Patent Abstract:
A semiautomatic firearm with redundant systems for reducing misfirings. A safety trigger is provided that is passively actuated in advance of a firing trigger. The safety trigger maintains redundant safety mechanisms that prevent inadvertent or accidental actuation of the firing trigger. The firing trigger can be configured for actuation with a very low magnitude or “soft” pull without compromising safety. For the disclosed embodiments, the safety trigger assures that the firearm is discharged only upon deliberate actuation of the firing trigger. In one embodiment, a trigger pull adjustment mechanism provides adjustment of the pull of the firing trigger to a desired force required by the operator. The disclosed trigger pull adjustment mechanism reduces the number of components and complexity of the machined parts over conventional trigger pull adjustment mechanisms.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/993,541, filed on May 15, 2014, 61/993,563, filed on May 15, 2014, and 61/993,569, filed on May 15, 2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    Semiautomatic firearms for 22 caliber rimfire cartridges are extremely popular as evidenced by the many makes and models available. Semiautomatic rifles for higher power rimfire cartridges, for example .17 HSR and .17 WSM are not presently available. Previous commercial models for these rimfire cartridges proved to be unreliable and prone to malfunctions. Mechanisms, particularly the trigger assemblies, safety mechanisms and cycling mechanisms typically used for conventional .22 caliber ammunition are not believed to be robust and reliable enough for these higher powered rimfire cartridges. 
         [0003]    A reliable semiautomatic firearm with suitable mechanisms to mitigate misfires and out of breech firings and other malfunctions would be welcomed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0004]    Various embodiments of semiautomatic firearms with robust and redundant systems for reducing malfunctions are disclosed, suitable for use with, for example, higher powered rimfire cartridges, such as .17 HSR and .17 WSM. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be utilized in firearms that fire centerfire cartridges and in .22 caliber firearms. A safety trigger is provided that is passively actuated in advance of a firing trigger. The safety trigger maintains redundant safety mechanisms that prevent inadvertent or accidental actuation of the firing trigger. Accordingly, the firing trigger can be configured for actuation with a very low magnitude or “soft” pull without compromising safety. That is, conventional firearms require substantial pull to be actuated in order to assure that the trigger doesn&#39;t misfire during otherwise routine handling. For the disclosed embodiments, the safety trigger assures that the firearm is discharged only upon deliberate actuation of the firing trigger. In one embodiment, a trigger pull adjustment mechanism provides adjustment of the pull of the firing trigger to a desired force required by the operator. The disclosed trigger pull adjustment mechanism reduces the number of components and complexity of the machined parts over conventional trigger pull adjustment mechanisms. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, a firearm with a safety trigger component must be retracted prior to the firing trigger being retracted to fire the firearm, the safety trigger providing a plurality of firing inhibitors. In one embodiment, the safety trigger component includes a direct hammer catch positioned in an interfering or catch position when the safety trigger is in an unretracted position and one or more additional firing inhibitors controlled by the safety trigger. In various embodiments, a firing inhibitor controlled by the safety trigger is a sear portion block. In some embodiments, the safety trigger moves a sear blocking portion between a blocking position and a non-blocking position with respect to the sear portion. Optionally, the sear portion is part of a unitary trigger component. In some embodiments, the safety trigger controls a firing trigger block that is positioned to prevent the pivoting of the firing trigger component about the pivot axis, thus inhibiting the retraction of the firing trigger. 
         [0006]    Structurally, various embodiments of a trigger assembly of a firearm is disclosed, the trigger assembly including passive and redundant safety mechanisms to prevent unintentional firing when the firearm is in a firing mode. In some embodiments, the trigger comprises: a hammer rotatable about a first axis, the hammer including structure defining a capture feature; a firing trigger component rotatable about a second axis and including a first finger hook portion, the firing trigger component including a sear portion releasably coupled to the hammer; and a safety trigger component rotatable about the second axis and including a second finger hook portion, the second finger hook portion extending forwardly of the first finger hook portion. In some embodiments, a first of the redundant safety mechanisms includes a catch portion defined on the safety trigger component and, when the safety trigger is in a battery position, is aligned for arresting the capture feature of the hammer as the hammer rotates to prevent discharge of the firearm. In some embodiments, a second of the redundant safety mechanisms includes a blocking member operatively coupled with the safety trigger component for maintaining the blocking member in a blocking position when the safety trigger component is in a battery position, the blocking member blocking an underside of the firing trigger component when in the blocking position to prevent release of the sear portion from the hammer, the blocking member being operatively coupled with the safety trigger component for moving the blocking member out of the blocking position by moving the safety trigger out of the battery position to enable release of the sear portion from the hammer. In one embodiment, a rearward deflection of the safety trigger component causes rotation of the blocking member. 
         [0007]    In certain embodiments, the blocking member includes an arcuate base portion rotatable about a third axis, the arcuate base portion defining a recess and being operatively coupled with the safety trigger component for rotation about the third axis. In one embodiment, the arcuate base portion blocks the underside of the firing trigger component from being actuated when the safety trigger component is in the battery position, and the recess aligns with the firing trigger when the safety trigger component is rotated out of the battery position to enable the firing trigger to release the hammer. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the blocking member includes a lever portion operatively coupled with the safety trigger component for rotation about a third axis, wherein the lever portion blocks the underside of the firing trigger component to prevent disengagement of the firing trigger component from the hammer, the lever portion being maintained in the blocking position by the safety trigger when the safety trigger is in the battery position, the lever portion being selectively rotatable out of the blocking position by rotating the safety trigger out of the battery position. Alternatively or in addition, the trigger assembly comprises a manual safety mechanism actuated by a push button forward of the first finger hook portion and laterally actuated for selectively placing the firearm in one of a safety mode and a firing mode, the manual safety mechanism being operatively coupled to the blocking member for preventing the safety trigger component from moving the blocking member out of the blocking position when in the safety mode, and enabling the safety trigger component to move the blocking member out of the blocking position when in the firing mode. 
         [0009]    For embodiments including the fore-mentioned manual safety mechanism, the blocking member can include an arcuate base portion rotatable about a third axis, the arcuate base portion defining a recess and being operatively coupled with the safety trigger component for rotation about the third axis, wherein: the arcuate base portion blocks the underside of the firing trigger component from being actuated when the safety trigger component is in the battery position and when the firearm is in the safety mode and in the firing mode; and the recess aligns with the firing trigger when the firearm is in the firing mode and the safety trigger component is rotated out of the battery position to enable the firing trigger to release the hammer. Optionally, the lever portion that extends from the arcuate base portion of the blocking member. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the blocking member includes a lever portion operatively coupled with the safety trigger component for rotation about a third axis, wherein the lever portion blocks the underside of the firing trigger component to prevent disengagement of the firing trigger component from the hammer, the lever portion being maintained in the blocking position by the safety trigger when the safety trigger is in the battery position and the firearm is in the firing mode, the lever portion being selectively rotatable out of the blocking position when the firearm is in the firing mode by rotating the safety trigger out of the battery position. In some embodiments, the lever portion contacts the firing trigger when the safety trigger is in the battery position. 
         [0011]    In various embodiments, the firearm includes a bolt assembly translatable forwardly and rearwardly, the bolt assembly including a firing pin that is offset from the barrel axis for firing rimfire cartridges, and wherein the chamber is configured for necked cartridges. Some embodiments provide for arresting the hammer to facilitate semi-automatic operation. In various embodiments, a trigger pull adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting a pull required to actuate the firing trigger component. 
         [0012]    In various embodiments of the disclosure, a firearm having a fully cocked configuration and a triggered configuration is disclosed, comprising: a hammer including a sear engagement portion; a biasing element operatively coupled with the hammer that shifts the hammer from a first orientation that corresponds to the fully cocked configuration to a second orientation that corresponds to the triggered configuration; a firing trigger component including a sear portion that engages the sear engagement portion of the hammer when the trigger assembly is in the fully cocked configuration, the firing trigger component being actuatable for disengagement of the sear portion from the sear engagement portion, enabling the biasing element to shift the hammer from the first orientation to the second orientation; a safety trigger component selectively movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position; and a blocking member that engages the safety trigger component and is moveable by the safety trigger component between a first position wherein the safety effector member prevents actuation of the firing trigger component when the safety trigger component is in the blocking position and a second position wherein the safety effector member enables actuation of the firing trigger component when the safety trigger component is in the non-blocking position. 
         [0013]    The safety trigger component can optionally comprise a catch that prevents the hammer from reaching the second orientation from the first orientation when the safety trigger component is in the blocking position. The manual safety mechanism can include a safety bar accessible from outside the housing. In some embodiments, a housing contains the hammer and the biasing element, wherein the blocking member is selectively engageable with the housing to prevent the safety trigger component from moving the safety effector member. The blocking member can operatively coupled with a manual safety mechanism that selectively engages the safety effector member with the housing. The firing trigger component can be actuatable by rotation about a pivot, the pivot being operatively coupled with the housing. 
         [0014]    In various embodiments of the disclosure, a semiautomatic firearm is presented having a fire trigger with a curvature and a central slot and a safety trigger disposed in the slot and having a curvature conforming to the curvature of the fire trigger, the fire trigger having a normal position and a fire position rearward of the normal position, the safety trigger having a normal position extending forwardly of the normal position of the fire trigger, and a fire position at or rearwardly of the normal position of the fire trigger, the safety trigger associated with at least two firing inhibitors, the firing inhibitors in a inhibiting position when the safety trigger is in the normal position and in a non-inhibiting position when the safety trigger is in the fire position. 
         [0015]    Various embodiments of the disclosure include a hammer that pivots about a pivot axis and has capture features on opposing sides. In some embodiments, the hammer includes a first engagement portion that operates as a hammer to prevent the hammer release unless a safety trigger is retracted, and the hammer includes a second engagement portion as an arrestor that prevents automatic firing action and captures the hammer should the firing trigger remain retracted during a recoil cycle. 
         [0016]    Some embodiments of the disclosure include a semi-automatic firearm suitable for high powered rimfire cartridges that incorporates a trigger assembly with a plurality of firing inhibitors to minimize misfires and out-of-breach firings of cartridges and that still allows for a low pressure trigger pull that can be adjusted by the user, for example, field adjustable. 
         [0017]    Some embodiments disclose a semiautomatic firearm having a fire trigger with a curvature and a central slot and a safety trigger disposed in the slot and having a curvature approximating the curvature of the fire trigger, the safety trigger being connected to a plurality of firing inhibitors that each have an inhibiting position and a non-inhibiting position. 
         [0018]    In various embodiments, a semiautomatic firearm is disclosed having a fire trigger with a curvature and a central slot and a safety trigger disposed in the slot and having a curvature substantially conforming to the curvature of the fire trigger, the fire trigger having a battery position and a fire position rearward of the battery position, the safety trigger also having a battery position extending forwardly of the battery position of the fire trigger, and a fire position at or rearwardly of the battery position of the fire trigger, the safety trigger associated with at least two fire inhibitors, the fire inhibitors being in an inhibiting position when the safety trigger is in the battery position and in a non-inhibiting position when the safety trigger is in the fire position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a firearm in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the firearm of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of receiver and barrel of the firearm of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a detail view of the trigger assembly, bolt assembly, chamber, and barrel of a firearm with the receiver removed in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of the trigger assembly of  FIG. 3  with trigger component cluster depicted as removed from a trigger mechanism housing. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5B  is a top perspective view illustrating the interior of the trigger mechanism housing of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an elevational view of a firearm with the stock and trigger assembly housing removed in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of principal components of the trigger assembly in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a rear cutaway perspective view of the stock and trigger assembly of  FIG. 6  with portions of the stock and trigger mechanism housing removed for illustration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a forward looking right side perspective view of the principal components of the trigger assembly of  FIG. 6  in isolation. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a rearwardly looking left side perspective view of the principal components of the trigger assembly of  FIG. 6  in isolation.  FIG. 11  is a upwardly looking perspective view of the hammer assembly in isolation with the hammer spring extended. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a hammer, a shaft, a bushing, and a rotational spring in assembly in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation schematic view of trigger assembly components in a battery position, illustrating a cocked configuration of a firing sequence, where a firing trigger and a safety trigger are in a battery position in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is the trigger assembly components of  FIG. 13  in an enabled configuration of a firing sequence, where the firing trigger is in a battery position and the safety trigger rotated out of the battery position in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is the trigger assembly components of  FIG. 13  in a fired configuration of a firing sequence, where the safety trigger and the firing trigger are in a firing position in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is the trigger assembly components of  FIG. 13  where a firing trigger and a safety trigger are in a battery position and the safety trigger catches the hammer to prevent firing in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 17-19  are a side elevation schematic views of the trigger assembly components and the operation of a blocking member during the firing sequence of  FIGS. 13-15  in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 20-22  are side elevational schematic views of the trigger assembly components during a cocking sequence to restore the trigger assembly from the triggered configuration to the fully cocked configuration in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  is a reverse front perspective view of the trigger assembly components and illustrating the arresting mechanism that facilitates semi-automatic operation in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of the trigger assembly components and arresting mechanism of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is a side reverse rear perspective view of the trigger assembly components and arresting mechanism of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  is a schematic elevational view of operation of the arresting mechanism where the triggers become or remain actuated during the cocking of the firearm. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 27-31  are side elevational schematic views of the trigger assembly components during the cocking sequence of  FIGS. 20-22 , illustrating operation of the arresting mechanism in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a partially exploded cutaway view of a trigger pull adjustment mechanism in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is an enlarged perspective view of a firing trigger return spring for the trigger pull adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 32  in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an adjustment tool for use with the trigger pull adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 32  in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0045]      FIG. 35  is a sectional view of the trigger pull adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 32  in assembly and operation of the adjustment tool of  FIG. 34  in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a firearm  30  generally comprises a trigger assembly  32 , a barrel  34  mounted in a stock  36  and connecting to a receiver  37 . A firearm housing  38  formed of the receiver  37  and stock in this embodiment, engages and extends rearwardly from the barrel  34  and houses a breech  42  and the trigger assembly  32 . The breech  42  is above and forward of the trigger assembly  32  and rearwardly of the barrel. The barrel  34  has a body portion with a smaller outer diameter male threaded portion  40  defining a firing chamber  41  concentric about a barrel axis  43 , the male threaded portion  40  threadably engaging with a female threaded portion  42  of the receiver  37 . In one embodiment, the chamber is configured for necked cartridges, such as the .17 HSR and .17 WSM. A locking nut  44  can threadably engage a larger outer diameter threaded portion  46  of the barrel and tighten against the forward end  48  of the receiver  37 . 
         [0047]    A bolt assembly  52  is slidingly engaged within the receiver  37  and includes a cartridge retraction mechanism  51 , and a manual handle  56 . A cycling spring assembly  55  connects between the bolt assembly and the rearward end  57  of the trigger assembly. A trigger guard  56  extends from the housing  38 . 
         [0048]    The trigger assembly  32  is depicted in detail and various views throughout the figures. The trigger assembly  32  is housed within the firearm housing  38  comprising primarily the stock  36 . The trigger assembly  32  has a trigger mechanism housing  58  which receives a trigger component cluster  59  as best shown in  FIG. 5A . The trigger component cluster  59  are generally movable components and pivot about shafts that are supported by the firearm housing  38 . The cluster  59  is depicted in various views without the housing  38  for purposes of clarity. The firearm housing  38  is advantageously formed from injection molding polymers and may have specific metal inserts therein for reinforcement, for example at the rearward projection  60  that is inserted in a cooperating aperture  61  in the rearward end of the receiver  37 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A-12 , within the trigger mechanism housing  58 , the trigger component cluster  59  generally includes a hammer  82 , a firing trigger component  84 , a safety trigger component  86 , an arrestor  88 , and a manual safety mechanism  90 . The hammer  82  includes a head portion  92  and a cam portion  94  having separated by a stem portion  96 . The cam portion  94  defines an aperture  98  that is mounted to and rotates about a bushing  100  and shaft  101  to define a hammer pivot  102  that actuates about a rotational axis  104 . In one embodiment, the cam portion  94  further includes an arcuate cam surface  105  and a sear engagement portion  106 , the sear engagement portion  106  having a radially extending bearing face  108 . The cam portion  94  can also define a flat  110  that extends at an angle θ from the bearing face  108 . In one embodiment, the angle θ is an obtuse angle. The hammer  82  is also coupled with a biasing element  112  which, in some embodiments, is a rotational spring  114  (FIGS.  11  and  14 - 22 ) that is rotated about and coupled to the hammer pivot  102  with the free ends engaged, for example, with the trigger mechanism housing  58 . The hammer  82  can also include a capture feature  116 . In various embodiments, the capture feature  116  includes an engagement surface  115 . A squared loop  117  in the rotational spring  114  can provide space at the projection for engagement of the projection with the safety trigger component, discussed below. 
         [0050]    As best seen in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  12 , the firing trigger component  84  includes a finger hook portion  122  and a sear portion  124 , the sear portion  124  having a sear surface or cam engagement surface  140  cooperating with and being configured to engage the sear engagement portion  106  and cooperating surface  108  of the hammer  82 . The firing trigger component  84  can be mounted to a trigger pivot  126  configured as a shaft or pin and defining a rotational axis  128  and extending from the trigger mechanism housing  58  along the rotational axis  128 . In some embodiments, the firing trigger component  84  further defines a slot  132  that extends into the finger hook portion  122  and lies on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis  128 . The firing trigger component  84  can also include an extended portion  134  that is engaged with a firing trigger return spring  136  that biases finger hook portion  122  of the firing trigger component  84  in the forward direction  81 . The return spring  136  may be engaged with a ledge or flange portion  137  of the trigger mechanism housing ( FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B,  6 , and  8 ). 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the firing trigger component  84  includes a cam engagement surface  140  that engages the arcuate cam surface  105  of the hammer  82 . 
         [0052]    The safety trigger component  86  can include a finger hook portion  142  and can be pivotally mounted to the trigger pivot  126 . In various embodiments, the finger hook portion  142  of the safety trigger component  86  is a flat structure, formed from, for example, sheet or plate, that is disposed in the slot  132  of the finger hook portion  122  of the firing trigger component  84 . The finger hook portion  122  of the safety trigger component  86  can also include an aperture  144 . The aperture  144  can be utilized for insertion of a pin or lock, effectively preventing movement of the trigger hook portion particularly with respect to the hook portion of the firing trigger component. As discussed further below, this prevents the firing trigger component  84  from being actuated. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the safety trigger component  86  includes a catch portion  146  that is laterally adjacent to the hammer  82 . The catch portion  146  can resemble an inverted “J” shape, for example as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The safety trigger component  86  can also include an extended portion  148  that is engaged with a safety trigger component return spring  152 . The return spring  152  is attached to the ledge portion  137  of the trigger mechanism housing configured as a ledge. In one embodiment, the extended portion  148  of the safety trigger component  86  includes an arm  154  that extends out of the slot  132  and wraps over and partially around the extended portion  134  of the firing trigger component  84 , as best seen in  FIG. 5A ,  7 ,  8 , and  9 . A spring receiving member  155  shaped as a projection receives the safety trigger return spring  152 . 
         [0054]    Functionally, the safety trigger component return spring  152  exerts a return force on the extended portion  148  of the safety trigger component  86  urging the finger hook portion  142  of safety trigger component  86  to be rotated to a full forward position within the slot  132  of the firing trigger component  84 . In this unactuated or default orientation, the catch portion  146  is positioned so that the catch portion  146  is in a rotational path  162  ( FIG. 14 ) through which the capture feature  116  of the hammer  82  travels during firing and obstructs the hammer  82 . Accordingly, the catch portion  146  intercepts the capture feature  116  of the hammer  82  if the catch portion  146  of safety trigger component  86  has not first been rotated out of the rotational path  162 . Hence, the safety trigger component  86  provides an additional safety mechanism that helps prevent discharge of the firearm  30  in the event of an unintentional release of the hammer  82 —for example, during an impact event where the weapon becomes jarred to the extent that the sear portion  124  of the firing trigger component  84  slips off the sear engagement portion  106  of the hammer  82 . 
         [0055]    During such an impact event, the safety trigger component  86  may undergo rotational displacement that is commensurate with the rotational displacement of the firing trigger component  84 . However, in various embodiments, the rotational displacement required to rotate the catch portion  146  out of the rotational path  162  of the capture feature  116  of the hammer  82  is substantially greater than the rotational displacement required for the sear portion  124  of firing trigger component  84  to disengage the sear engagement portion  106  of the hammer  82  (see discussion below). Accordingly, the safety trigger component  86  will generally still perform the function of intercepting the hammer  82  even if the safety trigger component  86  undergoes the same or even somewhat more rotational displacement than the firing trigger component  84  in an impact event. 
         [0056]    In the depicted embodiments, the capture feature  116  is a lateral projection that extends laterally outward from the hammer  82  in a direction parallel to the rotational axis  104 , for capture by the inverted “J” or other concavity defined by the catch portion  146 . In other embodiments, the capture feature  116  can comprise a notch formed in the hammer  82 , and the catch portion  146  can include a projection that is captured within the notch (not depicted). 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 through 15 , an operation sequence of the hammer  82 , the firing trigger component  84 , the safety trigger component  86 , and the bolt assembly  52  from a fully cocked configuration  180  to a triggered configuration  182  is depicted in one embodiment of the disclosure. The  FIGS. 13-16  depict the hammer  82 , firing trigger component  84 , and safety trigger component  86  at a mid-plane of the slot  132 , with various appurtenances removed for clarity of illustration. 
         [0058]    In the fully cocked or “battery” configuration  180  ( FIG. 13 ), the sear portion  124  of the firing trigger component  84  is in forced engagement with the sear engagement portion  106  of the hammer  82 , the forced engagement being exerted by the biasing element  112 . The respective finger hook portions  122  and  142  of the firing trigger component  84  and the safety trigger component  86  are held in a forward most orientation by the respective return springs  136  and  152  ( FIGS. 6 ,  8 ,  9 ). In the fully cocked configuration  180 , the bolt assembly  52  is also in a firing position within the breech  42 , with a firing pin  54  exposed and outwardly extending relative to a rearward end  183  of the bolt assembly  52 . In one embodiment, the firing pin  54  is substantially parallel to but offset from the barrel axis  43  to facilitate firing of rimfire cartridges. Also in the fully cocked configuration  180 , a front edge  184  of the safety trigger component finger hook portion  142  extends distal to a front edge  186  of the firing trigger component finger hook portion  122 . 
         [0059]    An actuation force  192  is applied to the front edge  184  of the safety trigger component finger hook portion  142  ( FIG. 14 ), for example by a squeezing motion applied by a finger of a user. The actuation force  192  causes the safety trigger component  86  to rotate about the trigger pivot  126 , so that the catch portion  146  is rotated out of the rotational path  162  of the capture feature  116 , thereby clearing the hammer  82  for an unobstructed rotation to the firing pin  54 . In the  FIG. 14  depiction, the safety trigger component  86  is progressing toward a firing position, while the firing trigger is in a battery position. 
         [0060]    The actuation force  192  then engages the firing trigger component  84 , thereby causing the firing trigger component  84  and the safety trigger component  86  to rotate effectively simultaneously about the trigger pivot  126  and into firing positions. The rotation of the firing trigger component  84  causes the sear portion  124  to rotate away from the hammer  82  and slide radially outward from the hammer pivot  102  along the sear engagement portion  106 . When the sear portion  124  slides off the sear engagement portion  106 , the hammer  82  is released and swings into contact with the firing pin  54 , thereby establishing the triggered configuration  182  where both the safety trigger component  86  and the firing trigger component  84  are in a firing position ( FIG. 15 ). 
         [0061]    The positions of respective finger hook portions  122  and  142  of the firing trigger component  84  and the safety trigger component  86  for both the fully cocked configuration  180  and the triggered configuration  182  are presented in  FIG. 15 , with the positions from the fully cocked configuration  180  being presented in phantom. Angular displacements α and β of the safety trigger component  86  and the firing trigger component  86 , respectively, are also overlaid onto  FIG. 15 . By this illustration and for this embodiment, the angular displacement α of the safety trigger component  86  in transitioning from the fully cocked configuration to the triggered configuration is about three times greater than the angular displacement β of the firing trigger component  84 . As such, the safety trigger component  86  will generally still perform the function of intercepting the hammer even if the safety trigger component  86  undergoes the same or even somewhat more rotational displacement than the firing trigger component  84  in an impact event. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , the functionality of the safety trigger component  86  during an abnormality such as an impact event is further illustrated in an embodiment of the disclosure. Consider an impact event where inertial forces cause a dynamic load  188  on the respective finger hook portions  122  and  142  of the firing trigger component  84  and the safety trigger component  86 , such that both finger hook portions  122  and  142  are rotationally displaced by the angular displacement β required to release the hammer  82 . At the angular displacement β, the catch portion  146  is still operational within the rotational path  162  of the capture feature  116 , and still functions to arrest the hammer  82  and prevent discharge of the firearm  30 . 
         [0063]    Referring again to  FIGS. 4 through 10 , and  12 , the trigger assembly  32  includes the manual safety mechanism  90  conventionally positioned forward of the firing trigger. The safety mechanism  90  includes a safety bar  194  with exposed push buttons  195 ,  196  on each end, a shaft  197  integral with one of the push buttons  195 ,  196  for aligning and securing the safety mechanism components together, and a rotatable blocking member  200 . A pin  198  may extend through apertures  199 ,  201  in the shaft  197  and end button  196  to secure the manual safety mechanism  90 . The blocking member  200  can include a lever portion  202  that projects radially outward from an arcuate base portion  204 . The arcuate base portion  204  rotates freely about a blocking member pivot  206  defined by the shaft  197 . In one embodiment, a notch or recess  208  is formed on the arcuate base portion  204  to provide a non-blocking position for an engagement tab  209  proximate the sear portion  124  of the trigger component. The manual safety mechanism  90  is laterally slidable within the trigger mechanism housing  58  in apertures  210 ,  213  on opposing sides of the housing  58 . 
         [0064]    The safety trigger component  86  can include a fork  211  comprising a pair of protrusions  212   a  and  212   b  that contact the blocking member  200 . The firing trigger component  84  can include an underside  214  against which the lever  202  of the blocking member  200  registers. In the depicted embodiment, the underside  214  defines a recess  215  within which the lever  202  registers The firing trigger component  84  can further include a projection  216  that is proximate the arcuate base portion  204  of the blocking member  200 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 through 19 , operation of the blocking member  200  during discharge of the firearm  30  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. In the fully cocked configuration  180  ( FIG. 9 ), the lever portion  202  of the blocking member  200  extends between the protrusions  212   a  and  212   b  and is engaged or nearly engaged within the underside  214  of the firing trigger component  84 . The protrusion  212   b  of the safety trigger component  86  maintains the blocking member  200  in engagement/near engagement with the firing trigger component  84 , thereby preventing the firing trigger component  84  from rotating away from the hammer  82 . Also in the fully cocked configuration  180 , the arcuate base portion  204  of the blocking member  200  can also interfere with the projection  216  of the firing trigger component  84 , further preventing actuation of the firing trigger component  84 . 
         [0066]    During actuation of the safety trigger component  86 , the protrusion  212   a  rotates against blocking member  200 , causing the lever portion  202  to rotate away from the underside  214  of the firing trigger component  84 . The rotation of the blocking member  200  also causes the recess  208  of the arcuate base portion  204  to rotate into alignment with the projection  216  of the firing trigger component  84  ( FIG. 10 ). During continued actuation of the safety trigger component  86  and subsequent actuation of the firing trigger component  84 , the lever portion  202  has now been removed as an obstacle to rotation of the firing trigger component  84  ( FIG. 11 ), and the recess  208  now accommodates the projection  216  of the firing trigger component. 
         [0067]    Accordingly, when the firearm  30  is in the fully cocked configuration, the safety trigger component  86  controls the orientation of the blocking member  200 . As the safety trigger component  86  is actuated, the blocking member  200  is oriented so as not to pose an obstruction to the firing trigger component  84 , freeing the firing trigger component  84  for rotation away from the hammer  82  and subsequent discharge of the firearm  30 . 
         [0068]    Functionally, in the fully cocked configuration  180 , if an actuation force or “pull” is exerted on the firing trigger component  84  but somehow not exerted on the safety trigger component  86 , the blocking member  200  will maintain engagement with the firing trigger component  84 , thereby preventing rotation of the firing trigger component  84  and subsequent discharge of the firearm  30 . Thus, in one embodiment, the blocking member  200  can provide a redundant or additional safety mechanism against accidental discharge of the firearm  30 . Instead of relying solely on the friction between the sear portion  124  and the sear engagement portion  106 , the blocking member  200  provides a positive blocking force that helps prevent disengagement of the sear and the sear engagement portions  124  and  106  in an impact event. Moreover, the lever portion  202  engaging the recess in the trigger component prevents the pivoting of the component about the pivot. In some embodiments, the blocking member  200  can be the sole safety mechanism; that is, the blocking member  200  is utilized without the catch portion  146  instead of in addition to the catch portion  146 . 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 20 through 22 , restoring the trigger assembly  32  from the triggered configuration  182  to the fully cocked configuration  180  (referred to herein as “cocking”) is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. After discharge of the firearm  30 , the projection  216  of the firing trigger component  84  is seated in the recess  208 , held in place by the cam portion  94  of the hammer  82  ( FIG. 20 ). The seating of the projection  216  in the recess  208  prevents rotation of the blocking member  200 ; that is, in the triggered configuration  182 , the orientation of the blocking member  200  is not controlled by the safety trigger component  86  (as is the case in the fully cocked configuration  180 ), but instead is controlled by the firing trigger component  84  and hammer  82 . Accordingly, the blocking member  200  now acts against protrusion  212   b  to hold the safety trigger component  86  in a pitched orientation, wherein the catch portion  146  is rotated away from the rotational path  162  of the capture feature  116 . 
         [0070]    The bolt assembly  52  is motivated in the forward direction  80  by a force  222 , imparted, for example, manually by a gunman or by a blow back mechanism. This motivation causes the bolt assembly  52  to rotate the head portion  92  of the hammer  82  in the forward direction  80 , which further causes the cam portion  94  to rotate on the cam engagement surface  140 . The cam engagement surface  140  is maintained in contact with the cam portion  94  by a return force  224  imparted on the firing trigger component  84  by the firing trigger return spring  136 . 
         [0071]    As the head portion  92  of the hammer  82  is rotated in the forward direction  80 , the capture feature  116  is rotated below the hook of the catch portion  146  ( FIG. 13 ), while the cam portion  94  of the hammer  82  maintains the interlock between the firing trigger component  84  and safety bar  200  (and therefore the pitched orientation of the safety trigger component  86 ). 
         [0072]    At some point after the capture feature  116  of the hammer  82  is rotated below the hook of the catch portion  146 , the arcuate cam surface  105  of the cam portion  94  rotates off the cam engagement surface  140  ( FIG. 14 ). At this point, the arcuate cam surface  105  of the cam portion  94  releases the firing trigger component  84 . The firing trigger component  84 , motivated by the return force  224  generated by the firing trigger return spring  136 , then rotates (counterclockwise in  FIG. 14 ) so that the cam engagement surface  140  is brought into contact with the flat  110  of the cam portion  94 ; the sear portion  124  of the firing trigger component  84  is brought adjacent to the sear engagement portion  106  of the hammer  82 . The release of the firing trigger component  84  by the arcuate cam surface  105  also causes the projection  216  of the firing trigger component  84  to become unseated from recess  208  of the blocking member  200 . Control of the orientation of the blocking member  200  is thereby transferred to the safety trigger component  86 , which, propelled by the return force  224 , rotates the blocking member  200  (clockwise in  FIG. 22 ) into the underside  214  of the firing trigger component  84 . 
         [0073]    Upon withdrawal of the bolt assembly from contact with the hammer  82  and into the firing position, the fully cocked configuration  180  of the firearm  30  is restored (e.g.,  FIG. 17 ), with the blocking member  200  preventing actuation of the firing trigger component  84  that is independent of actuation of the safety trigger component  86 , and the catch portion  146  poised to intercept the hammer  82  in case of unintentional release of the hammer  82 . 
         [0074]    In one embodiment, and again in reference to  FIGS. 4 through 10  and  12 , the blocking member  200  is part of a manual safety mechanism  230  that can be translated with the blocking member  200  laterally within the trigger mechanism housing  58  along a blocking member axis  234 . When part of the manual safety mechanism  230 , the lever  202  of the blocking member  200  can be selectively engaged with a stop  236  (best seen in  FIGS. 5B and 6 ) that extends from the interior surface  44  of the trigger mechanism housing  58  along the right side wall  237  of the trigger mechanism housing  58 . In the embodiment illustrated, when the manual safety mechanism  230  is pushed in one direction (e.g., to the right in the depicted embodiments), the firearm  30  is configured in a “safety mode,” wherein the blocking member lever  202  is prevented from rotating out of the blocking position by the ramp or stop  236 . 
         [0075]    When the manual safety mechanism  230  is pushed in an opposite direction (e.g., to the left in the depicted embodiments), the firearm is configured in a “firing mode,” wherein release of the sear portion  84  of the firing trigger component  84  from the sear engagement portion  106  of the hammer  82  is enabled. In the firing mode, the lever portion  202  is displaced off of the stop  236 , enabling rotation by the fork  211  of the safety trigger component  86  and rotation the lever portion  202  out of the blocking position with the underside  214  of the firing trigger component  84 . The lever  202  can be sized widthwise such that, during lateral movement of the blocking member  200 , the lever maintains engagement of the safety trigger fork  211 . Also, the lever  202 , when engaged with the underside  214  on the lower side of the firing trigger component  84 , can maintain blockage and/or engagement with the underside  214  during lateral actuation. Engagement with the underside  214  is lost only upon the rotation of the blocking member  200 . 
         [0076]    It is further noted that aspects of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 17 through 22  may be suited for automatic operation. (Herein, “automatic operation” is characterized as the continuous, round after round discharge of ammunition as long as the firing trigger component  84  is depressed.) For the embodiments of  FIGS. 17 through 22 , as long as the triggers  84  and  86  are held in the firing position (depicted in  FIG. 19 ), the sear portion  124  of the firing trigger component  84  will not be brought into engagement with the sear engagement portion  106  of the hammer  82 , and the catch portion  146  will not obstruct the hammer  82  in either rotational direction. Accordingly, certain aspects of the embodiment of  FIGS. 179 through 14  can be utilized in an automatic firearm. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 23 through 25 , an arresting mechanism  260  that facilitates semi-automatic operation (as opposed to automatic operation) is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. (Herein, “semi-automatic operation” is characterized by the automatic reloading of the firearm  30 , but the requirement to release and re-actuate the triggers  84  and  86  to initiate firing.) 
         [0078]    In one embodiment, the arresting mechanism  260  involves interaction of at least four components: the bolt assembly  52 , the hammer  82 , the firing trigger component  84 , and an arrestor  88 . The arrestor  88  is pivotally mounted within the housing  38  and distal to the hammer  82 . In one embodiment, the arrestor  88  includes a claw portion  264  and a rocker arm portion  266 . The claw portion  264  can include a rounded head portion  268  and a radiused nose  272 . An arrestor return spring  274  can be operatively coupled to the arrestor  88 . In one embodiment, the arrestor  88  is pivotally mounted to the trigger pivot  126 . 
         [0079]    In various embodiments, the arresting mechanism  260  can include a cavity  282  formed in the head portion  92  of the hammer  82 , the cavity  282  and head portion  92  further defining a lip portion  284 . In one embodiment, the firing trigger component  84  includes a lateral protrusion  286  that is part of the arresting mechanism, the lateral protrusion  286  being positioned to engage the rocker arm portion  266  of the arrestor  88 . 
         [0080]    In one embodiment, the arrestor  88  is configured and positioned so that the claw portion  264  is engageable with the lip portion  284  of the cavity  282  when the hammer  82  is hyperextended in the forward direction  80 . Herein, the hammer  82  is considered “hyperextended” when the head portion  92  of the hammer  82  is displaced to be forward to where the head portion  92  is located when in the fully cocked configuration  180 . 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIGS. 26 through 31 , operation and function of the arresting mechanism  280  in a scenario where the triggers  84  and  86  become or remain actuated during the cocking of the firearm  30  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. Functionally, the arresting mechanism  260  captures the hammer  82  and prevents the hammer  82  from automatically re-firing. To more closely resemble the views presented in  FIGS. 23 through 25 , the  FIGS. 26 through 31  are presented in an opposing side view relative to the views of  FIGS. 17 through 22 . Also, for illustrative clarity, the biasing element  112 , as well as the various return springs  136 ,  152  and  274 , are not presented in  FIGS. 26 through 31 , though they may be present in certain embodiments. Also for illustrative clarity, only the components of the arresting mechanism  260  (i.e., the bolt assembly  52 , the hammer  82 , the firing trigger component  84 , and an arrestor  88 ) are depicted in  FIGS. 26 through 29 . 
         [0082]    When an actuation force  292  is applied to the triggers  84  and  86 , the lateral protrusion  286  of the firing trigger component  84  is pitched in the distal direction  81 . The arrestor  88 , being biased by the arrestor return spring  274 , follows the firing trigger component  84 , being stopped by the lateral protrusion  286 . When the firing trigger component  84  is depressed, the lip portion  284  of the cavity  282  encounters the rounded head portion  268  and/or radiused nose  272  of the claw portion  264  as the head portion  92  of the hammer  82  is rotated in the forward direction  80  during cocking of the firearm  30  ( FIG. 26 ). The interaction between the lip portion  284  and the rounded head portion  268 , radiused nose  272  of the claw portion  264  to rotate slightly in the forward direction  80 , such that the rocker arm portion  266  rotates off the lateral protrusion  286  of the firing trigger component  84  ( FIG. 27 ). As the head portion  92  of the hammer  82  becomes hyperextended, the lip portion  284  slips past the radiused nose  272  of the claw portion  264 , the arrestor  88  is rotated so that the rocker arm  266  is again in engagement with the lateral protrusion  286  of the firing trigger component  84 , motivated by a return force  294  ( FIG. 28 ) generated by the arrestor return spring  274 . The rotation causes the claw portion  264  to rotate at least partially into the cavity  282 . 
         [0083]    The bolt assembly  52  then retracts back into the firing position, becoming disengaged from the hammer  82  ( FIG. 29 ). The disengagement causes the head portion  92  of the hammer  82  to rotate in the distal direction  81  until the lip portion  284  of the cavity  282  is hooked by an underside  296  of the claw portion  264 . The arresting mechanism  260  remains in equipoise as long as the firing trigger component  84  remains in the actuated position. In this way, the arresting mechanism  260  captures the hammer  82  and prevents the hammer  82  from automatically re-firing. 
         [0084]    In one embodiment, upon removal of the actuation force  292  (e.g., when the gunman removes his finger from the firing trigger component  84 ), the return force  228  of the firing trigger return spring  136  causes rotation of the firing trigger component  84  so that the lateral protrusion  286  of the firing trigger component  84  is rotated upwards (clockwise in  FIG. 30 ). The lateral protrusion  286  causes the rocker arm  266  of the arrestor  88  to also rotate upward, thereby decoupling the lip portion  284  of the cavity  282  from the underside  296  of the claw portion  264 . The lip portion  284  of the hammer  82  then slips past the radiused nose  272  of the claw portion  264 , being motivated by the biasing element  112 , thereby releasing the hammer  82  from the arrestor  88 . 
         [0085]    The rotation of the firing trigger component  84  upon removal of the actuation force  292  also causes the cam engagement surface  140  to come into contact with the flat  110  of the cam portion  94 , which brings the sear portion  124  of the firing trigger component  84  proximate and adjacent to, but not in contact with, the sear engagement portion  106  of the hammer  82  ( FIG. 30 ). Upon release of the hammer  82  from the arrestor  88 , the head portion  92  of the hammer  82  further rotates in the distal direction  81 , until the bearing face  108  of the sear engagement portion  106  is fully registered against the sear portion  124  of the firing trigger component  124  ( FIG. 31 ). The trigger assembly  32  is then in the fully cocked configuration  180 . 
         [0086]    It is further noted that, in various embodiments, if the firing trigger component  84  is not actuated when the hammer  82  reaches the hyperextended position, the arrestor  88  is not in a position to engage and/or secure the lip portion  284  of the hammer  82 . Accordingly, the arrestor  88  does not substantially interfere with the cocking operation if the firing trigger component  84  is not actuated. 
         [0087]    The barrel and receiver may be conventionally manufactured from steel. In various embodiments, other metals may be used. The components of the trigger assembly cluster are generally conventionally formed from steel or other metals. In some instances, polymers may replace some components. For example the trigger mechanism housing may be made from polymers and composite materials. Metal inserts may be used for particular areas requiring high strength such as attachment locations. See projection  60  and the trigger guard  56  (see  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). Also, see  FIG. 3  the polymer access cover  290  has a metal insert  291  for strength and providing the catch surfaces. The polymer may be overmolded over the insert capturing the insert. The stock can be formed from polymers or wood or composite materials. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , a trigger pull adjustment mechanism  300  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The trigger pull adjustment mechanism  300  comprises an adjustable firing trigger return spring  302  disposed in place of the firing trigger return spring  136  (as depicted, for example, in  FIG. 10 ) and operatively coupled to the ledge portion  137  and the firing trigger component  84  to exert a separating force therebetween. This separating force constitutes a component of the pull or actuation force required to actuate the firing trigger component  84  for releasing the hammer  82 . 
         [0089]    In the depicted embodiment, the adjustable firing trigger return spring  302  includes an upper portion  304  and a lower portion  306  spiral wound about a spring axis  308 . A transition segment  312  can be formed in the lower-most spiral  314  of the upper portion  304 , the transition segment  312  passing through the adjustable firing trigger return spring  302  proximate the spring axis  308 . In one embodiment, the transition segment  312  is substantially linear over a portion thereof. In the way, the transition segment  312  obstructs what would otherwise be a clear passage through the adjustable firing trigger return spring  302 . The upper and lower portions  304  and  306  can be of different diameter, as depicted. Also in the depicted embodiment, the upper portion  304  terminates with a tail portion  316  that is substantially concentric with the spring axis  308 . The ledge portion  137  can define a mounting hole  318  within which the tail portion  316  is mounted in assembly. 
         [0090]    In assembly, the lower portion  306  of the adjustable firing trigger return spring  302  is firmly seated within a through-hole  322  defined on the firing trigger component  84 . The firm seating of the lower portion  306  within the through-hole  322  can be accomplished by an interference fit between an inner wall  324  of the through-hole  322  and the lower portion  306  of the spring  302  as wound. The interference fit provides a high degree of friction between the inner wall  324  of the through-hole  322  and the lower portion  306  of the spring  302 , thereby fixing the compressed length of the spring  302 . In this embodiment, while the friction is sufficient to maintain the compressed length  302  of the spring when the firearm  30  is in the fully cocked configuration  180  (i.e., prior to actuation of the firing trigger component  84 ), the spring  302  In one embodiment, the through-hole  322  is tapered to augment the seating operation during assembly and rotation of the spring  302  during an adjustment. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 34 , an adjustment tool  330  for rotating the adjustable firing trigger return spring  302  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The adjustment tool  330  includes a shaft portion  332  with a slot  334  defined on one end thereof. A diameter  336  of the shaft portion  332  is dimensioned to readily pass through the interior of the lower portion  306  of the spring  302 . A width  338  of the slot  334  is dimensioned to receive the transition segment  312  of the spring  302 . Optionally, the adjustment tool  330  includes a handle portion  339  disposed proximate the end of the adjustment tool  330  that is opposite the slot  334 . 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 35 , adjustment of the trigger pull adjustment mechanism  300  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, access passages  342  are formed in the trigger guard  56 , sized to allow passage of the shaft  332  of the adjustment tool  330 . The adjustment tool  330  is inserted through the access passages  342  and the lower portion  306  of the adjustable firing trigger return spring  302  and brought into contact with the transition segment  312 . The adjustment tool is rotated and pushed against the transition segment so that the slot  334  is aligned with and accepts the transition segment  312 . With the transition segment  312  seated within the slot  334 , the adjustment tool  330  is rotated to overcome the friction between the lower portion  306  and the inner wall  324  of the through-hole  322 , thereby changing the compressive force of the spring  302  when in the battery position. By increasing the compression of the spring  302 , the restorative force generated by the spring  302  is increased, thereby increasing the pull required to actuate the firing trigger component  84 ; by decreasing the compression of the spring  302 , the restorative force generated by the spring  302  is decreased, thereby decreasing the pull required to actuate the firing trigger component  84 . The friction between the lower portion  306  and the inner wall  324  of the through-hole  322  is sufficient to maintain the adjusted compression of the spring  302  during operation of the firearm  30 . 
         [0093]    Accordingly, the disclosed trigger pull adjustment mechanism  300  accomplishes adjustment of the trigger pull with fewer components and with reduced machining complexity. For example, conventional trigger pull adjustments utilize an additional set screw that requires a threaded hole for the compression adjustment. The trigger pull adjustment mechanism  300  eliminates the need for these components and attendant complexity. 
         [0094]    Other adjustable trigger mechanisms can be implemented instead. Such mechanisms are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,706, owned by the owner of this application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated reference herein in its entirety except for express definitions and patent claims contained therein. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,220,193 and 8,250,799, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated reference herein in their entirety except for express definitions and patent claims contained therein. 
         [0095]    The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim. 
         [0096]    All of the disclosures in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. 
         [0097]    Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0098]    When “linked”, “coupled”, and “connected” are used herein, the terms do not require direct component to component physical contact connection, one or more intermediary components may be present. 
         [0099]    Inventions flowing from the present disclosure are not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The inventions extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. 
         [0100]    Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described embodiments are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the embodiments herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the inventions.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5