Method and apparatus for detecting and identifying firearms

Abstract

A system for detecting the presence of firearms and identifying their unique status includes a radiofrequency identification chip supported within each firearm either by the manufacturer or by later retrofit. The RFID chip stores the unique serial number for the firearm, preferably in nonvolatile form. A reader for the chips may be used to transmit an interrogating signal from a distance which causes the chip to send a responsive signal including its serial number. The reader picks up the serial number and provides it to an associated computer. The serial number so obtained may be used with databases to maintain inventories of firearms or determine the history of firearms.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 549,128 filed Mar. 1, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a system for remotely detecting the presence of a firearm and identifying the serial number of the firearm employing radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in firearms and remote readers for the RFID tags. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are many situations in which it is desirable to have the ability to detect the presence of a firearm from a distance and, in certain situations, to determine a serial number assigned to the firearm. For example, when police officers approach a parked vehicle it is often of importance for them to know whether a firearm is contained in the vehicle. The officers' approach to the situation can be critically dependent upon this knowledge. Similarly, it is common practice to screen persons entering pub...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The RFID chips of the present invention are preferably retained in a recess formed in the body of the firearm having an exposed surface so as to allow the easy reception and transmission of interrogating and responding signals. If the body of the firearm is of a ferromagnetic material such as steel, the chip might be supported on a radiofrequency absorbing elastomer layer or other absorbing substrate material to prevent interference with the transmission and reception of signals.

[0013] If the firearm is made of a nonferromagnetic material or has a nonferromagnetic section such as a butt or handle, the cavity for the chips may be formed directly in this nonferromagnetic section. Weapons which are made from steel typically have wood or plastic handgrips, and this affords a convenient position in which to place the chip. In the cases of weapons made entirely from ferromagnetic materials, a cavity in the weapon may be lined with a radiofrequency-absorbing elastomer or other radiofrequency-absorbing material to shield the chip from fields which might be induced through the ferromagnetic sections.

Problems solved by technology

Present systems for conducting such searches, including x-ray systems and the like, are extremely expensive and relatively slow in operation.

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