Electronic tracking system

• US 9,964,384 B2
• Filed: 03/16/2016
• Issued: 05/08/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Insights International Holdings, LLC
• Original Assignee: Insights International Holdings, LLC
• Inventors: Parker, Evan
• Primary Examiner(s): Liu, Harry K
• Application Number:
  US15/071,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20160313101A1
• Time in Patent Office: 783 Days
• Field of Search: 342385
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 11/00 Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
• 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 12/382 emitting an electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser beam or infrared emission
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/385 Arrow or dart carrying a radio transmitter for signalling

Abstract

An electronic tracking system for obtaining geographic or other information about a targeted object from deployed ordnance. Ordnance can be delivered from any suitable weapon or weapons system, including hand-held or artillery guns, manned or unmanned aircraft, etc. The ordnance can be substantially any projectile targeted at a human, animal or other object. Once deployed, the ordnance can provide a variety of information about location, the target, the shooter, or the ordnance itself. Such information can be transmitted at any suitable interval, even time-delayed or upon a condition. Preferably, the system also contains a receiver to receive the transmitted information. Once received, the information can be then provided to users in any appropriate fashion.

Claims

1. An ordnance usable against a living body, comprising:

a tracking module that includes a transmitter;

a carrier releasably coupled to the tracking module using a pressure fit mechanism or a hook;

a pointed tip disposed on at least one part of the tracking module and the carrier; and

wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting of an arrow, a harpoon, a spear, a crossbow bolt, a bullet, a grenade, a dart, a gas cartridge, and an aerial drone.

2. The ordnance of claim 1, further comprising a circuit that provides location information to the transmitter.

3. The ordnance of claim 2, wherein the ordnance is part of a shafted weapon, and includes a shaft.

4. The ordnance of claim 2, wherein the ordnance is fired from a gun.

5. The ordnance of claim 2, wherein the transmitter periodically transmits the location information.

6. The ordnance of claim 2, wherein the transmitter begins transmission of the location information upon existence of a condition.

7. The ordnance of claim 6, wherein the condition comprises the ordnance resting in the body.

8. The ordnance of claim 1, wherein the transmitter transmits a physiological characteristic of the body.

9. The ordnance of claim 1, wherein the transmitter transmits at least one of speed, motion, directional, and acceleration information.

10. The ordnance of claim 1, wherein the module includes an interrogation receiving circuit.

11. The ordnance of claim 1, further comprising a release mechanism that releases the module from the carrier when the module is disposed within the body.

12. The ordnance of claim 1 wherein the module is coupled to the carrier using an adhesive.

13. The ordnance of claim 1, further comprising a release mechanism that releases an electrical signal or a chemical into the body.

14. The ordnance of claim 1, wherein the transmitter transmits identification information that distinguishes the tracking module from other tracking modules.

15. The ordnance of claim 1, wherein the ordnance further comprises a microphone.

16. The ordnance of claim 1, further comprising at least a second tracking module.