Systems and methods for electronic weaponry with deployment unit detection

• US 7,631,452 B1
• Filed: 09/12/2006
• Issued: 12/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Taser International Incorporated
• Inventors: Nerheim, Magne H., Cerovic, Milan, Brundula, Steven N. D., Smith, Patrick W.
• Primary Examiner(s): HAYES, BRET C
• Application Number:
  US11/530,996
• Time in Patent Office: 1,190 Days
• Field of Search: 42/10.8, 42/84, 361/232, 102/502, 89/11.1
• US Class Current: 42/1.08
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/063 comprising a transponder
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/066 having means for recognizing biometric parameters, e.g. voice control, finger print or palm print control
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0018 for nearby electrical discharge, i.e. the electrodes being positioned on the device and the device brought manually or otherwise into contact with a nearby target batons with electric discharge capability F41B15/04; electric shock devices for animals A01K15/02
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0025 for remote electrical discharge via conducting wires, e.g. via wire-tethered electrodes shot at a target
• 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: H05C 1/06 operating only when touched

Abstract

A launch device, according to various aspects of the present invention, stuns a target. The launch device includes a detector and a processing circuit. The detector detects indicia from a provided deployment unit. The deployment unit deploys an electrode to stun the target. The processing circuit performs a function of the launch device in accordance with the indicia. A method, according to various aspects of the present invention, is performed by a launch device that stuns a target. The method includes in any practical order: (a) detecting indicia from a deployment unit that deploys an electrode to stun the target; and (b) performing a function of the launch device in accordance with the indicia.

Claims

1. A launch device that impedes locomotion by a target, the launch device comprising:

a. a detector that detects indicia from a provided deployment unit, wherein the deployment unit deploys an electrode to provide a current through the target to impede locomotion by the target; and

b. a processing circuit that performs a function of the launch device in accordance with the indicia.

2. The launch device of claim 1 further comprising a display that presents a presentation determined by the processing circuit in accordance with the indicia.

3. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the indicia comprise a quantity of uses.

4. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the indicia comprise a range of effective distances.

5. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the indicia identify a manufacturer.

6. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the function comprises denying activation of a launch.

7. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the function comprises conserving battery power.

8. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the detector provides information to the deployment unit to be stored by the deployment unit.

9. The launch device of claim 8 wherein the information comprises an identity of the launch device.

10. The launch device of claim 8 wherein the information comprises an identity of a user of the launch device.

11. The launch device of claim 8 wherein the information comprises a location of the launch device.

12. The launch device of claim 8 wherein the information comprises a date and time of performance of a primary function.

13. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the detector detects the indicia by detecting an electromagnetic signal.

14. The launch device of claim 13 wherein the detector detects the indicia by detecting a position of the electromagnetic signal relative to a portion of the launch device.

15. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the detector detects the indicia by detecting a current.

16. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the detector detects the indicia by detecting a voltage.

17. The launch device of claim 1 wherein the detector detects the indicia by detecting a modulation.

18. The launch device of claim 1 wherein:

a. the detector further comprises a source that provides a signal; and

b. the detector detects the indicia by detecting a modulation impressed on the signal by the deployment unit.

19. The launch device of claim 1 wherein:

a. the detector detects a coded signal; and

b. the detector comprises a decoder that provides the indicia in accordance with the coded signal.

20. The launch device of claim 1 wherein:

a. the launch device further comprises a control; and

b. the processing circuit performs the function in further accordance with the control.

21. The launch device of claim 20 wherein the control provides a range priority.

22. The launch device of claim 20 wherein the control provides an identity of a user of the launch device.