Abstract:
A firearm with identification, safety system, preventing use by an unauthorized user. The firearm includes a scanner capable of scanning a middle and ring finger on the grip of the gun; a memory chip means for means for storing data representative of at least one fingerprint; a microprocessor connected to said scanner and said memory chip for receiving and transmitting said data, a motor means for keeping metal plate position behind the trigger until said microprocessor authenticates said fingerprint with said data; a USB port provided as an electronic interface between the microprocessor and provided preprogrammed handdrive to utilize administrative and programming function; an external computer access which is used to enhance future programing and reset the microprocessor; a power battery unit means operatively connected to said system and act as a power source; and indicator means operatively connected to said power battery for indicating low battery condition.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLIACTIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       MICROFICHE 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to firearms and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a firearm which scans the fingerprint of the user, and only allows the use of the devices if the image scanned matches an internal stored image. 
         [0006]    (2) Background of the Invention 
         [0007]    There is a particular need for preventing the accidental discharge of a weapon, such as a hand weapon, by an unauthorized person. 
         [0008]    There are many problems that can occur with the use of weapons, automatic weapons and handguns. Guns are usually provided with a “safety,” which is intended to prevent an accidental discharge by inhibiting the firing of the gun when the safety button or lever is switched on. The use of a “safety lever” does not help in preventing an unauthorized individual from using another person&#39;s gun. 
         [0009]    One example of this type of problem is when a child finds a hidden gun in his home, where its unintentional use may cause serious injury or even the death of another person. 
         [0010]    Still another example of an accidental misuse of a weapon is where a criminal wrests a police officer&#39;s gun and use the gun against the police officer or public. 
         [0011]    Measures to prevent the unauthorized use of a handgun include many procedures or devices, such as locking up the gun in a safe place, or by using devices like trigger locks or barrel plug locks to render the gun inoperative. While these measures prevent the unauthorized use of the gun, they also hinder the use of the gun by its rightful owner since it takes time to unlock and prepare the gun for use. These mechanisms would be useless to police officers, especially in a situation that was previously described. 
         [0012]    Although a considerable amount of attention has been devoted in recent years to providing a gun, which limits and regulates the use of the gun only to select persons, the problem still exists. No gun has been provided or suggested which regulates the use of the gun&#39;s effective on a passive basis and which can be used instantaneously after an authorized user grips the gun. 
         [0013]    Numerous innovations in firearm identification systems have been provided in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,461,812; 5,502,915; 5,603,179; 6,286,240; 5,603,179; 5,915,936; 6,293,039; 6,711,843 and 5,603,180 are all also illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. 
         [0014]    The instant invention is an identification, safety system for a firearm which is used for preventing the unauthorized use of a firearm. 
         [0015]    The device consists of a specialized scanning mechanism as add-on to existing weapon, without affecting the actual internal mechanics of the weapon, which provides input to a central processing unit within the grip of the gun. The scanning mechanism is programmed to read the unique fingerprints of a given individual. The central processing unit holds a fingerprint recognition program of the type well known in the art. The central processing unit also holds programmed fingerprint information for more than one person, so that multiple people would be able to use the firearm. However, usage is limited to only those persons whose fingerprints have been stored in the central processing unit. 
         [0016]    The scanner mechanism is connected to a motor which utilized a metal plate to be placed behind the trigger, hence, preventing firing of the weapon. The safety rod is prevented from being released by blocking trigger position without proper authorization from the scanner. When a person grips the weapon and places his finger on the scanner, the squeezing pressure of the finger on the scanner activates the scanner, and the scanner reads the fingerprint to determine if the scanned fingerprint image matches one of the pre-stored fingerprint images. Assuming the individual is an authorized user, the scanner transmits a signal to the motor, releasing metal plate position from behind the trigger back inside the plastic housing within the present invention and activating the firearm for use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a blockage of trigger for firearms that will overcome the shortcomings of the background art devices. 
         [0018]    It is an object of this invention to provide a firearm with identification, safety system that will prevent a gun from firing unless it is being held by the gun&#39;s owner or authorized user. Any other unauthorized person who has not registered with the safety device will not be able to fire the weapon. 
         [0019]    Another object is to provide a firearm with identification, safety system which can be programmed to allow use by a wide group of authorized users, and will not allow the use thereof by any unauthorized user. 
         [0020]    It is another object of this invention to provide a battery operated firearm with an identification, safety system including a low battery warning mechanism. 
         [0021]    It is another object of this invention to provide identification, safety system which includes a memory chip for storing the fingerprint of a user. 
         [0022]    It is yet another object of this invention to provide identification, safety system for firearms which can be adapted for use with different types and brands of firearms without compromising the manufacture propose quality and the mechanics of their weapons. 
         [0023]    A further object is to provide a protective mechanism for a firearm that is simple and easy to use. 
         [0024]    A still further object is to provide identification, safety system for a firearm that is economical in cost to manufacture. 
         [0025]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0026]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a hand held weapon with identification, safety system according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an identification, safety system of  FIG. 1  is applied on other side of the gun for left handed users according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0031]    Referring now to figures, the identification safety system of the present invention, is essential for a firearm which is operated by analysis of middle and ring finger on the grip of the gun; initiate the authorized firing of the firearm. The system as shown in  FIG. 1 &amp; FIG. 2  is mounted on an automatic pistol, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that slight modifications might be required depending on the make and model of the firearm. 
         [0032]    On referring  FIG. 1  system comprises: a metal plate ( 1 ), a scanner ( 2 ) for fingerprinting with a pressure sensitive electric current connector analyzes middle and ring finger on the grip of the gun, microprocessor ( 3 ); a battery powered motor ( 4 ); a memory chip; a program; power battery ( 6 ); and LED light ( 7 ) operatively connected to said power battery for indicating low battery condition. 
         [0033]    Still on referring  FIG. 1  the identification, safety system of the present invention, generally look like a alphabet capital “T” which is glued to the handle of the gun. Furthermore, the left half of the horizontal line on the “T”, will have a metal plate ( 1 ) that will retract and extend, to the position behind the trigger, extending and retracting from the plastic housing which is in the left half of the horizontal “T”. Also, the vertical line of “T”, scan swivel like a pendulum for adjustment to the size of the hand. The vertical line on “T” is the position of the fingerprint scanner ( 2 ), the left horizontal half of the “T” encompass a motor ( 4 ) and metal plate ( 1 ), the reminder of the horizontal “T” contains the microprocessor ( 3 ) and battery ( 6 ) for power. 
         [0034]    On referring  FIG. 2  the safety system of  FIG. 1  when applied on other side of the gun for left handed users according to the present invention. 
         [0035]    The system essentialy consists of three primary components; a scanner element ( 2 ) for scanning in the user&#39;s middle and ring finger on the grip of the gun, a microprocessor/circuit board ( 3 ) with memory chip for storing multiple fingerprint scans of different people assigned to the gun by the owner, and a battery powered motor ( 4 ) enable or disable the weapon&#39;s trigger pull and locking of the gun. 
         [0036]    The scanner element ( 2 ) may be a charged coupled device of the type well known in the art. Of course, other scanner elements may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scanner ( 2 ) is pressure sensitive (like a push-in switch) triggered by a pressure sensitive membrane and analyze finger on the grip of the gun and began the process as soon as the gun is held by the grip. The pressure on the scanner, establishes connection between the scanner and the electric current, which is available through the battery ( 6 ), hence turning on the scanner ( 2 ). Furthermore, the scanner is also connected to the microprocessor ( 3 ), through upload only type of information which travels from the actual fingerprint scanner ( 2 ) to the microprocessor ( 3 ). Since the scanner only functional when the pressure is applied, the fingerprint information is only sent to the microprocessor when the fingerprint scanner turn-on, which also saves power drain from the battery. 
         [0037]    The fingerprint scanner ( 2 ) is placed vertically on the grip handle, and can be adjusted according to the hand size of the owner and preference of the owner. A heavy duty plastic housing has the fingerprint scanner enclosed at all corners except the scanning of the fingers part. The fingerprint scanner ( 2 ) can adjust in three horizontal positions and three vertical positions to fit individual hand size. This plastic housing is attached to the locking system on another plastic component which is attached to the gun grip. Three vertical and three horizontal points of adjustment feature allow the fingerprint scanner to move, allowing the owner of gun to achieve comfortable grip and to achieve accurate fingerprint scan for different size of hands. 
         [0038]    Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fingerprint scanner ( 2 ) can also be applied to the opposite side of the gun for left-handed owners/users by producing an opposite design on the product. 
         [0039]    The microprocessor ( 3 ) is connected to both the scanner ( 2 ) and the battery ( 6 ). The microprocessor ( 3 ) has memory storage for storing fingerprints of owner(s) or user for quick authentication. The storage capacity will involve storing atleast  20  fingerprints in different position,  10  each of both middle and ring finger of the owner for quicker positive identification and to avoid false positives of unauthorized user of the gun. Preferably, the memory chip can store several fingerprints so that more than one user may operate the firearm. 
         [0040]    Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, USB is used as an only way to program the gun&#39;s microprocessor ( 3 ) database through provided preprogrammed USB hand drive which will work as administration access for changes in programming. Once the owner scans their finger multiple times, that data is saved onto the microprocessor memory for quick reference in authenticating. This process helps deter stealing of the gun or unauthorized person trying to acquire the gun, such as enemy behind line, thief or terrorist. 
         [0041]    The motor ( 4 ) is specialized in the sense that it has safeguard placed to avoid external pushing or pulling to occur by individuals. The motor will be housed in the same plastic housing as the microprocessor ( 3 ) and the battery ( 6 ). The motor ( 4 ) will function by allowing gears and springs movement inside the plastic housing to position safety metal plate behind the trigger to avoid firing the gun, or moving the safety metal plate inside the plastic housing to allow the firing of the gun. Once the current user of the gun releases the grip of the gun, the motor on the gun returns to the safety by positioning a metal plate behind the weapon&#39;s trigger (no trigger firing operable). The power to the finger scanner ( 2 ) will also terminate once the grip of the gun is released. 
         [0042]    A battery ( 6 ) is small and rechargeable. The battery will also display three small LED lights, Green for full, Red is for battery almost dead and Yellow is for battery getting low (to advise users of needed charging). The battery will be capable of getting charged using a USB port such that it can be charged on a go with a car charger, or at work or home. Furthermore, a port can also be utilized as an electronic interface between the system and an external computer (not shown) which can be used for future enhancement to the program on the microprocessor, and can be used as an administrative function. 
         [0043]    The system is selectively connected to a power source which is generated by a power battery unit ( 6 ). There are two electric current connections on the microprocessor ( 3 ). One of the connections is from the microprocessor ( 3 ) to motor ( 4 ) for quick response to the order of the circuit. The other connection is in between the microprocessor ( 3 )and the fingerprint scanner ( 2 ). The fingerprint scanner ( 2 ) relay information to the microprocessor ( 3 ) for authentication of the fingerprints and upon authentication the microprocessor orders the function of the motor to move metal plate back inside the plastic housing. In this way the microprocessor ( 2 ) recognizes when power is supplied to the scanner and uses that information to authorize the function of the motor to move safety away from behind the trigger. If upload information stops from the fingerprint scanner, the microprocessor orders the motor to move the metal plate back into position behind the trigger, to avoid firing of the weapons. 
         [0044]    Advantageously, the present system is adaptable, portable and flexible. Likewise, it can be adjusted to any handgun, automatic weapons and rifles, the product can also be adjusted to individual hand size. This system can be attached with old or new guns, as long as there is a space behind the trigger. In addition, it is compact and requires very minimal instructions for use. Furthermore, the system is detachable and attachable to the guns with ease, as long as the gun owner&#39;s fingerprint is authorized. The system does not require any modifications to the essential functional parts of the gun, such as mechanical parts inside the gun itself; moreover it act as an accessory for the gun that once attached can function as a safety device that will not allow unauthorized firing of the weapon. The Quality of the gun will not be compromised. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 
         [0046]    The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments. 
         [0047]    While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention.