Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm William R. Bachand
  • Patent number: 8320098
    Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one wire-tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. A manifold, according to various aspects of the present invention, directs a pressurized gas to two or more electrodes to launch the electrodes from the cartridge and toward a target. A matching portion of the manifold increases a correspondence between an exit velocity and/or a time of exit of the two or more electrodes. An increased correspondence between an exit velocity and/or a time of exit increases an accuracy of delivery of the electrodes to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Klug, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 8254080
    Abstract: An electronic weapon inhibits locomotion by a human or animal target by conducting a stimulus signal through the target. The electronic weapon includes an inductance, first and second energy stores, and a switch. The switch has a first position and a second position and is in series with first energy store and the inductance. Energy from the first energy store is transferred to a magnetic field of the inductance while the switch is operating in the first position. The stimulus signal comprises a first phase and a second phase. During the first phase, the switch is operated in the second position, and a flyback effect of the inductance provides an ionizing voltage for the stimulus signal. During the second phase, the second energy store releases energy for the stimulus signal at a voltage less than the ionizing voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Magne H. Nerheim
  • Patent number: 8166690
    Abstract: An electronic weapon may be used with a unit for deployment to cause skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. The unit for deployment when electrically coupled to the electronic weapon, may include at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a propellant for deploying the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The indicator indicates, to the electronic weapon, indicia of a first property of the unit for deployment prior to operating the propellant, and indicia of a second property of the unit for deployment after operating the propellant. Another unit for deployment includes at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a stimulus signal generator, coupled to the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 8166693
    Abstract: A method performed by a weapon, includes interacting with a user of the weapon to receive a first code; determining whether the first code is consistent with a second code in a memory of the weapon to produce a result of determining; testing whether the weapon is in a zone; performing an operation of the weapon in accordance with the result and the weapon being in the zone. Interacting may include monitoring a switch that is operated by the user; and receiving may include determining the first code in accordance with a time between successive operations of the switch. The method may further include disabling performance of the operation in accordance with the weapon being not in the zone. And, after disabling, requiring a repeat performance of interacting and determining whether the first code is consistent with the second code before enabling performing a further operation of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Hughes, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim, Ryan C. Markle, Nache D. Sheharri, John F. Szakach
  • Patent number: 8154845
    Abstract: An apparatus for interfering with locomotion of a target by conducting a current through the target. The apparatus includes, according to various aspects of the present invention, a transformer, a resistance in series with the secondary winding of the transformer, and a detector that detects the current through the resistance. The current provided through the target flows through the resistance. The detector operates to detect an amount of charge provided to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven N. D. Brundula
  • Patent number: 8104407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Taser International, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Gavin
  • Patent number: 8107213
    Abstract: A cartridge for a system that uses a stimulus signal for immobilizing a human or animal target includes a propellant and a projectile propelled away from about the cartridge by the propellant. The projectile includes a power supply, a waveform generator, and several electrodes. The waveform generator is powered by the power supply. The waveform generator includes a processor. The electrodes complete a stimulus delivery circuit to conduct a current through the target. The waveform generator generates the current to include a first series of pulses and a second series of pulses. The second series begins after the first series is completed. The first series has a first pulse repetition rate determined by the processor. Each pulse of the first series has a first pulse width of from about 10 to about 1000 microseconds. Each pulse of the first series delivers through the target a first charge per pulse of from about 50 to about 500 microcoulombs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W Smith
  • Patent number: 8098474
    Abstract: A cartridge for a system that uses a stimulus signal for immobilizing a human or animal target includes a propellant and a projectile propelled away from about the cartridge by the propellant. The projectile includes a power supply, a waveform generator, and several electrodes. The waveform generator is powered by the power supply. The waveform generator includes a processor. The electrodes complete a stimulus delivery circuit to conduct a current through the target. The waveform generator generates the current to include a first series of pulses and a second series of pulses. The second series begins after the first series is completed. The first series has a first pulse repetition rate determined by the processor. Each pulse of the first series has a first pulse width of from about 10 to about 1000 microseconds. Each pulse of the first series delivers through the target a first charge per pulse of from about 50 to about 500 microcoulombs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Patent number: 8096076
    Abstract: A deployment unit for use with an electronic weapon includes a body, an electrode, an electrical interface and tether wire, and a cover. The body has a cavity with an opening. The electrode is stored in the cavity. The electrical interface and tether wire conduct a current from the electronic weapon through the electrode. The cover is coupled to the body over the opening. Activation of a provided propellant, in any order (a) provides a force that pushes the cover away from the body to open the cavity; and (b) deploys the electrode from the cavity through the opening toward a provided target for conducting the current through the target that interferes with locomotion by the target. Prior to pushing the cover away from the body, no portion of the electrode contacts the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim, Dubravko Zekanovic
  • Patent number: 8087335
    Abstract: Systems and methods inhibit locomotion of a human or animal target in a denial zone. Acquiring the target includes forming a prediction of at least two locations of impact on the target and testing the prediction according to criteria that may include whether the locations are within a boundary corresponding to the target and whether the locations are separated by a minimum physical and/or electrical distance. The two locations may serve for conducting a current through the target for impeding locomotion by the target. The current may be repeated in response to determining that locomotion was not sufficiently impeded. Determination may depend on analysis of video of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Nache D. Shekarri
  • Patent number: 8073386
    Abstract: A subscriber platform according to various aspects of the present invention, includes an antenna and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The subscriber platform is operated by a subscriber. A method performed by the subscriber platform includes, in any practical order: (a) receiving non-redundant information on several channels, each channel associated with a direction of the antenna and a frequency for receiving information; (b) aggregating the information into a sequence; and (c) displaying a presentation in accordance with the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Wireless Sweden AB
    Inventor: Erling Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8061073
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 8045316
    Abstract: A system according to various aspects of the present invention predicts remaining battery capacity for a battery used by a device. The system includes a memory that stores indicia of remaining battery capacity and a plurality of predefined increments of battery capacity consumption. The system further includes a circuit that determines a duration of operating corresponding to one or more of the increments and stores in the memory a predicted remaining battery capacity, adjusted in accordance with the duration and the one or more increments. Other systems, according to various aspects of the present invention, further include a display indicating remaining battery capacity, for example, as a percentage of initial battery capacity, and/or temperature compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Magne H. Nerheim
  • Patent number: 8020481
    Abstract: A system for performing a function with respect to a zone includes a controller, a network, and a plurality of subsystems. The controller issues a first series of commands. Each command of the first series has a first ordinal. The plurality of subsystems is coupled to the controller via the network. A particular subsystem determines a role in accordance with a physical position of the particular subsystem relative to another subsystem of the plurality of subsystems. The particular subsystem counts commands of the series to determine for a particular command the first ordinal. The particular subsystem performs a function with respect to the zone in accordance with the particular command of the series, in further accordance with the first ordinal, and in further accordance with the role.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian T. Beckwith
  • Patent number: 7984579
    Abstract: An electronic weapon, when combined with a unit for deployment, causes skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. According to the present invention, a launch controller for an electronic weapon includes a detector, a stimulus signal generator, and a switch. When the switch is conducting, it completes a circuit in combination with a unit for deployment. The circuit, when completed, operates a propellant of the unit for deployment to deploy at least two electrodes of the unit for deployment to enable the stimulus signal generator to deliver through the target a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The detector is coupled to the switch and detects whether the switch is conducting prior to combining the unit for deployment and the electronic weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N.D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 7984676
    Abstract: A round, according to various aspects of the present invention, comprises an electrified projectile and a case. The projectile delivers a current through a target to incapacitate the target by causing skeletal muscle contractions. The case mechanically couples to a rear portion of the projectile to hold the projectile in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Gavin, Alaksandar Petrovic, Christopher W. Baldwin, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 7986506
    Abstract: An apparatus for interfering with locomotion of a target by conducting a current through a load that includes an ionizable path. The apparatus includes, according to various aspects of the present invention, an energy source, an ionization detector, a charge detector, a controller, and a pulse generator. The controller determines, in response to the detector and by trial and error, a respective quantity of energy for each pulse of a plurality of pulses to be generated. For each pulse of the plurality, the pulse generator receives the respective quantity of energy from the energy source, provides in response to the quantity of energy a respective voltage to ionize the ionization path, and provides the current through the load. The charge detector detects a charge provided through the load. The processor sets the voltage for charging for a next pulse in response to the charge detected by the charge detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven N. D. Brundula
  • Patent number: 7952850
    Abstract: An electronic demotivator demotivates a human by passing current via electrodes in tissue or spaced from tissue by a gap. The demotivator includes first and second energy sources, a power supply, and a switch. The first source couples to a first circuit for transferring energy through tissue. The switch conducts after an activation voltage exists. The first circuit includes the switch and first and second electrodes. Coupling causes a first voltage to be divided among the switch and the gap. If the activation voltage does not exist by coupling, the supply increases the energy of the second source for activation. By activation, the second source becomes part of a second circuit for transferring energy from the second source through tissue. The second circuit includes the switch and first and third electrodes to recover when coupling does not lead to ionizing air in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Finkel
  • Patent number: 7944676
    Abstract: An apparatus records a use of force. The apparatus includes a weapon that initiates application of the force against a target, being a person or animal, to stop undesired behavior by the target. The apparatus further includes a processing circuit that provides, after an operation of the weapon, indicia of a prompt. The prompt elicits a spoken reply from an operator of the apparatus. The reply describes the use of force, and records indicia of the reply received from a provided input device. A method of operation of an electronic weapon includes applying a force wherein applying comprises passing a current through tissue of a target to produce contractions in skeletal muscles of the target to impede locomotion by the target; and recording a description of the application, the description in accordance with operator input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Smith, David K. DuBay
  • Patent number: D651679
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Klug, Jordan P Meyers, Steven N. D. Brundula