Electrically actuated weapon system

An electrically actuated weapon system is provided, which may be mounted in a robotic vehicle or device, and controlled remotely by a user. In particular, the electrically actuated weapon system is composed of an electrically actuated weapon, a weapon control means connected thereto, and a controller means remotely located therefrom. The controller means is in wireless communication with the weapon control means, which is operable to control three linear actuators which cycle the weapon. These linear actuator means are controlled electronically, based on communications received from the controller means. Accordingly, if the weapon is stolen, lost, or captured by an enemy combatant during combat, the weapon will cease to be functional. Further, the weapon can be reliably operated from remote locations, as the cycling of the weapon is not dependent upon recoil forces.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an electronically controlled weapon system. In particular, the present invention provides a weapon in which the cycling operation of the weapon is performed by electrical actuators which are remotely controlled by an electronic control system, thereby enabling a user to restrict the use of the weapon to only authorized users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic guns can be generally classified, according to their mode of operation, as either self-powered or externally powered. Self-powered automatic guns utilize recoil or high pressure barrel gasses caused by firing to cycle operating mechanisms which load and fire the gun. In particular, a mechanically actuated firing pin strikes a primer cap at the rear of the weapon cartridge, to thereby ignite the propellant for the projectile. The bolt is driven rearward by the propellant gases shortly after the firearm is fired. This action, i.e., “cycling” of the weapon, pulls the spent cartridge from the chamber and ejects the empty shell. Once the bolt reaches the end of travel, the bolt suddenly stops. A spring then provides forward bias to drive the bolt forward and pushes a new cartridge in the chamber.

Self-powered automatic guns are inherently more portable or mobile than externally-powered guns, in which operating mechanisms of externally-powered guns are driven by actuators or motors independently of firing forces, are, therefore, usually preferred for small arms, machine guns and light cannons. However, for larger cannons, external powered actuators are sometimes needed to operate the weapon systems, including loading, cycling, and gun aiming movement. Since such larger guns are difficult to implement as self-powered guns, because of shell size, weight and size of moving operational gun parts, larger guns have typically been constructed to be contrast.

However, automation of guns in general, and large guns in particular, such as those used in tanks and armored vehicles in particular, has heretofore usually been limited to the automation of a single operational function. For example, an actuator has been used for opening and closing the breech, or loading shells into an open breech. A human operator has ordinarily functioned to operationally bridge the separately automated functions. Firing rates of such guns, in which an operator performs the key role as system integrator, have thus been limited by the operator's skill and ability in perceiving the operational status of the automated gun hardware and in deciding when the operating commands should be given to initiate each successive automated operation.

Many problems encountered in mechanizing (automating) large guns are attributable to the fact that the guns were not originally designed for automatic operation. Thus, design of such guns has principally involved adaptations of pre-existing, manually operated guns. As a consequence, their automation has usually consisted of little more than the retrofitting of existing gun hardware. Although some limited success has been achieved through such retrofitting, the resulting gun systems have, at best, been awkward and non-optimal in terms of gun operating speeds and firing rates, and also in terms of system cost and reliability.

Moreover, control systems for previously automated large caliber guns have controlled only a few sequential steps, and have been implemented by simple and/or logic elements, flip-flop circuits typically being used to control actuating motors, or solenoids. Further, the progression from one separately automated step to another has heretofore been sequenced by pre-set timers, so that gun operation proceeds in accordance with a fixed time schedule. Reliance upon such timing schedules, however, can cause serious problems because operating times may, in fact, vary widely in the same gun according to conditions. For example, the time required to advance shells to the gun typically varies according to the number, and hence the mass, of shells which must be advanced.

Operating times also depend upon such factors as how clean or how well lubricated the gun is, the extent of gun wear and the operating temperatures. If the gun design does not take such time-affecting variables into consideration, one operating step may be initiated before a preceding step is completed, with potentially disastrous consequences. A particular event which is difficult to provide for in a fixed timing schedule is shell firing time. Typically shells fire within a few milliseconds after firing impact or, as the case may be, electrical contacting. Propellant combustion ordinarily occurs within the next few milliseconds and casing pressure is typically reduced to a safe casing extraction level in several more milliseconds. Thus, only about 10 to 20 milliseconds of firing “dwell time” is ordinarily required.

However, in system use, a few shells, presumably due to manufacturing defects, do not fire as expected. Instead, there is a brief delay after impact or electrical contact before ignition occurs. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a “hang fire” condition. If a hang fire causes a shell to fire after a timed casing extraction has begun, the gun may be destroyed and operating personnel may be injured. On the other hand, if worst case hang fires are considered in establishing the gun operating time schedule, gun performance will be compromised. If the timing schedule also takes into account all other possible worst case conditions affecting gun operating times, the firing rate will be drastically reduced over that possible under most operating conditions. As a result, the automatic operation of a gun on a fixed timing schedule is generally unsatisfactory.

Further, currently, robotic devices have begun to be commonly used in police and military applications. Systems for mounting firearms on such robotic devices have been recently developed. These systems for mounting firearms on robotic devices are designed, however, to utilize conventional gas-powered (self-powered) weapons. In particular, the weapon, such as a conventional shotgun or an M-4, is removably mounted in the system, wherein the system allows a user to wirelessly control mechanical mechanisms to release the weapon safety switch and pull the trigger.

However, such conventional systems for mounting firearms on robotic devices have several drawbacks. First, an enemy can disable the robotic device, remove the firearm from the mounting system, and utilize the firearm against the controller of the robotic device and/or friendly forces. Second, as discussed above, self-powered weapons tend to periodically jam, and require human interaction to clear the jam when same occurs, placing the operator in a potentially fatal situation. Third, by requiring placement of a conventional weapon in the mounting system, a soldier usually must place his weapon into the mounting system of the robotic device during operation thereof, which personally places the operator in a vulnerable position during operation of the robotic device.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an externally-powered, electrically actuated weapon, in which all firing operations of the weapon can be remotely externally operated.

It is another object of the present invention is to provide an externally-powered, electrically actuated weapon which, if removed from the device upon which the weapon is mounted, such as a robotic device, is inoperable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an externally-powered electrically actuated weapon which operates on a strict logic basis, rather than on a fixed timing schedule, which stops operating if pre-established logic conditions are not met, and which provides status and malfunction information to the gun operator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an externally-powered, electrically actuated weapon in which initiation of each operational step is conditioned on specific moving parts of the gun being in specific positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the objects of the present invention, as described above, the present inventor earnestly endeavored to develop an electrically actuated weapon, in which all firing operations are performed by means external to the firing operation. In particular, in a first embodiment of the present invention, an electrically actuated weapon system is provided comprising:

(B) a wireless communication means in communication with the controller means;

(C) a wireless receiver means capable of wireless communication with the wireless communication means;

(D) a weapon control means in communication with the wireless receiver means, said weapon control means operable to control firing operation of the weapon via linear actuator means; and

(E) an electrically actuated weapon in communication with the weapon control means, the electrically actuated weapon comprised of a:(1) a feeder linear actuator means operable to control feeding of ammunition into the weapon;(2) a cam actuator means operable to control firing operation of the weapon; and(3) an extractor linear actuator means operable to extract fired weapon cartridges from the weapon.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the first embodiment of the present invention is provided, wherein the electrically actuated weapon comprises:

(a) a weapon housing having a rear end, a front end having a threaded cylindrical portion formed therein, said front end disposed opposite the rear end, and a middle portion disposed between the front end and the rear end, said weapon housing comprising:(i) an extractor piston track defined by the weapon housing, said extractor piston track comprised of an extractor piston track bore, and an extractor actuator through-slot extending from the piston track bore to the exterior of the weapon housing;(ii) a cartridge feeder piston track defined by the weapon housing, disposed parallel to the extractor piston track bore, said cartridge feeder piston track comprised of a feeder piston track bore having a rear end, a front end, and a feeder actuator through-slot extending from the feeder piston bore to the exterior of the weapon housing;(iii) a cartridge magazine through-slot defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to the extractor piston track, and in communication with the extractor piston track bore;(iv) a transition cavity defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to and in communication with both the extractor piston track bore and the cartridge feeder piston track bore, serving to connect the extractor piston track bore to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;(v) a cartridge magazine locking assembly bore disposed parallel to the extractor piston track bore, and extending from the rear end of the weapon housing to the cartridge magazine through-slot;(vi) a firing pin cam bore defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge feeder piston track bore, and extending from the exterior of the weapon housing to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;(vii) a cartridge restrictor pivot bore defined by the weapon housing, disposed between and perpendicular to both the extractor piston track bore and the cartridge feeder piston track bore, and extending through the weapon housing;(viii) an ejector rod bore defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular and off axis to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;(iv) a cartridge magazine locking assembly handle slot defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore, and extending from the exterior of the weapon housing to the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore; and(x) a cartridge ejection slot defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to and off axis of the cartridge feeder piston track bore, and in the same plane as the ejector rod bore;

(b) a cartridge magazine locking assembly movably disposed in the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore, said cartridge magazine locking assembly comprising:(i) a cartridge magazine locking assembly piston having a rear end and a front end, slidably disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore;(ii) a handle in communication with the cartridge magazine locking assembly piston, perpendicular thereto, slidably disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly handle slot;(iii) a spring having a first end and a second end, disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore, the second end of the spring being disposed adjacent to the rear end of the cartridge magazine locking assembly piston;(iv) a plug removably disposed at the rear end of the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore, and adjacent to the first end of the spring;

(c) a cartridge extractor piston assembly disposed within the extractor piston track bore, said cartridge extractor piston assembly comprised of:(i) a cartridge extractor piston slidably disposed within the extractor piston track bore;(ii) an extractor actuator rod having a first end and second end, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge extractor piston, slidably within the extractor actuator through-slot, and in communication with the cartridge extractor piston at the first end of the extractor actuator rod;(iii) an extractor linear actuator means disposed adjacent to the weapon housing, and in communication with the weapon control means so as to controlled thereby, and the second end of the extractor actuator rod, such that the extractor linear actuator means may slide the cartridge extractor piston within the extractor piston track bore via the extractor actuator rod;

(d) an ejector rod disposed within the ejector rod bore, perpendicular and off axis to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;

(e) a cartridge feeder piston assembly disposed within the feeder piston track bore, said cartridge feeder piston assembly comprised of:(i) a cartridge feeder piston having a first end, a second end, and a circumferential portion disposed there between, the cartridge feeder piston slidably disposed within the feeder piston track bore, said cartridge feeder piston further comprising:(A) a firing pin bore disposed through the side cartridge feeder piston, from the first end of the piston to the second end of the piston, the firing pin bore having a diameter adjacent the first end of the cartridge feeder piston smaller than a diameter adjacent the second end of the cartridge feeder piston;(B) a firing pin slot defined by the cartridge feeder piston, disposed perpendicular to firing pin bore and extending from the exterior of the cartridge feeder piston to the firing pin bore, the firing pin slot having a width small than the diameter of the firing pin bore;(C) a plurality of extractor finger grooves formed in and defined by the cartridge feeder piston;(D) an extractor finger disposed within each of the extractor finger grooves, each extractor finger composed of a flexible memory retaining material (such as spring steel) capable of temporarily deforming so as to grasp the rear lip of the ammunition cartridge;(E) an ejector rod groove disposed within the cartridge feeder piston, extending the entire length thereof.(F) a firing pin slidably disposed within the firing pin bore and the firing pin slot;(G) a firing pin spring having a first end and a second end, disposed within the firing pin bore, the second end of the spring being disposed adjacent to the rear end of the firing pin;(H) a plug removably disposed at the rear end of the firing pin bore, and adjacent to the first end of the spring;(ii) a feeder actuator rod having a first end and second end, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge feeder piston, slidably disposed within the feeder actuator through-slot, and in communication with the cartridge feeder piston at the first end of the feeder actuator rod;(iii) a feeder linear actuator means disposed adjacent to the weapon housing, and in communication with the weapon control means so as to be controlled thereby, and the second end of the feeder actuator rod, such that the feeder linear actuator means may slide the cartridge feeder piston within the feeder piston track bore via the feeder actuator rod; and

(f) a firing pin cam assembly disposed in the firing pin cam bore, said firing pin cam assembly comprised of:(i) a trigger cam movably disposed within the firing pin cam bore, the trigger cam having a trigger cam hole disposed there through;(ii) a cam pin disposed within the trigger cam hole, such that the cam pin is in movable communication with the trigger cam;(iii) a firing pin cam cover disposed on the weapon housing, adjacent the firing pin cam bore;(iv) a cam actuator rod having a first end and second end, disposed perpendicular to the cam pin rotatably disposed adjacent the firing pin cam bore, and in communication with the cam pin; and(v) a cam actuator means disposed adjacent to the weapon housing, and in communication with the weapon control means so as to be controlled thereby, and with the second end of the cam actuator rod, such that the cam actuator means may rotate the cam actuator rod within the firing pin cam bore via the cam actuator rod.

In a third of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the first embodiment above is provided, wherein the controller means is a computer processing means or a simple logic control device operable to communicate with the weapon control means.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the first embodiment is provided, wherein the weapon control means is a computer processing means or a simple logic control device, and is capable of controlling operation of the linear actuator means.

In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon of the second embodiment above is provided, further comprising a weapon barrel having a first end, a second end, a chamber disposed adjacent the first end, and a bore disposed between the chamber and the second end.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon of the first and second embodiments above is provided, wherein the extractor linear actuator means, feeder linear actuator means, and the cam actuator means is an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuator means.

In a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the first embodiment above is provided, further comprising a power supply in communication with the weapon control means.

In an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the second embodiment above is provided, wherein the electrically actuated weapon further comprises an ammunition supply means, said ammunition supply means in communication with the cartridge magazine through-slot.

In a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the eighth embodiment above is provided, wherein the ammunition supply means is selected from a weapon cartridge, a hopper means, and a belt feeding means.

In a tenth embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the second embodiment above is provided, wherein the ejector rod of the electrically actuated weapon is disposed within the ejector rod bore, perpendicular to and off axis at about a 45° angle in relation to the cartridge feeder piston track bore.

In an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the electrically actuated weapon system of the second embodiment above is provided, wherein the cartridge ejection slot of the electrically actuated weapon is disposed perpendicular to and off axis by about 45° in relation to the cartridge feeder piston track bore, and in the same plane as the ejector rod bore.

In a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, an electrically actuated weapon is provided comprising:

(A) a weapon housing having a rear end, a front end having a threaded cylindrical portion formed therein, said front end disposed opposite the rear end, and a middle portion disposed between the front end and the rear end, said weapon housing comprising:(i) an extractor piston track defined by the weapon housing, said extractor piston track comprised of an extractor piston track bore, and an extractor actuator through-slot extending from the piston track bore to the exterior of the weapon housing;(ii) a cartridge feeder piston track defined by the weapon housing, disposed parallel to the extractor piston track bore, said cartridge feeder piston track comprised of a feeder piston track bore having a rear end, a front end, and a feeder actuator through-slot extending from the feeder piston bore to the exterior of the weapon housing;(iii) a cartridge magazine through-slot defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to the extractor piston track, and in communication with the extractor piston track bore;(iv) a transition cavity defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to and in communication with both the extractor piston track bore and the cartridge feeder piston track bore, serving to connect the extractor piston track bore to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;(v) a cartridge magazine locking assembly bore disposed parallel to the extractor piston track bore, and extending from the rear end of the weapon housing to the cartridge magazine through-slot;(vi) a firing pin cam bore defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge feeder piston track bore, and extending from the exterior of the weapon housing to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;(vii) a cartridge restrictor pivot bore defined by the weapon housing, disposed between and perpendicular to both the extractor piston track bore and the cartridge feeder piston track bore, and extending through the weapon housing;(viii) an ejector rod bore defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular and off axis to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;(ix) a cartridge magazine locking assembly handle slot defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore, and extending from the exterior of the weapon housing to the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore; and(x) a cartridge ejection slot defined by the weapon housing, disposed perpendicular to and off axis of the cartridge feeder piston track bore, and in the same plane as the ejector rod bore;

(B) a cartridge magazine locking assembly movably disposed in the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore, said cartridge magazine locking assembly comprising:(i) a cartridge magazine locking assembly piston having a rear end and a front end, slidably disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore;(ii) a handle in communication with the cartridge magazine locking assembly piston, perpendicular thereto, slidably disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly handle slot;(iii) a spring having a first end and a second end, disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore, the second end of the spring being disposed adjacent to the rear end of the cartridge magazine locking assembly piston;(iv) a plug removably disposed at the rear end of the cat tiidge magazine locking assembly bore, and adjacent to the first end of the spring;

(C) a cartridge extractor piston assembly disposed within the extractor piston track bore, said cartridge extractor piston assembly comprised of:(i) a cartridge extractor piston slidably disposed within the extractor piston track bore;(ii) an extractor actuator rod having a first end and second end, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge extractor piston, slidably within the extractor actuator through-slot, and in communication with the cartridge extractor piston at the first end of the extractor actuator rod;(iii) an extractor linear actuator means disposed adjacent to the weapon housing, and in communication with the second end of the extractor actuator rod, such that the extractor linear actuator means may slide the cartridge extractor piston within the extractor piston track bore via the extractor actuator rod;

(D) an ejector rod disposed within the ejector rod bore, perpendicular and off axis to the cartridge feeder piston track bore;

(E) a cartridge feeder piston assembly disposed within the feeder piston track bore, said cartridge feeder piston assembly comprised of:(i) a cartridge feeder piston having a first end, a second end, and a circumferential portion disposed there between, the cartridge feeder piston slidably disposed within the feeder piston track bore, said cartridge feeder piston further comprising:(A) a firing pin bore disposed through the side cartridge feeder piston, from the first end of the piston to the second end of the piston, the firing pin bore having a diameter adjacent the first end of the cartridge feeder piston smaller than a diameter adjacent the second end of the cartridge feeder piston;(B) a firing pin slot defined by the cartridge feeder piston, disposed perpendicular to firing pin bore and extending from the exterior of the cartridge feeder piston to the firing pin bore, the firing pin slot having a width small than the diameter of the firing pin bore;(C) a plurality of extractor finger grooves formed in and defined by the cartridge feeder piston;(D) an extractor finger disposed within each of the extractor finger grooves, each extractor finger composed of a flexible memory retaining material (such as spring steel) capable of temporarily deforming so as to grasp the rear lip of the ammunition cartridge;(E) an ejector rod groove disposed within the cartridge feeder piston, extending the entire length thereof.(F) a firing pin slidably disposed within the firing pin bore and the firing pin slot;(G) a firing pin spring having a first end and a second end, disposed within the firing pin bore, the second end of the spring being disposed adjacent to the rear end of the firing pin;(H) a plug removably disposed at the rear end of the firing pin bore, and adjacent to the first end of the spring;(ii) a feeder actuator rod having a first end and second end, disposed perpendicular to the cartridge feeder piston, slidably disposed within the feeder actuator through-slot, and in communication with the cartridge feeder piston at the first end of the feeder actuator rod;(iii) a feeder linear actuator means disposed adjacent to the weapon housing, and in communication with the second end of the feeder actuator rod, such that the feeder linear actuator means may slide the cartridge feeder piston within the feeder piston track bore via the feeder actuator rod;

(e) a firing pin cam assembly disposed in the firing pin cam bore, said firing pin cam assembly comprised of:(i) a trigger cam movably disposed within the firing pin cam bore, the trigger cam having a trigger cam hole disposed there through;(ii) a cam pin disposed within the trigger cam hole, such that the cam pin is in movable communication with the trigger cam;(iii) a firing pin cam cover disposed on the weapon housing, adjacent the firing pin cam bore;(iv) a cam actuator rod having a first end and second end, disposed perpendicular to the cam pin rotatably disposed adjacent the firing pin cam bore, and in communication with the cam pin; and(v) a cam actuator means disposed adjacent to the weapon housing, and in communication with the second end of the cam actuator rod, such that the cam actuator means may rotate the cam actuator rod within the firing pin cam bore via the cam actuator rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the present invention provides an electrically actuated weapon system1, comprised of a power supply (not shown), a controller means comprised of a computer processing means (not shown), (which may alternatively be a simple logic control means), and a wireless communication means in connection with the computer processing means. A user is able to remotely control the firing operations of the electrically actuated weapon1via a user interface (not shown; any conventional user interface may be utilized) in connection with the controller means, via the wireless communication means.

Importantly, the electrically actuated weapon1of the present invention, which may be mounted remotely from the user, such as on a robotic device or vehicle, may not be operated other than via the controller means. In particular, the firing operations of the weapon1, such as the loading, firing of a weapon cartridge, ejection thereof, and reloading of a weapon cartridge into the weapon1, are all controlled by linear actuator means (rather than through a gas-operated recoil-based system as conventionally used). These linear actuator means are controlled electronically, based on communications received from the remote controller means. Accordingly, if the weapon1is stolen, lost, or captured by an enemy combatant during combat, the weapon1will cease to be functional.

The controller means may be a computer processing means, such as a personal computer (PC), Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), hand held computer, palm top computers, lap top computer, smart phone, or any other information processing devices. A PC can be one or more IBM or compatible PC workstations running a Microsoft Windows or LINUX operating system, one or more Macintosh computers running a Mac OS operating system, or an equivalent. In another embodiment, the computer processing means may run through a server system, such as a SUN Ultra workstation running a SunOS operating system or IBM RS/6000 workstation and server running the AIX operating system. However, a simple logic control device may be utilized, in place of such information processing devices, to facilitate simple user control of the electrically actuated weapon1.

The controller means is in communication with a wireless communication means, so as to enable the user to remotely control the operation of the electrically actuated weapon1. The wireless communication means may be any conventional wireless communication device, such as a wireless LAN device, radio transmitter, etc. The wireless communication means and controller means are in communication with one or more power supplies.

The wireless communication means is operable to communicate with a wireless receiver means. The wireless receiver means, like the communication means, may be any conventional wireless communication device, such as a wireless LAN device, radio transmitter, etc. The wireless receiver means is in communication with a weapon control means. Like the controller means, the weapon control means may be a computer processing means or a simple logic control device.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the weapon control means is in communication with a second power supply. A second power supply is required, as the weapon1is operated remotely from the controller means. The weapon control means is operable to receive communications (commands) from the controller means concerning operation of the linear actuator means71,107and125. In particular, during operation, a user wirelessly communicates commands to the weapon1from the controller means to the weapon control means.

The controller means, generally, comprises a first switch for powering the extractor linear actuator means71, a second switch for powering the feeder linear actuator means107, and a third switch for powering the cam actuator means125. Specifically, commands to activate one or more of the linear actuator means71,107and125(i.e., move the piston of the linear actuator means forward and backward) are sent by the user to the weapon control means (not shown). By activating the linear actuator means71,107and125, the weapon control means cycles the weapon1, thereby loading, firing, extracting, and reloading a weapon cartridge, as desired by the user.

The extractor linear actuator means71, the feeder linear actuator means107and the cam actuator means125are in conductive communication with the second power supply, either directly or via the weapon control means112. Each of the linear actuator means71,107and125, may be an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuator. Preferably, electric linear actuators are used, due to their quick responsiveness.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the electrically actuated weapon2of the present invention has a weapon housing3having a rear end5, a middle portion11, and a front end7. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the front end7has a threaded cylindrical portion9formed therein. As called for in the second embodiment of the present invention, and as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, a weapon barrel127, having a first end129and a second end131, may be screwed onto the weapon housing3via the threaded cylindrical portion9thereof. Further, as shown inFIG. 2, a chamber133is disposed in the weapon barrel127adjacent the first end131thereof, and a bore135is disposed between the chamber133and the second end129of the barrel127.

The weapon housing3defines an extractor piston track13having an extractor piston track bore15, and an extractor actuator through-slot17extending from the piston track bore15to the exterior of the weapon housing3.

The weapon housing3further defines a cartridge feeder piston track19defined by the weapon housing3, the track19being disposed parallel to the extractor piston track bore15. The cartridge feeder piston track19is comprised of a feeder piston track bore21having a rear end23, a front end25, and a feeder actuator through-slot27extending from the feeder piston bore21to the exterior of the weapon housing3.

A cartridge magazine through-slot29, as shown inFIG. 2, is defined by the weapon housing3, and is disposed perpendicular to the extractor piston track13, and in communication with the extractor piston track bore15. As illustrated inFIG. 1, an ammunition supply means143is removably disposed within the cartridge magazine through slot29. The ammunition supply means may be any conventional weapon cartridge, as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the ammunition supply means may be a hopper device, which feeds weapon cartridges into the weapon1via a hopper mechanism, or a conventional belt feeding means, which feeds weapon cartridges to the weapon1via a belt.

A transition cavity31, illustrated inFIG. 2, is defined by the weapon housing3, and serves to connect the extractor piston track bore15to the cartridge feeder piston track bore21. The transition cavity31is disposed perpendicular to and in communication with both the extractor piston track bore15and the cartridge feeder piston track bore21.

A cartridge magazine locking assembly bore33, illustrated inFIG. 2adjacent the rear end5, shown inFIG. 1, of the weapon housing3, is disposed parallel to the extractor piston track bore15, and extends from the rear end5of the weapon housing3to the cartridge magazine through-slot29.

A firing pin cam bore35, defined by the weapon housing, is disposed perpendicular to the cartridge feeder piston track bore25, and extends from the exterior of the weapon housing3to the cartridge feeder piston track bore25. A cartridge restrictor pivot bore37, defined by the weapon housing3, is disposed between and perpendicular to both the extractor piston track bore15and the cartridge feeder piston track bore23, and extends through the weapon housing3.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 8, an ejector rod bore39is defined by the weapon housing3, and is disposed perpendicular to and off axis to the cartridge feeder piston track bore21.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, a cartridge magazine locking assembly handle slot41is defined by the weapon housing3. The cartridge magazine locking assembly handle slot41is disposed perpendicular to the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore33, and extends from the exterior of the weapon housing3to the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore33.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, a cartridge ejection slot43is defined by the weapon housing3. The cartridge ejection slot43is disposed perpendicular to and off axis of the cartridge feeder piston track bore21(shown inFIG. 2), and in the same plane as the ejector rod bore39shown inFIG. 8. Preferably, as shown inFIG. 7, the cartridge ejection slot43is disposed perpendicular to and off axis by about 45° in relation to the cartridge feeder piston track bore21, and in the same plane as the ejector rod bore39shown inFIG. 8.

A cartridge magazine locking assembly45, as illustrated inFIG. 3(A), is movably disposed in the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore33(shown inFIG. 2). As illustrated inFIG. 3(A), the cartridge magazine locking assembly45is comprised of a cartridge magazine locking assembly piston47having a rear end49and a front end51. The cartridge magazine locking assembly piston47is slidably disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore33.

A handle53is provided in communication with the cartridge magazine locking assembly piston47. In particular, the handle53, shown inFIG. 3(A), is disposed perpendicular to and slidably disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly handle slot41, shown inFIG. 2. As illustrated inFIG. 3(A), a spring55, having a first end57and a second end59, is disposed within the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore33, the second end59of the spring55being disposed adjacent to the rear end49of the cartridge magazine locking assembly piston47. A plug61is removably disposed at the rear end of the cartridge magazine locking assembly bore33, and adjacent to the first end57of the spring55.

A cartridge extractor piston assembly63, as illustrated inFIG. 3(a), is disposed within the extractor piston track bore15(shown inFIG. 2). The cartridge extractor piston assembly63is comprised of a cartridge extractor piston64slidably disposed within the extractor piston track bore15. As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 7, an extractor actuator rod65, having a first end121and second end123, is disposed perpendicular to the cartridge extractor piston64shown inFIG. 3(A), slidably disposed within the extractor actuator through-slot17shown inFIG. 2, and is in communication with the cartridge extractor piston64at the first end121of the extractor actuator rod65.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4, an extractor linear actuator means71is disposed adjacent to the weapon housing3, and is in communication with the second end123of the extractor actuator rod65, such that the extractor linear actuator means71operates to slide the cartridge extractor piston64within the extractor piston track bore15(shown inFIG. 2) via the extractor actuator rod65. As illustrated inFIG. 8, an ejector rod73is disposed within the ejector rod bore39, perpendicular to and off axis of the cartridge feeder piston track bore21(shown inFIG. 2). Preferably, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the ejector rod73is disposed within the ejector rod bore39perpendicular to and off axis at about a 45° angle in relation to the cartridge feeder piston track bore23(shown inFIG. 2).

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 9, a cartridge feeder piston assembly75is disposed within the feeder piston track bore21(shown inFIG. 2). As shown inFIG. 9, the cartridge feeder piston assembly75is comprised of a cartridge feeder piston77having a first end79, a second end81, and a circumferential portion83disposed there between. The cartridge feeder piston77is slidably disposed within the feeder piston track bore21.

As illustrated inFIG. 3(B), a firing pin bore85is disposed through the side of the cartridge feeder piston77(shown inFIG. 9), from the first end79of the piston to the second end of the piston. The firing pin bore85has a diameter, adjacent the first end79of the cartridge feeder piston77, smaller than a diameter adjacent the second end81of the cartridge feeder piston77.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, a firing pin slot84, defined by the cartridge feeder piston, is disposed perpendicular to firing pin bore85, illustrated inFIG. 3(B), and extending from the exterior of the cartridge feeder piston77to the firing pin bore85. The firing pin slot84has a width smaller than the diameter of the firing pin bore85. As illustrated inFIG. 3(B), a plug99is removably disposed at the rear end of the firing pin bore85, and adjacent to the first end95of the firing pin spring93.

As further illustrated inFIG. 3(B), a firing pin91is slidably disposed within the firing pin bore85and the firing pin slot84. A firing pin spring93, having a first end95and a second end97, is also disposed within the firing pin bore85, the second end97of the spring93being disposed adjacent to the rear end of the firing pin91.

The cartridge feeder piston77further has a plurality of extractor finger grooves87,87, and an extractor rod groove89, disposed therein. The extractor finger grooves87,87, are formed in and are defined by the cartridge feeder piston. An extractor finger88is disposed within each of the extractor finger grooves87. Each extractor finger88is composed of a flexible memory retaining material (such as spring steel), which is capable of temporarily deforming, so as to grasp the rear lip of the ammunition cartridge.

As shown inFIG. 9, an ejector rod groove89is disposed within the cartridge feeder piston77, and extends the entire length thereof. As shown inFIG. 8, the ejector rod73is movably disposed within the ejector rod groove89and the ejector rod bore39.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, a feeder actuator rod101, having a first end103and second end105, is disposed perpendicular to the cartridge feeder piston77(shown inFIG. 9). The feeder actuator rod101is slidably disposed within the feeder actuator through-slot27shown inFIG. 2, and is in communication with the cartridge feeder piston77at the first end103of the feeder actuator rod101.

A feeder linear actuator means107, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 7, is disposed adjacent to the weapon housing3, and in communication with the second end105of the feeder actuator rod101. The feeder linear actuator means107, which may be any electrical or hydraulic linear actuator, slides the cartridge feeder piston77within the feeder piston track bore19(shown inFIG. 2) via the feeder actuator rod101.

As illustrated inFIG. 3(A), a firing pin cam assembly109is disposed in the firing pin cam bore35shown inFIG. 2. The firing pin cam assembly109is comprised of a trigger cam111, as shown inFIG. 3(A), having a trigger cam hole113disposed therethrough, as shown inFIG. 1, which is movably disposed within the firing pin cam bore35. A cam pin115, as shown inFIG. 6, is disposed within the trigger cam hole113, such that the cam pin115is in movable communication with the trigger cam111(FIG. 3A). A firing pin cam cover117, as shown inFIG. 1, is disposed on the weapon housing3, adjacent the firing pin cam bore35(FIG. 2).

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a cam actuator rod119, having a first end121and second end123, is disposed perpendicular to and in communication with the cam pin115. The cam actuator rod119is also rotatably disposed adjacent the firing pin cam bore35(FIG. 2). A cam actuator means125, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, is disposed adjacent to the weapon housing3, and in communication with the second end123of the cam actuator rod119. Like the extractor linear actuator means71and the feeder linear actuator means107, the cam actuator means125may be any electrical or hydraulic linear actuator. The cam actuator means125operates to rotate the cam actuator rod119within the firing pin cam bore35via the cam actuator rod119shown inFIG. 6.

Method of Operation:

The electrically actuated weapon system1of the present invention operates as follows:

Pre-Fire Configuration of the Weapon:

Before the firing sequence is initiated, the following conditions exist:

The cartridge extractor piston64(FIG. 3A) is in the retracted position, i.e, is positioned at the rear most position in the extractor piston track bore15(FIG. 2).The cartridge feeder piston77(FIG. 3A) is in the retracted position, i.e., is positioned at the rear most position in the feeder piston bore21(FIG. 2).The firing pin cam assembly109(FIG. 3A) is in the start position, i.e., the cam pin115(FIG. 6) on the cam is rotated to the forward most position.There is ammunition in the magazineThere is no ammunition in the interior of the weapon housing3(FIG. 4), the extractor piston track13(FIG. 2), or the feeder piston bore21(FIG. 2).None of the linear actuator means71,107,125, (seeFIG. 1) are powered, and are in the retracted position.
Firing Process of the Weapon:

The following sequence of actions takes place during the firing process of the electrically actuated weapon system of the present invention:

1. On the controller means142(FIG. 1), the “first” switch is engaged, so as to direct power to the extractor linear actuator means71.

2. The extractor linear actuator means71is now moved to the extended position, which moves the cartridge extractor piston assembly63(FIG. 3A) along the extractor piston track bore15(FIG. 2), extracting one weapon cartridge from the ammunition supply means143(FIG. 1), and pushing the weapon cartridge along the extractor piston track bore15(FIG. 2).

3. The weapon cartridge is allowed to pass through the transition cavity31(FIG. 2), and reside in the feeder piston bore21(FIG. 2).

4. The extractor linear actuator means71is now stopped in the extended position, which prevents any subsequent Cartridges from being extracted, and internally disconnects all power from the extractor linear actuator means71.

5. On the controller means142, the “second” switch is then engaged, directing power to the feeder linear actuator means107.

6. The feeder linear actuator means107is now moved to the extended position, which moves the cartridge feeder piston assembly75(FIG. 3A) along the feeder piston bore21(FIG. 2), moves the cartridge into the chamber133of weapon barrel127, and locks the extractor fingers88(FIG. 9) onto the weapon cartridge flange.

7. The feeder linear actuator means107is now stopped in the extended position, which seals the weapon cartridge into the chamber133of weapon barrel, and internally disconnects all power from the feeder linear actuator means107.

8. On the controller means142, the “third” switch is now engaged, directing power to the cam actuator means125.

9. The cam actuator means125is now moved to the extended position, which rotates the firing pin cam assembly109(FIG. 3A) counterclockwise 90°. This retracts the firing pin91(FIG. 3B) against the firing pin spring93, and then releases the firing pin91so it then impacts the primer located at the rear of the weapon cartridge, thereby initiating the propelling charge.

10. The cam actuator means125is now stopped in the extended position, which internally disconnects all power from the cam actuator means125.

11. On the controller means142, the “second” switch is reengaged, directing power to the feeder linear actuator means107.

12. The feeder linear actuator means107is now moved to the retracted position, which moves the cartridge feeder piston assembly75(FIG. 3A) along the feeder piston bore21(FIG. 2). This pulls the expended weapon cartridge out of the chamber133of the weapon barrel, along the feeder piston bore21, and into the ejector rod73(FIG. 8), forcing the expended weapon cartridge loose from the extractor fingers88(FIG. 9), ejecting the expended weapon cartridge out of the weapon housing3through the cartridge ejection slot43(FIG. 7).

13. The feeder linear actuator means107is now stopped in the retracted position, which internally disconnects all power from the feeder linear actuator means107.

14. On the controller means142, the “third” switch is then reengaged, directing power to the cam actuator means125.

15. The cam actuator means125is now moved to the retracted position, which rotates the firing pin cam assembly109clockwise 90°.

16. The cam actuator means125is now stopped in the retracted position, which internally disconnects all power from the cam actuator means125.

17. On the controller means142, the “first” switch is then reengaged, directing power to the extractor linear actuator means71.

18. The extractor linear actuator means71is now moved to the retracted position, which moves the cartridge extractor piston assembly63along the extractor piston track bore15.

19. The extractor linear actuator means71is now stopped in the retracted position, which internally disconnects all power from the extractor linear actuator means71.

After the above process is completed, the electrically actuated weapon system is in the pre-fire configuration, as described above, and is ready to begin the firing process as described above.