WO2023019142A2 - Biometric security devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Described herein are biometric security devices and their methods of use. The devices described herein can include a chemical spray, and a security mechanism to prevent the chemical spray from incapacitating the user opposed to the intended target.

Description

BIOMETRIC SECURITY DEVICES

Cross Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application number 63/231 ,133, filed August 9, 2021 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field

[0002] Described herein are biometric security devices and their methods of use.

Background

[0003] Pepper spray devices are typically used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self- dense. One of the downfalls of using a pepper spray device for self-defense is that the chemical can incapacitate the user opposed to the intended target. As such, there is a need for pepper spray devices, which can provide a safety mechanism to prevent the user from coming into contact with the chemical. The biometric security devices described herein are capable of spraying an intended target with a chemical while providing safety mechanisms to prevent the user from coming into contact with the chemical.

Summary

[0004] Described herein generally are biometric security devices. Biometric security devices described herein can comprise an enclosure comprising at least one chamber configured to house at least two canisters; a triggering mechanism; a nozzle outlet; and an edge portion. One of the at least two canisters can include a chemical and the other of the at least two canisters can include a compressed gas. In some embodiments, the chemical can be an inflammatory compound. The inflammatory compound can be oleoresin capsicum. The compressed gas can be carbon dioxide

[0005] The biometric security device can further comprise a funnel including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the funnel is configured to attach to the nozzle outlet. The distal end of the funnel is configured to attach to the at least two canisters. Upon activation of the device, the chemical and compressed gas can be released into the distal end of the funnel and move upwards towards the proximal end of the funnel. The compressed gas can be released into the distal end of the funnel two milliseconds before the chemical. The compressed gas and chemical are expelled from the nozzle outlet via at least one opening and a ring opening. The chemical and the compressed gas are expelled from the at least one opening and the ring opening as a spray. The triggering mechanism includes a fingerprint sensor and a trigger lock solenoid. The at ieast one opening expels the chemical. The compressed gas is expelled around the entire circumference of the ring opening.

[0006] Described herein are methods of using a biometric security device comprising: authenticating a user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor; sending a signal from a controller to a trigger which releases the trigger from a locked position to an unlocked position; pressing the fingerprint sensor to release a spray through a nozzle outlet. The spray comprises oleoresin capsicum and compressed gas. The compressed gas is released between about 1 millisecond to about 3 milliseconds prior to the oleoresin capsicum. In some embodiments, the trigger is a trigger solenoid.

[0007] Described herein are methods of using a biometric security device comprising: authenticating a user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor which releases a trigger solenoid from a locked position to an unlocked position; pressing down on the fingerprint sensor to activate the device thereby releasing a spray through a nozzle outlet. The spray comprises oleoresin capsicum and compressed gas. The compressed gas is released between about 1 millisecond to about 3 milliseconds prior to the oleoresin capsicum.

Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a biometric security device described herein.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the biometric device shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the biometric device shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the biometric device shown in FIG. 1 .

[0012] FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of the biometric device shown in FIG. 1 with referenced line A.

[0013] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 5A along the direction of referenced line

A.

[0014] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of the biometric device shown in FIG. 1 with referenced line B.

[0015] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 6A along the direction of referenced line

B.

[0016] FIG. 6C illustrates an exploded view of the circle denoted by C in FIG. 6B. [0017] FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of a biometric device described herein.

[0018] FIG. 7B illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 7A, and shows some of the integral components of the biometric devices described herein.

[0019] FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of a biometric device described herein.

[0020] FIG. 8B illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 8A, and shows some of the integral components of the biometric devices described herein.

[0021] FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of a biometric device described herein.

[0022] FIG. 9B illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 9A, and shows some of the integral components of the biometric devices described herein.

[0023] FIG. 10A illustrates a trigger lock solenoid in a locked position.

[0024] FIG. 10B illustrates a trigger lock solenoid in an unlocked position.

[0025] FIG. 11 A illustrates movement of the trigger button.

[0026] FIG. 11 B illustrates movement of the trigger button.

[0027] FIGs. 12A-C depict a biometric security device described herein. FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view of the device. FIG. 12B depicts a cross section of the device. FIG. 12C depicts a back view of the device.

Detailed Description

[0028] Described herein are biometric security devices. In some embodiments, the biometric security devices can spray a substance. In other embodiments, a user can utilize the biometric security devices to spray a substance, and prevent or substantially prevent the substance from coming into contact with the user. The substance can be a chemical. The chemical can be an incapacitating chemical in order to incapacitate the intended target.

[0029] Referring to FIGs. 1-4, a biometric security device is illustrated. Biometric security device 100 generally includes enclosure 102 having chamber 104 configured to house at least two canisters, triggering mechanism 106, edge portion 108, and nozzle outlet 110. In some embodiments, enclosure 102 can include at least two chambers 104, 104’ wherein each chamber is configured to house at least one canister. In some embodiments, enclosure 102 can include at least one chamber which can include one compartment or it can be separated into one or more compartments, such as, but not limited to, 1 , 2, 3, 4, or more compartments. [0030] Referring to FIG. 5B, canisters 118 and 120 can each include at least one substance. The at least one substance can be a chemical or a compressed gas. In some embodiments, the biometric devices described herein can include at least two canisters wherein at least one canister includes a chemical and the other canister includes a compressed gas. Canister(s) 118/120 can include a chemical such as, but not limited to, pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum, capsaicin, capsicum, mace or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the chemical is a compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and/or temporary blindness, such as, but limited to, a lachrymatory agent, an inflammatory compound or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the active ingredient in the substance is capsaicin.

[0031] Canister(s) 118/120 can include a compressed gas such as, but not limited to, carbon dioxide (CO2), argon, oxygen, nitrogen, helium or a combination thereof. Referring to FIGs. 5B, 8B, 9B, in some embodiments, canister 118 can include a chemical, and canister 120 can include a compressed gas. In other embodiments, canister 118 can include oleoresin capsicum and canister 120 can include CO2. The canisters can be configured to attach to a nozzle and/or one or more micro spray nozzles. In other embodiments, the canister can be configured to attach to several micro spray nozzles. The nozzle(s) and micro spray nozzle(s) attached to the canisters can be further configured to attach to nozzle outlet 110. Nozzle outlet 110 can be configured to expel at least one substance by spraying. In some embodiments, nozzle outlet 110 can be configured to expel oleoresin capsicum and a compressed gas by spraying.

[0032] In some embodiments, canisters 118 and 120 are configured to attach to one or more funnel(s) or tube(s), which can move a substance in each canister towards a nozzle and/or one or more micro spray nozzles to be expelled from the biometric security devices described herein by spraying.

[0033] in some embodiments, nozzle outlet 110 can be configured to include at least one opening and a ring/ring opening from which the substance(s) exit as a spray. Referring to FIGs. 1-2, nozzle outlet 110 is substantially circular. In other embodiments, nozzle outlet 110 can be substantially triangular, rectangular, rectilinear, polygonal, or any other shape. Nozzle outlet 110 can include at least one opening and at least one ring. The ring can be an opening configured to allow for expelling of at least one substance. In some embodiments, the at least one substance is a compressed gas. In other embodiments, the at least one substance is a mixture of gases or compressed gases. In other embodiments, the nozzle outlet 110 can include 2 openings, 3, openings, 4 openings, 5 openings, 6 openings, 7 openings, 8 openings, 9 openings, 10 openings, 15 openings, 10 or more openings, 15 or more openings, at least 1 opening, at least 2 openings, at least 3 openings, at least 4 openings, at least 5 openings, at least 6 openings, at least 7 openings, at least 8 openings, at least 9 openings, at least 10 openings, at least 15 openings, or at least 20 openings. The openings can be substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, rectilinear, polygonal, or any other shape.

[0034] Referring to FIGs. 1-2, in some embodiments, nozzle outlet 110 can include at least one opening 114, and ring 116 from which the substance(s) exit as a spray. The at least one opening 114 can be substantially circular and centered on nozzle outlet 110 as depicted in FIGs. 1-2. In other embodiments, the at least one opening can be a different shape and can be located anywhere on nozzle outlet 110. Nozzle outlet 110 can also include ring opening 116 which can be circumferential in shape. In other embodiments, ring opening 116 can include a different shape, such as, but not limited to, substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, rectilinear, polygonal, or any other shape. Ring 116 can be a circumferential opening configured to expel compressed gas as a spray.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, nozzle outlet 110 further includes screws 112’, 112”, and 112.”’ In some embodiments, the screws attach the ring to the nozzle outlet. In other embodiments, the nozzle outlet does not include screws. In some embodiments, where the nozzle outlet does not include screws, the ring can be friction fitted to the nozzle outlet. In other embodiments, the screws can be included on the nozzle outlet solely for decorative purposes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the biometric devices described herein include a nozzle outlet with at least one opening as depicted in FIG. 1. At least one opening 114 is substantially circular and located in the center of nozzle outlet 110. The oleoresin capsicum is configured to exit through opening 114. Nozzle outlet 110 further includes ring/ring opening 116. Ring/ring opening 116 can be circumferential in shape. The compressed gas is configured to exit through ring/ring opening 116. This set-up can allow for the compressed gas to provide an air curtain so that the oleoresin capsicum does not come into contact with the user but rather the intended target. In some embodiments, the compressed gas is released milliseconds prior to the oleoresin capsicum to form an air curtain. In other embodiments, the compressed gas is released at the same time as or simultaneously with the oleoresin capsicum.

[0037] In some embodiments, ring opening 116 and at least one opening/opening 114 are both configured to expel the same substance. In other embodiments, ring opening 116 and at least one opening/opening 114 are both configured to expel oleoresin capsicum. In some embodiments, only ring opening 116 expels a substance, and at least one opening/opening 114 does not expel a substance. In other embodiments, only at least one opening/opening 114 expels a substance, and ring opening 116 does not expel a substance.

[0038] In some embodiments, the timing between the release of the chemical and compressed gas is not simultaneous. The timing between the release of the chemical and the compressed gas can be a few milliseconds. In some embodiments, the compressed gas is released at least 1 millisecond, at least 2 milliseconds, at least 3 milliseconds, at least 4 milliseconds, at least 5 milliseconds, at least 6 milliseconds, at least 7 milliseconds, at least 8 milliseconds, at least 9 milliseconds, at least 10 milliseconds, 1 millisecond, 2 milliseconds, 3 milliseconds, 4 milliseconds, 5 milliseconds, 6 milliseconds, 7 milliseconds, 8 milliseconds, 9 milliseconds, 10 milliseconds, about 1 millisecond, about 2 milliseconds, about 3 milliseconds, about 4 milliseconds, about 5 milliseconds, about 6 milliseconds, about 7 milliseconds, about 8 milliseconds, about 9 milliseconds, about 10 milliseconds, between about 1 millisecond to about 3 milliseconds, between about 1 millisecond to about 6 milliseconds, between about 2 milliseconds to about 6 milliseconds, between about 3 milliseconds to about 9 milliseconds, between about 3 milliseconds to about 10 milliseconds, at least 1 second, at least 2 seconds, at least 3 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds or between about 1 millisecond to about one second prior to the release of the chemical.

[0039] The release of the compressed gas prior to the chemical can result in the compressed gas forming an air curtain around the chemical. The air curtain can prevent the incapacitating chemical from coming into contact with the user. For example, the air curtain provides user protection from the chemical coming into contact with the user accidentally, by a wind gust, or any other external event.

[0040] FIG. 6C illustrates an exploded view of circled portion C in FIG. 6B. This exploded view illustrates the pathways for a chemical, e.g. oleoresin capsicum, and a compressed gas, e.g. carbon dioxide. The pathways can be for any chemical and compressed gas described herein. As described in further detail below, funnel/tube 122 at its distal end is configured to attach to at least two canisters one including a chemical and the other a compressed gas. Funnel/tube 122 at its proximal end is configured to attach to nozzle outlet 110. Upon release/unlocking of trigger mechanism 106 and pushing down on the trigger, the compressed gas and chemical can move through funnel/tube 122 at a upwards direction towards nozzle outlet 110. The chemical, such as oleoresin capsicum can exit through at least one opening 114 of nozzle outlet 110 as a spray, and the compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide exits through ring opening 116 of nozzle outlet 110 as a spray. At least one opening 114 can be configured to a spray nozzle inside of nozzle outlet 110, and ring opening 116 can be configured to more than 1 micro-spray nozzles inside of nozzle outlet 110. In some embodiments, ring opening 116 is configured to multiple micro-spray nozzles, e.g. at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, between about 10 to about 20, between about 10 to about 30, between about 20 to about 40, or between about 20 to about 60 micro-spray nozzles. The chemical is intended to incapacitate a target, whereas the compressed gas is used to provide an air curtain to prevent the user from becoming incapacitated.

[0041] The biometric devices described herein can further include sensors configured to allow for the release of the compressed gas prior to the chemical. The release of the compressed gas prior to the chemical results in an air curtain. The timing of the release, i.e. the compressed gas prior to the chemical, can be a few milliseconds. In some embodiments, the sensors are configured to allow for the release of the chemical and compressed gas simultaneously. Sensors can include one sensor, at least one sensor, more than one sensor, or multi-sensors.

[0042] In some embodiments, the devices described herein can be uni-directional such that the substance(s) are sprayed in one direction. The spray can have a range of 1 foot, 2 feet (ft), 3 ft, 4 ft, 5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft, 8 ft, 9 ft, 10 ft, 11 ft, 12 ft, 13 ft, 14 ft, 15 ft, 16 ft, 17 ft, 18 ft, 19 ft, 20 ft, 21 ft, 22 ft, 23 ft, 24 ft, about 1 foot, about 2 ft, about 3 ft, about 4 ft, about 5 ft, about 6 ft, about 7 ft, about 8 ft, about 9 ft, about 10 ft, about 11 ft, about 12 ft, about 13 ft, about 14 ft, about 15 ft, about 16 ft, about 17 ft, about 18 ft, about 19 ft, about 20 ft, about 21 ft, about 22 ft, about 23 ft, about 24 ft, between about 1 foot to about 6 feet, between about 4 ft to about 10 ft, between about 6 ft to about 12 ft, between about 8 ft to about 14 ft, between about 10 ft to about 16 ft, between about 12 ft to about 18 ft, between about 14 ft to about 20 ft, between about 16 ft to about 22 ft, between about 18 ft to about 24 ft.

[0043] The biometric devices described herein can comprise up to 10 bursts, up to 20 bursts, up to 30 bursts, up to 40 bursts, up to 50 bursts, up to 60 bursts, more than 10 bursts, more than 20 bursts, more than 30 bursts, more than 40 bursts, more than 50 bursts, more than 60 bursts, about 10 bursts, about 15 bursts, about 20 bursts, about 25 bursts, about 30 bursts, about 35 bursts, about 40 bursts, about 45 bursts, about 50 bursts, about 55 bursts, about 60 bursts, 10 bursts, 15 bursts, 20 bursts, 25 bursts, 30 bursts, 35 bursts, 40 bursts, 45 bursts, 50 bursts, 55 bursts, 60 bursts, between about 1 to about 10 bursts, between about 10 bursts to about 20 bursts, between about 20 bursts to about 30 bursts, between about 30 bursts to about 40 bursts, between about 40 bursts to about 50 bursts, between about 50 bursts to about 60 bursts, between about 10 bursts to about 30 bursts, between about 30 bursts to about 60 bursts. [0044] Edge portion 108 can be substantially rectangular as shown in FIGs. 1 , 3, 5A. In other embodiments, edge portion 108 can be any shape such as, but not limited to, circular, triangular, rectilinear, circumferential, any polygonal shape, or any other shape. Edge portion 108 circumferentially surrounds the biometric devices and rests on top of enclosure 102. in some embodiments, edge portion 108 does not entirely circumferentially surround the biometric devices. Edge portion 108 can be configured to house part of nozzle outlet 110, part of triggering mechanism 106, and part of funnel/tube 122 as demonstrated in FIGs. 5B, 6B, 8B. In other embodiments, edge portion can be configured to house a substantial portion of nozzle outlet 110, a substantial portion of triggering mechanism 106, and part of funnel/tube 122. Edge portion 108 can also be referred to as a jacket.

[0045] Referring to FIGs. 8B, 9B, triggering mechanism 106 is illustrated. Triggering mechanism 106 generally includes fingerprint sensor 132 and trigger lock solenoid 130. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanism further includes a trigger. Fingerprint sensor 132 can be a thumbprint biometrics finger reader. The thumbprint biometrics finger reader can be used to authenticate the user. In some embodiments, fingerprint sensor 132 is also the trigger. In some embodiments, a user can unlock the triggering mechanism by authenticating his fingerprint, and then pressing down to activate the trigger and use the device. In some embodiments, a user places his thumb on fingerprint sensor 132 which moves the trigger solenoid from a locked position into an unlocked position, then the user presses on fingerprint sensor 132 to activate the device. Activating the device means that the biometric devices described herein spray the chemical and compressed gas.

[0046] In other embodiments, the authentication step is not necessary, i.e. the fingerprint sensor is disabled and the user only needs to press down in order to activate the trigger and use the device. In other embodiments, triggering mechanism 106 does not include a fingerprint sensor but rather is a button, which can be pushed down or pressed down to activate the device. In some embodiments, the biometric devices described herein do not include a security feature, e.g. there is no fingerprint sensor. In other embodiments, the security feature is located in the phone application via wireless technology and not on the device so a user need only authenticate himself in the application to place the triggering mechanism in an unlocked position for use.

[0047] Referring to FIGs. 8B, 9B, triggering mechanism 106 is the point of attachment for funnel 122. Funnel 122 can include proximal end 124 and distal end 126. Proximal end 124 of funnel 122 can be housed in nozzle outlet 110 and edge portion 108. Proximal end 124 of funnel 122 can be attached to triggering mechanism 106. In some embodiments, proximal end 124 of funnel 122 can be housed in triggering mechanism 106. Distal end 126 of funnel 122 can branch into at least one sub-funnel 128. In some embodiments, distal end 126 of funnel 122 can branch off into more than at least one sub-funnel, for example, such as, but not limited to, at least 2 sub-funnels, at least 3 sub-funnels, at least 4 sub-funnels, 2 sub-funnels, 3 sub-funnels, or 4 or more subfunnels. Distal end 126 of funnel 122 can be attached to canister 120 and sub-funnel 128 can be attached to canister 118.

[0048] The biometric security devices described herein can be configured to connect to a phone application via wireless technology. In some embodiments, the phone application is the Go-Solo Cell Phone App or a web-based portal.

[0049] In other embodiments, the method of using the biometric security devices described herein comprises authenticating the user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor, sending a signal from a controller to a trigger, which releases the trigger from a locked position to an unlocked position, and pressing the fingerprint sensor to release the substance and compressed gas through a nozzle outlet attached to the funnel which is attached to an oleoresin capsicum canister and a compressed gas canister.

[0050] in other embodiments, the method of using the biometric security devices described herein comprises authenticating the user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor, sending a signal from a controller to a trigger solenoid, which releases the trigger solenoid from a locked position to an unlocked position, and pressing the fingerprint sensor to release the substance and compressed gas through a nozzle outlet attached to the funnel which is attached to an oleoresin capsicum canister and a compressed gas canister. In some embodiments, FIG. 10A illustrates trigger mechanism 106 when trigger solenoid 130 is in a locked position (represented by circle denoted with an E). Referring to FIG. 10A, when trigger solenoid 130 is in a locked position, notch 136 can be seen in window/opening 134. Figure 10B illustrates trigger mechanism 106 when trigger solenoid 130 is in an unlocked position (represented by circle denoted with an F). Referring to FIG. 10B, when trigger solenoid 130 is in an unlocked position, notch 136 is not present in window/opening 134. In some embodiments, when the oleoresin capsicum is released through the nozzle, a compressed gas is released via several micro spray nozzles simultaneously. The release of the chemical and compressed gas can be triggered upon the release or unlocking of the triggering mechanism, and then the push of a trigger. The triggering mechanism can be unlocked by authenticating a fingerprint. The fingerprint can be a thumbprint.

[0051] In some embodiments, after authentication by fingerprint sensor 132 the device is unlocked, but the user still needs to press down on the fingerprint sensor to activate the device. Upon authentication of the fingerprint the device can display a light or lights to signify to the user that the device is unlocked and the user can now press down on the fingerprint sensor to activate the device. In other embodiments, the device can provide a vibration to signify to the user that the device is unlocked and the user can now press down on the fingerprint sensor to activate the device. In other embodiments, authentication by fingerprint sensor 132 is not required and the device is already unlocked, and the user simply needs to press down in order to activate the device. In yet other embodiments, authentication by the fingerprint sensor unlocks the device and activates the device, i.e. no pressing down after authentication is needed. This can be simultaneous or occur within milliseconds. Activation of the devices described herein means that the chemical and compressed gas are sprayed out of the nozzle outlet.

[0052] In some embodiments, the security feature allows for the user to place trigger solenoid in an unlocked position via his thumbprint on the fingerprint sensor to be the only one to then press down to activate the device. For example, if a user places the trigger solenoid in an unlocked position by his fingerprint he must be the one to press down on the device to activate it, i.e., the user cannot unlock the triggering mechanism and give the device to another user/individual to press down. If a user is authenticated by his fingerprint using the fingerprint sensor, the trigger solenoid moves from a locked position to an unlocked position, if the user then hands the device to another individual/user the trigger solenoid moves from the unlocked position into a locked position, therefore not allowing the other individual/user to push down and activate the device.

[0053] The canisters described herein can be replaceable and/or disposable. In some embodiments, the canisters can further include an expiration date. In other embodiments, when the biometric security devices described here are used in conjunction with a phone application via wireless technology at least one sensor can read the expiration date on the canister(s) which is then stored in the phone application. The phone application can then alert the user when the expiration date of the canister is near so that the user can replace the canister(s) prior to their expiration. This can be important as the chemical spray and compressed gas may not be as effective past their expiration date.

[0054] In some embodiments, the phone application can send the user alerts about 6 months, about 5 months, about 4 months, about 3 months, about 2 months, about 1 month, about thirty days, about four weeks, about 28 days, about three weeks, about 21 days, about two weeks, about 14 days, about one week, about 7 days, about 6 days, about 5 days, about 4 days, about 3 days, about 2 days, about 1 day, 6 months, 5 months, 4 months, 3 months, 2 months, 1 month, 30 days, 28 days, 21 days, 14 days, 7 days, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days, or 1 day prior to the expiration date of the canister(s).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7B, enclosure 102 can further house one or more batteries, one or more sensors, and/or electronics, such as, but not limited to a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the biometric devices described herein comprise more than one printed circuit board. In some embodiments, enclosure 102 further comprises a compartment, which is configured to house one or more batteries, one or more sensors, and/or electronics, such as, but not limited to a printed circuit board.

[0056] Referring to FIGs. 12A-C, another embodiment of a biometric security device is illustrated. Biometric security device 400 generally includes an enclosure including at least two chambers (7) each configured to house a canister, wherein one canister comprises oleoresin capsicum (5) and the other canister comprises compressed CO2 gas (6). The enclosure can further comprise a compartment to house one or more batteries and/or electronics (8) as illustrated in FIG. 12B. The OC canister (5) can be configured to attach to a nozzle (1), and the CO2 canister (6) can be configured to attach to several micro spray nozzles (2) as illustrated in FIG 12B. In some embodiments, the nozzle can also be referred to as an OC nozzle. In other embodiments, the micro spray nozzles can also be referred to as CO2 nozzles. In other embodiments, the devices can further comprise a trigger. Trigger (3) can be attached to the outer surface of the enclosure as depicted in FIG 12A. The trigger can be attached to the front outer surface of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the devices can further comprise a fingerprint sensor and an RFID antenna. Fingerprint sensor (4) and RFID antenna (9) can be attached to the outer surface of the enclosure as depicted in FIG 12C. The fingerprint sensor and RFID antenna can be attached to the back outer surface of the enclosure.

[0057] in other embodiments, the method of using the biometric security devices described herein comprises authenticating the user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor, sending a signal from a controller to a trigger, which releases the trigger from a locked position to an unlocked position, and pressing the trigger to release the spray through a nozzle attached to the OC canister. In some embodiments, when the spray is released through the nozzle, compressed CO2 is released via several micro spray nozzles simultaneously. In some embodiments, the timing between the release of the spray and CO2 is not simultaneous. The micro spray nozzles can form an air curtain around the chemical spray. The air curtain can prevent the incapacitating chemical from coming into contact with the user. The chemical can come into contact with the user by a wind gust, accidentally, or any other external event. [0058] in some embodiments, when the trigger is pressed the phone application sends an SOS signal to a first responder alerting them with GPS coordinates of the user. In some embodiments, the trigger is the fingerprint sensor.

[0059] In other embodiments, if the device is knocked out of the user’s hand, the trigger can go into a lock position, which disables the device from being used.

[0060] in some embodiments, the devices can further comprise an RFID antenna. The RFID antenna can be used in lieu of the biometric fingerprint reader with an embedded RFID tag Gloves that is paired with the device. When the glove RFID tag comes in contact with the RFID antenna, the trigger can be released from a locked position to an unlocked position.

[0061] Described herein is a biometric security device comprising: an enclosure comprising at least one chamber configured to house at least two canisters; a triggering mechanism; a nozzle outlet; and an edge portion. One of the at least two canisters includes a chemical and the other of the at least two canisters includes a compressed gas. The biometric security device further comprises a funnel including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the funnel is configured to attach to the nozzle outlet. The distal end of the funnel is configured to attach to the at least two canisters.

[0062] Upon unlocking the triggering mechanism, and pressing down on the triggering mechanism, the chemical and compressed gas are released into the distal end of the funnel and move upwards towards the proximal end of the funnel. The compressed gas is released into the distal end of funnel about two milliseconds before the chemical. The compressed gas and chemical are expelled from the nozzle outlet via at least one opening and a ring opening. The chemical and the compressed gas are expelled from the at least one opening and ring opening as a spray. The chemical is an inflammatory compound. The inflammatory compound is oleoresin capsicum. The compressed gas is carbon dioxide. The triggering mechanism includes a fingerprint sensor and a trigger lock solenoid. The at least one opening expels the chemical as a spray. The ring opening expels the compressed gas as a spray.

[0063] Described herein are methods of using a biometric security device comprising: authenticating a user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor; sending a signal from a controller to a trigger which releases the trigger from a locked position to an unlocked position; pressing the trigger to release a spray through a nozzle outlet. The spray comprises oleoresin capsicum and compressed gas. The compressed gas is released between about 1 millisecond to about 3 milliseconds prior to the oleoresin capsicum. [0064] Described herein are methods of using a biometric security device comprising: authenticating a user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor which releases a trigger solenoid from a locked position to an unlocked position; pressing down on the fingerprint sensor to activate a trigger to release a spray through a nozzle outlet The spray comprises oleoresin capsicum and compressed gas. The compressed gas is released between about 1 millisecond to about 3 milliseconds prior to the oleoresin capsicum.

Example - Activation by Fingerprint Authentication

[0065] An individual is going out on the town for the night, and brings along a biometric device described herein for protection. After a night out on the town, the individual is walking to her car in a deserted parking lot, when an assailant approaches her. The individual quickly grabs the biometric device described herein from her jacket pocket holding it in one hand, with her fingers wrapped around the enclosure of the device, and places her thumb on the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor authenticates the individual’s identity, and the triggering lock solenoid moves from a locked position into an unlocked position. The fingerprint sensor then lights up to signify that the authentication has been successful. The individual then presses down on the fingerprint sensor to activate the device. The device is activated and the chemical and compressed gas are released from their respective canisters, and are expelled as a spray from the device’s nozzle outlet. The compressed gas forms an air curtain, which allows for the assailant to be sprayed with the chemical while protecting the individual. The assailant becomes incapacitated by the chemical while the individual remains free of any chemical and is able to quickly evade the assailant and get to her car.

[0066] The preceding disclosures are illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the devices, techniques and methods disclosed herein elucidate representative embodiments that function well in the practice of the present disclosure. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0067] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0068] The terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0069] The use of the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and "and/or."

[0070] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0071] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects those of ordinary skill in the art to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0072] Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

[0073] Further, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Claims

I claim:

1. A biometric security device comprising: an enclosure comprising at least one chamber configured to house at least two canisters; a triggering mechanism; a nozzle outlet; and an edge portion.

2. The biometric security device of claim 1, wherein one of the at least two canisters includes a chemical and the other of the at least two canisters includes a compressed gas.

3. The biometric security device of claim 2, further comprising a funnel including a proximal end and a distal end.

4. The biometric security device of claim 3, wherein the proximal end of the funnel is configured to attach to the nozzle outlet.

5. The biometric security device of claim 3, wherein the distal end of the funnel is configured to attach to the at least two canisters.

6. The biometric security device of claim 5, wherein upon activation of the device chemical and compressed gas are released into the distal end of the funnel and move upwards towards the proximal end of the funnel.

7. The biometric security device of claim 6, wherein the compressed gas is released into the distal end of the funnel about two milliseconds before the chemical.

8. The biometric security device of claim 6, wherein the compressed gas and chemical are expelled from the nozzle outlet via at least one opening and a ring opening.

9. The biometric security device of claim 8, wherein the chemical and the compressed gas are expelled from the at least one opening and ring opening as a spray.

10. The biometric security device of claim 9, wherein the chemical is an inflammatory compound.

11. The biometric security device of claim 10, wherein the inflammatory compound is oleoresin capsicum.

12. The biometric security device of claim 9, wherein the compressed gas is carbon dioxide.

13. The biometric security device of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism includes a fingerprint sensor.

14. The biometric security device of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism includes a trigger lock solenoid.

15. The biometric security device of claim 9, wherein the least one opening expels the chemical.

16. The biometric security device of claim 9, wherein the ring opening expels the compressed gas.

17. A method of using a biometric security device comprising: authenticating a user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor; sending a signa! from a controller to a trigger which releases the trigger from a locked position to an unlocked position; pressing the trigger to release a spray through a nozzle outlet.

18. The method of ciaim 17, wherein the spray comprises oleoresin capsicum and compressed gas.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the compressed gas is released between about 1 millisecond to about 3 milliseconds prior to the oleoresin capsicum.

20. A method of using a biometric security device comprising: authenticating a user by utilizing a fingerprint sensor which releases a trigger solenoid from a locked position to an unlocked position; pressing down on the fingerprint sensor to activate the device thereby releasing a spray through a nozzle outlet.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the spray comprises oleoresin capsicum and compressed gas.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the compressed gas is released between about 1 millisecond to about 3 milliseconds prior to the oleoresin capsicum.