Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AMMUNITION CONSUMPTION IN
REAL TIME
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention refers, in general, to a device for counting shots fired
with a firearm. More specifically, this invention refers to a device which
counts
the shots made with a firearm, albeit an automatic, semiautomatic or manual
weapon, by means of the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of signals
generated in the firearm's firing cycle. The device functions automatically,
activating, disconnecting and setting at zero when the ammunition is consumed
from the loader in use, therefore the firearm user does not intervene in the
operation of the aforementioned device, and furthermore is provided with
information on the ammunition consumption in real time as it is produced.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Currently the improvement of firearms, such as short arms or pistols
has
led to a pistol loader having a capacity to house more than a dozen
cartridges, for
example, 18 cartridges.
[0003] In a revolver type firearm, that is, a firearm which has drum normally
able to hold 6 cartridges, it is relatively easy to mentally control the
number of
cartridges shot or used. In the case of a pistol which mounts a loader which
can
store 18 cartridges , plus one in the chamber, the task of controlling the
number
of shots carried out may become arduous and complicated, and the shooter may
be surprised with the last unexpected shot that is, without prior warning.
[0004] In automatic firearms, with a high shooting rate, between 250 and 1200
shots per minute, the problem is further aggravated as even the slightest
excess of
time pressing the trigger leads to an enormous waste of ammunition. In manual
activation, even though the amount of ammunition spent is much more
restrained, as we will be able to keep count of the ammunition spent and the
total
number of shots fired with the firearm.
CHARACTERISATION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention seeks to resolve or reduce one or more of the
disadvantages described above by means of an automatic shot counter such as
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that defined in claim 1. Embodiments of the invention are established in the
dependent claims.
[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a device which is able to
count
and show, in real time, the number of shots fired with the firearm by means of
the weapon's firing cycle.
[0007] The shot counter in this invention counts the number of shots fired
with
the firearm which has a dynamic or static firing cycle.
[0008] A dynamic firing cycle is that which is fired by an automatic or
semiautomatic firearm, which includes at least the mechanical actions of
shooting, hammering and loading in such a way that it is prepared for the next
shot and which implies movement of specific mechanical elements. Each
dynamic cycle corresponds to a partial count and the sum of all the partial
counts,
that is, the shots fired, corresponds to a total count of the number of shots
fired
by the firearm throughout its operative life.
[0009] In turn, the static firing cycle is defined as that made by a firearm
which
comprises, at least, the mechanical action of shooting, and in which the
operations of introducing the cartridge into the chamber and extraction of the
spent cartridge are made manually. Each static cycle corresponds to a partial
count and the sum of all the partial counts, that is, the shots fired,
corresponds to
a total count of the number of shots fired by the firearm throughout its
operative
life
[0010] The result of these counts is shown, in real time, in a visual display
unit
which may or may not be incorporated in the firearm, thus forming part of the
shooter's equipment, or of a data collection centre of a multiplicity of
shooters.
As a result, the shooter is able to know the number of cartridges available at
any
given movement, permitting him to more effectively control consumption of the
ammunition and avoiding the dangerous surprise of running out of ammunition at
a highly emotional tense moment.
[0011] Furthermore, the total counter of the shots fired by the firearm enable
perfect maintenance of those parts which undergo most wear during use, thus
preventing irreparable damage to the firearm.
[0012] In firearms which make dynamic firing cycles, the count thereof is made
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in one of the following two ways In the first, on the basis of times and
speeds of
displacement of a linear or rotational movement of an element which is
displaced
in reaction to the shot, thus forming part of the firearm's closing system.
[0013] In the second, on the basis of the characteristics of the disturbances
generated in at least one element of the firearm when the shot occurs.
Parameters
which characterise a disturbance may be for example, amplitude, duration etc.
of
the disturbance.
[0014] It should be noted that in both cases it is possible to differentiate
the
action of shooting of any manual action made by the user thereo It also
enables
identification of the last available cartridge which permits the automatic
setting at
zero of the partial counter.
[0015] In a firearm which makes static firing cycles, the count thereof is
made
on the basis of the characteristics of the disturbances generated in at least
one
element of the firearm when the shot is produced. Parameters which
characterise
a disturbance may be for example, amplitude, duration etc. of the disturbance.
[0016] In this case it is also possible to differentiate the action of
shooting from
any other manual action carried out by the shooter.
[0017] The dynamic cycle may be complete or incomplete. A dynamic cycle
should be considered to be complete when it ends with a new cartridge fed into
the chamber and, therefore, ready to be fired. The dynamic cycle is incomplete
when the firearm is unloaded as there are no more cartridges in the loader or
as it
has jammed, that is, the firearm cannot fire again until a new loader has been
inserted.
[0018] Another object of the invention is its ability to ensure visibility in
real
time of the partial and total count in a visual display unit, situated in the
firearm
itself or in a device situated at a distance from the firearm which is firing
the shot
and in any situation when using the firearm.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to make a lightweight counter with
reduced dimensions which does not interfere with the use of the firearm and
which is simple to mount both in long and short arms, of the type already in
existence or new manufacture.
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[0020] A further object of the invention is that the counter has considerable
operational autonomy, including several thousand shots, as a result of its
reduced
electrical energy consumption. This autonomy is achieved by means of
electronic
circuits which remain in repose until a shot is fired. At that moment the
counter
is automatically activated, presents the information relating to the partial
count,
that is, that which corresponds to the loader which is being used, during a
pre-
established time period and finally it returns to the resting position until
the next
shot.
[0021] Another object of the shot counter is that the shooter does not
intervene
or interfere in its operation. When a shot is fired, the counter is activated,
it
memorises the information, shows it during a pre-established time period on
the
visual display unit so that it does not distract the shooter's attention any
longer
than necessary and prevents its position from being visible in the dark and
returns
to its resting state until the next shot. If the user wishes to consult the
number of
shots fired, a button is activated for this purpose, causing the stored
information
to be shown on the visual display unit for a number of seconds.
[0022] Another object of the invention is to provide useful information in
order
to assess the ageing and wear of the main components of the firearm by means
of
analysis of the firing cycles made with the arm throughout its lifetime.
[0023] Another object of the invention is to use the visual display unit and
the
electronic circuits of the shot counter to show other information inherent to
the
operation of the firearm such as, for example, the barrel temperature. In this
way
we will be able to avoid excessive temperature values during intensive use, in
short periods of time, as these could affect the firearm's precision or
endanger the
shooter and/or the firearm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] A more detailed explanation of the invention is given in the following
description based on the attached figures in which:
[0025] Figures la and lb show projected views of a firearm with a counter
device in accordance with this invention.
[0026] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c show profile views of the shot counter in
accordance with the invention and
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100271 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the shot counter device in accordance
with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Below, figures la, lb, 2a, 2b and 2c show illustrations of shot counter
5 devices 12 for firearms 11, for example, pistols and rifles which include a
viewing panel 21 placed preferably round the firearm's aiming system, so that
the
screen in itself is oriented towards the shooter's sight, and therefore,
within the
field of vision of the sighting system.
100291 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the shot counter 12 which includes a
first means of perception or sensor 32 which is adapted to perceive certain
physical characteristics relating to the action of the shot made with the
firearm
11.
[0030] In the case of a firearm with a dynamic firing cycle, the function of
counting the number of shots fired is based on the times or speeds of
displacement of an element associated with the firearm's closing system for
example. In this case, the sensor 32 includes one or more sensors which may be
magnetic, or of the electromagnetic radiation type, irrespective of whether or
not
they are visible to the human eye, or a combination of these. In order for the
sensor 32 to be able to perceive the shot, the aforementioned sensor perceives
a
solid medium 31 which participates from movement of the alternative sliding,
backwards and forwards once more, from at least one element of the closing
system of the firearm 11.
[0031] When the sensor 32 is of the magnetic type, the aforementioned solid
means 31 is, at least, a magnet situated on the slide or closing system of the
firearm, with the possibility of the actual slide being the aforementioned
means
31, in which case an auxiliary magnet will be placed close to the sensor 32.
When the sensor 32 is of the type with electromagnetic radiations, the solid
medium 31 is, at least, a reflective layer or surface situated on the slide or
firearm
closing system, with the aforementioned means 31 being the slide itsel
[0032] In addition, the firearm which carries out a firing cycle may obtain
information in order to count the shots carried out on the basis of the
characteristics of the dynamic disturbances suffered by the firearm when it
fires a
shot. Therefore, the sensor 32, includes one or more vibration sensors such as
for
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example of the piezoelectric type.
100331 In the case of a firearm which carries out static firing cycles, the
function of counting the number of shots fired is based on the characteristics
of
the dynamic disturbances to which the firearm I1 is subject in a similar
manner
to the previously mentioned case. As a result, the sensor 32, includes one or
more
vibration sensors such as for example of the piezoelectric type as well.
[0034] when a shot is fired brusque and strong dynamic disturbances of the
firearm occur,. Furthermore, in the firearm 11 with dynamic firing cycle,
there is
a strong acceleration of the slide or closing system, in the opposite
direction of
the shot, in general, due to conservation of the movement amount.
[0035] When the slide reaches the end of its run or the closing system causes
a
backward thrust and driven by the recovery spring it changes the direction of
its
movement returning forwards again until the firing cycle is completed. Both
phenomena are very different from those produced by an accidental blow or by
handling of the firearm 11 by the shooter.
[0036] The first means of perception or sensor 32 will directly receive, or
through the solid medium 31, the characteristics of the firearm shot 11. The
sensor 32 generates at one of its exits an electrical signal which is sent,
through
electrical connections to a programmable logical control means 33 which, in
turn
is connected to the visual display unit 21.
[0037] The electrical signal generated is analysed and compared with the
signal
model corresponding to a shot. In the event that they are equal or
substantially
similar, the microprocessor 33 varies in a unit both in terms of the number of
total shots fired with a firearm 11, total count, such as the number of shots
fired
with the loader 13 mounted by the firearm 11, partial count.
[0038] Previously the model electrical signal corresponding to the type of
firing
cycle characteristic of the firearm 11, dynamic or static, would have been
stored
in the microprocessor memory 33. This information is a characteristic
parameter
of each firearm 11 and of the type of ammunition used thereby, so that it is
possible to distinguish between a complete and an incomplete cycle as well as
handling of the slide by the shooter and the jamming of the weapon or when the
casing is trapped by the closing system.
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[0039] The programmable logic control means 33 based on a programming
means such as a microprocessor, may be connected to an data entry means 34
which includes one or various switches or buttons which permit the selection
and
visual display in real time on the counter screen 21 the information required
by
the shooter at any time, such as the total count or partial count etc.
[0040] The partial counter automatically sets to zero when the microprocessor
33 identifies an incomplete dynamic firing cycle, or in another embodiment,
when it identifies that the shooter has acted manually on the slide or closing
system of the firearm 11.
[0041] It may also be set at zero with a button included for this purpose or
when
the loader is changed for another by means of a mechanical microswitch or a
magnetic type sensor, not shown in the drawings, placed on the firearm 1 I and
a
magnet inserted in the loader 13.
[0042] The counter 12 may be configured as an accessory which is coupled to
the body of the firearm 11, to any of the firearm components 11 or to any of
its
accessories; as a system which is housed or embedded in the firearm casing in
any of the firearm 11 components, or in any of its accessories etc; so that
the
screen 21 may be visualised at any time by the shooter when firing a shot,
that is,
the screen 21 is facing towards the shooter.
[0043] The microprocessor information 33 may be transmitted through
electrical connections, or through any means of transmission of information
via
an air interface to a receiver and data processing system and/or another
visual
display unit not shown in the drawings which form part of the shooter's
equipment, or distanced therefrom.
[0044] The counter 12 comprises a supply unit in the form of a battery or cell
35, not shown, which supplies electrical energy to all counter circuits 12.
The
battery 35 is small in size and of the long term type. Rechargeable batteries
may
also be used.
[0045] In order to extend the battery life 35, the counter 12 is automatically
activated when a shot is fired. Initially it is in repose, with the visual
display unit
turned off. When the firearm fires, the sensor 32 generates a signal
activating the
counter 12. Following a predetermined period of non use of the fire arm, the
counter returns to its resting position, maintaining the value of the counters
both
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total and partial.
[0046] The counter 12 may also be automatically activated by an impact sensor,
a magnetic switch or a piezoelectric sensor which picks up the mechanical
vibrations of the firearm 11 when it fires.
[0047] The counter 12 may also include buttons for carrying out further
functions such as: exclusively switching off the screen without affecting the
counter as it continues incrementing as new shots are fired or selecting a
certain
number on the visual display unit 21 so that the counter 12 discounts a unit
every
time that a new shot is fired.
[0048] The visual display unit may be of the liquid crystal type LCD,
electroluminescent, plasma, coherent light or similar, due to the fact that
these
technologies consume very little power.
[0049] The screen information 21 will be shown with different degrees of light
intensity in accordance with ambient light available at any given time in
order to
facilitate viewing at all times. In this way it will be notably reduced when
the
intensity of ambient light is low or dark and it will increase when the
opposite is
the case.
[0050] In respect of figures la, lb, 2a, 2b and 2c, the screen 21 will
comprise at
least two digits which may be together or separate. It may also be formed by
1'/2
digits, namely, by a complete digit and another formed solely by two vertical
segments aligned in such a way that as they take up a small amount of space it
will be easier to integrate them in small firearms. In this case, for the
count of
more than 20 shots for example, the points at the foot of each digit will be
used
in order to codify the information.
[0051] In order to have evidence of the temperature in the barrel of the
firearm
at least one temperature probe may be placed, not shown in the figures, at an
appropriate point of the barrel. This probe generates an electrical signal
based on
its temperature which is sent, through electrical connections, to the
programmable logic control means 33.
[0052] Although the value of the temperature may appear on the visual display
unit when activated by the button, in the preferred embodiment it is shown
indirectly through the mode which visualises the partial counter. For example,
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with its intermittent flashing with two different frequencies corresponding to
the
two temperature scales, one lower for warning and one higher for danger, which
have been previously established in the programmable logic control means 33.
[0053] In order to avoid placing long electrical connections along the firearm
11, the temperature probe may be placed at another part of the firearm so that
measuring the temperature at that point infers the same, given that the
temperature at both points is related given since weapon in question is the
same
article.
[0054] The embodiments and examples established in this report are presented
as the best explanation of this invention and its practical application, and
thus
permitting experts in the art to put this invention into practice and use.
Nevertheless, experts in the art will recognise that the description and the
foregoing examples have been presented for the purpose of illustrating and
merely as an example. The description as explained herein is not considered to
be
exhaustive or to restrict the invention to the precise form in which it is
described.
Modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teaching
without abandoning the spirit and scope of the following claims.
