Handgun locking and unlocking apparatus

Claim 2

In a gun having a handle, barrel, and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, or selectively cancel said enabled state, (e) said element carried by the gun to be movable between a retracted position corresponding to said second state, and an advanced position corresponding to said first state, so that is is assured that the previous coding entries are cleared upon element reaching advanced position from the retracted position, (f) said element comprising a grip bar operatively coupled to said first means to maintain the first means in an enabled state in which said gun action is enabled by coding means having been correctly activated, (g) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped, and said grip bar is located at and proximate said surface to be gripped by the finger or fingers of the gun user for moving the grip bar to said retracted position, (h) said independently actuable members comprising push buttons located at the side of the gun generally above the level of finger or hand gripped extent of the handle, and within reach of the user's thumb.

Claim 3

The combination of claim 1 including indicator means carried by the gun to be responsive to at least one of said first and second means to provide a visual indication of the enabled state of gun action.

Claim 4

The combination of claim 1 wherein said element comprises a grip bar mechanically operatively coupled to said first means to maintain the first means in an enabled state in which said gun action is enabled by said coding means having been correctly activated.

Claim 5

The combination of claim 1 wherein said element bar is located between the handle and trigger.

Claim 6

The combination of claim 1 wherein there are at least two push buttons independent from said element.

Claim 7

The combination of claim 1 wherein said handle has a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said coding means is spaced from said surface so as to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle.

Claim 8

The combination of claim 1 including a selectively used mechanical catch carried by the gun in association with said first means to maintain said first means in an enabling position in which the gun action is enabled, after the coding means have been used to move the first means to said enabling position, so that the gun may be maintained in an enabled state without the user gripping the handle.

Claim 9

The combination of claim 7 including a catch release component carried by the gun for releasing the catch in response to user's finger displacement of said component, whereby the gun action is thereby disabled.

Claim 10

The combination of claim 8 including the catch release component located in the finger gripping area so as to disable the gun upon both gripping and releasing the handle of the gun in the normal finger gripping area.

Claim 11

The combination of claim 1 including a mainspring for operating said hammer with a supporting center plunger constructed in two-piece telescopic relation.

Claim 12

The combination of claim 1 including means for locking ammunition normally loaded into gun from being removed or loaded, said locking means for ammunition being responsive to operation of said coding means.

Claim 13

The combination of claim 1 including mechanical means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means.

Claim 14

The combination of claim 12 including a warning means associated with the gun handle to indicate a lockout state of the action.

Claim 15

The combination of claim 1 wherein said second means also has a secondary key operated means for enabling said action.

Claim 16

The combination of claim 1 wherein the handle includes handle covers which are locked and unlocked to a gun frame, so as to prevent unauthorized entry to the handle interior and in response to said coding means.

Claim 17

The combination of claim 14 characterized in that the key operated means has means to clear and reset an engaged lockout means.

Claim 18

The combination of claim 14 wherein the key operated means has means to clear a lockout imposed by an electronic circuit, by a switch means.

Claim 19

The combination of claim 1 including means for disabling the gun action while the hammer is in a cocked position.

Claim 20

The combination of claim 1 including means for maintaining the gun action in an enabled state without consuming electrical power.

Claim 21

In a gun having handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including a grip bar operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first position in which the coding has been automatically cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second position in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means including a multicombination mechanical lock means associated with said coding means, said lock means also having a clearing or scrambling means being operatively connected to said grip bar.

Claim 22

In a gun having handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including a grip bar operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first position in which the coding has been automatically cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second position in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means including a multicombination mechanical lock means associated with said coding means, said lock means also having a clearing or scrambling means being operatively connected to said grip bar.

Claim 23

The combination of claim 20 including means including a catch mechanism operable to retain the grip bar in said retracted position until the bar is squeezed, thereby enabling return of the bar to said advanced position, and a spring urging the bar toward said advanced position.

Claim 24

The combination of claim 20 including means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means.

Claim 25

The combination of claim 22 including resettable electronic lockout means associated with said grip bar.

Claim 26

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said particular member is a safety grip bar located in the said surface, to be finger gripped, (g) said safety grip bar spaced from the coding means and extending between the trigger and the handle, to be manually gripped by the gun user, (h) said coding means members comprising push buttons, (i) and means normally urging the grip bar to said advanced position, the bar also having a selected position in which it is blocked from movement to said retracted position until the coding means is placed in predetermined finger operated coded state, (j) said selected and retracted positions being successively closer to the handle, than said advanced position.

Claim 27

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said particular member is a safety grip bar located in the said surface, to be finger gripped, (g) said safety grip bar spaced from the coding means and extending between the trigger and the handle, to be manually gripped by the gun user, (h) said coding means members comprising push buttons, (i) and means normally urging the grip bar to said advanced position, the bar also having a selected position in which it is blocked from movement to said retracted position until the coding means is placed in predetermined finger operated coded state, (j) said selected and retracted positions being successively closer to the handle, than said advanced position.

Claim 28

The combination of claim 24 including means mounting the bar to pivot between said positions.

Claim 29

The combination of claim 24 wherein said coding means is located at a side of the gun proximate the upper extent of the handle.

Claim 30

The combination of claim 24 wherein said coding means is located at the side of the gun proximate the upper extent of the handle, within reach of the user's thumb when the handle is gripped by the user's hand.

Claim 31

The combination of claim 27 wherein said coding means comprises at least two push buttons.

Claim 32

The combination of claim 24 wherein said first means includes a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connecting said particular member and said blocking rod to move the rod between advanced and retracted positions in response to movement of said particular member between said positions, said particular member comprising a grip bar.

Claim 33

The combination of claim 24 including indicator means to indicate when said first means is enabling the action.

Claim 34

The combination of claim 30 wherein the indicator means comprises a non-power consuming device.

Claim 35

The combination of claim 24 including means including a catch mechanism operable to retain the grip bar in said retracted position until the bar is squeezed, thereby enabling return of the bar to said advanced position, and a spring urging the bar toward said advanced position.

Claim 36

The combination of claim 24 including finger operable catch means having a primary position wherein the grip bar is freely movable from retracted to advanced position, and a secondary position wherein grip bar movement to its said advanced position is blocked, whereby the gun may be stored in armed condition.

Claim 37

The combination of claim 24 wherein said second means also has a secondary key operated means for enabling said action.

Claim 38

The combination of claim 34 characterized in that the key operated means has means to clear and reset an engaged lockout means.

Claim 39

The combination of claim 34 wherein the key has means to clear a lockout imposed by an electronic circuit, by a switch means.

Claim 40

The combination of claim 24 wherein the handle includes handle covers which are locked and unlocked to a gun frame, so as to prevent unauthorized entry to the handle interior and in response to said coding means.

Claim 41

The combination of claim 24 including a warning indicator means to warn the user, on the external surface of the gun, for the duration that the action is in an enabled state after said coding means have been operated in coding sequence.

Claim 42

The combination of claim 24 including means for disabling the gun action while the hammer is in a cocked position.

Claim 43

The combination of claim 24 including means for maintaining the gun action in an enabled state without consuming electrical power.

Claim 44

The combination of claim 24 including means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means.

Claim 45

The combination of claim 41 including resettable electronic lockout means associated with said circuitry and said grip bar.

Claim 46

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said first means including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connecting said particular member and said blocking rod to move the rod between advanced and retracted positions in response to movement of said particular member between said positions, said particular member comprising a grip bar, (g) said actuating means including: (x 1 ) a rotary element operable to retract the blocking rod in response to element rotation, (x 2 ) said particular member adapted to effect rotation of said rotary element in response to member movement to said retracted position; and there also being blocking structure movable between blocking position in which said block rod movement to said retracted position is blocked, and unblocking position in which block rod movement to retracted position is enabled, said blocking structure being responsive to said coding means.

Claim 47

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said first means including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connecting said particular member and said blocking rod to move the rod between advanced and retracted positions in response to movement of said particular member between said positions, said particular member comprising a grip bar, (g) said actuating means including: (x 1 ) a rotary element operable to retract the blocking rod in response to element rotation, (x 2 ) said particular member adapted to effect rotation of said rotary element in response to member movement to said retracted position; and there also being blocking structure movable between blocking position in which said block rod movement to said retracted position is blocked, and unblocking position in which block rod movement to retracted position is enabled, said blocking structure being responsive to said coding means.

Claim 48

The combination of claim 43 wherein said blocking structure includes a latch responsive to said coding means.

Claim 49

The combination of claim 44 including an auxiliary rotary lock mechanism responsive to insertion of a key to be rotatable, and a connection between said rotary lock mechanism and said latch to release the latch, as aforesaid, in response to key insertion enabled rotation of the rotary mechanism.

Claim 50

The combination of claim 45 wherein said action include a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connected with said blocking rod and said coding means to enable rod movement to retracted position, in response to actuation of said means, there being a spring normally urging the blocking rod toward extended position.

Claim 51

The combination of claim 43 wherein said actuating means is located within a housing defined by the gun handle.

Claim 52

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said first means including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connecting said particular member and said blocking rod to move the rod between advanced and retracted positions in response to movement of said particular member between said positions, said particular member comprising a grip bar, (g) said actuating means including (x 1 ) a rotary element operable to retract the blocking rod in response to element rotation, (x 2 ) said particular member adapted to effect rotation of said rotary element in response to member movement to said retracted position, and there also being blocking structure movable between blocking position in which member movement to said retracted position is blocked, and unblocking position in which member movement to retracted position is enabled, said blocking structure being responsive to said coding means.

Claim 53

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said first means including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connecting said particular member and said blocking rod to move the rod between advanced and retracted positions in response to movement of said particular member between said positions, said particular member comprising a grip bar, (g) said actuating means including (x 1 ) a rotary element operable to retract the blocking rod in response to element rotation, (x 2 ) said particular member adapted to effect rotation of said rotary element in response to member movement to said retracted position, and there also being blocking structure movable between blocking position in which member movement to said retracted position is blocked, and unblocking position in which member movement to retracted position is enabled, said blocking structure being responsive to said coding means.

Claim 54

The combination of claim 48 wherein said actuating means includes a cam on said blocking structure and operable to displace a latch on said structure to unblocking position when said coding means is placed in predetermined finger operated coded stated, the latch blocking rotation of said rotary element.

Claim 55

The combination of claim 48 including a blocking rod also operatively connected to said rotary element to be displaced, in response to said rotary element rotation, from a first position in which the second rod locks the gun to a gun mount, to a second position in which the second rod releases the gun from the mount.

Claim 56

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) there being lost motion connection between the first means and the particular member.

Claim 57

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) there being lost motion connection between the first means and the particular member.

Claim 58

In a hand gun having a handle, barrel, and action including hammer and trigger, the said action having a disabled state in which the hammer and trigger are non-responsive to trigger pull and an enabled state in which the hammer is responsive to trigger pull, the combination comprising (a) finger operated coding means on the gun, and (b) an element operatively connected in disabling-to-enabling relation between said coding means and said action, and movable between a first position in which the coding means has been scrambled and the action is disabled, and a second position in which the action is enabled and in response to predetermined finger operated coding of said means, (c) said coding means including at least one selector located above the level of the finger grip area of the handle, (d) said action including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connected with said blocking rod and said coding means to enable rod movement to retracted position, in response to actuation of said means, there being a spring normally urging the blocking rod toward extended position.

Claim 59

In a hand gun having a handle, barrel, and action including hammer and trigger, the said action having a disabled state in which the hammer and trigger are non-responsive to trigger pull and an enabled state in which the hammer is responsive to trigger pull, the combination comprising (a) finger operated coding means on the gun, and (b) an element operatively connected in disabling-to-enabling relation between said coding means and said action, and movable between a first position in which the coding means has been scrambled and the action is disabled, and a second position in which the action is enabled and in response to predetermined finger operated coding of said means, (c) said coding means including at least one selector located above the level of the finger grip area of the handle, (d) said action including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connected with said blocking rod and said coding means to enable rod movement to retracted position, in response to actuation of said means, there being a spring normally urging the blocking rod toward extended position.

Claim 60

The combination of claim 52 wherein said element comprises a safety grip bar associated with the handle.

Claim 61

The combination of claim 53 wherein said actuating mens comprises a rotary element operatively connected with the blocking rod, a rotary part carrying a cam, and a catch blocking rotation of said rotary element until said cam releases said catch in response to rotation of said rotary part enabled by said coding means, rotation of said part then acting to rotate the rotary element to retract the blocking rod.

Claim 62

The combination of claim 54 wherein said rotary part and rotary element have lost motion interrelation.

Claim 63

The combination of claim 54 including a blocking rod, also operatively connected with said rotary element to be displaced in response to rotation thereof, from a first position in which the rod locks the gun to a gun mount, to a second position in which the rod releases the gun from the mount.

Claim 64

The combination of claim 52 including warning means operatively connected with a blocking rod to warn that the action is enabled, in response to movement of said element to second position.

Claim 65

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as (i) a first state in which the handle is released by the user so that the coding means is cleared, with said gun action then being disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable gun action, (d) and including means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means, (e) and including action lockout means including a ratchet, associated with the handle.

Claim 66

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as (i) a first state in which the handle is released by the user so that the coding means is cleared, with said gun action then being disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable gun action, (d) and including means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means, (e) and including action lockout means including a ratchet, associated with the handle.

Claim 67

The combination of claim 58 wherein a particular member is operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and gun is disabled and, (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled.

Claim 68

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including hammer and trigger, the combination including

Claim 69

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including hammer and trigger, the combination including

Claim 70

(a) first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as (i) a first state in which the handle is released by the user so that the coding means is cleared, with said gun action then being disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable gun action, (d) and including means carried by the gun for locking the gun to a gun mount, and having a first position in which the gun is locked to the mount and the coding means is cleared, and a second position in which the gun is unlocked from the mount and the coding means has been finger actuated to enable the gun action.

Claim 71

(a) first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as (i) a first state in which the handle is released by the user so that the coding means is cleared, with said gun action then being disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable gun action, (d) and including means carried by the gun for locking the gun to a gun mount, and having a first position in which the gun is locked to the mount and the coding means is cleared, and a second position in which the gun is unlocked from the mount and the coding means has been finger actuated to enable the gun action.

Claim 72

In a hand gun having handle, barrel, and action including hammer and trigger, the said action having a disabled state in which the hammer and trigger are non-responsive to trigger pull, and an enabled state in which the hammer is responsive to trigger pull, the combination comprising (a) finger operated coding means on the gun, and (b) a part operatively connected in disabling-to-enabling relation between said coding means and said action, and movable between a first position in which the coding means is scrambled and the action is disabled, and a second position in which the action is enabled and in response to predetermined finger operated coding of said coding means, (c) said coding means including multiple selectors characterized in that when said selectors are finger released, the coding is scrambled whereby said element is then placed in disabling relation to said action, (d) and including means, including electronic circuitry, for maintianing the gun action in enabled state, without electrical power usage.

Claim 73

In a hand gun having handle, barrel, and action including hammer and trigger, the said action having a disabled state in which the hammer and trigger are non-responsive to trigger pull, and an enabled state in which the hammer is responsive to trigger pull, the combination comprising (a) finger operated coding means on the gun, and (b) a part operatively connected in disabling-to-enabling relation between said coding means and said action, and movable between a first position in which the coding means is scrambled and the action is disabled, and a second position in which the action is enabled and in response to predetermined finger operated coding of said coding means, (c) said coding means including multiple selectors characterized in that when said selectors are finger released, the coding is scrambled whereby said element is then placed in disabling relation to said action, (d) and including means, including electronic circuitry, for maintianing the gun action in enabled state, without electrical power usage.

Claim 74

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) there being means to place said coding means in cleared state in response to finger release of said members, (e) there being warning means associated with the gun handle to indicate a lockout state of the action, (f) and including action lockout mechanism associated with the handle.

Claim 75

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) there being means to place said coding means in cleared state in response to finger release of said members, (e) there being warning means associated with the gun handle to indicate a lockout state of the action, (f) and including action lockout mechanism associated with the handle.

Claim 76

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and wherein a particular member is operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said first means including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connecting said particular member and said blocking rod to effect rod movement between advanced and retracted positions in response to movement of said particular member between said positions, (g) and wherein said actuating means comprises a solenoid operatively connected to the blocking rod.

Claim 77

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and wherein a particular member is operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) said first means including a first blocking rod having an extended position in which it blocks hammer movement, and a retracted position in which it unblocks hammer movement, and actuating means operatively connecting said particular member and said blocking rod to effect rod movement between advanced and retracted positions in response to movement of said particular member between said positions, (g) and wherein said actuating means comprises a solenoid operatively connected to the blocking rod.

Claim 78

The combination of claim 63 including control circuitry operatively connected between the coding means and said solenoid for operating the solenoid in response to a selected finger input to the coding means.

Claim 79

The combination of claim 63 including electronic circuitry including a single chip microprocessor together with pre-written software.

Claim 80

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and means for locking ammunition normally loaded into gun from being removed or loaded, said locking means for ammunition being responsive to operation of said coding means causing said first means to enable said gun action.

Claim 81

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and means for locking ammunition normally loaded into gun from being removed or loaded, said locking means for ammunition being responsive to operation of said coding means causing said first means to enable said gun action.

Claim 82

The combination of claim 66 including a cylinder bolt, and said means for locking ammunition includes a blocking rod which in a retracted position allows the bolt to move forward, and which in an alternate position blocks forward movement of the bolt.

Claim 83

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) and advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and mechanical means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, and also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means.

Claim 84

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, (e) a particular member being operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) and advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and mechanical means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, and also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means.

Claim 85

The combination of claim 68 including a warning means associated with the gun handle to indicate a lockout state of the action.

Claim 86

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternatively two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and wherein a particular member is operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and including mechanical means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means, (g) and including a warning means associated with the gun handle to indicate a lockout state of the action, (h) and including lockout mechanism including a ratchet.

Claim 87

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternatively two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and wherein a particular member is operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and including mechanical means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means, (g) and including a warning means associated with the gun handle to indicate a lockout state of the action, (h) and including lockout mechanism including a ratchet.

Claim 88

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and including means for locking and unlocking of a surface of the gun to an external mount, said locking and unlocking being responsive to operation of said coding means.

Claim 89

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and including means for locking and unlocking of a surface of the gun to an external mount, said locking and unlocking being responsive to operation of said coding means.

Claim 90

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) and including means for lighting an area of the gun external surface proximate the coding means and in response to element movement.

Claim 91

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) and including means for lighting an area of the gun external surface proximate the coding means and in response to element movement.

Claim 92

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause a first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and including a key override operable to unlock locking covers associated with said handle.

Claim 93

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause a first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and including a key override operable to unlock locking covers associated with said handle.

Claim 94

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at lesat two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action. (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and including means, including electronic circuitry, for maintaining the gun action in enabled state, without electric power usage.

Claim 95

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at lesat two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action. (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from said surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle, (e) and including means, including electronic circuitry, for maintaining the gun action in enabled state, without electric power usage.

Claim 96

The combination of claim 74 wherein said circuitry includes a switch associated with said element grip bar and characterized as effecting electric power delivery when activated by said grip bar.

Claim 97

The combination of claim 74 wherein said circuitry includes a micro processor and software.

Claim 98

The combination of claim 74 including a part associated with said circuitry to disable the gun action in response to motion of said particular member which comprises a kill switch.

Claim 99

The combination of claim 74 including indicator means on the gun to indicate when said first means is enabling the action.

Claim 100

The combination of claim 74 including a selectively used mechanical catch carried by the gun in association with said first means to maintain said first means in an enabling position in which the gun action is enabled, after the coding means have been used to move the first means to said enabling position, so that the gun may be maintained in an enabled state.

Claim 101

The combination of claim 79 including a catch release component carried by the gun for releasing the catch in response to user's finger displacement of said component, whereby the gun action is thereby disabled.

Claim 102

The combination of claim 80 wherein the catch release component is located in the finger gripping area so as to disable the gun upon both gripping and releasing the handle of the gun in the normal finger gripping area.

Claim 103

The combination of claim 74 including a grip bar operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled.

Claim 104

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from sa1id surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle,

Claim 105

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination including: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including independently functioning finger actuable members, at least two of said members defining a coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately, two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said members have been finger actuated in a sequence to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped by the user, and said members being spaced from sa1id surface and to be visible to the user as he grips the gun handle,

Claim 106

(e) and wherein a particular member is operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and including means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means, (g) and including resettable electronic lockout means associated with said circuitry and said grip bar, (h) and including a key override and switch means associated with said lockout means to reset said lockout means.

Claim 107

(e) and wherein a particular member is operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled, (f) and including means for counting a number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of the coding means, also having means for preventing the gun action from being enabled in response to said counting means counting a specified number of incorrect coding attempts and clearing of coding means, (g) and including resettable electronic lockout means associated with said circuitry and said grip bar, (h) and including a key override and switch means associated with said lockout means to reset said lockout means.

Claim 108

In a gun having a handle, barrel, and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) and including means for locking and unlocking of a surface of the gun to an external mount, said locking and unlocking being responsive to operation of the coding means.

Claim 109

In a gun having a handle, barrel, and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) and including means for locking and unlocking of a surface of the gun to an external mount, said locking and unlocking being responsive to operation of the coding means.

Claim 110

The combination of claim 84 wherein said mount is in proximity of the butt of the handle, thereby to be connectible to a frame define by the gun handle.

Claim 111

In a gun having a handle, barrel, and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) and including key means operable to unlock locking covers associated with said handle.

Claim 112

In a gun having a handle, barrel, and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) and including key means operable to unlock locking covers associated with said handle.

Claim 113

The combination of claim 86 wherein said means to unlock locking covers includes a rod means movable between a first position in which a cover securing fastener is prevented from rotating, and a second position in which the fastener is allowed to rotate to unlock the covers.

Claim 114

In a gun having a handle, barrel, and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) said element carried by the gun to be movable between a retracted position corresponding to said second state, and an advanced position corresponding to said first state, so that it is assured that the previous coding entries are cleared upon element reaching advanced position from the retracted position, (f) said element comprising a grip bar mechanically operatively coupled to said first means to maintain the first means in an enabled state in which said gun action is enabled by coding means having been correctly activated, (g) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped, and said grip bar is located at and proximate said surface to be gripped by the finger or fingers of the gun user for moving the grip bar to said retracted position, (h) said independently actuable members comprising push buttons located at the side of the gun generally above the level of finger or hand gripped extent of the handle, and within reach of the user's thumb, (i) and including catch mechanism operable to retain the grip bar in said retracted position until the bar is squeezed, thereby enabling return of the bar to said advanced position, and a spring urging the bar toward said advanced position.

Claim 115

In a gun having a handle, barrel, and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) a first means carried by the gun for selectively disabling or enabling said action, (b) second means carried by the gun for controlling said first means and including coding means having at least two members which are independently actuable by the gun user's finger or fingers, (c) said second means including an element operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between said coding means and said gun action, and actuable between two states characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means is cleared, and the gun action is normally disabled, and (ii) a second state in which the gun action is enabled after predetermined finger actuation of said coding means, (d) said second means also having means to cause said first means to selectively maintain the gun action in an enabled state, (e) said element carried by the gun to be movable between a retracted position corresponding to said second state, and an advanced position corresponding to said first state, so that it is assured that the previous coding entries are cleared upon element reaching advanced position from the retracted position, (f) said element comprising a grip bar mechanically operatively coupled to said first means to maintain the first means in an enabled state in which said gun action is enabled by coding means having been correctly activated, (g) said handle having a surface to be finger gripped, and said grip bar is located at and proximate said surface to be gripped by the finger or fingers of the gun user for moving the grip bar to said retracted position, (h) said independently actuable members comprising push buttons located at the side of the gun generally above the level of finger or hand gripped extent of the handle, and within reach of the user's thumb, (i) and including catch mechanism operable to retain the grip bar in said retracted position until the bar is squeezed, thereby enabling return of the bar to said advanced position, and a spring urging the bar toward said advanced position.

Claim 116

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including finger coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said coding means have been finger actuated to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) and including means, including electronic circuitry, for selectively maintaining the gun action in enabled state, without electric power usage.

Claim 117

In a gun having a handle, barrel and action including a hammer and trigger, the combination comprising: (a) first means for controlling the operation of said action, (b) and second means for controlling said first means and including finger coding means, (c) said second means having, alternately two states between which it is actuable, and characterized as: (i) a first state in which the coding means has been cleared and said gun action is disabled, by said first means, (ii) and a second state in which said coding means have been finger actuated to cause said first means to enable said gun action, (d) and including means, including electronic circuitry, for selectively maintaining the gun action in enabled state, without electric power usage.

Claim 118

The combination of claim 88 wherein said second means includes a grip bar operatively connected in disabling to enabling relation between the coding means and said action and movable between two positions characterized as: (i) an advanced position in which the coding means is cleared, and the action is disabled, and (ii) a retracted position in which said action is enabled.

Claim 119

The combination of claim 89 including a selectively used mechanical catch carried by the gun in association with said first means to maintain said first means in an enabling position in which the gun action is enabled, after the coding means have been used to move the first means to said enabling position, so that the gun may be maintained in an enabled state without the user gripping the handle.

Claim 120

The combination of claim 91 including a catch release component carried by the gun for releasing the catch in response to user's finger displacement of said component, whereby the gun action is thereby disabled.

Claim 121

The combination of claim 92 wherein the catch release component is located in the finger gripping area so as to disable the gun upon both gripping and releasing the handle of the gun in the normal finger gripping area.