Automatic weapon user identification and safety module

Abstract

An automatic weapon safety system where power consumption is reduced and safety is increased is disclosed. The system includes a movement detector operatively associated with the handgrip of a weapon for detecting the presence of a hand on the handgrip. The system also has a transceiver operatively associated with the movement detector for sending a coded signal when the weapon has been gripped. The coded signal is received by at least one remote token which receives the coded signal and transmits a coded acknowledgement signal upon receipt of the coded signal. A system is provided for enabling and disabling the weapon, operatively connected to the transceiver for allowing operation of the weapon when the coded acknowledgement signal has been received. The system may include two tokens, which are worn by the authorized user. In this case, the transceiver further includes an anti-collision module to discriminate between the different tokens and select which one will be permitted to issue the coded acknowledgement signal. Also preferably, the transceiver includes an anti-jamming module. Verification of the token can be done every time the trigger is depressed. Alternately, verification can be done only once, when the weapon is first gripped, and authorization remains until the handgrip is let go. Furthermore, since bi-directional RF communication is effected only when the trigger is depressed, power consumption is reduced.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An automatic weapon safety system comprising: 
 a handgrip sensor for detecting when a person grips a handle of a weapon, said handgrip sensor being integral to said weapon;    a unit including a transceiver means operatively associated with said handgrip sensor for sending a coded signal when said sensor has been activated, said unit means forming a part of said weapon and including power means;    at least one remote token for receiving said coded signal and for transmitting a coded acknowledgement signal upon receipt of said coded signal and further including power means;    means for enabling and disabling said weapon operatively associated with said transceiver means for allowing operation of said weapon when said coded acknowledgement signal has been received.    
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said unit includes:    an antenna;    a receiver coupled to said antenna for receiving said coded acknowledgement signal;    an encoding/decoding module for creating said coded signal; and    a transmitter coupled to said antenna for transmitting said coded signal.    
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein: 
 said at least one remote token comprises:    an antenna;    a receiver coupled to said antenna for receiving said coded signal;    an encoding/decoding module for creating said coded acknowledgement signal; and    a transmitter coupled to said antenna for transmitting said coded acknowledgement signal.    
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein: 
 said system comprises more than one token, and said transceiver further comprises an anti-collision technique for discriminating between said more than one token and selecting which one of said more than one token is permitted to issue said coded acknowledgement signal.    
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said coded signal further includes status information.  
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said transceiver further includes an anti-jamming module.  
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said system further includes a trigger movement sensor for detecting a movement of said trigger, said trigger movement sensor being operatively connected to said unit for sending a coded signal upon movement of said sensor.  
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said weapon is a firearm.  
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said weapon is a stun gun.  
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 8 , wherein said firearm includes a magazine for holding ammunition, said power means forming part of said magazine, and said unit associated with said handgrip sensor is integral to the firearm.  
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 8 , wherein said firearm includes a mechanical trigger for firing the firearm, and wherein said means for enabling and disabling said weapon include a trigger lock.  
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said firearm includes an electronic system for firing said firearm, and wherein said means for enabling and disabling said firearm includes means for blocking and passing electronic pulses used to fire ammunition.  
     
     
         13 . A system according to  claim 9 , wherein said means for blocking and passing electronic pulses include an enable/disable switch.