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).
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Patent number: 9331997Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
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Publication number: 20160027466Abstract: An incident recorder records original and supplemental incident information using a simplified user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Applicant: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Patrick W. Smith, Nache D. Shekarri, Jasjit S. Dhillon, Milan Cerovic, Roger Clay Winn, JR.
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Publication number: 20150229630Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: TASER INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
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Patent number: 9058499Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
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Patent number: 9003474Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventor: Patrick W. Smith
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Patent number: 8976024Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Brave, Michael E. Gish, Patrick W. Smith
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Patent number: 8837107Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Hinz, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim
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Patent number: 8837901Abstract: An incident recorder records original and supplemental incident information using a simplified user interface.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Nache D. Shekarri, Patrick W. Smith, Jasjit S. Dhillon, Milan Cerovic, Roger Clay Winn, Jr.
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Patent number: 8724287Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N. D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
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Patent number: 8587918Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N. D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
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Patent number: 8484876Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8441771Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Hinz, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim
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Publication number: 20120262293Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Michael A. Brave, Michael E. Gish, Patrick W. Smith
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Patent number: 8171850Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith, Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, William Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi
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Patent number: 8166693Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Hughes, Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim, Ryan C. Markle, Nache D. Sheharri, John F. Szakach
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Patent number: 8107213Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventor: Patrick W Smith
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Publication number: 20120019975Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N.D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
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Publication number: 20120019976Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Mark Joseph Phelps, Patrick W. Smith, Steven N.D. Brundula, Douglas J. Landers, Andrew F. Hinz
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Patent number: 8098474Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 31, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: TASER International, Inc.Inventors: Patrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim
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Publication number: 20110203151Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Alan I. Mossberg, Alan Iver Mossberg, JR., William C. Lutton, Joseph H. Bartozzi, Mark A. Hanchett, Patrick W. Smith