MXPA97000968A - Motorcycle incapacitor of motorcycle - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-lethal weapon to incapacitate an engine, for example from an automobile in flight, by means of a discharge of high voltage that disturbs or destroys the electrical circuits. The disabling voltage transmission to the distant target is made by two electrically conductive air channels. The conductive channels are created by multi-photon and collisional ionization within the trajectories of two coherent ultraviolet (laser) or incoherent columnar radiation beams aimed at a target. A single beam can be used to incapacitate a target opposite the ground. The high-voltage current flows from the electrodes at the origin of the beams, along the free electrode channels inside it.

Description

ENERGY DISAPPEARING WEAPON Field of the Invention This invention relates to weapons and, more particularly, to a type of non-disabling weapon that can be used by military personnel or agents in charge of order, for the temporary immobilization of a subject or target subjects. The invention is also related to involuntary contraction of muscle tissue by the application of electrical current that is identical or closely approximates the physiological neuroelectric impulses that control muscle movements. The weapon is also used to stop a car or other vehicle by disabling the electronic control circuit of its engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION To date, the known non-lethal and sublethal electric weapons have been designed to make a target subject have less functionality, have relied on high voltage and low frequency currents to shake, stun or disorient the target subject. One of the first examples of this type of device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,803,463, to Cover. This device is a hand-sized weapon to IAN-ERIC from which two small projectiles are fired at the target subject. Each projectile is attached to a thin conductor wire in order to supply an electric current to stun the target subject. The main problem with this type of device is that it can only be shot and can not be recharged. The weapon, therefore, has little value if it has to be used against several targets, if one or two projectiles miss the target or if the target subject is able to remove one or both projectiles or wires before the stunner current is activated In addition, the weapon is classified as a firearm since the projectiles are driven by loads of nitrocellulose powder and, therefore, are subject to all legal restrictions that apply to firearms. To solve these difficulties, several non-lethal weapons have been proposed that project two parallel streams of electrically conductive liquid towards the target subject. These currents are maintained at different potentials in order to complete a circuit when they are brought into contact with a target subject and, therefore, stun the target subject with a series of very low frequency electric pulses of approximately 10,000 volts each. These weapons are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,971,292 AN-F.RIC of Paniagua; U.S. Patent No. 4,486,807 to Yanez; U.S. Patent No. 4,846,044 to Lahr; U.S. Patent No. 4,852,454 to Batchelder; U.S. Patent No. 4,930,392 to Ilson; and United States Patent No. 5,103,366 to Battochi. The main disadvantage of these weapons is that they can be fired only a few times without reloading. A second disadvantage is that, similar to the previous devices of projectile and wire, all these weapons create painful muscular spasms in the target subject that can cause damage, and invite legal action against users. A third disadvantage is that the capillary instability causes the liquid streams to break into droplets after a short distance. A fourth disadvantage is that gravity quickly attracts liquid currents into a ballistic arc, making it difficult to aim. A fifth disadvantage is that the ionic flux within the liquid electrolytes provides only a weak electrical conductivity. A sixth disadvantage is that the target subject can get wet with the liquid streams so that the current is short circuited and is unable to stun the subject. A seventh disadvantage is that the electromechanical nature of these devices and the corrosive liquids they use tend to shorten their useful life.

.:.!.! - F.Ric Tetanization is the stimulation of muscle tissue by a rapid series of electrical impulses of such frequency that they merge individual muscle contractions into a single sustained contraction. Tetanization is a well-known phenomenon: refer to Offner, "Stimulation With Minimum Power", Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol. 9, pp. 387-390, 1946; Dalziel, "Effect of Wave Form on Let-go Currents", AIEE Transactions, Vol. 62, pp. 739-744, 1943; Dalziel and Lee, "Lethal Electrical Currents", IEEE Spectrum, Vol. 6, pp. 44-50, 1969; Dalziel, Ogden, and Abbott, "Effect of Frequency on Let-go Currents", AIEE Transactions, Vol. 62, p. 445-450, 1943; Kouwenhoven, Hooker and Lotz, "Electrical Shock Effects of Frequency", Electrical Engineering, Vol. 55, pp. 384-386, 1936; and Ferris et al., "Effects of Electrical Shock on the Heart", Electrical Engineering, Vol. 55, pp. 498-515, 1936. The present invention also results from previous experiences in laser-induced ionization of the air, as described in Koopman and Wilkerson, "Channeling of Ionizing Electrical Streamer by a Beam Laser", Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 42, pp. 1183-1186, 1971, and Koopman and Saum, "Formation and Guiding of High-Velocity Electrical Streamers by Laser-Induced Ionization", Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 44, pp. 5328-5336, 1973.

-ERIC Previous applications of laser-induced ionization can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,719,829 to Vaill and 3,775,638 to Tidman which disclose methods for creating a conductive path in a gas, US Pat. No. 4,017,767 to Ball. and U.S. Patent No. 4,453,196 to Herr which discloses the transmission of electricity by laser ionized air channels and U.S. Patent No. 5,175,664 to Diels et al. which reveal methods for creating conductive paths of ionized air by means of laser beams in order to discharge storm clouds. This invention also relates to devices used to damage or destroy electronic circuits at a certain distance. Because these circuits now control many internal combustion engines, high voltage currents or impulses that damage those circuits necessarily disable the engines they govern. A commercial application is stopping cars that run away without causing damage to passengers or nearby pedestrians. High voltages are required because the current must reach the ground through a gap of approximately ten centimeters between the wheels of the car and the pavement. Since the breaking voltage of dry air is approximately 32 kv m ~, the potential difference between JAJJ-ERIC the rings of the wheel and earth is approximately 320 kv. As disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,503,059 the means previously used to stop a car with an external electric current include placing a conductive pad in its path, as the vehicle passes over it, the pad provides an electrical impulse. powerful to the vehicle and, therefore, to its electronic components. This method has the obvious disadvantage that the user has to select and arrive at an effective location before the arrival of the automobile. That same patent also reveals two other means of transporting an electric current to a moving vehicle. The first consists of putting the lower part of the vehicle in contact with metal rods that are projected from the patrol that is chasing it. The second consists of firing at the car in flight a harpoon with tracking cables that subsequently transmit electricity to the vehicle. Each of these methods lacks satisfactory reach and the ability to continuously aim a moving vehicle. Another previous method uses microwave pulses that are directed to the car from an antenna of the patrol that is conducting the pursuit. According to U.S. Patent 5, 293, 527, the beam width intended to achieve that objective is of JA'l-ERIC approximately 50 °. A microwave pulse of this magnitude will not only dissipate too quickly to be effective at any reasonable distance, but also likely to affect other vehicles. The present invention is the result of the search for a weapon that would be more efficient in terms of driving electric discharges towards a remote vehicle within a wider range, with the possibility of aiming more accurately and continuously towards the target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main objective of this invention is to provide a non-lethal immobilizing weapon that is used by military personnel or in charge of maintaining order. A second objective of the invention is to provide a non-lethal immobilizing weapon that is inherently safe to operate. A third objective of the invention is to provide a non-lethal weapon that is capable of temporarily immobilizing an objective subject without causing pain, shock, disorientation or loss of consciousness. A fourth objective of the invention is to provide a non-lethal weapon that is capable of temporarily immobilizing an objective subject, without the latter being aware of the cause. JAN-ERIC A fifth object is to provide a non-lethal immobilizing weapon whose range is substantially greater than that of previous related weapons that are used with wires or conductive liquid streams. A sixth objective is to provide an immobilizing and non-lethal weapon that can be fired from a remote location, without requiring the physical impact of solid or liquid matter on the target. A seventh objective is to provide an immobilizing and non-lethal weapon that can be continuously directed and made to travel through an indefinitely large number of target subjects. An eighth object is to provide an immobilizing and non-lethal weapon that can be fired rapidly to a specific location on a single target subject, or to a specific target subject among many, due to the ly directional nature of its current conducting means. A ninth objective is to provide an immobilizing and non-lethal weapon that has a significantly longer service life than previous related weapons. These and other objectives are achieved by transmitting electrical impulses of relatively frequency towards the target, through one or two channels electrically JAJI-ERIC ionized air conductors, produced within one or two intense ultraviolet radiation beams, pointed at the target, and placing a high-voltage field of opposite polarity across the path of each beam. The present invention works by immobilizing the target person or animal at a distance. This function is developed by producing a tetanization of the skeletal muscle in the target subject. Tetanization is the stimulation of muscle tissue by a series of electrical impulses of such frequency that individual muscle contractions merge into a single sustained contraction. The immobilizing tetanization is maintained as long as the weapon continues to produce an electric current within a larger portion of the subject's skeletal muscles, and for a short time afterwards due to paralysis caused by the temporary inhibition of the neuromuscular impulses. The optimal current and frequency that are required to create and maintain immobility while avoiding damage to cardiac or respiratory activity are 25 milliamps and 100 hertz, respectively. Currents in the range of 20 to 50 milliamps and 5 to 2500 hertz can also be used, higher frequencies require higher currents. A frequency of approximately 2 hertz can finally be used to produce JAN-ERIC painful spinal contractions. A minimum electrical potential of approximately 600 volts is required to overcome the resistance of the skin without causing burns. The waveform of the most effective current to produce tetanization is that which most closely resembles the physiologically produced neural impulse. As the Offner signal, this waveform is a pulse of exponential elevation. The second most effective waveform is a square wave, while the least effective is a sine wave. Due to its rapid rise times, square waves allow greater penetration through the clothing and skin of the target subject. In addition, the differences in the effectiveness of the different waveforms constitute a safety factor inherent in the operation of the weapon in question. This safety factor is the result of the rapid absorption, by the biological tissue, of the harmonic frequencies within complex waveforms such as the square wave. A current of 20 to 50 milliamperes is able to stimulate only the skeletal muscles of the target subject and can not penetrate the internal muscles controlled automatically such as the heart. A lethal variation of the weapon of the present could be implemented by increasing the current above the JAN-ERIC approximately 250 milliamperes. A sinusoidal wave current having a density of about 5 milliamperes per square centimeter, flowing through the heart muscle for more than about two seconds, can initiate ventricular fibrillation. The duration of the current that is needed to cause ventricular fibrillation is inversely proportional to the density of the current within the heart muscle. The current carried by the ionized air channel is limited by the number of free electrons within the ultraviolet beam. A current of 20 milliamperes minimum is required to induce skeletal muscle tetanization and can be carried by a gaseous channel with a concentration of 108 ions per cubic centimeter. This concentration is most effectively achieved in the air, by ionizing molecular oxygen with coherent or incoherent columnar ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of 193 nanometers. Shorter wavelengths may be used as optical technological progress. At its normal operating intensity and a wavelength of 193 nanometers, the ultraviolet beam is safe for the skin since it can not produce more than a mild erythema, similar to a sunburn, unless it is directed to the same location for many minutes.

AN-ERIC Furthermore, it is safe for the eyes since wavelengths close to 193 nanometers can not penetrate the cornea to reach the internal ocular structures, such as the lens and the retina. At this wavelength, molecular oxygen has a cross-sectional ionization of two photons of 1 x 10 ~ 34 cm / watt. Due to its low ionization threshold, the number of photons required for ionization, and its large proportion in the atmosphere, it is very easy to create sufficient electronic density. The most efficient source of 193 nanometer radiation currently available is the excimer laser pumped by argon fluoride discharge. The power density, pulse duration and reasonable pulse repetition rate for this laser is 5 megawatts per square centimeter, 10 nanoseconds and 200 pulses per second, respectively. An argon fluoride laser with an aperture of 1 square centimeter has a power density (energy output) of 10 millijoules poir pulse or 1 megawatt per square centimeter. Each pulse releases 6.3 x 106 electrons, or 6.3 x 1014 electrons per second in the air, immediately out of the opening. A power density of 50 millijoules per pulse or 5 megawatts per square centimeter releases 1.6 x 108 electrons during JAN-ERIC each pulse, which equals 1.6 x 1016 electrons per second. A narrow beam of ultraviolet radiation can also be generated from the collimated emission of an ultraviolet lamp. The electronic density in the ionized air channel is a function of the ratio between electron production and loss rates. In the processes of electronic union of two bodies and three bodies, the delay time between the end of the laser pulse and the start of high voltage tetanization pulses determines the number of electrons available. When the electronic energy is only 0.1 electron volts, for example the union of three bodies is fast, and the electronic density of stable state for a beam of 193 nanometers, 5 megawatts per square centimeter is 8 x 107 per cubic centimeter. The range of the weapon of the present one is determined by the range at which the laser beam is absorbed by the atmosphere. A beam of wavelength of 193 nanometers is attenuated in dry air at approximately 1 x 10 ~ 4 per centimeter. Therefore, it will propagate approximately 100 meters before its intensity decreases to 1 / e of its initial value. As a consequence, the electron density of 1.6 x 108 at the opening of a fluoride laser JAN-ERIC argon with a power density of 5 megawatts per square centimeter falls to 2.2 x 107 after 100 meters. Because the minimum electronic density required to transmit a current is between 106 and 108 per cubic centimeter, the anterior ionized channel must conduct the tetanizing current at least 100 meters. The range of this weapon could be increased by the use of a more efficient ultraviolet source. Various techniques, including those suggested in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,017,767 to Ball and 5,175,664 to Diels et al., To which reference is made herein, may be used in order to improve collisional and multi-photon ionization throughout the you do laser These techniques are well known to people with expertise in the electrical area. The motor incapacitation application of the invention creates high voltage discharges in the vicinity of a vehicle engine, by using the vehicle body as a shorting medium between either the beam carrying the voltage and the ground or between a pair of beams that carry voltage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of an ultraviolet beam generating system using a UV lamp; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Description of the Preferred Modality of the Invention Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. A high intensity source of ultraviolet radiation, coherent or incoherent columnar, which typically operates in a pulse mode, for example in a pulse laser 1, directs a photonic beam 6 having a wavelength of approximately 193 nanometers towards a target human or animal grounded 2. An ionized air channel is created inside the photonic beam 6 according to the processes of multi-photon, colisional and ionization processes. A high-voltage tetanizing pulse generator 3 has one of its output terminals connected to an electrically conductive mirror 5 or to an electrically transparent plate JAJJ- > -: conductive RIC 5a, interposed in the trajectory of the photonic beam 6 or 6a. The second terminal of the high voltage pulse generator 3 is connected to ground. A variable resistor 7 is mounted in series with one of the terminals of the high voltage pulse generator 3 and is controlled by a feedback loop to maintain a constant current through the target 2. A synchronization circuit 4 produces the trip signals synchronized for both the pulse laser 1 and the high voltage pulse generator 3. Assuming that a sufficient number of free electrons are created by the multi-photon, colisional and other ionization processes, between the mirror 5 or the plate 5a and the objective 2, an electrical path is provided for the high voltage pulses that are emitted from the generator 3, towards the body of the human or animal objective 2. In the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2, a second laser 8 is used to create the return path of the electrical circuit instead of the ground connection. The second terminal of the high-voltage pulse generator 3 is connected to a second electrically conductive mirror 9 or to the transparent electrically conductive plate 9a interposed in the path of the second laser beam 10. The laser beams 6 and 9 are aimed to hit the target human or animal 2 JAIJ-ERIC in two locations 11 and 12, between which the high-voltage tetanizing current will flow. Assuming that enough free electrons are created in each of the ionized air channels between the mirror 5 or the plate 5a and the location 11 of the objective on the one hand, and the mirror 9 or plate 9a and the location 12 on the objective by the On the other hand, an electrical path for the high-voltage pulse current is provided. This electrical path includes a portion of the target subject 2. The firing of the lasers 1 or 8 and the activation of the high voltage pulse generator 3 are synchronized by the synchronization circuit 4. Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system ultraviolet beam generator wherein the radiation from a UV lamp 13 is focused by a parabolic reflector 14 on the focal center of a lens 15. The beam 16 of the parallel ultraviolet rays is used to ionize an air channel. Figure 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment uses the high voltage (non-tetanizing) aspect of the invention against electronic circuits, especially those of vehicles. A high intensity source of coherent or incoherent columnar ultraviolet radiation, which typically operates in a pulse mode, for example a pulse laser 1, JAJi-ERIC directs, towards vehicle 22, a photonic beam 6 having a wavelength preferably of 193 nanometers. An ionized air channel is created inside the photonic beam 6 according to the ultiphotonic, colisional and other ionization processes. A Marx generator or high voltage capacitor bank 17 has its output terminal connected either to an electrically conductive mirror 5 or to a transparent plate 5a, electrically conductive, interposed in the trajectory either of the photonic beam 6 or 6a respectively. Assuming that a sufficient number of free electrons are created by multi-photon, collisional and other ionization processes between the mirror 5 or the plate 5a and the vehicle 22, the vehicle 22 is provided with an electrical path for the high-voltage direct current pulses that they are emitted from the Marx generator or capacitor bank 17. These pulses travel through the metal portions of the vehicle 22 to its wheel arches and then to the ground. Due to its high potential, the pulses induce secondary currents in the electronic circuits of a vehicle, thus damaging its voltage sensitive components. The photonic beam 6 or 6a is directed automatically, for example by a radar-controlled servomechanism 19 (not shown), or by manual alignment of a visible light beam 20 which is coaxial to the ultraviolet photon beam 6 or 6a.

JAN-ERIC Because electric pulses are used from a Marx generator or capacitor bank 17 previously charged, instead of a direct current, no return path is needed. Therefore, this mode can be used from a platform that is not grounded, such as a helicopter or other aircraft. Figure 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention that is used against electronic circuits, especially those of vehicles. A second laser 8 is used to create a return path for the electric current. Each of the terminals of a high voltage alternating current generator 18 is connected either to the electrically conductive mirrors 5 and 9, or to the electrically conductive transparent plates 5a and 9a, which are interposed in the path of any of the photonic beams 6 or 10, respectively. The photonic beams 6 or 10 are directed to collide on the target vehicle 22 in two locations 23 and 24, between which the high voltage alternating current will flow. Assuming that sufficient free electrons are created between the mirror 5 or the plate 5a and the location 23 in a part of the vehicle 22, and the mirror 9 or the plate 9a and the location 24 in another part of the vehicle, an electrical path is provided for high voltage alternating current. This trajectory JAN-ERIC electric should include the largest portion of vehicle 22, which will presumably contain most of its electronic circuits. Due to its high potential, the alternating current induces secondary currents in the electronic circuits of the vehicle, thus damaging its voltage sensitive components. The photonic beams 6 and 10 are automatically directed, by means of a radar-controlled servomechanism 19 (not shown) or by manual alignment of visible light beams 20 and 21 which are coaxial with the ultraviolet photonic beams 6 and 10. Alternatively, the photonic beams 6 and 10 are directed to converge in the air, above the engine compartment of the vehicle 22. The high-voltage alternating current is therefore led to a point immediately above that part of the vehicle 22 where the vehicle is located. most of its electronic circuits. Due to its high potential, alternating current induces transient currents in the electronic circuits of the car, thus damaging its voltage sensitive components. The photonic beams 6 and 10 are automatically directed by a radar-controlled servomechanism 19 (not shown) or by manual alignment of visible light beams 20 and 21 which are co-axial with the ultraviolet photonic beams 6 and 10. As a path of return, this method can be used JAN-ERIC from a platform that is not grounded, as is a helicopter or other aircraft. In another application a stationary barrier is triggered consisting of two parallel laser beams of ionized air, fired across a road about 80 centimeters above the ground. The high voltage discharge is applied to the beams as in the modalities described above. The front end of a vehicle that crosses the beams causes the incapacitating discharge of the engine. While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, modifications and other embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

JAN-ERIC

Claims (14)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following CLAIMS is claimed as property! An apparatus for generating a high voltage electrical discharge that incapacitates electrical circuits, near a target having an electrically conductive body, comprising: a means for generating an electrical current of high voltage pulses; means for ionizing at least one ambient air channel between the generating medium and the target; and a means for inducing electric current within the ionized channel, wherein the generating medium and the ionizing medium have nominal output powers capable of inducing an electric discharge current through the body, the current is adjusted to cause a secondary current in the electrical circuit.
2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generating means comprises: an electronic circuit creating high voltage pulses; the means for ionizing comprises means for emitting a first beam of ultraviolet radiation; Y J .- = C =: C a means to apply the electric current of high voltage pulses to the ionized channel.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for applying comprises an electrically conductive mirror placed in the path of the ionized channel, the mirror is connected to a first output terminal of the electronic circuit creating high voltage pulses.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for applying comprises a plate of transparent electrically conductive material, placed in the trajectory of the beam, the plate is connected to a first output terminal of the electronic circuit creating high voltage pulses .
5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the beam has a wavelength of 193 nanometers.
6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for ionizing comprises a laser operated in a pulse mode.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for synchronizing the electric current of high voltage pulses with the ultraviolet radiation beam.
8. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for emitting a second beam of JAN-ERIC ultraviolet radiation striking the target, at a location distant from a point of impact of the first beam, and a means for connecting a second output terminal of opposite polarity with the first terminal of the electronic high voltage pulse creating circuit , towards the second beam of ultraviolet radiation.
9. 9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the high-voltage electronic pulse generator circuit comprises a Marx generator.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the Marx generator has an output voltage of at least 400 kilovolts.
11. 11. A method for generating a high voltage electrical discharge that capacites electrical circuits, near a distant target having an electrically conductive body, comprising: repetitively ionizing at least one ambient air channel between a source of high voltage pulses In addition to the body, emitting a beam of ultraviolet radiation of sufficient energy to cause multi-photon ionization, the beam hits both the source and the body part; and download the source through the channel.
12. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of emitting a beam comprises using a JAN-ERIC ultraviolet source that has a sufficient energy level to cause multiphoton ionization through the channel. The method according to claim 11, wherein the frequency of the high voltage pulses is selected between 5 and 2500 hertz. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of emitting a beam comprises using an ultraviolet source having a wavelength of about 193 nanometers. JAN-ERIC MOTOR DISAPPEARER ARM SUMMARY SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A non-lethal weapon to incapacitate an engine, for example from an automobile in flight, by means of a discharge of high voltage that disturbs or destroys the electrical circuits. The disabling voltage transmission to the distant target is made by two electrically conductive air channels. Conductive channels are created by multi-photon and collisional ionization within the trajectories of two coherent (laser) or incoherent columnar ultraviolet radiation beams aimed at a target. A single beam can be used to incapacitate a grounded target. The high voltage current flows from the electrodes, at the origin of the beams, along the free electron channels within them. JAN-ERIC