LED dazzler

• US 20090284961A1
• Filed: 05/15/2008
• Published: 11/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Goldfinch Limited
• Original Assignee: Stellar Photonics, LLC
• Inventors: Shemwell, David M., Limuti, Donald, Long, Weihao, Challenger, Michael, Fuhriman, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 7,794,102 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/184
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/00 Means of attack or defence not otherwise provided for details of radar or sonar systems G01S7/00
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0087 the high-energy beam being a bright light, e.g. for dazzling or blinding purposes F41H13/0056 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 5/08 for personal use , i.e. hand held shields

Abstract

An apparatus produces a “dazzling” effect: disorientation and temporary and fully reversible blindness in subjects for the purpose of threat deterrence in both civilian law enforcement and military engagements without the use of lasers. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of intense illumination. Light emitted by each LED is further pulsed and focused by reflective optics to produce a pulsed beam of sufficient intensity that the combined effect of the beams from the LEDs induces dazzling in subject viewers in the target range. Further included in or ancillary to the invention are a power source for powering the LEDs and a signal source and controller for controlling their illumination and pulsing. Embodiments of the invention include riot shield, hand held and vehicle-mounted dazzlers.

Claims

1. A dazzler apparatus, comprising

a plurality of light emitting diodes forming an array for emitting directed beams of light when the light emitting diodes are illuminated and

at least one driver in electrical communication with the light emitting diodes for providing current to cause the light emitting diodes to illuminate.

2. A dazzler apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising optics further directing beams of light emitted from the array to a target.

3. A dazzler apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply.

4. A dazzler apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a signal source for the driver, wherein the driver, responsive to signals from the signal source, causes pulsed illumination of the light emitting diodes.

5. A dazzler apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a high intensity directed acoustical device.

6. A dazzler shield, comprising

a shield surface having a user side and a target side, the shield surface affording protection on the user side from objects originating on the target side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes affixed to the shield surface forming an array for emitting directed beams of light outward from the target side of the shield surface when the light emitting diodes are illuminated and

at least one driver in electrical communication with the light emitting diodes for providing current to cause the light emitting diodes to illuminate.

7. A dazzler shield according to claim 6, wherein the shield is adapted for handheld use.

8. A dazzler shield according to claim 6, wherein the shield surface is comprised of transparent polymer material.