JP2023512611A - Non-lethal projectile construction and launcher - Google Patents

Abstract

Non-lethal projectiles include payloads to immobilize and/or identify targets. The projectile can separate or otherwise open after firing by the launcher to release the payload prior to impact with the target. The launcher can initiate projectile separation. Release may also be accomplished by a control circuit with radio frequency identification (RFID), where the projectile's RFID tag causes the projectile to open at a specified distance from the launcher. The launcher may include a trigger and/or safety switch to prevent the projectile from being activated until certain parameters are met. A magazine or breech mechanism in the launcher may bias the projectile prior to firing the projectile. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. nonprovisional application Ser. It claims priority to it under 35 USC 120. This disclosure also confers priority under 35 U.S.C. claim.

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to projectiles for use in non-lethal weapons or other launch mechanisms, and more particularly to those projectiles and launchers that use, for example, compressed gas or batteries for operation.

Non-lethal projectiles and non-lethal projectile systems are commonly used by law enforcement for crowd control, such as to suppress riots or angry crowds, or to subdue individual suspects. used. Non-lethal projectiles and non-lethal projectile systems can increasingly be used as another means to enhance self-defense in situations such as burglary, for example. Projectiles and systems (such as weapons capable of delivering such non-lethal projectiles) are designed to overwhelm one or more target suspects for a period of time without causing permanent harm. is designed to Such weapon systems typically require the projectile to detonate upon impact with the suspect, thus requiring precise targeting and sometimes causing severe injury to the suspect. The most common means for such devices are projectiles that explode on impact, or tethered targeting devices that deliver a high pressure impact and thus immobilize the suspect. All of these existing means suffer from some disadvantages which are outlined in more detail below.

The use of high voltage electric shocks has been around for several years. High-voltage electric shocks are fairly effective at immobilizing a suspect, but they suffer from the drawback that cardiac arrest of the target/suspect may occur due to the voltage delivered to the suspect's body. ing. Moreover, for suspects not in an open or unconstrained environment, such means may require precise targeting to ensure that the electrodes are in contact with the individual to deliver the electric shock. I need. Furthermore, the longest effective range of such devices is less than 30 feet, more typically 10 or 15 feet. Additionally, the effectiveness of such weapons can be inhibited by clothing, coats, or damp environments.

A second technique involves the use of paintballs filled with chili powder or PAVA powder. While this eliminates or improves the range problem of electroshock techniques, it requires precise targeting of the suspect. This is extremely difficult to do at short distances as the powder can bounce off the suspect and return to the user. In addition, control of powder emission during impact is not always effective and can be one-dimensional – leaving behind a cloud of powder – which makes it difficult to stop a fleeing suspect. It means that there is Furthermore, if the impact does not detonate the projectile, the intended effect will not be achieved.

Another approach is to provide a projectile in which rupture or separation of the projectile is caused by components powered by one or more batteries internal to the projectile. However, the batteries are inherently large and heavy, respectively, when compared to the projectile, limiting the potential construction of the projectile (at least due to the fact that the battery occupies a significant amount of space within the projectile). . Batteries are inherently heavy, which adds weight to the projectile that can cause unintended injury to the target upon impact. Additionally, batteries are relatively expensive, thereby driving up the cost of manufacturing such projectiles. In addition, and of great concern, batteries deplete over time and lose charge, which can render them unusable for firing if a projectile so constructed is stored for an extended period of time. means that it may not be This drawback is unacceptable because the situations in which such projectiles must be used require that the projectile be ready to fire at all times.

All of the currently available solutions have the following disadvantages: difficult to target, not suitable for small ranges, not suitable for long range, inaccurate, sometimes lethal, and others. suffers from one or more of being often ineffective, expensive to manufacture, complex in construction, and not reliably powered.

In view of the aforementioned disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general object of the present disclosure is to provide a projectile structure (the present (also referred to herein as a "projectile" in context) and a projectile launcher. that the payload of projectile material, as used herein, may be in the form of a powder, liquid, or aerosol, or foam (or combinations thereof) without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure; Please understand. The payload may include debilitating substances, visible substances (eg, dyes or powders, etc.), or invisible marking substances (eg, UV reactive substances), or combinations thereof. The projectile also preferably includes energy storage means. As used herein, "energy storage means" means a projectile or another energy source of the projectile until the energy storage means is energized or reenergized by an external source (such as the launcher or its attachment). A storage means that lacks sufficient energy (eg, electric charge, etc.) to activate or enable a component to operate. The minimum charge energy to actuate or enable a projectile (or to mimic a reaction as described elsewhere herein) is called the "threshold energy", Lower energy levels mean that the projectile cannot be or will not be activated and/or initiate a mechanical or chemical reaction. In one embodiment, the energy storage means comprises a capacitor, which can be charged or energized by the launcher or launcher attachment prior to firing the projectile.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the projectile comprises one of PAVA, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin (DHC), nordihydrocapsaicin (NDHC), or other capsaicinoid-derived debilitating powders that can be released near the target. .

In one embodiment, the projectile separates into two or more components after the projectile leaves or creates an opening in the barrel of the launcher to deliver the payload. In one embodiment, separation can be initiated by electrical, mechanical, or chemical means, or a combination thereof. In further embodiments, initiation may vary depending on the distance to the suspect or target.

In another embodiment, the projectile includes various adjustment means of the above embodiments such that the ejection or dispersion of the payload occurs at a fixed or predetermined distance from the barrel of the launcher.

In further embodiments, the debilitating substance of the payload is configured to deliver an effective debilitating dose. For example, if the projectile had a powder concentration of 10% at a total volume of 1 g/cc and 3 cc, the amount of active agent would be 0.3 g, which would produce an envelope of 0.06 m ³ at a concentration of 5 ppm. obtain. This is roughly equivalent to a 0.5 meter diameter sphere.

In another embodiment, electrical circuitry may be included within the projectile. An electrical circuit may initiate a chemical reaction or otherwise cause projectile separation by electromechanical means. Such methods may include electromagnets, shape memory alloys, and the like. Release can be controlled so that the separation is close to the target. Control may include calculations based on projectile velocity and range to target. The electrical circuit and reaction can be initiated when the energy storage means is sufficiently energized, i.e. above the threshold energy - such energization is provided by, for example, a launcher or other external source. .

In further embodiments for projectiles that include electrical components, the electrical circuit may be activated by the launcher and/or launcher attachments (eg, magazines, etc.). Such actuation means may include direct electrical connections, inductive charging, and the like. By restricting actuation to the launcher and/or launcher attachments, it is possible to encode the projectile and enhance safety features by reducing the likelihood of accidental release of the projectile payload.

In further embodiments, the projectile housing may include identification means that directly or indirectly dictate the composition of the payload. For example, a red line around the housing could indicate that the projectile payload is debilitating material.

In further embodiments, the electrical circuit can be activated by a motion sensing switch such as an accelerometer, vibration sensor, etc. upon launch of the projectile.

In further embodiments where separation is the result of a chemical reaction, the reactive compound (eg, nitrocellulose, etc.) may be initiated with an "electromatch" or other such initiator. The electrical match may consist of nichrome or similar high resistance wire coated with a pyrogen and is initiated with electrical energy from a battery, capacitor or the like. In one embodiment, the pyrogen or initiator can be incorporated into a printed circuit board or integrated circuit, for example via thin traces. In further embodiments, this may all be accomplished on a single chip, such as an ASIC.

In another embodiment, projectile separation or release is initiated by the force of the projectile against the projectile.

In a further embodiment, the projectile launcher and projectile are part of a system that is encoded with timing and/or range information as a result of the range at which the projectile is targeted. A projectile launcher may further include a rangefinder or other means for measuring range to a target. The launcher and projectile may be configured for wired or wireless communication with each other, and the launcher may also be capable of transmitting energy to the projectile. In further embodiments, GPS means may be used to control the actuation and/or ejection of the projectile payload.

The advantages and features of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols. be done.

1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher with projectiles in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 11 is a breech plug mechanism of a projectile launcher, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a view of the projectile both before launch and then in flight after the projectile housing has separated and released a debilitating substance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 2A-2D are views of a projectile including a fracture line before (2A) and after (2B) the projectile separates or fractures along the fracture line, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a projectile having a single-piece housing structure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a diagram of a projectile launcher with magazines set such that the projectile explodes at various times/distances after firing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a diagram of a projectile including payload, control circuitry, initiator, and energy storage means, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a projectile including payload, initiator, and control circuitry, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 illustrates a projectile and launcher, where the launcher may communicate with the projectile via at least one connection, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a projectile and launcher, where the projectile may wirelessly communicate with the launcher, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [0014] Fig. 4 illustrates a launcher, components of a projectile, and at least one means of communicating information to the projectile, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a breech mechanism in which a projectile's electrical storage element may be charged or energized above a threshold energy by contact with an element of the launcher such as the breech, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a projectile having a housing that includes at least two parallel sides, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a projectile including a printed circuit board, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 illustrates a breech plug and a charging element of a breech mechanism for charging a projectile after the projectile is placed in the breech of the launcher, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 illustrates a magazine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a projectile configuration for biasing the projectile with a magazine energy source, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

The exemplary embodiments described herein in detail for purposes of illustration are subject to many variations in construction and design. However, it should be emphasized that this disclosure is not limited to the particular projectiles or projectile launchers shown and described. That is, various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances suggest or make expedient, but may be applied or implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims of this disclosure. It should be understood that it is intended to cover The terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein not to denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather to distinguish one element from another, The terms "a" and "a" as used herein do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather the presence of at least one of the referenced items. It should be further appreciated that although the term PCB is used, it can also refer to discrete components or a single component without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

The present disclosure provides a non-lethal projectile 100 and a launcher 1000 for such a projectile 100, the launcher 1000 and projectile 100 forming the entire system. It should be appreciated that launcher 1000 may include a launcher and launcher attachments such as magazines or energy sources or other components. Projectile 100 preferably includes payload 200 . In one embodiment, the payload 200 is a debilitating substance (capsaicin, PAVA, tear gas, etc.), a visible substance, and/or a visible substance to immobilize and/or mark a target, suspect, or boundary. may contain non-existent marking substances. The projectile 100 preferably includes a container, which may be formed by an at least partially annular cartridge 102 . The cartridge has a closed, substantially planar end 104 (also referred to herein as a "rear end cap") that corresponds to the radius of the annular portion of the cartridge to form a reservoir. may contain. The cartridge and end may be individually and collectively referred to herein as the housing of projectile 100 . In another embodiment, the projectile housing includes at least two parallel sides (side 202 shown in FIG. 10). Payload 200 is contained in the container prior to launch of projectile 100 . In one embodiment, projectile 100 may automatically separate, disintegrate, or otherwise open prior to impact with a target. In one embodiment, the launcher 1000 may initiate events that lead to separation or disassembly or bursting or opening of the projectile 100 and/or separation or disassembly or bursting or opening of the eight-body 100 . In one embodiment, launcher 1000 may communicate with and/or enable projectile 100 prior to or concurrently with projectile firing. In another embodiment, the launcher includes a safety and/or trigger that prevents the projectile from becoming operational until activated. Activating may, for example, be the charging of an energy storage element or means contained within the projectile. In one embodiment, the launcher includes a breech and/or breech mechanism into which one or more projectiles can be loaded prior to launch.

The breech mechanism 1030 includes a barrel 1010, a breech (a breech is, in one embodiment, an opening or space within the breech mechanism 1030 that may result from the positioning of the breech plug 1034), at least one firing It includes a body inlet 1032 and a tail plug 1034 . A projectile inlet 1032 is adapted to receive a projectile into the breech. The breech plug 1034 includes a forward portion and an aft portion and is configured to be partially received within the barrel 1010 such that the forward portion of the breech plug 1034 blocks the projectile inlet 1032; Buckle 1034 is configured to allow projectile 100 to enter barrel 1010 from projectile inlet 1032 . The breech mechanism may also include a charging element 1036 to charge the projectile, as described below and shown in FIGS. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 9, the tailplug mechanism includes one or more conductive probes (shown as 1036a and 1036b in FIG. 9) and conductive fingers 1036c. Such probes or fingers may further include springs or biasing elements.

Planar end 104 of projectile 100 may preferably be removably attachable to an annular portion of cartridge 102 . Attachability of the planar end 104 to the annular portion may be, for example, via pleating, press fitting, threaded connection, or adhesive or other bonding agent. Attachability facilitates access to the receptacle formed by planar end 104 and annular portion of cartridge 102 . The planar end 104 of the cartridge may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the annular portion of the cartridge 102 to which it attaches to create the flange. In another embodiment, the cartridge 102 is fixedly attached to the first annular portion at the planar end 104 and the receptacle of the cartridge 102 is positioned closer to the planar end 104 of the cartridge than the planar end 104 of the cartridge. It includes a first annular portion and a second annular portion removably attached to each other so that the first annular portion and the second annular portion can be opened elsewhere.

In one embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the projectile housing includes a fracture line, and the fracture line may include a relatively weak or thin section of the housing. Along the way, the projectile housing can burst after launch. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the housing comprises a low melting point polymer to facilitate melting and opening of the housing by initiators described elsewhere herein. In yet another embodiment, the projectile housing is a single piece, eg, as shown in FIG. 2C. In a further embodiment, the housing is brittle. In yet another embodiment, the projectile includes an elastomeric material or combustible housing.

In another embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, the projectile includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 106. As shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the projectile PCB includes one or more wired or wireless contacts (such as contacts 108) that may receive signals or other inputs from the launcher, the inputs or signals being sent to the PCB. A projectile separation timer or countdown may be instructed to start. In another embodiment, the breech plug 1034 may contact the PCB 106 and transmit an input or signal to the PCB 106, such as from the launcher control circuit 1040, so that the projectile 100 moves into the breech 1030 and/or Once positioned against the plug 1034, the timing or countdown of projectile detachment can be initiated. In a further embodiment, the breech and/or the breech mechanism is connected to the energy source such that contact with the breech and/or charging element 1036 of the breech mechanism causes the energy storage means to be energized above a threshold energy. (eg, charger, etc.). In further embodiments, biasing occurs in less than 100 milliseconds, and in still further embodiments within 20 milliseconds. In further embodiments, single chips or discrete components such as ASICs may be utilized instead of or in addition to the PCB.

An exemplary launcher 1000 is shown in FIG. The launcher includes a barrel 1010 for aiming and firing projectiles 100 . Launcher 1000 may also include a chamber 1015 for holding a projectile prior to firing the projectile. In one embodiment, the chamber includes a breech or breech mechanism 1030 disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that the launcher 1000 shown in FIG. 1 may have other configurations so long as the launcher 1000 is capable of firing projectile 100 of the projectiles disclosed herein.

Launcher 1000 may further include control circuitry 1040 (referred to herein as launcher control circuitry for clarity). Launcher control circuitry 1040 may send inputs and/or signals to projectile 100 . Launcher control circuit 1040 may be activated when projectile 100 is loaded into breech 1040, for example. In one embodiment, launcher control circuit 1040 is otherwise disabled until projectile 100 is breech loaded. In a further embodiment, the projectile remains inoperative until the breech contacts the projectile.

In one embodiment, the housing of the projectile 100 opens or otherwise separates after it leaves the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000 and is released in the form of powder, aerosol, liquid, foam, or combinations thereof. provides the payload 200 at . That is, rupture or failure of the projectile housing, or separation of housing components, creates an opening in the projectile 100 through which the payload 200 may diverge or be ejected. In further embodiments, the payload may be colored, marked, debilitating, or a combination thereof. For example, if the payload includes marking material or a cloud of marking material, marking material from the cloud can be used to identify individuals exposed to the impact of the projectile. Clouds may also be visible to form a deterrent. That is, clouds may include visible barriers that prevent individuals from approaching the cloud or cloud regions. In one embodiment, the constituent particles of the payload may be particle-sized, or the carrier It may adhere to the particles. In one embodiment, the payload is aerosolized as a result of projectile rupture, separation, or release.

In another embodiment, the projectiles 100 disclosed herein are various modifications of the above embodiments in which the ejection or dispersion of the payload 200 occurs at a fixed or predetermined distance from the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000. including the means of Selective release can be achieved by timed reactions.

In another embodiment, ejection may be accomplished by control circuit 120 . Such control circuitry 120 may include radio frequency identification (RFID), and an RFID tag within projectile 100 may detonate projectile 100 at a user-specified distance from launcher 1000 . In a further embodiment, the control circuitry includes timing circuitry that can detonate the projectile at a specified time after launch. In one embodiment, control circuit 120 includes an ASIC to incorporate all components on a single chip, which reduces projectile assembly and manufacturing time and reduces the footprint of control circuit 120. Let In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the reaction may be initiated in response to timer 130 . In addition, such components are reaction initiated and may include substances such as nitrocellulose, _NaN3 , and the like. It becomes clear that in such embodiments the launcher 1000 may include a transmitter or other means for communicating with the RFID tag, or the reaction may be controlled by other means.

As shown in FIG. 3, the launcher and projectile system may include a magazine 1040 that holds a plurality of projectiles 100 and feeds the projectiles 100 to the launcher 1000 for firing/firing the projectiles 100 . In one embodiment, the various projectiles 100 in the magazine 1040 may be configured to separate, burst, etc. at the same distance "D" or the same amount of time after firing; may be configured to separate, rupture, etc. at different distances and/or times after launch. In embodiments in which the various projectiles 100 are configured to separate or burst, etc., at the same distance "D" or the same time after launch, the user may be able to It is clear that it is possible to concentrate the effects of the debilitating substances of In one embodiment, in which the various projectiles are configured to separate, burst, etc. at different distances and/or times after launch, (1) the separation of each particular one of the various projectiles, etc. can be achieved by selectively setting the separation of each projectile of the various projectiles, etc., as described elsewhere herein, at specific distances and/or times after firing. , becomes clear. Further, separation of various projectiles at different distances may provide a more distributed delivery of payload when distribution of such material over a larger area is desired. In one embodiment referred to elsewhere herein, in which the projectile housing includes at least two parallel sides, such sides of the projectile are positioned within the magazine of the launcher (or within the cannon of the launcher). (within the tail) to facilitate specific orientation of the projectile. A cross-sectional view of an exemplary projectile of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In a further embodiment, the magazine 1040 includes an energy source 1042 that can energize the projectile when it is placed within the magazine.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the projectile 100 includes an energy storage means 140 (such as but not limited to a capacitor or a small rechargeable lithium ion battery) and an initiator 150 (such as a heating element). (including but not limited to). Energy storage means 140 and initiator 150 may be operably coupled to switch 180, and timer 130 may activate switch 180 at a particular time after launch of projectile 100, after which energy storage means 140 is activated. may deliver stored energy to initiator 150 to cause initiator 150 to perform a reaction (e.g., heating) that leads to opening, separation, or decomposition of projectile 100 to release payload 200. . As noted elsewhere herein, in one embodiment, the housing of projectile 100 may include a low melting point polymer to facilitate melting and opening of the housing by initiator 150 .

In one embodiment, the energy storage means is charged to a voltage associated with the timing of projectile separation or release. For example, a voltage of 4 volts may correspond to a distance of 20 feet and a voltage of 5 volts may correspond to a distance of 100 feet. In a preferred embodiment the minimum threshold voltage for initiating a reaction in the projectile corresponds to the minimum charge of the energy storage means.

In another embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 5, control circuit 120 is directly coupled to initiator 150 such that control circuit 120 activates initiator 150 . As shown in FIG. 5, the initiator 150 may be an electric match, which upon activation may heat and cause an opening in the cartridge of the projectile 100 to release the payload 200 .

In another embodiment, projectile launcher 1000 includes a trigger and/or safety switch that prevents projectile 100 from becoming operational until certain parameters are met. For example, a safety may be configured to prevent projectile 100 from becoming operational unless projectile 100 is in firing mode within launcher 1000 . In another embodiment, the energy storage means is in communication with the trigger or safety switch and is not energized until after the trigger or safety switch has been actuated. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage means is not fully energized until the launcher trigger is actuated and/or when sufficient force is detected to fire the projectile. Regarding power, in the exemplary case of a compressed gas powered launcher, a pressure switch is used to detect if the current gas pressure available exceeds the gas pressure required to fire the projectile. can be implemented in Such a trigger and safety switch thereby prevents accidental firing of a projectile or, for example, if the launcher is moved unexpectedly, albeit forcibly, or if the user accidentally drops the launcher. rupture can be prevented.

In yet another embodiment, shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, projectile 100 and launcher 1000 communicate through at least one of wireless or wired means. This allows the launcher to set parameters within the projectile for more precise control of the point at which the housing breaks or bursts or opens, i.e. sets a specific distance or time at which the projectile can burst or open. make it possible to In further embodiments, the projectile is actuated by the launcher 1000 (eg, by a battery 1050 within the launcher that the projectile 100 may contact when loaded into the launcher 1000, at contact point 1070 shown in FIG. 6), or by having a powered or energized energy source (such as energy storage means 140), thus, for example, keeping the projectile 100 and dispersal means idle until it is loaded into the launcher; , enhances the safety profile of projectile 100 . In one embodiment, the energized energy storage means may then power the control circuit. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the projectile (and its energy storage means 140 in one embodiment) is charged or energized via induction, such as via an inductive charger 1060. be able to. In a further embodiment, the launcher 1000 includes means for measuring distance, such as a rangefinder, which means may communicate with the control circuit 120 and which measures at least one distance associated with the detonation or destruction of the projectile 100 . It may allow on-the-spot customization of parameters, thus further enhancing its ability to disperse the debilitating substance 200 at more preferred or precise locations. As shown in FIG. 8, launcher 1000 may include trigger 1080 to initiate the firing process. Charging the energy storage means by the launcher eliminates the requirement that the energy storage means contain a self-contained power source (i.e. no batteries are required for the energy storage means), thereby allowing the energy storage means to It becomes clear that the possibility of suffering battery drain is eliminated. It also becomes clear that the energy storage means can be charged by an external power source other than the launcher prior to loading in the launcher. Additionally, capacitors as an exemplary storage means are significantly lighter and cheaper than batteries, thereby improving the performance of the subject projectile and reducing manufacturing costs. Although capacitors are currently referenced, it becomes clear that this reference is not intended to be limiting and that other energizable solutions such as small rechargeable batteries can be used.

In another embodiment, the breech mechanism further includes a charger capable of charging the projectile once the projectile is placed in the breech. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 12, the breech contacts the PCB 106 or the complementary contact 108 of the projectile (as shown in FIG. 11) when the projectile is placed in the breech. may include conductive metal contacts (such as contact 108), and/or conductive metal contacts such as conductive spring fingers 1036c. The breech may then energize the projectile via metal contacts positioned against the PCB 106 and/or complementary contacts 108 on the projectile.

In one embodiment the activatable energy storage means is charged to or above the threshold energy by the inductive means. Such inductive means may be through wireless charging or, for example, by movement of a coil within a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be generated by permanent magnets, electromagnets, etc. located within the launcher or as one or more attachments to the launcher.

In another embodiment, magazine 1040 includes energy source 1042 . In one embodiment, the magazine includes at least one rail or slot, which is a complementary feature 109 of the projectile (such as at least one parallel side 202 of the projectile or contact point 108 of the projectile). ) can be engaged. That is, the complementary features of the projectile are received within the rails or slots of the magazine. A complementary feature of the projectile may include an electrical contact (or multiple electrical contacts) capable of receiving electrical charge and transmitting the electrical charge to the energy storage means. At least one rail or slot in the magazine is such that when a projectile is placed in the magazine, the contact(s) of the projectile is positioned against the energy source component of the magazine, thereby displacing the projectile into the magazine. includes an energy source component to allow it to be energized by In one embodiment, the projectile's energy storage means is not energized until the magazine is inserted into the launcher. An exemplary embodiment of such a magazine 1040 is shown in FIG. An exemplary embodiment of a projectile with complementary features 109 is shown in FIG.

In one embodiment, the debilitating substance of the payload 200 is mixed with an inert powder and is inert, as particle sizes less than 10 microns have been shown to cause long-term health problems, particularly lung and heart problems. The powder includes particle sizes of 10 microns or greater in diameter.

FIG. 1 represents a projectile launcher 1000, preferably based on a combination of motorized or electrical means and combustion gas or compressed gas means. It should be understood that the projectile is not limited to a particular method of launching, but rather a preferred design launcher that can take advantage of having electronic control and communication elements with the projectile. Since the projectile can be energized by a launcher or other external source, the possibility that the projectile would be unable to operate due to depleted internal batteries becomes impractical.

The projectiles and launchers disclosed herein offer the advantage of more controlled payload release than existing solutions can offer. For example, the user can set the range and/or velocity at which the payload is released by setting the parameters that control the release of the projectile. The projectile does not require impact on the target to disperse and/or deliver the payload (thus reducing the risk of injury to the target). Also, the configuration of the projectile cartridges disclosed herein may enhance the accuracy of projectile flight to further improve the safety of use of the projectiles disclosed herein. Furthermore, the projectile can be kept disabled until the energy storage means is sufficiently charged, ie above the threshold energy. Activation of the energy storage means by a launcher or other external source eliminates the possibility of the projectile suffering a power loss or blackout prior to firing. It also provides enhanced safety when transporting or handling projectiles.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The above descriptions of specific embodiments of the disclosure are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and clearly, in view of the above teachings, Many modifications and variations are possible. It best describes the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to best describe the disclosure and its various embodiments with various modifications as appropriate for the particular use contemplated. Exemplary embodiments have been chosen and described for ease of use.

Claims (20)

A launcher and projectile system comprising:
a launcher;
a non-lethal projectile;
said projectile comprising a housing, a payload, control circuitry, and an activatable energy storage means;
A launcher and projectile system wherein, after firing the projectile, the projectile housing ruptures, disintegrates, separates, or otherwise creates an opening therein to release the payload. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher further comprises a trigger, and wherein the energy storage means is not biased above a threshold energy until at least one of actuation of the trigger or initiation of firing of the projectile. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher further comprises a breech mechanism, the breech mechanism comprising a breech and a breech, and wherein the projectile is receivable within the breech. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein said energy storage means is energized by said breech mechanism of said launcher. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said energizing of said energy storage means occurs in less than 100 milliseconds. The launcher further comprises a launcher control circuit, the launcher control circuit controlling at least one of the biasing of the projectile and the timing of the bursting, disintegrating, separating, or creating an opening of the projectile. , the system of claim 1. 2. The payload of Claim 1, wherein the payload is at least one of a powder, an aerosol, a foam, a liquid, and a marking substance. 2. The payload of claim 1, wherein the payload has at least one of a debilitating effect, a deactivating effect, and a marking effect. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing of the projectile comprises at least one of a low melting point polymer, an elastomeric material, and a combustible housing. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher further comprises a launcher attachment, at least one of the launcher and launcher attachment capable of energizing the projectile. 2. Energy storage means according to claim 1, wherein said energy storage means is charged to a voltage corresponding to said timing of said release of said projectile. A non-lethal projectile,
said projectile comprising a housing, a payload, control circuitry, and activatable energy storage means;
after launch of the projectile, the projectile housing ruptures, disintegrates, separates, or otherwise creates an opening therein to release the payload;
Non-lethal projectile. 13. The projectile of claim 12, wherein said payload comprises powder and inert material, said inert material comprising powder having a particle size of at least 10 microns in diameter. 13. The projectile of claim 12, wherein the projectile comprises at least one fracture line or frangible housing. 13. The projectile of claim 12, wherein the housing of the projectile comprises at least one of a low melting point polymer, an elastomeric material, and a combustible housing. 13. The payload of claim 12, wherein the payload is at least one of powder, aerosol, foam, liquid, and marking substance. 13. The payload of Claim 12, wherein the payload has at least one of a debilitating effect, a deactivating effect, and a marking effect. 13. The projectile of claim 12, wherein the projectile further comprises one of a launcher and a launcher attachment, at least one of the launcher and the launcher attachment capable of biasing the projectile. 13. The projectile of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry comprises at least one of timing circuitry, GPS, and RFID. 13. The projectile of claim 12, wherein said activatable energy storage means powers said control circuit.

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