US6322365B1 — Network-linked laser target firearm training syst…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 161 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a removable laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 161 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a removable laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 40 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein said removable laser module is substantially cylindrical and is concentric with said barrel-shaped member, such that said removable laser module emits the laser signal along a longitudinal centerline of the training barrel.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 31 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein replacement of the conventional barrel with the training barrel, inclusive of said removable laser module, does not substantially affect holstering of the firearm.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 38 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein said removable laser module lies substantially within said second cavity and protrudes from the distal end of said barrelshaped member by no more than 1 cm in a longitudinal direction.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 38 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein said removable laser module has a threaded outer surface and said second cavity has a threaded interior surface adapted to receive the threaded outer surface of said removable laser module.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 23 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein said removable laser module does not protrude from the distal end of said barrel-shaped member.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 17 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein the training barrel replaces a barrel of a pistol.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 33 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein the training barrel is coupled with an upper receiver, said training barrel and said upper receiver replacing a barrel and upper receiver of a rifle.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein said first cavity is sized to prevent chambering of a conventional blank cartridge or of a live round.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 27 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein the training barrel and the blank cartridge are color coded to prevent mismatching of cartridges with said training barrel.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 24 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , further comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit an ultrasonic acoustic signal simultaneously with the laser signal.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 73 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein: in an operational mode, said removable laser module emits a laser pulse in response to the mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and in a boresighting mode, said removable laser module emits a continuous laser beam to permit a direction of emission of said removable laser module to be boresighted with a longitudinal centerline of the firearm.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 32 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein the laser signal is a modulated laser pulse, and wherein said training barrel corresponds to a target adapted to detect the modulated laser pulse.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 23 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein the firearm fires the blank cartridge using one of: powder, compressed air, and carbon dioxide.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 38 words

The training barrel of claim 1 , wherein said removable laser module is held in said second cavity by frictional force between an outer surface of said removable laser module and an interior surface of said second cavity.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 207 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity and comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing insertable into said second cavity; a mechanical wave sensor disposed within said housing and adapted to produce a trigger signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by firing the blank cartridge in said first cavity; a laser transmitter adapted to emit the laser signal in response to the trigger signal; and a power source supplying power to said mechanical wave sensor and said laser transmitter.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 207 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity and comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing insertable into said second cavity; a mechanical wave sensor disposed within said housing and adapted to produce a trigger signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by firing the blank cartridge in said first cavity; a laser transmitter adapted to emit the laser signal in response to the trigger signal; and a power source supplying power to said mechanical wave sensor and said laser transmitter.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 38 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein said laser module is substantially cylindrical and is concentric with said barrel-shaped member, such that said laser module emits the laser signal along a longitudinal centerline of the training barrel.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 30 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein replacement of the conventional barrel with the training barrel, inclusive of said laser module, does not substantially affect holstering of the firearm.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 37 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein said laser module lies substantially within said second cavity and protrudes from the distal end of said barrel-shaped member by no more than 1 cm in a longitudinal direction.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 17 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein said laser module is removable from said second cavity.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 36 words

The training barrel of claim 20 , wherein said laser module has a threaded outer surface and said second cavity has a threaded interior surface adapted to receive the threaded outer surface of said laser module.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 18 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein said laser module in permanently mounted within said second cavity.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 22 words

The training barrel of claim 22 , wherein said laser module does not protrude from the distal end of said barrel-shaped member.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 17 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein the training barrel replaces a barrel of a pistol.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 33 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein the training barrel is coupled with an upper receiver, said training barrel and said upper receiver replacing a barrel and upper receiver of a rifle.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 53 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein: said mechanical wave sensor includes at least one of: a piezoelectric element, an accelerometer, and a strain gauge; said laser transmitter includes a lens and an optics package that projects the laser signal distally through the lens; and said power source comprises a button-shaped battery.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 26 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein said first cavity is sized to prevent chambering of a conventional blank cartridge or of a live round.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 27 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein the training barrel and the blank cartridge are color coded to prevent mismatching of cartridges with said training barrel.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 24 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , further comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit an ultrasonic acoustic signal simultaneously with the laser signal.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 70 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein: in an operational mode, said laser module emits a laser pulse in response to the mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and in a boresighting mode, said laser module emits a continuous laser beam to permit a direction of emission of the laser module to be boresighted with a longitudinal centerline of the firearm.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 32 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein the laser signal is a modulated laser pulse, and wherein said training barrel corresponds to a target adapted to detect the modulated laser pulse.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 23 words

The training barrel of claim 16 , wherein the firearm fires the blank cartridge using one of: powder, compressed air, and carbon dioxide.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 172 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said first cavity being sized to prevent chambering of a live round, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 172 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said first cavity being sized to prevent chambering of a live round, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 180 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; wherein the training barrel and the blank cartridge are color coded to prevent mismatching of cartridges with said training barrel.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 180 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; wherein the training barrel and the blank cartridge are color coded to prevent mismatching of cartridges with said training barrel.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 175 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit an ultrasonic acoustic signal simultaneously with the laser signal.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 175 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit an ultrasonic acoustic signal simultaneously with the laser signal.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 223 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity, wherein; in an operational mode, said laser module emits a laser pulse in response to the mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and in a boresighting mode, said laser module emits a continuous laser beam to permit a direction of emission of the laser module to be boresighted with a longitudinal centerline of the firearm.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 223 words

A detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge, the training barrel comprising: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity, wherein; in an operational mode, said laser module emits a laser pulse in response to the mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and in a boresighting mode, said laser module emits a continuous laser beam to permit a direction of emission of the laser module to be boresighted with a longitudinal centerline of the firearm.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 156 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a removable laser module extending into said second cavity, said removable laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from he firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 156 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a removable laser module extending into said second cavity, said removable laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from he firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 32 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein: said training barrel is detachable from said training firearm; and said training firearm accommodates a conventional barrel permitting the training firearm to fire projectiles.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 31 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein holstering of the training firearm with said training barrel is substantially the same as holstering of the training firearm with said conventional barrel.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 39 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein said removable laser module is substantially cylindrical and is concentric with said training barrel, such that said laser module emits the laser signal along a longitudinal centerline of said training barrel.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 38 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein said removable laser module lies substantially within said second cavity and protrudes from the distal end of said barrelshaped member by no more than 1 cm in a longitudinal direction.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 38 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein said removable laser module has a threaded outer surface and said second cavity has a threaded interior surface adapted to receive the threaded outer surface of said removable laser module.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 23 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein said removable laser module does not protrude from the distal end of said barrel-shaped member.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 83 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein said removable laser module comprises: a substantially cylindrical housing insertable into said second cavity; a mechanical wave sensor disposed within said housing and adapted to produce a trigger signal in response to the mechanical wave produced by firing the blank cartridge in said first cavity; a laser transmitter adapted to emit the laser signal in response to the trigger signal; and a power source supplying power to said mechanical wave sensor and said laser transmitter.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 26 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein said first cavity is sized to prevent chambering of a conventional blank cartridge or of a live round.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 27 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein the training firearm and the blank cartridge are color coded to prevent mismatching of cartridges with said training barrel.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 24 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , further comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit an ultrasonic acoustic signal simultaneously with the laser signal.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 32 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein the laser signal is a modulated laser pulse, and wherein said training firearm corresponds to a target adapted to detect the modulated laser pulse.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 24 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein the training firearm fires the blank cartridge using one of: powder, compressed air, and carbon dioxide.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 38 words

The training firearm of claim 37 , wherein said removable laser module is held in said second cavity by frictional force between an outer surface of said removable laser module and an interior surface of said second cavity.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 166 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said first cavity being sized to prevent chambering of a live round, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 166 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said first cavity being sized to prevent chambering of a live round, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 174 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; wherein the training firearm and the blank cartridge are color coded to prevent mismatching of cartridges with said training barrel.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 174 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; wherein the training firearm and the blank cartridge are color coded to prevent mismatching of cartridges with said training barrel.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 169 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit an ultrasonic acoustic signal simultaneously with the laser signal.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 169 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit an ultrasonic acoustic signal simultaneously with the laser signal.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 201 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity and comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing insertable into said second cavity; a mechanical wave sensor disposed within said housing and adapted to produce a trigger signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by firing the blank cartridge in said first cavity; a laser transmitter adapted to emit the laser signal in response to the trigger signal; and a power source supplying power to said mechanical wave sensor and said laser transmitter.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 201 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity and comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing insertable into said second cavity; a mechanical wave sensor disposed within said housing and adapted to produce a trigger signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by firing the blank cartridge in said first cavity; a laser transmitter adapted to emit the laser signal in response to the trigger signal; and a power source supplying power to said mechanical wave sensor and said laser transmitter.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 217 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity, wherein; in an operational mode, said laser module emits a laser pulse in response to the mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and in a boresighting mode, said laser module emits a continuous laser beam to permit a direction of emission of the laser module to be boresighted with a longitudinal centerline of the firearm.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 217 words

A training firearm that fires a blank cartridge and emits a laser signal upon firing of the blank cartridge, said training firearm comprising: a pullable trigger for initiating firing of the blank cartridge; a training barrel having a substantially cylindrical bore with a proximal end and a distal end; a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of said training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge; and a laser module extending into said second cavity, said laser module emitting the laser signal in response to a mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity, wherein; in an operational mode, said laser module emits a laser pulse in response to the mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity; and in a boresighting mode, said laser module emits a continuous laser beam to permit a direction of emission of the laser module to be boresighted with a longitudinal centerline of the firearm.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 114 words

A laser firearm system for firearm competition or training involving firing a firearm toward a target without use of projectiles, the system comprising: a training firearm having a trigger, a barrel and a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by pulling of the trigger and sensed by the laser transmitter module; a laser-detecting target adapted to detect the laser signal and produce a laser detection signal; a processor responsive to the laser detection signal for generating information indicating a hit location of the laser signal on said target; a remotely-located laser-detecting target and processor; and a communication network linking said processor to said remotely-located processor.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 114 words

A laser firearm system for firearm competition or training involving firing a firearm toward a target without use of projectiles, the system comprising: a training firearm having a trigger, a barrel and a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by pulling of the trigger and sensed by the laser transmitter module; a laser-detecting target adapted to detect the laser signal and produce a laser detection signal; a processor responsive to the laser detection signal for generating information indicating a hit location of the laser signal on said target; a remotely-located laser-detecting target and processor; and a communication network linking said processor to said remotely-located processor.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 30 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said laser-detecting target includes an array of laser light detectors adapted to detect the laser signal and to produce the laser detection signal.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 41 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said laser transmitter module emits a modulated laser signal along a longitudinal centerline of the barrel in response to the mechanical wave produced by pulling of the trigger and sensed by said laser-detecting target.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system of claim 58 , wherein said laser-detecting target is configured to detect only laser signals modulated in the manner of said modulated laser signal.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 58 , wherein a modulation of the modulated laser signal identifies the training firearm emitting the modulated laser signal.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein pulling of the trigger causes firing of a blank cartridge that produces the mechanical wave.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said training firearm comprises: a conventional firearm; and a cylindrical laser module inserted into a barrel of the conventional firearm.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said training firearm comprises a training barrel incapable of firing a projectile.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 63 , wherein said training barrel is a detachable training barrel that replaces a conventional detachable barrel of a firearm to convert the firearm into a training device that emits a laser signal upon firing a blank cartridge.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 135 words

The system of claim 64 , wherein said training barrel comprises: a barrel-shaped member defining a substantially cylindrical bore of the training barrel, with a proximal end and a distal end; and a solid wall extending transversely across the bore of the training barrel and separating the bore into a first substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the proximal end and a second substantially cylindrical cavity extending inward from the distal end, said first cavity serving as a firing chamber and being adapted to receive the blank cartridge, said wall preventing forward discharge toward the distal end upon firing of the blank cartridge, the laser transmitter module extending into said second cavity and emitting the laser signal in response to the mechanical wave sensed from the firing of the blank cartridge in said first cavity.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said training firearm is incapable of firing a projectile.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said laser-detecting target is formed in the shape of a bull's eye.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said laser-detecting target comprises a plurality of range-scaled targets.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 89 words

The system of claim 56 , further comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter coupled to said training firearm and adapted to transmit an ultrasonic signal simultaneously with the laser signal; an ultrasonic detector coupled to said laser-detecting target and adapted to detect an arrival time of the ultrasonic signal at said laser-detecting target; wherein said processor determines a distance between said training firearm and said laser-detecting target from a time delay between an arrival time of the laser signal at said laser-detecting target and the arrival time of the ultrasonic signal.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said processor determines a center of gravity of a group of laser signals sequentially detected by the laser-detecting target.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said communication network includes a server linked to said first and second processors.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 57 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein: said training firearm, said laser-detecting target and said processor are located at a first site, and said remotely-located laser-detecting target and processor are located at a second site; and said communication network includes a user interface permitting users at said first site to communicate with users at the second site.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system of claim 72 , wherein said user interface permits coordination of competition between users at said first site and users at said second site.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 24 words

The system of claim 72 , wherein said user interface permits viewing at said first site of target detection results from said second site.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 72 , wherein said user interface includes a web site.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 56 , wherein said communication network is a global communication network.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 190 words

A laser firearm system for firearm competition or training involving firing a firearm toward a target without use of projectiles, the system comprising: a training firearm including a trigger, a barrel and a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by pulling of the trigger and sensed by the laser transmitter module; a laser-detecting target adapted to detect the laser signal and produce a laser detection signal: an ultrasonic transmitter coupled to said training firearm and adapted to transmit an ultrasonic signal simultaneously with the laser signal; an ultrasonic detector coupled to said laser-detecting target and adapted to detect an arrival time of the ultrasonic signal at said laser-detecting target; and a processor coupled to said laser detecting target and said ultrasonic detector, said processor being responsive to the laser detection signal for generating information indicating a hit location of the laser signal on said target, and determining a distance between said training firearm and said laser-detecting target from a time delay between an arrival time of the laser signal at said laser-detecting target and the arrival time of the ultrasonic signal.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 190 words

A laser firearm system for firearm competition or training involving firing a firearm toward a target without use of projectiles, the system comprising: a training firearm including a trigger, a barrel and a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by pulling of the trigger and sensed by the laser transmitter module; a laser-detecting target adapted to detect the laser signal and produce a laser detection signal: an ultrasonic transmitter coupled to said training firearm and adapted to transmit an ultrasonic signal simultaneously with the laser signal; an ultrasonic detector coupled to said laser-detecting target and adapted to detect an arrival time of the ultrasonic signal at said laser-detecting target; and a processor coupled to said laser detecting target and said ultrasonic detector, said processor being responsive to the laser detection signal for generating information indicating a hit location of the laser signal on said target, and determining a distance between said training firearm and said laser-detecting target from a time delay between an arrival time of the laser signal at said laser-detecting target and the arrival time of the ultrasonic signal.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 43 words

The system of claim 77 , wherein the system prevents cheating caused by locating said training firearm improperly close to said laser-detecting target by reporting the distance between said training firearm and said laser-detecting target together with the information indicating the hit location.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 119 words

A laser firearm system for firearm competition or training involving firing a firearm toward a target without use of projectiles, the system comprising: a training firearm including a trigger, a barrel and a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by pulling of the trigger and sensed by the laser transmitter module; a laser-detecting target adapted to detect the laser signal and produce a laser detection signal; and a processor responsive to the laser detection signal for generating information indicating a hit location of the laser signal on said target, wherein said processor determines a center of gravity of a group of laser signals sequentially detected by the laser light detectors.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 119 words

A laser firearm system for firearm competition or training involving firing a firearm toward a target without use of projectiles, the system comprising: a training firearm including a trigger, a barrel and a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal in response to a mechanical wave produced by pulling of the trigger and sensed by the laser transmitter module; a laser-detecting target adapted to detect the laser signal and produce a laser detection signal; and a processor responsive to the laser detection signal for generating information indicating a hit location of the laser signal on said target, wherein said processor determines a center of gravity of a group of laser signals sequentially detected by the laser light detectors.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2004-11-26	2005-05-28	2005-11-27	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2008-11-26	2009-05-28	2009-11-27	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2012-11-26	2013-05-28	2013-11-27	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Network-linked laser target firearm training system

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