Abstract: An adjustable static current discharging bracelet includes a main body of inverse U-shaped section, a medium static current collector under the top of the main body and riveted to a protruding rod, a positioning device under the medium static current collector, a lower static current collector under the positioning device, a link having one end connected fixedly with the medium and lower static current collectors and the inlaid holes of the main body, and the other end connected to one end of the positioning device which has a pair of elastic retaining blocks engaged with a pair of serrated alignments of the main body. When press a pair of buttons inward to disengaged the elastic retaining blocks with a pair of serrated alignments of the main body, the positioning device together with one end of the link enable to slide on a pair of slender guides of the main body to adjust the length of the link.

Abstract: Systems and methods for immobilizing a target such as a human or animal with a stimulus signal coupled to the target via electrodes provide the stimulus signal in accordance with a strike stage, a hold stage, and a rest stage. Systems include a launch device and separate projectile, where the projectile includes a battery, a waveform generator, and electrodes. The strike stage and hold stage may include pulses at a pulse repetition rate, for example, from 10 to 20 pulses per second, each pulse delivering a predetermined amount of charge, for example, about 100 microcoulombs at less than about 500 volts peak. The hold stage may continue immobilization at a lesser expenditure of energy compared to the strike stage. Because the strike stage and hold stage may immobilize by interfering with skeletal muscle control by the target's nervous system, a rest stage may allow the target to take a breath.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wildlife guard for electrical power equipment including a disc having a central opening for fitting onto the equipment. The disc includes an electrically insulating material with a conductive filler material in quantity sufficient for the disc to maintain an electrostatic charge. The disc has an insertion slot extending from an outer portion to the central opening for movement of the disc onto the equipment. The present disclosure also provides a wildlife guard for an electrical insulator bushing having an electrical conductor extending outwardly therefrom. The wildlife guard includes an electrically nonconductive cover for covering at least a portion of the electrical conductor, the cover being adapted to mount upon the bushing and a conductive panel attached to the cover.

Abstract: A stick assembly for a traffic use includes a handle having an inside formed with a receiving space, a battery unit mounted in the receiving space of the handle, at least one circuit controller mounted in the receiving space of the handle, at least one tube mounted on a first end of the handle, and a plurality of light-emitting members mounted in the tube and connected to the circuit controller. Thus, the multifunctional stick assembly functions as a baton, a flashlight and a stun gun and can be used to supply an auxiliary electric power.

Abstract: An electrical discharge weapon projectile for immobilizing a live target that includes a shock circuit having a low power consumption, a high power efficiency, and/or a low weight. In one embodiment, the projectile includes a high efficiency circuit that would reduce the weights of shock circuits while providing a more effective and safer power level, so that the circuits may be entirely contained within the projectile to eliminate the need for range limiting trailing wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfering with locomotion by a human or animal target includes a microprocessor programmed to track date and time, to initiate and maintain for a period an electrical current, and to record tracked date and time for each initiation of the current. The current, when conducted through the target, interferes with use by the target of the skeletal muscles of the target during the period.

Abstract: A personal defense device is provided that includes a shield and an electric shock device. The shield is configured to protect a user and circuitry from physical attack. The personal defense device is configured to be worn by a user such that it is difficult or impossible for an attacker to remove the personal defense device during an attack. In one embodiment, the personal defense device includes a gauntlet-style glove attached to the shield and electric shock device so as to provide protection for a user's forearm. The electric shock device is configured to deliver less-lethal electrical shocks and/or sparks to startle, disarm, and repel an aggressor.

Abstract: An electrical discharge weapon for immobilizing a live target that includes a shock circuit having a low power consumption, a high power efficiency, and/or a low weight. The shock circuit may be entirely contained in a projectile without the need for range limiting trailing wires. In one embodiment, the shock circuit includes a high efficiency circuit that recaptures an certain amount of energy that would otherwise be wasted.

Abstract: A multi-component device which is capable of delivering a non-lethal, high-voltage electric shock which can incapacitate a person or animal that is worn as an ordinary article of apparel (clothing) by a person for use as a defensive or offensive weapon that is not distinguishable or identifiable as a weapon. The types of apparel used as this device are regular clothing items such as pants, jackets, vests, shoes and gloves, all of which contain internal high voltage electrodes and wiring, a unique pressure sensitive activation switch, and a separate control unit that is attached to a belt or placed in a pocket which is connected to the clothing item by a separate multiconductor electrical wiring harness. The device is activated by physical contact with target subject.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using an light source to incapacitate a subject in which the light source strobes by a spatial scanning through a pattern and a temporal flashing at a rate sufficient to cause incapacitation. The strobing (meaning both spatial scanning and temporal flashing is in a pattern to prevent the subject from escaping the strobing effect. The flashing is timed so that each flash point in the pattern will flash at a rate and sequence to cause incapacitation. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is an array of LEDs or laser diodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfering with locomotion by one or more targets being animal or human, uses a plurality of delivery circuits that each deliver current through any target of the one or more targets. The apparatus includes a capacitance, a switch, a trigger; and a control circuit that controls the switch. Each delivery circuit includes a respective transformer. The switch, in response to operation of the trigger, conducts energy discharged from the capacitance into the transformer of a first delivery circuit to enable operation of the first delivery circuit; and conducts energy discharged from the capacitance into the transformer of a second delivery circuit to enable operation of the second delivery circuit. The respective transformer provides the current causing contraction of skeletal muscles of the one or more targets, interfering with locomotion by the one or more targets.

Abstract: A multifunctional law enforcement tool, preferably includes several of the tools needed by law enforcement and security personnel. In one embodiment the multifunctional tool comprising a flashlight, stun gun, deterrent spray, glass breaker, I.D. holder, deterrent spray stun and cartridge housings. The cartridge housings allow the user to fire non-lethal rounds such as stun, bean bag, rubber bullets, balls and other projectiles. It may also fire tactical rounds such as colored smoke, breach rounds and concussion rounds. The cartridge housings may also house other battery powered devices such as cameras, audio and video recorders. In a second embodiment the cartridge housings are removed for a lighter more compact unit.

Abstract: A weapon, according to various aspects of the present invention, includes a receiver, a trigger, and a cartridge store. The receiver receives a cartridge. The cartridge applies a deterrent force to the target. The trigger activates the cartridge. The cartridge store stores a plurality of provided cartridges. The cartridge store, then the trigger, and then the receiver are arranged in sequence proceeding linearly away from a user of the weapon.

Abstract: An ion generating unit is made compact, yet avoids the undesired arc discharge for successfully generating the ions. The ion generating unit includes a dielectric base having a length and carrying a needle electrode and a ground electrode. The needle electrode has a pointed tip and is adapted to receive a high electric voltage relative to the ground electrode for electrically charging particles present in the surrounding air. The dielectric base being a polyhedron having multiple faces including a first face and a second face which are different from each other and have the length of the dielectric base. The needle electrode is mounted on or in a closely adjacent relation to the first face, and has its pointed tip directing forwardly along the length of the dielectric base with the pointed tip receded from the front end of the base. The ground electrode is mounted at the front end of the base in longitudinally spaced relation with the pointed tip.

Abstract: An electric shock bullet launching device includes a gun body and a magazine for receiving electric shock bullets. The magazine includes a power supply device and a charging device which charges the bullets. The magazine includes a hole in the underside thereof and is slidably connected to the body of the launching device so that the bullets are fed into a slot in a top of the body via the hole.

Abstract: A projectile for being launched from a hand-operable air gun includes a housing having a conductive sleeve and a rubber seal disposed at an end portion thereof. The device includes a strike plate including a conductive contact ring having apertures randomly spaced therethrough and spike members electrically coupled thereto. A conductive tip is attachable to the housing and includes flange portions extending therefrom. The device further includes a mechanism for oscillating the strike plate and a power supply source electrically coupled to the tip and the strike members respectively. The tip distributes a positive charge to the target and the strike members distribute a negative charge to the target, inducing a short circuit and thereby disabling an electronic control module of the target upon impact.

Abstract: An electronic disabling device includes first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on a target having a high impedance air gap existing between at least one of the electrodes and the target. The power supply generates a first high voltage, short duration output across the first and second electrodes during a first time interval to ionize air within the air gap to thereby reduce the high impedance across the air gap to a lower impedance to enable current flow across the air gap at a lower voltage level. The power supply next generates a second lower voltage, longer duration output across the first and second electrodes during a second time interval to maintain the current flow across the first and second electrodes and between the first and second contact points on the target to enable the current flow through the target to cause involuntary muscle contractions to thereby immobilize the target.

Abstract: An incapacitating piezoelectric projectile comprises a projectile body housing a piezoelectric element, at least one electrically conductive contact surface, and a means for coupling said piezoelectric element to said at least one electrically conductive contact surface. Projectile is arranged so that an impact will cause the piezoelectric element to discharge an electrical shock to the target through the at least one electrically conductive contact surface, thereby incapacitating the target. The projectile is particularly suitable for use in a method of instantly incapacitating human and non human targets.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit capable of being positioned in a variety of wireless projectile and of delivering a series of pulsed electric discharges in two wave frequencies so as to stun and disable a target individual. The projectiles are adapted to be discharged from a different types of devices and powered by explosive, pneumatic, or manual means. At least one mode includes the ability to deliver a stunning physical blow in addition to the electric shock. The device is sub-lethal, but totally disabling in effects on a target individual.

Abstract: A hand-held stun gun incapacitates a human target by generating a series of powerful electrical output pulses of pulse energy of from 0.9 Joules to 10 Joules which generate a series of output current pulses have an RMS current flow of from 100 milliamps to 500 milliamps when the first and second output terminals are applied to a human target. A battery power supply includes an electronic switch, an energy storage capacitor and a transformer for converting low voltage, direct current into a series of high voltage output pulses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wildlife guard for electrical power equipment including a disc having a central opening for fitting onto the equipment. The disc includes an electrically insulating material with a conductive filler material in quantity sufficient for the disc to maintain an electrostatic charge. The disc has an insertion slot extending from an outer portion to the central opening for movement of the disc onto the equipment. The present disclosure also provides a wildlife guard for an electrical insulator bushing having an electrical conductor extending outwardly therefrom. The wildlife guard includes an electrically nonconductive cover for covering at least a portion of the electrical conductor, the cover being adapted to mount upon the bushing and a conductive panel attached to the cover.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating positive and negative ions include electrodes that are spaced apart by a gap and that are supplied alternating ionizing voltage at a frequency which causes the generated ions to move within the gap between electrodes and exhibit a resident time in transit that accumulates the ions substantially within the central region of the gap. An electrostatic field, or a flowing stream of air or other gas passing through the gap, transports the generated ions from within the gap. Self-balancing of generated positive and negative ions is accomplished using capacitive coupling of the ionizing voltage to at least one of the electrodes disposed about the gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for immobilizing a target such as a human or animal with a stimulus signal coupled to the target via numerous electrodes select particular electrodes to use for the stimulus signal. Subsets of electrodes may be tested by applying a test signal and monitoring the energy or charge delivered during a prescribed time. If the delivered energy or charge using a particular subset of electrodes as indicated by monitoring test pulse amplitude suitably compares to a limit, then the particular subset is selected for applying the stimulus signal. A first stimulus signal may be applied to a first subset of electrodes to prompt movement of the target toward an electrode that, when better coupled to the target as a consequence of movement of the target will provide a more effective subset of electrodes for further stimulus.

Abstract: This invention is a device that utilizes a specialized shocking mechanism to deter nuisance animals. Through cognitive learning, the device teaches animals to keep away from areas where they have established themselves as a problem.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing a target includes electrodes deployed after contact is made between the apparatus and the target. Spacing of deployed electrodes may be more accurate and/or more repeatable for more effective delivery of an immobilizing stimulus signal.

Abstract: A safety device to be worn by passengers of an aircraft comprising a bracelet and means to link a number of these bracelets to monitor and to track the movements of passengers and when needed immobilise a passenger if his behaviour proves dangerous. The bracelet may comprise means of identification, communication, indicators and active elements subjected to an external control.

Abstract: A versatile stun glove having at least two electrodes placed in the palm region, and/or on the back of the hand and/or on the fingers of the glove. A rechargeable power supply that uses simple thin diameter and thickness replaceable batteries for powering the electrodes. Batteries can include 9-volt battery, a double A, and triple A batteries. A thin watch battery can also be used so that no protrusions extend outward from the glove body. The power supply can be located in the palm region and/or on the back of the hand of the glove. The power supply can be accessed by a foldable panel cover that can be removed by hook and loop fasteners(Velcro®), snaps, a zipper and the like. The power can be activated by a simple switch located adjacent to the finger tip of the index finger of the user so that touching the tip of the thumb against the index finger tip activates the power.

Abstract: An electronic disabling device includes first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on a target having a high impedance air gap existing between at least one of the electrodes and the target. The power supply generates a first high voltage, short duration output across the first and second electrodes during a first time interval to ionize air within the air gap to thereby reduce the high impedance across the air gap to a lower impedance to enable current flow across the air gap at a lower voltage level. The power supply next generates a second lower voltage, longer duration output across the first and second electrodes during a second time interval to maintain the current flow across the first and second electrodes and between the first and second contact points on the target to enable the current flow through the target to cause involuntary muscle contractions to thereby immobilize the target.

Abstract: A sheet for exterminating rats by electric shock includes two plastic sheets in the form of upper and lower layered sheets. A grid-type copper foil pattern of straight lines with a fixed width, intersecting at right angles, is formed as first electrodes on the upper surface of the upper sheet, and windows are opened through rectangular areas surrounded by the copper foil pattern. A copper foil pattern is formed as second electrodes on the upper surface of the lower sheet, and has the same pattern as the copper foil pattern formed on the upper surface of the upper sheet. The upper sheet and the lower sheet are layered on each other so that the intersecting points in the copper foil pattern formed on the upper surface of the lower sheet are placed at the centers of the windows.

Abstract: The invention is a high voltage stun device, unique in the sword-like configuration of its fully retractable, yet non-injurious, “blade,” and its ability to deliver the pulse along the length of the “blade” as well as at the tip to a target at a distance far beyond arm's length. Stun batons, even retractable ones, have none of the preferred properties satisfied by the invention, including superior length of shocking surface, superior weighting and flexibility of the shocking surface, and simplicity of maintenance and repair. The “blade” of the invention is capable of expanding to a superior length that can keep a subject at a good defensive distance, yet be effective and retracted if he manages to get in close. With a moderation of the centrifugal force applied during blade deployment, the invention can be made to emulate a shorter sword, a long sword, and all lengths between.

Abstract: A self-defense wearable with a body portion, an electrically conductive pathway applied over the body portion, an electrically charged seam construction for producing an electric charge relative to an outer surface of the body portion, a power source, an activating switch for inducing the self-defense wearable into a charged condition, and a wiring network for producing an electrical association between the electrically conductive pathway, the power source, and the at least one activating switch. The self-defense wearable can be an upper body covering, and the activating switch can be a compression activated switch disposed on a tongue disposed at a distal end of an arm of the self-defense wearable to underlie the wearer's palm whereby the self-defense wearable can be induced into a charged condition by a clenching of the wearer's hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transformer bandwidth enhancement is disclosed. In one embodiment, a transformer is provided for use in a high frequency communication environment. In one configuration, the transformer is configured with one or more compensation networks to improve high frequency operation and to reduce insertion loss at all frequencies. The compensation networks may be designed, in combination with a transformer, to create an equivalent all-pass symmetric lattice network having a frequency response in the desired range. In one embodiment, the compensation networks comprise a capacitance creating device which, when cross-connected to the transformer, increases transformer bandwidth.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit capable of being positioned in a variety of wireless projectile and of delivering a series of pulsed electric discharges in two wave frequencies so as to stun and disable a target individual. The projectiles are adapted to be discharged from a different types of devices and powered by explosive, pneumatic, or manual means. At least one mode includes the ability to deliver a stunning physical blow in addition to the electric shock. The device is sub-lethal, but totally disabling in effects on a target individual.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wildlife guard for electrical power equipment including a disc having a central opening for fitting onto the equipment. The disc includes an electrically insulating material with a conductive filler material in quantity sufficient for the disc to maintain an electrostatic charge. The disc has an insertion slot extending from an outer portion to the central opening for movement of the disc onto the equipment. The present disclosure also provides a wildlife guard for an electrical insulator bushing having an electrical conductor extending outwardly therefrom. The wildlife guard includes an electrically nonconductive cover for covering at least a portion of the electrical conductor, the cover being adapted to mount upon the bushing and a conductive panel attached to the cover.

Abstract: An electric shock gun includes a barrel and a trigger which controls a firing device received in a rear end of the gun. The firing device includes an electric power source and a charging device. At least one electrode bullet in the barrel and has two spines on a first end thereof and a conductive block on a second end and the firing device is electrically connected to the conductive block. The at least one electrode bullet includes a capacitor which is charged within a short period of time and connected to the spines and the conductive block. The electrode bullet goes out from the barrel by pulling the trigger.

Abstract: An air-purifying cap comprises a main body and an anion generator. The main body has a groove at the front cap edge to accommodate the anion generator. The anion generator is a box incorporating a high voltage circuit and a battery, or a box attached with a solar energy collecting plate, so the battery or the solar energy plate can supply DC power to high voltage circuit and allow the internal discharge electrode for high voltage discharge to produce huge amount of anions that output from the box bottom. The released anions will decompose airborne virus and purify the air quality for human respiratory system. It provides an instant measure to effectively inhibit the spreading virus.

Abstract: The invention is a high voltage stun device, unique in the sword-like configuration of its fully retractable, yet non-injurious, “blade,” and its ability to deliver the pulse along the length of the “blade” as well as at the tip to a target at a distance far beyond arm's length. Stun batons, even retractable ones, have none of the preferred properties satisfied by the invention, including superior length of shocking surface, superior weighting and flexibility of the shocking surface, and simplicity of maintenance and repair. The “blade” of the invention is capable of expanding to a superior length that can keep a subject at a good defensive distance, yet be effective and retracted if he manages to get in close. With a moderation of the centrifugal force applied during blade deployment, the invention can be made to emulate a shorter sword, a long sword, and all lengths between.

Abstract: A multi-component device which is capable of delivering a non-lethal, high-voltage electric shock which can incapacitate a person or animal that is worn as an ordinary article of apparel (clothing) by a person for use as a defensive or offensive weapon that is not distinguishable or identifiable as a weapon. The types of apparel used as this device are regular clothing items such as pants, jackets, vests, shoes and gloves, all of which contain internal high voltage electrodes and wiring, a unique pressure sensitive activation switch, and a separate control unit that is attached to a belt or placed in a pocket which is connected to the clothing item by a separate multiconductor electrical wiring harness. The device is activated by physical contact with target subject.

Abstract: An air-purifying cap comprises a main body and an anion generator. The main body has a groove at the front cap edge to accommodate the anion generator. The anion generator is a box incorporating a high voltage circuit and a battery, or a box attached with a solar energy collecting plate, so the battery or the solar energy plate can supply DC power to high voltage circuit and allow the internal discharge electrode for high voltage discharge to produce huge amount of anions that output from the box bottom. The released anions will decompose airborne virus and purify the air quality for human respiratory system. It provides an instant measure to effectively inhibit the spreading virus.

Abstract: A flexible fabric blanket of plural layers including a bottom insulating layer, a base electrically conductive layer, a medial insulating layer, a medial electrically conductive layer, and a top insulating layer. A first set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the medial electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer. A second set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the base electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are also exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer, but do not touch the medial electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: There is provided a switch 10 for connecting a first terminal with a second terminal electrically. The switch 10 includes: the first terminal 46; the second terminal 26 and a third terminal 28 confronting said first terminal 46; driving means 70 for driving the first terminal 46 in the direction of the second terminal 26 and the third terminal 28; and an electrostatic coupling section 72 including a first electrode 50 and a second electrode 30 confronting each other for attracting the first terminal 46 in the direction of the second terminal 26 and the third terminal 28 by electrostatic force.

Abstract: A stun gun system includes a stun gun having a housing with a first end and a second end, and an electronics package for generating a high voltage or other discharge. The first end is configured to form a handle which has a first pair of contacts and the said second end has a second pair of contacts. The stun gun system includes a first switch configured in a first position and the electronics package, is electronically connected through the switch to the first pair of contacts.

Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having its dielectric made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile either carries contact wires or is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.

Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having either its dielectric or its plates made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.

Abstract: This method of checking at least one operating parameter of an energizer supplying an electric fence with high-voltage shock pulses consists, on the one hand, in producing a measurement signal having a value representing the operating parameter to be checked and controlling the production of the shock pulses as a function of the measurement signal in such a way that a time interval between the shock pulses is a function of the value of the measurement signal, and, on the other hand, in performing the following steps in any zone along the electric fence, remotely from the energizer: picking up the shock pulses; evaluating the time interval between the picked up pulses; and operating an indicator so as to provide an indication about the operating parameters, as a function of the evaluated time interval.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus 1 has an electric cleaning mechanism 79 for burning out attachment adhered on an ion generating electrode 7 by electric heating. Adhesion of dirt and the like onto the end portion of the electrode where an electron generation field concentrates will considerably ruin the ion generation efficiency. So that burning out of attachment adhered onto the end portion 7a of the ion generating electrode 7 using the electric cleaning mechanism 79 is extremely effective in terms of avoiding such nonconformity. Object of the cleaning will be attained to a sufficient degree if only the dirt adhered onto the sharpened end portion of the electrode 7, which is responsible for the ion generation, is selectively removed, which is also advantageous in simplifying the apparatus since there is no need to excessively raise the electric heating capacity of the electric cleaning mechanism 79.

Abstract: Concentrations of positive and negative ions that are generated in the ambient air at a selected location are controlled in time-varying manner. Apparatus for generating air ions includes controllable high voltage sources and electrodes connected to the sources adapted to generate positive ions and negative ions in ambient air near the electrodes. Control circuitry is coupled to the high voltage sources to control the voltage levels at the electrodes for altering the quantities of positive ions and/or negative ions that are generated in time-varying manner within the ambient air about the electrodes. The control circuitry may control the voltage sources to generate a simulated ion signature of variations in ion concentrations as detected at a selected geographic location.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a personal defense device each include an electrical stun circuit and electrodes with a structure adapted for use as an impact weapon as well, and further include a radially disposed flashlight or signal light therewith. The electrical circuitry for the stun apparatus may be formed of flexible circuit material with dual circuit paths between each component, for reliability and resistance to damage due to impact forces incurred when the device is used as an impact weapon. A second, normally closed interrupter switch may be provided for the stun circuit, with the user of the present device being required to hold the interrupter switch in order to keep the stun circuitry from operating when the master switch is turned on. The end opposite the handle may include a series of impact ribs with cutting blades removably installable thereon, to produce non-lethal cuts in an assailant during an attack.

Abstract: A manually switchable corona electrode array and method of operation for use in a corona treater station. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an electrode array which incorporates in its structure a low pressure conduit system for providing a low pressure field in the vicinity of the corona field, in order to remove ozone and other contaminants generated by the corona field. The electrode array further includes means to quickly and easily urge the array from a first position, wherein the array is situated adjacent to the treatment area, to a second position, removed from the treatment area, so as to facilitate maintenance and spooling of the material to the treated therethrough. The present invention provides a more compact footprint than traditional systems, as well as providing an ozone removal system requiring a cheaper, less powerful exhaust blower for providing the low pressure differential to remove the pollutants, including ozone, from the treatment area.

Abstract: An electronic disabling device includes first and second electrodes positionable to establish first and second spaced apart contact points on a target having a high impedance air gap existing between at least one of the electrodes and the target. The power supply generates a first high voltage, short duration output across the first and second electrodes during a first time interval to ionize air within the air gap to thereby reduce the high impedance across the air gap to a lower impedance to enable current flow across the air gap at a lower voltage level. The power supply next generates a second lower voltage, longer duration output across the first and second electrodes during a second time interval to maintain the current flow across the first and second electrodes and between the first and second contact points on the target to enable the current flow through the target to cause involuntary muscle contractions to thereby immobilize the target.