{"operation":"document","citation":"98-0331","title":"Remington Arms Company, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"1998-11-12","effective_on":null,"summary":"98-0331 response to Remington Arms Company, Inc. concerning 173.56.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0331.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0331.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0331","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980331.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\nWashington, D.C.\n400 Seventh Street, S.W.\n20590\nResearch and\nSpecial Programs\nAdministration\nNOV 12 1998\nMr. R. A. Van Duzer\nRef. No. 98-0331\nHazardous Materials Consultant\nRemington Arms Company, Inc.\nPost Office Box 700\nMadison, NC 27025-8700\nDear Mr. Van Duzer:\nThis is in response to your letter of September 23, 1998, requesting classification of your company's\nelectrically initiated small arms cartridges under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR\nParts 171-180). You also submitted technical information for our review.\nAfter reviewing the information provided in your letter we have concluded that, for classification\npurposes, electrically initiated small arms cartridges should be treated in the same manner as\nconventional percussion primed small arms cartridges. It is the opinion of this Office that electrically\ninitiated small arms cartridges meeting the provisions of § 173.56(h) may be assigned a classification\ncode of 1.4S by the manufacturer.\nIf I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.\nSincerely,\nEdward T. Mazzullo\nDirector, Office of Hazardous\nMaterials Standards\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\nNote to the file of Remington Arms Company\nSubject:\nClassification of electrically initiated small arms cartridges\nThe issue raised by Remington Company is whether DOT concurs with Remington's view that\ntheir electrically initiated small arms cartridges may be classed as 1.4S item according to the provision\nof 49 CFR 173.56(k). I have reviewed the technical information submitted by Remington Arms Co.\nand concluded that for classification purposes we shall treat the electrically initiated small arms\ncartridges the same as the conventional percussion primed small arms cartridges. My recommendation\nis based on the following analysis:\n1. The electrically initiated small arms cartridges are physically constructed in the similar manner as the\nconventional percussion primed cartridges except the initiation mechanism is different. Both type of\ncartridges are similar in physical dimensions (caliber) and function characteristics.\n2. The electrically initiated cartridges were designed and tested (shown by studies conducted at\nPicatinny Arsenal, U. S. Army) to be safe from accidental initiation by Stray Electrostatic Discharge or\nElectromagnetic Radiation under transport conditions.\ncharle Ke\n1/6/98\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\nRemington.\nREMINgTON ARms COMPANY, INC.\n870 REMINGTON DRIVE\nP.O. BOX 700\nMADISON, NC 27025-0700\n1-910-548-8700\nSeptember 23, 1998\nDr. Charles H. Ke\nU.S. Department of Transportation\nResearch and Special Programs Administration\nOffice of Hazardous Materials Transportation\n400 Seventh Street, S. W.\nWashington, DC 20590-0001\nSubject: Classification of Electrically-Initiated Cartridges, Small Arms\nDear Dr. Ke:\nI refer to my letter of August 14, 1998, copy attached, and our meeting of September 17,\n1998 regarding the classification of electrically-initiated Cartridges, small arms.\nSpecifically, we wish to classify these cartridges in accordance with §173.56(h) of\n49CFR which permits the manufacturer to assign a classification code of 1.4S provided\nthe cartridges meet the criteria stated in §173.56(h)(1)(2)(3)(4). The\nelectrically-initiated cartridges do meet this criteria.\nDuring our meeting you requested that I obtain some additional information to\nsupplement the data attached to my letter of August 14, 1998. As this information was of\na technical nature, I requested David Schluckebier, Staff Engineer, of our Research &\nDevelopment Center, Elizabethtown, KY to provide me with the requested information.\nAttached you will find his letter to me of September 18, 1998 which covers the\nclarification and explanation of the below listed points:\n• Remington's statement on the safety of the electrically-initiated cartridge versus the\nsafety of the conventional percussion primed cartridge\n• Description of how the electrically-initiated cartridge functions\n• Description of how the \"electronic\" firearm functions\n• Standards associated with Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance\n(HERO) testing\nREM 021 6/96\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\n• =\n• Packaging identification for electrically-initiated cartridges\nIn addition, attached you will find product drawings and a copy of U.S. Patent No.:\n5,755,056 which covers the electronic firearm. The patent for the cartridges has not yet\nbeen issued, it is pending.\nWe believe that the provisions of §173.56(h) are applicable for the classification of\nelectrically-initiated Cartridges, small arms. Please advise if you concur with our\nopinion.\nWe are hopeful of introducing this new cartridge in the very near future (November\n1998). One of the conditions for us to satisfy, of course, is the classification issue. We\ntherefore, trust that you will be in a position to advise us of your decision shortly.\nPlease let me know if you require any additional information. I can be reached by phone\nor fax at (610) 444-2696.\nWe appreciate your assistance and look forward to your reply.\nSincerely,\nPalet Can Dyes\nRobert Van Duzer\nHazardous Materials Consultant\nrvd/hs\nAttachments\ncc: D. Schluckebier\nS. Dwyer\nA.D. Johnson\ncompaq#Sremarms cloctric dot letter H3 apt 98.wpe\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\n+\n!\n-\nRemington.\nREMINGTON ARMs COMPANY, INC.\nRESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY CENTER\n315 W. RING ROAD\nELIZABETHTOWN, KENTUCKY 42701-9318\n(502) 769-7600\nFAX (502) 737-9576\nSeptember 18, 1998\nMr. R. A. Van Duzer\n121 Beverly Dr.\nKennett Sq., PA 19348\nDear Bob,\nPer our discussion this morning, the items below contain further clarification and explanation required by\nDOT personnel.\ninvolving Personnel Electrostatic Discharge (PESD) and Hazardous Electromagnetic Radiation\nOrdinance (HERO).\nPESD: As a result of this testing, PESD results showed that the ammunition would not fire when\nHERO: Remington will control electric primer sensitivity with an allfire/nofire specification for which\nsubjected to a 25,000 Volt electrostatic discharge in free space testing.\nall primer lots will be qualified for use. The allfire voltage specification is 130 volts and is the\nstatistical voltage level at which all primers will fire. The nofire voltage specification is 20 volts and is\nthe statistical voltage level at which all primers will not fire. The nofire voltage specification is used\nammunition was subjected to HERO field strengths/frequencies, it was shown that the worst case\ndirectly in the determination of the ammunition safety when considering HERO test results. After the\nHERO condition provided an induced voltage across the primer mix that was less than 45% of the\nnofire voltage. Most of HERO field strengths/frequencies test showed induced voltages well below\n45% of the nofire voltage. In summary, the worst case HERO test condition provided a safety factor of\nat least 2.2 (of the product not firing)with most test conditions exhibiting a much higher safety factor\nfrequency range includes potential sources of commercial as well as military radio frequency emitting\n(approaching infinity for many test conditions where no measurable voltage was measured). The HERO\ndevices. These include but are not limited to walkie talkies, cellular phones, Cbs, AM, FM stations,\nground radar, VHF and UHF TV, Aeronautical radionavigation, satellites transmissions, etc..\n• Description of how the ammunition functions: The primer in the cartridge is initiated by current\nflowing through the high explosive mix. A conductive ingredient is included in the otherwise\nnonconductive high explosive mix to allow the current to flow. The primer mix acts as a resistor.\n\"resistor\". The heat is what is believed to initiate the primer mix. The primer mix detonation is\nWhen a high enough voltage is applied, an adequate current flows through the primer mix to heat the\nchanneled through a \"flashhole\" in the shell to the shell interior where a propellant charge is ignited\nidentical to conventional ammunition. The propellant builds enough pressure until it exits the shell via\ndue to the high explosive shock, high temperature, and superfluous deflagrating particles which is\nthe path of least resistance. The pressure would normally exit an \"unconfined\" shell (unconfined\nmeaning not in a gun chamber) at either the bullet end, primer end, or by rupturing the shell wall at its\nweakest point, again, identical to conventional ammunition.\nDescription of how the gun functions: The function of the gun is described in the attached US Patent\n#5,755,056. A brief summary of how the gun functions can be described as follows. The gun is built\nin the likeness of a Remington Model 700 bolt action rifle. It is powered by a single 9 volt battery. A\n*SPORTING ARMS - AMMUNITION - TARGETS - APPAREL - ACCESSORIES - STREN FISHING LINES\nDOT4.DOC\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\n1=.:\n...\nconventional bolt action gun. With the cartridge in the chamber and the bolt locked down, the gun is\ncartridge as depicted on drawing C22108 is chambered in the bolt action gun as you would with any\nprepared to fire by pushing the safety \"off\" (identical to a conventional bolt action gun). When the\nsafety is pushed to the fire position, a capacitor in the gun stock is charged up to 150 Volts. When the\ntrigger is pulled, the circuit is completed and the 150Volt potential is applied to the contact (EXP3850,\nsee attached drawing EXP4104) via an insulated firing pin which is housed in the bolt of the gun. The\nProposed Packaging: Caliber, Index Number, and Product Name will appear on the ammunition\n150 Volts forces a current to flow through the primer mix which initiates the cartridge.\ninstance, we may \"invent\" a new word that becomes the Brand or Product Name such as Xerox.\npackaging as stated below. The product name may or may not infer electrically initiated cartridges. For\nHowever, there will be, at the very least, a descriptor on the packaging that states \" electrically initiated\nmarketing department envisions this message to be on the front and back panels and perhaps the end\ncartridges\", \"electric ammunition\" or \"electric primed ammunition\"... or words to that effect our\nIf you have any other questions, please contact me.\nSincerely,\nlave Schluckebren if\nDave Schluckebier\nStaff Engineer\ncc: J. Dwyer\nS. Uebele\nR. Shanks\n2\nDOT4.DOC\n\n<<<PAGE 7>>>\n\n• PRODUCT DWG. NO.\n:C22108\nREMINGTON ARMS CO. INC.\nADDITIONAL USES\nRECORD\nLONOKE, ARKANSAS\n22-250 REMINGTON\nNEE\nC.F. CARTRIDGE\nэСМЕ: 3Х\nSUPERSEDES DHO.:\nSAME NO.\nDRAMA EY\nRWB\nCHECKED BY RCO APPROVED BY\nDATE\n11-8-56\nDATE\n11-8-85 OATE\nADDED OR\nREMOVED\nPRIMER\nBULLET\nCTG. LENGTH A\nDESCRIPTION\n177\nB22201\n2.290 - 2.345\n55 GR. HPPL\n177\nB22108\n2.290 - 2.345\n55 GR. PSP\n177\nEX40086\n2.325 - 2.345\n50 GR. Y-MAX\n196\nEX40086\n2.325 - 2.345\n50 GR. V-MAX\nPRIMER\nS22108•\nBULLET -\n10:40 FROM: REMINGION ETOWN\nSEP-23-98\nA\n\n<<<PAGE 8>>>\n\nTe ON, R002 10 1 HANS\nMAZERIAL ARE MEAT TARAT\n5/20\nPROPRICTARY BH DAVATION TO THE\nTHIS CHAMIND ON INFORMAYION IS\nINTEAK SEC PALL CRAMLIG\nREMSHSTON HANS COMPANY, INC.\nHAA035 ..\nI WAI\nHEAT DACAT RHO GOROM TB AG DOME DT\nREVANCHAR\nPAGE\nID: 5027379575\nFOR\nXP407\nNY1\nETOWN\nPRIMER MIX\nFROM: REMINGTON\nPALMER CUP\nEXP3878\nL\nCONTAC\n:XP3850•\n- NSP4359 O\n10:40\nSECTION A-A\nE-PATHE\n-23-98\n•\nSEP\nC-E\n'.:\n\n<<<PAGE 9>>>\n\n6/20\nBob\nPAGE\nThis shows gun/etg inter face\nbut is a prior prime desiga.\nDove б\n9/22/98\nALLOY\nBRASS SMELL\n260\n- POLYMER CUP\nSTEEL COINED DISK\nID: 5027379576\nSTEEL\nSEP-23-98 10:41 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN\n- STEEL BOLT I\nSTEEL CUP\n-STEEL FIRING PIN\n* 41\n\n<<<PAGE 10>>>\n\nSEP -23-98\n10:41 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN\nID: 5027379576\nPAGE\n7/20\n:.\nLAW OFFICES\nHUNTLEY & ASSOCIATES\n1105 NORTH MARKET STREET\nWILMINGTON, DE 19899-0948\nP.0.BOX 948\nTELEPHONE: (302) 428-0810\nDONALDW. HUNTLEY\nFACSIMILE: (302) 426-0612\nMARK C. GREGORY\nHUNTLEY@MONOPOLIZE.COM\nE-MAIL:\nGREGORYAHONOPOLIZE.COM\nMay 29, 1998\nIN TURN\nMr. Dale R. Danner\nMr. Vincent B. Norton\nMr. James W. Ronkainen\nMr. David S. Wolterman\n: Remington Arms Company, Inc.\nR&D Technical Center\n315 West Ring Road\n• Elizabethtown, KY 42701-9318\nRA-0269\nU.S. Patent No.: 5,755,056\nIssued: May 26, 1998\nTitle: Electronic Firearm and Process for Controlling an Electronic Fireerm\nGentlemen:\nof the patent is enclosed.\nThe above case issued on May 26, 1998 as U.S. Patent No. 5,755,056. An original copy\nCongratulations on the issuance of this casel\nYours sincerely,\nDon\nDonald W. Huntley\nEnclosure\nc: Wayland E. Hundley, Esquire (w/o encl.)\n\n<<<PAGE 11>>>\n\nSEP-23-98\n10:41 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN\nID: 5027379576\nUSOU575505&A\nPAGE\n8/20\nUnited States Patent (397\n[11) Patent Number:\n5,755,056\nDanner et al.\n145) Date of Patent:\nMay 26, 1998\n(54) ELECTRONIC FIREARM AND PROCESS\nBIREARM\nFOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRONIC\n3,650,174\n3.613.282 10/1971 Ramsay.\n3.814,017 6/1974 Backstein et al...\n3/1972 Noises\n4,332,098\n$.329,803 5/1982 Jobason.\n89/25.05\n[7S] Inventors: Dale R. Dander, Gleadale; Vincest B.\n4.347.679 91952 Gruaig et al.\n6/1982 Esteery.\nRonicainer. Hodgeaville; Darid Si\nNorton, Elizaberblown: James W.\n4,563,528\n1/1986 Kaiezeskore ....\nwwwy\n42184\n4.793.085 12/1988 Saramski.\n42/84\nWolterman. Flizabethiowa, all of Ky.\nS,301,448\n4,960,093 10/1990 QuaD...\n5303.495\n4/1994 Harbrock...\n4/1994 Peccick o d.......\n42/70.01\n89/28.05\n[73] Assignee: Remington Artas Compeny, Inc,\nMadison. N.C.\n5.329,840\nнт 89/135\n• 42/64\n[2I] Appl No.: 680,490\nFOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS\n[22] Filed: Jul. 15,1996\n2837738 211980 Gorany ....\n1... 42184\n[52] U.S. Cl....\nF41A 19/58; F4IA 19/70\nAssistant Exonirer-Christopber K. Montgomery\nPrimary Examizer-Michael J. Carone\n[58] Field of Search\n.. 42/84. 1.01, 1.03.\n- 52184; 89128.05\nAROTTAy ABert, or Firm-Hundey & Associaes\n42/1.05; 89/28.05.28.1\n[573\nABSTRACT\n:\n[5G]\nReferences Cited\nU.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS\n3,255,547\n3250.034\n5/1966 Sinanaces\n611966 Grazory, JI.\nи.. 42/84\nand a process los operatiog the firetro.\n40 Claims, 4 Drawing Streets\n20B\n26 30\n27\n28\n-6\n20A\n29\n23\n37\n24%\n61\n- 6\n35\n120\n37\n22\n224\n45\n43-\n46\n\n<<<PAGE 12>>>\n\nFig 1\n33199724\n7.40\nL12A\nin\n42\n-41\n120\ntjg.2.\n20\n5рд. 3.\n14\n21\n5\n1\n2\n43\n6\n128\n<12C\n\n<<<PAGE 13>>>\n\n.+.\n208\n26 30\n27\n- 28\n-6\nFpg.4\n29\n23\n31\n24/60\n61\n50-6\n25\n~20\n31\n24 27\nI jg.5.\n1728 38\n-47\n-46\n26\n43L0\n39\nIjg.6.\nHjg.z.\n29.\n39\n38\n39\n+38\n-38\n40 -\n-45\n37\n\n<<<PAGE 14>>>\n\ntoo\n39\n37\nFig 8.\n29\n61\n60\nE20738\n23\n40\n38\n28\n298\n29\n0 38\nFjg:10.\n14\n50B\n\n<<<PAGE 15>>>\n\n•.'\n14\n5OA\nIjg:11\n-44\n40\n43\n-42\n\n<<<PAGE 16>>>\n\nSEP-23-98\n10:43\nFROM: REMINGTON ETOWN\nID: 5027379576\nPAGE\n13/20\n5.755.056\nELECTRONIC FIREARM AND PROCESS\nFOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRONIC\ne. the passing of a prederermined period of inactivity of\nFIREARM\nf. the failure os ralfuncrion of the system control\nthe fuearms: and\nBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION\n5\nüi. Means for electronically derecting the presence of a\nresas or any coraponcas consected thereto;\nThis invention relates to fircarms and more particularly to\nround of ammunition within the chamber of the barrei:\nlion. Specifically, the present invention relates to an elec-\nclectronic fireanas los firing electrically activated ammuni-\niv. Means for monitoring the capacity of the voltage\ntronic fireain for firing electrically activated ammunition\nsupply means; and\nand a process for controllias at electronic firear.\n10\nv. Electronic salty operatively connected to the safety\nWhile there are many prior refercaces to electronie fire-\nfring pin when the safety is in the safe position and for\nmechanists for preventing voltage from reacting the\nfor firing electrically activated aramunition. these prior\narms in general, and more spocifically to clectronic firearms\nrigger pull when the safety is in the safe position;\npreventing the syster control means from detecting 2\ncoordinating and controlling the fearma's electronic cora-\nreferences have failed to provide a control systera fox 15\ntrigger and the systern control macans, the electronic trigger\nB. Electronic trigger switch operarively connectad to the\nlike there is a need for a brain to control the many compo\nposents and the functions they execure and regulate. Much\nswitch adapted to sead a sigaal to the system control means\ngents in a human body and communicare with and monitor\nwhen the rigger is pulled:\nthose consponents through at eloctronic network of nerves. 20\nfiring pia. the firing pin having a forward conductive end aad\nC. Electrical isclation roeaus insulating the body of the\nfirearm to regulate the flow of clectricity, controi the many\nthere is a teed fos a systera control or train in an cloctronic\npositioned to transmit voltage to a roud of ammuaition\na seaward conductive area, the forward conductive end\nelectronic components. ted moditox the functions of each\ncomponent and the whole to assure a more reliable and\nwithin the chamber of the barrel oaly when the bolt assem\naccurate firearma.\nbly is in a closed and locked position. the rearward conduc-\nAccordingly. a need remains for a more reliable and\n25\nassernbly is in the closed and locked position; and\nrive area positioned to receive voltage only when the bolt\naromunition.\naccurate clectronic fircara for firing electrically activated\nsystera control means.\nD. Ai least one indicator optsatively connected to the\nSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION\nThe insurat invention further provides a process for firing\n30\narra described above, comprising:\nelectrically activated araraunition from the clectronic fire-\na systera for controlling the firearm which exhibits a reli-\nThe present invention provides an electronic fireara, and\nA Controlling and coordinating all firing, safety, power\nability and level of control that has hererofare been unrvail.\nCODSErVARiOD, 2d diagnastic fuactions, and regulating the\ndistribution of poser to the fring pia by;\nSpecifically, the present invention provides, in an eloc.\ni. Increasing the voltage from the voltage supply means,\nronic firearm for firing electrically activased ammunition\nandregulating the transmission of the increased voltage\ncomprising a barrel attached to a recciver, a chamber foszaod\nto the ficine pis:\nin the terrel adjacent to the receiver. the recsiver being\nii. Conserving power by isolating the sring pia from the\nadapred to receive at least one round of electrically fired\nvoltage increasing means. and the voltage increasing\narumunition. the tarrel and roceiver encased ia a stock a\nteans from the voltage supply means. upon the occur.\nmoveable bolt assembly positioned withia the receiver, the\nrence of at least one condition selected from:\nbolt assembly being adapted to convey a round of ammu-\na. the absence of a round of arumunition within the\nnition from the receiver into the chamber of the barcel. the\nchamber of the barrel;\nbolt asserbly corprising a bolt body, a bolt bandle capable as\no. the safety being in the safe position;\nof raoving the bolt assembly arnong open, closed. and closed\nc. the boir being in the unlocked position:\nand locked positions, and an electrically cosductive firing\nI the bolt beiag in te open position;\npin. s crigges asserably operacively connected to the bolt\ne. the passing of a predetesmained period of inactivity of\nhaving at least a \"safe\" and \"fire\" position. the improvenco;\nassembly, a voltage supply scans, and a sefety mechanismo\nf. the failure or malfunction of the system control\nthe firearm:\nmeans of any component connected therero:\nA. A system control means receiving powes from the\nii. Electronically detecting the presence of ammunition\nvoltage supply means, progrararned to control firing, safety,\nwithia the chamber of the barrel:\npañics conservation, and diagnostic functions, the syster\ncontrol means coraprisiag:\niv. Moniroring the capacity of the vollage supply mcans;\ni. Voltage increasing means connected to transmit\nincreased yoltage to the firing pin:\ny. Preventing voltage fron reaching the firing pin when\nii. Switching meaos for isolariog the fring pin from the\nthe safery is in the safe position and preveating the\nsysters control front accepting the signal from the\nvolkage increasing means. and the voltage increasing\nracans from the voltage supply means, the switching 60\nsafety is in the safe posicion:\ntrigger switch zenerated by a wigger pull when the\nroczus being activated upon the occurrence of at least\nB. Sending a signal to the system control means when the\none conditioo selected fróra:\ntrigger is puiled: and\n2. the absence of a round of ammunition within the\ncharabes of the barrel;\nC. Indicating the status of the fircarma.\nd. the stuty being in the safe porition:\n65\nBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS\n& the bolt being in toe opea positios:\nc. the bolt being in the unlocked position;\ninvention.\nFIG. I is a side elevational view of a frearm of the\n\n<<<PAGE 17>>>\n\nSEP-23-98 10:44 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN\nID: 5027373576\nPAGE 14/20\n5.755.056\npresent invention\nFIG. ¿ is a lett rear elevational view of a firearra of the\nçates with the system control to acuvate the fücarm In a\npreferred embodiment, the syster authorization switch is\nFIG. 3 is a wiring diagram of one embodiment of a frcarra\nkey activated to prevent unauthosized activation df tre\nof the invention.\nfrearm\nFIG. 4 is a cross sectional view in elevation showing one\nthe voltage supply means, it chis embodiment a battery. bas\nAccording to the operational sequence discussed above, it\nembodiment of a bolt assembly and trigger assembly of e\nfirearia of the present invention with the furing pin in its\nbeen inserted into the firearm the syster control will\nrearwardross positioa\nviable bauery is one that the system control determines\nreceive power and check to assure the baitery is viable. A\nportion of the bolt assembly as it is moved tram the closed\nFIG. 5 is a fragmental side elevational view sbowing a\nexceeds z predetermined voltage level In the embodiment\nand locked position to the unlocked position.\nto the systera control nacans to convey information from the\nshown, an indicator such as au LED is operatively connected\n2lo0g line 6u-6 of FIG. 4.\nFIG. 6 is a cross sectional rear elevational view taken\nsystem control racaos regarding the status of the fircare to\nthe operator. Specifically, the systern control racaos can\nFIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a firing pia electrical 1s\ncause the LED to be illuminated in one color to signify that\nconract assembly. showing the contact housing in phaarona.\nthe system control means is operational and it can cause the\nFiG, $ is a cross sectional view in clevation showing the\ninfortuation. Altarately, the systera control can be con-\nLED to be illuminated in a diffarent color to convey other\nbolt assesably of FIG. 4 with the firing pin biased forward\nFIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a firing pin and fring\nnecred to several LEDs or other visual indicators, or the\npin clectrical contact of the present invention\n20\nindicator can coasist of audio signals. In the embodimcut\nPIG. 10 is & fragrantal top plan view of a lurearma of the\nthe LED 1o intermittently flash an crzor code to sigual an\nshown. if the systera control detects a weak battery, it causes\n:\npiesent invantion with the barzel assembly removed\nFIG. Il is a fragmental exploded view of a fireaiio of the\nestos and alert the operatos to the problema\npreseat invention\nAccording to the present operational sequence. if the\n25\nsystern control has been activated and has determined that\nDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE\nthe battery is viable, it will then check to determine wiretic\nINVENTION\nthe frcama's clectronic safety swiech is in the sate position.\nIl the safety is not in the safe position. the system control\nThe preseat iavention will be more fully understood by\nwill dash an errar code zad recheck to determine whetber the\nreference to the figures.\nbattery is viable. While the system control is communicating\nThe description below pertains to one crabodimen of an\nfirezite to be fired. If the condition causing the system\nan curor to the operator vis the LED. it will not permit the\nmeans of a ficatus of the present invention. Varistions zod\noperational sequence that can be utiized by a system control\nprodetermined period of time. the system contrad will place\ncontrol to communicale the crror is not corrected within a\nmodifications of this operational sequence can be substitated\nwithout departing frosa the principles of the invention. as\n35\nthe firearm in a stoop mode. The sleep mode is discussed in\nwill be evidcat to those sicilled in the ait.\nbattery is viable and the safety is sot in the sate position, #\ndetail below. Il the system control determines that the\nselected frota software. irmware, microcode.\nThe systern control icans can yary widely, zod can be\nwill continue to flash the error code on the LED until the\nmicroprocessor, microcontroller, discrete digivel logic, dis-\nso placed in the sate posicion. the system controi will place the\nsafety is moved to the sale position. After the safety bas been\ncrete 20alog logic. and custom integrated logic. and the like.\nThe specific system control means selected can be pro.\nfirearms in the sleep sode until the operatox causes the\ngramenco of otherwise directed to uttize an operationa\nsystem controi to awakes the fureasta. The process of awak.\nsequente of the presens invention by various metbads\nening the firearm ford the sleep thode, called a warm stat.\nknown in the computer ats. The system control rocans is\n4s position to the fire positioa.\nis accomplished by switching the safety from the safe\npreferably embodied on a circuit bourt, zad the circuit board\ncan be of a soccerlar type cormonly used in personal\ncontrol racaos will place the firearm in a sieep mode to\nAfter determining that the battery is viable. the system\neaviroamental or other exteroal conditions. the circuit board\ncomputers. To decrease the possibility of maifunction from\nuatil the actions of the fucar's operator chuse the system\nconserve power. The firearm will remain in the skep mode\npreferably comprises a protective surface modification. The\nsystera control means can be withia the fizearra or extruai\nso\ncontrol to awaken the fiream from the sleep mode. The\nto it. Howeves, it is preferably within the firearm and\nsystern control racans can aotify the operator that it has\npositioning within the stock of the freama is especially\nLED. When the fuezite is in the sleep raode, the systern\nplaced the frewm in the sleep mode by extinguishing the\nThe operational, sequence is based upon an crobodirent ss reaDs. In the sleep moda, power couswaption is signifi.\ncontrol isolates the firing pin from the voltage incrtasing\ncontrol means is activated by the insertion of a voltage\nof a firearms of the present invention in which the systein\ncantly decreased and the potential of the frearm being\nsupply meras, such as a bettery. Once activated, there are\nbecause the firing pin is electrically isolated and carbor\naccidentally discharged or activated is significantiy reduced\niwo conditions from which the systera control incaus will\nprocced to sualyze information and control the components 6o\naramunition that raay be preseut in the chamber of the barrel\nreocive power, and thus caunot discharze any power to\nof the systers depeading on the circurastances, these being\nincreasing means when the firearm is placed in the sieep\nIn addition to isclating the firing pin from the voitage\ncontrol incans upon being activaled. The system contral\nA cold start is defined as the initial activity of the systam\nincreasing means frora the battery and cause it to safety\nmode. the system control will diso isolate lae voltage\nseats, preferably a commercially avasnore 9 volt battery. A\nmeans is activated by the installation of a volage supply 6s discharge any encryy stored therein\nsystem suthorization switch is provided which communi\nwhile in the sicop soda, toe force of the drop would not\nFor example, if the firearm were loadod and dropped\n\n<<<PAGE 18>>>\n\nSEP-23-98\n10:44 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN\nID: 5027379576\nPAGE\n15/20\n5.755.056\ncause the dramunition to be activated because the firiug pin\nwould have been electrically isolated by the syster control\nthe barrel. the system control will recheck the safety to\nno round of ammuaition is derected withis the chamber of\nthe trigger to close and activate the electronic trigger switch.\nmeans. Even if the force of the drop was sufficient to cause\nin the fise position, the firearm will be placed in the sleep\ndeterine whether it is ia the fue position. If the safety is not\ncontrol would not cause the system control to direct porc\nthe logic signal sent by the trigger switch to the systesa s\nmode. If, however, the safery is in the fire position and no\nto Bow from the voltage increasing means to the firing pin.\nlevel to assure that the battery is viable. At this stage of the\nround is detected the systera will recheck the battory voltage\nbeen eliminated and thus would be insufficient to activate the\nand energy stored in the voitage increasing means will bave\nvoltage level is above the second rainuour limit, the battery.\nsequence, if the system control determines chat the battery's\narmaudition Accordingly, the sleep mode fuaction of the\nsystena control can belp prevear accidental activation of 10\nboit. and round present check process will continue for\naarqunition that may be in the chamber of the firearm under\npredetermined time period. attes which the fircarna will be\nthe above circurnstances, and it provides a means of con-\nplaced in sieep mode.\nserving the energy of the bauery effectively extending the\ndetecting a round of antuauniton within the chamber. can\nThe syster control, by corrunicating with the means for\nbattery life. Consequently the firearm is more likely to be\ncapabic of firing over a longer period of timo.\n15\nembodiments. the system control can aiso be adapted to rest\ndetect the presence of a round in the chamber. In alternate\nwill iniciate a warm start when the satcty is switched from\nWhen the firearm is in the sieep mode. the systera control\nthe derecred mouad to deterraine if it is viable. as is more\nfully described below.\nthe safe to the fire position. After the safety has been placed\nsequence. it will supply the voitage increasing means with\nAs the system control continues to follow this operational\nin the fire position. the system control determines whether 20 power from the battery if is determiaes a round is present, or\nswitched fors the safe to the fie position. This fortune\nthe trigger has been pulled and held while the safety was\nIn alternate embodiments, it the round in the charaber is\nfurber livaits the possibility of accidental firing and is nor\nviable. When the systara control racaos determines that the\nfouad in many previous electronic firearmas. If the trigger has\nvottage increasing means is charged, it can notify the\nbeen pulled and held as the safety is being switched to the\n23\noperator that the fireams is ready to be fired by illuminating\nfire position, the system control will activare the caror code.\nthe LED. At this point in the process. the power in the\nand will continue to flash the error code until the safety is\nvoltage mereasing tacans will be reicased to the fixing pin\nswitched back to the safe position. After the safety has boen\ntrigger switch when the trigger is pulled. thus firing the\nWhen the system control receives a logic signal from the\nswitched to the sate position the systera control will renta\nthe fearm to the sleep raode wat a warm start is again\n30\nelectrically activared round of ammunition. If the trigger is\ninitiated The system control will not awaken the fream\nnot pulled within a predererained period of time, the systemo\nuntil the safety is switched from the safe to the fire posidoo\nvoltage increasing means to safely discharge the onengy\nwill place the firearm in the sleep mode and cause the\npulled during the transition frora safe to fre position.\nand the systera control does not detect the trigger being\nthe change in the frearm's status through the LED. Whea\nstored thessin. The system control will notify the operator of\nbeen switched froza the safe to the tire position and the\nAccording to this operational sequence. if the safety has 35\nthe tirearm is placed in the sleep made wilt the safety in the\nsysters control does not detect trigger pull by sensing the\nsleep mode by cycling the safety switch frora fire back to the\nare position, the operator may reawaiten the firearm from the\ncondition and position of the switch in the trigger assembly.\nseic position. and back again to the fire position.\nfired. the voltage increasiog mcans and the LED will be stut\nAccording to this sequence, after the furcarto has boca\ndown by the system control. which will then chock to\nan error code will be flashed to aotify the operator that the\ndetermine whether the safety is in the fire position.\nbeery should be replaced. The system contral will then\nSubsequendy, the system control will check the voltage level\ncompare the voltage level of the benery to a second prede.\nof the battery, wheiber the bolt assembly is closed and\nrestained miniraura and it the voltage level is below the as\nlocked, and whether & round is present in the chamber. If the\nsocond predetermined minimum, the system control will\nsafety is in the fire position. the battery is viable. the bolt is\nshur down the firearm. When the firearm is shut down, a new\npresent in the chamber. the system coatrol will rerura to the\nclosed and locked, and a viable sound of ammunition is\nbatery must be inserted before the system control can te\nreactivated. Once the battery has been installed, the firearms\nfiring sequeace derailed above.\nrestarts in the cold start state as previously discussed.\nIf the systera control determines that the voltage level is\n50 the racans for detecting the presence and viability of a round\nBy directly contxolling the voltage increasing means and\nbelow the first predetermined minimura but exceeds the\nprovides a raeans of increasing the reliability of an alec-\nof zumunition within the chamber. the system control\nsecond predetermined minitoura, it will dash an error code\nwhile checking to determine whether the bolt assembly is in\nThe system control receives a logic signal when the trigger\ntronic firearma for fring clectronically activated amraunition.\nmines that the bolt assembly is not in the closed and locked\nthe closed and locked position. If the system control detes. as is pulled, bur this signal is not transforned inro a command\nposition. it will continuc to check the voltage level of the\nared with the electronic safety switch. the bolt assembly\n• nire the weapon uatil the system control has communi\nbattery to determine if it exceeds the second minimum until\nthe bolt assembly is closed and locked, However. if the bolt\nand the rocans for derecting the presence and viability of a\nassembly is not closed and locked within a predetermined\n60\ndetermined that all conditioas for which it has beta pro-\nround within the chamber. Only alter the syster control bes\nthe sleep rode.\nperiod of tine, the systern control will place the firearma in\nfurcarm to be fred If the preprograramed conditioas have all\ngrataraed to check have been satisfied will it allow the\nvoltage from the batery exceeds either predetermined mini-\nAtta the systora control determines thai the level of\nbeen met, upon the pulling of the rigger the syster control\nmun level and that the bolt assembly is in the closed and as power to the electronic contact on the digger assembly.\nwill cause the voltage increasing means to discharge its\nlocked position, it will proceed to check for the proscace of\na sound of atomunition withia the chamber of the beral. It\nammunition\nthrough the firing pin contact and the firing pin and to the\n\n<<<PAGE 19>>>\n\nSEP-23-98 10:45 FROM: REMINGTON ETOWN\nID: 5027379576\nPAGE 16/20\n5.755.056\n7\n8\nambodiments of a firearma of the present invention that can\nFIGS. I through Il show various aspects of possible\nfrom the princioles ot the invention, as will be evident to\nbe adapted to utilize the operational sequence described\nthose skilled in the at\nabove. Variatons and modifications of these embodiments\nof a round within the charaber showa comprises a compara-\nThe erabodirent of the rueans for defecting the prescace\ncan be substituted without departing from the principles of\nthe invention. as will be evident to those skilled in the art.\n5 tor circuit Through the comparator circuit. the system\nIn FIGS. I through 11 the firearm has a burel 1ø which\ncontrol analyzes the impedance delected when it transmits a\nis attached to receiver 11. and a stock 12. The stock consists\nsmall level of curzent through the firing pin. If a round is\nof a forearta I2A at a forward portion thereol, a pistol grip\npresent within the chamber. the current will to treasmitted\nI2B at a middle portion. and a butt 12C at a rearward portion\nfrom the firing pin through the round of arraudition and into\nthereof. Both the barrel and receives are encased in the\n10 the barrel of the firearm. which acts as a ground and\nforearma 12A of the stock 12. The barrel has a chamber\ncompletes the circuit. By comparing the level of impedaace\nfortaed in its rear end where it is attached to the receiver. The\ndetected with zu established level of impedance the system\nchamber is connected and adapted to receive aramunition\ncontrol can deterine whether a round is present. and in\nstantially aligned with the barrel, and has a haddie 21. The\nis movably positioned withia the receiver. behind and sub-\nfrom the receiver. A bolt asserably, generally indicated as 20.\ndetected round is viable.\nalternate embodiments. can also determine whether the\nFIG. 11 is a fragrental exploded view of the fircerm\nbartel 10. receiver 11, bolt assembly 28, and trigger assera\nshowing the barrel asserably reraoved from the stock 12, and\nbly 40 comprise the barrel assembly of the firearm A safet\nFIG. 10 is a fragmentai top plan view of the frearm with the\nswitch 14. is shown behind the bolt assembly, which is\n20\nbarel asserably semoved. By removing the barel asserably.\nshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed and locked position.\n= Wind mate connection comprising two blind mate\nThe fireasta has a syster control mcans 1. which in the\nconnectors. 50A. zod SOB. is broken, and is easily made\nertbodiment shown is in the butt of the stock. The fream\nwhen the barrel assembly is replaced in the stock.\nfurther comprises a voltage supply sacens 2, showa it tho\nbutt of the stock. The youtage supply means. which in the\nIn the Figures. the bolt assembly 20 has froat 201 and rear\nemboditoent shown is a battery. provides power to and is\n25\nthe front end The boit asserbly can move longiadinally\n20B ends 20d a bolt head Z2 comprising a bolt face 22A #t\noperatively connected to the syster control mcans. In the\nand rotationally within the receiver. More specifically, the\nFigures, the firearea bas an clectronic safety 14. 20 LED\nindicaror 3. 2nd a systern authorization switch 4 for control.\nbolt asserubly can be moved among opened, closed, and\nling access to the firesita. The selection and positioning of 30\nclosed the bolt face is positioned within the rear of the\nclosed and locked positions. When the bolt assembly is\nthe LED indicator cas vary wideiy, according to the design\nchamber of the barrel. At the set end 20B of the bolt\nparameters of the particula fireara. in the cosbodiment\ndiscussod above, at least one visual LED indicator is posi.\nassembly there is a bandle. 21 for moving the bolt to its\ntioned on the stack of the fueard directly bebind the\nDigRes asserably 40 located below the receiver and within\nalternate open, closed. and closed zed locked positions. A\nreceiver Similarly, the seloction and positioning of the 35\nthe forearon of the stock bas a trigger guard 41 which exteads\nsystem authorization switch can vary widely. but in the\nembadiment of the firearm shown, the systers authorization\nbelow and beyond the force and within the trigger gard\nis a trigger 42. The trigger assembly, sbown in FIGS. 4 and\nswitch is key activased and locatod on the bottors portion of\nthe pistol grip of the stock\n11, is discussed in detail below.\nFIG. 3 is a wiring diagrara showing the voltage supply 10\nand substantially aligned with the barel As shown in the\nThe bolt","truncated":true,"body_characters":76072}