Systems and methods for local and remote stun functions in electronic weaponry

• US 7,891,128 B2
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Taser International Incorporated
• Inventors: Cerovic, Milan, Brundula, Steven N. D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Carone; Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Weber; Jonathan C
• Application Number:
  US11/307,408
• Publication Number:
  US 20090323248A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,842 Days
• Field of Search: 42/10.8, 42/84, 102/502, 361/232
• US Class Current: 42/84
• 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

An electronic weapon system includes a terminal for a local stun function, a deployment unit for a remote stun function, and a barrier, removal of which during deployment enables a circuit for the remote stun function that includes the terminal. A method performed by an electronic weapon includes: (a) enabling a stimulator of the weapon to provide a current; (b) in response to a first operator control of the weapon, and when proximate to target tissue, passing the current through a first circuit that includes the target tissue; (c) blocking a second circuit of the weapon with a barrier of the weapon; (d) in response to a second operator control of the weapon, propelling an electrode of the weapon to a remote target, reducing blocking by the barrier, and passing the current via the second circuit that includes the electrode and the target tissue; and (e) in response to a second operation of the first operator control, and if proximate to target tissue, passing the current through the target tissue via the first circuit instead of passing the current through the second circuit, and if not proximate to target tissue, passing the current via the second circuit through the electrode and through the target tissue.

Claims

1. An electronic weapon comprising:

a. a stimulator that provides a current;

b. a first conductor, coupled to the stimulator, that supports a first ionized pathway for conducting the current to perform a local stun function and that supports a second ionized pathway for conducting the current to perform a remote stun function;

c. an electrode;

d. a propellant to propel the electrode for the remote stun function;

e. a second conductor, coupled to the electrode; and

f. a barrier comprising a first side and a second side, wherein

the first conductor is adjacent the first side;

the second conductor is adjacent the second side; and

prior to operation of the propellant, the barrier blocks ionization of the second ionized pathway from the first conductor to the second conductor.

2. The weapon of claim 1 wherein the first conductor comprises a terminal for supporting the first ionized pathway and the second ionized pathway.

3. The weapon of claim 1 further comprising a body that stores the electrode in a cavity of the body, and a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, wherein the cover comprises the barrier.

4. The weapon of claim 3 wherein the cover comprises a plurality of segments joined by frangible material, and wherein a segment of the plurality comprises the barrier.

5. The weapon of claim 4 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant to disjoin segments of the plurality.

6. The weapon of claim 4 further comprising a ram that is propelled into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality.

7. The weapon of claim 1 wherein the first pathway is shorter than the second pathway.

8. The weapon of claim 1 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant.

9. The weapon of claim 1 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to movement of the propelled electrode.

10. An apparatus for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target, the apparatus comprising:

a. a stimulator that provides a current;

b. a first terminal, coupled to the stimulator, that supports a first ionized pathway for conducting the current to perform a local stun function and supports a second ionized pathway for conducting the current to perform a remote stun function;

c. a body;

d. a ram;

e. an electrode stored in a cavity of the body;

f. a second terminal, coupled to the electrode;

g. a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, the cover comprising a plurality of segments joined by frangible material, wherein

the cover comprises a first side and a second side;

the first terminal is adjacent the first side; and

the second terminal is adjacent the second side; and

h. a propellant that propels the ram into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality thereby to permit exit of the electrode from the cavity, and propels the electrode toward the target for the remote stun function;

wherein

prior to operation of the propellant, the cover blocks ionization of the second ionized pathway from the first conductor to the second conductor;

blocking by the cover is reduced by operation of the ram; and

the first pathway is shorter than the second pathway.

11. A deployment unit for an apparatus comprising a stimulator, the apparatus for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target, the deployment unit comprising:

a. a conductor;

b. an electrode coupled to the conductor for conducting a current through the target, the current producing contractions in skeletal muscles of the target;

c. a propellant to propel the electrode toward the target; and

d. a barrier, wherein

e. prior to operation of the propellant, presence of a portion of the barrier beside the conductor blocks ionization of an ionized pathway for conducting the current from the stimulator to the conductor; and

f. blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant thereby permitting ionization of the ionized pathway.

12. The deployment unit of claim 11 wherein the conductor comprises a terminal for supporting the ionized pathway.

13. The deployment unit of claim 11 further comprising a body that stores the electrode in a cavity of the body, and a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, wherein the cover comprises the barrier.

14. The deployment unit of claim 13 wherein the cover comprises a plurality of segments joined by frangible material, and wherein a segment comprises the barrier.

15. The deployment unit of claim 14 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant to disjoin segments of the plurality.

16. The deployment unit of claim 14 further comprising a ram that is propelled into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality.

17. The deployment unit of claim 11 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to movement of the propelled electrode.

18. A deployment unit for an apparatus comprising a stimulator, the apparatus for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target, the deployment unit comprising:

a. a terminal;

b. a body;

c. a ram;

d. an electrode stored in a cavity of the body, the electrode coupled to the terminal for conducting a current through the target, the current for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of the target;

e. a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, the cover comprising a plurality of segments joined by frangible material; and

f. a propellant that propels the ram into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality thereby to permit exit of the electrode from the cavity, and propels the electrode toward the target;

wherein

g. prior to operation of the propellant, presence of a portion of the cover beside the terminal blocks ionization of an ionized pathway for conducting the current from the stimulator to the terminal; and

h. blocking by the cover is reduced in response to operation of the propellant thereby permitting ionization of the ionized pathway.

19. A deployment unit for use by a provided electronic weapon that deploys an electrode away from the weapon, the deployment unit comprising:

a. a terminal for conducting a current in a circuit comprising the electronic weapon, the terminal, a provided electrode, and provided target, conducting comprising supporting ionization from the terminal;

b. a barrier that, when beside the terminal, interferes with supporting ionization from the terminal, the interference effect of the barrier being reduced during deployment of the electrode wherein the current produces contractions in skeletal muscles of the target to impede locomotion by the target.

20. The deployment unit of claim 19 wherein the barrier comprises a joined plurality of segments that are disjoined during deployment of the electrode.

21. The deployment unit of claim 20 wherein the deployment unit further comprises a ram that during deployment of the electrode makes impact with the barrier to disjoin at least two segments of the plurality.

22. The deployment unit of claim 20 wherein the barrier covers the cavity before deployment of the electrode.

23. The deployment unit of claim 19 wherein the barrier covers the cavity before deployment of the electrode.

24. The deployment unit of claim 19 wherein the terminal conducts the current via ionized air between the terminal and the electronic weapon.

25. The deployment unit of claim 19 further comprising the electrode and a tether wire coupling the electrode to the terminal.

26. An electronic weapon comprising:

a stimulator that provides a current;

a first conductor coupled to the stimulator;

an electrode;

a propellant to propel the electrode for a remote stun function;

a second conductor coupled to the electrode; and

a barrier;

wherein

the first conductor supports ionization of air;

in a first gap between the first conductor and a provided target for conducting the current to perform a local stun function; and

in a second gap between the first conductor and the second conductor for conducting the current to perform a remote stun function; and

prior to operation of the propellant;

the barrier is positioned in the second gap; and

the barrier blocks ionization of air in the second gap.

27. The weapon of claim 26 wherein the first conductor comprises a terminal for supporting ionization of air in the first gap and the second gap.

28. The weapon of claim 26 further comprising a body that stores the electrode in a cavity of the body, and a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, wherein the cover comprises the barrier.

29. The weapon of claim 28 wherein:

the cover comprises a plurality of segments joined by frangible material; and

a segment of the plurality comprises the barrier.

30. The weapon of claim 29 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant to disjoin segments of the plurality.

31. The weapon of claim 29 further comprising a ram that is propelled into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality.

32. The weapon of claim 26 wherein the first gap is shorter than the second gap.

33. The weapon of claim 26 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant.

34. The weapon of claim 26 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to movement of the propelled electrode.

35. An apparatus for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target, the apparatus comprising:

a stimulator that provides a current;

a first terminal coupled to the stimulator;

a body;

a ram;

an electrode stored in a cavity of the body;

a second terminal coupled to the electrode;

a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, the cover comprising a plurality of segments joined by frangible material; and

a propellant that propels the ram into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality thereby to permit exit of the electrode from the cavity, and propels the electrode toward the target for the remote stun function;

wherein

the first terminal supports ionization of air in a first gap between the first terminal and a provided target for conducting the current to perform a local stun function and in a second gap between the first terminal and the second terminal for conducting the current to perform a remote stun function;

prior to operation of the propellant, the cover is positioned in the second gap to block ionization of air in the second gap;

blocking by the cover is reduced by operation of the ram; and

the first gap is shorter than the second gap.

36. A deployment unit for an apparatus comprising a stimulator, the apparatus for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target, the deployment unit comprising:

a conductor;

an electrode coupled to the conductor for conducting a current through the target, the current for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of the target;

a propellant to propel the electrode toward the target; and

a barrier, wherein

prior to operation of the propellant, the barrier is positioned in a gap between the conductor and the stimulator to block ionization of air in the gap for conducting the current from the stimulator to the conductor; and

blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant thereby permitting ionization of air in the gap.

37. The deployment unit of claim 36 wherein the conductor comprises a terminal for ionizing air in the gap.

38. The deployment unit of claim 36 further comprising a body that stores the electrode in a cavity of the body, and a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, wherein the cover comprises the barrier.

39. The deployment unit of claim 38 wherein:

the cover comprises a plurality of segments joined by frangible material; and

a segment comprises the barrier.

40. The deployment unit of claim 39 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to operation of the propellant to disjoin segments of the plurality.

41. The deployment unit of claim 39 further comprising a ram that is propelled into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality.

42. The deployment unit of claim 36 wherein blocking by the barrier is reduced in response to movement of the propelled electrode.

43. A deployment unit for an apparatus comprising a stimulator, the apparatus for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target, the deployment unit comprising:

a terminal;

a body;

a ram;

an electrode stored in a cavity of the body, the electrode coupled to the terminal for conducting a current through the target, the current for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of the target;

a cover that blocks exit of the electrode from the cavity, the cover comprising a plurality of segments joined by frangible material; and

a propellant that propels the ram into the cover to disjoin segments of the plurality to permit exit of the electrode from the cavity, and propels the electrode toward the target;

wherein

prior to operation of the propellant, the barrier is positioned in a gap between the terminal and the stimulator to block ionization of air in the gap for conducting the current from the stimulator to the terminal; and

blocking by the cover is reduced in response to operation of the propellant thereby permitting ionization of air in the gap.

44. A deployment unit for use by a provided electronic weapon that deploys an electrode away from the weapon, the deployment unit comprising:

a terminal for conducting a current in a circuit, the circuit comprising the electronic weapon, the terminal, a provided electrode, and a provided target; and

a barrier that prior to deployment of the electrode is positioned in a gap between the terminal and the electrode to interfere with ionization of air in the gap and thereby with conduction of the current in the circuit, the interference effect of the barrier being reduced during deployment of the electrode wherein the current produces contractions in skeletal muscles of the target to impede locomotion by the target.

45. The deployment unit of claim 44 wherein the barrier comprises a joined plurality of segments that are disjoined during deployment of the electrode.

46. The deployment unit of claim 45 wherein the deployment unit further comprises a ram that during deployment of the electrode makes impact with the barrier to disjoin at least two segments of the plurality.

47. The deployment unit of claim 45 wherein the barrier covers the cavity before deployment of the electrode.

48. The deployment unit of claim 44 wherein the barrier covers the cavity before deployment of the electrode.

49. The deployment unit of claim 44 wherein the terminal conducts the current via ionized air between the terminal and the electronic weapon.

50. The deployment unit of claim 44 further comprising the electrode and a tether wire coupling the electrode to the terminal.