Patent Publication Number: US-2022228830-A1

Title: Electronically controlled safety system for use in firearms and a method for its use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/472,007 filed Sep. 10, 2021, which claims benefit to provisional application Ser. No. 63/204,089, filed Sep. 11, 2020, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present apparatus relates to electronically controlled trigger locking mechanisms for use in firearms to enhance both safety and function. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There exists a great deal of prior art relating to electronically controlled firearms, wherein electronics are incorporated into the firearm for various purposes. Many of these references disclose electronic firearms designed to enhance the safety of the firearm by aiming to prevent unauthorized users from discharging the firearm through use of an electronically controlled trigger locking mechanism. Unfortunately, many of these devices contain inherent flaws allowing them to be defeated by tampering. For example, some such devices comprise solenoids which can often be overcome simply by using a magnet. 
     In other such systems, the authentication step, such as the use of fingerprint scanners, but such systems are also flawed. Specifically, scanning a finger can take time that is not available and can malfunction if they become dirty or scratched or if a user&#39;s finger becomes dirty or injured. 
     What is needed is an electronically controlled trigger locking mechanism, with RFID tag authentication, that can quickly and reliably function when operated properly and cannot be easily overridden or otherwise compromised through the use of simple and widely available devices such as magnets. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an aspect of the present inventive concept to provide an electronically controlled safety system for use in firearms comprising: a trigger mechanism interface connected to, or otherwise incorporated into a firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism wherein the trigger mechanism interface comprises a point of connection; a shape memory actuator module comprising at least one shape memory wire and a mechanical locking interface actuated by at least one shape memory wire wherein the mechanical locking interface is designed to connect to the point of connection of the trigger mechanism interface and immobilize the trigger mechanism when the mechanical locking interface is connected to the point of connection of the trigger mechanism interface; a radio frequency identification module comprising a radio frequency identification reader configured to send a radio frequency interrogation signal and to receive a predetermined activation code; a radio frequency identification tag configured to transmit the certain predetermined activation code when subjected to the radio frequency identification reader&#39;s interrogation signal received at or above a predetermined signal strength; a control module configured to allow a current to flow to the shape memory actuator module when the radio frequency identification reader receives the predetermined activation code; and a magazine and battery module configured to provide an electrical current to the shape memory actuator module, the radio frequency identification module, and the control module wherein the control module is configured to activate a vibration motor when the firearm is armed and ready to fire. 
     It is also an aspect of the present inventive concept to provide a method for using an ECSS-equipped firearm, the method comprising: providing an ECSS-equipped firearm comprising a trigger mechanism interface connected to, or otherwise incorporated into a firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism wherein the trigger mechanism interface comprises a point of connection; a shape memory actuator module comprising at least one shape memory wire and a mechanical locking interface actuated by at least one shape memory wire wherein the mechanical locking interface is designed to connect to the point of connection of the trigger mechanism interface and immobilize the trigger mechanism when the mechanical locking interface is connected to the point of connection of the trigger mechanism interface; a radio frequency identification module comprising a radio frequency identification reader configured to send a radio frequency interrogation signal and to receive a predetermined activation code; a radio frequency identification tag configured to transmit the certain predetermined activation code when subjected to the radio frequency identification reader&#39;s interrogation signal received at or above a predetermined signal strength; a control module configured to allow a current to flow to the shape memory actuator module when the radio frequency identification reader receives the predetermined activation code; and a magazine and battery module configured to provide an electrical current to the shape memory actuator module, the radio frequency identification module, and the control module wherein the control module measures battery voltage of the magazine and battery module to determine if it is within a predetermined range suitable for operation and wherein the control module is configured to activate a vibration motor when the firearm is armed and ready to fire; providing at least one round of suitable ammunition; placing the at least one round of suitable ammunition in the magazine; placing the magazine in the magazine well and chambering the at least one round of suitable ammunition; placing the radio frequency identification tag near the ECSS-equipped firearm; and pulling the trigger of the ECSS-equipped firearm. 
     These together with other aspects and advantages which will become apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front, top, and left side perspective view of a semiautomatic handgun comprising an electronically controlled safety system (ECSS), hereinafter referred to as an “ECSS-equipped firearm,” according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the ECSS-equipped firearm, as shown in  FIG. 1 , comprising a partially transparent view of the outer side of the left grip panel showing the relative size and position of a shape memory actuator (SMA) module housed within the left grip panel, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2A  is a magnified partial side view of the top portion of the outer side of the left grip panel, housing the top portion of the SMA module shown in  FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top, front, and side view of an inner side of a left grip panel comprising the SMA module in a safe position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top, front, and side view of the inner side of a left grip panel comprising the SMA module in an armed position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of an ECSS-equipped firearm, with the left grip panel completely removed showing part of a trigger mechanism interface, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear view of an ECSS-equipped firearm, with the left grip panel completely removed showing part of a trigger mechanism interface, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an inner side of a right grip panel wherein an RFID module and a control module comprising an ECSS can be housed, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially transparent top, rear, and side view of the right side of a pistol grip panel connected to a pistol grip wherein an RFID module, a vibration motor, and a control module comprising an ECSS have been mounted, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a top, front, and left-side perspective view of an ECSS-equipped firearm wherein the magazine and integrated battery pack module is not inserted into the magazine well (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) of the ECSS-equipped firearm, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom, rear, and right-side perspective view of an ECSS-equipped firearm showing the magazine well wherein a magazine and integrated battery pack module (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) can be inserted into the ECSS-equipped firearm, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a top, front, and right-side perspective view of a magazine and integrated battery module for use in an ECSS-equipped firearm, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a representational view of the inner side of a glove comprising an RFID tag mounted on or within the glove, wherein the position of the RFID tag (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) has been identified with a dotted-line rectangle, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10A  is a side view of an RFID tag, such as one that could be mounted on or within the glove depicted in  FIG. 10 , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10B  is a representational view of a hand wearing a ring comprising an RFID tag mounted on or within the ring, wherein the position of the RFID tag (not shown in  FIG. 10B ) has been identified with a dotted-line rectangle, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10C  is a representational view of a hand wearing a bracelet comprising an RFID tag mounted on or within the bracelet, wherein the position of the RFID tag (not shown in  FIG. 10B ) has been identified with a dotted-line rectangle, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is an electrical circuit flow chart of a method for using an ECSS, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart describing a method for a user to operate an ECSS-equipped firearm, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. 
     The present ECSS is shown as an integrated system comprising a fully functional ECSS-equipped, semiautomatic handgun. However, the present device could be made compatible for use with almost any type of firearm comprising a handle in close proximity to built-in trigger and safety mechanisms, which includes the vast majority of firearms. Therefore, minor modifications to the ECSS disclosed below could allow for use of the present system and method in a wide variety of handguns, rifles, stun guns, shoulder-fired missile launchers, and shotguns just to name a few examples. 
     According to an embodiment, the present ECSS can provide a firearm safety mechanism comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) module working in conjunction with a shape memory actuator (SMA) module to prevent the accidental or unauthorized discharge of an ECSS-equipped firearm. Specifically, the present ECSS can prevent the equipped firearm from discharging if a radio identification tag (“RFID tag”), which can be configured to transmit a signal comprising a unique data set, is not held in close proximity to the RFID module, which can comprise an RFID reader. According to an embodiment, the customized RFID tag can be incorporated into a glove, ring, bracelet or any other object worn or otherwise connected to an authorized user&#39;s hand and capable of comprising an RFID tag. Additionally, if so desired, further predetermined limiting conditions can be required to be present before ECSS-equipped firearm can be allowed to discharge. 
     The present ECSS can be integrated as original equipment of the manufacturer (OEM) or it can be provided as an aftermarket device to be installed on existing firearms, which can require modifications to the frame or other parts of the firearm. In the embodiment of an ECSS-equipped firearm as depicted in the figures, nearly all of the components are housed within the left and right grip panels, which can be removable, and thus, replaceable with the ECSS-comprising substitute panels. 
     The SMA comprising the SMA module can be customized to be compatible with firearms comprising any type of mechanical trigger mechanism. Such SMA&#39;s can comprise a wire made of an alloy, such as Nitinol, which can change shape and shrink when a current is applied to it. Such devices have many advantages over actuators such as solenoids, because of their power relative to their size and weight along with their speed and reliability. Also, such devices are immune to tampering with magnets which is a particular, and well-known vulnerability of solenoids. 
       FIG. 1  is a front, top, and side perspective view of an ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , according to an embodiment. This figure shows the aesthetic differences between the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  and a standard semiautomatic handgun, which are few, with the most notable difference being the magazine and battery pack module  101  located below the pistol grip  102  according to this embodiment. In the embodiment shown, nearly all of the other components comprising the ECSS can be housed within the grip panels, making them nearly imperceptible without disassembling the firearm.  FIG. 1  shows the left grip panel  103 , which can house an SMA module (not visible in  FIG. 1 ) according to an embodiment. As an additional safety feature, the grip panels, such as the left grip panel  103 , can be held in place with tamper resistant fasteners  104 , which can require a special tool (not shown) to remove, according to an embodiment. Other parts, remain identical to those which can be found on a standard firearm, such as a trigger  107  and one or more manual safeties  108  and  109 , which can remain fully operational as additional safety devices comprising an ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 , comprising a partially transparent view of an outer side  235  of the left grip panel  103  showing the relative size and position of a shape memory actuator (SMA) module  200  housed within the left grip panel  103 , according to an embodiment. This view also shows how electrical signals and current can be provided to the SMA module  200  from the magazine and battery pack module  101  through wiring  230  connecting the SMA module  200  to the magazine and battery pack module  101 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 2A  is a magnified partial side view of a top portion of the outer side  235  of the left grip panel  103 , housing the top portion of the SMA module  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . In this view, the relative size and location of the moving parts comprising the SMA module  200  can be more fully understood, according to an embodiment. In this particular embodiment, the SMA module  200 , which is a type of electronically controlled trigger locking mechanism, can comprise a stage  201 , which is only partially visible in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , capable of moving up and down in a radial motion. A portion of this stage  201  can be moved into a notch  205  located in, or comprising, a shuttle  210  for this particular firearm. In the embodiment shown in the figures, and described herein, the shuttle  210  can be connected to a firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism and can be configured to move in concert with the trigger  107 . Therefore, if the shuttle  210  can move freely, then the trigger  107  can also move freely and if the shuttle  210  is prevented from moving, then the trigger  107  can also be prevented from moving, according to an embodiment. 
     Note that the shuttle  210  is used in this disclosure for illustrative purposes in order to describe the main components and functionality of the present ECSS, but the described shuttle  210  is just one type of trigger mechanism interface allowing the SMA module  200  to connect to a firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism. Some firearms may not require any such part be added to its trigger mechanism in order to create a suitable trigger mechanism interface, whereas other firearms may require an added feature, such as the shuttle  210 , but in a different size and shape. The key is that as suitable trigger mechanism interface must allow the moving parts of an SMA module  200  to interact with a firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism in order to move it from an armed position to a safe position and vice versa as the shuttle  210  and stage  201  interact as demonstrated in the present embodiment. Similarly, the notch  205  is only an example of a point of connection which can be part of a firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism interface wherein the SMA module  200  connects or otherwise contacts the firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism. Additionally, the stage  201  is used in this disclosure for illustrative purposes in order to describe a mechanical locking interface as a particular component of the SMA module  200 . The particular shape and movement of the stage  201  described and shown in the figures are specific to the requirements of the handgun used to illustrate the present ECSS. However, other firearms may use a different mechanical locking interface comprising a different shape and movement. The requirement of a mechanical locking interface is that it be capable of connecting to the trigger mechanism interface at a particular point of connection so as to allow the SMA module  200  to interact with a firearm&#39;s trigger mechanism in order to move it from an armed position to a safe position and vice versa as the stage  201  and shuttle  210  are capable of in the embodiment described herein and shown in the figures. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , the shuttle  210  can be locked in place when a portion of the stage  201  is inserted into the notch  205  of the shuttle  210 , thus locking the trigger mechanism, and the trigger  107  in place and preventing the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  from being able to fire. In  FIGS. 2 and 2A , no portion of the stage  201  is inserted into the shuttle  210 , and therefore, the shuttle  210  and the trigger  107  can be free to move and the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  can be ready to fire, according to an embodiment. 
     While the lever mechanism features of the stage  201  are not fully visible in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , the shape memory wire  207  as well as a turnaround  216 , which is immovably connected to the stage  201 , are visible in these figures. According to an embodiment, the shape memory wire  207  can exert force on the stage  201 . According to an embodiment, the stage  201  can function as a lever, capable of rotating around a fulcrum  219  with a spring  213  pulling down on a first side  220  and the shape memory wire  207  configured to exert downward force on a second side (not visible) through the turnaround  216  as the shape memory wire  207  is shortened when subjected to an electrical current. Specifically, the shape memory wire  207  can be immovably mounted onto the SMA module  200  at two anchor points  218  while the turnaround  216  can remain capable of being moved up and down, according to an embodiment. Therefore, when a current is applied to the shape memory wire  207 , it contracts pulling the turnaround  216  and the second side (not visible in  FIGS. 2 and 2A ) of the stage  201  downward, which can rotate the stage  201  into the armed position, wherein no portion of the stage  201  is located in the notch  205  of the shuttle  210 . However, when no current is applied to the shape memory wire  207 , it returns to its uncontracted length and the spring  213  can pull the first side  220  of the stage  201  downward, causing the second side (not visible) of the stage  201  and the turnaround  216  to move upward, thus moving the stage  201  into the notch  205  of the shuttle  210 , which is the safe position, according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 3A  is a top, front, and side view of the inner side  320  of the left grip panel  103  comprising the SMA module  200  in a safe position and  FIG. 3B  is a top, front, and side view of the inner side  320  of the left grip panel  103  comprising the SMA module  200  in an armed position, according to an embodiment. The inner side  320  of the left grip panel  103  can be the side closest to the pistol grip  102  of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , and this inner side  320  would not be visible to a user when installed onto the pistol grip  102  of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , neither of which are shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . According to the embodiment described for the present ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , a channel  301  can be cut into the inner side  320  of the left grip panel  103  allowing access to the shuttle  210  (not visible in  FIG. 3A ) by the stage  201  (not shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). In the embodiment shown, the shuttle  210  (not visible in  FIG. 3A ) can be connected to the trigger mechanism (not visible in  FIG. 3A ) and can also protrude outward into the plane of the inner side  320  of the left grip panel  103  and into the channel  301 . This protrusion allows the stage  201  to have access to the shuttle  210 , and particularly, to the notch  205  (neither of which are visible in  FIG. 3A ) because both the shuttle  210  and the notch  205  are in the same vertical plane as the stage  201 , according to an embodiment. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the stage  201  can almost be seen in its entirety allowing its function as a lever to be more fully understood. Specifically, the stage  201  can be designed to move between a safe position (shown in  FIG. 3A ) and an armed position (shown  FIG. 3B ) and move between the two positions by pivoting about the fulcrum  219 . In this embodiment, the front end  220  of a straight lower section  311  can be connected to the spring  213  and the back end  314  of the straight lower section  311  can be connected to both the turnaround  216  (only partially visible in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and the curved upper section  321 . Note that many of the parts shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are shown on one side in  FIGS. 2 and 2A  and on the other side in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     The curved upper section  321  can comprise the curved shape in order to allow the stage  201 , and specifically the curved upper section  321 , to center itself into the notch  205  of the shuttle  210  (neither of which are shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) while also maximizing surface engagement between the stage  201  and the shuttle  210 . Also note that each of the sections comprising the stage  201  can be individual pieces connected together or can all be part of a single piece, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , of suitable material such as metal or plastic. 
     According to an embodiment, and as discussed above, the stage  201  can be connected to a shape memory wire  207  (not shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) designed to shorten when an electrical current is applied to it. According to an embodiment, the shape memory wire  207  can be comprised of Nitinol or a similar material capable of moving between a contracted state when an electrical current is applied to it and a relaxed state, when an electrical current is not applied to it. As the curved upper section  321  is connected to, or otherwise attached to the back end  314  of the straight lower section  311 , it moves as the back end  314  moves. In this embodiment, the curved upper section  321  can be actuated radially upward into the safe position by the spring  213  when the shape memory wire  207  is in the relaxed state and thus does not exert any force on the stage  201  through the turnaround  216 . Similarly, the curved upper section  321  can be actuated radially downward into the armed position, as shown in  FIG. 3B , when the shape memory wire  207  is contracted, or shortened, applying force on the stage  201  through the turnaround  216 , according to an embodiment. In short, the spring  213  pulls the front end  220  of the straight lower section  311  down, resulting in the curved upper section  321  moving upward into the safe position unless the shape memory wire  207  counteracts the downward pull of the spring  213  on the front end  312  of the straight lower section  311  by pulling the front end  312  of the straight lower section  311  downward resulting in the curved upper section  321  moving into the armed position as shown in  FIG. 3B . In other words, according to an embodiment, the safe position, as shown in  FIG. 3A , can be the default position and the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  can only position the stage  201  into the armed position when a predetermined set of conditions have been satisfied allowing an electrical current to flow to the SMA module  200  and for the shape memory wire  207  to be contracted. 
       FIG. 4A  is a side view and  FIG. 4B  is a rear view of an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  wherein the left grip panel  103  (not shown in  FIGS. 4A or 4B ) comprising the SMA module  200  (not shown in  FIGS. 4A or 4B ) has been removed, showing the pistol grip  102  beneath the left grip panel  103 , according to an embodiment. This view shows the position and of the shuttle  210  in this embodiment from two angles.  FIG. 4B  shows how the shuttle  210  protrudes out of the pistol grip  102  and would fit within the channel  301  discussed in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , but not shown in  FIGS. 4A or 4B . As discussed, this protrusion places the shuttle  210  into the same vertical plane as the stage  201  (not shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) allowing the curved upper section  321  of the stage  201  to access the notch  205  of the shuttle  210 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of an inner side  520  of a right grip panel  503  wherein an RFID module  501  and a control module  502  comprising an ECSS can be housed, according to an embodiment. An embodiment of the present ECSS-equipped firearm  100  can comprise an RFID module  501  comprising an antenna  505 , which can be 13.56 MHz configured to receive a signal from a paired RFID tag (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) placed in close proximity to the antenna  505 . According to an embodiment, the right grip panel  503  can also comprise a control module  502 , which can be programmed to compare the embedded code, also known as the RFID tag number, received by the RFID reader comprising the RFID module  501  from the RFID tag. According to an embodiment, the control module  502  can be preprogrammed to allow current to flow to the SMA module  200  after the RFID module  501  reads a RFID tag number preprogrammed into the control module  502 . It can be undesirable for the RFID module  501  to have a range of more than twelve inches as this may allow the firearm to be used by someone other than the authorized user if, for example, the RFID tag is in the same room as the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  but the user is not holding the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 . According to an embodiment, an indicator light  508  or other sensory device can be incorporated into the right grip panel  503  to notify the user of that the firearm is in the armed position and ready to fire, to indicate battery level or to convey any other information regarding the status of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 . According to an embodiment, the sensor light can either be augmented or entirely replaced by a vibration motor (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) or other form of haptic feedback device as the illumination of sensor lights on or near a firearm may be undesirable in certain circumstances. 
       FIG. 6  is partially transparent top, rear, and side view of the right grip panel  503  connected to a pistol grip  102  wherein an RFID module  501  and a control module  502  comprising an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  have been mounted, according to an embodiment. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  comprises a grip safety  604 , which can be configured to depress a presence switch  606  when the pistol grip  102  is firmly held by a user. In some embodiments, electric current will not flow to the SMA module  200  unless or until the presence switch  606  is depressed. In a preferred embodiment, an ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , could also comprise other mechanical safeties, such as the grip safety  604  and the one or more manual safeties  108  and  109  as shown in  FIG. 1 , can remain functional in addition to the safety features provided by the ECSS. As discussed above, according to an embodiment, the ECSS may comprise a vibration motor  620 , which can be used to provide haptic feedback to the user. Specifically, the vibration motor may vibrate when the firearm is armed and ready to fire, to indicate battery level or to convey any other information regarding the status of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 . 
     Additionally, if used to indicate battery level, an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  can vibrate at a first frequency to indicate that the measured battery voltage of the magazine and battery module is lower than the predetermined range suitable for operation and vibrate at a second frequency to indicate that the measured battery voltage of the magazine and battery module is suitable for operation, but is at lower end of the predetermined range suitable for operation. According to an embodiment, all vibrations created by the vibration motor, for any purpose, can be calibrated and adjusted to be optimally sensed by a user&#39;s hand as he or she holds the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 . 
       FIG. 7  is a top, side, and front perspective exploded view of an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  wherein the magazine and battery pack module  101  is not inserted into the pistol grip  102  of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , according to an embodiment. This view allows the modification of the magazine section  705  comprising the ECSS to be understood relative to that of an unmodified firearm. Specifically, the magazine and battery pack module  101  can be comprised of a magazine section  705 , designed to hold a predetermined number of rounds of ammunition (not shown in  FIG. 7 ), which can be similar to those used with standard firearms, connected to battery pack section  710  capable of providing a voltage range of 3.7V to 5V, according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, the battery pack section  710  can comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom, side, and rear perspective view of the pistol grip  102  comprising an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  showing the magazine well  801  wherein the magazine and battery pack module  101  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) can be inserted into the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , according to an embodiment. As mentioned above, nearly all of the electronic components comprising the ECSS can be housed within the left grip panel  103 , which can also be referred to as a first or second grip panel, and the right grip panel  503 , which can also be referred to as a first or second grip panel and the component can be interchangeably installed in either the left grip panel  103  or right grip panel  503  so long as the grip panel comprising the SMA module  200  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) is on the same side as the shuttle  210  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ). In this way an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  can be configured for use by either a right-handed or left-handed user. According to an embodiment, the current required to operate these components can pass from the magazine and battery pack module  101  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) through electrodes ( 813  and  823 ) located on the bottoms of each grip panel  103  and  503 . According to an embodiment, left-side grip electrodes  813  can be located on the bottom of the left grip panel  103  and right-side electrodes  823  can be located on the bottom of the right grip panel  503 . These sets of electrodes,  813  and  823 , can carry current, signal, and ground connections from the magazine and battery pack module  101  sufficient to operate the other modules comprising the ECSS as well as to operate a battery level indicator. According to an embodiment, the electrodes  813  and  823  can also be configured to indicate whether the proper magazine and battery pack module  101  is being used with the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  rather than a standard magazine or some other unauthorized magazine and battery pack module. 
       FIG. 9  is a top, front, and side perspective view of a magazine and battery pack module  101  for use in an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ), according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, left-side clip electrodes  913  can be located on a top section  904  of the battery pack section  710  so as to align with the left-side grip electrodes  813  located on the bottom of the left grip panel  103 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Likewise, the right-side clip electrodes  923  on the top section  904  of the battery pack section  710  so as to align with the right-side grip electrodes  823  located on the bottom of the right grip panel  503 , as shown in 
       FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, a charging port  905 , can be located on the battery pack section  710  and can be used to recharge the battery pack section  710  as necessary. As stated above, the present ECSS-equipped firearm  100  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) can be configured so as not to fire when insufficient electrical current is provided to the SMA module  200  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) and other components because the default position of the SMA module  200  is the safe position as shown in  FIG. 3A . Therefore, according to an embodiment, it would also not be possible to fire the present ECSS-equipped firearm  100  if a standard magazine (not shown) were to be inserted into the magazine well  801  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) instead of a magazine and battery pack module  101 , because the standard magazine would not provide the requisite electrical current. 
       FIG. 10  is a representational view of the inner side of a glove  1000  comprising an RFID tag  1001  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) mounted on or within the glove  1000 , wherein the approximate position of the RFID tag  1001  has been identified with a dotted-line rectangle  1005 , and  FIG. 10A  is a representational view of an RFID tag  1001 , such as one that could be mounted on or within the glove  1000  depicted in  FIG. 10 , according to an embodiment. In the present embodiment, the RFID module  501  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) could emit an interrogation signal, which could then induce the RFID tag  1001  to emit a signal comprising a predetermined identification number which can be detected by the RFID antenna  505  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ). According to an embodiment, the RFID tag  1001  may be required to be within a range of 0.5 cm to 15 cm in order to be powerful enough to energize the RFID tag  1001  and receive its predetermined identification number via the RFID antenna  505  (not shown in  FIGS. 10  thru  10 C). 
       FIG. 10B  is a representational view of a ring  1010  comprising an RFID tag (not shown in  FIG. 10B ) mounted on or within the ring  1010 , wherein the approximate position of the RFID tag  1001  has been identified with a dotted-line rectangle  1011 , according to an embodiment. Similarly,  FIG. 10C  is a representational view of a bracelet  1100  comprising an RFID tag  1001  (not shown in  FIG. 10C ) mounted on or within the bracelet  1100 , wherein the approximate position of the RFID tag  1001  has been identified with a dotted-line rectangle  1111 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  is an electrical circuit flow chart describing a sequence of processes that can occur in a properly functioning ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, step one can be a power up step wherein power is supplied to the RFID module  501  and the control module  502 . Once completed, if the presence switch  805  can be activated by a user, an electric current can be supplied to the SMA module  200  and its circuitry. However, no electrical current can be supplied to the SMA module  200  and its circuitry if the presence switch  805  is not activated, according to an embodiment, which can be a feature designed to prevent the battery  710  charge from being drained unnecessarily. Once the presence switch  805  is activated, and the control module  502  is powered up, the control module  502  can run a program to detect a predetermined RFID tag  1001  through continuous or periodic communication with the RFID module  501  by emitting an interrogation signal, according to an embodiment. The RFID module  501  can then communicate all detected RFID tags  1001  to the control module  502 , which can compare each detected RFID tag to the activation tag preprogramed into the control module  502 . According to an embodiment, the control module  502  can have multiple RFID tags programmed in for acceptance as the activation tag or only a single RFID tag  1001  programmed in for acceptance. If the detected RFID tag does not match the activation tag (or tags) programed into the control module  502  it will not send a signal to activate the SMA module  200  and continue to compare detected RFID tags to the programmed activation tag. However, if the detected RFID matches the activation tag programed into the control module  502  it can activate the SMA module  200  to move the stage  201  from the safe position to the armed position, also referred to as “active status,” according to an embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the control module  502  can measure the battery voltage of the magazine and battery module  101  to determine if it is within a predetermined range suitable for operation and only allow an electrical current to flow to the SMA module  200  if the voltage is within a predetermined range. According to an embodiment, the control module  502  can drive a first signal to an indicator light  508 , or a vibration motor  620 , if the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  is armed and ready to fire. Note that although haptic feedback is described as being provided by a vibration motor  620 , that it could be provided by any other suitable haptic signaling device. Additionally, or alternatively, the control module  502  can drive a first signal to an indicator light  508 , or a vibration motor  620 , if the measured battery voltage of the magazine and battery module  101  is lower than the predetermined range suitable for operation. Furthermore, the control module  502  can drive a second signal to the indicator light  508 , or the vibration motor  620 , if the measured battery voltage of the magazine and battery module  101  is within the predetermined range suitable for operation. For example, according to an embodiment, the control module  502  can drive no signal to the indicator light  508 , or the vibration motor  620 , if the measured battery voltage is between one hundred (100) percent and twenty-one (21) percent of that when fully charged, the second signal if the measured battery voltage is between twenty (20) percent and six (6) percent, and a first signal if the measured battery voltage is between five (5) percent and zero (0) percent. According to an embodiment, the first signal can cause the indicator light  508  to glow red or the vibration motor  620  to vibrate at a first frequency. In an alternative embodiment, the first signal can cause the vibration motor to pulse in a predetermined way. According to an embodiment, the second signal can cause the indicator light  508  to glow amber or the vibration motor  620  to vibrate at a second frequency. In an alternative embodiment, the second signal may cause the vibration motor  620  to pulse in a predetermined way. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart for a method for a user to fire an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, a first step  1201  of firing an ECSS-equipped firearm  100  can be to place a magazine and battery module  101  having a battery voltage within a predetermined range and containing at least one round of suitable ammunition into the magazine well  801  of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  and chambering at least one round of suitable ammunition. Note that the round can be chambered in a later step, but must be performed before the trigger is pulled. Step two  1202 , according to an embodiment, can be to place a glove, ring, or bracelet comprising an RFID tag having a predetermined frequency on or near a user&#39;s hand that will hold the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  and pull the trigger  107  of the of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 . According to an embodiment, step three  1203  can be to hold the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  in the user&#39;s hand wearing the glove, ring, or bracelet, which further comprises the RFID tag having a predetermined frequency. In an alternative embodiment, holding the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  in the user&#39;s hand can also activate a presence switch  805 . In step four, the user can then move one or more manual safeties  108  and  109  of the ECSS-equipped firearm  100  from safe to fire as step four  1204 , according to an embodiment. The round can be chambered in Step  4  according to an alternative embodiment. Lastly, in step five, the user can pull the trigger  107  to fire at least one round from the ECSS-equipped firearm  100 , according to an embodiment. 
     Although the present apparatus has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the disclosed apparatus.