Patent US5716216A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5716216A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for simulating shooting sports
Assignee: LightShot Systems Inc
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Filing: 1996-11-26
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Granted: 1998-02-10
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Expires: 2016-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A system for simulating shooting sports includes a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system that is retrofittable to any standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin and a self-contained receiver system. The transmitter system includes an actuating beam cartridge and an adjustable beam choke. The beam cartridge includes a first actuating beam emitter responsive to the firing pin. The beam choke includes a second emission beam emitter responsive to the first actuating beam. The receiver system is a self-contained reusable target having beam sensors and hit indicators. The beam sensors are "triggered" when the emission beam "hits" or is "sensed by" the beam sensors. When the beam sensors sense the emission beam, they cause the hit indicators to indicate that the target has been "hit" by the emission beam. The target may also include at least one triggering motion detector that detects a triggering motion that is associated with the target being launched into the air.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert M. O'Loughlin
- 👤 Terry P. O'Loughlin
- 👤 George R. Hull
- 👤 Michael D. Miles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:55
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J5/00; F41J5/02; F41A; F41A33/00; F41A33/02; F42; F42B; F42B8/00; F42B8/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A simulation system for simulating shooting sports using a standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin, said simulation system comprising: (a) a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system comprising: (i) an actuating beam cartridge for insertion into said ammunition chamber, said beam cartridge including a first beam emitter responsive to said firing pin, said first beam emitter for emitting a first triggering beam; and (ii) a beam choke mounting to said barrel, said beam choke including a second beam emitter responsive to said first triggering beam, said second beam emitter for emitting a second triggering beam; and (b) a self-contained reusable target receiver system suitable for launching having at least one beam sensor and at least one hit indicator responsive to said beam sensor's sensing of said second triggering beam, said target receiver system has a sleep state and an enabled state, said target receiver system including an arming mechanism, sensitive to motion, for converting said target receiver system from said sleep state to said enabled state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A simulation system for simulating shooting sports using a standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin, said simulation system comprising: (a) a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system comprising: (i) an actuating beam cartridge for insertion into said ammunition chamber, said beam cartridge including a first beam emitter responsive to said firing pin, said first beam emitter for emitting a first triggering beam; and (ii) a beam choke mounting to said barrel, said beam choke including a second beam emitter responsive to said first triggering beam, said second beam emitter for emitting a second triggering beam; and (b) a self-contained reusable target receiver system suitable for launching having at least one beam sensor and at least one hit indicator responsive to said beam sensor's sensing of said second triggering beam, said target receiver system has a sleep state and an enabled state, said target receiver system including an arming mechanism, sensitive to motion, for converting said target receiver system from said sleep state to said enabled state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The simulation system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter system is for retrofitting to said firearm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The simulation system of claim 1, said beam choke for insertion into said barrel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The simulation system of claim 1, said beam choke including a variable lens system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The simulation system of claim 1 wherein said second beam emitter delays emitting said second triggering beam in response to said first triggering beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The simulation system of claim 1 for simulating shooting sports featuring a launchable target, said target receiver system having dimensions comparable to that of said launchable target so as to be launchable by the same apparatus used for launching said launchable target.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The simulation system of claim 1 wherein said at least one beam sensor of said target receiver system is for discriminating between said second triggering beam and ambient light.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
68 words
The simulation system of claim 1 wherein said receiver system is enclosed in a durable casing comprising: (a) a chassis having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an annular periphery; (b) a cover secured to said top surface of said chassis; (c) an external cushion ring secured to said annular periphery of said chassis; and (d) a battery cover secured to said bottom surface of said chassis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
136 words
A transmitter system for transmitting an emission beam, said transmitter system for use with a firearm having a triggering mechanism, said transmitter system comprising: (a) an actuator responsive to said triggering mechanism, said actuator comprising: (i) a case enclosing a firing sphere, a spring, and a switch; (ii) said firing sphere responsive to said triggering mechanism; and (iii) said spring positioned between said firing sphere and said switch, said spring responsive to said firing sphere; (iv) wherein said switch is activated when said spring is compressed by said firing sphere after said firing sphere is struck by said triggering mechanism; (b) a first beam emitter responsive to said actuator, said first beam emitter emitting an actuating beam; and (c) a second beam emitter responsive to said actuating beam, said second beam emitter emitting an emission beam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
136 words
A transmitter system for transmitting an emission beam, said transmitter system for use with a firearm having a triggering mechanism, said transmitter system comprising: (a) an actuator responsive to said triggering mechanism, said actuator comprising: (i) a case enclosing a firing sphere, a spring, and a switch; (ii) said firing sphere responsive to said triggering mechanism; and (iii) said spring positioned between said firing sphere and said switch, said spring responsive to said firing sphere; (iv) wherein said switch is activated when said spring is compressed by said firing sphere after said firing sphere is struck by said triggering mechanism; (b) a first beam emitter responsive to said actuator, said first beam emitter emitting an actuating beam; and (c) a second beam emitter responsive to said actuating beam, said second beam emitter emitting an emission beam.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The transmitter system of claim 9, said actuator and said first beam emitter for insertion into an ammunition chamber of said firearm and said second beam emitter for insertion into a barrel of said firearm.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The transmitter system of claim 9 wherein said emission beam is a laser beam.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transmitter system of claim 9 wherein said emission beam is a beam of light.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The transmitter system of claim 9 wherein said actuator and said first beam emitter are remote from said second beam emitter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The transmitter system of claim 9 wherein said actuating beam is a beam of light, said second beam emitter further comprising a beam sensor for sensing said beam of light.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The transmitter system of claim 9 wherein said actuating beam is a laser beam, said second beam emitter further comprising a beam sensor for sensing said laser beam.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The transmitter system of claim 9, said actuator further comprising: (a) a light-emitting diode, said light-emitting diode responsive to said switch; and (b) said beam emitter responsive to light emitted from said light-emitting diode.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
The transmitter system of claim 9, said actuator further comprising: (a) a laser-emitting diode, said laser-emitting diode responsive to said switch; and (b) said second beam emitter responsive to laser emitted from said laser-emitting diode.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The transmitter system claim 9, said second beam emitter including a lens systems.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transmitter system of claim 9, said second beam emitter including a variable lens system.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The transmitter system of claim 19, said variable lens system including a diverging lens and a converging lens.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The transmitter system of claim 19, said variable lens system including a fixed lens and a movable lens.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transmitter system of claim 21 wherein said movable lens is rotated on a variable choke grip to adjust said emission beam.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transmitter system of claim 21 wherein shim spacers are inserted between said fixed lens and said movable lens to adjust said emission beam.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transmitter system of claim 9 wherein said second beam emitter is for seating in a barrel of said firearm in a seated position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
The transmitter system of claim 24 wherein said second beam emitter is frictionally held in said seated position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The transmitter system of claim 24 wherein said second beam emitter is magnetically held in said seated position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The simulation system of claim 9 wherein said second beam emitter delays emitting said emission beam in response to said actuating beam.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
80 words
A receiver system for receiving an emission beam, said receiver system suitable for launching, said receiver system comprising: (a) at least one motion detector responsive to a triggering motion; (b) at least one emission beam sensor responsive to an emission beam; and (c) at least one hit indicator responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam; (d) wherein said emission beam sensor is activated and said hit indicator is enabled by said motion detector detecting said triggering motion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
80 words
A receiver system for receiving an emission beam, said receiver system suitable for launching, said receiver system comprising: (a) at least one motion detector responsive to a triggering motion; (b) at least one emission beam sensor responsive to an emission beam; and (c) at least one hit indicator responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam; (d) wherein said emission beam sensor is activated and said hit indicator is enabled by said motion detector detecting said triggering motion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The receiver system of claim 28, said at least one motion detector responsive to acceleration.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The receiver system of claim 28, including a timer for deactivating said emission beam sensor and for disabling said hit indicator after a predefined time.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
The receiver system of claim 28, said emission beam sensor including a deactivator responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam and said hit indicator including a disabler responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
46 words
The receiver system of claim 28, said receiver system having a first state in which said hit indicators are enabled and a second state in which said hit indicators are disabled, said receiver system having means for switching between said first state and said second state.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The receiver system of claim 32 wherein said hit indicators are illuminated when enabled and dark when disabled.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The receiver system of claim 32 wherein said receiver system enters said first state in response to said motion detector detecting said triggering motion.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The receiver system of claim 32 wherein said receiver system enters said second state in response to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The receiver system of claim 32 wherein said receiver system enters said second state after a predefined period of time.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
The receiver system of claim 28 wherein said motion detector, said emission beam sensor, and said hit indicator are enclosed in a case, said case having a shape suitable for launching by a launcher.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
The receiver system of claim 28 enclosed in a durable casing, said durable casing comprising: (a) a chassis having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an annular periphery; and (b) a cushion ring secured to said annular periphery of said chassis.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
The receiver system of claim 38, said cushion ring having an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of flexible braces each connecting said inner ring to said outer ring.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The receiver system of claim 38, including a cover secured to said top surface of said chassis.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The receiver system of claim 38, including a battery cover secured to said bottom surface of said chassis.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The receiver system of claim 38 said receiver system suitable for launching.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
119 words
A receiver system for receiving an emission beam and suitable for launching, said receiver system comprising: (a) at least one emission beam sensor responsive to an emission beam; (b) at least one hit indicator responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam; and (c) a durable casing enclosing said at least one emission beam sensor and said at least one hit indicator, said casing comprising: (i) a chassis having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an annular periphery; and (ii) a cushion ring secured to said annular periphery of said chassis, said cushion ring having an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of flexible braces each connecting said inner ring to said outer ring.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
119 words
A receiver system for receiving an emission beam and suitable for launching, said receiver system comprising: (a) at least one emission beam sensor responsive to an emission beam; (b) at least one hit indicator responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam; and (c) a durable casing enclosing said at least one emission beam sensor and said at least one hit indicator, said casing comprising: (i) a chassis having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an annular periphery; and (ii) a cushion ring secured to said annular periphery of said chassis, said cushion ring having an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of flexible braces each connecting said inner ring to said outer ring.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The receiver system of claim 43, including a cover secured to said top surface of said chassis.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
The receiver system of claim 43, including a battery cover secured to said bottom surface of said chassis.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
116 words
A simulation system for simulating shooting sports using a standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin, said simulation system comprising: (a) a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system responsive to said firing pin, said transmitter system including a beam emitter; (b) a self-contained reusable target receiver system suitable for launching comprising: (i) at least one motion detector responsive to a triggering motion; (ii) at least one emission beam sensor responsive to an emission beam; and (iii) at least one hit indicator responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam; (iv) wherein said emission beam sensor is activated and said hit indicator is enabled by said motion detector detecting said triggering motion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
116 words
A simulation system for simulating shooting sports using a standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin, said simulation system comprising: (a) a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system responsive to said firing pin, said transmitter system including a beam emitter; (b) a self-contained reusable target receiver system suitable for launching comprising: (i) at least one motion detector responsive to a triggering motion; (ii) at least one emission beam sensor responsive to an emission beam; and (iii) at least one hit indicator responsive to said emission beam sensor sensing said emission beam; (iv) wherein said emission beam sensor is activated and said hit indicator is enabled by said motion detector detecting said triggering motion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-02-09 | 2001-08-11 | 2002-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-02-09 | 2005-08-11 | 2006-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-02-09 | 2009-08-11 | 2010-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |