Systems and methods for deploying an electrode using torsion

• US 8,104,407 B1
• Filed: 12/08/2010
• Issued: 01/31/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Taser International Incorporated
• Inventors: Gavin, William D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Eldred, J. Woodrow
• Application Number:
  US12/963,487
• Time in Patent Office: 419 Days
• Field of Search: 102/502, 102/400, 361/232
• US Class Current: 102/502
• 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 13/0031 for remote electrical discharge by means of a wireless projectile

Abstract

An electrified projectile, according to various aspects of the present invention, delivers a current through electrodes and through a target. The projectile stows the electrodes with a film and deploys the electrodes in the absence of the film. Deployment is accomplished by a release of torsion. A spur may include two electrodes and a loop. The spur may store the torsion and conduct the current.

Claims

1. An projectile for delivering a current through a target, the projectile comprising:

a body;

a signal generator within the body to provide the current; and

an electrode formed of wire, the electrode comprises a loop, the loop is mechanically coupled to the body, the electrode for delivering the current;

wherein

the loop encircles a portion of a circumference of the body during and after deployment;

the electrode has a stowed position and a deployed position;

a torsion is stored in the wire; and

the torsion moves the electrode from the stowed position to the deployed position.

2. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the electrode further comprises a spike for delivering the current.

3. The projectile of claim 2 wherein the torsion moves the spike to move the electrode from the stowed position to the deployed position.

4. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the torsion is stored in the loop.

5. The projectile of claim 1 wherein:

a substantial portion of the loop is formed in a plane; and

the plane is substantially perpendicular to an axis of spin of the projectile while in flight.

6. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the loop has an arcuate shape that remains substantially the same during and after deployment.

7. The projectile of claim 1 wherein a length of the loop is constant.

8. The projectile of claim 1 wherein a length of the loop is less than a circumference of the body.

9. The projectile of claim 1 wherein:

the projectile further comprises a film; and

the film retains a portion of the electrode proximate to the body in the stowed position.

10. The projectile of claim 1 wherein:

the projectile further comprises a film;

the film has a fastened position and an unfastened position; and

the torsion moves the film away from the fastened positioned.

11. The projectile of claim 1 wherein:

the electrode further comprises a first spike; and

the current is delivered by the first spike.

12. The projectile of claim 11 wherein the torsion moves the first spike to move the electrode from the stowed position to the deployed position.

13. The projectile of claim 11 wherein the torsion is stored in the loop.

14. The projectile of claim 11 wherein:

the body comprises a channel; and

the loop is disposed in the channel to mechanically couple the electrode to the body.

15. The projectile of claim 14 wherein the channel is disposed around an axis of the body.

16. The projectile of claim 14 wherein after deployment, the loop remains disposed in the channel.

17. The projectile of claim 11 wherein the loop has an arcuate shape that remains substantially the same during and after deployment.

18. The projectile of claim 11 wherein a length of the loop is constant.

19. The projectile of claim 11 wherein a length of the loop is less than a circumference of the body.

20. The projectile of claim 11 wherein:

the electrode further comprises a living hinge between the loop and the first spike; and

the torsion rotates the first spike around the living hinge to move the electrode from the stowed position to the deployed position.

21. The projectile of claim 11 wherein:

the electrode further comprises a second spike; and

the torsion rotates the first spike and the second spike to move the electrode from the stowed position to the deployed position.

22. The projectile of claim 11 wherein:

the projectile further comprises a film; and

the film retains the first spike proximate to the body in the stowed position.

23. The projectile of claim 11 wherein before deployment, a tip of the first spike is oriented toward a rear of the body.

24. The projectile of claim 11 wherein before deployment, a tip of the first spike is oriented substantially parallel to an axis of spin of the projectile while in flight.

25. The projectile of claim 11 wherein after deployment, a tip of the first spike is oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis of spin of the projectile while in flight.

26. The projectile of claim 1 wherein:

the electrode further comprises a first spike and a second spike;

the first spike is mechanically coupled to the loop; and

the second spike is mechanically coupled to loop.

27. The projectile of claim 26 wherein the torsion is stored in the loop.

28. The projectile of claim 26 wherein at least one of the first spike and the second spike for delivering the current.