Nonlethal Or Deterrent Patents (Class 102/502)
  • Patent number: 7685942
    Abstract: Frangible projectiles for firearms and processes for making such projectiles are disclosed. The projectiles include a sintered, compacted mixture of powdered iron particles with other particles, including powdered copper particles and optionally powdered tin particles. The disclosed projectiles produce a similar feel and mimic the ballistic properties of lead projectiles of similar size and caliber, yet readily break-up upon impact with a hard surface in order to minimize ricochet or splatter. The disclosed projectiles and processes for making the projectiles meet the need for inexpensive, lead-free frangible projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel L. Powers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100072895
    Abstract: A to a non-combustible, tactical flash device includes a non-spherical hollow main housing having a plurality of flat surfaces, adapted to hold internal functional components. The internal functional components include: (i.) an externally exposed activation component located on the main housing; (ii.) a power connected to the activation component and to a control chip; (iii.) the control chip also being connected to at least one speaker and at least one light source, the control chip including capabilities for delay of processing of other commands upon initiation of the activation component, and for subsequent processing of other commands including sound delivery to at least one speaker and/or light activation to at least one light source. Optionally, a beacon transmitter may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Nicholas Klementowicz, III, John A. Dapkins, JR.
  • Patent number: 7681503
    Abstract: A projectile is provided for delivering a payload from a smoothbore launcher to a target. The projectile includes an aerodynamic stabilizer, an extender along which the stabilizer can longitudinally translate, and a chamber connected to the extender to contain the payload. The chamber can include a plastic bag for containing a liquid that represents the payload, and a plurality of holes that radially extend through its wall. The stabilizer enhances post-launch directional stability of the projectile by longitudinally translating rearward along the extender to shift center of pressure of the projectile aft of center of gravity of the projectile. The bag ruptures upon contact with the target, thereby disbursing the liquid through the holes. The bag can include malodorant or paint. The projectile can be contained within a gunpowder-loaded shotgun shell for launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Perry L. Fridley, Jr., Kenneth W. Tiedge
  • Publication number: 20100064927
    Abstract: A fill material is for use within a closed interior chamber of a gelatin paintball capsule. The fill material includes a starch and a polyethylene glycol and/or an oil. The starch is present in an amount that is substantially more than about 48% by weight of the fill material. Suitable starches may include corn starch, rice starch, potato starch, modified starch, and combinations thereof, among others. The fill material may also include a dye, a surfactant, and/or an additional material, such as, for example, a density agent, an emulsifier, and/or a thickener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Aldo PERRONE
  • Patent number: 7677235
    Abstract: A toy gun includes a firing mechanism activated to cause rapid movement of a pneumatic piston to cause rapid ingress of air into a cartridge to cause firing of a soft projectile. A release mechanism causes ejection of spent cartridges from the gun after firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Buzz Bee Toys (H.K.) Co., Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100058948
    Abstract: A paintball has one or more dimples or depressions formed on the outer surface of the paintball. In some embodiments, the depressions can have a uniform or non-uniform shape and be spaced equally about the circumference of the paintball. In some embodiments, each depression may provide increased lift and/or fragility to the paintball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: DYE PRECISION, INC.
    Inventors: David DeHaan, Eero Kaakkola
  • Patent number: 7669742
    Abstract: A tactical device holster (TDH) system is described that is a complete carry and deployment solution allowing for split-second deployment of hand-held non-lethal/lethal deployable devices (HNLDD) by tactical personnel. The TDH system allows tactical personnel to deploy HNLDDs without having to disarm because deployment requires only a single hand, and the TDH system indexes the HNLDD in the proper position for deployment. The TDH system allows the HNLDD to go from secure carry to deployment in under one second while not impeding the deadly force option during deployment. The TDH system keeps the fuze lever of the HNLDD fixed in a pre-specified position. The HNLDD is not altered for use with the TDH system and allows quick insertion of the HNLDD. The TDH system supports numerous HNLDDs and tactical pyrotechnic and incendiary devices, and can be fixed to various tactical clothing, vests, holsters, equipment, and vehicle components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Derek Rush
  • Patent number: 7658151
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-lethal projectile for delivering an electric pulse to a target. In one aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and an electrical oscillating circuit in order to generate a pulse. In another aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and a mechanical oscillating circuit in order to generate an electric pulse. Since the projectile of the present invention contains the structure to generate the required electric pulse, it can be employed effectively at distances of up to 150 meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Vladimir Genis, Alexandre Soukhomlinoff, Irina Khomchenko
  • Patent number: 7658137
    Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for frangible slugs. A method of manufacturing a frangible slug includes heating substantially spherical metallic powdered particles, where substantially all of the powdered particles have diameters larger than 125 microns and smaller than 250 microns, to form heated powdered particles. The method includes heating a microcrystalline wax to form a melted wax. The method also includes combining the heated powdered particles with the melted wax to form a liquid mixture. The method further includes filling a payload cavity of a slug container with the liquid mixture to form a liquid mixture payload, where the slug container is configured to retain a solidified frangible payload as the frangible slug until impact with a solid object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Stresau West, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Romero
  • Patent number: 7644663
    Abstract: An inactive aerial ballistic element for exercises includes a main hollow body and a ballast element. The main hollow body has an ogive, disposed in the front portion, and a closure bottom, disposed in the rear portion. The ballast element is disposed in the main hollow body, and gives to the inactive ballistic element the same ballistic features of active ballistic elements. The ballast element includes at least a monolithic body coaxially disposed in the main hollow body of the inactive ballistic element and extending at least between the ogive and the closure bottom. The ogive includes the end of the monolithic body, which protrudes from the main hollow body of the inactive ballistic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Industria Meccanica Zane' SRL
    Inventor: Giuliano Illesi
  • Publication number: 20090320710
    Abstract: A projectile is provided for simulating multiple sequential ballistic impacts. The projectile has a plurality of relatively dense loading layers spaced along the firing direction of the projectile. Each pair of nearest-neighbour loading layers is separated by a less dense support element which maintains the spacing of the loading layers. The projectile may be suitable for simulating bird slurry impacts on stator vanes of an aero gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Duncan A.S. MacDougall, David Higginbottom
  • Publication number: 20090320815
    Abstract: An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising :a releaser (20) removably adjacent to a capsule (25) via an extension (120); whereby said releaser (20) and said capsule (25) are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state (180), then the releaser (20) separates from the capsule (25) but is still connected via said extension (120) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to move away from said capsule (25) into an attachment state (200). A method of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch, comprising: positioning a releaser (20) to a first end (122) of an extension (120); positioning a capsule (110) to a second end (124) of an extension (120); positioning the releaser (20) adjacent to the capsule (110) so that the member (10) is in a deployable state (180); projecting the member (10) in its deployable state (180) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to separate from said capsule (110) and form an attachment state (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Brett Bunker
  • Patent number: 7631601
    Abstract: A surveillance projectile consisting primarily of a very robust electronic device designed to be contained in a 40 mm cartridge that can be fired over distances through an open window or door and into a remote location, such as an enclosed site, where it is desirable to surreptitiously acquire intelligence by electronic means or by irradiating an interior with invisible infrared light to facilitate infrared sensing. The projectile may be configured to contain any of several types of surveillance devices. Such devices may be, but are not limited to, wirelessly operated cameras, audio transmitters, recorders and infrared illuminators. Audio transmission may be scrambled for decoding at a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Paul H. Feldman, Matthew J. Ray, James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7617818
    Abstract: An apparatus has a container with a cavity containing a medium, and the container is sealed with a membrane that ruptures at a rupture pressure. A pressurizer pressurizes the cavity to at least the rupture pressure, and a projectile is disposed externally to the cavity during the pressurization. The projectile is propelled by the medium following rupture of the membrane. Preferred containers include pressurized cylinders, gun barrels, and ammunition cartridges, and preferred media include air, pressurized air and explosives, and a particularly preferred apparatus is a toy rocket launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: William Mark Corporation
    Inventors: David Túrchik, William Mark Forti
  • Patent number: 7617778
    Abstract: An impact cartridge unit for military exercise including a cartridge including a propulsive agent and on top thereof a grenade simulating member simulating a low velocity grenade to be fired by a firearm or the like. The grenade simulating member includes an arrangement adapted to simulate a detonation of a low velocity grenade and trigger associated therewith for triggering the detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Johan Henriksson, Jesper Wiberg, Ingemar Emricson, Jonas Malm
  • Patent number: 7614349
    Abstract: A high-density composite material and its use in the manufacture of less-lethal ammunition projectile is disclosed. The composite ammunition projectile material is produced from a compact mixture of fine iron powder, a highly damping, inert, non-toxic elastomer and an inert non-toxic thermoplastic elastomer. The composite ammunition projectile material is first blended, then the projectile is injection molded or compression molded. The density of the composite ammunition projectile material is adjustable in terms of ratio of iron powder to elastomer to thermoplastic elastomer block co-polymer, but a minimum density of 2.4 gcm?3 is preferred. A blend comprising an elastomer and a thermoplastic elastomer with low creep is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Judit E. Puskas, Amer Ebied, Barry Lamperd, Bhuwneesh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20090266262
    Abstract: Projectiles and projectile systems are provided herein employing an inhibiting and/or marking substance for impairing/marking a living target. In some embodiments, the systems include a first part being non-spherical and having an exterior, a plurality of stabilizing fins secured with the exterior of at the first part, and a second part have a hollow portion containing an inhibiting substance, wherein the second part is sealed with the first part to seal the inhibiting substance within at least the hollow portion. The first part can similarly have a hollow portion such that a volume is defined by the hollow portion of the first part and the hollow portion of the second part, wherein the inhibiting substance is contained within the volume. The fins can be angled to provide spin stabilizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: PEPPERBALL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Vasel, Corey A. Fuzak
  • Patent number: 7607393
    Abstract: A shotshell of the type including a slug projectile includes a wad modified to include a central depression against which a light-weight ball is centered between the wad and the slug. The slug may include a similar depression such that the momentary connection between the wad, ball and slug may increase accuracy of the ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee
  • Publication number: 20090255435
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-lethal projectile for delivering an electric pulse to a target. In one aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and an electrical oscillating circuit in order to generate a pulse. In another aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and a mechanical oscillating circuit in order to generate an electric pulse. Since the projectile of the present invention contains the structure to generate the required electric pulse, it can be employed effectively at distances of up to 150 meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: VLADIMIR GENIS, ALEXANDRE SOUKHOMLINOFF, IRINA KHOMCHENKO
  • Publication number: 20090255434
    Abstract: A new type of animal control system and a new method of use of the animal control system is presented for controlling small, wild animals and rodents without killing or maiming. The control system is in the form of a portable kit that includes a launching device, a plurality of thermoplastic hollow projectiles, a supply of a natural animal control agent for loading into the projectiles, and a means for transferring and storing the control agent. The method of use of the control system involves filling the projectiles with the control agent and then sealing the projectiles prior to loading the projectiles into the launching device. The launching device is then aimed at an area that is being controlled by the animal and then the projectiles are discharged from the gun so as to disperse the control agent about the area being controlled. The control agent causes a biological reaction in the animals and rodents when they detect the scent of the control agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Pawloski
  • Publication number: 20090217837
    Abstract: A shot ball for a pneumatic gun is disclosed, which comprises an outer skin which forms a breaking line as its two parts contact with each other; a stuff which is filled in the interior of the outer skin; and a shock absorbing cover which is attached to the outer skin and absorbs an external impact. As a shock absorbing cover made of a silicon material is attached to an outer surface of an outer skin, even when a certain external impact is applied to the outer skin, the impact is substantially absorbed and transferred to the outer skin, so the outer skin is not easily broken, and the stuff stored in the outer skin is stably stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: In Cheol Hwang
  • Patent number: 7581500
    Abstract: A ring airfoil projectile is defined by an annular body which defines a central passage. The body is constructed so that a center of pressure is substantially coincident with a center of gravity thereof. The body is preferably constructed of a nose section and tail section, the nose section of a material having a higher density than the material forming the tail section. The ring airfoil projectile is configured to deliver a payload to a target. Cavities extend inwardly from the outer surface of the airfoil, preferably in the nose section. The cavities accept payload or a strip containing payload. The ring airfoil projectile is configured to travel with minimum path dispersion, and to deliver the payload upon impacting a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Flatau & Vanek, LLC
    Inventor: Abraham Flatau
  • Publication number: 20090208569
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a homogeneous, thermoreversible gel film comprising a film forming amount of a water soluble, thermoreversible alginate, and optionally at least one of a plasticizer, a second film former, a bulking agent, and a pH controlling agent; and processes for the preparation thereof. The present invention is also directed to soft capsules and solid forms containing the gel film, as well as processes for the preparation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: FMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Modliszewski, Arthur D. Ballard, Christopher J. Sewall, William R. Blakemore, Peter J. Riley
  • Publication number: 20090193996
    Abstract: A projectile (2) includes a cylindrical casing with the one (nose) end has a relatively non-penetrating front face (3) with an opening therein defining a cavity (5) extending longitudinally into the casing from said opening, and the other (tail) end (10) of the cylindrical casing is adapted to receive a propelling force; said projectile further comprises an implant (14) for penetrating a target on impact; wherein said implant is located at least in part within the cavity during flight and has longitudinal freedom of movement within the cavity towards the nose of the casing; whereby on impact said implant tends to penetrate said target whilst said relatively non-penetrating front face abuts at least momentarily said target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Ian Brydges-Price
  • Patent number: 7565866
    Abstract: A paintball grenade is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the paintball grenade includes a cage, a discharge housing carried by the cage, a vinegar syringe having a discharge tip carried by the discharge housing, a spoon pivotally carried by the discharge housing and engaging the vinegar syringe and a paint bladder carried by the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Edward J. Downes
  • Patent number: 7555987
    Abstract: Frangible projectiles for firearms and processes for making such projectiles are disclosed. The projectiles include a sintered, compacted iron-based mixture of particles. The disclosed projectiles produce a similar feel and mimic the ballistic properties of lead projectiles of similar size and caliber, yet readily break-up upon impact with a hard surface in order to minimize ricochet or splatter. The disclosed projectiles and processes for making the projectiles meet the need for inexpensive, lead-free frangible projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Precision Ammunition, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Powers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090158921
    Abstract: A battery powered personal security device is designed to be worn on the wrist of a wearer like a bracelet. The device includes an electrical circuit adapted to generate a discharge voltage of around 1500 volts sufficient to deter an attacker but not cause tissue damage. There are two adjacent electrodes that protrude through the sloped front face of the device. The sloped front face is adapted to contact facial skin and when the electrodes are in simultaneous contact with the skin of the attacker the device discharges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: DAVID JAMES NORMAN
  • Patent number: 7549376
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile carrier includes a base having a plurality of hinges, each hinge including a tab; and a payload case attached to the base, the payload case comprising a plurality of petaloid members, each petaloid member including an opening in a rear surface for insertion of a corresponding tab; wherein upon exiting a gun tube the petaloid members open and fold toward the base. Each petaloid member includes a lip on one edge and an undercut on another edge so that adjacent petaloid members form lap joints. The hinges are defined by zones of small cross-sectional area in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Nicholas Liggett Grossman, Jeffrey Darbig
  • Publication number: 20090145414
    Abstract: A pneumatic launcher includes a number of chambers for holding a compressed gas and a valve for releasing the compressed gas into a firing chamber to fire a projectile. The firing valve may include a number of surfaces on which pressure acts to slide a sliding valve body between an open position and a closed position. The launcher may include a recess for preventing pressure from acting on one of those surfaces when the valve is in the closed position. A part of the sliding valve body may interact with adjacent parts to form a closed region ahead of the sliding valve body, in order to cushion motion of the sliding valve body. The launcher may have a breech and a breech pin shaped to create a desired gas flow within the firing chamber during firing. The breech may include a breech pin seal which seals between two faces oriented transverse to the axis of the launcher. The launcher barrel may have a number of ribs for improved stability and accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Giles Russell, Andrew Peter Marshall, Caroline Nola Marshall, Cyril Charles Russell
  • Publication number: 20090126602
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved colorant compositions that are suitable for encapsulation in an impact-rupturable casing that is adapted for intact projectile motion and rupture upon contact with a target surface. In many embodiments, the colorant compositions comprise (a) a carrier comprising: (i) a metathesized unsaturated polyol ester; and (ii) a polyol ester; and (b) a colorant. The colorant compositions are useful in paint balls for use in conjunction with projectile devices, such as paint ball markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Murphy, Brent A. Aufdembrink
  • Patent number: 7526999
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a less-lethal projectile device generally comprising a projectile, such as a rubber-encapsulated metal block, that is mated to a docking base by way of a mounting tube. The projectile may be milled with a cavity located in its rearward section for enabling the projectile to fit onto the mounting tube portion of the docking base through compression. The projectile captures a fired bullet and is propelled along the original path of the bullet. The disclosed system results in a normally lethal weapon being converted into a less-lethal blunt impact system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce A. Timan
  • Patent number: 7526998
    Abstract: Projectiles and projectile systems are provided herein employing an inhibiting and/or marking substance for impairing/marking a living target. In some embodiments, the systems include a first part being non-spherical and having an exterior, a plurality of stabilizing fins secured with the exterior of at the first part, and a second part have a hollow portion containing an inhibiting substance, wherein the second part is sealed with the first part to seal the inhibiting substance within at least the hollow portion. The first part can similarly have a hollow portion such that a volume is defined by the hollow portion of the first part and the hollow portion of the second part, wherein the inhibiting substance is contained within the volume. The fins can be angled to provide spin stabilizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: PepperBall Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Vasel, Corey A. Fuzak
  • Publication number: 20090101038
    Abstract: A non-lethal impact projectile having a nose composed of a frangible, rigid, polymer foam material such that the nose crushes upon impact with a target to disperse energy, thereby reducing the kinetic energy transferred to the target. Most preferably, the munition or projectile is provided with a cavity to retain a payload, such as marker agents, lacrimators, irritants, inflammatory agents, odorants or inert powders, such that the payload is laterally dispersed upon impact to further dissipate energy transferred to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: John A. Kapeles, Joseph P. Kolnik
  • Patent number: 7520081
    Abstract: An improved electric weapon immobilizes a target by conducting a current through an electrode and through the target. The weapon includes a circuit that outputs a pulse pattern having a first pulse, a second pulse of opposite polarity compared to the first pulse, and a period of no output between the first pulse and the second pulse. The period is in a range from 50 microseconds to 1000 microseconds. The electric weapon repeats the output of the pattern at a rate of 19 repetitions per second. A method for immobilizing a target is performed by an electric weapon. The method includes delivering a first pulse in a first polarity, operating a switch to reverse the polarity of delivery; and delivery the second pulse in a second polarity. The method may further include awaiting lapse of a period between delivery of the first pulse and delivery of the second pulse wherein the period is in the range of from 50 microseconds to 1000 microseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Kroll
  • Patent number: 7506588
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-lethal projectile for delivering an electric pulse to a target. In one aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and an electrical oscillating circuit in order to generate a pulse. In another aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and a mechanical oscillating circuit in order to generate an electric pulse. Since the projectile of the present invention contains the structure to generate the required electric pulse, it can be employed effectively at distances of up to 150 meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Vladimir Genis, Alexandre Soukhomlinoff, Irina Khomchenko
  • Patent number: 7503260
    Abstract: A non-lethal ammunition comprising a projectile having a nose component, a driving band adjacent the nose component, and a base component, wherein a densified material is used to control weight distribution of the projectile to improve flight, stability and delivered impact energy of the projectile and the nose component includes features to maximize impact surface area. The projectile is positioned within a shell having a high pressure and low pressure propulsion system which minimizes velocity variance of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Defense Technology Corporation of America
    Inventor: John A. Kapeles
  • Patent number: 7500434
    Abstract: A ring airfoil style paintball comprises a ring airfoil carrying a visible marking agent. The marking agent is located in one more compartments in a nose portion of a body of the ring airfoil, or within one or more containers located in those compartments. The nose portion of the body of the airfoil is configured to rupture upon impacting a target, releasing the marking agent into contact with the target. Cartridges comprising a sabot containing the ring airfoil style paintball are launched from a launcher. The launcher includes a magazine for sequentially delivering cartridges for launch. A stripper associated with the launcher strips the sabot from the ring airfoil paintball, and an ejector ejects the stripped sabot from the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Abraham Flatau, Chester F. Vanek
  • Publication number: 20090050127
    Abstract: A combat game weapon system includes a pneumatic launcher and an elastic projectile. The pneumatic launcher includes a barrel. The barrel includes a distal end and a bore with an inside diameter. The elastic projectile is configured for being expelled from the distal end of the barrel. The elastic projectile includes a cavity configured for expanding when the cavity receives a propellant from the pneumatic launcher and thereby for causing the elastic projectile to sealingly engage the inside diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Steven J. Wygant
  • Publication number: 20090050010
    Abstract: A projectile for a toy shooting device includes a tubular body, a head moulded of soft material, an anchor partially embedded in the head and comprising a fixing stem extending into and adhered to the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Kwok-Wah Tsang
  • Publication number: 20090025597
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for an electrical discharge weapon having at least one dart positioned within a dart chamber in the housing. The cartridge has at least one adjustable barrel for selection between close and extended ranges and a joint and port for adjusting pressure in the barrel. In another form the cartridge has two fixed barrels and a retractable deflection ramp for selection between close and extended ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: John Kapeles, John A. Hultman
  • Publication number: 20090013893
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile system for non-lethally inhibiting a living target, multi-functional launching devices for delivering the non-lethal projectile systems to a target, methods of assembling the non-lethal projectiles, and tactical methods of the use of the non-lethal projectile, the non-lethal projectile consists of a projectile body to be impacted with a living target and an inhibiting substance within the projectile body, wherein upon impact with the target, the inhibiting substance is dispersed on and about the target. In a variation, the projectile body ruptures upon impact releasing the substance. In another variation, the inhibiting substance is a powdered substance comprising a powdered pepper derived substance, for example, oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: PEPPERBALL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Vasel, Scott C. Nunan
  • Publication number: 20090013892
    Abstract: A casing for a relatively soft projectile, such as a projectile for a paintball gun, has a concave portion for receiving a substantially round soft projectile, a driving band located behind the concave portion, and an aerodynamic portion located behind the driving band. The driving band preferably has lands and grooves for engaging rifling in the bore of the gun. The aerodynamic portion may have the approximate shape of a prolate spheroid or a paraboloid of revolution, or another shape that reduces eddy currents and drag behind the projectile. The concave portion of the casing preferably has an adhesive to prevent separation of the casing and projectile in flight. The casing may be solid or hollow; in the later case, it may be filled with a substance such as urethane foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SJS PAINTBALL, LP
    Inventors: Robert Judson, Paul Judson
  • Patent number: 7475637
    Abstract: A projectile for deploying one or more sensors into an area is provided. The projectile includes a sensor platform disposed in the projectile. The sensor platform having: a sensor for detection of a condition within or proximate to the area; a processor and communication device operatively connected to the one or more sensors and to one or more of a remote station and at least one other sensor; and a power source for supplying power to at least the one or more sensors. Methods and apparatus for deploying the one or more sensors into the area are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Jeffrey Ge, Carlos M. Pereira
  • Patent number: 7475638
    Abstract: A training projectile includes at its head a hollow arched cavity or cap that defines a hollow cavity within the head of the training projectile, and that bursts when the projectile strikes a target. Into this cavity are placed a first chemically-inactive marking material and a second chemically-active marking material, whereby both marking materials are released upon bursting of the arched cavity. The first marking material creates, for example, a color effect by means of a colored powder; the second marking material produces a light effect by means of, for example, materials that interact to produce chemo-luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Detlef Haeselich
  • Publication number: 20080289531
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-lethal projectile for delivering an electric pulse to a target. In one aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and an electrical oscillating circuit in order to generate a pulse. In another aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and a mechanical oscillating circuit in order to generate an electric pulse. Since the projectile of the present invention contains the structure to generate the required electric pulse, it can be employed effectively at distances of up to 150 meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Drexel University
    Inventors: Vladimir Genis, Alexandre Soukhomlinoff, Irina Khomchenko
  • Patent number: 7451707
    Abstract: The present gun barrel cleaning device provides a special cartridge with a casing filled with a carbon dioxide charge which forwardly propels a push pin having a sliding seal near the firing pin and a two-pieced break-away seal at the opposite end, which separates to push a cloth rag and metal brush through the bore when the cartridge is loaded into the gun and the gun is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Trent Hadden
  • Patent number: 7453356
    Abstract: A system for tracking a motor vehicle is disclosed, which includes a device that can be magnetically or mechanically affixed to a vehicle. For one example, the device includes a GPS receiver and a data transmitter. When the device is activated and affixed to a vehicle, the GPS receiver provides to the data transmitter latitudinal and longitudinal earth-referenced coordinate data representing the current position of the vehicle. The data transmitter transmits the coordinate data, which is received by a suitable data receiver at a remote distance from the vehicle involved. Thus, the device enables law enforcement personnel to remotely monitor and track the vehicle's movements, without being seen by the suspect driver and encouraging a high speed chase. Also, the device provides a relatively inexpensive vehicle tracking solution for those municipalities that have a “no chase” policy and cannot afford the expense of a helicopter for vehicle pursuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Bedenko
  • Publication number: 20080276822
    Abstract: Disclosed is an irritation grenade (1) comprising a receptacle (2) with at least one compartment (12) within which an effective charge (3) is accommodated and which ends in one respective discharge port (21, 22) on opposite sides of the receptacle (2) while being locked by means of a closure (15). A rocker-arm type igniter (4) is provided to ignite the effective charges. The combustion gases of the effective charges (3) are deflected in part by parts of the rocker-arm igniter (4) such that the irritation grenade is displaced when the effective charges (3) are ignited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thorsten Lubbers, Detlef Haeselich
  • Publication number: 20080276821
    Abstract: An aerial reconnaissance projectile, such as a mortar, is launched for viewing a battlefield scene. A reconnaissance section is released from the projectile and conveys back pictures of the battlefield scene taken by a camera and transmitted by radio to a ground position for viewing on a video screen. The reconnaissance section; may have an inertia measurement unit for determining its position over the battlefield scene. The projectile containing the reconnaissance equipment may be a convention mortar round or a rocket projectile. This aerial reconnaissance projectile is capable of carrying sensors for chemical, biological or nuclear activity on the surface area being traversed or intercepting radio signals from the ground and conveying this information by radio to a ground position with a radio receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles M. Stancil
  • Patent number: 7444940
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for an electrical discharge weapon having at least one dart positioned within a dart chamber in the housing. The cartridge has at least one adjustable barrel for selection between close and extended ranges and a joint and port for adjusting pressure in the barrel. In another form the cartridge has two fixed barrels and a retractable deflection ramp for selection between close and extended ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Defense Technology Corporation of America
    Inventors: John Kapeles, John A. Hultman