SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING INTERDICTION DEVICE

• US 20100285909A1
• Filed: 08/13/2008
• Published: 11/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Vilcheck, Michael J., Greenwald, David, Voelker, Jeffrey J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,206,225 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/570
• 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: F42B 12/365 Projectiles transmitting information to a remote location using optical or electronic means F42B12/385 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/42 of illuminating type, e.g. carrying flares

Abstract

A reusable interdiction apparatus that makes use of a housing of dimensions making the housing suitable to be carried and thrown by an individual. A light source is disposed within the housing and adapted to project an optical signal through a portion of the housing. A controller is used for controlling operation of the light source. A power source is disposed within the housing and used for powering the controller and the light source.

Claims

1. A reusable interdiction apparatus comprising:

a housing of dimensions making the housing suitable to be carried and thrown by an individual;

a light source disposed within said housing and adapted to project an optical signal through a portion of said housing;

a controller for controlling operation of said light source; and

a power source disposed within said housing for powering said controller and said light source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises an acoustic device disposed within said housing for emitting an acoustic signal from said housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a motion detector disposed within said housing for detecting motion of an individual within a proximity of said apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a camera disposed within said housing, and including an optical element in communication with a opening in said housing, for providing an optical image of an area in a vicinity of said apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a wireless transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal from said camera to a remote location.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said wireless signal comprises an encrypted wireless signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said power source comprises a battery.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises at least one of a polycarbonate spherical shell and a carbon polymer spherical shell.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at least one high intensity light emitting diode (LED).

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises an array of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs).

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said acoustic device comprises a frequency selectable acoustic siren.

12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus weighs no more than about five pounds.

13. A reusable interdiction apparatus comprising:

a housing made of an impact resistant material, and having dimensions making said housing suitable to be carried and thrown by an individual;

a high intensity light emitting diode (LED) light source disposed within said housing and adapted to project an optical signal through a portion of said housing;

a controller for controlling operation of said light source;

an acoustic device for emitting a high intensity acoustic signal from said housing, and said acoustic device being controlled by said controller; and

a power source for powering said controller, said LED light source and said acoustic device.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said housing comprises at least one of a polycarbonate spherical shell and a carbon polymer spherical shell.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a motion detector housed within said housing and in communication with said controller, said controller adapted to energize said high intensity LED light source and said acoustic device upon receipt of a signal from said motion detector indicating that motion of an object has been detected.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a surveillance camera disposed within said housing and in optical communication with an opening in said housing, said camera adapted to generate an output signal representative of an image of a predetermined area in a vicinity of said housing.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said output signal comprises an encrypted output signal.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a wireless transmitter disposed within said housing and in communication with said controller for transmitting information provided by said controller to a remotely located controller.

19. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a wireless transceiver disposed within said housing for providing two way wireless communications between said controller and a remote controller.

20. A method for forming a reusable interdiction apparatus, the method comprising:

providing a housing suitable to be thrown and carried by an individual;

disposing a high intensity light source within said housing such that said light source is able to emit a high intensity light signal through at least one opening in said housing;

using a controller disposed within said housing to control said high intensity light source; and

using a power source to power said controller and said high intensity light source.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the operation of using a high intensity acoustic device placed within said housing to emit a high intensity acoustic signal through at least one opening in said housing.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the operation of using a motion detector placed within housing to detect motion within a vicinity of said housing.