CN114930113A - Lethal projectile construction and launcher - Google Patents

Abstract

A lethal projectile for immobilizing a target can self-detach or otherwise open after being launched by a launcher and can release a payload prior to impact with the target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. The opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wherein an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a user-specified distance from the transmitter, or by the launch force on the projectile. The magazine may contain a plurality of projectiles, and the individual projectiles of the magazine may each be configured to open at a specified distance and/or time after firing. The transmitter may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until certain parameters are met.

Description

Lethal projectile construction and launcher

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The disclosure of this application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. non-provisional application serial No. 16/586,422 filed 2019, 9, 27 and claiming priority therefrom according to section 35, section 120 of the american code, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure is also in accordance with the priority of pending U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/943,865 filed 2019 on 12, 5.2019, section 35 of the american codex, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to projectiles for weapons or other launching mechanisms, and more particularly, to those projectiles and launchers that incorporate a source of electrical energy.

Background

For example, projectile and launch systems are commonly used by law enforcement and military authorities for purposes such as self-protection. The projectile and launch system may also be designed to ballast a target (such as a person or location). Often, such weapon systems require accurate and precise aiming of the projectile to be effective, i.e., the projectile must come into physical contact with the body or physical mass of the target to function. If the projectile does not hit the target, it may not affect the target.

To overcome this drawback of conventional projectiles, projectiles have been developed which break into multiple pieces, thereby increasing the effective radius of the projectile (and reducing the required aiming accuracy). Such fragmentation may be caused by components powered by one or more batteries inside the projectile or by actual impact against the target. However, batteries are inherently large and heavy compared to projectiles, thus limiting the potential configuration of the projectile (at least due to the fact that the batteries occupy a considerable amount of space within the projectile). Moreover, batteries are relatively expensive, driving up the cost of manufacturing such projectiles. Furthermore, it is of great concern that over time the batteries will drain and lose charge, meaning that a projectile so configured may not be in a condition for firing if it has been in stand for a period of time. This disadvantage is unacceptable because the conditions for using such projectiles require them to be ready to fire.

Another attempted solution is an empty detonation type projectile that is programmed to perform a specific detonation after the projectile is fired and/or has a detonation distance that is adjusted based on the distance of the previously fired projectile. The programming of the adjustments is done by the user. This system is also battery based and therefore has all the drawbacks of the battery based systems described above. Such solutions are complex and attempting to deliver programming to a projectile in flight is prone to launch failures due to potential radio frequency interference. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs of the system are extremely high.

Thus, all currently available solutions suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages: the need for impact with the target, high manufacturing costs, complex configurations and unreliable power supply.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, a general object of the present disclosure is to provide a projectile configuration (also referred to herein in the context of "projectile") and projectile launcher that includes all the advantages of the prior art and overcomes the disadvantages inherent therein. As used herein, it is understood that "payload" refers to a substance, object, compound, or material capable of delivering a lethal or disabling weapon to a target and/or causing a lethal or disabling effect on a target. In one embodiment, the payload may be released from a lethal projectile disclosed herein when the projectile or projectile shell ruptures, splits, separates, or otherwise creates an opening therein. The payload may also include projectile fragments that are generated when the projectile is split or broken into multiple pieces.

The projectile also preferably includes an energy storage device. As used herein, an "energy storage device" is a storage device that lacks sufficient charge to activate or arm a projectile or another component of the projectile until the energy storage device has been charged or powered by an external source (such as a transmitter). The minimum charge energy to activate or arm (or simulate a reaction as described elsewhere herein) the projectile is referred to as the "threshold energy," meaning that at energy levels below the threshold energy, the projectile will not be armed or activated and/or unable to initiate a mechanical response or chemical or electrical reaction. In one embodiment, the energy storage device comprises a capacitor.

In one embodiment, the projectile separates into two or more components after it exits the barrel of the launcher to dispense the payload. In one embodiment, the separation may be initiated by electrical, mechanical or chemical means, or by a combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the trigger may vary depending on the distance to the suspect or target.

In another embodiment, the projectile and launcher include the various adjustment devices of the above embodiments, wherein release or diffusion of the payload occurs at a fixed or predetermined distance from the barrel of the launcher. For example, when controlled muzzle velocities are used, selective release may be achieved by timing the reaction or time delay to initiate the reaction, and such velocities may be controlled by the inflation gas or by propellant control.

In another embodiment, a chargeable circuit may be included within the projectile. The electrical circuit may initiate a chemical reaction or otherwise cause separation of the projectile by electromechanical means. Such methods may include electromagnets, shape memory alloys, and the like. The release may be timed so that the separation is close to the target. The timing may include calculations based on projectile velocity and distance to target and/or time. The circuit and reaction may be initiated in coordination with the energy storage device being sufficiently charged (i.e., exceeding a threshold energy). Furthermore, the circuit may be used in conjunction with a proximity detector or sensor. In another embodiment, the circuit may be activated inductively. In such embodiments that use inductive charging to activate the circuitry, the transmitter may include magnetic and/or electromagnetic elements (e.g., such as coils) that inductively activate the projectile circuitry. An inductive charging element may be disposed in the barrel or track of the transmitter, or elsewhere in the transmitter that allows for operative coupling of the charging element with the circuit. For example, a charging element in the barrel or track may prevent arming of the projectile prior to firing or preparation for firing.

In yet another embodiment of the projectile containing electrical components, the circuit may be activated by a transmitter. Such activation means may include direct electrical connection, inductive charging, and the like. By limiting activation of the launcher, the projectile may be coded and safety features improved by reducing the likelihood of accidental fragmentation or separation of the projectile outside the launcher (e.g., during handling or transport of the projectile).

In yet another embodiment, the circuit may be activated by a motion sensing switch (such as an accelerometer, vibration sensor, etc.) upon firing of the projectile.

In yet another embodiment, where the separation is the result of a chemical reaction, such reaction may be initiated with an "electrical ignition head" or other initiator. The electric firing head may be comprised of a nichrome or similar high resistance element, which is preferably coated with a pyrogen. The initiation may be in response to electrical energy, such as from a battery, capacitor, or the like.

In yet another embodiment, the projectile launcher and the projectile are part of a system in which the projectile is encoded with timing information and/or distance information as a result of distance to a target. The projectile launcher may also include a range finder or other device for measuring distance to a target. The transmitter and projectile may be configured to be in wired or wireless communication with each other, and the transmitter may also be capable of transmitting energy to the projectile. The launching of the projectile by the launcher may be accomplished by compressed air, propellant or other means.

Drawings

Advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and appended claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like reference numerals, and wherein:

fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 1000 having a projectile according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1A is a view of a breech assembly of a projectile launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a view of a projectile prior to launch and subsequently during flight during which the shell of the projectile has detached and released the payload, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A and 2B are views of a projectile including a fracture line before (2A) and after (2B) the projectile separates or breaks along the fracture line according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of a projectile having components that may increase the pressure inside the projectile housing based on a predetermined time, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a view of a projectile launcher with a magazine in which the projectile is arranged to break at various times/distances after launch, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a view of a projectile including a payload, control circuitry, an initiator, and an energy storage device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a view of a projectile including a payload, an initiator, and control circuitry according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 7 shows a projectile including a payload, control circuitry, an initiator, and a switch, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7A and 7B illustrate a projectile having a control circuit and a timer activated by the launch force of the projectile according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a projectile and a transmitter in which the transmitter may communicate with the projectile through at least one connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a projectile and a transmitter, where the projectile may be in wireless communication with and/or powered by the transmitter, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 10 shows a transmitter, components of a projectile, and at least one device to transmit information to the projectile according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 shows a projectile including multiple elements that may be dispersed, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 shows a breech assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein an electrical storage element of the projectile may be charged beyond a threshold energy by contact with an element of the launcher (such as a bolt).

Fig. 13 shows the projectile which may be charged by contact with an element of a launcher (such as a bolt) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The example embodiments described in detail herein are susceptible to many variations in structure and design for the purpose of illustration. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular projectiles or projectile launchers shown and described. That is, it is to be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present disclosure provides a lethal projectile 100 and a launcher 1000 for such projectile 100, the launcher 1000 and projectile 100 comprising a system. Projectile 100 preferably includes a payload 200 (such as a shrapnel that may include fragments of part or all of the housing, etc.) for impacting a target or suspect. Projectile 100 preferably includes a shell, which in one embodiment may be formed of an at least partially annular shell portion 102 or shell portions (hereinafter also referred to as "shells"). In such embodiments, at least one shell portion may include a closed, substantially flat end 104 (also referred to herein as an "end cap" or "end") that corresponds to a radius of an annular portion of the shell to form an outer shell. The at least one shell portion and the end portion may be referred to herein individually and collectively as the shell of projectile 100. It is clear that the projectile shell is not limited to the shell portion and end configuration mentioned in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and that the projectile shell may comprise any shape forming a shell, such as but not necessarily limited to a sphere or cone, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the shell may be of one-piece construction. Payload 200 is preferably contained in a housing prior to launch of projectile 100. In one embodiment, projectile 100 is capable of self-detaching, splitting, breaking or otherwise opening prior to impact with a target. In one embodiment, the launcher 1000 is capable of initiating separation or fragmentation or rupture or opening, etc., of the projectile 100. In one embodiment, launcher 1000 (and/or launcher attachment) is capable of communicating with projectile 100 and/or arming projectile 100 prior to or simultaneously with projectile launch. In another embodiment, the launcher includes a safety device and/or trigger that prevents arming of the projectile prior to being activated. The arming may be, for example, charging an energy storage device contained within the projectile.

One end 104 of projectile 100 is removably attached to the annular portion of at least one shell portion 102. For example, the attachability of the end 104 to the ring may be mechanical, adhesive, or welded. This attachability allows easy access to the housing formed by the end 104 and the annular portion of the shell 102. The end 104 of the shell may have a size greater than the diameter of the annular portion of the shell 102 against which it is attached to create the flange. In another embodiment, the shell 102 includes a first annular portion and a second annular portion, wherein the end 104 is fixedly attached to the first annular portion, and wherein the first and second annular portions are removably attached to each other such that the outer shell of the shell 102 can be opened elsewhere than at the end 104 of the shell.

An exemplary transmitter 1000 is shown in fig. 1. The launcher includes a barrel 1010 for guiding and launching projectile 100. The launcher 1000 may also include a chamber or breech for holding the projectile prior to its firing. It will be apparent that the launcher 1000 shown in fig. 1 may be of other configurations as long as the launcher 1000 is capable of firing a projectile 100 in the projectiles disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the launcher 1000 further comprises a breech and/or breech assembly 1030 (shown in fig. 1A in the exemplary embodiment) into which one or more projectiles may be loaded prior to launch. The breech assembly 1030 includes a barrel 1010, at least one projectile entry port 1032, and a bolt 1034. The projectile entry 1032 is adapted to receive projectiles into the barrel 1010. A bolt 1034 includes a front and a rear and may be configured, the bolt 1034 being configured to be partially received within the barrel 1010 such that the front of the bolt 1034 closes the projectile entrance 1032, and in the second position, the bolt 1034 is configured to enable a projectile 100 to enter the barrel 1010 from the projectile entrance 1032. The breech assembly may also include a charger or charging element 1036 for charging the projectile. In one embodiment, the launcher and/or breech and barrel may comprise a track, such as a track in a rail gun.

In one embodiment, the shell of projectile 100 opens or otherwise separates after the projectile exits the barrel 1010 of launcher 1000 to dispense payload 200. In one embodiment, and as shown in fig. 2B, such a payload may include separation and/or fragmentation of the projectile itself, i.e., rupture or destruction of the projectile shell or separation of the shell components creates an opening in the projectile 100 from which the payload 200 may emanate. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, projectile 100 is shown before separation and after separation into distinct portions 100a and 100b, after separation, payload 200 has been ejected outside of projectile 100. In one embodiment, and as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the shell of the projectile 100 includes at least one fracture line 108, and the one or more fracture lines 108 may include relatively weaker or thinner portions of the shell along which the projectile shell may fracture after launch (as shown in fig. 2B). The rupture of the projectile along one or more lines of fracture may help promote lethal effects of the projectile on the target. In another embodiment, the projectile shell is frangible.

In another embodiment, the projectile shell separates or breaks and becomes part of a lethal weapon or a lethal weapon.

In another embodiment, projectile 100 disclosed herein includes various adjustment devices of the above embodiments, wherein release or diffusion of payload 200 occurs at a fixed or predetermined distance from barrel 1010 of launcher 1000.

In another embodiment, the release may be accomplished by the control circuit 120. Such control circuitry 120 may include Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), wherein an RFID tag in projectile 100 may cause the projectile 100 to break at a specified distance from transmitter 1000. In another embodiment as shown in fig. 3 and 5, the reaction may be initiated in response to a timer 130. Such reactions may increase pressure inside projectile 100 (e.g., as shown by air bag 170 in fig. 3), or otherwise cause a breach in the projectile shell. In addition, such components may be initiated by chemical reactions and include, for example, nitrocellulose, NaN ₃ And the like. In such embodiments, it will be apparent that the transmitter 1000 may include a transmitter or other means for communicating with the RFID tag, or the reaction may be controlled by other means. In one embodiment, GPS is used to track and initiate projectile separation, breakage or fragmentation. In yet another embodiment, a portion or all of the control circuitry may be encapsulated, for example, in a gel, liquid, or potting compound to minimize damage to the forces generated by projectile acceleration.

The launcher may also include at least one accessory thereof, such as a magazine, for example, which may communicate with the projectile using the same or other communication means as the launcher. As shown in fig. 4, the launcher and projectile system may include a magazine 1040 that holds a plurality of projectiles 100 and feeds said projectiles 100 to a launcher 1000 for firing/launching the projectiles 100. In one embodiment, individual projectiles 100 of magazine 1040 may be configured to separate or rupture at the same distance "D" or time, etc. after firing, or they may be configured to separate or rupture at different distances and/or times, etc. after firing. In embodiments where the individual projectiles are configured to separate or rupture at the same distance "D" or time after launch, etc., it will be apparent that the user may concentrate the effect of the payload from the ruptured projectile within a particular defined area. In one embodiment, where individual projectiles are configured to separate or rupture, etc. at different distances and/or times after launch, it will be apparent that the particular distance and/or time at which separation, etc. of each particular projectile in the individual projectiles occurs after launch may be achieved by selectively setting the separation, etc. of each of the individual projectiles as set forth elsewhere herein. Furthermore, where it is desired to disperse the payload over a larger area, separation of individual projectiles at different distances, etc. may provide for a more distributed diffusion of such matter. In one embodiment, the magazine includes an energy source (such as, but not necessarily limited to, a charger) for powering an energizable storage device of the projectile when such projectile is disposed in the magazine.

Referring again to FIG. 5, projectile 100 may further include an energy storage device 140 (such as, but not limited to, a capacitor) and an initiator 150 (such as, but not limited to, a heating element). This charging of the energy storage device may also be referred to herein as "powering" the energy storage device. The energy storage devices disclosed herein may also be referred to as energizable energy storage devices. The energy storage device 140 and the initiator 150 may be operatively coupled to the switch 180, and the timer 130 may trip the switch 180 at a particular time after the projectile 100 is fired, after which the energy storage device 140 may deliver stored energy to the initiator 150 to cause the initiator 150 to perform a reaction (such as heating) that causes the projectile 100 to open, separate, disintegrate, or break. In another embodiment, a timer and/or switch or proximity sensor (described below) may be activated by movement of the projectile launch or by communication with the launcher or launcher attachment. In another embodiment, the projectile includes a proximity sensor that can cause the projectile to selectively open, separate, disintegrate, or break after launch. For example, once the projectile is within three feet of the target, the proximity sensor may initiate separation and/or opening of the projectile.

In another embodiment, and referring to fig. 6, the control circuit 120 is coupled directly to the initiator 150 such that the control circuit 120 activates the initiator 150. As shown in fig. 6, the initiator 150 may be an electrical firing head that may heat upon activation to cause a future reaction to release and/or fragment the payload 200 at the shell of the projectile 100.

In another embodiment, and as shown in fig. 7, 7A and 7B, the control circuitry 120 and/or timer 130 of the projectile may be activated (as shown in fig. 7 in an exemplary embodiment) in response to a sudden acceleration or force occurring upon the firing of the projectile 100, such as by a switch or accelerometer 190. The control circuit 120 and/or timer 130 may then activate the initiator 150, which triggers a breach in the projectile shell to effect dispersal of the payload 200. Such a breach may be the result of, for example, internal pressure buildup, a mechanical response of the initiator (such as component separation), or melting of a portion of the housing.

Referring to fig. 7A and 7B, projectile 100 has control circuitry 120 and timer 130 activated by the launch force of projectile 100. In one embodiment, projectile 100 includes button 195. The end cap 104 presses or otherwise engages the button 195 when the projectile 100 is launched. The button 195 is operatively coupled to the timer 130 such that when the button is depressed, the timer 130 is started. After a period of time measured by timer 130, capacitor 140 discharges into the initiator, and the initiator performs some reaction (such as heating and elsewhere herein) that causes projectile 100 to open, separate, disintegrate, or break to release payload 200.

In another embodiment, projectile launcher 1000 includes a trigger and/or safety switch that prevents projectile 100 from becoming armed until certain parameters are met. For example, a safety device may be configured to prevent projectile 100 from becoming armed unless it is turned to a firing mode in launcher 1000. In another embodiment, the energy storage device is in communication with the trigger or safety switch and is not energized until after the trigger or safety switch is actuated. Thus, for example, such triggers and safety switches may prevent accidental firing or breakage of the projectile in the event that the launcher is forced but accidentally moved, or if the user accidentally drops the launcher.

In another embodiment, the energy storage device may not be energized until the projectile contacts the bolt 1034 of the breech assembly 1030. In such embodiments, the bolt does not contact the projectile until after the launcher is fired. This provides another level of security by preventing the projectile from arming before the launcher is fired. In such embodiments, the bolt can be made of an electrically conductive material, such as brass, for example. In such embodiments, the bolt may include at least one conductive probe that contacts one portion of the projectile and the conductive bolt itself contacts another portion of the projectile. In this manner, the bolt can successfully charge the energy storage device of the projectile.

In yet another embodiment as shown in fig. 8, 9 and 10, projectile 100 and transmitter 1000 communicate by at least one of wireless or wired means. This allows the launcher to set parameters within the projectile that allow for more precise control of the point at which the shell splits or ruptures, i.e., setting the specific distance or time at which the projectile may rupture. In yet another embodiment, the projectile has an energy source (such as energy storage device 140) that is activated or powered or energized by the launcher 1000 (e.g., by a power source therein or by way of a battery 1050 in the launcher with which the projectile may contact at a contact point 1070 as shown in fig. 8 when the projectile 100 is loaded into the launcher 1000), and thus enhances the safety characteristics of the projectile 100, for example, by keeping the projectile 100 inactive until it is loaded in the launcher. In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 9, the projectile (and, in one embodiment, the energy storage device 140 of the projectile) may be charged or powered via induction (such as via an induction charger 1060). In one embodiment, the inductive charging may occur as the projectile moves down the barrel and/or within the barrel. In yet another embodiment, transmitter 1000 includes a device for measuring distance (such as a range finder) that may be in communication with control circuitry 120 and that may allow in-situ customization of at least one parameter associated with a burst or breach of projectile 100, thereby further increasing its ability to disperse payload 200 at a more preferred or precise location. As shown in fig. 10, the transmitter 1000 may include a trigger 1080 to initiate the transmission process. It will be apparent that charging the energy storage device by the transmitter overcomes the need for the energy storage device to include a self-contained power source (i.e. no battery for the energy storage device is required), thereby eliminating the possibility of the energy storage device being subject to power drain prior to transmission. It will be apparent that the energy storage device may also be charged by an external source other than the launcher prior to loading the projectile into the launcher. In addition, the capacitor as an exemplary storage device is significantly lighter and less expensive than a battery, thereby improving performance and reducing the cost of manufacturing the projectile of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment and referring to fig. 11, projectile 100 includes at least one mass 110 (such as a small bullet, for example), and preferably, a plurality of masses 110 disposed in and/or on a shell of projectile 100.

In another embodiment, and as shown in fig. 13, the projectile includes a printed circuit board ("PCB") 106. In one embodiment, the projectile PCB includes one or more wired or wireless contacts that can receive a signal from a transmitter or other input that can instruct the PCB to initiate a projectile disconnect timer or countdown. In another embodiment, the bolt 1034 may contact the PCB 106 and transmit an input or signal, such as from the transmitter control circuit 1040, to the PCB 106 so that a projectile separation timing or countdown may be initiated when the projectile 100 is disposed in the breech 1030 and/or against the bolt 1034. In yet another embodiment, and as shown in fig. 12, the energy storage device is energized beyond a threshold energy by at least one contact 1036 with the bolt, and may also include transmitter electronics. In another embodiment, energizing occurs in less than 20 milliseconds. In another embodiment, all projectile electronic components are compiled onto at least one ASIC.

Such transmitter electronics may include logic or other means to enable charging and/or other activation of the projectile simultaneously with the firing of the projectile. That is, in one embodiment, the transmitter electronics may transmit at least one of analog data and digital data to the control circuitry of the projectile to determine the initiation in the projectile. The logic may include a fast charge device, wherein the current conducted to the energy storage device of the projectile exceeds at least 500ma for at least a portion of the time the projectile is in communication with the transmitter electronics. Further, the transmitter electronics may include a safety device, wherein the energizing of the energy storage device does not occur until the trigger is pulled or otherwise activated. Additionally, the transmitter electronics may include or communicate with a targeting system, wherein the target distance at which the projectile breaks is programmed upon firing of the projectile. Such systems may be voltage controlled, where the threshold voltage delivered to the projectile corresponds to the burst or rupture time. Furthermore, it is possible that the projectile launch velocity may be measured or otherwise determined as part of the transmitter electronics, so that an accurate burst distance of the projectile may be achieved via simple timing means. For example, if the average velocity of the projectile is 100 meters per second and the target is at a distance of 100 meters, a timer may be set to rupture its shell and/or release its contents at a time of 1.000 seconds. Such timing can be easily accomplished by a timing chip (such as 555) or a microcontroller (such as AtTiny). In yet another embodiment of the transmitter circuit, the circuit may include a fingerprint or other biometric or access device (such as a personal identification number code) that may prevent use of the transmitter by individuals other than the authorized individual.

Fig. 1 shows a projectile launcher 1000, which is preferably based on a combination of electric drive or electric and combustion or compressed gas devices. It will be appreciated that the projectile is not limited to a particular method of launch but is a launcher of a preferred design in which the advantages of having electronic control and communication elements with the projectile may be used. The projectile herein is of lightweight construction (at least because it does not require an internal battery) and the compressed gas can adequately and efficiently launch the projectile. Since the projectile is energizable by a launcher or other external source, the possibility of the projectile becoming inoperable due to depletion of the internal battery is absent.

The projectile and launcher disclosed herein provide the advantage of more controlled release of the payload than existing solutions can provide. For example, a user may set the range and/or rate of payload delivery by configuring parameters that control the opening in the projectile. This range and/or rate may also be set automatically by a rangefinder that calculates the optimal distance at which fragmentation or separation occurs. The configuration of the shell of the projectile disclosed herein may also increase the flight accuracy of the projectile to further improve the safety of use of the projectile disclosed herein. Further, the projectile may remain in a non-armed state until the energy storage device is sufficiently charged, i.e., exceeds a threshold energy. The provision of the energy storage device by a transmitter or other external source eliminates the possibility of the projectile suffering a loss of power or failure prior to firing and further enhances the safe handling of the projectile.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims (20)

1. A launcher and projectile system, the system comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting the signal to the receiver,

a lethal projectile is presented,

the projectile includes a housing, control circuitry and an energizable energy storage device,

wherein the projectile shell ruptures, disintegrates, separates, breaks apart or otherwise creates an opening therein after the projectile is fired.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter comprises a device for measuring distance to a target and/or time and communicating with the projectile.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the projectile further comprises at least one initiator capable of initiating a chemical reaction or a mechanical response to create an opening in the shell of the projectile.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a trigger and a safety switch, wherein the energy storage device is not energized beyond a threshold energy before the at least one trigger and/or safety switch is actuated.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising one of a wired device and a wireless device for communication and/or energy transfer between the transmitter and the projectile.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the emitter further comprises an emitter attachment, and wherein at least one of the emitter and the emitter attachment comprises an energy source that powers the energy storage device beyond a threshold energy.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher comprises a magazine comprising a plurality of projectiles, each projectile of the plurality of projectiles rupturing, splitting, separating, breaking or otherwise creating an opening therein at a specified distance therefrom after launch.

8. The system of claim 1, the launcher further comprising a breech assembly comprising a bolt and a breech, the projectile receivable within the breech assembly, and wherein the energizable storage device is energized or otherwise energized by contact with the bolt.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage device is one of a capacitor and a rechargeable battery.

10. The system of claim 1, the projectile further comprising a payload released from the projectile after rupturing, splitting, separating, breaking or creating an opening therein.

11. A lethal projectile is composed of a main body with a central hole and a central hole,

the projectile includes a housing, control circuitry and an energizable energy storage device,

the projectile also includes means for rupturing, crushing, splitting, separating or otherwise creating an opening in the shell after launch.

12. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the energy storage device is one of a capacitor and a rechargeable battery.

13. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile further comprises one of a launcher and a launcher attachment, wherein at least one of the launcher and the launcher attachment comprises an energy source that powers the energy storage device beyond a threshold energy.

14. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile includes at least one fracture line or frangible shell.

15. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile further comprises at least one initiator capable of initiating a chemical reaction or mechanical response to create an opening in the shell of the projectile.

16. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile further comprises at least one of a timer, a switch, and a proximity sensor.

17. The projectile of claim 16, wherein the at least one switch or timer is activated by movement of projectile launch or by communication with a launcher or launcher attachment.

18. The projectile of claim 15, wherein said detonation is determined as a result of the transmission of analog or digital data from a launcher or launcher accessory to said control circuitry.

19. The projectile of claim 11, further comprising a payload released from the projectile after rupturing, splitting, separating, breaking or creating an opening therein.

20. The projectile of claim 11, wherein said control circuitry is encapsulated in a gel, liquid or potting compound.

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