Simulated weapon

A simulated weapon or firearm is provided that is formed with a mechanical operating or firing mechanism similar to that of an actual firearm. The firing mechanism is formed with components found in an actual firearm that are interconnected with components of an electronic mechanism that can monitor and control the mechanical operation of the simulated firearm. This allows for the mechanical operating mechanism to function in a manner similar to that of an actual firearm, while the electronic mechanism can introduce various mechanical failures that do not otherwise occur in the electronics-only operating mechanisms of prior simulated firearms. In addition, the operational cycles of the mechanical and electronic mechanisms are synchronized to provide a highly realistic feel to the simulated weapon.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a simulated weapon and, more particularly, to a simulated weapon which operates mechanically in conjunction with an electronic weapon monitoring system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When military and/or police personnel or other individuals are engaged in tactical training situations, or playing games to simulate these types of situations, they use simulated weapons that are designed to imitate the size and feel of the actual firearms that are used in the field.

In order to make the training simulation as realistic as possible, the simulated firearms that are utilized are designed to provide as realistic a feel as possible. To do so, many simulated weapons are formed from actual firearms that are retrofitted with various components and/or separate attachments to render the firearm suitable for simulated training. This allows the simulated firearm to retain the mechanical operation and feel of an actual firearm while enabling the firearm to fire simulated rounds suitable for training exercises.

While making a simulated firearm having a realistic feel, these retrofits for actual firearms have certain drawbacks. In particular, these retrofits require significant modifications to the firearm, as many components of the actual firearm are removed and replaced with components for the simulated firearms. In addition, some components for the simulated version of the actual firearm are required to be positioned on the exterior of the firearm, lessening the realistic feel and appearance of the simulated firearm.

Further, due to the reduced complexity of the operation of prior art simulated firearms, the authenticity of the operation of the firearms is reduced due to the lack of mechanical issues in the operation of the simulated firearms. While some simulated weapons or firearms may provide indications of an issue with the operation of the weapon requiring the individual to press a rest switch to correct the simulated issue, these simulations do not provide the real life experience of having to correct a mechanical issue with the weapon.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop a simulated weapon or firearm for use in various combat training and game-play simulations that is made to provide a realistic look, sound and feel to the operation of the weapon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a simulated weapon or firearm is provided that is formed with a mechanical operating or firing mechanism similar to that of an actual firearm. The operating mechanism is formed with components found in an actual firearm that are interconnected with electronic components that can monitor the mechanical operation of the simulated firearm.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic components of the simulated firearm are capable of controlling the mechanical operating mechanism. This allows for the mechanical operating mechanism to function in a manner similar to that of an actual firearm, including various mechanical failures that do not otherwise occur in the operating mechanisms of simulated firearms.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the operational cycles of the mechanical and electronic mechanisms are synchronized to provide a highly realistic feel to the simulated weapon.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the weapon includes a simulated magazine for a simulated weapon that includes a compartment therein for a compressed gas canister. The canister is operably and releasably interconnected to a memory module contained within the magazine that stores information relating to the simulated ammunition supplied by the magazine. The memory module includes a reset switch that can be selectively operated by the replacement of the compressed gas canister to enable the memory module and magazine to be reset for additional use. The memory module is additionally operably connected to a control module within the simulated weapon when the magazine is engaged with the weapon in order to receive signals from the control module regarding the simulated shots fired, to correspondingly update the information in the memory module concerning the amount of simulated ammunition remaining in the magazine.

According to still a further aspect of the present invention, the simulated magazine includes a valving mechanism operably connected to the compressed gas canister. When the magazine is engaged with the weapon the valving mechanism is engaged with an operating mechanism for the weapon, including the trigger. As the trigger is operated and the simulated weapon is fired, the movement of the trigger operates the valving mechanism to dispense an amount of the gas from the canister to provide a popping sound corresponding to the firing of the weapon, similar to the sounds created by the firing of a conventional paintball marker or gun. In addition, the gas released from the canister serves to reset/recock the mechanical operating mechanism for the simulated weapon in a manner and feel similar to an actual firearm.

Numerous other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be made apparent from the following detailed description together with the drawings figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the disclosure, inFIG. 1a simulated magazine10is shown engaged with a simulated weapon100. The weapon100can have any shape desired to simulate an actual weapon, and the magazine10can have a corresponding shape for use with the particular weapon100.

In the illustrated embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-7, the weapon100includes a body102that can take various shapes such as a rifle or a pistol, as in the illustrated embodiment, a barrel or muzzle104extending outwardly from one end of the body102and a handle106disposed on the body102generally opposite the barrel104. Adjacent the handle106is a trigger108used to operate the weapon100. The weapon100can be configured to fire any type of simulated or non-lethal ammunition, such as a line-of-sight signal, e.g., an infrared, LED or laser light beam, among other types of simulated ammunition.

The body102houses an electronic monitoring and control mechanism110and a mechanical operating or firing mechanism112. The mechanical mechanism112is controlled by the individual operating the weapon100in order to discharge a simulated shot from the weapon100, while the electronic control mechanism110serves to determine and control the operating condition of the mechanical firing mechanism112and the weapon100.

The trigger108is operably connected to a control module110disposed within the body102that monitors the operation of the weapon100in order to provide signals of any suitable type to the user, optionally such as visual signals via a display109on the body102, and to other individuals or systems regarding the status of the weapon100, such as wireless signals sent to a remote CPU, among others. The control module110also is connected to a firing mechanism112located within the body102. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing mechanism112operates the control module110when the trigger108is operated to “fire” a round of simulated ammunition from the weapon100through the barrel104. The firing mechanism112can be formed as desired, and in the illustrated embodiment includes a sear111connected to the trigger108, and a hammer113engaged with the sear111. In operation, the activation of the trigger108causes the sear111and hammer113to move and operate the control module110. When operated by the trigger108, the control module110consequently and simultaneously sends out signals to a valve116having a stem118that extends outwardly from the valve116into a magazine sleeve or well120formed on the body102for interconnection with the magazine10, and to a firing mechanism (not shown) of the weapon100, which causes the line-of-sight signal or other simulated round to be “fired” out of the weapon100. The sleeve120is shaped to correspond to the configuration for the magazine10to enable a secure fit between the sleeve120and the magazine10. The sleeve120can also include a suitable locking mechanism (not shown) that is operable to lock the magazine10in place within the sleeve120until manually disengaged by the user when it is desired to remove the magazine10from the sleeve120. The sleeve120is shaped to correspond to the configuration for the magazine10to enable a secure fit between the sleeve120and the magazine10. The sleeve120can also include a suitable locking mechanism (not shown) that is operable to lock the magazine10in place within the sleeve120until manually disengaged by the user when it is desired to remove the magazine10from the sleeve120.

Looking now atFIGS. 1-6, in the illustrated embodiment the magazine10is constructed as a housing or shell13formed with a pair of halves12and14formed with apertures15therein, such as within channels17integrally formed on each half12and14. The halves12and14can be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or hard plastic, in order to withstand the repeated uses, similar to actual weapon magazines. To secure the halves12and14together to form the shell13, the halves12and14can be positioned with the apertures15and channels17in each half12and14aligned with one another. In this position a number of fasteners16can be inserted through the apertures15and engaged with suitable engaging structures (not shown) located within the channels17in the halves12and14in any suitable manner. Alternatively, the shell13for the magazine10can be formed from a single component formed into the desired shape for the magazine10in any suitable manner.

One or both of the halves12and14may also include a display30. The display30is operably connected to a data module22disposed within the magazine10and is operable to visually display the amount of simulated ammunition remaining within the magazine10. While the display30can be disposed where desired on the magazine10, in the illustrated embodiment the display30is located in a recessed position adjacent an engagement end31of the magazine10that is configured to be inserted within the sleeve120on the body102of the weapon100. In this position, prior to insertion of the engagement end31within the magazine sleeve120, the display30can illustrate to the user the amount of simulated ammunition remaining within the magazine10. Once inserted within the sleeve120, the display30is covered by the sleeve120, preventing the display30from indicating the location of the weapon100and the user. Alternatively, the display30can be position where it is visible regardless of the engagement of the magazine10within the weapon100, or the sleeve120can include a window (not shown) allowing the user to view the display30through the sleeve120.

When assembled to form the magazine10, the halves12and14define an interior18within which is disposed a compressed gas canister20, and the data module22. The canister20, in one embodiment, is a standard carbon dioxide (CO2) canister utilized in conventional paintball markers or guns. Different sized magazines10for different weapons110will allow the loading of between one (1) to four (4) standard twelve (12) gram canisters20containing liquefied CO2at a pressure of 600 psi to 1200 psi. The canister20includes a spout60at one end that can be punctured to enable the compressed gas in the canister20to exit the canister20. While twelve (12) gram CO2canisters are shown, any suitable size canister20, such as an eight (8) gram canister, for example, filled with any suitable gas may be employed.

The data module22is formed in any desired manner and in any suitable configuration, and includes a circuit board24containing the operating circuitry for the module22that interconnects a suitable electronic memory or storage medium25, such as a flash drive, a replaceable power supply26, a reset switch28and a data connector30. The board24is secured within the interior18of the magazine10by engaging opposed ends and sides of the board24within slots32formed on the interior portions of each half12and14. When inserted within the slots32, the switch28is positioned within an opening33in a peripheral wall34of the magazine10formed by the halves12and14. The switch28includes a base35positioned on and operably connected to the circuitry on the board24and an arm36that extend though the opening33into a canister compartment38. The remainder of the module22is maintained within the peripheral wall34, such that the module22is protected from the elements within which the magazine10can be used.

The arm36of the reset switch28is physically contacted and activated by the removal and/or insertion of a compressed gas canister20into the compartment38. When a new canister20is inserted into the compartment38, the canister20engages the arm36of the switch28, which sends a signal to the storage medium25on the data module22. This signal indicates the presence of a new canister20, which causes the storage medium25to reset to the maximum number of simulated “shots” allowed for the magazine10. However, the reset switch28can alternatively be activated by other means, such as an electronic signal (wired or wireless) received by the data module22and storage medium25or the engagement of a special key (not shown) with the switch28among others.

The storage medium25is capable of storing and rewriting the number of simulated “shots” remaining in the magazine10during usage of the magazine10. The storage medium25is formed from any suitable type of high usage, durable memory device, such as inexpensive devices that can be powered by a separate power source or that do not require a separate power source, including, but not limited to flash memory devices, EEPORM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) devices or FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) devices, among others. The storage medium25can be set each game to have a certain maximum amount of shots per full magazine10, e.g., an M-16 would have a maximum of thirty (30) simulated shots in the full magazine10. Every time the simulated weapon100utilizing the magazine10fires a simulated “shot”, the storage medium25subtracts one “shot” from this maximum amount. The storage medium25is also capable of maintaining the stored data on the number of simulated “shots” fired from the magazine10when the magazine10is taken out of one weapon and put into another to use the remaining ammunition, as in a real life situation.

The data coupling or connector30is positioned within the magazine10adjacent the engagement end31and serves to relay signals between the storage medium25on the data module22and the control module110of the weapon100. The connector30can take any suitable form, but in the illustrated embodiment is formed as a magnetic connector, capable of creating an electronic connection for transferring data between the data module22and the control module110. The use of the magnetic data connector30enables the connector30to be housed entirely within the peripheral wall34of the magazine10, preventing damage to the connector30by the elements or by the repeated engagement of the magazine10with the weapon100. Signals identifying the number of simulated “shots” fired from the weapon100are transmitted from the control module110to the storage medium25on the data module22via the connector30. The connector30is disposed adjacent the engagement end31of the magazine10that is inserted into the magazine sleeve120of the associated weapon100, and is capable of transmitting and receiving signals from the control module110disposed within the weapon100that is used to monitor and control operation of the simulated weapon100. For example, among other connections, the control module110is in communication with the trigger108to determine when the operator has attempted to fire the simulated weapon100, as well as other electronics that may be used on or with the weapon100, such as a laser emitter (not shown), a display (not shown) and a signal transceiver (not shown), among others. As a result, when the simulated magazine10is inserted into the weapon100, the storage medium25and the data module22will be in electrical communication with the control module110in the simulated weapon110via the connector30. The connector30is selected to be a very high use connection that will allow information to be read and written from the control module110to the storage medium25and vice versa. In addition, the magazines10, in their intended usage, are often slammed into the weapon sleeve120, so the magazines10and the components of the magazines10need to be very durable. In one embodiment, to provide enhanced durability, the connector30is formed as a magnetic connector so there is essentially no wear or tear on the connector30as it does not need to be in physical contact to operate, and thus does not need to be exposed in a potentially damaging position.

To provide power to the data module22and electronic storage medium25, in the illustrated embodiment the power supply26for the board24is formed with a receptacle40for receiving a battery42therein. The battery42can be any suitable type of battery capable of providing the necessary voltage to the board24, and can be selected to be easily replaceable when necessary. Further, the battery42supplies power to the data module22only when the magazine10is not connected with any weapon100, as power can be supplied to the data module22from the weapon100via the connector30when the magazine10is engaged with the weapon100. Thus, the effective useful life of the battery42is greatly extended. Additionally, other types of power supplied26can be used, such as by using supercapacitors or radio frequency induction processes and associated power storage mechanisms (not shown), among others.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,2, and4-6, the canister compartment38is selectively opened and closed by the operation of a pivoting cover44attached to the peripheral wall34of the magazine10. The cover44has a first end46including an aperture48formed therein in which a pivot pin50is disposed. Opposite ends of the pin50are engaged within aligned apertures (not shown) in the compartment38to secure the pin50to the magazine10.

The first end46is formed with a cam52adjacent the pin50. The cam52in the illustrated embodiment is formed as a wheel54pivotally disposed within a slot56formed in the first end46above the aperture48, as best shown inFIG. 5, but could be formed as a static member, or as a curved portion of the cover44adjacent the first end46. The wheel54is rotatably mounted on a shaft58extending across the slot56, such that the wheel54can rotate freely within the slot56. In the open position shown inFIG. 6, the compressed gas canister20can be positioned within the compartment38and engaged with the arm36of the reset switch28. When the cover44is pivoted to the closed position shown inFIGS. 3-5, the wheel54is urged upwardly into contact with the bottom of the cartridge20. Continued movement of the cover44towards the magazine10simultaneously presses the canister20against the arm36of the switch28and moves the spout60of the canister20into engagement with a valve mechanism62disposed within the compartment38. In the closed position for the cover44shown inFIG. 5, a locking arm64on the cover44spaced near a second end47engages a complementary structure disposed within the compartment38in order to hold the cover44securely over the compartment38, and the wheel54functions to maintain the canister20in secure engagement with the valve mechanism62and the arm36during use of the magazine10, whether engaged with a weapon100or not.

As the cover44is closed over the compartment38, the spout60of the canister20is urged into the inlet61of a housing63for the valve mechanism62for engagement with a piercing device64and a surrounding seal66to open the canister20and prevent gas from escaping out of the valve mechanism62. Above the piercing device64, the valve mechanism62includes shuttle valve68that can move along a channel70formed in the housing63between the piercing device64and an outlet72located opposite the inlet61. The outlet72includes a pair of sealing members73therein which are engaged by the valve stem118of the weapon100when the magazine10is engaged within the sleeve120of the weapon100. When the stem118is inserted into the outlet72, the stem118is sealingly engaged with the sealing members73and presses the shuttle valve68towards the canister20against the pressure of the gas in the canister20to fluidly connect the canister20to the valve116in the weapon100.

To hold the housing63in position within the compartment38, the housing63includes a wide lower section74in which the inlet61is located, and a narrow upper section76that seats within an opening77formed in the compartment38at the engagement end31of the magazine10. The upper section76includes a peripheral flange78that is positioned against the exterior of the magazine10to align the housing63within the compartment38.

When the weapon100is fired, the actuation of the trigger108causes the control module110to operate the valve116to release an amount of the compressed gas from the canister20through the valve116, providing an audible “pop” to signal the firing of the simulated ammunition round. The activation of the valve116can be done in a single shot, semi-automatic or fully automatic manner, depending upon the type of simulated weapon100being simulated or imitated. In an alternative embodiment for the magazine10, the “pops” from the release of the compressed gas from the canister20can be generated directly by the valve mechanism62in the magazine10, as opposed to by the mechanism116in the weapon100, such that the mechanism116is not required and can be omitted.

In use, during assembly of the magazine10, the storage medium25is formatted for use with a particular type of weapon100, such that upon any reset of the data module22, the storage medium25will be reset to the selected value for the maximum number of “shots” available in the magazine10. Power to enable the storage medium25to store and retain this information when the magazine30is not connected to the weapon100is provided by the battery42engaged with the storage medium25via the board24. The magazine10can then be loaded with the cartridge20. To do so, the cover44is pivoted away from the magazine10to expose the compartment38, as shown inFIG. 6. The cartridge20is subsequently positioned within the compartment38with the spout60adjacent the valve mechanism62and the cover44is moved to the closed position, as shown inFIGS. 3-5.

In closing the cover44over the cartridge20, the wheel54engages the cartridge20opposite the spout60and presses the cartridge both upwardly into the inlet61of the valve mechanism62and inwardly against the arm36of the reset switch28. By depressing the arm36, the data module22and storage medium25are reset/activated to indicate that the magazine10has a full amount of “shots” corresponding to the value written to the storage medium25. This amount can be viewed on the display30on the magazine10. When the cover44is locked into engagement with the compartment38via the arm64, the canister20is fully compressed against the switch arm36and inserted into the valve mechanism inlet61. In this position, the compressed gas in the canister20urges the shuttle valve68upwardly to close the mechanism62and prevent gas from escaping the magazine10.

After loading the cartridge20, the magazine10can be inserted within the sleeve120of the weapon100. When inserted, the stem118of the valve mechanism116in the weapon100enters the outlet72to move the shuttle valve68against the pressure of the compressed gas to enable the gas to flow past the shuttle valve68and into the mechanism116. Additionally, the connector30is positioned in magnetic connection with a suitable member (not shown) in the sleeve120to operably connect the connector30and data module20with the control module110within the weapon100. The magazine10can be held in the engaged position within the sleeve120by the locking mechanism (not shown) disposed on the sleeve120that releasably engages the magazine10.

When the weapon100is in use, the individual depresses the trigger108to fire one or more “shots” from the weapon100. In doing so, the individual operates the control module110which sends a signal to the data module22via the magnetic connector30. This signal modifies the storage medium25to change the number of remaining “shots” in the magazine in accordance with the number of “shots” that have been fired. As the storage medium25is rewritten with the “shots” that have been fired by the weapon100, the data module22sends return signals to the control module110such that the control module110can illustrate the number of “shots” remaining in the magazine10on a suitable display (not shown) on the weapon100. If the number of “shots” remaining within the magazine10as stored in the storage medium reaches zero, then the control module110in the weapon100receives a corresponding signal from the data module22that causes the control module110to prevent further operation of the weapon100.

Once empty, the magazine10needs to be removed from the weapon100and either replaced with another magazine10or by removing and replacing the canister20in the empty magazine10. To do so, the cover44is pivoted away from the compartment38to enable the empty canister20to be pulled out of the valve mechanism62and removed from the compartment38in order to be replaced by a fresh or full cartridge20. Once the empty cartridge20is removed, the arm36of the reset switch28is allowed to extend away from the switch28. The switch28can be reset when the full cartridge20is placed within the compartment38and engaged by the cover44as described previously. This sends a signal to the data module22to reset the value of the number of “shots” remaining in the magazine to the full predetermined amount for the magazine10as contained in the storage medium25, thereby rendering the magazine10fully loaded.

Further, if the magazine10is removed from the weapon100prior to having all of the “shots” fired, the number of “shots” remaining in the magazine10is maintained on the storage medium25as a result of the power supplied by the battery42to the data module22. Therefore, the magazine10can be reinserted into the weapon100or into another weapon100and provide the same number of “shots” that remained when the magazine10was initially removed from the weapon100.

As the weapon100is fired using the trigger108, the control module110operates the valve mechanism116in the weapon100. The mechanism116allows for an amount of compressed gas to escape the magazine10in a manner that produces an audible “pop” corresponding to the “shot” that was fired. In one embodiment of the magazine10, the maximum number of “shots” contained in the magazine10is less than the number of “pops” that can be obtained from the cartridge20. In this manner, the magazine10ensures a full number of “pops” to accompany each “shot” that is taken.

Looking now atFIGS. 8-14, in a second embodiment of the weapon100which takes the form of a pistol200having a internal housing201within and on which the firing mechanism112can be formed as desired, and in the illustrated embodiment includes a sear111operably engaged with the trigger108, and a hammer113engaged with the sear111. As best shown inFIG. 10, the mechanism112also includes a slide115forming the upper portion117of the body102that is disposed around and slidable with respect to the hammer113, and which is slidable relative to the lower portion119of the body102including the trigger108and the handle106.

In operation, the mechanical mechanism100is actuated by the trigger108disposed on the internal housing201. The trigger108is pivotally attached to the internal housing201by pivot pin202and is biased to an outward position by a spring204connected between the trigger108and the internal housing201. The trigger108also includes a safety114secured thereto that prevents the operation of weapon100by preventing the movement of the trigger108until the safety is disengaged by the individual using the weapon100, such as by depressing the safety114prior to depressing the trigger108.

The pivoting activation of the trigger108causes the trigger108to pivot into engagement with the sear111and hammer113to move to simulate a shot being fired from the weapon100. In particular, when depressed, the trigger108pivots rearwardly to contact the sear111which is pivotally secured to the internal housing201within the body102adjacent the trigger108by pin206. The sear111is biased into a position where the sear111can engage the hammer113by a spring208engaged between the internal housing201and the sear111.

The movement of the sear111by the trigger108disengages the sear111from the hammer113, allowing the hammer113to move forwardly along the housing201as a result of a the bias of a spring210disposed within the hammer113to extend between the internal housing201and the hammer113and acting on the hammer113.

The hammer113is slidably disposed around the internal housing201and a valve assembly121located within the internal housing201. The valve assembly121includes a valve housing122secured to and formed as part of the internal housing201and including a gas inlet124and a gas outlet126.

The valve inlet124extends outwardly from the assembly121through the internal housing201and is engaged by a valve assembly62disposed in the magazine10. A valve116within the valve assembly62operated by the control mechanism110/control module120supplies compressed gas from the magazine10to the inlet124in response to the operation of the trigger108in a manner to be described.

The valve outlet126extends rearwardly from the housing122, is disposed in axial alignment with the internal housing201and includes a recess128formed therein. A poppet valve130is disposed within the recess128and includes a seal132disposed thereon which can selectively open and close the outlet126depending upon the position of the poppet valve130. The valve130is biased to a closed position by a spring212located within the recess128and extending between the internal housing201and the seal132.

Opposite the seal132, the poppet valve130includes head134that is selectively engageable with the outer end136of the outlet126. In the illustrated embodiment, the head134includes an inwardly tapering surface138that mates with a conical surface140at the outer end136of the outlet126. The head134also includes a peripheral rim142that extends around the head134and seats against the outer end136of the outlet126when the valve130is opened. The head134does not completely cover the outer end136of the outlet126when engaged therewith, as the head134includes gaps (not shown) therearound to enable gas to exit the internal housing201through the outlet126and past the head134of the valve130.

Adjacent the head134of the poppet valve130is disposed a valve piston180that is affixed to the slide115, such as by a fastener182inserted within a corresponding bore183formed in the piston180. The diameter of the valve piston180is slightly less than that of the head134including the rim142, such that the rim142extends radially outwardly beyond the piston180. With this construction, the piston180can slidably move within an open end216of the hammer113. Additionally, the piston180and fastener182form a reduced diameter passage214therethrough, to enable gas exiting the outlet126to pass through the piston180and out of the pistol200.

When the hammer113moves forwardly around the internal housing201as a result of the operation of the trigger108, an engagement surface144disposed on the interior of the hammer113around the open end216moves forwardly along the piston180into contact with the rim142on the poppet head134. The movement of the engagement surface144and the hammer113causes the poppet valve130to move forwardly relative to the valve housing122and the internal housing201until the head134of the poppet valve130is seated fully within the outlet126. At this point, the movement of the hammer113is stopped due to the engagement of the poppet valve130with the outlet126, and the corresponding engagement of the hammer113with the rim142. Also, the hammer113engages the internal housing201directly at a location below the seal132to stop the forward movement of the hammer112.

Separately from the operation of the mechanical mechanism112by the movement of the trigger108, the movement of the trigger108also causes a flange146formed on the trigger108to contact a trigger sensor148disposed within the body102adjacent the trigger108and opposite the sear111. The trigger sensor148is slidably mounted to the body102and biased by a suitable biasing member218extending between the body102and the sensor148to a position adjacent the trigger108. The trigger sensor148includes a trigger sensor magnet150disposed in a pin220extending outwardly from the sensor148which can be moved to a position over a sensing device152, such as a Hall effect sensor, operably connected to the control board120via the circuit board123. The movement of the sensor magnet150over the sensing device152as a result of the engagement of the sensor148by the trigger108enables the circuit board123to register that the trigger108has been operated to fire a simulated “shot” from the weapon100. The control module120/circuit board123can then operate an emitter154disposed within the barrel104at the front of the weapon100to emit the laser, infrared or other type of light or simulated round from the weapon100, and consequently reduce the number of stored simulated “shots” remaining in the weapon100. Additionally, the board123in the illustrated embodiment is configured to wirelessly communicate with the control module110in the magazine10in order to accurately record the operation of the pistol200. This wireless connection can also be configured to communicate with devices (not shown) located exterior to the pistol200in order to monitor the operation of the pistol200. Alternatively, the board123can communicate with the module110via a suitable wired or magnetic connection disposed in the body102and completed when the magazine10is inserted into the body102.

The circuit board123also includes a slide sensing device156, such as a Hall effect sensor, disposed thereon or operably connected thereto. The slide sensing device156can sense a slide sensor magnet158operably connected to the slide115when the slide115is moved as a result of the operation of the trigger108, in a manner to be described. This device156provides a redundant record of the simulated shots being fired from the weapon100. In addition, the device156enables the circuit board123to register when the slide115has been moved without the trigger108being operated, such as when a simulation involving the manual chambering of a round is being performed, such as when the pistol200is initially being prepared for firing, to subtract a simulated “round” or “shot” from those remaining in the magazine10.

Referring now toFIGS. 13-15, the body102also includes a locking mechanism160disposed therein and operably connected to the slide115. The locking mechanism160includes a linkage162attached to the slide115that can be selectively operated by an electromechanical solenoid164secured within the body102separate from the slide115. The operation of the solenoid164is controlled by the circuit board120such that the solenoid164can be selectively energized, and optionally remotely de-energized, to move the linkage162acted on by the solenoid164and prevent movement of the slide115, causing the weapon100to be rendered inoperable. The de-energizing of the solenoid164allows a spring222to move the linkage162rearwardly to pivot a lock224into a position where the lock224engages a corresponding notch226in the slide115(FIGS. 14 and 15), preventing further movement of the slide115and operation of the pistol200until the lock224is disengaged. In this manner, the control mechanism110including the control module120/circuit board123can be operated to affect the mechanical operating mechanism112in a manner that simulates a misfire or jam in the weapon100. The individual must then clear the simulated jam, such as by manually moving the slide115to place the pistol200in the firing configuration ofFIG. 11, or removing and replacing the magazine10in order to re-energize the solenoid164and reset the linkage126and lock224of the locking mechanism160and replace the weapon100into an operational condition. In addition, in the same manner the control mechanism110can cause the operation of the mechanical operating mechanism132when the number of simulated rounds in the magazine10has been reached, as determined by the control mechanism110in response to the operation of the weapon100, to signal that the magazine10is empty and needs to be replaced with a “full” magazine10, as occurs when a real magazine is depleted.

As shown inFIG. 12, after movement of the hammer113has been stopped by engagement with the valve housing122on the internal housing201, or simultaneously with the movement of the hammer113, the control mechanism110operates the valve assembly62and valve116in the magazine10. This operation causes a predetermined volume of compressed air or gas to be dispensed from the magazine10into the inlet124of the valve housing122to simulate the firing of a shot from the weapon in a semi-automatic manner. In particular, the pressure of the gas entering the housing122passes through the outlet126around the head134on the poppet valve130seated in the outlet126of the housing122. The gas then contacts and urges the piston180rearwardly away from the internal housing201against the bias of a spring226disposed around the barrel104and extending between the barrel104and the front end of the slide115, providing the recoil action for the pistol200.

The pressure of the gas released into the valve housing122within the internal housing201also contacts the seal132of the valve130to urge the valve130out of the outlet126, in conjunction with the force of the spring216. The movement of the poppet130causes the hammer113to move rearwardly away from the barrel104due to the engagement of the rim142of the head134with the engagement surface144of the hammer113. The hammer113is moved rearwardly against the bias of the spring210to a position where the sear111can be re-engaged with the hammer113. In this configuration, the pistol200is ready for operation to fire a subsequent simulated shot.

The pressure exerted by the gas on the various internal components of the pistol200is dissipated as the gas exits the pistol200through the passage214formed within the piston180and the fastener182. This reduction in pressure enables the spring226to move the slide115forward to the ready to fire position, unless otherwise engaged by the slide lock224.

In this embodiment, the operation of the electronic monitoring and control mechanism110and the mechanical operating or firing mechanism112are synchronized to provide a simulated weapon100having a realistic feel. In particular, the operational cycle of the electronic mechanism or module110is approximately ninety (90) milliseconds while the cycle of the mechanical firing mechanism112is approximately twenty (20) milliseconds. As such, because the length of time required for an individual to manually operate the weapon100is significantly longer than the operational cycles of the mechanisms110,112, the overall operation of the weapon100is virtually identical in feel to that of a conventional weapon.

In still another embodiment, the magazine10can be constructed to accommodate multiple cartridges20within one or more compartments38having one or more switches28and valve mechanisms62therein to be engaged by the cartridges20for use with weapons100having larger ammunition capacities.

Various other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the filed claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.