JP2023512746A - lethal projectile structure and launcher - Google Patents

Abstract

A lethal projectile for immobilizing a target may automatically detach or otherwise open after firing by the launcher, releasing 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 user-specified distance from the launcher or by the force of the launch against the projectile. . A magazine may hold multiple projectiles, and the various projectiles in the magazine may each be configured to open a specified distance and/or time after firing. The launcher may include a trigger and/or safety switch to prevent the projectile from being activated until certain parameters are met. [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 weapons or other launch mechanisms, and more particularly to those projectiles and launchers that incorporate an electrical energy source.

Projectiles and launch systems are commonly used for self-defense, for example, by law enforcement agencies and the military. Also, projectiles and launch systems can be designed to suppress targets (such as people or places). Typically, such weapon systems require accurate and precise targeting of projectiles to be effective. That is, the projectile must make physical contact with the target's body or physical mass in order to function. If the projectile does not hit the target, the projectile probably has no effect on the target.

To overcome this shortcoming in conventional projectiles, projectiles have been developed that split into multiple pieces, thus increasing the effective radius of the projectile (and reducing the accuracy of targeting required). Such fragmentation can be caused by one or more batteries internal to the projectile, or by components powered by the actual impact on the target. However, in that the batteries are inherently large and heavy, respectively, when compared to the projectile, so the potential configuration of the projectile (at least due to the fact that the battery occupies a considerable amount of space within the projectile) limit. Additionally, batteries are relatively expensive, thereby driving up the cost of manufacturing such projectiles. Additionally, and of great concern, batteries deplete over time and lose charge, which can render them usable for firing if a projectile so constructed is stored for an extended period of time. This means that there may be no 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.

Another tried solution is an airborne detonation range that is programmed for a specific detonation after projectile launch and/or has an adjusted range to detonation based on previously fired projectile range. It is an explosive style projectile. Programming of the adjustments is done by the user. Also, this system is battery based and thus has all the drawbacks of battery bases mentioned above. Such solutions are complex and prone to misfires due to potential interference with radio frequencies while programming is attempted to be communicated to an in-flight projectile. Also, this system is very expensive to manufacture.
[Problems to be solved by the invention]

Therefore, all of the currently available solutions suffer from one of the following disadvantages: target impact required, expensive to manufacture, complex to configure, and not reliably powered. have more than one

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. As used herein, a “payload” is capable of delivering a lethal or incapacitating force to a target and/or a lethal or incapacitating effect on a target. It should be understood to refer to any substance, object, compound, or material capable of giving rise to In one embodiment, the payload is a lethal projectile disclosed herein when the projectile or projectile housing ruptures, disintegrates, separates, or otherwise creates an opening therein. can be released from the body. The payload may also include projectile fragments produced when the projectile decomposes or splits into multiple pieces.

The projectile also preferably includes energy storage means. As used herein, "energy storage means" actuates or activates a projectile or another component of the projectile until the energy storage means is charged or energized by an external source (such as a launcher). A storage means that lacks sufficient charge to be operational. 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 activated or activated and/or cannot initiate a mechanical or chemical or electrical reaction. In one embodiment, the energy storage means may include a capacitor.

In one embodiment, the projectile separates into two or more components after the projectile leaves 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, the initiation may vary depending on the distance to the suspect or target.

In another embodiment, the projectile and launcher include means for adjusting various 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. For example, selective release can be achieved by timed reactions or time delays for initiating reactions when using controlled muzzle velocities, such velocities being inflating gas or propellant. can be controlled by controlling the agent.

In another embodiment, a rechargeable electrical circuit 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. The release can be timed so that the separation is close to the target. Timing may include calculations based on projectile velocity and distance and/or time to target. Electrical circuits and reactions can be initiated in concert with the energy storage means being fully charged, ie above the threshold energy. Additionally, the electrical circuit may be used in conjunction with proximity detectors or proximity sensors. In further embodiments, the electrical circuit may be inductively activated. In such embodiments where electromagnetic inductive charging is used to actuate an electrical circuit, the launcher may include magnetic and/or electromagnetic elements (e.g., coils of wire, etc.), which may It activates the body's electrical circuits by induction. The inductive charging element may be located on the barrel or rail of the launcher, or anywhere else on the launcher that allows operable coupling of the charging element to the electrical circuit. A charging element in the barrel or rail, for example, can prevent the projectile from being operational until it has been fired or is ready for firing.

In a further embodiment for projectiles that include electrical components, the electrical circuitry may be activated by the launcher. Such actuation means may include direct electrical connections, inductive charging, and the like. Safety features by restricting actuation to the launcher to encode the projectile, e.g., reduce the likelihood of accidental splitting or separation of the projectile outside of the launcher during handling or transportation of the projectile. can be increased.

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, such reaction may be initiated with an "electromatch" or other initiator. The electrical match may consist of nichrome or a similar high resistance element that is preferably coated with a pyrogen. It may initiate in response to electrical energy from a battery, capacitor, or the like.

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. Firing the projectile by the launcher can be accomplished by compressed air or propellant or other means.

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.

1000 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 1000 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 with the projectile housing separated and the payload ejected, 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; 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 is a view of a projectile having components that can increase the pressure inside the projectile's housing based on a predetermined amount of time, 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. 10 illustrates a projectile including payload, control circuitry, initiator, and switch, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a projectile with a control circuit and timer actuated by the force of the projectile's launch, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a projectile with a control circuit and timer actuated by the force of the projectile's launch, 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, wherein the projectile may wirelessly communicate with and/or be energized by 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. 12 illustrates a projectile including multiple elements that may be scattered, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 illustrates a breech mechanism whereby an electrical storage element of a projectile can be charged above a threshold energy by contact with an element of the launcher such as the breech, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 shows a projectile that can be charged by contact with a launcher element such as a breech plug, according to 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.

The present disclosure provides a lethal projectile 100 and a launcher 1000 for such a projectile 100, the launcher 1000 and projectile 100 forming the entire system. The projectile 100 preferably includes a payload 200 (a bullet fragment that may include some or all fragments of a container, etc.) to affect a target or suspect. Projectile 100 preferably includes a container, which in one embodiment is formed by an at least partially toroidal cartridge section 102 or cartridge section (hereinafter also referred to as "packet"). Sometimes. In such an embodiment, at least one cartridge section has a closed, substantially flat end 104 (herein (also referred to as a "rear end cap" or "end"). The at least one cartridge section and end may be individually and collectively referred to herein as the housing of projectile 100 . that the projectile housing is not limited to the cartridge section and end configurations referred to in the exemplary embodiments above, and that the projectile housing may be spherical or conical without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure; etc., but is not necessarily limited to any shape forming a container. Further, the cartridge may be of unitary construction. Payload 200 is preferably contained in the container prior to launch of projectile 100 . In one embodiment, projectile 100 can automatically separate, disintegrate, split, or otherwise open prior to impact with a target. In one embodiment, launcher 1000 may initiate projectile 100 separation or disassembly or bursting or opening, or the like. In one embodiment, launcher 1000 (and/or launcher attachment) 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 means contained within the projectile.

One end 104 of projectile 100 may be removably attachable to an annular portion of at least one cartridge section 102 . Attachability of end 104 to the annular portion may be mechanical, adhesive, or welding, for example. Attachability facilitates access to the receptacle formed by end 104 and annular portion 102 of cartridge 102 . The cartridge end 104 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 end 104 and the receptacle of the cartridge 102 is open elsewhere than at the end 104 of the cartridge. To obtain, the first annular portion and the second annular portion include a first annular portion and a second annular portion removably attached to each other.

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 or breech for retaining the projectile prior to firing the projectile. 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. In one embodiment, launcher 1000 further includes a breech and/or breech mechanism 1030 (as shown in exemplary embodiment FIG. 1A) into which one or more projectiles may be loaded prior to firing. . The breech mechanism 1030 includes a barrel 1010 , at least one projectile inlet 1032 and a breech 1034 . Projectile inlet 1032 is adapted to receive a projectile into barrel 1010 . The breech plug 1034 includes forward and aft portions and may be configured such that the breech plug 1034 is partially received within the barrel 1010 such that the forward portion of the breech plug 1034 blocks the projectile inlet 1032. , and in the second position, breech plug 1034 is configured to allow projectile 100 to enter barrel 1010 from projectile inlet 1032 . The breech mechanism may also include a charger or charging element 1036 to charge the projectile. In one embodiment, the launcher and/or breech and barrel may include rails, such as those found in railguns.

In one embodiment, the housing of projectile 100 opens or otherwise separates to deliver payload 200 after it leaves barrel 1010 of launcher 1000 . In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2B, such payloads may include detachment and/or fragmentation of the projectile itself. 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 escape. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, projectile 100 is shown before separation and after separation into different sections 100a and 100b, after which separation payload 200 diverged outside of projectile 100. FIG. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the housing of the projectile 100 includes at least one fracture line 108, the one or more fracture lines 108 being relatively weak in the housing. or may include thin sections along one or more fracture lines 108 along which the projectile housing may rupture after firing (as shown in FIG. 2B). Rupture of the projectile along one or more fracture lines may help enhance the lethal effect of the projectile on the target. In another embodiment, the projectile housing is frangible.

In another embodiment, the projectile housing separates or splits and becomes part of or is the lethal force.

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

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 specified distance from launcher 1000 . In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the reaction may be initiated in response to timer 130 . Such a reaction may increase pressure inside projectile 100 (eg, as shown by airbag 170 in FIG. 3) or otherwise cause damage to the projectile housing. Additionally, such components may be initiated by chemical reactions and 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. In one embodiment, GPS is used to track and initiate projectile separation, bursting, or splitting. In further embodiments, some or all of the control circuitry may be encapsulated, for example, in a gel, liquid, or potting compound to minimize force damage resulting from projectile acceleration.

The launcher may also include at least one attachment to the launcher, such as a magazine, and the at least one attachment may communicate with the projectile using the same communication means as the launcher or other communication means. As shown in FIG. 4, 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 can determine the distance from the bursting projectile within a particular defined area. It is clear that the impact of the payload can be concentrated. In an embodiment in which the various projectiles are configured to separate, burst, etc. at different distances and/or times after launch, the separation of each particular one of the various projectiles, etc. Certain distances and/or times after firing, which may be achieved by selectively setting the separation of each projectile, etc. of the various projectiles, as described elsewhere in the specification, obviously Become. 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, the magazine includes an energy source (such as, but not necessarily a charger) for energizing an activatable storage means for projectiles while such projectiles are disposed within the magazine. including but not limited to).

Referring again to FIG. 5, the projectile 100 includes an energy storage means 140 (such as but not limited to a capacitor) and an initiator 150 (such as but not limited to a heating element). not a thing). Charging the energy storage means may also be referred to herein as "energizing" the energy storage means. The energy storage means disclosed herein may also be referred to as activatable energy storage means. 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 the initiator 150 to cause the initiator 150 to carry out reactions (eg, heating) that lead to the opening, separation, decomposition, or fragmentation of the projectile 100 . In another embodiment, a timer and/or switch or proximity sensor (discussed below) may be initiated by the firing motion of the projectile or by communication with the launcher or launcher attachment. In another embodiment, the projectile includes a proximity sensor that can cause selective release, separation, disintegration, or fragmentation of the projectile after launch. For example, the proximity sensor may initiate projectile separation and/or release once the projectile is within 3 feet of the target.

In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 6, control circuit 120 is directly coupled to initiator 150 such that control circuit 120 activates initiator 150 . As shown in FIG. 6, initiator 150 may be an electric match, which upon actuation may heat to trigger future reactions and release payload 200 into the cartridge of projectile 100. , and/or split the cartridge of the projectile 100 .

In another embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 7, 7A, and 7B, projectile control circuit 120 and/or timer 130 may be controlled by a switch or accelerator (shown in FIG. 7 in an exemplary embodiment). It may be actuated, such as by 190, in response to sudden accelerations or forces generated when projectile 100 is launched. Control circuit 120 and/or timer 130 may then activate initiator 15,0 to cause breakage within the projectile housing and allow payload 200 to disperse. This failure can be the result of, for example, an increase in internal pressure, a mechanical reaction of the initiator such as separation of components, or dissolution of a section of the housing.

7A and 7B, projectile 100 with control circuit 120 and timer 130 activated by the force of projectile 100 launch. In one embodiment, projectile 100 includes button 195 . When projectile 100 is fired, trailing end cap 104 presses or otherwise engages button 195 . Button 195 is operably coupled to timer 130 such that timer 130 is started when the button is pressed. After a period of time measured by timer 130 , capacitor 140 discharges into the initiator, which reacts (heats) leading to opening, separation, decomposition, or fragmentation of projectile 100 to release payload 200 . etc. and as described elsewhere herein).

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. 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 another embodiment, the energy storage means is de-energized until the projectile contacts breech plug 1034 of breech plug mechanism 1030 . In such embodiments, the breech plug does not contact the projectile until the launcher is fired. This in turn provides another level of safety by preventing the projectile from becoming operational until the launcher is fired. In such embodiments, the tail plug may be made from an electrically conductive material, such as brass. In such an embodiment, for example, the breech plug may include at least one conductive probe that contacts one section of the projectile, while the conductive breech plug itself contacts another section of the projectile. come into contact with In this way the breech plug successfully charges the energy storage means of the projectile.

In yet another embodiment shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, 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, allowing for more precise control of the point at which the housing breaks or bursts, i.e. setting a specific distance or time at which the projectile can burst. to In a further embodiment, the projectile is powered by the launcher 1000 (e.g., by a power source therein, or by a battery 1050 in the launcher that the projectile 100 can contact when loaded into the launcher 1000 at the contact point 1070 shown in FIG. 8). ), thus disabling the projectile 100, for example, until it is loaded into the launcher. This enhances the safety profile of the projectile 100. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, 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 one embodiment, the inductive charging may occur while the projectile is within and/or descending within the barrel. 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-fly customization of parameters, thus further enhancing its ability to distribute the payload 200 at more favorable or precise locations. As shown in FIG. 10, 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 apparent that the energy storage means can be charged by an external power source other than the launcher prior to loading the projectile into 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.

In yet another embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 11, projectile 100 includes at least one mass 110 (e.g., pellets, etc.) disposed within and/or on housing of projectile 100, and preferably It contains a plurality of chunks 110 .

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, the contacts may receive signals or other inputs from the launcher, which inputs or signals may be sent to the PCB for a projectile separation timer or You can tell it to start counting down. 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, and as shown in FIG. 12, the energy storage means is energized above threshold energy via at least one contact 1036 with the breech and may also include launcher electronics. In further embodiments, the actuation occurs in less than 20 milliseconds. In another embodiment, the projectile electrical components are compiled into at least one ASIC.

Such launcher electronics may include logic or other means for charging the projectile and/or allowing the projectile to perform other operations simultaneously with launch. That is, in embodiments, the launcher electronics may communicate at least one of analog and digital data to the projectile's control circuitry to determine to launch the projectile. The logic may include fast charging means wherein the current conducted to the projectile's energy storage means exceeds at least 500 ma for at least a portion of the time the projectile and launcher electronics are in communication. Additionally, the launcher electronics may include a safety means whereby activation of the energy storage means does not occur until the trigger is pulled or otherwise actuated. Additionally, the launcher electronics may include or communicate with a targeting system in which the target distance for destruction of the projectile is programmed at the time the projectile is launched. Such systems may be voltage controlled, where the voltage threshold communicated to the projectile corresponds to detonation or burst time. Additionally, as part of the launcher electronics, the projectile rate of fire can be measured or otherwise determined so that accurate detonation distance of the projectile can be enabled via simple timing means. can be considered. For example, if the average projectile velocity is 100 meters per second and the target is at a distance of 100 meters, the timer is set to allow a time period of 1.000 seconds to destroy the cartridge or release its contents. can be set. Such timing can be easily achieved with either a timing chip such as the 555 or a microcontroller such as the AtTiny. In further embodiments of the launcher circuit, the circuit includes a fingerprint or other biometric or access means (such as a personal identification code) that can preclude use of the launcher except by authorized individuals. obtain.

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. Because the projectile herein is of lightweight construction (at least because it does not require an internal battery), the compressed gas can sufficiently and effectively launch 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 delivered by setting the parameters that control the release of the projectile. Alternatively, this range and/or speed can be automatically set by the rangefinder calculating the optimum distance at which splitting or separation occurs. 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, further enhancing safe handling of the projectile.

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 lethal projectile;
a housing, a control circuit, and said projectile comprising an activatable energy storage means;
A launcher and projectile system wherein the projectile housing ruptures, disintegrates, separates, splits, or otherwise creates an opening therein after the projectile is fired. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher comprises means for measuring the distance and/or time to the target and communicating with the projectile. 2. The projectile further comprising at least one initiator, the at least one initiator capable of initiating a chemical or mechanical reaction to create an opening within the housing of the projectile. The system described in . 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a trigger and safety switch, wherein said energy storage means is not energized above said threshold energy until said at least one trigger and/or safety switch is actuated. . 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one of wired and wireless means of communication and/or energy transfer between said launcher and said projectile. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said launcher further comprises a launcher attachment, at least one of said launcher and launcher attachment comprising an energy source for energizing said energy storage means above a threshold energy. The launcher comprises a magazine, the magazine comprising a plurality of projectiles, each projectile of the plurality of projectiles bursting or disintegrating after firing at a unique specified distance from the launcher. , separates, splits, or otherwise creates an opening therein. The launcher further comprises a breech mechanism, the breech mechanism comprising a breech and a breech, the projectile being receivable within the breech mechanism, and the biasable storage means comprising the breech. 3. The system of claim 1, activated or otherwise enabled by contact with a plug. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said energy storage means is one of a capacitor and a rechargeable battery. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a payload that is released from the projectile after the projectile ruptures, disintegrates, separates, splits, or opens therein. a lethal projectile,
the projectile comprising a housing;
a control circuit;
means for rupturing, splitting, disintegrating, separating, or otherwise creating an opening in the housing after the projectile is fired. Projectile. 12. The projectile of claim 11, wherein said energy storage means is one of a capacitor and a rechargeable battery. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said projectile further comprises one of a launcher and a launcher attachment, at least one of said launcher and launcher attachment comprising an energy source for energizing said energy storage means above a threshold energy. Described projectile. 12. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the projectile comprises at least one fracture line or frangible housing. 12. The projectile further comprising at least one initiator, the at least one initiator capable of initiating a chemical or mechanical reaction to create an opening within the housing of the projectile. A projectile as described in . 12. The projectile of claim 11, said projectile further comprising 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 initiated by projectile movement of the projectile or by communication with a launcher or launcher attachment. 16. The projectile of claim 15, wherein said initiation is determined as a result of communication of analog or digital data from said launcher or launcher attachment to said control circuit. 12. The projectile of claim 11, further comprising a payload released from the projectile after the projectile ruptures, disintegrates, separates, splits, or creates an opening therein. 12. The projectile of claim 11, wherein the control circuitry is encased in gel, liquid, or potting compound.

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