NON-LETHAL WIRELESS STUN PROJECTILE SYSTEM FOR IMMOBILIZING A TARGET BY NEUROMUSCULAR DISRUPTION

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-lethal wireless stun projectile system, and more specifically to a projectile that is launched from a conventional weapon; upon impact with a human target the system stuns and disables the target by applying a pulsed electrical charge. The electric round is defined as non lethal ammunition directed to incapacitate a human, to prevent him from moving for a short time, to prevent him from committing a crime and to allow authorized personnel to arrest the target.

[0002] The electric projectile operates by transmitting electric pulses to the target, paralyzing the target for a short time without clinical after effects. Upon impact the projectile attaches itself to the target and gives the same effect as a regular handle electrical shocker. The pulses of electrical current produced by the projectile are significantly lower than the critical cardio-vibration level and therefore the electric pulses are non-lethal. The electrical pulses cause neuromuscular-disruption, which incapacitates a living object.

[0003] Increasing attacks on unarmed civilian targets around the world have put governments and law enforcement officials into a difficult position. It is necessary to quickly and effectively stop terrorists and avoid civilian injury, but terrorists are hard to distinguish from innocent civilians and terrorists strike in areas that are not suitable to the positioning of large forces of dedicated guards. Therefore, in order to stop terrorists quickly before they can cause devastating damage, some police forces have adopted a "shoot them in the head" policy. Obviously, such a policy can lead to civilian casualties and controversy. On the other hand, caution in such cases can lead to massive civilian casualties as well as the death of the arresting officer. Also police often desire to apprehend a suspect who is fleeing. Obviously lethal force is inappropriate, but to allow a dangerous criminal to escape is also undesirable.

[0004] Therefore law enforcement officials seek a non-lethal weapon that can stop a terrorist without killing innocent civilians. One such weapon, currently popular, is commercialized under the trademark TASER gun [the weapon is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,803,463 issued April 9,1974 and now expired and 4,253,132 issued Feb. 24 1981 and now expired, improvements of the weapon have been disclosed in U.S. patent No. 5,654,867 issued Aug. 5 1977 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,636,412 issued Oct. 21, 2003]. The TASER gun shoots two darts with barbed electrodes connected to by wires to the gun body. The wires supply a pulsed electrical potential between the two darts. When both darts hit a target, the barbed electrodes penetrate skin or clothing. An electric circuit is completed and current flows through the target between the electrodes, incapacitating the target. The obvious disadvantages of the TASER gun are 1) the range is limited to the length of the wires 2) both darts must hit the target or the gun has no effect 3) movement of the target or the gun can produce tension on the wires, ripping the electrodes from the target and ending the stunning effect 4) the weapon is difficult to reload and can not be used again quickly in case one of the darts misses the targets, or if it becomes necessary to stun a second target 5) the TASER gun is a dedicated weapon and is very inconvenient for regular police officers who are also required to carry a conventional weapon.

[0005] US 2005/073796 A1 discloses a wireless projectile according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method of stunning a target according to the preamble of claim 13. It is related to an apparatus for immobilizing a target including electrodes deployed after contact is made between the apparatus and the target. Spacing of deployed electrodes may be adapted for the delivery of an immobilizing stimulus signal.

[0006] US 5 962 806 A is related to a projectile for delivering a stunning electrical shock to a target. Such projectile has a projectile body, an electric circuit housed within the projectile body, a plurality of electrodes, coupled to the electric circuit, for delivering an electrical shock to the target; and an adhesive material or mechanical attachment system, coupled to the projectile body, for attaching the projectile to the target.

[0007] GB 2 384 042 A is related to a projectile for delivering a stun electric charge comprising a body with a rear container housing one or more electric storage cells. A module incorporates a voltage step-up transformer with an associated electronic control circuit board. A forward nose portion has a series of collapsible or compressible elements and an outer inflatable or expandable membrane with an associated gas producing charge or gas storage device and a detonator or sensor to produce inflation on or just before impact with a target. The nose has two axially aligned electrodes connected to opposed poles of the high voltage generator or transformer. A nose plate is arranged to move rearwardly on target impact allowing the electrodes to penetrate the target outer layer to deliver the electric charge.

[0008] JP 2002 075737 A discloses a thin-film transformer is constituted in such a way that a laminated multicoil is formed, by laminating upon another a plurality of double winding integrated coils , each of which is formed by forming either one of a pair of primary and secondary main windings of a thin plate-like non-winding coil and the other coil on the non-winding coil and magnetic cores 18 are assembled with the multicoil from the upside and downside.The transformer can be designed in a multioutput and multi-terminal state and can be automated.

[0009] What is needed is a projectile that can be used without hesitation in situations where it may be difficult to absolutely identity or isolate a target. Ideally the projectile should incapacitate the target at a variety of ranges, should be easily loaded fired and reloaded into a conventional firearm (for example an automatic 45 caliper pistol, an M16 assault rifle, a revolver, a standard issue police pistol, or a shotgun) and the projectile should not cause permanent injury. Furthermore, it is desirable that the target remains incapacitated for a few minutes (long enough to secure the area and take the target into custody).

[0010] The projectile should be characterized by the following properties:

a. no clinical after effects;

b. wireless (which means not requiring a wire attachment to a stationary power source);

c. self powered;

d. fired from standard /in use weapons without any change in the weapon;

e. ballistic performance similar to standard ammunition;

f. may be stored and handled safely like standard ammunition;

g. may be stored for long time periods (on the order of months or years);

h. can be adapted to different calibers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is a non-lethal wireless stun projectile system. More specifically the present invention is a projectile according to claim 1 and a method of stunning a target according to claim 13. The projectile is launched from a conventional weapon; upon impact with a human target the system stuns and disables the target by applying a pulsed electrical charge. The electric round is defined as non lethal ammunition directed to incapacitate a human, to prevent him from moving for a short time, to prevent him from committing a crime and to allow authorized personnel to arrest him.

[0012] The electric projectile operates by transmitting electric pulses to the target, paralyzing the target for a short time without clinical after effects. Upon impact the projectile attaches itself to the target and gives the same effect as a regular handle electrical shocker. The pulses of electrical current produced by the projectile are significantly lower than the critical cardio-vibration level and therefore the electric pulses are non-lethal. The electrical pulses cause neuromuscular-disruption, which incapacitates a living object.

[0013] According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a wireless projectile for stunning a target including: an impact reduction subsystem to protect the target from impact damage caused by impact of the projectile onto the target, an attachment mechanism to secure the wireless projectile to the target upon impact of the wireless projectile upon the target and an energy delivery subsystem that supplies energy to the target thereby stunning the target after the wireless projectile is secured to the target by the attachment mechanism.

[0014] According to further exemplary features described below, the wireless projectile also includes an integral ring to facilitate launching of the wireless projectile by means of firing of the wireless projectile from a conventional firearm.

[0015] According to still further exemplary features, the wireless projectile of the current invention is configured to be launched by a conventional firearm. Particularly, the size, shape and weight of the projectile are similar to those of a conventional bullet and the projectile is packaged in a cartridge for launching from a gun.

[0016] According to still further exemplary features, the wireless projectile includes a stability wing, which creates drag, slowing the projectile and preventing impact damage to the target. The stability wing further supplies aerodynamic stability so that the ballistic of the projectile remains flat as much as possible even at reduced velocity.

[0017] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism of the wireless projectile remains safe from accidental deployment until the mechanism is armed. Arming of the projectile occurs upon launch.

[0018] According to still further exemplary features, the tachment mechanism of the projectile is triggered and deployed on proximity to the target.

[0019] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism of the wireless projectile is triggered upon impact of the wireless projectile with the target.

[0020] According to still further exemplary features, during storage of the projectile, the energy delivery subsystem of the projectile is in a non-active state in order to save charge. The energy delivery subsystem is activated upon impact of the wireless projectile with the target.

[0021] According to still further exemplary features, the energy delivery subsystem of the projectile includes a battery, and the battery is stored in a non-active state in order to save charge. The battery is activated upon impact of the wireless projectile with the target.

[0022] According to still further exemplary features, the impact reduction subsystem of the projectile includes a deformable pad. The deformable pad is located on an impact zone of the wireless projectile. Upon impact with a target, the pad deforms and spreads the energy of impact in space and time, preventing impact damage to the target.

[0023] According to still further exemplary features, the impact reduction subsystem of the projectile includes a mobile subassembly. The mobile subassembly is not rigidly attached to the impact zone of the projectile and can move in relation to the impact zone of the projectile.

[0024] According to still further exemplary features, the mobile subassembly includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of the energy delivery subsystem, the attachment mechanism, a spider arm, a battery, a transformer, and a capacitor.

[0025] According to still further exemplary features, motion of the mobile subassembly relative to the impact zone activates a component of the system.

[0026] According to still further exemplary features, the projectile includes a mobile subassembly and further includes an energy absorbing connection. The energy absorbing connection cushions deceleration of the mobile subassembly and reduces the force of impact of the projectile upon a target.

[0027] According to still further exemplary features, the projectile includes a mobile subassembly and an energy absorbing connection. The energy absorbing connection includes a friction connector, a spring, a hydraulic shock absorber, a serrated track or a flexible latch.

[0028] According to still further exemplary features, the impact reduction subsystem includes a sub-projectile. The sub-projectile impacts the target separately from an impact zone on the projectile body. Thereby the mass associated with the impact zone of the projectile body is reduced (because the projectile body does not include those components mounted in the sub-projectile; therefore their mass does not contribute to the force of impact of the projectile body). Thereby reducing the momentum associated with the impact zone, which reduces impact damage to the target.

[0029] According to still further exemplary features, the projectile includes a sub-projectile. The sub-projectile is connected to the projectile body and the impact zone of the projectile body by a wire. Upon impact of the projectile body upon the target, the wire wraps around the target thereby securing the impact zone to the target at a first location and securing the sub-projectile to the target at a second location.

[0030] According to still further exemplary features, the energy delivery subsystem of the projectile produces an electrical potential. The electrical potential is applied as a voltage difference between the impact zone of the projectile body and a sub-projectile such that when the impact zone is near the target at a first location and the sub-projectile is near the target at a second location, electrical energy passes through the target as an electrical current from the first location to the second location.

[0031] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism of the projectile further serves as a conduit to transfer the energy from the energy delivery subsystem to the target.

[0032] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism of the projectile is an electrode and further serves as a conduit to transfer electrical energy from the energy delivery subsystem to the target.

[0033] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism of the projectile includes a barbed hook.

[0034] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism includes: a first barbed hook and a second barbed hook. The first barbed hook engages the target at a first angle and said second barbed hook engages the target at an opposing angle. Thus the two barbed hooks grasp and entangle the target.

[0035] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism includes a spider arm.

[0036] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism includes a spider arm and the spider arm springs out from the side of the wireless projectile.

[0037] According to still further exemplary features, the attachment mechanism includes a spider arm and a mobile subassembly. The mobile subassembly is mobile in relation to an impact zone of the projectile. Motion of the mobile subassembly relative to the impact zone serves to embed the spider arm into the target.

[0038] According to further exemplary features, the separator substrate of the galvanic cell has a thickness of less than 50 µm.

[0039] According to still further exemplary features, the electrodes of the galvanic cell each have a thickness of less than 100 µm.

[0040] According to still further exemplary features, the separator substrate of the galvanic cell is a dielectric when in a dry state.

[0041] According to still further exemplary features, the galvanic cell is activated at the time of use by applying the electrolyte fluid to the separator substrate.

BRIER DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an external view of a first embodiment of a stun projectile having mechanical spider arm electrodes in an unarmed state (e.g. before launch);

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the first embodiment of a stun projectile in the unarmed state;

FIG. 3 is a close-view of the mechanical subsystem of the first embodiment of a stun projectile in the unarmed state (e.g. during storage and loading into a weapon);

FIG. 4 is a close-view of the mechanical subsystem of the first embodiment of a stun projectile in an armed state (e.g. during flight);

FIG. 5 is a close-view of the mechanical subsystem of the first embodiment of a stun projectile interacting with a target in an engaged state (after impact);

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of a second embodiment of a stun projectile in an unarmed state; the second embodiment includes mechanical spider arm electrodes and a mobile subassembly;

FIG 7 is a cutaway view of the second embodiment of a stun projectile in the engaged state;

FIG. 8 is an external view of a third embodiment of a stun projectile having flexible spider arms electrodes;

FIG. 9 is an external view prior to launch of a fourth embodiment of a stun projectile consisting of two sub-projectiles;

FIG. 10 is an external view of the fourth embodiment of a stun projectile during flight;

FIG. 11 is an external view of the fourth embodiment of a stun projectile engaging a target.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The principles and operation of a non-lethal wireless stun projectile system according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0044] Figure 1 shows an external view of a first embodiment 10 of a stun projectile according to the present invention. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show embodiment 10 in an unarmed state. In the unarmed state, the projectile can be safely handled safely and will not be set off even under moderate stress, for example dropping the projectile from a height of 1.5 meters. The stun projectile is loaded into a conventional firearm for launch while in the unarmed state. The projectile and particularly the attachment mechanism remain unarmed until launch (for example being fired from a gun) at which time the acceleration of launch causes arming the projectile and the attachment mechanism (see Figures 3, 4, and 5 with accompanying description). Embodiment 10 is built of two main subassemblies a mechanical subassembly (see Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and an electrical subassembly (see Figures 2, 6, 7 and 8). The mechanical subassembly serves as an attachment mechanism to secure the projectile to the target. The electrical subassembly serves an energy delivery subsystem to deliver a pulsed electric shock to the target.

[0045] Shown in the Figure 1 is a projectile body 12. Projectile body 12 is hollow and houses the active elements of the projectile as illustrated in subsequent figures. Four slits 14, in the side of projectile body 12, serve as passageways through which spider arms 20 (see Figures .3, 4, and 5) spring out and are deployed upon impact. Spider arms 20 serve as an attachment mechanism, to secure the projectile to a target 40 (see Figure 5).

[0046] Projectile 10 may be fired at a range of 10 - 30 meter without killing. The electrical round is quite heavy. Therefore in order to avoid permanent injury at such short ranges, impact is minimized by an impact reduction subsystem. The impact reduction subsystem acts to: 1) increase the impact area, spreading the impact energy over a wide area and 2) soften the impact by distributing the impact energy over a relatively long time. Increasing the impact area and distributing the impact over time is achieved by means of a deformable pad 16 located on the impact zone of the projectile. In embodiment 10, the preferred ballistic is a flat trajectory as much as possible, (AMAP) in order to achieve, easy aiming and better accuracy. Therefore, the impact is perpendicular and the impact zone is the front of the projectile (marked by deformable pad 16).

[0047] Deformable pad 16 collapses and flattens on impact thus spreading the impact energy on larger area and spreading the impact energy over a larger time (required for deformable pad 16 to collapse) then the impact area and time of a solid bullet. Spreading the impact energy decreases the possibility of injury. To further decrease the probability of permanent injury, the impact zone in embodiment 10 is free of hard elements to eliminate any penetration possibility or "hard" impact that can cause fatal injury. The design considers maximum energy/area of 30 Joule/cm² should not be exceeded to avoid long-term impact damage.

[0048] Also shown in Figure 1 is an Integral ring 18 that seals and keeps the pressure in the cartridge. Integral ring 18 includes a circular groove 19 that allows the ring to expand due to the pressure while firing and to improve the sealing between the projectile and the cartridge. This effect works all along the travel of the projectile in the cartridge. Typical dimensions of the seal are 0.2 mm protruding, 1 mm thickness and 4mm groove depth or release of material around.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a cutaway view of embodiment 10 of a stun projectile according to the present invention. Illustrated are projectile body 12, slits 14, deformable pad 16, spider arms 20, batteries 52, a high voltage transformer 54, a low voltage transformer 56, and a capacitor 58.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a cutaway view of the top half of the front section of embodiment 10 of a stun projectile according to the present invention in the unarmed (safe) configuration. Embodiment 10 is symmetrical; therefore the bottom half is a mirror image of the top half. Therefore, the bottom half is not shown. The mechanical assembly of the projectile can be seen including spider arm 20, barb 22, safety pin 24, safety pin release spring 26 and arming element 28. Arming element 28 has a slot 38. Also shown are spider arm catch 30, pendulum weight 32 and hinge pin 34. Spider arm 20 is held stationary by spider arm catch 30 and cannot deploy. Similarly, spider arm catch 30 is held stationary by hinge pin 34 and pendulum weight 32. In the unarmed state, pendulum weight 32 cannot swing forward because the path in front of pendulum weight 32 is blocked by safety pin 24. Also seen in Figure 3 is battery 52, which will be described in more detail in the description associated with Figures 15 and 16.

[0051] Figure 4 shows embodiment 10 in the armed state during flight. Spider arm 20 is still held stationary by spider arm catch 30. Nevertheless, in Figure 4, the projectile of embodiment 10 is armed. Specifically at launch (shooting the bullet), inertial forces cause arming element 28 to slide backwards, lining up slot 38 in arming element 28 with safety pin 24. Then safety release spring 26 pushes safety pin 24 into slot 38. Thus, safety pin 24 no longer blocks movement of pendulum weight 32. Consequently, spider arm catch 30 and pendulum weight 32 are free to rotate around hinge pin 34.

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates the stun projectile of embodiment 10 as the attachment mechanism is triggered into an engaged state. When the armed projectile of embodiment 10 (as shown in Figure 4) impacts target 40 (as shown in Figure 5), inertial forces push pendulum weights 32 forward causing pendulum weights 32 and spider arm catches 30 to rotate around hinge pins 34 releasing and thereby triggering spider arms 20a-d. Upon release, Spider arms 20a-d spring out of the sides of the projectile through slits 14 to engage target 40, attaching the projectile to target 40.

[0053] The attachment mechanism of the projectile of embodiment 10 includes four spider arms 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, each with a corresponding barb 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. Due to the semicircular trajectory of spider arms 20a-d, each arm engages target 40 at a different angle. Barbs 22a-d are thin and sharp. Therefore barbs 22a-d and consequently spider arms 20a-d penetrate clothes skin and other materials, hooking into the flesh of target 40 to bind target 40 preventing target 40 from releasing himself from the projectile of embodiment 10 Particularly, spider arm 22a engages the target at a first angle and spider arm 22c engage target 40 at an opposing angle. Similarly spider arms 22b and 22d engage target 40 in opposite directions. It will be understood to one skilled in the art of non-lethal weapons, that because barbs 22a and 22c engage target 40 from opposing sides and in opposing directions they grasp, entangle and hook target 40, attaching the projectile to target 40 and making it exceedingly difficult for target 40 to disentangle himself from the projectile of embodiment 10. The same effect is achieved by the opposing barbs 22b and 22d. Because spider arms 20a-d approach the target in a semi-circular arc from outside the edges of the projectile, spider arms 20a-d do not interfere with front impact zone of deformable pad 16 that is deformed during impact

[0054] Impact also initiates the electrical subsystem of the stun projectile. The electrical subsystem is not shown in embodiment 10, but is illustrated in embodiment 100, Figure 6. The electrical subsystem is also the energy delivery subsystem for delivering electrical shocks to the target. The energy delivery subsystem of embodiment 100 includes batteries 52 to supply electrical energy, an oscillator (not shown) to convert energy from batteries 52 from direct current to alternating current. The energy delivery subsystem also includes spring electrodes 108 to transfer the alternating electrical current to low voltage transformer 56. The energy delivery subsystem also includes a high voltage transformer 54 to transform pulses of low voltage current from low voltage transformer 56 to high voltage pulses of current. In this process of transformation, low voltage AC current is rectified and is stored on a capacitor 58. Capacitor 58 is discharged through high voltage transformer 54, in which the low-voltage pulse is transformer to high-voltage pulse. The last links in the energy delivery subsystem are spider arms 20, which serve as electrodes transferring charge from high voltage transformer 54 to a target 40.

[0055] Specifically, embodiment 100 (Figure 6) includes a rigidly mounted subassembly 102 rigidly connected to projectile body 12. Rigidly mounted subassembly 102 includes mechanical elements (not shown) and batteries 52. A mobile subassembly 104 slides along a guide rod 106. Thus mobile subassembly 104 can move in relation to projectile body 12 and in relation to the impact zone of the projectile (deformable pad 16). Mobile subassembly 104 includes high voltage transformer 54, low voltage transformer 56, capacitor 58 and spring electrical contacts 108. Mobile subassembly 104 also includes a flexible latch 110. As mobile subassembly 104 slides along guide rod 106, flexible latch 110 slides along a serrated track 112 slipping in and out of serrations thus absorbing energy.

[0056] When the projectile of embodiment 100 impacts a target (not shown), deformable pad 16 is quickly crushed and projectile body 12 and rigidly mounted subassembly 102 decelerate abruptly. On the other hand, mobile subassembly 104 continues to travel forward, sliding along guide rod 106 towards rigidly mounted subassembly 102. Mobile subassembly 104 is decelerated by the energy absorbing connection between flexible latch 110 and serrated track 112. Therefore, the rate of deceleration of mobile mounted subassembly 104 is less than the rate of deceleration of projectile body 12 and rigidly mounted subassembly 102. It is understood by one skilled in the art of momentum absorbing devices that force of impact is proportional to the rate of deceleration and mass being decelerated. Therefore, by mounting mobile subassembly 104 on an energy-absorbing track, the force of impact of the projectile of embodiment 100 on a target is significantly lessened. This decreases the probability that the target will suffer impact damage. Thus, mobile subassembly 104, spring electrical contacts 108, flexible latch 110 and serrated track 112 along with deformable pad 16 are all included in the impact reduction subsystem of embodiment 100.

[0057] Upon impact of the projectile of embodiment 100 with a target, inertial forces causes mobile subassembly 104 to slide forward along guide rod 106. Soon after impact between the projectile of embodiment 100 and the target, mobile subassembly 104 slides to the end of guide rod 106. Then mobile subassembly 104 collides with rigidly mounted subassembly 102. Collision with mobile subassembly 104 pushes activator button 602 (see Figure 16) activating batteries 52. Subsequently, in the absence of extreme inertial forces (on the order of the inertial forces of launch and impact of the projectile), mobile subassembly 104 is held together with rigidly mounted subassembly 102 by the force of the connection between flexible latch 110 and serrated track 112 as is shown in Figure 7. While mobile subassembly 104 and rigidly mounted subassembly 102 are held together, spring electrical contacts 108 connect low voltage transformer 56 via an oscillator to battery terminals 604a and 604b (see Figure 16) (each spring electrical contact 108 connects to one battery terminal 604 on each) of batteries 52 thus supplying direct current to the oscillator supplying alternating electric current to low voltage transformer 56. Low voltage transformer 56 is electrically connected to capacitor 58, and also is in turn connected to high voltage transformer 54. Low voltage transformer 56 charges capacitor 58 to maximum. Capacitor 58 discharges through high voltage transformer 54 to spider arms 20 passing high voltage pulses of electric current through the target 40 and incapacitating the target 40.. Thus, the electrical system is inactive until impact with the target when motion of the mobile subassembly 104 relative to the impact zone of the projectile causes batteries 52 to be activated and connected to low voltage transformer 56, high voltage transformer 54 and capacitor 58. It will be understood by one skilled in the art of electrical devices that prior to impact with a target (for example while the projectile is being stored and while the projectile is in flight) batteries 52 are not activated and not connected to low voltage transformer 56, high voltage transformer 54 or capacitor 58. Therefore, a maximum charge is preserved in batteries 52 during storage for maximum stunning effect upon the target upon impact.

[0058] Deceleration of mobile subassembly 104 is timed such that the collision between mobile subassembly 104 and rigidly mounted subassembly 102 occurs after the triggering, deployment and extension of spider arms 20 (see figure 7). At the moment of collision between mobile subassembly 104 and rigidly mounted subassembly 102, momentum from mobile subassembly 104 is transferred through rigidly mounted subassembly 102 to deployed spider arms 20. This transferred momentum drives spider arms 20 further into the target making it more difficult for the target to untangle himself from the projectile of embodiment 100.

[0059] The stun projectile of embodiment 100 has the following electrical parameters:

• output voltage is 50-100 kilovolt (kV)
• output current is from 1-10 microampere (µA)
• pulse duration is of 10 microsecond - 10 millisecond (ms)
• repetition rate of 10-40 Hz
• working time is from 1 to 5 minute (min).

[0060] Also shown if Figure 7 is a stability wing 114. Stability wing 114 is mounted on a hinge 116. Hinge 116 permits stability wing 114 to be folded against projectile body 12 during storage and loading into a weapon. Stability wing 114 is held in the folded (closed) position by the cartridge of the projectile. When the projectile is launched, the projectile is freed from its cartridge, and stability fin 114 opens. In flight, stability fin 114 serves two purposes. First stability wing 114 creates drag and slows the projectile, decreasing the probability of impact damage to the target. Furthermore, due to its aerodynamic characteristics stability wing 114 increases the stability of the projectile. Thus even at low velocities, ballistic performance remains high and the trajectory remains flat AMAP.

[0061] Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment 200 of a stun projectile according to the present invention. Instead of a hinged spring-loaded spider arms (as in embodiments 10 and 100), the attachment mechanism of embodiment 200 includes flexible spider arms 220 made of flexible wire. When the impact zone 210 of the stun projectile of embodiment 200 impacts a target (not shown), inertial forces cause flexible spider arms 220 to bend towards the target and those forces further drive barbs 222 at the ends of flexible spider arms 220 into the target. Except for the mechanics of spider arms 220, the stun projectile of embodiment 200 works in a similar manner to the stun projectile of embodiments 10 and 100. When flexible spider arms 220 are in contact with the target, they act as an electrode disabling the target by passing high voltage current into the target. Because flexible spider arms 220 do not include moving parts, they can be produced more cheaply than spider arms 20 of embodiments 10 and 100. The stun projectile of embodiment 200 also includes hooks 222 on impact zone 210 of the projectile. Hooks 222 are short and do not penetrate through clothing into a human, but hooks 222 are designed to fasten themselves onto clothing holding the projectile to the target. In the projectile of embodiment 200, electrical potential is applied across opposing flexible spider arms 220 (thus some of flexible spider arms 220 have a positive electrical potential and others of flexible spider arms 220 have a negative electrical potential, The potential difference drives electrical energy [current] through the target from between positively and negatively charged flexible spider arms 220 similar to embodiment 10 Figure 5). Alternatively, positive potential can be applied to hooks 222 and negative potential to spider arms 220. Thus current passes through the target between spider arms 220 to hooks 222.

[0062] Figure 9 illustrates a stun projectile according to another embodiment 300. The stun projectile of embodiment 300 is shown in Figure 9 before launch. Shown are sub-projectiles 302a and 302b. A high voltage wire 304 connects sub-projectiles 302a and 302b. Before launch, high voltage wire 304 is wound up and inserted into a unified capsule along with sub-projectiles 302a and 302b as shown in Figure 9.

[0063] Upon launch the capsule falls away revealing (Figure 10) the impact zone of sub-projectile 302a. The impact zone is the exterior of sub-projeclile 302a and contains hooks 222, which are designed hold human clothing. Due to elastic properties of high-voltage wire 304, sub-projectiles 302a and 302b move apart to distance limited by the length of high voltage wire 304 (10-50 cm). Each sub-projectile 302a and 302b rotates in space and flies toward target 40. Also upon launch, an inertial switch (not shown) turns on the electrical systems and activates the batteries (not shown) of sub-projectiles 302a and 302b (the electrical system of sub-projectiles 302a and 302b are similar to the electrical system illustrated in Figure 2). In embodiment 300, battery 52 is contained by sub-projectile 302a and high voltage transformer 54, low voltage transformer 56, and capacitor 58 are all contained in sub-projectile 302b

[0064] Figure 11 illustrates attachment of the stun projectile of embodiment 300 to target 40. The attachment mechanism of embodiment 300 includes high voltage wire 304, which winds around target 40 and hooks 222, which stick to target 40. When the impact zone of sub-projectile 302a strikes target 40, hooks 222 on sub-projectile 302a stick to target 40. Elastic properties of high-voltage wire 304 cause the high-voltage wire 304 to wrap around target 40. Furthermore, as high-voltage wire 304 wraps around target 40, sub-projectile 302b impacts target 40 separately from the impact zone (of sub-projectile 302a). Then, hooks 222 on sub-projectile 302b stick to target 40. Once both sub-projectiles 302a and 302b are in proximity of target 40, the electrical potential difference between sub-projectiles 302a and 302b drives a pulsed current through target 40, stunning and disabling him. Note that because sub-projectile 302a contains the impact zone of the projectile, sub-projectile 302a is also referred to as the body of the projectile.

[0065] The advantages of embodiment 300 are:

a) The mass of the projectile is divided in two parts and therefore the force of the impact shock is decreased with respect to a monolith bullet.

b) Electrodes of embodiment 300 do not have to touch or penetrate the skin of target 40. Thus probability of significant damage to the skin of target 40 is decreased. Because the positive and negative electrodes (on sub-projectile 302a and 302b respectively) are separated at the range of 10-50 cm, high voltage current will pass through and affect target 40 even when the electrodes are separated from the skin of target 40 by clothes and an air gap.

c) Embodiment 300 requires fewer hooks to hold back the shocker at the surface of interaction than embodiments 10, 100 and 200.

d) The necessity to hold back a bullet only at the clothes, not at the human body, leads to decrease of dimensions of hooks, which finally decreases potential damage caused by hooks on the human tissue if the projectile impacts target 40 near a sensitive spot.

e) Dividing a bullet at two parts (or more) can increase the rifle sight range.

[0066] Producing an electric shock that will incapacitate an adult human being for 5 minutes using a mechanism the size of standard ammunition requires that the electrical components (battery 52, high voltage transformer 54, low voltage transformer 56, and capacitor 58) be smaller and more efficient than those currently available. In the present invention, miniature electrical components are produced using novel applications of thin film technology.

[0067] High-voltage transformer 54 is produced using thin-film technology.

Claims

1. A wireless projectile (10, 100) for stunning a target, the projectile is configured to be launched from a conventional weapon and attach itself to the target, the projectile comprising:

a) an impact zone (16); and

b) an energy delivery subsystem (elements 20, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 108 combined) for supplying an energy to the target thereby stunning the target, and

c) a mobile subassembly (104) of the wireless projectile (10, 100) which is configured to move in relation to said impact zone (16) characterized in that said mobile subassembly (104) has at least one energy absorbing connection (110-112) between said mobile subassembly (104) and the projectile body (12) such that said mobile subassembly (104) is decelerated by said energy absorbing connection upon impact.

2. The wireless projectile of claim 1 further comprising:

d) an impact reduction subsystem to protect the target from impact damage caused by impact of the wireless projectile on the target;

e) an attachment mechanism to secure the wireless projectile to the target upon impact with the target, and

wherein said energy delivery subsystem supplies said energy when secured to the target by said attachment mechanism.

3. The wireless projectile of claim 1, wherein a component is configured to perform at least one action selected from the group consisting of arm upon launch, , and trigger upon impact with the target.

4. The wireless projectile of claim 1, wherein said energy delivery subsystem is configured to perform at least one action selected from the group consisting of activate upon impact with the target and activate a battery upon impact with the target.

5. The wireless projectile of claim 1, wherein said energy delivery subsystem includes at least one part selected from the group consisting of a thin film technology battery and a thin film technology transformer.

6. The wireless projectile of claim 1, wherein a component includes at least one part selected from the group consisting of said energy delivery subsystem, an attachment mechanism, a spider arm, a battery, a transformer, a capacitor, an energy absorbing connection, and a sub-projectile.

7. The wireless projectile of claim 1 wherein a component serves to attach the wireless projectile to the target.

8. The projectile of claim 1 wherein a component includes a first electrode configured to deploy and engage the target upon impact of said impact zone on the target, and wherein said first electrode is configured to pass an electric current through the target to a second electrode thereby stunning the target.

9. The projectile of claim 8, wherein said first electrode is configured to perform at least on action selected from the group consisting of extend out from a body of the projectile and bend upon impact of the projectile on the target.

10. The projectile of claim 8, wherein said first electrode includes a barbed hook.

11. The projectile of claim 8, wherein said second electrode is located on said impact zone.

12. The projectile of claim 8, wherein said second electrode is configured to deploy upon impact of the projectile on the target.

13. A method of stunning a target with a non-lethal projectile (10, 100), the projectile is configured attach itself to the target, the projectile comprising:

a) launching the projectile from a conventional weapon;

b) deploying a first electrode (20) to engage the target upon impact of the non-lethal projectile on the target,

c) passing an electric current from said first electrode (20) through the target, characterized in:

d) providing the non-lethal projectile (10, 100) with an impact reduction subsystem to decrease injury to the target caused by an impact of the non-lethal projectile (10, 100) upon the target, and said impact reduction subsystem includes a mobile subassembly (104) movable in relation to a projectile body (12) upon impact, said mobile subassembly (104) having at least one energy absorbing connection (110-112) between said mobile subassembly (104) and said projectile body (12), and

e) upon impact decelerating said mobile subassembly (104) by said energy absorbing connection.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein send step of deploying is in an arc shaped path.

Ansprüche

1. Drahtloses Projektil (10, 100) zum Lähmen eines Ziels, wobei das Projektil dafür konfiguriert ist, aus einer herkömmlichen Waffe gestartet zu werden und sich am Ziel anzubringen, wobei das Projektil umfasst:

a) eine Aufprallzone (16);

b) ein Energieabgabe-Subsystem (Elemente 20, 52, 54, 56, 58 und 108 kombiniert) zum Übergeben einer Energie an das Ziel, wodurch das Ziel gelähmt wird; und

c) eine bewegliche Teilbaugruppe (104) des drahtlosen Projektils (10, 100), die dafür konfiguriert ist, sich in Bezug auf die Aufprallzone (16) zu bewegen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bewegliche Teilbaugruppe (104) mindestens eine energieaufnehmende Verbindung (110-112) zwischen der beweglichen Teilbaugruppe (104) und dem Projektilkörper (12) hat, so dass die bewegliche Teilbaugruppe (104) durch die energieaufnehmende Verbindung beim Aufprall abgebremst wird.

2. Drahtloses Projektil nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend:

d) ein Aufprallverringerungs-Subsystem, um das Ziel vor Aufprallschäden zu schützen, die durch den Aufprall des drahtlosen Projektils auf dem Ziel bewirkt werden;

e) einen Anbringungsmechanismus, um das drahtlose Projektil beim Zusammenprall mit dem Ziel am Ziel zu befestigen, und
worin das Energieabgabe-Subsystem die Energie übergibt, wenn es durch den Anbringungsmechanismus am Ziel befestigt ist.

3. Drahtloses Projektil nach Anspruch 1, worin eine Komponente ferner dafür konfiguriert ist, mindestens eine Aktion durchzuführen, die aus der aus Folgendem bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt wird: Scharfmachen beim Start, und Auslösen beim Zusammenprall mit dem Ziel.

4. Drahtloses Projektil nach Anspruch 1, worin das Energieabgabe-Subsystem ferner dafür konfiguriert ist, mindestens eine Aktion durchzuführen, die aus der aus Folgendem bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt wird: Aktivieren beim Zusammenprall mit dem Ziel und Aktivieren einer Batterie beim Zusammenprall mit dem Ziel.

5. Drahtloses Projektil nach Anspruch 1, worin das Energieabgabe-Subsystem mindestens ein Teil einschließt, das aus der aus Folgendem bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt wird: eine Dünnschichttechnik-Batterie und ein Dünnschichttechnik-Transformator.

6. Drahtloses Projektil nach Anspruch 1, worin eine Komponente mindestens ein Teil einschließt, das aus der aus Folgendem bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt wird: das Energieabgabe-Subsystem, ein Anbringungsmechanismus, ein Spinnenarm, eine Batterie, ein Transformator, ein Kondensator, eine energieaufnehmende Verbindung und ein Subprojektil.

7. Drahtloses Projektil nach Anspruch 1, worin eine Komponente dazu dient, das drahtlose Projektil am Ziel anzubringen.

8. Projektil nach Anspruch 1, worin eine Komponente eine erste Elektrode einschließt, die dafür konfiguriert ist, sich beim Aufprall der Aufprallzone auf dem Ziel zu entfalten und sich im Ziel zu verhaken, und worin die erste Elektrode dafür konfiguriert ist, einen elektrischen Strom durch das Ziel zu einer zweiten Elektrode zu leiten, wodurch das Ziel gelähmt wird.

9. Projektil nach Anspruch 8, worin die erste Elektrode dafür konfiguriert ist, mindestens eine Aktion durchzuführen, die aus der aus Folgendem bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt wird: Hervorstehen aus einem Körper des Projektils und Biegen beim Aufprall des Projektils auf dem Ziel.

10. Projektil nach Anspruch 8, worin die erste Elektrode einen Widerhaken einschließt.

11. Projektil nach Anspruch 8, worin die zweite Elektrode auf der Aufprallzone angeordnet ist.

12. Projektil nach Anspruch 8, worin die zweite Elektrode dafür konfiguriert ist, sich beim Aufprall des Projektils auf dem Ziel zu entfalten.

13. Verfahren zum Lähmen eines Ziels mit einem nichttödlichen Projektil (10, 100), wobei das Projektil dafür konfiguriert ist, sich am Ziel anzubringen, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

a) Starten des Projektils aus einer herkömmlichen Waffe;

b) Entfalten einer ersten Elektrode (20), um sich beim Aufprall des nichttödlichen Projektils auf dem Ziel im Ziel zu verhaken;

c) Leiten eines elektrischen Stroms von der ersten Elektrode (20) durch das Ziel,
gekennzeichnet durch:

d) Versehen des nichttödlichen Projektils (10, 100) mit einem Aufprallverringerungs-Subsystem, um Verletzungen des Ziels zu vermindern, die durch einen Aufprall des nichttödlichen Projektils (10, 100) auf dem Ziel bewirkt werden, und wobei das Aufprallverringerungs-Subsystem eine bewegliche Teilbaugruppe (104) einschließt, die beim Aufprall in Bezug auf einen Projektilkörper (12) beweglich ist, wobei die bewegliche Teilbaugruppe (104) mindestens eine energieaufnehmende Verbindung (110-112) zwischen der beweglichen Teilbaugruppe (104) und dem Projektilkörper (12) hat; und

e) beim Aufprall erfolgendes Abbremsen der beweglichen Teilbaugruppe (104) durch die energieaufnehmende Verbindung.

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, worin der Schritt des Entfaltens auf einem bogenförmigen Weg erfolgt.

Revendications

1. Projectile sans fil (10, 100) destiné à étourdir une cible, le projectile étant configuré de manière à être tiré à partir d'une arme conventionnelle et à se fixer sur la cible, le projectile comprenant :

a) une zone d'impact (16) ;

b) un sous-système de transfert d'énergie (éléments 20, 52, 54, 56, 58 et 108 combinés) destiné à transférer de l'énergie à la cible et à étourdir par conséquent la cible ; et

c) un sous-ensemble mobile (104) du projectile sans fil (10, 100), lequel est configuré de manière à se déplacer par rapport à ladite zone d'impact (16), caractérisé en ce que ledit sous-ensemble mobile (104) présente au moins une connexion d'absorption d'énergie (110 - 112) entre ledit sous-ensemble mobile (104) et le corps de projectile (12), de sorte que ledit sous-ensemble mobile (104) est freiné par ladite connexion d'absorption d'énergie lors de l'impact.

2. Projectile sans fil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :

d) un sous-système de réduction d'impact destiné à protéger la cible contre un dommage d'impact causé par l'impact du projectile sans fil sur la cible ;

e) un mécanisme de fixation destiné à fixer le projectile sans fil à la cible lors de l'impact sur la cible ; et
dans lequel ledit sous-système de transfert d'énergie transfère ladite énergie lorsqu'il est fixé à la cible par ledit mécanisme de fixation.

3. Projectile sans fil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un composant est configuré de manière à mettre en oeuvre au moins une action choisie dans le groupe comportant un armement lors du tir, et un déclenchement lors de l'impact avec la cible.

4. Projectile sans fil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit sous-système de transfert d'énergie est configuré de manière à mettre en oeuvre au moins une action choisie dans le groupe comportant une activation lors de l'impact avec la cible et l'activation d'une batterie lors de l'impact avec la cible.

5. Projectile sans fil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit sous-système de transfert d'énergie inclut au moins une pièce choisie dans le groupe comportant une batterie à technologie à couche mince et un transformateur à technologie à couche mince.

6. Projectile sans fil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un composant inclut au moins une pièce choisie dans le groupe comportant ledit sous-système de transfert d'énergie, un mécanisme de fixation, un bras d'araignée, une batterie, un transformateur, un condensateur, une connexion d'absorption d'énergie, et un sous-projectile.

7. Projectile sans fil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un composant sert à fixer le projectile sans fil à la cible.

8. Projectile selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un composant inclut une première électrode configurée de manière à se déployer et à mobiliser la cible lors de l'impact de ladite zone d'impact sur la cible, et dans lequel ladite première électrode est configurée de manière à faire circuler un courant électrique à travers la cible vers une seconde électrode, étourdissant par conséquent la cible.

9. Projectile selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ladite première électrode est configurée de manière à mettre en oeuvre au moins une action choisie dans le groupe consistant à s'étendre à partir d'un corps du projectile, et à se courber lors de l'impact du projectile sur la cible.

10. Projectile selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ladite première électrode inclut un crochet à ardillon.

11. Projectile selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ladite seconde électrode est située sur ladite zone d'impact.

12. Projectile selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ladite seconde électrode est configurée de manière à se déployer lors de l'impact du projectile sur la cible.

13. Procédé d'étourdissement d'une cible au moyen d'un projectile non létal (10, 100), le projectile étant configuré de manière à se fixer à la cible, le procédé consistant à :

a) tirer le projectile à partir d'une arme conventionnelle ;

b) déployer une première électrode (20) en vue de s'engager dans la cible lors de l'impact du projectile non létal sur la cible ;

c) faire circuler un courant électrique depuis ladite première électrode (20) à travers la cible, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à :

d) doter le projectile non létal (10, 100) d'un sous-système de réduction d'impact pour diminuer un dommage à la cible causé par un impact du projectile non létal (10, 100) sur la cible, et ledit sous-système de réduction d'impact inclut un sous-ensemble mobile (104) lequel est mobile par rapport à un corps de projectile (12) lors de l'impact, ledit sous-ensemble mobile (104) présentant au moins une connexion d'absorption d'énergie (110 - 112) entre ledit sous-ensemble mobile (104) et ledit corps de projectile (12) ; et

e) lors de l'impact, freiner ledit sous-ensemble mobile (104) par le biais de ladite connexion d'absorption d'énergie.

14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, dans lequel ladite étape de déploiement est mise en oeuvre en suivant une trajectoire en forme d'arc.

Drawing