firing event and record the firing event and associated time/date stamp.

Electromagnetic firing system for firearm with firing event tracking

A magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism allowing a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile by changing the static magnetic field in the mechanism. In a closed magnetic loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a stationary yoke and pivotably movable trigger member. The trigger member includes a trigger portion and working portion operably interfaced with the firing mechanism of the firearm for discharging the firearm. An openable first air gap formed between the trigger member and yoke is maintained in a closed position via magnetic attraction therebetween absent a trigger pull. A control insert movable relative to a second control air gap in the yoke allows adjustment of the static magnetic field to alter the trigger pull force required to actuate the trigger mechanism. Other embodiments provide open magnetic loop trigger mechanism designs adjustable to magnetically vary the trigger pull force.

Dynamic variable force trigger mechanism for firearms

A hybrid magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism configured to allow a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile. In a closed magnetic flux loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a selectively energizable electromagnetic and mechanical biasing member providing a static holding torque which creates resistance opposing movement of the trigger. Energizing the electromagnetic at a user-preselected point during the trigger pull event creates a magnetic force opposing the static holding torque, which dynamically changes the trigger pull force required to discharge the firearm. The electromagnetic assists the user in completing the trigger pull thereby creating an adjustable lighter trigger pull. In one embodiment, the electromagnet is energized when the actual trigger pull force applied or trigger displacement reaches a corresponding trigger setpoint preprogrammed into a control circuit. A microcontroller may control operation of the trigger mechanism.

Single loop user-adjustable electromagnetic trigger mechanism for firearms

An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm is disclosed which may include a trigger assembly or mechanism comprising an electromagnetically-operated control device which allows the user to select and adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile electronically. In one embodiment, the control device may be an electromagnetic trigger mechanism comprising an electromagnetic snap actuator operated via a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configurable by a user to adjust the trigger force-displacement profile according to preset user preferences. The microcontroller energizes the actuator during a trigger pull according to a preprogrammed trigger force and/or displacement setpoint aided by a trigger sensor(s). The energized actuator creates a magnetic field which dynamically increases or decrease the trigger force required to fully actuate the trigger to discharge the firearm. In other embodiments, the control device may be an electromagnetic magnetorheological fluid actuator.

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Newington, CT, United States of America

Rafal Slezok