Importance

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Abstract

An electronically operated pistol (10) has a frame (32) upon which is mounted a barrel (36) and a shell (12) which encloses virtually all moving parts. The pistol has a trigger (14) which, when pulled, moves a front section (56) of a trigger bar (48) carrying a magnet (80) of a Hall effect switch. The trigger bar has a rear section (58) connected to a solenoid (114) which is actuated by a current amplifier (104) in a control circuit (124) which includes the Hall effect switch. Both sections of the trigger bar are independently axially movable but are so connected as to be pivotable about the trigger in unison to perform a disconnect function in association with a sear (78). A switch (104) in the control circuit mounted on the barrel senses the presence of a chambered cartridge (92). The control circuit includes a first light emitting diode (26) which illuminates when a round is chambered and a second light emitting diode (28) which illuminates when control circuit power is low. Voltage comparators (132,130) in the circuit signal logic elements (136,146,148,140) when power is low or the second light emitting diode fails to properly illuminate in order to prevent actuation of the solenoid. An electronic failure, which causes current to be constantly directed through the solenoid, is sensed by a voltage comparator (152) which causes an oscillator (154) to rapidly flash the second light emitting diode.

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First Claim