WO2011130649A1

WO2011130649A1 - Dazer laser blur - laser/aerosol weapon

Info

Publication number: WO2011130649A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/032712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert D. Battis; Wayne Armstrong
Original assignee: Laser Energetics Inc.
Priority date: 2010-04-15
Filing date: 2011-04-15
Publication date: 2011-10-20
Also published as: AU2011239469A1; CA2799852A1; EP2558810A1; EP2558810A4

Abstract

Provided is a laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon, including a handle encasement and a barrel encasement joined towards the barrel's rear end. The handle encasement has a major axis aligned approximately perpendicular to the barrel encasement. The barrel handle encasement includes a laser aperture (215), a control panel, an aerosol spray canister (160), a canister lever (180), a laser generator (210), at least one battery (230) for electrical power, and a plurality of control circuits (220) in communication with the laser generator (210), batteiy (230), indicators and switches. The weapon includes a trigger (140) with multiple detent positions and a laser range adjustment lever (120). The trigger (140), at a first dentent position turns on the LEDs (295) for illumination, and at a second detent causes the laser generator (210) to generate dazing laser output. The aerosol spray is activated by a lever (180) on the weapon. The video turns on when the Dazer Laser is activated, and can be manually turned off.

Description

DAZER LASER BLUR - LASER/AEROSOL WEAPON

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/324,520 filed on April 15, 2010, by Robert Battis, et al. titled "Dazer- Laser(tm) BLUR & Dazer-Laser(tm) BLUR - Lightning & Dazer-Laser(tm) BLUR - Sentry". This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also related to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/USlO/36893 filed on June 1 , 201 1 , by Robert Battis, et al. titled "LASER DAZING PISTOL SHAPED OPTICAL DISTRACTOR AND SEARCHLIGHT", which claims priority from US Provisional Patent Applications No. 61/182,823 filed on June 1 , 2009, by Robert Battis, et al. titled "Dazer-Laser Defender," No. 61/218,675 filed on June 19, 2009, by Robert Battis, et al. titled "Dazer-Laser Defender," and No. 61/273,371 filed on August 27, 2009, by Robert Battis, et al. titled "Dazer Laser Mean Beam Improvement." This application is also related to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US 10/36932 filed on June 1 , 2010, by Robert Battis, et al. titled "LASER DAZING BATON SHAPED OPTICAL DISTRACTOR AND SEARCHLIGHT", which claims priority from US Provisional Patent Applications No. 61/182,824 filed on June 1 , 2009, by Robert Battis, et al. titled "Dazer-Laser Guardian" and No. 61/218,682 filed on June 19, 2009, by Robert Battis, et al. titled "Dazer-Laser Guardian." These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to a "Ocular Interruption" or "Optical

Distraction" laser dazing non-lethal security device, and more particularly to a device for optically distracting or dazing a person also capable of releasing an aerosol stream, such as conventional pepper spray or mace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Dazing refers to the temporary, safe and reversible physiological effect that a laser beam of radiation has on a subject person's eyes and brain after the person has received a short dose of safe laser radiation. Dazing usually results in momentary flash blindness lasting a few seconds or as long as the beam is focused on some ones eyes, followed by a feeling of disorientation, and may also result in a mild headache and motion sickness, which may last several hours. These dazing effects are completely reversible, even after repeated dazings. There are several useful articles describing the physiological background for the effects of a dazing laser on a subject person. One such online article is entitled "Temporal Resolution" and is available at http://webvision.med.utah.edu/temporal.html. Additional references include: "Flicker an Intermittent Stimulation", Vision and Visual Perception, Graham, C. H., (ed), New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1965, and "Research into the Dynamic Nature of the Human Fovea: Cortex Systems with Intermittent and Modulated Light, Phase Shift in Brightness and Delay in Color Perception," De Lange, J Opt Soc Am 48: 784-789 (1958). Dazing is thus a potentially useful non-lethal form of weapon for use in close quarters, for warning or ocular interruption such as but not limited to security and crowd control.

[0004] Examples of dazing laser devices are taught in PCT Patent Application Nos.

PCT/US 10/36893 and PCT/USlO/36932, both to Battis, et al., referred to above, incorporated herein by reference, and hereinafter collectively referred to as "the Battis, et al. PCT Applications". In close security settings - such as, for example, in prisons or crowd control situations - small handheld, non-lethal weapons are preferable for several reasons. These reasons include the desire to cause no permanent damage to people or properly, they serve as a means to warn the threat and optically disrupt the threat which can prevent the escalation to more lethal means of force, and their compact size makes the weapon easier to carry by authorized personnel who most likely need to carry other equipment, such as communication devices, other weapons, shield, and the like. Somewhat countering the need for a small size is the requirement that the non-lethal weapons be effective.

[0005] Aerosol sprays, such as conventional pepper spray and mace, are also effective and non-lethal anti-personnel weapons.

[0006] Targets which refuse to disengage may also need to be incapacitated via a high voltage dart device,

[0007] It is thus desirable to provide for a small, handheld, non-lethal dazing weapon that also provides for the discharge of an aerosol stream. It is also desirable to provide a integral high voltage dart device on the same non-lethal weapon. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An aspect of the present invention provides a laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon including a frame having two side covers and a mid section between the side covers, the covers and mid section forming a barrel encasement having a forward end and a rear end, and a handle encasement. The barrel encasement and handle encasement are joined towards the barrel's rear end, with the handle encasement having a major axis aligned approximately perpendicular to a major axis of the barrel encasement. The barrel encasement also includes a laser aperture, and a control panel, and a laser range adjustment lever in communication with the control circuits. The control panel includes a plurality of indicators and a plurality of switches. The barrel encasement and handle encasement together provide an enclosure for an aerosol spray canister, a canister lever, a laser generator, a least one battery for electrical power, and a plurality of control circuits in communication with the laser generator, battery, indicators and switches. In various embodiments, the battery may be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. In an embodiment of the invention, use of an external power supply in place of a battery is also envisioned. In various embodiments the aerosol canister may be a pepper spray canister and may be either single use or capable of multiple uses.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the weapon also includes a trigger with multiple detent positions. The trigger is in communication with the control circuits. In use, when the trigger is moved to a first detent position, LEDs, described below, are turned on. Depression or squeezing of the trigger to the second detent position causes the control circuits controlling the laser, to generate electromagnetic output (laser radiation).

[00010] In another aspect of the invention, one or more light emitting diodes (LED's) are mounted on the forward end of the barrel encasement, and a switch is provided on the control panel for toggling the one or more LEDs on and off. The switch is operatively connected to the control circuits to electrically connect and disconnect power provided by the battery to the one or more LEDs. In an embodiment of the invention, the LED and laser are oriented and focused so that an area of maximum illumination by the LED is also the area the laser impinges when triggered.

[00011] In another aspect of the invention, the laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon also includes a video camera. The video camera includes a lens and aperture mounted on the forward end of the barrel encasement, video imaging circuitry for receiving and encoding the optical images from the lens and aperture, and an electronic memory device for recording the encoded video. A switch is also provided on the frame for toggling the video camera on and off. In an embodiment of the invention, a connector port is provided on the frame in communication with the electronic memory device for providing access for electronically downloading encoded video stored in the electronic memory device. Audio recording is also provided as an option.

[00012] Additional aspects of the invention include a mating device at the end of the handle encasement furthest from the barrel encasement for mounting the weapon on a tripod, and at least one switch for selecting between a fixed range and focus or a variable range and focus laser. In another aspect of the invention, the weapon includes a connector port for attaching a lead to enable remote operation, as well as the internal circuitry to provide for remote operation.

[00013] Another aspect of the invention provides for a high voltage dart module to be mounted on the barrel encasement. The high voltage dart module includes a single shot integrated assembly that delivers high voltage darts which introduces a discharge of high voltage electricity into a human or animal on contact. The high voltage dart module may have a target laser associated with it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00014] Figure 1 (a) depicts several views of the exterior of a laser and pepper spray with video and LED device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 1 (b) depicts several views of the exterior of a laser and pepper spray with video and LED device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 2 depicts several views of the interior details the laser and pepper spray device with video and LED of Figures 1 (a) and 1(b), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and,

[00017] Figure 3 depicts external front and side views of a laser and pepper spray device with a high voltage dart module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRD?TION

[00018] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or platform

[00019] An embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides for small, handheld, non-lethal dazing weapon that also provides for the discharge of an aerosol chemical stream.

[00020] An embodiment of the present invention also provides for the weapon to incorporate high voltage darts.]

[00021] Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b) depict external views of an exemplary dazer laser and aerosol spray with video and LED device 100 (hereinafter "dazer laser aerosol weapon," or simply "weapon"). In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the weapon includes a frame 102 consisting of left and right side covers and a mid section containing functional modules and assemblies. Numerous frame screws 106 are employed to secure covers to the mid section.

[00022] Picatinny Rail Adapter mount holes 107 are provided to accept a Picatinny rail adapter by which to optionally mount to a rifle or shotgun. Two top side bumps 108, front and rear, act as a frame sight to aid in pointing the weapon.

[00023] A laser range adjustment lever 120 is provided to adjust the laser optics module 210 to adjust laser beam size for a specific size at designated ranges. Two settings are shown, but the weapon is not necessarily limited to only two settings. The laser range adjustment lever 120 also incorporates an off position to inhibit laser radiation output as an additional safety feature. [00024] A threaded battery cap 135 is provided to facilitate access to the battery compartment for placement and removal of batteries 230. In various embodiments of the invention, the batteries 230 may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable, respectively. In one embodiment, power is alternatively provided to the weapon by an external power source connected to the weapon by a power cord (not depicted), with the electrical components (not depicted) needed to modify the provided electrical power positioned in the battery compartment area. The battery cap may also include a threaded mount hole 136 to accept a standard ¼-20 screw to enable the weapon to be mounted on tripod or other similar device.

[00025] In an embodiment of the invention, a lanyard security disable adapter 137 is provided in the battery cap 135 for accepting a lanyard plug (not depicted). This plug, when installed allows the weapon to operate normally, but when removed disables all or some of the weapon' features. For example, this may be employed to prevent the laser and LED from being operated if the weapon is jerked out of the user's hand. The user would attach the other end of the short lanyard to his wrist, waist band or holster. If the weapon is removed a distance greater than the length of the lanyard cord, the lanyard plug is disengaged from the battery cap 135, automatically disabling the laser and LEDs. In another embodiment, removal of the lanyard plug may also deactivate the optional high voltage dart module 300, described below.

[00026] The weapon includes a dual function trigger 140, whereby the first detent operates LEDs, and the second detent operates DAZER LASER(TM). In an embodiment of the invention, video and optionally sound recording video and sound recording may be automatically turned on with the laser. Video and sound recording may also be programmed to turn on with LEDs. In jurisdictions where sound recording is not legally permitted without consent, the automatic activation of sound recording may be disabled. In this case and for other optional recording, the video on button 175 turns on video recording independent of the trigger 140 function. If the weapon is equipped with optional sound recording capability, the video on button 175 also turns sound recording on. A spring loaded trigger guard 145 is also provided as a safety feature. In operation, the guard 145 must be raised to access the trigger 140. The trigger guard 145 may be eliminated if prevailing safety rules permit.

[00027] In an embodiment incorporating video recording, the video module 270 contains a video image detection chip, chip control and video processing electronics and a video lens. Images are received by the video lens through the video lens aperture 272. Similarly, in an embodiment incorporating sound recording, a sound module 272 containing a sound pickup microphone and amplification/encoding electronics is provided to pick up and record sound received through the audio sound pickup hole 276 on the weapon' frame. In these embodiments, power is provide to the video and/or sound electronics by the battery or external power supply in use. Also, one or more LED 255 may be used to indicate the video/sound recording mode activated. In addition, the video and or sound are recorded on an electronic memory, and may be accessed via a 256 download jack located in front of canister operate lever. The download jack 256 allows a computer or other device to be connected to the weapon to download recorded video and/or sound files and to clear recording memory.

[00028] The present invention also includes an aerosol spray canister 160. in an embodiment of the invention, the aerosol spray canister 160 is a pepper spray canister - a pressurized canister containing pepper aerosol or other aerosol such as mace. References herein to aerosol spray are understood to also apply to pepper spray, and the two may be referred to interchangeably, unless otherwise noted. Other irritant or marking sprays may also be used. One or more canister release hole(s) 165 are provided in the cover allowing the operator to push the aerosol spray canister 160 away from canister spray assembly 265.

[00029] A canister operate lever 180 that releases the aerosol spray when pressed with thumb while the lever 180 is in the closed position is also provided. The released aerosol spray exits the weapon as a stream through the spray nozzle 266, which also helps direct the stream to the desired target(s). A spent aerosol spray canister 160 may be removed by rotating the lever 180 into the open position, then sliding the aerosol spray canister 160 out the rear. The lever 180 is retained in the closed position by two frame cover inside bumps (not depicted) that interfere with matching bumps on each side of the lever. The lever 180 is opened by pushing on the lever top overcoming the friction of these bumps.

[00030] Upon triggering, the generated dazing laser exits the weapon through the dazer optical model 210, which contains the dazer laser generator and focusing optics, and then through the dazer aperture 215. The dazer electronic module 220 is a computer based electronics package for operating the dazer laser, LEDs and for activating the video/sound recording module 220 to control recording. [00031] In an embodiment of the invention, a set of status LEDs are provided to indicate the current status of various components of the weapon. These include a low battery LED 250 to indicate battery life remaining.

[00032] In an embodiment of the invention, a high voltage darts module 300 is also provided. For example, a one time use module 300 containing a pressure canister, battery, switch, high voltage electronic boost circuit, darts and wires may be used. Preferably, the high voltage darts module 300 is designed for short to medium range, e.g. (1-10 meters. Also in an embodiment, dual activate buttons 310 are employed, which must be pressed simultaneously to activate darts, as a safety feature. Alternately, a single button may be used with a guard over it as a safety feature.

[00033] The dazing laser used in an embodiment of the invention is a source of radiation of approximately 532 nm, such as a diode pumped laser or a laser diode, and may be of custom design or may be any commercially available 532 nm, 125 mW - 300 mW laser. The laser 1004 may be used with reduced range, reduced fluence pattern size, or reduced dazing intensity or any combination of these parameters.

[00034] Embodiments of the invention may use any of a variety of lasers depending on the wavelength spectrum of laser desired. In the visible range, the preferred laser is a 808 nm laser diode pumping a ND:YV04 and KTP crystal combination to produce 532 nm radiation. Other crystal combinations may also be used in the visible band and other wavelength bands may be used, including but not limited to IR and ultraviolet.

[00035] The laser beam produced in a preferred embodiment of the invention is referred to herein as a "M.E.A.N." Beam, which is an acronym for "Modulated, Erradically pulsed, Awareness inhibiting, and Nausea inducing."

[00036] A MEAN Beam is an inventive approach for generating a radiation waveform from any light emitting device, such as but not limited to a laser diode or LED. This approach combines a pulse width modulated (hereinafter, "PWM") beam with a continuous wave (hereinafter, "CW") beam in such a way as to produce a waveform that varies both temporally and spacially in one or more radiation sources. Additionally, the PWM and CW are made to vary in different ways depending on ambient light conditions. It has been discovered that this type of MEAN Beam waveform enhances the temporary debilitating effect that a radiation beam has on a person's vision and brain, such as experienced in devices specifically designed for this purpose, such as a laser dazer, also known by the military term as "ocular interrupters", "optical distractors" or "optical inhibitors".

[00037] A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a laser with a wavelength in the visible spectrum, having a wavelength from 400 - 700 nm, most preferably "green" with a wavelength of approximately 532 nm. The daytime preferred MEAN Beam is 10-30% PWM, most preferably 20% PWM, with the remainder CW, and 5 - 20 Hz PWM, most preferable 6 - 15 Hz PWM. The nighttime preferred MEAN Beam is 30 - 70% CW, most preferably 60% CW, with the remainder PWM, and 5 - 20 Hz PWM, most preferable 6 - 15 Hz PWM.

[00038] Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon comprising:

frame (100) having two side covers and a mid section between the side covers, the covers and mid section forming a barrel encasement having a forward end and a rear end, and a handle encasement, the barrel encasement and handle encasement joined towards the barrel's rear end, the handle encasement having a major axis aligned approximately perpendicular to a major axis of the barrel encasement;

the barrel encasement further comprising a laser aperture (215);

the barrel encasement further comprising a control panel, the control panel comprising a plurality of indicators and a plurality of switches (175, 295);

the barrel encasement and handle encasement together providing an enclosure for an aerosol spray canister (265), a canister lever (180), a laser generator (210), a least one battery (230) for electrical power, and a plurality of control circuits (220) in communication with the laser generator (210), battery (230), indicators and switches (175, 215);

the weapon further comprising a trigger (140), the trigger in communication with the control circuits (220);

the barrel encasement further comprising a laser range adjustment lever (120) in communication with the control circuits (220);

wherein, in use, depression of the trigger (140) causes the control circuits (220) to control the laser generator (210)to generate electromagnetic output, and depression of the canister lever (180) causes the release of the aerosol spray.

2. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , further comprising: one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) (295) mounted on the forward end of the barrel encasement; and

the trigger (140) having two detent positions,

wherein, depression of the trigger (140) to a first detent position activates the LEDs (295), and depression of the trigger (140) to a second detent position causes the control circuits (220) to control the laser generator (210) to generate electromagnetic output.

3. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , further comprising: a video camera (270) comprising a lens and aperture (272) mounted on the forward end of the barrel encasement, video imaging circuitry for receiving and encoding the optical images from the lens and aperture, and an electronic memory device for recording the encoded video; and

a switch (175) on the frame for toggling the video camera on and off, the switch (175) operatively connected to the control circuits to electrically connect the video camera, imaging circuitry and electronic memory to the battery (230).

4. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 3, further comprising a connector port on the frame in communication with the electronic memory device for providing access for electronically downloading encoded video stored in the electronic memory device.

5. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , further comprising a mating device (136) at an end of the handle encasement furthest from the barrel encasement for mounting the weapon on a platform

6. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 5, wherein the platform is a tripod.

7. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , wherein the switches comprise at least one switch (120) for selecting a range using the variable range and focus optics.

8. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one battery (230) is rechargeable.

9. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one battery (230) is non-rechargeable.

10. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , further comprising an optional high voltage dart module (300) mounted on the barrel encasement, and controlled by another duel activation buttons, the high voltage dart module (300) comprising a single shot integrated assembly that delivers high voltage darts which introduces a discharge of high voltage electricity into a human or animal on contact.

1 1. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 10, further comprising an integral targeting laser associated with the high voltage dart module.

12. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol spray canister (160) is a pepper spray canister.

13. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 10, wherein the pepper spray canister is capable of at least a single use.

14. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 10, wherein the pepper spray canister is capable of multiple uses.

15. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosoi spray canister can be replaced.

16. The laser dazing and aerosol spray weapon according to claim 2, wherein the LED (295) and laser (210, 215) are oriented and focused so that an area of maximum illumination by the LED (295) is also the area the laser (210, 215) impinges when triggered.