# Remington Arms Company, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation **Citation:** 98-0331 **Type / status:** guidance / guidance **Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration **Effective:** Not stated **Published:** 1998-11-12 98-0331 response to Remington Arms Company, Inc. concerning 173.56. ## Document text <<>> of Transportation U.S. Department Washington, D.C. 400 Seventh Street, S.W. 20590 Research and Special Programs Administration NOV 12 1998 Mr. R. A. Van Duzer Ref. No. 98-0331 Hazardous Materials Consultant Remington Arms Company, Inc. Post Office Box 700 Madison, NC 27025-8700 Dear Mr. Van Duzer: This is in response to your letter of September 23, 1998, requesting classification of your company's electrically initiated small arms cartridges under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). You also submitted technical information for our review. After reviewing the information provided in your letter we have concluded that, for classification purposes, electrically initiated small arms cartridges should be treated in the same manner as conventional percussion primed small arms cartridges. It is the opinion of this Office that electrically initiated small arms cartridges meeting the provisions of § 173.56(h) may be assigned a classification code of 1.4S by the manufacturer. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Edward T. Mazzullo Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards <<>> Note to the file of Remington Arms Company Subject: Classification of electrically initiated small arms cartridges The issue raised by Remington Company is whether DOT concurs with Remington's view that their electrically initiated small arms cartridges may be classed as 1.4S item according to the provision of 49 CFR 173.56(k). I have reviewed the technical information submitted by Remington Arms Co. and concluded that for classification purposes we shall treat the electrically initiated small arms cartridges the same as the conventional percussion primed small arms cartridges. My recommendation is based on the following analysis: 1. The electrically initiated small arms cartridges are physically constructed in the similar manner as the conventional percussion primed cartridges except the initiation mechanism is different. Both type of cartridges are similar in physical dimensions (caliber) and function characteristics. 2. The electrically initiated cartridges were designed and tested (shown by studies conducted at Picatinny Arsenal, U. S. Army) to be safe from accidental initiation by Stray Electrostatic Discharge or Electromagnetic Radiation under transport conditions. charle Ke 1/6/98 <<>> Remington. REMINgTON ARms COMPANY, INC. 870 REMINGTON DRIVE P.O. BOX 700 MADISON, NC 27025-0700 1-910-548-8700 September 23, 1998 Dr. Charles H. Ke U.S. Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation 400 Seventh Street, S. W. Washington, DC 20590-0001 Subject: Classification of Electrically-Initiated Cartridges, Small Arms Dear Dr. Ke: I refer to my letter of August 14, 1998, copy attached, and our meeting of September 17, 1998 regarding the classification of electrically-initiated Cartridges, small arms. Specifically, we wish to classify these cartridges in accordance with §173.56(h) of 49CFR which permits the manufacturer to assign a classification code of 1.4S provided the cartridges meet the criteria stated in §173.56(h)(1)(2)(3)(4). The electrically-initiated cartridges do meet this criteria. During our meeting you requested that I obtain some additional information to supplement the data attached to my letter of August 14, 1998. As this information was of a technical nature, I requested David Schluckebier, Staff Engineer, of our Research & Development Center, Elizabethtown, KY to provide me with the requested information. Attached you will find his letter to me of September 18, 1998 which covers the clarification and explanation of the below listed points: • Remington's statement on the safety of the electrically-initiated cartridge versus the safety of the conventional percussion primed cartridge • Description of how the electrically-initiated cartridge functions • Description of how the "electronic" firearm functions • Standards associated with Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) testing REM 021 6/96 <<>> • = • Packaging identification for electrically-initiated cartridges In addition, attached you will find product drawings and a copy of U.S. Patent No.: 5,755,056 which covers the electronic firearm. The patent for the cartridges has not yet been issued, it is pending. We believe that the provisions of §173.56(h) are applicable for the classification of electrically-initiated Cartridges, small arms. Please advise if you concur with our opinion. We are hopeful of introducing this new cartridge in the very near future (November 1998). One of the conditions for us to satisfy, of course, is the classification issue. We therefore, trust that you will be in a position to advise us of your decision shortly. Please let me know if you require any additional information. I can be reached by phone or fax at (610) 444-2696. We appreciate your assistance and look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Palet Can Dyes Robert Van Duzer Hazardous Materials Consultant rvd/hs Attachments cc: D. Schluckebier S. Dwyer A.D. Johnson compaq#Sremarms cloctric dot letter H3 apt 98.wpe <<>> + ! - Remington. REMINGTON ARMs COMPANY, INC. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY CENTER 315 W. RING ROAD ELIZABETHTOWN, KENTUCKY 42701-9318 (502) 769-7600 FAX (502) 737-9576 September 18, 1998 Mr. R. A. Van Duzer 121 Beverly Dr. Kennett Sq., PA 19348 Dear Bob, Per our discussion this morning, the items below contain further clarification and explanation required by DOT personnel. involving Personnel Electrostatic Discharge (PESD) and Hazardous Electromagnetic Radiation Ordinance (HERO). PESD: As a result of this testing, PESD results showed that the ammunition would not fire when HERO: Remington will control electric primer sensitivity with an allfire/nofire specification for which subjected to a 25,000 Volt electrostatic discharge in free space testing. all primer lots will be qualified for use. The allfire voltage specification is 130 volts and is the statistical voltage level at which all primers will fire. The nofire voltage specification is 20 volts and is the statistical voltage level at which all primers will not fire. The nofire voltage specification is used ammunition was subjected to HERO field strengths/frequencies, it was shown that the worst case directly in the determination of the ammunition safety when considering HERO test results. After the HERO condition provided an induced voltage across the primer mix that was less than 45% of the nofire voltage. Most of HERO field strengths/frequencies test showed induced voltages well below 45% of the nofire voltage. In summary, the worst case HERO test condition provided a safety factor of at least 2.2 (of the product not firing)with most test conditions exhibiting a much higher safety factor frequency range includes potential sources of commercial as well as military radio frequency emitting (approaching infinity for many test conditions where no measurable voltage was measured). The HERO devices. These include but are not limited to walkie talkies, cellular phones, Cbs, AM, FM stations, ground radar, VHF and UHF TV, Aeronautical radionavigation, satellites transmissions, etc.. • Description of how the ammunition functions: The primer in the cartridge is initiated by current flowing through the high explosive mix. A conductive ingredient is included in the otherwise nonconductive high explosive mix to allow the current to flow. The primer mix acts as a resistor. "resistor". The heat is what is believed to initiate the primer mix. The primer mix detonation is When a high enough voltage is applied, an adequate current flows through the primer mix to heat the channeled through a "flashhole" in the shell to the shell interior where a propellant charge is ignited identical to conventional ammunition. The propellant builds enough pressure until it exits the shell via due to the high explosive shock, high temperature, and superfluous deflagrating particles which is the path of least resistance. The pressure would normally exit an "unconfined" shell (unconfined meaning not in a gun chamber) at either the bullet end, primer end, or by rupturing the shell wall at its weakest point, again, identical to conventional ammunition. Description of how the gun functions: The function of the gun is described in the attached US Patent #5,755,056. A brief summary of how the gun functions can be described as follows. The gun is built in the likeness of a Remington Model 700 bolt action rifle. It is powered by a single 9 volt battery. A *SPORTING ARMS - AMMUNITION - TARGETS - APPAREL - ACCESSORIES - STREN FISHING LINES DOT4.DOC <<>> 1=.: ... conventional bolt action gun. With the cartridge in the chamber and the bolt locked down, the gun is cartridge as depicted on drawing C22108 is chambered in the bolt action gun as you would with any prepared to fire by pushing the safety "off" (identical to a conventional bolt action gun). When the safety is pushed to the fire position, a capacitor in the gun stock is charged up to 150 Volts. When the trigger is pulled, the circuit is completed and the 150Volt potential is applied to the contact (EXP3850, see attached drawing EXP4104) via an insulated firing pin which is housed in the bolt of the gun. The Proposed Packaging: Caliber, Index Number, and Product Name will appear on the ammunition 150 Volts forces a current to flow through the primer mix which initiates the cartridge. instance, we may "invent" a new word that becomes the Brand or Product Name such as Xerox. packaging as stated below. The product name may or may not infer electrically initiated cartridges. For However, there will be, at the very least, a descriptor on the packaging that states " electrically initiated marketing department envisions this message to be on the front and back panels and perhaps the end cartridges", "electric ammunition" or "electric primed ammunition"... or words to that effect our If you have any other questions, please contact me. Sincerely, lave Schluckebren if Dave Schluckebier Staff Engineer cc: J. Dwyer S. Uebele R. Shanks 2 DOT4.DOC <<>> • PRODUCT DWG. NO. :C22108 REMINGTON ARMS CO. INC. ADDITIONAL USES RECORD LONOKE, ARKANSAS 22-250 REMINGTON NEE C.F. CARTRIDGE эСМЕ: 3Х SUPERSEDES DHO.: SAME NO. DRAMA EY RWB CHECKED BY RCO APPROVED BY DATE 11-8-56 DATE 11-8-85 OATE ADDED OR REMOVED PRIMER BULLET CTG. LENGTH A DESCRIPTION 177 B22201 2.290 - 2.345 55 GR. HPPL 177 B22108 2.290 - 2.345 55 GR. PSP 177 EX40086 2.325 - 2.345 50 GR. Y-MAX 196 EX40086 2.325 - 2.345 50 GR. V-MAX PRIMER S22108• BULLET - 10:40 FROM: REMINGION ETOWN SEP-23-98 A <<>> Te ON, R002 10 1 HANS MAZERIAL ARE MEAT TARAT 5/20 PROPRICTARY BH DAVATION TO THE THIS CHAMIND ON INFORMAYION IS INTEAK SEC PALL CRAMLIG REMSHSTON HANS COMPANY, INC. HAA035 .. I WAI HEAT DACAT RHO GOROM TB AG DOME DT REVANCHAR PAGE ID: 5027379575 FOR XP407 NY1 ETOWN PRIMER MIX FROM: REMINGTON PALMER CUP EXP3878 L CONTAC :XP3850• - NSP4359 O 10:40 SECTION A-A E-PATHE -23-98 • SEP C-E '.: <<>> 6/20 Bob PAGE This shows gun/etg inter face but is a prior prime desiga. Dove б 9/22/98 ALLOY BRASS SMELL 260 - POLYMER CUP STEEL COINED DISK ID: 5027379576 STEEL SEP-23-98 10:41 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN - STEEL BOLT I STEEL CUP -STEEL FIRING PIN * 41 <<>> SEP -23-98 10:41 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 7/20 :. LAW OFFICES HUNTLEY & ASSOCIATES 1105 NORTH MARKET STREET WILMINGTON, DE 19899-0948 P.0.BOX 948 TELEPHONE: (302) 428-0810 DONALDW. HUNTLEY FACSIMILE: (302) 426-0612 MARK C. GREGORY HUNTLEY@MONOPOLIZE.COM E-MAIL: GREGORYAHONOPOLIZE.COM May 29, 1998 IN TURN Mr. Dale R. Danner Mr. Vincent B. Norton Mr. James W. Ronkainen Mr. David S. Wolterman : Remington Arms Company, Inc. R&D Technical Center 315 West Ring Road • Elizabethtown, KY 42701-9318 RA-0269 U.S. Patent No.: 5,755,056 Issued: May 26, 1998 Title: Electronic Firearm and Process for Controlling an Electronic Fireerm Gentlemen: of the patent is enclosed. The above case issued on May 26, 1998 as U.S. Patent No. 5,755,056. An original copy Congratulations on the issuance of this casel Yours sincerely, Don Donald W. Huntley Enclosure c: Wayland E. Hundley, Esquire (w/o encl.) <<>> SEP-23-98 10:41 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 USOU575505&A PAGE 8/20 United States Patent (397 [11) Patent Number: 5,755,056 Danner et al. 145) Date of Patent: May 26, 1998 (54) ELECTRONIC FIREARM AND PROCESS BIREARM FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRONIC 3,650,174 3.613.282 10/1971 Ramsay. 3.814,017 6/1974 Backstein et al... 3/1972 Noises 4,332,098 $.329,803 5/1982 Jobason. 89/25.05 [7S] Inventors: Dale R. Dander, Gleadale; Vincest B. 4.347.679 91952 Gruaig et al. 6/1982 Esteery. Ronicainer. Hodgeaville; Darid Si Norton, Elizaberblown: James W. 4,563,528 1/1986 Kaiezeskore .... wwwy 42184 4.793.085 12/1988 Saramski. 42/84 Wolterman. Flizabethiowa, all of Ky. S,301,448 4,960,093 10/1990 QuaD... 5303.495 4/1994 Harbrock... 4/1994 Peccick o d....... 42/70.01 89/28.05 [73] Assignee: Remington Artas Compeny, Inc, Madison. N.C. 5.329,840 нт 89/135 • 42/64 [2I] Appl No.: 680,490 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS [22] Filed: Jul. 15,1996 2837738 211980 Gorany .... 1... 42184 [52] U.S. Cl.... F41A 19/58; F4IA 19/70 Assistant Exonirer-Christopber K. Montgomery Primary Examizer-Michael J. Carone [58] Field of Search .. 42/84. 1.01, 1.03. - 52184; 89128.05 AROTTAy ABert, or Firm-Hundey & Associaes 42/1.05; 89/28.05.28.1 [573 ABSTRACT : [5G] References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 3,255,547 3250.034 5/1966 Sinanaces 611966 Grazory, JI. и.. 42/84 and a process los operatiog the firetro. 40 Claims, 4 Drawing Streets 20B 26 30 27 28 -6 20A 29 23 37 24% 61 - 6 35 120 37 22 224 45 43- 46 <<>> Fig 1 33199724 7.40 L12A in 42 -41 120 tjg.2. 20 5рд. 3. 14 21 5 1 2 43 6 128 <12C <<>> .+. 208 26 30 27 - 28 -6 Fpg.4 29 23 31 24/60 61 50-6 25 ~20 31 24 27 I jg.5. 1728 38 -47 -46 26 43L0 39 Ijg.6. Hjg.z. 29. 39 38 39 +38 -38 40 - -45 37 <<>> too 39 37 Fig 8. 29 61 60 E20738 23 40 38 28 298 29 0 38 Fjg:10. 14 50B <<>> •.' 14 5OA Ijg:11 -44 40 43 -42 <<>> SEP-23-98 10:43 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 13/20 5.755.056 ELECTRONIC FIREARM AND PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRONIC e. the passing of a prederermined period of inactivity of FIREARM f. the failure os ralfuncrion of the system control the fuearms: and BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 üi. Means for electronically derecting the presence of a resas or any coraponcas consected thereto; This invention relates to fircarms and more particularly to round of ammunition within the chamber of the barrei: lion. Specifically, the present invention relates to an elec- clectronic fireanas los firing electrically activated ammuni- iv. Means for monitoring the capacity of the voltage tronic fireain for firing electrically activated ammunition supply means; and and a process for controllias at electronic firear. 10 v. Electronic salty operatively connected to the safety While there are many prior refercaces to electronie fire- fring pin when the safety is in the safe position and for mechanists for preventing voltage from reacting the for firing electrically activated aramunition. these prior arms in general, and more spocifically to clectronic firearms rigger pull when the safety is in the safe position; preventing the syster control means from detecting 2 coordinating and controlling the fearma's electronic cora- references have failed to provide a control systera fox 15 trigger and the systern control macans, the electronic trigger B. Electronic trigger switch operarively connectad to the like there is a need for a brain to control the many compo posents and the functions they execure and regulate. Much switch adapted to sead a sigaal to the system control means gents in a human body and communicare with and monitor when the rigger is pulled: those consponents through at eloctronic network of nerves. 20 firing pia. the firing pin having a forward conductive end aad C. Electrical isclation roeaus insulating the body of the firearm to regulate the flow of clectricity, controi the many there is a teed fos a systera control or train in an cloctronic positioned to transmit voltage to a roud of ammuaition a seaward conductive area, the forward conductive end electronic components. ted moditox the functions of each component and the whole to assure a more reliable and within the chamber of the barrel oaly when the bolt assem accurate firearma. bly is in a closed and locked position. the rearward conduc- Accordingly. a need remains for a more reliable and 25 assernbly is in the closed and locked position; and rive area positioned to receive voltage only when the bolt aromunition. accurate clectronic fircara for firing electrically activated systera control means. D. Ai least one indicator optsatively connected to the SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The insurat invention further provides a process for firing 30 arra described above, comprising: electrically activated araraunition from the clectronic fire- a systera for controlling the firearm which exhibits a reli- The present invention provides an electronic fireara, and A Controlling and coordinating all firing, safety, power ability and level of control that has hererofare been unrvail. CODSErVARiOD, 2d diagnastic fuactions, and regulating the distribution of poser to the fring pia by; Specifically, the present invention provides, in an eloc. i. Increasing the voltage from the voltage supply means, ronic firearm for firing electrically activased ammunition andregulating the transmission of the increased voltage comprising a barrel attached to a recciver, a chamber foszaod to the ficine pis: in the terrel adjacent to the receiver. the recsiver being ii. Conserving power by isolating the sring pia from the adapred to receive at least one round of electrically fired voltage increasing means. and the voltage increasing arumunition. the tarrel and roceiver encased ia a stock a teans from the voltage supply means. upon the occur. moveable bolt assembly positioned withia the receiver, the rence of at least one condition selected from: bolt assembly being adapted to convey a round of ammu- a. the absence of a round of arumunition within the nition from the receiver into the chamber of the barcel. the chamber of the barrel; bolt asserbly corprising a bolt body, a bolt bandle capable as o. the safety being in the safe position; of raoving the bolt assembly arnong open, closed. and closed c. the boir being in the unlocked position: and locked positions, and an electrically cosductive firing I the bolt beiag in te open position; pin. s crigges asserably operacively connected to the bolt e. the passing of a predetesmained period of inactivity of having at least a "safe" and "fire" position. the improvenco; assembly, a voltage supply scans, and a sefety mechanismo f. the failure or malfunction of the system control the firearm: means of any component connected therero: A. A system control means receiving powes from the ii. Electronically detecting the presence of ammunition voltage supply means, progrararned to control firing, safety, withia the chamber of the barrel: pañics conservation, and diagnostic functions, the syster control means coraprisiag: iv. Moniroring the capacity of the vollage supply mcans; i. Voltage increasing means connected to transmit increased yoltage to the firing pin: y. Preventing voltage fron reaching the firing pin when ii. Switching meaos for isolariog the fring pin from the the safery is in the safe position and preveating the systers control front accepting the signal from the volkage increasing means. and the voltage increasing racans from the voltage supply means, the switching 60 safety is in the safe posicion: trigger switch zenerated by a wigger pull when the roczus being activated upon the occurrence of at least B. Sending a signal to the system control means when the one conditioo selected fróra: trigger is puiled: and 2. the absence of a round of ammunition within the charabes of the barrel; C. Indicating the status of the fircarma. d. the stuty being in the safe porition: 65 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS & the bolt being in toe opea positios: c. the bolt being in the unlocked position; invention. FIG. I is a side elevational view of a frearm of the <<>> SEP-23-98 10:44 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027373576 PAGE 14/20 5.755.056 present invention FIG. ¿ is a lett rear elevational view of a firearra of the çates with the system control to acuvate the fücarm In a preferred embodiment, the syster authorization switch is FIG. 3 is a wiring diagram of one embodiment of a frcarra key activated to prevent unauthosized activation df tre of the invention. frearm FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view in elevation showing one the voltage supply means, it chis embodiment a battery. bas According to the operational sequence discussed above, it embodiment of a bolt assembly and trigger assembly of e firearia of the present invention with the furing pin in its been inserted into the firearm the syster control will rearwardross positioa viable bauery is one that the system control determines receive power and check to assure the baitery is viable. A portion of the bolt assembly as it is moved tram the closed FIG. 5 is a fragmental side elevational view sbowing a exceeds z predetermined voltage level In the embodiment and locked position to the unlocked position. to the systera control nacans to convey information from the shown, an indicator such as au LED is operatively connected 2lo0g line 6u-6 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross sectional rear elevational view taken system control racaos regarding the status of the fircare to the operator. Specifically, the systern control racaos can FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a firing pia electrical 1s cause the LED to be illuminated in one color to signify that conract assembly. showing the contact housing in phaarona. the system control means is operational and it can cause the FiG, $ is a cross sectional view in clevation showing the infortuation. Altarately, the systera control can be con- LED to be illuminated in a diffarent color to convey other bolt assesably of FIG. 4 with the firing pin biased forward FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a firing pin and fring necred to several LEDs or other visual indicators, or the pin clectrical contact of the present invention 20 indicator can coasist of audio signals. In the embodimcut PIG. 10 is & fragrantal top plan view of a lurearma of the the LED 1o intermittently flash an crzor code to sigual an shown. if the systera control detects a weak battery, it causes : piesent invantion with the barzel assembly removed FIG. Il is a fragmental exploded view of a fireaiio of the estos and alert the operatos to the problema preseat invention According to the present operational sequence. if the 25 systern control has been activated and has determined that DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE the battery is viable, it will then check to determine wiretic INVENTION the frcama's clectronic safety swiech is in the sate position. Il the safety is not in the safe position. the system control The preseat iavention will be more fully understood by will dash an errar code zad recheck to determine whetber the reference to the figures. battery is viable. While the system control is communicating The description below pertains to one crabodimen of an firezite to be fired. If the condition causing the system an curor to the operator vis the LED. it will not permit the means of a ficatus of the present invention. Varistions zod operational sequence that can be utiized by a system control prodetermined period of time. the system contrad will place control to communicale the crror is not corrected within a modifications of this operational sequence can be substitated without departing frosa the principles of the invention. as 35 the firearm in a stoop mode. The sleep mode is discussed in will be evidcat to those sicilled in the ait. battery is viable and the safety is sot in the sate position, # detail below. Il the system control determines that the selected frota software. irmware, microcode. The systern control icans can yary widely, zod can be will continue to flash the error code on the LED until the microprocessor, microcontroller, discrete digivel logic, dis- so placed in the sate posicion. the system controi will place the safety is moved to the sale position. After the safety bas been crete 20alog logic. and custom integrated logic. and the like. The specific system control means selected can be pro. firearms in the sleep sode until the operatox causes the gramenco of otherwise directed to uttize an operationa system controi to awakes the fureasta. The process of awak. sequente of the presens invention by various metbads ening the firearm ford the sleep thode, called a warm stat. known in the computer ats. The system control rocans is 4s position to the fire positioa. is accomplished by switching the safety from the safe preferably embodied on a circuit bourt, zad the circuit board can be of a soccerlar type cormonly used in personal control racaos will place the firearm in a sieep mode to After determining that the battery is viable. the system eaviroamental or other exteroal conditions. the circuit board computers. To decrease the possibility of maifunction from uatil the actions of the fucar's operator chuse the system conserve power. The firearm will remain in the skep mode preferably comprises a protective surface modification. The systera control means can be withia the fizearra or extruai so control to awaken the fiream from the sleep mode. The to it. Howeves, it is preferably within the firearm and systern control racans can aotify the operator that it has positioning within the stock of the freama is especially LED. When the fuezite is in the sleep raode, the systern placed the frewm in the sleep mode by extinguishing the The operational, sequence is based upon an crobodirent ss reaDs. In the sleep moda, power couswaption is signifi. control isolates the firing pin from the voltage incrtasing control means is activated by the insertion of a voltage of a firearms of the present invention in which the systein cantly decreased and the potential of the frearm being supply meras, such as a bettery. Once activated, there are because the firing pin is electrically isolated and carbor accidentally discharged or activated is significantiy reduced iwo conditions from which the systera control incaus will procced to sualyze information and control the components 6o aramunition that raay be preseut in the chamber of the barrel reocive power, and thus caunot discharze any power to of the systers depeading on the circurastances, these being increasing means when the firearm is placed in the sieep In addition to isclating the firing pin from the voitage control incans upon being activaled. The system contral A cold start is defined as the initial activity of the systam increasing means frora the battery and cause it to safety mode. the system control will diso isolate lae voltage seats, preferably a commercially avasnore 9 volt battery. A means is activated by the installation of a volage supply 6s discharge any encryy stored therein system suthorization switch is provided which communi while in the sicop soda, toe force of the drop would not For example, if the firearm were loadod and dropped <<>> SEP-23-98 10:44 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 15/20 5.755.056 cause the dramunition to be activated because the firiug pin would have been electrically isolated by the syster control the barrel. the system control will recheck the safety to no round of ammuaition is derected withis the chamber of the trigger to close and activate the electronic trigger switch. means. Even if the force of the drop was sufficient to cause in the fise position, the firearm will be placed in the sleep deterine whether it is ia the fue position. If the safety is not control would not cause the system control to direct porc the logic signal sent by the trigger switch to the systesa s mode. If, however, the safery is in the fire position and no to Bow from the voltage increasing means to the firing pin. level to assure that the battery is viable. At this stage of the round is detected the systera will recheck the battory voltage been eliminated and thus would be insufficient to activate the and energy stored in the voitage increasing means will bave voltage level is above the second rainuour limit, the battery. sequence, if the system control determines chat the battery's armaudition Accordingly, the sleep mode fuaction of the systena control can belp prevear accidental activation of 10 boit. and round present check process will continue for aarqunition that may be in the chamber of the firearm under predetermined time period. attes which the fircarna will be the above circurnstances, and it provides a means of con- placed in sieep mode. serving the energy of the bauery effectively extending the detecting a round of antuauniton within the chamber. can The syster control, by corrunicating with the means for battery life. Consequently the firearm is more likely to be capabic of firing over a longer period of timo. 15 embodiments. the system control can aiso be adapted to rest detect the presence of a round in the chamber. In alternate will iniciate a warm start when the satcty is switched from When the firearm is in the sieep mode. the systera control the derecred mouad to deterraine if it is viable. as is more fully described below. the safe to the fire position. After the safety has been placed sequence. it will supply the voitage increasing means with As the system control continues to follow this operational in the fire position. the system control determines whether 20 power from the battery if is determiaes a round is present, or switched fors the safe to the fie position. This fortune the trigger has been pulled and held while the safety was In alternate embodiments, it the round in the charaber is furber livaits the possibility of accidental firing and is nor viable. When the systara control racaos determines that the fouad in many previous electronic firearmas. If the trigger has vottage increasing means is charged, it can notify the been pulled and held as the safety is being switched to the 23 operator that the fireams is ready to be fired by illuminating fire position, the system control will activare the caror code. the LED. At this point in the process. the power in the and will continue to flash the error code until the safety is voltage mereasing tacans will be reicased to the fixing pin switched back to the safe position. After the safety has boen trigger switch when the trigger is pulled. thus firing the When the system control receives a logic signal from the switched to the sate position the systera control will renta the fearm to the sleep raode wat a warm start is again 30 electrically activared round of ammunition. If the trigger is initiated The system control will not awaken the fream not pulled within a predererained period of time, the systemo until the safety is switched from the safe to the fire posidoo voltage increasing means to safely discharge the onengy will place the firearm in the sleep mode and cause the pulled during the transition frora safe to fre position. and the systera control does not detect the trigger being the change in the frearm's status through the LED. Whea stored thessin. The system control will notify the operator of been switched froza the safe to the tire position and the According to this operational sequence. if the safety has 35 the tirearm is placed in the sleep made wilt the safety in the systers control does not detect trigger pull by sensing the sleep mode by cycling the safety switch frora fire back to the are position, the operator may reawaiten the firearm from the condition and position of the switch in the trigger assembly. seic position. and back again to the fire position. fired. the voltage increasiog mcans and the LED will be stut According to this sequence, after the furcarto has boca down by the system control. which will then chock to an error code will be flashed to aotify the operator that the determine whether the safety is in the fire position. beery should be replaced. The system contral will then Subsequendy, the system control will check the voltage level compare the voltage level of the benery to a second prede. of the battery, wheiber the bolt assembly is closed and restained miniraura and it the voltage level is below the as locked, and whether & round is present in the chamber. If the socond predetermined minimum, the system control will safety is in the fire position. the battery is viable. the bolt is shur down the firearm. When the firearm is shut down, a new present in the chamber. the system coatrol will rerura to the closed and locked, and a viable sound of ammunition is batery must be inserted before the system control can te reactivated. Once the battery has been installed, the firearms firing sequeace derailed above. restarts in the cold start state as previously discussed. If the systera control determines that the voltage level is 50 the racans for detecting the presence and viability of a round By directly contxolling the voltage increasing means and below the first predetermined minimura but exceeds the provides a raeans of increasing the reliability of an alec- of zumunition within the chamber. the system control second predetermined minitoura, it will dash an error code while checking to determine whether the bolt assembly is in The system control receives a logic signal when the trigger tronic firearma for fring clectronically activated amraunition. mines that the bolt assembly is not in the closed and locked the closed and locked position. If the system control detes. as is pulled, bur this signal is not transforned inro a command position. it will continuc to check the voltage level of the ared with the electronic safety switch. the bolt assembly • nire the weapon uatil the system control has communi battery to determine if it exceeds the second minimum until the bolt assembly is closed and locked, However. if the bolt and the rocans for derecting the presence and viability of a assembly is not closed and locked within a predetermined 60 determined that all conditioas for which it has beta pro- round within the chamber. Only alter the syster control bes the sleep rode. period of tine, the systern control will place the firearma in furcarm to be fred If the preprograramed conditioas have all grataraed to check have been satisfied will it allow the voltage from the batery exceeds either predetermined mini- Atta the systora control determines thai the level of been met, upon the pulling of the rigger the syster control mun level and that the bolt assembly is in the closed and as power to the electronic contact on the digger assembly. will cause the voltage increasing means to discharge its locked position, it will proceed to check for the proscace of a sound of atomunition withia the chamber of the beral. It ammunition through the firing pin contact and the firing pin and to the <<>> SEP-23-98 10:45 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 16/20 5.755.056 7 8 ambodiments of a firearma of the present invention that can FIGS. I through Il show various aspects of possible from the princioles ot the invention, as will be evident to be adapted to utilize the operational sequence described those skilled in the at above. Variatons and modifications of these embodiments of a round within the charaber showa comprises a compara- The erabodirent of the rueans for defecting the prescace can be substituted without departing from the principles of the invention. as will be evident to those skilled in the art. 5 tor circuit Through the comparator circuit. the system In FIGS. I through 11 the firearm has a burel 1ø which control analyzes the impedance delected when it transmits a is attached to receiver 11. and a stock 12. The stock consists small level of curzent through the firing pin. If a round is of a forearta I2A at a forward portion thereol, a pistol grip present within the chamber. the current will to treasmitted I2B at a middle portion. and a butt 12C at a rearward portion from the firing pin through the round of arraudition and into thereof. Both the barrel and receives are encased in the 10 the barrel of the firearm. which acts as a ground and forearma 12A of the stock 12. The barrel has a chamber completes the circuit. By comparing the level of impedaace fortaed in its rear end where it is attached to the receiver. The detected with zu established level of impedance the system chamber is connected and adapted to receive aramunition control can deterine whether a round is present. and in stantially aligned with the barrel, and has a haddie 21. The is movably positioned withia the receiver. behind and sub- from the receiver. A bolt asserably, generally indicated as 20. detected round is viable. alternate embodiments. can also determine whether the FIG. 11 is a fragrental exploded view of the fircerm bartel 10. receiver 11, bolt assembly 28, and trigger assera showing the barrel asserably reraoved from the stock 12, and bly 40 comprise the barrel assembly of the firearm A safet FIG. 10 is a fragmentai top plan view of the frearm with the switch 14. is shown behind the bolt assembly, which is 20 barel asserably semoved. By removing the barel asserably. shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed and locked position. = Wind mate connection comprising two blind mate The fireasta has a syster control mcans 1. which in the connectors. 50A. zod SOB. is broken, and is easily made ertbodiment shown is in the butt of the stock. The fream when the barrel assembly is replaced in the stock. further comprises a voltage supply sacens 2, showa it tho butt of the stock. The youtage supply means. which in the In the Figures. the bolt assembly 20 has froat 201 and rear emboditoent shown is a battery. provides power to and is 25 the front end The boit asserbly can move longiadinally 20B ends 20d a bolt head Z2 comprising a bolt face 22A #t operatively connected to the syster control mcans. In the and rotationally within the receiver. More specifically, the Figures, the firearea bas an clectronic safety 14. 20 LED indicaror 3. 2nd a systern authorization switch 4 for control. bolt asserubly can be moved among opened, closed, and ling access to the firesita. The selection and positioning of 30 closed the bolt face is positioned within the rear of the closed and locked positions. When the bolt assembly is the LED indicator cas vary wideiy, according to the design chamber of the barrel. At the set end 20B of the bolt parameters of the particula fireara. in the cosbodiment discussod above, at least one visual LED indicator is posi. assembly there is a bandle. 21 for moving the bolt to its tioned on the stack of the fueard directly bebind the DigRes asserably 40 located below the receiver and within alternate open, closed. and closed zed locked positions. A receiver Similarly, the seloction and positioning of the 35 the forearon of the stock bas a trigger guard 41 which exteads system authorization switch can vary widely. but in the embadiment of the firearm shown, the systers authorization below and beyond the force and within the trigger gard is a trigger 42. The trigger assembly, sbown in FIGS. 4 and switch is key activased and locatod on the bottors portion of the pistol grip of the stock 11, is discussed in detail below. FIG. 3 is a wiring diagrara showing the voltage supply 10 and substantially aligned with the barel As shown in the The bolt assembly is positioned within the receiver bebiod LED indicator 3. and electronic safety switch 14 as they are means 2u sysiem control 1. systern zuthorization swilch 4. Figures, the bolt asserably includes a hollow bolt body 23 wired together. In addition. FIG. 3 shows a blind matc operatively connected at its rear end to a hollow bolt plug 24 which is sealed at its rear end. and a haodle 21 on the rear circuitry connection having one connector 501 mowerod to of the bott assembly which acts as a lever for moving the bolt 50B morusted into the forcar of the stock and attacbed to the trigger assembly 40 and a reciprocal mating connectox 45 assembly within the receiver. A movable firing pin assembly wires frown the systera control means. The reciprocal con- firing pin plunger 26. a fring pia plunger iasulator 27, a 25 is positioned within the bolt asserbly and consists of a pector mounted in the stock is positioned to mate with the other connector when the barrel assembly is installed in the plunger is operatively connected ar its forward end to the fring pin plug 28. and the firing pin itself 29. The firing pur ornes connector. a connection is provided whereby the firearma When the reciprocal connector is mated with the s0 firing pin plug. and the firing pia plug is opcratively con- electronic safery switch and the trigger assembly are con- nected at its forward end to the firing pin within the bolt nected to the systera control means. the fring pia plunger and the firing pin plug. The firing pin body. The firing pin plunger iasulator is positioned between incensina merns 5 and means for detecting the presence of 35 The system control muezas showa comprises voltage : the forward cad of the firing pi plunger, of it can comprise plunger insulator can be a separate component attacted to ment of the voltage increasing rocans showa comprises a a round of ammunition 6 withia the chamber. The crabodi- plunger. 20 insulating treatress to the forward end of the friag pin boost convertes to increase the voltage frora the baciary to the level necessary to initiate the ammunition. for example. end of the bolt plug and the firing pin plunges. biases the A friog pin spring 30. positioned between the sealed reas from 9 volts. if a barcy of that voltage is used as the power source. Io a voltage sufficient lo initiate the electricalty 60 firing pin forward by acing ou the firing pin plunger. A firing primed aramunition. The voltage increasing wenas typically pia shoulder 32 within the front end of the bolt body is comprises iaductors, diodes, capacitors and swilcbes, the and the rearward overgent of the firing pis is limited by the positioned to restrict the forward movement of the fuing pin. arrangeracot of which is dependent on the specific boost solvestes used Other ambodiments way ust coavatess es firing pin assembly in its rearwardmost position. while FIG plunger contacting the rear of the bolt plug. FIG. 5 shows the of these embodimeats can be substuted withour departing ober than the boost topology, Variations dad modifications round of aramunition within the chamber of the bearal. 9 sbows the firing pin asserably biased forward to contact a <<>> SEP-23-98 10:46 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 17/20 5.755.056 9 The firing pia plunger, firing pia plunger insulatox, friog 10 pia plug. and the firing pin are operatively connected to form bolt assembly is closed, and restricts forward motion when bolt asserably by contacting the trigger housing when the pia shouldes can be connected io the fring pin dad a past of he firing pid assembly, in alternate embodiments. the firing and the wigger housing secures the boll assetably by restrict the bolt is locked The contact between the boit plug detent the firing pin assembly. or it can be positioned within the bols s ing forwad motion of the bolt assembly when it is in the body. The firing pin assembly is movesble within the bolt assembly, but its moversent is restricted Specifically, the locked position, and the engagement berweet the lugs and firing pin shoulder within the front end of the bolt body is rearward motion of the bolt assembly when it is locked the slors further secures the bolt asserably by preventing positioned to restrict the forward moverace of the firing pin asserably by livaiting the forward roovement of the firing 10 4 through s, a firing pin contact asserably 37 consists of an In the embodiment of the bolt assembly shown in FIGS. piz, and the rearward reoversent of the firiog pia assersbly is limited by the rear of the firing pin plunger contacting the within the rear of the bot assembly to rotate and move with electrical contact 38 and an insulatiog housing 39 fixed rear of the bolt plug. The movable firing pin assembly, biased forward by firing the bolt assembly. The firias pin contact is positioned to Pia spring 30, ensures contact between the forward conduc. 1s in the aliernate crabodiment discussed above but not shown. connect the conductive area at the rear of the firing pie. or. cive tip of the firing pia and the primes cap as the rear of a to connect the conductive area at the rear of the fring pin round of ammunition within the chamber when the bolt assembly, with an electrical contact on the trigger assembly. asserably is closed and locked by permining the firing pin The circuit berween the fring pin contact and the clectrical asserably to position itself to compensace for manufacturing contact on the trigger assembly can only be cosapiered when variations in aramunidion. Retard travel of the firing pin 20 the bolt assembly is closed and locked. The firing pin contact firing. is Lisaited to provide support fos the electric primer during aud the conductive area at the rear of the firing pio remazin connected when the bolt is locked, even as the firing pia is Ia addition. the fring pin plug and the fring piz are biased forward by the firing pin spring and rearward by adapted to be adjustably connected, permitting individual round of ammunition within the chamber of the barrel. thos adjustment of the firing pin in relation to the firing pin plug 25 allowing for dimensional variations in individual rounds of so that the forward tip of the firing pin is adjustable with amanauziton and ensuring clectrical concact between the respect to the bolt face when the firing pin is biased into its firing pin and the firing pin coolact despite those variations. reatwardmost position. thus supporting the primer cap in the In addition. the movably mounted bolt assembly ensures that ararunition during firing and peeventing the firing pin from 30 pin and the trigger assembly electrical contact unless the bott 2n clectricel connection cannot be roade between the fring rearward by the ignition of around of arraudition within tho becoming lodged within the bolt body when it is forced is in the closed and locked position. thus augrenting the chamber, as showa in FIG. 4. system control. in an altercate trabodiment of the inveation. Is a alteraate embodimcat of the fring pin assembly to the contacs point can be the firing pin plug. which them bese shown, the firing pin plug is a threaded adjustment 35 transmits the current to the ammunition in the chambes. screw, and the bolt plug has a threaded aperture formed in Io FIGS. 4 throuet 8. the firing pia assembly is provided its rear end adapted to roceive the adjustent screw. The with electrical isolation means to insulate the body of the firing pin spring in the bolt plug biases the firing pio firing pin. and in the alterpate ersbodiment discussed above. asserably forward by acting on the bolt plug and the fring to insulate the body of the firing pin and the firing pin plug. FIG. 9 shows on exabodirent of the firing pia provided with firing pin plunger to restrict the rearward motion of the firing the electrical isolation medes. The electrical isolation raceas pin assembly, and cao be set so that the forward tip of the does not insulate the firing pin at a forward conductive end firing pin is adjustable with respect to the bolt face when the 29A tid rearward conductive area 29B. The forward con- ficias pis is ia its reawardmost position As in the cabodi- ductive end is positioned to transpit voltage to a round of racut of the firing pia asserably showa io FIGS. 4 through &. ammunition withia the chamber of the barrel only whee the the firing pin is biased forward to compensate for dimen- bolt asserably is in a closed and locked position. and the sional variations in ammunition to assure that the firing pin rearward conductive area is positioned to receive voltage only whea the bolt assembly is in the closed and locked the charaber. will be positioned to coaract z round of ammunition within position. Withia these pararueters. the electrical isolation Like the firing pia asserably, the bolt assembly is movably so insulatiog sleeve around appropriate pordons of the firing macans can yary widely, and can comprise an electrically mounted within the receiver of the firearm, and its move ment is diso limitad. On the forward end of the bolt fication of the fring pin. Cording materials which can be pin. a surface coating on the firing pin, or a surface modi- front end of the bolt body and has lugs (not shown) posi- asserably. the bolt head ta is operatively connectad to the applied preformed or in situ. Amorphous diamond or ceram- used for the fring pin include, for exampie, polymers tioned to engage slots (also not shown) formed in the froat ss ics can aiso be used for an insulating coating on the firing of the receiver. The slots exrend from the rear to the front of the receiver. The engagerent between the lugs and the stots found to be particularly satisfactory include alurnina and pin. Of the raany known ceramies that can be used those closed or closed and locked. In addition, when the bolt guides the bolt assembly, and defines its positioos as opcued. magnesia stabilized zirconia. Surface modification of she assembly is closed and lacked the cagagemet berween the so Still other coatings of treatents for the firing pin will be firing pia can aiso include, for exaraple, ion impizoration. bolt assembly. lugs and the slots prevents rearward rootion of the locked evident to those stilled in the art. The forward motion of the bolt asserably is also restricted which houses a rigger d2 operatively connected to a The trigger assembly corprises a trigger housing 43 when it is in the closed and locked position by a bolt plus microswitch 14, xod a trigger assembly contact 45. The is biased forward by a bair plug deless speing 6L The bott plug decent further rostricts the forward movemen of the <<>> SEP-23-98 10:48 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 18/20 5.755.056 11 12 trigger assembly contact and the furing pia contact se the bolt assembly is in the closed and locked position. che bolt assenably, wigger assembly, vollage increasing mcans. aligued to foria a closed circuit, bowever. the system control electronic salery, status indicator, blind mate circuitry will only perorit power to de transmited frora the voltage switching macans for isolating the firing pin also provide coanections. syster authorization switch. and electronic firing pin conract, the furing pia. and to a round of ammu- increasing means through the trigger assembly contact, the s desirable advantages. nition as described in detail above. za additional safety feature because the firing pin can only The movable configuration of the bolt assembly provides combination of advantages. Specifically, the fircar of the The firear of the presest invention provides a desirabie receive power. if the trigger is pulled and the systera control present invcution is made more reliable and accurate by the 10 permits. if the bolt asserably is in the closed and locked incorporation of a "brain." or systera control means. to position. If the bolt assauably is oor in the closed and locked process information received from the various electronic position. it will not be aligned with the contact on the trigger components of the firearma, and regulate and control those asserably, and thus the firing pin will be isolared from the corponents accordingly. thereby controlling the operation "brain" to monitor and control all electronic communica- of the firearma. By providing a system control menos or voltage increasing rocans and battery. 15 ensure contact berween the firing pin aad a round of amrou- The firing pin is movable within the bolt assembly to dions and functions. the fireans of the preseat invention is able to incorporate en increased number of electronic com- nition within the chasaber. given the reasonable folerances ponents to provide a more reliable and accurate mcans of meni of the firing pin is restricted so as to lend support to the and minure vasiations in the ammunition. Rearward move- firing electrically activated anaraunition. The process of the present invention provides one por 20 primer cap of a round of aramunition within the chamber. sible frareewark wbereby the syster control means can be The electronic switching means allows the systems control programmed to function. Dependiag on the particulas to isolate the firing pin and safely discharge the voltage : fircare. the framework of program can be modified increasing means troush a secondary path upon detection accordingly, and thus tae system control means can be of a malfunction. The electronic switching racens also adapied for use in any clectronie frearm, and can be further 2s perits the system conrol to isolare the firing pin if the programmed to perform specific additional fuactions, as well as to perform those functions according to different conditions specified, including. the absence of a round of firearm has been insctive for a period of time. or the othes pararocters. Fos example, the process can include various ammunition within the chamber of the barel; the frearm's aae perametess whereby ine system control means will place the freans in the slecp mode if the firearts has been 30 unlocked position: the bolt being in the goea position; the safety being in the safe position; the bolt being in the inactive over a period of time. turning off of the systera authorization switch; the detection to cortmunicale with the sensing means to determine not In addition, the system control means can be programa.co. of a level of voltage from the voitage supply means falling only the presence of a round of aramunition within the period of insctivity of the fireama; and the failure of mal- below a predetermined level; the passing of a proderermined chamber. but also whether that round is virble or 00t. This 35 can be accomplished, for example, by programming the connected thereto. function of the system control incas or any coroposent systerz control so incasure the impedance of the round within the chamber trough a comparator circuit of the type be disasserabled for closing os other perposes, without The bliod mate circuitry connections allow the firearza to known in the art. The system control checks for a specific range of acceptable impodance leveis. depeedent on the • 40 any wises. The contacts at positioned within each part of requiring the operatos to manually disconnect or Icconsect Specifically, an extremely low impedance would indicate a enounition suitable fos use with that particular frearm and disconnected when the firearna is disassembled. For the firearm to be connected when the focao is assembled. round If the ammunition falls within the predeserminca short. while an open circuit would indicate the absence of a firearta, cleaned, and reinserted. The clectrodic connections example. the bassel assembly can be semoved frosa the will charge the voltage increasing racaas in anticipation of range of acceptable impedance levels. the systema control 4s will be automatically remade when the barel assembly is fring the round. The means for determining whethes the reinserted. The blind rate circuitsy, in addition to sixopli- ment of the DC resistance of the round or measurement of detected round is viable can corprise means for racesure- ity as a result of the fact that the electronic connections fying the cleaning process, also provides increased reliabil. the AC impedance of the round. If the round is not viable so faulty or incomplete corrunication berween the compo between corponests will be automaticaliy made, preventing period of time, the systern condol will place the frearm in the LED will nor illuminale. and arter a prodetermited likelihood of short circuits or other electronic malfunctioas neuts and the systert contol raeans, and reducing the the sloop mode. By determining the viability of the round of ammunitioa present within the chamber. the syster coatol due to defective or incomplere connections. conserves energy. thereby increasing reliability, as wall as 5y provides a means of increasing the inherent accuracy of a Lo addition to the above advantages. the present inveation providing a mechanissa to screen out defective rounds of ammunition firearma by reducing its lock tire and eliminating the physi. In addition to checkiog the battery to determine the percussion firing pin. The only physical moveraent during cal movemeat typically associated with a racchanical or programmed to calculate the approximate number of rounds 6o amount of power available. the system control sacens can te that can be fired. given the voltage level of the battery. This intosmaation can be communicated to the operatos of the co change the bauery based on the ciscurastances as trac firearra, and the operator can act accordingly, deciding when We claim: tirac. 1. In an eloctronic fureams for friog clectrically activated parts of the fireatra of the present invention, includinz dre The electronically controlled and operated corpodeDt s ammunition comprisiog a buurel attached to a receiver. receiver being adaprod to receive ai least one sovad ol banaber formed in the barrel adjacent to the receiver. t <<>> SEP-23-98 10:47 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 19/20 5.755.056 13 14 encased in a stock a moveable bolt assembly positioned clectrically fired arquaition. the bastel and receiver its reat end, and the firing pin assembly within the bott body 3. A firearm of claim 2 wherein the boit plug is sealed at wund the receiver. the bolt assembly being adapted to didrey a round of ammunition from the recciver into the pin plunger positioned within the bolt plug and operatively corprises a firing pin plunger at its rearward cad, the fring body, a bolt bandle capable of moving the bolt assembly chamber of the barrel. the bolt assembly comprising a bott conneceed lo a fusing pin plug. a firing pin plunger insulator 25..ing open. closed. and the closed and locked positions. between the firing pin plunger and the fring pin plug. and a anú an electrically conductive firing pin, & tigger assembly firing pin spring positioned between the scaled rear end of firing pin at the forward end of the firing pin asserably, a operatively connected to the bolt assembly, a voltage supply means, and a safety mechanism having at least a safe and fire the bolt ping and the rearward end of the firing pin plunger position, the improvemen: corprising: s0 to bias the firing pin forward by actiog on the fring pia A A system control means receiving power from the plunger. a firing pia shoulder within the front end of the bait voltage supply means, programmed to control fring. body positioned to restrict the forward roversent of the satery, power conservation. and diagnostic functions. futing pin, the rearward roversent of the fring pin being i. Voltage increasing macans connected to transmif the system control means comprising: is a bole head operatively connected to the front end of the boit liraited by the plunger contacting the rear of the bolt plug. increased voltage to the firing pia: body having lugs positioned to cogage slors extending from i. Switching reeans for isolating the firing pin from the barrel. a firing pin contact at the reat end of the bolt the front of the raceiver into the rets of the chamber of the voltage increasing mcans. and the voltage increasing rocans from the voltage supply mezas, the swisching so : of the firing pin with an electrical contact on a trigger asserably positioned to connect the rearward conductive area Incans being activated upon the accurzence of seleast one condition selected from: assembly when the bolt assembly is in the closed and locked 2 the absence of a round of ammunition within the plug, a bolt plug detent on the bolt plug, a bait plug detent position, a bolt plug assembly comprising the hollow bott b. the safety being in the sefe position; chamber of the barrel: 25 detent to bias the bolt plug detent forward, and a projection spring positioned berwees the bolt plug and the bolt plug d. the boit being in the open position; c. the bolt being in the unlocked position; on the bolt plug detent positioned io engage the trigger e the passing of a prodetermined period of inactivity assembly when the bolt is closed. of the firearm: and firing pin are adapted to be adjustably connected to perrait B. A fircarm of claim 3 wherein the fring pia plug and the I. the failuze or malfunction of the system control so means or any composest connected thereto; adjustracar of the fring pin in relation to the firing pin plug iii. Means for cectronically derocting the prosence of a round of ammunition within the chamber of the wardrost position. respect to the bolt face when the firing pin is in its rets- so that the forward tip of the firing pin is adjustable with barrel: iv. Micans for monitoking the cepacity of the voltage 3s threaded firing pin adjusoment screw adapted to fit into a 5. A firearro, of claim 3 werein the firing pin plug is a y. Electronic safery operatively connected to the safety supply means; and threaded aperture in the reas end of the bolt plug. and the mechanism for prevesting voltage from reaching the screw at its rearward end. the screw operatively consocted tring pin assembly comprises the fring pia adjustment for preventing the systera control means from detect- to firing pin when the safety is in the safe position and firing pin asserably operatively connected to the trius pin to a firing pia plunger. the firing pin at the forward end of the position; ing a trigger pull when the safety is in the safe plunger. and a firing pio plunger insulator between the fring B. Electronic trigger switch operativaly connected to the biased forward by the firing pin spring acting on the firing pia zad the firing pin plunger, the firing pin assembly being trigger and the systera control means, the clectronic trigges switch adapted to stad a signai to the systera pin plunger and the rear of the bolt plus. control means when the trigger is pulled; plug detest biased forward by the bolt plug detent spring. is 6. A firearo of claira 3 wherein the projection on the bolt C. Elecirical isolation means insulating the body of the firing pin. the firing pin having a forward conductive trigger asserably and wherein the bolt asserably. when in the positioned lo contact a projection on the rezi end of the end and a rearward conductive area, the forward con- ductive end positioned to transmit voltage to a round of 50 ararunition within the chamber of the barrel only when action of the derent and the rating projection. securing the closed and locked position, is biased rearward by the inter- the bolt assembly is in a closed and locked position. the bolt assembly in position with the help of the interaction of rearward conductive ares positioned to receive voltage the lugs with the slors in the receiver. only when the bolt asserably is in the dosed and locked is selected from at least one of the group consistiog of 7. A fireama of claim 1 wherein the systera control mcans D. At least one indicator operatively connected to the position: zad 55 software, firmaware, microcode, microprocessor. system control recaos. microcontroller. discrete digital logic. discrete analog logic. 2. A firearm of claim 1 wherein the bolt assembly has tront and custom integraíed logic. and rear ends and is movably positioned within the recejver is a microcontrollar. 8. A forearma of claim 1 wherein the syster control means behind and substantially aligned with the bausel, the bolt 6 asserably comprising & bollow bolt body operatively can- is positioned within the stock 9. A firearm of claim 1 wherein the system control rocans the rees of the bolt assembly, a movable fring pin assembly pected at its rear end to a hollow balt plug, a boll baadle on is exresaal frons the firearma. 10. A firearma of claim i wherein the systera control means a firing pin spring to bias the firing pin asscmbly forward by 55 is a removable moduler circuit bourd. within the bolt body having forward and rearward ends, and IL. Afirearra of claima 1 whercia the system control reaRs acting besween the bolt ping and the reat of the firing pin assembly. comprises a prolective surfaoo modificacion It A firears of claim 11 wherein the circait basrd <<>> SEP-23-98 10:47 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN ID: 5027379576 PAGE 20/20 5.755.056 15 16 means is & boost convertes corprising at least one inductor. 13. A firearra of claira i wherein the voltage increasing activated by the systera control rocaos to isolate the firing 34. A firearm of claim 32 wherein the switching rocans is diode. capacitor. and switch. 14. A fircarra of claira 1 whercia the means for electroai- voltage supply means below a predeterrained level. pio upon the delection of voltage emanating from the cally detecting the presence of arquad of ammuniton within S is adapted to moditor the level of voitage emanating from the 35. A fuearm of claim I wherein the syster control means positioned to contact electrically conductive portioas of a che chamber of the barrel comprises et least two electrodes voltage increasiog meaos. round of aramuaition within the chamber. 36. A fiseama of claim 35 whereia the systera control 15. A firearma of chita 14 wherein one electrode is the siring pin upon the detection of power emanating from the means is adapted to cause the switching meaas to isolate the firing pin. 16. A firearm of claim 14 wherein the means for elec- 10 voltage increasing means in excess of a predetermined level. monically derecting the presence of a round of arraunition activated by the system control macaos to isolate the firing 37. A firearra of clair 35 wherein the switching means is whether the detected round is viable. within the charaber further comprises means for determining pio upon the detection of voltage emanating from the 17. A fircaria of claim 16 whereio the means for deter- voltage increasing mezus below a predetermined level. mining whether the detected round is viable comprises 15 tion fora an electronic firearm comprising a barrel attached 38. In a process for firing electrically activated ammuni- means for tacasurement of the DC resistance of the round. 18. A firearta of claim 16 wherein the means for deter- io a receiver, a charaber formed in the barrel adjacent to the mining whether te detectad round is viable comprises round of electrically fired aramunition. the barrel and received. the receiver being adapied to receive at least one rocans for ratasuremen of the AC impedance of the round. 19. A firearm of claim I whercin the electrical isolation 20 positioned within the receiver, the bolt assembly being recciver encased in a stock, a movesble bolt asserably pin, means comprises a modification of the surface of the firing into the chamber of the barrel, the bolt assembly corprising adapted to conyey a round of ammunition from the receiver comprises ion implantation. 20. A firearm of claims 16 wherein the surface modification a bolt body, a bolt handle capable of moving the bolt 21. A fuearm of clair i wherein the electrical isolation zs positions. and an electrically conductive fring pin, a trigger assemoly among open, closed and closed and locked means comprises an insulatiog coating. 22. A fircara of claim 21 wherein the insulating coating voltage supply mcans, and s safety baving at least a safe and asserably operatively connected to the bolt assembly, a comprises amorphous diamond comprises ceranoic. 23. A, firearm of cinim 21 wherein the insulatiog coating A Controlling and coodinating all firing, safety. powes from the group consisting of alumina and maguesia stabi- 2À. A firearm of claim 23 wherein the ceramic is selected 30 the disarbution of power to the firing pio by; conservation, and diagnostic functions. zad regulating lized zirconia. i. Increasing the voltage frora the voltage supply increzsed voltage to the fring pin; rocans. and icgulating the traosmission of the ii. Conserving power by isolating the fring pin from the circuitry conrections operatively connectiog and providing 76. A firearm of ciaim 1 furtber coroprising blind mate means from the voltage supply means. upoa the voltage increasing means, and the voltage increasing components associaied with the receiver. chamber of the electronic siguals, commands, and poover to ail electronic a the absence of a round of arumuaition within die occurrence of at least one condition selccred from: barrel, and stock of the firearm. 27. A firearm of claim 26 wherein the bliod rate circuitry 40 b. the safety being in the safe position: charaber of the barrel; connections are wired in place in the stack and the barrel and made when the fircar is asserably of the firean, so that the connections are braken & the boit being in the open position: c. the bolt being in the unlocked position: reasserabled, respectively. disassembled and 28. A firearza of claima I further comprising a system 65 a the passing of a predetermined period of inactivity authorization switch. f. the failure or malfunction of the systera control cion switch coropsises a key switch io activate the systero 29. A firearn of claim 28 whercia the systera authoriza- ili. Electronically detecting the presence of aramunition means or any component connected thereto; control means. 30. A fears of claims 1 wherein the systera control racens 30 iy. Monitoring the capacity of the voltage suppis within the chamber of the barrel: when the safety is in the safe position by sejecting signals and electronic safery are adapted to isolate the firing pin v. Preventing voltage from reaching the firing pin whea mesas: and pulled, and (by when the trigger is pulled and held while the received from the trigger switch (2) when the trigger is the safety is in the sale position and preventing the arigger switch generaled by a trigger pull when the system contal fone accepting the signal from the safety is switched frora the safe position to the fue position. is adapred to cause energy stored ia the voltage increasiag 31. A firearta of claim 1 wherein the system control means B. Sending a signal to the system control means when the safety is in the sale position: isolation of the firing pin. means to be diverted to a secondary discharge patt upon C. Indicating the status of the firearm rigger is pulled: and is adapred to monitor the level of voltage emanating from the 32 A firearza of claim I wherein the systern control means do whether a delected round of aramunition within the chamba 39. A process of claim 38 furcher comprising detaining voltage supply means. means is adapted to causo the switching rocans to isolate the 33. A firearo of claim 32 wherein the syster control is vizble. indicating the status of the firearra 40. A process of claira 38 further corprising visually voltage supply means in excess of a predecimined level. friag pin upon the detection of pores emanating from the ===== <<>> Remington. REMINGTON ARMs COMPANY, INC. 870 REMINGTON DRIVE P.O. BOX 700 98-0331 MADISON, NC 27025-0700 1-910-548-8700 August 14, 1998 Dr. Charles H. Ke U.S. Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation 400 Seventh Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20590-0001 Subject: Classification of Electrically-Initiated Cartridges, Smai LArms Dear Dr. Ke: I refer to our meetings of February 14, 1996 and July 23, 1998 regarding the classification and approval of Cartridges, small arms which are : nitiated electrically as opposed to a percussion type primer. Specifically, we wish to classify these cartridges in accordance vith § 173.56(h) of 49 CFR which permits the manufacturer to assign a classification code of 1.45 provided the cartridges meet the criteria stated in § 173.56(h)(1)(2)(3)(4). Tle electrically-initiated cartridges do meet this criteria. Initially, you had some concern in applying the provisions of § : 73.56(h) for the classification of these products due to the lack of information that was available as to how these new products would behave when subjected to adverte conditions, especially electromagnetic radiation, etc. To develop this information, we requested the U.S. Army, Picatinny Arsenal to perform electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation tests on th: electrically-initiated cartridges including separate tests on electrically-initiated primers and empty, electrically-initiated primed cases. Attached is a copy of Picatinny's fax of July 2, 1998 in which tley recommend, that the lectric-primed products are safe for shipping in the same way 'hat the non-electr rimers are presently shipped. Also attached, for your review, are descriptions an results of the tests performed by Picatinny Arsenal. • and nour <<>> Based on this added information, we believe that the provisions of § 173.56(h) are applicable for the classification of electrically-initiated cartridges, small arms. Please advise if you concur with our opinion. As requested, attached you will find the following: • Data Sheet containing details on packaging, description of how the product functions, chemical composition and physical characteristics of the explosive substance • Material Safety Data Sheets • Product drawings Please let me know if you require any additional information. I can be reached by phone or fax at (610) 444-2696. We appreciate your assistance and look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Robert Van Duzer Hazardous Material Consultant rvd/hs Attachments cc: D. Schluckebier S. Dwyer A.D. Johnson S. Uebele COmpeRVYREMARMS BLECTRIC DOT LTX 42 AUG 99.wpe <<>> From: Daniel Gleez 10: Lal uamer WEI LAYO ... U.S. Army, TACOM-ARDEC Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806 ALDEC dgutierr@pica.army.mil http://www.pica.army.mil/orgs/ccac/ccf/e3capab.html The Electromagnetic Environmental Effects(E3) Team To: Dale Danner From : Daniel Gutierrez (Screvcresson Fax Number : 7-502-765-4420 Company: US Army, TACOM-ARDEC Date : 7/2/98 Time: 4:27:18 PM | For Information Call: 973-724-4687 Subject: Remington ESD and RF Test Results Fax Number: 973-724-4082, 6681 Van Duzer Consulting Services R.A. Van Duzer 121 Beverly Drive Kennett Sq., Penn 19348 Dear Mr. Van Duzer: Remington Arms requested the Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Team, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ to perform an independent assessment on its 22 cal electric primer cartridge. configurations. Preliminary test results were faxed to Remington and eventually they will be faxed to your company for review. Based on the test results, our organization recommends that the electric primers are safe for shipping in the same way that the non-electric primers are presently shipped. A final report will be provided that includes more detail regarding the procedures, test results and recommendations for all of the above tests. POC for this program is Mr. Daniel Gutierrez, 973-724-4667. CF: Mr. Dale Danner, Remington Arms Attention: Do not process, store or transmit classified information on unsecured telecommunications systems, official DoD telecommunications systems, including facsimile machines are subject to monitoring ## Provenance - Official: Yes - Source: - Source ID: `phmsa` - SHA-256: `b0e55d2dd336e040fa732c4b5062098407553cf4f3282342e24e945f076a1d2b` - Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z - Exported: 2026-08-23T12:40:45.767Z - Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-98-0331` ### Source metadata ```json { "materialSubtype": "interpretation", "interpretationArea": "hazardous_materials", "representation": "full_text_from_official_pdf", "companies": [ "Remington Arms Company, Inc." ], "individuals": [ "Mr. R. A. 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