Patents Assigned to Taser International, Inc.
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTED CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160110208
    Abstract: Systems involving distributed control functions are described herein. Each member or device within the system has responsibility for controlling part of the system's behavior, and includes logic to determine what action, if any, will follow as a response to determining information or receiving information from other members or devices within the system. A change of status of one member of a system may provide a basis for action by another member of the system. Status may be the result of sensing a condition of the environment, sensing the condition of a component, receiving the output of a conventional sensor, and/or sensing the condition of a link between components. In some embodiments, action taken by a member of the system may include collecting data during law enforcement activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wagner, Mark A. Hanchett, Aaron J. Kloc, Tyler J. Conant
  • Systems and Methods for a Recorder User Interface
    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.
  • Electrode for Electronic Weaponry that Dissipates Kinetic Energy
    Publication number: 20160010956
    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 volume of target tissue. An electrode may include a spear comprising a material with integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material) and a geometry to dissipate kinetic energy after impact with the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: TASER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hanchett
  • Electrode for Electronic Weaponry that Dissipates Kinetic Energy
    Publication number: 20160010957
    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 volume of target tissue. An electrode may include a spear comprising a material with integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material) and a geometry to dissipate kinetic energy after impact with the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: TASER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Beechey, Michael J. Campbell, Mark A. Hanchett
  • Systems and methods for detecting cartridge description
    Patent number: 9228808
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, produces contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target. The apparatus is used with a provided deployment unit that deploys an electrode away from the apparatus. The electrode conducts a current through the target. The apparatus includes a detector that detects indicia describing the deployment unit and a processing circuit that performs a function of the launch device in accordance with the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Systems and methods for providing a signal to inhibit locomotion
    Patent number: 9182193
    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: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Magne H. Nerheim
  • Electrodes for electronic weaponry and methods of manufacture
    Patent number: 9173378
    Abstract: A deployment unit for an electronic control device (ECD) used as a weapon provides a current from a signal generator of the ECD through tissue of a human or animal target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a filament, and an electrode. The interface couples the housing to the signal generator. The filament includes a first end coupled to the interface for receiving the current and comprises a second end. The filament conducts the current for inhibiting voluntary movement by the target. The electrode, stored in the housing prior to deployment, mechanically couples the filament to the target when deployed. The electrode includes an assembly of a first part and a second part that after assembly cooperate to bind the second end of the filament to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Beechey, Michael J. Campbell, Mark A. Hanchett
  • Systems And Methods For Managing Disclosure Of Protectable Information
    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
  • Electronic weaponry with canister for electrode launch
    Patent number: 9080840
    Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which wire-tethered electrodes are launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. A canister of compressed gas propels the electrodes. The canister is located in the deployment unit in a manner that facilitates the design and manufacture of a relatively narrow deployment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Klug, Milan Cerovic
  • Systems and methods for managing disclosure of protectable information
    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
  • Systems and methods for a user interface for electronic weaponry
    Patent number: 9025304
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, produces contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target. The apparatus is used with a provided deployment unit that deploys an electrode away from the apparatus. The electrode conducts a current through the target. The apparatus includes a terminal; a producing sub-system for producing an electric arc to warn the target without conducting a current through the target; a conducting sub-system for conducting the current in series through the terminal and through the target; an initiating sub-system for initiating deployment of the electrode; and an operator interface. The operator interface facilitates selecting one or more cartridges of a set of cartridges to provide a stimulus signal to a target and/or display an arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Systems and methods for displaying a warning
    Patent number: 9010003
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, produces contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target. The apparatus is used with a provided deployment unit that deploys an electrode away from the apparatus. The electrode conducts a current through the target. The apparatus includes a terminal; a producing sub-system for producing an electric arc to warn the target without conducting a current through the target; a conducting sub-system for conducting the current in series through the terminal and through the target; an initiating sub-system for initiating deployment of the electrode; and an operator interface. The operator interface facilitates selecting one or more cartridges of a set of cartridges to provide a stimulus signal to a target and/or display an arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Systems and methods for managing disclosure of protectable information
    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
  • Systems and methods for electronic control device with deactivation alert
    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
  • Apparatus and methods for a wire-tethered electrode for an electronic weapon
    Patent number: 8953297
    Abstract: An electronic weapon has an installed deployment unit from which an electrode is launched. The electrode is tethered to the deployment unit by a wire or filament. According to various aspects of the present invention, a wire-tethered electrode for launching from a weapon, for impacting clothing of a human target, and for conducting a stimulus signal through the target to inhibit locomotion by the target includes an insulated wire, a spear, and a body. The wire mechanically couples the electrode to the weapon. The spear lodges in the clothing. The body has an interior. The interior confines the wire against the spear so that the stimulus signal ionizes air in a gap between an uninsulated end of the wire and the spear, and ionizes air between the barb and tissue of the target to facilitate conducting the stimulus signal through the spear and through the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: William David Gavin
  • Electrodes for electronic weaponry and methods of manufacture
    Patent number: 8896982
    Abstract: A deployment unit for an electronic control device (ECD) used as a weapon provides a current from a signal generator of the ECD through tissue of a human or animal target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a filament, and an electrode. The interface couples the housing to the signal generator. The filament includes a first end coupled to the interface for receiving the current and comprises a second end. The filament conducts the current for inhibiting voluntary movement by the target. The electrode, stored in the housing prior to deployment, mechanically couples the filament to the target when deployed. The electrode includes an assembly of a first part and a second part that after assembly cooperate to bind the second end of the filament to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Beechey, Michael J. Campbell, Mark A. Hanchett
  • Single shot electronic control device
    Patent number: D734826
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Chow, Christopher W. Baldwin, Michael E. Gish, Ryan C. Markle
  • Body camera
    Patent number: D754768
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Patulski, William J. Soper, John W. Wilson
  • Body camera
    Patent number: D754769
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Patulski, William J. Soper, John W. Wilson
  • Body camera
    Patent number: D755271
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Patulski, William J. Soper, John W. Wilson