Systems and methods for activating a propellant for an electronic weapon

Abstract

A deployment unit, for use by a provided electronic weapon, includes an electrode, a propellant, a first circuit that receives a first signal from the weapon for activating the propellant that propels the electrode toward a provided target, and a second circuit that receives a second signal from the weapon for passing a current through the electrode and through the target to interfere with locomotion by the target. The second circuit is decoupled from the first circuit to the extent that the second signal is insufficient to activate the propellant. A method performed by a deployment unit for an electronic weapon includes receiving from the weapon a first signal for activating a propellant of the deployment unit that propels an electrode of the deployment unit toward a provided target; and receiving a second signal from the weapon for passing a current through the electrode and through the target to interfere with locomotion by the target. The maximum open circuit voltage of the first signal is less than the maximum open circuit voltage of the second signal. The propellant cannot be activated without receiving the first signal. The propellant is not activated in response to receiving the second signal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 716,809 filed Sep. 13, 2005 by Nerheim, et al., incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to weaponry including electronic control devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Conventional electronic weaponry includes, for example, contact stun devices, batons, shields, stun guns, hand guns, rifles, mortars, grenades, projectiles, mines, and area protection devices among other apparatus generally suitable for ensuring compliance with security and law enforcement. This type of weaponry when used against a human or animal target causes an electric current to flow through part of the target's tissue to interfere with the target's use of its skeletal muscles. All or part of an electronic circuit may be propelled toward the target. In an important application of electronic weaponry, terrorists may be s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Use of the hooks and ram provides more repeatable opening of the cavity and more uniform propulsion and direction of the electrodes. Consequently, greater accuracy results.

[0035] Use of axis compensation and / or variation in radius improves accuracy of propelled electrodes.

Problems solved by technology

This type of weaponry when used against a human or animal target causes an electric current to flow through part of the target's tissue to interfere with the target's use of its skeletal muscles.

Conventional electronic weaponry has limited application, limited useful range, and limited accuracy.

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