Aug 12, 2025

US12385705 - Firearm ammunition availability detection system

A linear encoder may be used to accurately determine a number of cartridges within a magazine. Further, using a set of magnetic sensors within a buffer tube of a firearm, it is possible to determine whether a cartridge is loaded within a chamber of the weapon and/or whether the firearm is jammed. The determination of cartridges within the magazine in conjunction with the determination of whether a cartridge is in a chamber of a firearm can give a user an accurate ammunition count. Further, the use of the linear encoder makes it possible to accurately determine the cartridge count when different cartridges are loaded into the magazine or when the magazine degrades in quality over time. Moreover, the ability for magazines to communicate with a firearm enables a user to determine a total available ammunition to the user in a single display without individually checking each magazine.

Assignee: Maztech Industries, LLC
Inventors: David Michael Masarik, Michael Raymond Masarik, Matthew James Masarik
Filing date: 2023-12-01

firearmammunitiondetectionmagazine

The patent describes a magazine equipped with a linear encoder and magnetic sensors to accurately count cartridges and detect their status within a firearm. This system allows users to obtain a total ammunition count displayed in a single interface, enhancing the functionality and reliability of firearm operation.

Claim 1

A magazine comprising: a follower configured to move towards an egress of the magazine as ammunition leaves the magazine and towards a base of the magazine as ammunition is inserted into the magazine; a round counter comprising: a linear encoder formed from a magnet positioned on the follower and a plurality of sensors; and a hardware processor configured to determine an ammunition count of ammunition within the magazine based on a signal generated by the linear encoder, the signal corresponding to a position of the magnet with respect to the plurality of sensors; and an output device in communication with the round counter and configured to output the ammunition count, wherein the round counter is configured to account for ammunition movement that occurs responsive to the magazine being inserted into a magazine well of a firearm and pressure being applied to ammunition within the magazine. a follower configured to move towards an egress of the magazine as ammunition leaves the magazine and towards a base of the magazine as ammunition is inserted into the magazine; a round counter comprising: a linear encoder formed from a magnet positioned on the follower and a plurality of sensors; and a hardware processor configured to determine an ammunition count of ammunition within the magazine based on a signal generated by the linear encoder, the signal corresponding to a position of the magnet with respect to the plurality of sensors; and a linear encoder formed from a magnet positioned on the follower and a plurality of sensors; and a hardware processor configured to determine an ammunition count of ammunition within the magazine based on a signal generated by the linear encoder, the signal corresponding to a position of the magnet with respect to the plurality of sensors; and an output device in communication with the round counter and configured to output the ammunition count, wherein the round counter is configured to account for ammunition movement that occurs responsive to the magazine being inserted into a magazine well of a firearm and pressure being applied to ammunition within the magazine.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12385705

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12385705