Patent ID: 6975204
Filing Date: 2005-12-13
Classification: F42C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising a device which is capable of performing a function, and which is responsive to receipt of a predetermined wireless signal for nondestructively rendering itself incapable of thereafter performing said function except in response to the subsequent occurrence of a secure event originating externally of said device; wherein said device includes a weapon and said function involves operation of said weapon, said predetermined wireless signal causing said device to render said weapon inoperative except in response to the subsequent occurrence of the secure event originating externally of said device; wherein said device includes a memory that stores an operating system of the device, and performs said function in dependence on at least a portion of said operating system in said memory; and wherein said device is responsive to said wireless signal for automatically selectively erasing all or part of said operating system from said memory, said all or part of said operating system including said portion of said operating system, said device being incapable of regenerating said portion of said operating system by itself, and being incapable of performing said function without said portion of said operating system.