Dual operating mode electronic disabling device for generating a time-sequenced, shaped voltage output waveform

• US 20040156163A1
• Filed: 05/29/2003
• Published: 08/12/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Taser International Incorporated
• Inventors: Nerheim, Magne
• Granted Patent: US 7,102,870 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/232
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 3/00 Pistols, e.g. revolvers specially adapted for underwater use F41C9/06; for slaughtering or stunning animals A22B; for shooting bolts into concrete constructions, metal walls or the like B25C
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0012 Electrical discharge weapons, e.g. for stunning
• CPC Class Codes: H05C 1/04 providing pulse voltages mechanical self-interrupters H01H; electronic pulse-generators H03K

Abstract

An electronic disabling device includes first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on a target having a high impedance air gap existing between at least one of the electrodes and the target. The power supply generates a first high voltage, short duration output across the first and second electrodes during a first time interval to ionize air within the air gap to thereby reduce the high impedance across the air gap to a lower impedance to enable current flow across the air gap at a lower voltage level. The power supply next generates a second lower voltage, longer duration output across the first and second electrodes during a second time interval to maintain the current flow across the first and second electrodes and between the first and second contact points on the target to enable the current flow through the target to cause involuntary muscle contractions to thereby immobilize the target.

Claims

1. An electronic device having a first high voltage transformer for creating an arc and a second transformer with a lower output voltage to flow current across the arc to disable a subject.

2. An electronic disabling device for immobilizing a target comprising:

a. first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on the target;

b. high voltage power supply for generating an output voltage delivered in a series of electrical pulses to the target;

c. a battery system including

i. a battery;

ii. a digital memory device for storing information related to the amount of battery power consumed or remaining;

iii. a data interface for communicating between the battery system and the device to adjust the amount of power consumed recorded in the battery system; and

d. a display for indicating to the user the battery capacity status.

3. An electronic disabling device for immobilizing a target comprising:

a. first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on the target;

b. a high voltage power supply for generating an output voltage delivered in a pre-timed series of electrical pulses to the target; and

c. a display for indicating to the user the amount of time remaining in each pulse sequence.

4. An electronic disabling device for immobilizing a target comprising:

a. first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on the target;

b. a high voltage power supply for generating an output voltage delivered in a pre-timed series of electrical pulses to the target;

c. a trigger mechanism to initiate the pre-timed series of electrical pulses; and

d. a mechanism for allowing the user to extend the duration of the pre-timed series of electrical pulses.

5. An electronic disabling device for immobilizing a target comprising:

a. first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on the target; and

b. a high voltage power supply for generating an output voltage delivered across the target generating a positive voltage potential at one electrode and a negative voltage potential at the other electrode, thereby increasing the total voltage drop across the target while decreasing the maximum voltage potential between either electrode and the grounded user of the weapon.