For Application To Living Beings Patents (Class 361/232)
  • Patent number: 8528493
    Abstract: A rat guard and method utilizing a flexible shield affixed to a plastic sheath positioned on a mooring line to prevent entry onto or exit from the ship by vermin. An electric grid is positioned on an insulated pad on the sheath which is electrically connected to the shield for receiving power from an acoustical generator also connected to the shield and spaced therefrom. The acoustical generator directs ultrasonic acoustic signals in a variable frequency range toward the shield to frighten rats or other vermin therefrom. Should the acoustical signals not deter the vermin, the electric grid will shock any vermin making contact therewith to cause harm and frighten. The shield provides another obstacle to prevent advancement and is affixed to the sheath on the mooring line. The shield is flexible and remains in place during high winds and other adverse weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Fjord, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Ratigan
  • Publication number: 20130229745
    Abstract: The Kung Fu Fan Taser is a weapon for Non-lethal personal self-defense purposes. It can be used by average men and women for personal security as a Taser device, a striking implement, and a Kung Fu Fan. When the fan is open in a locked position indicated by a snap on the blue button, the red button on the fan can be pressed to deliver an electrical shock. The electrical current that can strike and stun and individual fires along the fans perimeter edge when the fan is in a locked open position and the red button is pressed. The device can also have an optional Solar Panel Inlay in The Fans Fabric so the Fan can charge its own battery continuously via solar rays. Defensive possibilities increase for Martial Artists trained in the use of the Kung Fu Fans Classical Techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Louis Unterlack
  • Patent number: 8526160
    Abstract: An electrically insulated covering applied to specific parts of electric stun device darts that will negate the protective properties of electrically conductive garments designed to nullify the debilitating effects of electric stun devices and rendering such devices inoperable thus protecting the electric circuitry of the and permitting proper operation of the electric stun device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: John Louis Kotos
  • Patent number: 8523376
    Abstract: A cane or similar walking aid incorporates a concealed electrical self-defense device having electrodes located at the tip region of the cane, and may also incorporate an annular light source to aid the user. A grip is attached to a support shaft which terminates in a tip that is fabricated of an elastomer and incorporates electrodes for the electrical deterrent. The tip electrodes can be fabricated from a conductive elastomer to avoid scratching or marring floor surfaces as well as to provide resistance to slipping. When the shaft has both tip electrodes and side electrodes positioned along the exterior surface of the support shaft, the separation of the side electrodes can be adjusted to provide preferential arcing between the side electrodes to provide a visual and audible deterrent and to avoid premature deterioration of the conductive elastomer tip electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: John D. Motyka, Bruce E. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8520359
    Abstract: A stun gun with a knuckle guard is disclosed. The stun gun is configured to fit and be held firmly within a palm of a user's hand. A knuckle guard is disposed on the stun gun and is configured to cover the user's knuckle when the stun gun is being gripped by the user's hand. In addition, the stun gun includes a trigger that is disposed on a front portion of the housing and is used to activate the stun gun by pushing down on the trigger with the user's finger. Electrodes are mounted above the knuckle guard and are adapted to discharge an electric shock when the trigger is activated. A rear portion of the stun gun also includes a pair of pointed projections that are adapted to be used to strike the assailant to cause injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Jaguar Imports, LLC
    Inventor: Babar Nawaz
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130208392
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Taser International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N.D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Publication number: 20130201595
    Abstract: A stun gun with a knuckle guard is disclosed. The stun gun is configured to fit and be held firmly within a palm of a user's hand. A knuckle guard is disposed on the stun gun and is configured to cover the user's knuckle when the stun gun is being gripped by the user's hand. In addition, the stun gun includes a trigger that is disposed on a front portion of the housing and is used to activate the stun gun by pushing down on the trigger with the user's finger. Electrodes are mounted above the knuckle guard and are adapted to discharge an electric shock when the trigger is activated. A rear portion of the stun gun also includes a pair of pointed projections that are adapted to be used to strike the assailant to cause injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Babar Nawaz
  • Patent number: 8492733
    Abstract: A multi-sectional linear ionizing bar with at least four elements is disclosed. First, disclosed bars may include at least one ionization cell with at least one axis-defining linear ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud along the length thereof. Second, disclosed bars may include at least one reference electrode. Third, disclosed bars may include a manifold for receiving gas or air from a source and for delivering same past the linear emitter(s) such that substantially none of the gas/air flows into the ion cloud. Fourth, disclosed bars may include means for receiving the ionizing voltage and for delivering same to the linear emitter(s) to thereby establish the ion cloud. In this way, disclosed ionizing bars may transportions from the plasma region toward a charge neutralization target without inducing substantial vibration of the linear emitter and without substantial contaminants from the gas/air flow reaching the linear emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksey Klochkov, Peter Gefter, Steven Bernard Heymann, Leslie W. Partridge, Greenberry Bedford Brown, Matthew T. Antonelli
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8424548
    Abstract: A combination ambulatory assistance and electrical shock defensive device includes an elongated body of adjustable length and having a hand grip at one end thereof and a foot pad at a generally opposite end thereof. A high-voltage power unit is associated with the body and actuated by a trigger mechanism. Conductive contacts extend through the foot pad and are conductively coupled to the high-voltage power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Glenn M. Willey
  • Publication number: 20130083447
    Abstract: A method and device to temporarily incapacitate a subject for a prolonged period by first applying to said subject a continuous pulsed electric waveform to incapacitate the subject, followed by applying a second intermittent pulsed electric waveform to the subject, which safely maintains the incapacitation of the subject with forced breathing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: John D'Andrea, John Ziriax, James Comeaux, Shin-Tsu Lu
  • Patent number: 8405952
    Abstract: A stun gun with finger grip is disclosed. The stun gun is configured to fit and be held firmly within a palm of a user's hand and easily gripped with the user's fingers. A trigger is disposed within a finger grip aperture of a front housing and rear housing of the stun gun, where the trigger causes the stun gun to discharge an electric shock through electrodes mounted above the finger grip aperture to stun an assailant. The finger grip aperture is configured and placed on the stun gun to receive the user's finger therein when the stun gun is being gripped by the user's hand. The finger grip aperture protects the user's finger and prevents the assailant from easily dislodging the stun gun from the user's hand. The user's finger may be placed completely through the finger grip aperture to provide a firm grip on the stun gun. In addition, in a struggle with the assailant, the user's finger can remain firmly on the trigger and continue to depress the trigger to repeatedly shock the assailant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Jaguar Imports, LLC
    Inventor: Babar Nawaz
  • Publication number: 20130058000
    Abstract: A system for deterring birds, small animals or the like. The system comprises: a plurality of two-conductor or paired conductor modules or units with some modules being fully insulated and with other modules being partially un-insulated; wherein the birds, small animals or the like complete an electrical circuit with parts of their body between the two-conductor pairs of the partially un-insulated module portions thereby providing an electrical shock to the bird, small animal or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Kaps, Paul Rosario
  • Patent number: 8390979
    Abstract: A blasting control system includes a detonator module, and a blasting machine interface configured for serial communication between a blasting machine and the detonator module. The detonator module includes a detonator, a unique electronic ID, a switch configured to enable/disable the detonator in response to verification of the unique electronic ID, a communication device configured for communication with the blasting machine interface, and a processor responsive to instructions from the communication device. The blasting machine interface includes an I/O device, a communication device, and a processor responsive to the I/O device and the communication device. Upon verification of the unique electronic ID via communication from a user via the blasting machine interface, a state of the switch associated with the detonator is placed in an unlocked mode so as to enable activation of the associated detonator upon a fire signal from the blasting machine via the blasting machine interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon K. Hurley, Cornelis L. Kome, Robert W. Levan
  • Patent number: 8390978
    Abstract: An electric incapacitation device varies both the energy of output pulses and the time intervals between them, where all of the time intervals are longer than about 55 msec. The timing choices keep the output pulses from repeatedly coinciding with the T-wave portion of a targeted person's cardiac waveform. This reduces the risk of inducing fibrillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas V Saliga
  • Publication number: 20130027837
    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: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Bradley Myers
  • Patent number: 8363376
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing law enforcement and private citizens with a single device that integrates law enforcement tools and mechanisms for the application of force. An exemplary device features a metal detector, a light emitting source optionally having a strobe feature, an electric stun system, and a debilitating spray dispensing system. Some embodiments of the present invention include an electric stun system comprising a plurality of probes mounted to the distal terminus of the shaft and configured to protrude from the shaft, a plurality of plates configured longitudinally along the outer surface of the shaft, and a stun system switch disposed on the shaft. Some embodiments of the present invention include the debilitating spray dispensing system comprising at least one nozzle and a dispensing switch disposed on the handle. Some embodiments of the present invention include a handle comprising an ergonomic grip and a guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Michael R. Abatemarco
  • Publication number: 20130021716
    Abstract: An electrically insulated covering applied to specific parts of electric stun device darts that will negate the protective properties of electrically conductive garments designed to nullify the debilitating effects of electric stun devices and rendering such devices inoperable thus protecting the electric circuitry of the and permitting proper operation of the electric stun device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: John Louis Kotos
  • Publication number: 20130016449
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed. The self-defense system may include or comprise a material sized to conform to an appendage, and a defense unit coupled with the material and positioned to initiate a defense event in response to an input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Alan Crandall
  • Publication number: 20130003247
    Abstract: Incapacitation of a mammalian subject results from the application of a pulsed, low-power electric waveform. The waveform is applied to the subject at a frequency and over a time period sufficient to induce involuntary muscular contraction. Additionally, the contraction causes limited lactic acid production and is non- or minimally-injurious to the subject's tissues. A device utilizing such a waveform is designed to control or otherwise subdue an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Stethem, Casey Hathcock, Bruno D.V. Marino, Anita Mehta, Robert Randolph Bernard, James Lee, Viet Thinh Pho
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8339763
    Abstract: A TASER® and a vertical grip are combined to be attached to the stud post under the forend or the barrel of a conventional long arm. A TASER® may also be combined with the forend or barrel of a conventional long arm itself. Stud posts come standard on certain long arms like the M-16 rifle. Stud posts can be installed on single shot and pump action shotgun forends as well. The TASER® power supply can serve as a power source for a strobe lamp, which may be sighted by rescuers either visually or with infrared night viewing or other special viewing equipment for miles. The optical signal could be produced in the infrared, visible light and ultraviolet light regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The signal lamp is inserted into a TASER®'s firing chamber in lieu of an ammunition cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8324902
    Abstract: A method of testing an electric discharge stun device includes the steps of identifying a stun device to be tested and absorbing a discharge from the stun device into a tester. The discharge is characterized by a discharge characteristic that is then compared automatically to information such as (a) a previous corresponding characteristic associated with a previous discharge of the stun device or (b) a corresponding characteristic associated with a prior discharge of at least one other stun device. The characteristic can be a waveform, a peak voltage, duration, current, joule, and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aegis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Burns, Bruno D. V. Marino, Kenneth J. Stethem
  • 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: 20120262293
    Abstract: An electronic control device for interfering with locomotion by a human or animal target includes a processor and stimulus signal generator. Upon engagement of a trigger by an operator, a stimulus signal is provided to electrodes for a time period to interfere with the skeletal muscles of the target. An indication is provided to the operator corresponding to the time period to alert the operator before deactivation of the stimulus signal. In response to the alert, the operator may reengage the trigger to continue or resume the stimulus signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Michael A. Brave, Michael E. Gish, Patrick W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120257320
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Steven N.D. Brundula, Milan Cerovic, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Publication number: 20120250210
    Abstract: A method and device to temporarily incapacitate a subject for a prolonged period by first applying to said subject a continuous pulsed electric waveform to incapacitate the subject, followed by applying a second intermittent pulsed electric waveform to the subject, which safely maintains the incapacitation of the subject with forced breathing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: John Ziriax, John D'Andrea, James A. Comeaux, Shin-Tsu Lu, Shwu-Jen Lu
  • Publication number: 20120243141
    Abstract: The device is a self-contained-defense-system. The entire unit is housed inside a blended set of athletic gloves and emits an electrical charge against an unwanted attacker. It can be utilized by men or women, both young and old, for personal safety. The electrical charge emitted is not strong enough to kill, but the voltage can be increased in order to assist the military and the police.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Martin Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 8274776
    Abstract: One system described herein provides electrical energy by means of a Tesla coil that generates a strong electric field in the vicinity of an electrical target. An energy booster provides additional electrical energy to increase the probability of disabling and/or disrupting the electrical target. For example, an electrode may be configured with the Tesla coil to from the electric field of the electrical target. The electric field may cause a breakdown in the air about the Tesla coil that allows electric current to conduct to the electrical target. The Tesla coil may repetitively burst the electric field such that pulses of electric current are conducted to the electrical target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Energetics, Inc
    Inventor: Richard J Adler
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120224294
    Abstract: An animal deterring device has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace. The carrier has a bottom with a first glue trough disposed beneath the first conductive trace. The first conductive trace is coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the first glue trough to the first conductive trace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: BIRD-B-GONE, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8254080
    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: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Magne H. Nerheim
  • Publication number: 20120206855
    Abstract: A burglarproof device comprises a carrier, two conductors and an electric shock unit. The carrier is equipped with locators for hanging the carrier. The carrier and the locators are insulators. The electric shock unit comprises a high voltage generator, a power supplier and an initiator. The high voltage generator is supplied with power from the power supplier to boost voltages. The initiator is triggered by a switch. With the device, arc light and electric shock sound are uniformly generated between the two conductors while conducting electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Chun-Chieh Hung
  • Publication number: 20120206856
    Abstract: A personal security device comprises a wrist band of electrical contracts attached by a lead wire to a hand-held body containing a battery power source at a first voltage, a transformer to step the first voltage to a second discharge voltage and a capacitor to store the discharge energy. The lead wire connects the positive and negative terminals of the capacitor to the sequentially disposed positive and negative electrical contacts on the wrist band respectively. A thumb switch is depressed to energize the capacitor so that if any two adjacent positive-negative terminals contact a conductive surface, the capacitor will discharge its energy onto that surface. The device is effective in deterring would be attackers whether they be human or animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: David Norman
  • Publication number: 20120188680
    Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an apparatus for killing a soft tissue organism in a salt water environment. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular housing, a probe and a conductive element. The elongate tubular housing reaches from outside a salt water environment to at least a portion of a soft tissue organism disposed within the salt water environment. The elongate tubular housing includes a proximal end and a distal end. The probe targets the soft tissue organism, The probe protrudes from the distal end of the housing, wherein the probe is exposed to the salt water environment when the distal end is submerged therein. The conductive element is rigidly supported by the housing between the distal end and the proximal end. The conductive element is exposed to the salt water environment when the housing distal end is submerged therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Paul N. Baldassano
  • Publication number: 20120176722
    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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Steven N.D. Brundula
  • Publication number: 20120170167
    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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas W. Beechey, Michael J. Campbell, Mark A. Hanchett
  • Publication number: 20120170168
    Abstract: An apparatus interferes with voluntary locomotion of a target by conducting a current through the target. The apparatus includes a current delivery circuit, a detector, and a processor. The current delivery circuit delivers the current in accordance with a goal for causing pain or skeletal muscle contractions that interfere with voluntary locomotion by the target. The detector detects the current delivered through the target to provide a result. The processor adjusts the goal in accordance with a binary search in response to the result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Steven N. D. Brundula
  • Patent number: 8203821
    Abstract: A multi-function electroshock gun includes a gun body that includes a barrel and a grip extending from the barrel, and a firing mechanism mounted in the gun body and operable to propel a projectile that is fired through the barrel. The multi-function electroshock gun further includes an electroshock unit that includes a battery mounted in the gun body, a set of exposed electrodes fixedly mounted to the gun body, and a discharge module. The discharge module is coupled electrically to the battery and the exposed electrodes and is capable of being activated to generate an electrical output signal at the exposed electrodes for administering electric shock by contact. The multi-function electroshock gun also includes a trigger mechanism mounted on the gun body and operable to activate the discharge module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Ping-Cheng Hsieh, Chao-Hsiung Cho
  • Patent number: 8194383
    Abstract: An arrangement for preventing vermin from advancing in a pipe (20), designed for fitting in a delimited part of the pipe, comprising a contact pole (13, 22) of electrically conductive material and an opposite pole (11, 21). The contact pole, which is partially movable in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, is arranged on the inner side of the pipe, and the opposite pole is arranged separate from said contact pole in order to earth the inner side of said pipe and is arranged in or on the inner side of said pipe. The arrangement, in an active state and when the contact pole is energized, which causes a difference in electrical potential between the opposite pole and the contact pole, administers an electric shock to a vermin which tries to pass the contact pole. The invention also relates to a pipe section comprising the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ratcon AB
    Inventors: Niclas Nilsson, Robert Lidén, Per Johansson
  • Publication number: 20120127624
    Abstract: An electric shock delivery apparatus comprises a base (2) of an electrically insulating material, the base having formed therein a plurality of channels (3). The apparatus further comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements (4), each associated with a respective one of the channels. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the channel and the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the electrically conductive element substantially correspond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Ray Ritson
  • Patent number: 8173416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel circuit arrangement for electrotransfection or electrofusion, which enables the transportation of DNA and/or other biologically active molecules to the nucleus of higher eukaryotic cells or the fusion of cells, independent of cell division and with reduced cell mortality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Lonza Cologne GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Müller-Hartmann, Gudula Riemen, Kirsten Rothmann-Cosic, Corinna Thiel, Ludger Altrogge, Meike Weigel, Rainer Christine, Elke Lorbach, Juliana Helfrich, Heike Wessendorf, Gregor Siebenkotten
  • Patent number: 8166690
    Abstract: An electronic weapon may be used with a unit for deployment to cause skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. The unit for deployment when electrically coupled to the electronic weapon, may include at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a propellant for deploying the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The indicator indicates, to the electronic weapon, indicia of a first property of the unit for deployment prior to operating the propellant, and indicia of a second property of the unit for deployment after operating the propellant. Another unit for deployment includes at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a stimulus signal generator, coupled to the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic
  • 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: 8154845
    Abstract: An apparatus for interfering with locomotion of a target by conducting a current through the target. The apparatus includes, according to various aspects of the present invention, a transformer, a resistance in series with the secondary winding of the transformer, and a detector that detects the current through the resistance. The current provided through the target flows through the resistance. The detector operates to detect an amount of charge provided to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven N. D. Brundula
  • Patent number: 8154843
    Abstract: An ablative plasma gun having a dual power source pulse generator is configured to generate a high voltage low current pulse and a low voltage high current pulse. A pair of electrodes are disposed and configured to receive the high voltage low current pulse, and to receive the low voltage high current pulse in response to the high voltage low current pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George William Roscoe, John James Dougherty, Cecil Rivers, Thangavelu Asokan, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Patent number: 8139339
    Abstract: A system for producing maximal, but reversible bioeffects, for neuromuscular disruption. Methods for facilitation of neuromuscular functions in diseases and conditions of decreased excitability are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Old Dominion University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Andrei Pakhomov, Karl Schoenbach, Juergen Kolb, Ravindra Joshi
  • Publication number: 20120039013
    Abstract: An electronic weapon may be used with a unit for deployment to cause skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. The unit for deployment when electrically coupled to the electronic weapon, may include at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a propellant for deploying the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The indicator indicates, to the electronic weapon, indicia of a first property of the unit for deployment prior to operating the propellant, and indicia of a second property of the unit for deployment after operating the propellant. Another unit for deployment includes at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a stimulus signal generator, coupled to the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Steven N.D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic