Weapon tag

Details Weapon tag Weapon tag

1999-05-05

2001-05-08

Johnson, Stephen M. (Department: 3641)

Firearms

Indicators

C042S070010

Reexamination Certificate

active

06226913

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for weapon identification and particularly to an electronic tag which provides a unique identification of the weapon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to use electronic devices to monitor attempted tampering of weapons. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,117 to Mackey, III describes a firearm safety device shaped like a bullet which can be inserted in the chamber of a firearm. The safety device produces an audible alarm when the firearm is moved or handled, thereby, for example, alerting of an attempt to steal the weapon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,623, also to Mackey, III describes a transmitter unit adapted for connection to a firearm which produces a non-audible alarm signal when the firearm is moved or handled. A discrete receiver unit, positioned at a remote location receives the signal from the transmitter and produces an audible alarm.
A disadvantage of the prior art is that if an unscrupulous person were to remove the alarm device from the weapon or, in some cases, tamper with the alarm device on the weapon, no detection is made of such mischievous activities. In other words, the device can remain intact and functioning and yet not trigger an alarm that the device has been removed from the weapon or otherwise tampered with.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved electronic tag which provides a unique identification of the weapon. Unlike the prior art, if the tag of the present invention is removed from the weapon, or modified, the tag provides an indication of such tampering. The tag thus establishes a unique identification of the weapon.
The tag may comprise an embedded structure, such as a wire loop or other resistance element, which is extremely difficult to remove without detection. The security of the tag may be enhanced by adding encryption and authentication circuitry.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a weapon including a housing, a firing mechanism, and an electronic tag providing at least a unique identification of the weapon.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag is located within the housing in a location normally physically inaccessible to users of the weapon.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag also provides an output indication of at least one aspect of the operational history of the weapon.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag provides an output indication of a number of firings carried out by the firing mechanism.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag provides an output indication of tampering therewith and attempted removal thereof
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag is interrogatable from outside the weapon, without requiring removal of the electronic tag from the weapon.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag provides an output indication to a location outside the weapon.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag wirelessly transmits the output indication.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic tag communicates in an encrypted manner.


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patent: 5715623 (1998-02-01), Mackey, III
patent: 4022038 (1992-01-01), None
patent: 2182424 (1987-05-01), None
U.S. patent application No.: 08/815,389.
Brochure: “Electronic Armory”, by Hi-G-Tek, Israel, no date.

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