Nonlethal Or Deterrent Patents (Class 102/502)
  • Patent number: 8661983
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a less lethal munition including a ring airfoil projectile. The flight trajectory of the projectile has increased accuracy resulting from the aerodynamic stabilization of the projectile. In some embodiments, the projectile is both aerodynamically stabilized and spin stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kimball Rustin Scarr
  • Publication number: 20140026778
    Abstract: The invention provides a marker projectile a hollow body (4) having an opening at the front; a marker substance (3) disposed within the hollow body (4); and an expelling member (5) within the hollow body (4) behind the marking substance (3); the hollow body (4) and expelling member (5) being configured such that upon impact of the projectile with a target, the momentum of the expelling member (5) relative to the hollow body (4) carries the expelling member (5) forwardly to expel the marking substance (3) through the opening, a separator (1) extending at least partly over the front opening, the separator (1) defining two or more spaces through which the marker substance (3) may pass when expelled through the opening and characterised by a deformable closing member (2) positioned between the marking substance (3) and the separator (1), the closing member (2) configured to deform under the impact of the travelling expelling member (5) whereby to release the marking substance (3) from the hollow body (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: UTM IP LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 8616132
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing irritants or warfare agents includes a container having an interior for providing an irritant or warfare agent, which is dissolved or emulsified in a solution gas in its liquefied state of aggregation, which solution gas is in gaseous condition at room temperature and atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure. In addition, the container has at least one predetermined breaking point for producing an opening of the interior to the surroundings of the container at a predefined bursting pressure in the interior, and the apparatus further includes a pressure generator which can generate an increased pressure in the interior of the container that is greater than the bursting pressure of the at least one predetermined breaking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Drager
  • Patent number: 8596178
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from handheld grenades and other threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an expandable countermeasure having a flexible body with a number of weighted projectiles attached around a perimeter of the body. A threat detection and launch control system detects incoming threats and, in response, triggers a launch of the expandable countermeasure from the launcher to intercept and neutralize the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eldon C. Rogers, Timothy L. Williams, Dennis Yee, William J. Sweet, Charles G. Bloch
  • Publication number: 20130305949
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a dosage of a drug to a target use an electrode that may deliver the drug and/or a current through the target to impede locomotion of the target. Delivery of a dosage may be accomplished by selecting one or more electrodes from a plurality of electrodes to deliver the drug or by metering deliver of the drug from one or more electrodes. Delivery of the current may be accomplished by one or more, preferably two electrodes. The electrodes that deliver the current through the target may also cooperate to deliver the dosage of the drug to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A. Hanchett, Andrew F. Hinz, Jeffrey Ho
  • Patent number: 8584589
    Abstract: A dehydrated, pulp-based projectile is described. The projectile is pulp material that is molded and dehydrated into a projectile shape to form the dehydrated, pulp-based projectile. In operation, the pulp-based projectile can be positioned within the bullet chamber (e.g., gun clip) of a toy gun and then rehydrated. For example, the toy gun or bullet chamber can be dipped in water, which would cause the projectile to absorb the water and soften. An advantage to being pulp based is that the projectile is more solid than foam and, as such, generally shoots straighter and further than foam. However, when rehydrated, the projectile has the propensity to stick to its target as it becomes pliable and sticky through rehydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Hanjin Park, Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 8550005
    Abstract: Embodiments of a non-lethal delivery canister, a bomber/perpetrator threat-mitigation system, and methods of mitigating bomber and perpetrator threats are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the non-lethal delivery canister may include a shell, a plastic-fabric liner within the shell to hold the shell together, and an entrapment device within the liner. The shell may be configured to break away and disintegrate after launch and prior to target impact to help ensure non-lethality. In some embodiments, the delivery canister may include an exhaust-gas generator (EGG) to generate a high-pressure gas, and an exhaust-gas director within the liner to direct the high-pressure gas generated by the EGG into the liner cause the entrapment device to expel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olden, Oscar Kenneth Ohanian, Damian C. Athey, Robert P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8539885
    Abstract: A projectile of non-lethal composition includes an outer casing that is substantially sealed prior to impact with a target both when the projectile is in a static condition and when the projectile is in a dynamic condition. A marking material is encapsulated within the outer casing prior to impact. The outer casing is configured to deform and unseal upon impact such that the marking material disperses forward via hydraulic action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Federal Cartridge Company
    Inventor: Rick Huffman
  • Patent number: 8528481
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a less lethal munition including a ring airfoil projectile. The flight trajectory of the projectile has increased accuracy resulting from the aerodynamic stabilization of the projectile. In some embodiments, the projectile is both aerodynamically stabilized and spin stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kimball Rustin Scarr
  • Patent number: 8514543
    Abstract: A apparatus able but not limited to monitor alcohol levels, track by GPS have voice communications and administer a incapacitating electric shock to a person, which comprises a portable power source, at least one pair of electrodes operatively associated with the power source and that are configured to track, monitor, communicate and deliver an electrical shock to the person's body, a locking mechanism configured to secure the tracking, monitoring and communications device with electrodes at a desired position on said person's body operated by at a remote location capable of tracking, monitoring, communicating and triggering an electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Bradley Myers
  • Patent number: 8511231
    Abstract: A less than lethal projectile and method of producing the same comprising of a sealed filled polymeric pouch containing a shot within. The sealed filled polymeric pouch is formed in a form, fill, and seal machine. An automatic loading ammunition machine is fed empty shell casings; the ammunition machine automatically loads the empty shell casing with pre-determined quantities of wad, primer, and gun powder, and subsequently moves the sealed filled polymeric pouch into a projectile compartment of the empty shell casing producing a fully-loaded shell casing to be loaded into a barrel of an ammunition. The polymeric pouch is capable of being inserted into various shell casings depending on the intended use thus allowing for officers and soldiers to select from an array of munitions when confronted with a situation where less than lethal means are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Brejon Holdings (BVI), Ltd.
    Inventors: John Hayes, Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 8511232
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for launching and fabricating projectiles. In some embodiments, one or more ring airfoil projectiles are launched from a gun. Yet other embodiments pertain to the launching of projectiles that disperse tracer or irritant chemicals upon impact. Yet other embodiments pertain to apparatus and methods for molding of munition components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Kimball Rustin Scarr
  • Patent number: 8485102
    Abstract: Marking cartridge for conventional firearms that deposits marking media on impact with a target. The marking cartridge generally comprises a marking projectile containing a quantity of marking media beneath a frangible cap portion and having a more durable exterior surface adapted to engage the rifling of the barrel when fired. The marking projectile also may comprise a receptacle for marking media having a curled lip adapted to remove air during assembly and excess marking media to insure a consistent quantity of marking media is contained within the marking projectile. The receptacle defining a marking media cavity radially spaced from exterior bearing portion wall and having a mushroom shape. The marking cartridge also may comprise an extendable casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik K. Carlson, Lawrence P. Head, Matthew S. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8479656
    Abstract: A paintball includes first and second half shell portions, each with a recess that can hold liquid containing dyes or other marking pigments. The liquid in the second half shell portion is relatively viscous, or becomes so after being placed in the second shell portion. The second shell portion can then be inverted and the liquid will stay within it. Neither shell portion includes a barrier to hold the liquids in place. The second half shell portion can then be placed on and joined with the first half shell portion to form a paintball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hydro-Caps, LLC
    Inventors: Paul M. Ciesiun, Ronnie E. Bayless
  • Patent number: 8479655
    Abstract: A projectile system for impeding vessel movement is provided. The system includes a projectile device that contains a superoxide material for generating an exothermic reaction when exposed to water. At termination of flight, the projectile releases the superoxide material into the surrounding water. A delay can be set to enable the projectile to release its payload underneath the water surface, creating both a disturbance in the water and large gas bubbles to affect the trajectory of the target surface vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Raymond M. Gamache, Jeffrey Michael Emenheiser
  • Patent number: 8456793
    Abstract: A method, performed by a driver, provides a current through a load after ionization that forms a circuit for the current through the load. The method includes, in any practical order, (a) accomplishing a first ionization; (b) in response to the first ionization, determining a first energy; and (c) attempting a second ionization using a second energy less than the first energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven N. D. Brundula
  • 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: 20130055916
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate the payload delivery systems. The payload delivery system can comprise a stabilizer having a longitudinally cut side wall defining a series of vanes that are folded forward in the pre-launched configuration. Other aspects combine a payload cup nested within the forward folding stabilizer. Still other aspects integrate the payload portion and the stabilizer portion into a single piece that constitutes a stabilized payload cup. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Publication number: 20130055917
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate these payload delivery systems. In one aspect, the payload delivery system can comprise a payload cup and a pleated cup nested within the payload cup and having a pleated side wall. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Patent number: 8387536
    Abstract: A kinetic anti-projectile vehicle includes a body, and extendible arms that extend radially from the body. The arms include a foam material, such as a shape memory foam. The foam material may be heated to expand it. The foam arms may be mechanically restrained while being heated. The mechanically restraint may be removed by heating, for example including a fusible link or a shape memory sold material. The foam material arms may include solid material, either in the form of solid material particles, such as high strength particles, or in the form of supports or restraints in the foam material. The extension of the foam arms increases the effective area of the vehicle for impacting a projectile. Impact on the projectile from the body and/or one or more of the arms may be sufficient to destroy, divert, or otherwise disable the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David R. Sar, Terry M. Sanderson, Philip C. Theriault
  • Patent number: 8387540
    Abstract: An interceptor projectile includes a deployable net that deploys during flight and wraps around an incoming projectile, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The net is initially in a tubular body of the interceptor projectile. Weights are attached to ends of the net with metal cables. A propellant is used to deploy the net from the tubular body and to deploy the weights at acute angles to the longitudinal axis of the interceptor projectile. The weights move radially out from the interceptor projectile, expanding the net outward, and wrapping the net around an incoming projectile. The engagement of the net with the incoming projectile disables the incoming projectile, sending the incoming projectile off course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Paul A. Merems
  • Publication number: 20130014666
    Abstract: A spreader box and method form a bi-laminar paintball shell material. Walls of a box body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a first gel. Walls of a gate body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a second gel. Within the box, the first gel is kept separate from the second gel. The box body aperture dispenses the first gel as a continuous first layer. The gate body aperture dispenses the second gel as a continuous second layer that is adjacent and juxtaposed with the first layer, such that the first gel bonds with the second gel to form the bi-laminar paintball shell material. A paintball, containing a fill material, has a frangible bi-laminar shell including an exterior shell that completely surrounds and contains an interior shell. The paintball is adapted to withstand the normal range of forces sustained in being fired from a paintball gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: KEE Action Sports Technology Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Aldo Perrone
  • Patent number: 8342097
    Abstract: A launcher system includes a launcher having a barrel adapted to receive a projectile with a charge of propellant and a magazine adapted to hold additional projectiles, with each projectile including a piston shiftably mounted for movement relative to a main body. When propellant in the projectile is ignited, either mechanically or electrically, the propellant forces the piston from a retracted position during a period of initial thrust and then the propellant exits through at least one vent hole to provide an additional thrust for the projectile upon the piston moving to a fully extended position and safely discharge pressure from within the projectile. The projectile may be fired at lethal or non-lethal velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Widder, Christopher A. Perhala
  • Patent number: 8342099
    Abstract: A marking paint ball includes a shell made of non-water-soluble polymer material and having a substantially spherical shape. A marking paint composition is contained in the shell. The shell is made of an oxo-biodegradable material. A method for making such a ball is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: David Delhaye
  • Patent number: 8342098
    Abstract: A projectile launched from a conventional weapon; upon impact with a human target the projectile attaches to the target and stuns and disables the target by applying a pulsed electrical charge. The electric round is defined as non lethal ammunition directed to incapacitate a human, to prevent him from moving for a short time, to prevent him from committing a crime and to allow authorized personnel to arrest the target. A novel thin film technology transformer and thin film technology battery produce an electrical shock capable of stunning a human being in a device the size of a conventional bullet. The transformer and battery are smaller and lighter than conventional transformers and batteries with similar power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Security Devices International Inc.
    Inventors: Ilan Shalev, Matwey Bereznitsky, Haim Danon, Nathan Blaunstein, Ginnadii Swarzshtein
  • Publication number: 20120325192
    Abstract: A paintball assembly capable of retaining a paintball in a loading chamber using a paintball catcher is disclosed. The paintball assembly includes a loading chamber, a detent, and a bolt. The loading chamber is coupled to a loading port to receive paintballs. In one embodiment, the detent includes a paintball catcher capable of catching the paintball as it is loaded into the loading chamber. In one example, the paintball catcher is a flexible paintball catcher extending into the loading chamber and is able to catch the paintball and hold it in a predefined position. When a trigger is pulled, the bolt pushes the paintball into a firing chamber while the paintball catcher releases the paintball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Real Action Paintball, Inc. a California Corporation
    Inventors: Loc T. Pham, Omar Alonso Macy, Khanh Tran
  • Patent number: 8336462
    Abstract: A method for incapacitating an object using a non-lethal projectile equipped with a motion sensing device. The non-lethal projectile is fired at and preferably attaches to the object. Motion of the object is monitored by the motion sensing device. Upon sensing motion of the object, the non-lethal projectile provides a first or another incapacitating stimulus to the object if the motion is sensed as meeting at least one criterion. The criterion may be based on a previously determined algorithm or the threshold is previously determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: SDI - Security Device International Inc.
    Inventors: Haim Danon, Ilan Shalev
  • Patent number: 8327768
    Abstract: My Ring Airfoil Glider Expendable Cartridge and Glider Launching Method is form launching a reduced caliber ring airfoil glider from a conventional grenade launcher barrel with preferred application for less lethal use. A caseless ammunition base contains a primer communicating with a propellant in a rupture disk sealed chamber with a vent used to create, seal and channel propelling gas into a space behind a sabot mounted on a central guide on the base, whereupon releasing the gas, the sabot aligns, seals, pushes and rotates the glider in passage down the barrel, to a point of maximum velocity, whereon, the propelling gas is vented ahead of the glider by the central passage in the sabot as it leaves the guide, whereupon, the bore decelerates the sabot by friction freeing the glider to fly down the bore centered by a turbulent boundary layer of air until it exits the muzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Kimball Rustin Scarr
  • Publication number: 20120298006
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile is provided in the illustrative embodiments. An ammunition cartridge includes a propulsion mechanism and a non-lethal projectile. The non-lethal projectile is configured to impair a target without a risk of causing permanent harm to the target. The non-lethal projectile is further configured to detach from a launching device when propelled from the launching device. The non-lethal projectile includes a set of electrodes concealably configured in the non-lethal projectile, and an electrical power source electrically coupled to the set of electrodes, such that an electrode in the set of electrodes is at a positive potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Rakesh GARG
  • Patent number: 8320098
    Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one wire-tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. A manifold, according to various aspects of the present invention, directs a pressurized gas to two or more electrodes to launch the electrodes from the cartridge and toward a target. A matching portion of the manifold increases a correspondence between an exit velocity and/or a time of exit of the two or more electrodes. An increased correspondence between an exit velocity and/or a time of exit increases an accuracy of delivery of the electrodes to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Klug, Milan Cerovic
  • Publication number: 20120291655
    Abstract: A spin stabilized and drag-stabilized, blunt impact, non-lethal projectile is provided, having a rigid base and rigid windscreen, with a compressible body therebetween, thereby enabling use thereof in high pressure/compression firing mechanisms, but yet operable to compress/deform upon impact with a target. In particular, a spin stabilized, blunt impact, non-lethal projectile is provided having a rigid windscreen and base, with a compressible body therebetween which compresses/deforms upon impact with a target. In addition, a drag-stabilized version thereof is provided, having canted fins thereon so as to control flight of the projectile via the imposition of drag thereon. Additionally, the projectile is capable of carrying agents, such as crowd control and marking agents, in an agent reservoir, and ejecting same onto a target upon impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Jones
  • Patent number: 8297187
    Abstract: A marking projectile comprises separate compartments that break during launch due to rotation of the projectile as it leaves the barrel of a weapon. Metal pellets contained within the compartments are pressed outward and pierce the compartment walls. This allows for mixing of chemical materials contained within the compartments, so that the materials substantially react by the time the projectile strikes a target. The chemical materials may be a pair of chemi-luminescent components, or components that create heat for thermal marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8261666
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile, and a storage and charging mechanism therefor are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An ammunition cartridge includes a propulsion mechanism and a non-lethal projectile. The non-lethal projectile is configured to detach from a launching device when propelled from the launching device, and includes a set of electrodes electrically coupled to an electrical power source. The electrical power source may be a capacitor, a battery, or a combination thereof, and may be rechargeable. The ammunition cartridge may be shaped and sized for firing from a weapon designed to fire a comparably shaped and sized conventional ammunition. A holder for holding and charging a non-lethal projectile in an ammunition cartridge includes a set of conductors to provide a charging current to the electrical power source in the non-lethal projectile. A charging base may receive the holder and provide electrical power to the set of conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Rakesh Garg
  • Patent number: 8261665
    Abstract: A system relating to non-lethal gas-pressurized hand grenades used in the game of paintball, or other recreational war games. The system provides for an air-pressurized paintball grenade that is thrown or otherwise ballistic delivered to the target. The paintball grenade does not trigger until delivered to the target. It is constructed to be easily refilled and pressurized for repeated, safe, and environmentally friendly use. The paintball grenade comprises stabilizing fins, an integral hand-pump for pressurization, a trigger blocker, and attaching apparatus for carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Patrick Walsh
  • Patent number: 8256351
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile used to immobilize, impair, disorient, or distract a live target. The non-lethal projectile can also be used as a signaling device. In one embodiment, a non-lethal payload carrying projectile that is detonated at a set distance determined and, set by the operator. The distance is electronically controlled and can be set in the field seconds before the projectile is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Safariland, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kramer, Corey Rutz
  • Publication number: 20120216697
    Abstract: A liquid missile for being projected from a launching device which includes a liquid charge combined with a non-rigid flight integrity component. The flight integrity component allows the liquid charge to be launched at increased speeds and distances by inhibiting substantial break-up of the liquid charge during flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120210900
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile used to immobilize, impair, disorient, or distract a live target. The non-lethal projectile can also be used as a signaling device. In one embodiment, a non-lethal payload carrying projectile that is detonated at a set distance determined and set by the operator. The distance is electronically controlled and can be set in the field seconds before the projectile is fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Kramer, Corey Rutz
  • Publication number: 20120199034
    Abstract: An aerodynamic projectile is provided having a shell with an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, and which exhibits improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which is suitable for less lethal uses. The projectile shell has a closed front cavity housing a payload, such as a marking agent, therein. The projectile shell also has an open rear portion to provide access to the open rear cavity, and to decrease the weight of the projectile and appropriately locate the center of gravity. The projectile shell also includes a plurality of fins on a sidewall member to enhance the accuracy of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Gary E. Gibson, Michael A. Varacins
  • Publication number: 20120180686
    Abstract: A frangible projectile, and weapon cartridge containing same, is provided, in which the frangible projectile is comprised of a hollow outer body composed of, for example, a plastic or polymeric material, configured to provide a payload material. Preferably, the hollow outer body has an interior surface having a divider formed or disposed therein, for controlling the movement of the payload material after firing. The hollow outer body of the frangible projectile, upon impact, rapidly fragments upon impact into relatively harmless pieces, and releases/mixes the payload material. However, the payload material may be chosen to provide sufficient mass, and accordingly sufficient kinetic energy, to provide desired target effects, such as powder metals. Alternatively, payload materials, such as reactive chemical components, marking agents, chemiluminescent compositions, incapacitants, multi component reactive compositions, etc., preferably contained within one or more payload containers, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Jones, Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 8220396
    Abstract: To provide a projectile for bird strike tests, comprising a gel-like or jelly-like material, which makes reproducible and representative results in bird strike tests possible, it is proposed that the projectile comprise a stabilizing device arranged in the projectile for stabilizing the gel-like or jelly-like material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Andreas Ritt
  • Publication number: 20120174814
    Abstract: A less lethal projectile comprising a hollow body filled with a high density filler, a closure to seal the filler in the body and a bore-rider stabilizer, attached to the rear of the closure. The bore rider stabilizer comprises a material having a low coefficient of friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Michael A. Keith, Jaime H. Cuadros
  • Patent number: 8205556
    Abstract: A less lethal projectile comprising a hollow body filled with a high density filler, a closure to seal the filler in the body and a bore-rider stabilizer, attached to the rear of the closure. The bore rider stabilizer comprises a material having a low coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Michael A. Keith, Jaime H. Cuadros
  • Publication number: 20120138681
    Abstract: A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: John F. Schneider, Christopher Brown
  • Patent number: 8191480
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for expelling a projection from an air gun by striking a primer cap filled with a shock-sensitive explosive compound, causing the cap to explode, which in turn rapidly compresses a volume of air located between the projectile and the cap, causing the projectile to exit from the barrel of the air gun at a high rate of speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GunsandMore.Info LLC
    Inventor: Chris Mcaninch
  • Patent number: 8186276
    Abstract: Embodiments of entrapment systems and apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In one embodiment, an entrapment apparatus is provided. This entrapment apparatus comprises a casing and a piece of multilayered fabric packed into the casing. The piece of multilayered fabric, when deployed, is configured to wrap around a person having an explosive device and configured to contain packed metal projectiles from an explosion of the explosive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Raytheon Company, Warwick Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olden, Robert P. Johnson, Charles A. Howland
  • Patent number: 8186275
    Abstract: A non-lethal projectile has an enclosed frangible shell with a nose assembly coupled thereto. The nose assembly is designed to be frangible and absorb shock energy incident on the nose assembly. Frangible containers disposed in the shell occupy a portion of the volume defined thereby such that spaces between the containers are defined. Each container is configured to divide into particles when the container fractures. Each container contains at least one payload material. A gelatinous carbomer fills the spaces between the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Greg Reitmeyer
  • Patent number: 8171853
    Abstract: A projectile for delivering an incapacitating agent through a barrier includes a canister containing the agent and having a closure. The canister is retained in a holder to which is fixed a sleeve formed of a plurality of axial fingers configured to spread radially outward upon impact with the barrier. A ballistic body, configured to penetrate the barrier and having a dispersion port, is connected to the holder forward of the canister so as to be axially movable from a forward position to a rearward position upon impact with the barrier, the ballistic body including a closure-breaching member located so as to breach the closure as the ballistic body moves rearward, thereby placing the canister in fluid communication with the dispersion port. The fingers spread radially against the surface of the barrier opposite the dispersion port so as to lodge the projectile in the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sierra Nevada Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Purvis
  • Patent number: 8154844
    Abstract: A personal defense device that includes a shield member configured to be worn over at least a third of a length of a user's forearm, the forearm being bounded by the user's ipsilateral wrist and ipsilateral elbow, the length being measured from the wrist to the elbow, the shield member conforming closely to the outer surface counters of a forearm, and a portable source of electricity. The shield member includes an electrical shock bar configured to receive an electrical current from the electrical source and to deliver an electrical shock to a human or other animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Armstar, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8152323
    Abstract: Portable projectable infrared lights are used to mark and illuminate dark areas such as rooms in a building or cells in a prison. The lights cannot be seen with the unaided eye but are brilliantly visible with the aid of night vision goggles and similar infrared receivers and light transducers which convert infrared light to visible light. In those cases where potentially hostile individuals are equipped with night vision apparatus, the infrared lights can be used to temporarily blind, stun and/or disorient them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn Bushee
  • Patent number: 8146505
    Abstract: A projectile of non-lethal composition includes an outer casing that is substantially sealed prior to impact with a target both when the projectile is in a static condition and when the projectile is in a dynamic condition. A marking material is encapsulated within the outer casing prior to impact. The outer casing is configured to deform and unseal upon impact such that the marking material disperses forward via hydraulic action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Federal Cartridge Company
    Inventor: Rick Huffman