Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: VIRTUALLY POWERED ELECTRO-MUSCULAR DISRUPTION
(VP-EMD)
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a wireless
less lethal virtually powered electro-muscular disruption
life saving apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The concept of less-lethal TASER X26 and Wireless
Extended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP) where
publicly announced on March 8, 2004 by TASER
International, a NASDAQ publicly traded company with the
symbol TASK. It is thought that these intellectual
property devices rely on compressed gas stored finite
energy sources, and that the XREP technology is the
subject of four TASER international Inc. patent
applications.
Further information regarding TASER International
Inc. has been made available through www.TASER.com. The
deployment of high voltage wires presents hindrance and
limitation to the potential achievable projectile' range.
With electromagnetic propulsion instead of compressed
gas, the projectile speed can be made automatically
variable, according to target range to ensure the proper
amount of projectile impact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The wireless less-lethal VP-EMD apparatus
according to the present invention comprises a plastic
frame handgun like, fitted with electrical and electronic
subsystems for it to achieve the particular objectives.
The handgun frame has a front loaded barrel with an
electromagnetic linear motor stator coil internally,
powered by a digital amplifier for silent propulsion. An
auxiliary miniature plug at the rear of the mainframe
handgrip provides an interface to the waist belt holster
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internal auxiliary battery. A lateral finger operated
projectile release and trigger-firing multifunction lock
switch ensures safety when positioned in. the respective
indicated positions. A miniature video monitor displays
battery charge condition and a photo of the projectile
impact, which camera is focused by the range measuring
laser beam automatically focused by the microcomputer.
An object of the present invention is to provide
novel improved a VP-EMD alternative designs with expanded
fields of applications of the basic conventional models,
which in addition function as digital video camera, GPS
and emergency handheld communications
Another object is to provide a Virtual--Battery
charger reliable anytime anywhere, for control and silent
linear motor propulsion of the VP-EMD Projectile.
Still another object is to provide integral muzzle
target range measuring laser and digital video camera
interfaced to microcomputer for projectile speed and
wireless telecom.
Yet another object is to provide a small size
aerodynamic projectile design having two springs latched
steel electrodes with barbs that are deployed on impact
to cling to the target and initiate an electrical
discharge, which can be wirelessly remotely controlled
form the hand-held apparatus.
Another object is to provide aerodynamic
projectile design having electromagnetic armature, which
reacts with the electromagnetic fields generated by the
microcomputer controlled digital amplifier to form highly
sophisticate linear motor means of projectile silent
propulsion, which is also a GPS, video camera and
wireless communications tool.
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The laser and video camera are both integrated
into the muzzle. A thumb-operated push button at the top
rear in the back of the main frame provides ON-OFF
wireless remote control of the VP-EMD projectile. A thumb
operate slide latch at the bottom rear of the mainframe
handgrip provides a means to lock the generator-operating
lever in the retracted position, when not in operation.
The trigger provides two stages of compression: first
stage lights up the laser for automatic setting
projectile acceleration and video camera focus, and the
second stage switches on the linear motor for projectile
propulsion and mechanically unlatches the projectile,
silently. The photo taken on impact registers a GPS
location, date and time, which can be downloaded
according to conventional digital video cameras. The
apparatus also optionally provides a telescopic extension
pole, which interlocks for extended manual reach with the
fins of the projectile for extended reach.
The projectile is aerodynamic shape plastic
capsule adapted with ferromagnetic armature of the linear
motor and a pair of brush collectors for propulsion into
the stator. It has a pair of high voltage VP-EMD needle
sharp electrodes, which are impact deployed to pierce and
to cling on to the target. A miniature battery within the
projectile provides the electrical power requirements for
the electronic pulse generator amplifier and wireless
remote control communications. The battery' mass,
activates a diaphragm, which turns ON the main power
switch on impact to initiate the high. voltage discharge.
Which can be optionally stopped wirelessly by the
mainframe push button.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown
in the drawings, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a general view of a preferred embodiment
of the less-lethal VP-EMD electromagnetic linear motor
displaced projectile apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a general view of the propulsion linear
motor stator armature assembly of Figure 1 with extension
cord plug, which is fitted into the barrel, which may
optionally be made longer;
FIG. 3 is a general view of the wireless
aerodynamic shaped VP-EMD linear motor propulsion
projectile;
FIG. 4 is a holster waist belt pack for holding an
auxiliary battery, extra projectiles and a projectile-
retrieving tool;
FIG. 5 is a center cut view of the projectile of
FIG. 3 to better illustrate the internal assembly and
relative position of the impact deployable barbed
electrodes and battery operated memory diaphragm
components;
FIG. 6 is a cut view of FIG. 3 to illustrate the
impact deployed barbed electrodes in the extended
position as they penetrate the target surface to cling to
it;
FIG. 7 is a basic electrical diagram of the linear
motor control circuit interfacing assembled within FIG.
1;
FIG. 8 is a basic electrical diagram of the
wireless remote controlled electronic module of the
projectile of FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is a center cut view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 to show the single handheld lever and cogwheel
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driven electric generator assembly forming the virtual
powered generator;
FIG. 10 is the pivoting cogwheel generator
assembly of FIG. 9 of particular power rating;
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of_ the assembly in
FIG. 10 to show the internal individual parts, which
together form specific timer generator of constant
specific regulated output;
FIG. 12 is the high RPM electric generator driven
by a planetary gear of constant speed;
FIG. 13 is a basic electrical diagram of the logic
functions required for empowering VP-EMD manually;
FIG. 24 is a manual spring-loaded twist-lock
extension pole adaptable to the conventional projectile
for manual extended reach empowering of VP-EMD manually,
symbolic of a magic pole; and
FIG. 15 is an overall view of the adapted manual
telescopic extension fully deployed as a means to ensure
a safe distance from the target.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF -THEPREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The wireless less-lethal virtually powered VP-
EMD apparatus according to the present invention
provides a single handheld pistol look alike,
which is electrically powered by a silent linear
motor for projectile propulsion instead of
conventional compressed gas designs presently
available in the market.
Referring now to FIG. 1 it will there be seen
that an illustrative embodiment of the invention
is denoted by reference numeral 10 and that in all
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figures the same reference numerals designated
corresponding components. A plastic frame 11
provides an ergonomic grip having a single hand
operated lever 12 and a thumb operated lock 13 for
the lever when in the fully compressed position. A
mainframe plug receptacle 14 provides interface to
auxiliary holster of FIG. 4 by means of extension
cord, not shown. A two compression stage trigger
15, with the first stage for turning on a target
distance measuring laser 16 within muzzle 17,
which also includes a video camera 18 are better
show in cut view of FIG. 9, provide a reference
for the internal mini computer for silent linear
motor acceleration control and focusing of target
impact action picture taking upon second stage
trigger 15 compression. A video monitor 19
displays the movie clips and battery charge
status. A push button 20 provides wireless remote
control to the operational amplifier with the
projectile 22 to optionally turn the VP-EMD power
OFF. Projectile 21 better seen in FIG. 3 is front-
loaded into the linear motor barrel 22 shown in
FIG. 2, which forms the stator and projectile's 21
the armature. A slide switch 23 provides a trigger
15 lock and a projectile 21 manual release (in
case needed) after being front-loaded into the
main frame 11 and a manual position handheld VP-
EMD. Rechargeable power battery 24 charged by
virtual power single handheld generator lever 12
provides for all electrical power requirements,
for electronic and propulsion controls.
FIG. 2 is an electrically winded ferromagnetic
core, which provides the stator 22 for
complementary armature electrically winded
ferromagnetic core 21 is firmly held within the
main frame 11. Extension power cord plug 25
provides an interface for 'the linear motor
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operation, having two-strip brush collector tracks
26 internally to provide power to the armature
within acceleration range.
FIG. 3 is an overall view of the wireless
projectile 21 having a pair of leaf spring brush
collectors 26A fitted over a retaining rim 27 for
supplying power to the armature winding, which is
fitted over a plastic frame that forms an
aerodynamic shaped rocket. The plastic main frame
21 has two pairs of wing~.ets 28 and 29
respectively, which provide support for a pair of
electro-muscular disruption needle electrodes 39,
which are inertia impact deployed. A pair of brush
collectors' 26A interfaces tracks 26 in FIG. 2 to
momentarily supply power to the linear motor
armature. Center diaphragm memory resetting piston
frame 80 provides a means to permit retracting the
impact-deployed switch 38 and for retracting
barbed electrodes 39 to their original positions
better seen in FIG. 6. Latching indentations 84
provide a firm locking means to secure telescopic
pole 83 manually, is better illustrated in FIG.
15.
FIG. 4 is a waist-belt 30 to support holster
for the apparatus 11, generally shown as 31, which
provides extra room for a special projectile
extractor 32, extra projectiles 22, an auxiliary
battery 24 seen through cutout 35 and the
telescopic pole adaptation 83.
FIG. 5 is a center cut view of the embodiment
of FIG. 3 to show wireless and VP-EMD electronic
control module 36 and a rechargeable battery 37,
which are assemble on a impact snap-ON memory
diaphragm switch 38 and 38A, better shown in FIG.
8. Also shown is a pair of barbed electrodes 39 in
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their normal retracted position within guides 29,
which are shown in their deployed position by
inertia of impact in FIG. 6. Center diaphragm
resetting holding frame 80 having a resetting
piston 81, better illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 is another cut view of the projectile
of FIG. 3 to show barbed prongs 39 in their fully
deployed position and retained by a pair of spring
loaded cogs 40. Barbed needle electrodes 39 have
weights 39A to increase the amount of inertia on
target impact to assure penetration and to cling
to the target to inject the VP-EMD pulsating high
voltage into the target. A diaphragm latch frame
80 having latching piston operator 81, which
resets the memory diaphragm 38 when pushed back,
makes the projectile re-usable. The projectile is
interfaced at the rear by plug 41 also shown in
FIG. 8.
FIG. 7 is electrical diagram generally shown
as 44 to show electric generator module 45, which
is powered by hand operated cogwheel lever 12 for
charging battery 24 and power receptacle 14.
Receptacle 14 provides an interface for auxiliary
battery 24, or to an external battery charger not
shown. A minicomputer 46 controls oscillator 47'
frequency and digital operational amplifier 48'
power to regulate linear motor stator 22 and 21
armature, via strips collectors 26 and brushes
26A. Push button 20 sends a wireless signal via
antenna 49 to stop the VP-EMD operated by normally
closed relay 50 in FIG. 8 via antenna 49A.
FIG. 8 is electrical diagram generally shown
as 51 to show VP-EMD electrodes 39 coupled to high
voltage transformer 52, a rechargeable battery 53,
electrically wired ferromagnetic core armature 21,
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power collector brushes 26A, oscillator 55 and
digital amplifier 56 to induce a pulsating voltage
in the primary of high voltage transformer 52.
Diaphragm impact operated memory micro switch
38 provides power to activate operation of high
voltage to electrodes 39. Normally closed relay 50
is wirelessly operated to interrupt the high
voltage to electrodes 39 when push button 20 is
pressed. Plug 41 provides an interface for
electrical circuit 42 shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 9 is a cut view of the apparatus main
frame in FIG. 1 to better show the parts
disposition of the virtually powered generator 45,
which is driven by single handheld spring loaded
lever 12 interfaced to pivoted spring loaded
cogwheel drive 60 and retained by spring loaded
cog 61. Black boxes 62 and 63 represent the
electronic components requirements. Compression
spring 64 ensures a retaining force to hold the
projectile 21 firmly in position against rim 27 in
FIG. 3 and released by trigger 15' second stage
compression. Latch 13 optionally locks cogwheel
drive 60 when in the fully compressed position.
Muzzle 17 has a miniature laser 16 and video
camera 18 for target impact picture taking.
FIG. 10 is the electromagnetic rotary
generator mechanism plastic assembly 45, which is
better shown by FIG. 11 A B C D and FIG. 12. The
generator 45 forms a pivoted assembly with
pivoting rims 65 supported on both sides by the
mainframe halves on the outside and a center pivot
71A on the inside.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of FIG. 10 to
better show the configuration of the individual
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parts. 45A is molded plastic containment assembly
have cog teeth 66 and pivoting rims 65, and slots
67 and 68 to capture spring 69 protrusions 67A and
68A. As indicated by harrow 70 tubular frame 71 is
also pivoted to frame 45A and has teeth 72 to
engage planetary gear generator drive 72A, while
assembly 71A better shown in C remains stationary
by couplings 73 engaged to frame 11. Flat steel
spring 69 provides power storage interface between
cogwheel 66 and coupling 72 and 72A to drive
electric generator timer of FIG. 12 interfaced by
planetary gear mechanism 71A. Plastic cover 74
enclosed the assembly of electromagnetic generator
module 45.
FIG. 12 is high RPM electromagnetic generator
75 to supply all the electrical power requirements
of the VP-EMD apparatus, anytime anywhere. The
generator has a plurality of protrusions 73A, a
coupling gear 76 and an extension cord with plug
77 to form a plug-in module.
FIG. 13 is an electrical diagram of manual
function 42 including projectile 21 rear plug 41,
a contact of pushbutton 20, operation mode
selector switch 23 and trigger switch 15
interfaced to plug 41 to provide logic OR function
with diaphragm switch 38.
FIG. 14 is a manually deployable spring-loaded
telescopic extension pole applicable to the front
fins of projectile 21, is generally shown as 80
having a clamping fixture 81 and a pushbutton 82
to release telescopic sections 83A, 83B and 83C,
internal high voltage coiled wires 84 and 84A
shown through longitudinal cutout 86 to provide an
extension for VP-EMD at the end of pole tip
electrode 85. The extension assembly is ideally
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made of strong insulating material, easily
exchangeable to the projectile.
FIG. 15 is a general view of the basic
apparatus frame 11 interfaced to spring loaded
telescopic pole 80 for manually controlled VP -
EMD, while keeping the target at a safe distance,
and without the need to fire the projectile 21.
In accordance with the provisions of the
patent statutes, the principles and mode of
operation of the invention have been explained and
illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However,
it must be understood that the invention may be
practiced otherwise then specifically illustrated
and described without departing from its spirit or
scope.
Although various preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been described herein in detail,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that
variations may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended
claims.
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