Rifle accessory rail, communication, and power transfer system - power distribution

Abstract

The present invention is related to weapons systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to accessory attachment systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable attached accessory devices to draw power from a central power source and communicate with the user and/or other devices. The present invention embodies firearm systems comprising at least one mounting rail comprising at least one power connection, at least one power source, at least one rail accessory, wherein the at least one rail accessory receives electrical power from the power source.

1 . A firearm power distribution system comprising:
 at least one mounting rail comprising an electrical contact;   at least one power source;   and wherein the at least one rail receives electrical power from the power source.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one powered mounting rail is a detachable mounting rail. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one powered mounting rail a Picatinny rail. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a butt stock assembly wherein the buttstock assembly comprises the power source. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an external power pack wherein the external power pack comprises the power source. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is located in a pistol grip. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising: a first rail accessory mechanically connected to the at least one mounting rail and electrically connected to the at least one power connection; a second rail accessory mechanically connected to the at least one mounting rail and electrically connected to the at least one power connection. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein a rigid plastic conformal shroud encapsulates wires alongside the weapon, without requiring permanent modifications to the weapon 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein a quick-release fastener provides electrical connection between the upper and lower receiver assemblies of a weapon 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein a flexible metal conduit protects cabling which runs between upper and lower receivers of a weapon. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein multiple rail power assemblies are interconnected by an encapsulated bus wire system 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 2  wherein a removable connection assembly allows power to be transferred from the upper handguard to the lower handguard.