Patents by Inventor Patrick W. Smith

Patrick W. Smith has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9331997
    Abstract: A server and one or more portals cooperate with a first registered agency, an administrator of the first registered agency, a second agency, and an administrator of the second registered agency to determine whether access to protectable information should be granted to a registered requester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160027466
    Abstract: An incident recorder records original and supplemental incident information using a simplified user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Smith, Nache D. Shekarri, Jasjit S. Dhillon, Milan Cerovic, Roger Clay Winn, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150229630
    Abstract: A server and one or more portals cooperate with a first registered agency, an administrator of the first registered agency, a second agency, and an administrator of the second registered agency to determine whether access to protectable information should be granted to a registered requester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: TASER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9058499
    Abstract: A server and one or more portals cooperate with a first registered agency, an administrator of the first registered agency, a second agency, and an administrator of the second registered agency to determine whether access to protectable information should be granted to a registered requester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9003474
    Abstract: A method facilitates collaboration between a first agency having an agent and a second agency having an administrator. The method includes in any practical order: (a) receiving a request for search originating with the agent; (b) determining that information controlled by the second agency is within the scope of search; (c) after determining, causing an access request to be sent to the administrator of the second agency; and (d) causing the information to be sent to the agent after receiving a permit from the administrator, wherein the permit comprises indicia of a human-authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8976024
    Abstract: An electronic control device for interfering with locomotion by a human or animal target includes a processor and stimulus signal generator. Upon engagement of a trigger by an operator, a stimulus signal is provided to electrodes for a time period to interfere with the skeletal muscles of the target. An indication is provided to the operator corresponding to the time period to alert the operator before deactivation of the stimulus signal. In response to the alert, the operator may reengage the trigger to continue or resume the stimulus signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Brave, Michael E. Gish, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8837107
    Abstract: An electronic weapon has an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a volume of target tissue. An electrode may include conductive material and insulative material. Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of the electrode may be reduced or avoided by practice of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Hinz, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Patent number: 8837901
    Abstract: An incident recorder records original and supplemental incident information using a simplified user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Nache D. Shekarri, Patrick W. Smith, Jasjit S. Dhillon, Milan Cerovic, Roger Clay Winn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8724287
    Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume of target tissue. For an electrode that includes a body and a spear, the spear may be implemented with conductive rings or with materials that include integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material). Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of the spear may be reduced or avoided by practice of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N. D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
  • Patent number: 8587918
    Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume of target tissue. For an electrode that includes a body and a spear, the spear may be implemented with conductive rings or with materials that include integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material). Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of the spear may be reduced or avoided by practice of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N. D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
  • Patent number: 8484876
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a cartridge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, Jr., William C. Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi, Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8441771
    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. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, piercing material or tissue at the target, lodging in material or tissue of the target, focusing an electric field prior to ionization or while conducting a stimulus current, forming an ionized path for a stimulus current across one or more gaps, and spreading a current density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume of target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Hinz, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Publication number: 20120262293
    Abstract: An electronic control device for interfering with locomotion by a human or animal target includes a processor and stimulus signal generator. Upon engagement of a trigger by an operator, a stimulus signal is provided to electrodes for a time period to interfere with the skeletal muscles of the target. An indication is provided to the operator corresponding to the time period to alert the operator before deactivation of the stimulus signal. In response to the alert, the operator may reengage the trigger to continue or resume the stimulus signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Michael A. Brave, Michael E. Gish, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8171850
    Abstract: A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith, Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, William Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20120019975
    Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume of target tissue. For an electrode that includes a body and a spear, the spear may be implemented with conductive rings or with materials that include integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material). Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of the spear may be reduced or avoided by practice of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N.D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
  • Publication number: 20120019976
    Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume of target tissue. For an electrode that includes a body and a spear, the spear may be implemented with conductive rings or with materials that include integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material). Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of the spear may be reduced or avoided by practice of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N.D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110203151
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a caitiidge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, JR., William C. Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi, Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith