U.S. patent application number 14/176987 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-05 for systems and methods for electrodes and coupling structures for electronic weaponry.
This patent application is currently assigned to TASER International, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is TASER International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark A. Hanchett, Douglas J. Landers.
Application Number | 20140153153 14/176987 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45493429 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140153153 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hanchett; Mark A. ; et
al. |
June 5, 2014 |
Systems And Methods For Electrodes And Coupling Structures For
Electronic Weaponry
Abstract
An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from
which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a
stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the
target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the
stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various
aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the
following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the
electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit,
coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current
density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume
of target tissue. For an electrode that includes a body and a
spear, the spear may be implemented with conductive rings or with
materials that include integrated conductive and insulative
substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite
material). Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of
the spear may be reduced or avoided by practice of the
invention.
Inventors: |
Hanchett; Mark A.; (Tempe,
AZ) ; Landers; Douglas J.; (Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TASER International, Inc. |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TASER International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
45493429 |
Appl. No.: |
14/176987 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12979619 |
Dec 28, 2010 |
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14176987 |
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12842866 |
Jul 23, 2010 |
8587918 |
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12979619 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 13/0025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/232 |
International
Class: |
F41H 13/00 20060101
F41H013/00 |
Claims
1. A deployment unit for providing a current from a signal
generator through tissue of a human or animal target, the current
for inhibiting voluntary movement by the target, the deployment
unit comprising: a housing; an interface that couples the housing
to the signal generator, the interface for receiving the current; a
filament that conducts the current, the filament stored in the
housing prior to deployment, the filament coupled to the interface
for receiving the current; an electrode stored in the housing prior
to deployment; and a propellant that in operation propels the
electrode away from the housing to deploy the filament toward the
target; wherein the electrode comprises a tip that pierces the
target; a first surface to lodge the electrode in the target; and a
second surface to lodge the electrode in the target; wherein the
first surface is located closer to the tip than the second surface
is located from the tip.
2. The deployment unit of claim 1 wherein: the electrode further
comprises a shaft; and the tip, the first surface, and the second
surface are integral with the shaft;
3. The deployment unit of claim 1 wherein: the electrode further
comprises a third surface to lodge the electrode in the target; and
the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface are
arranged in circular symmetry about an axis.
4. The deployment unit of claim 1 wherein: the first surface is
part of a first barb; and the second surface is part of a second
barb.
5. The deployment unit of claim 4 wherein: the electrode further
comprises a shaft comprising a surface of the shaft; and the first
barb and the second barb are part of an irregularity of the surface
of the shaft.
6. The deployment unit of claim 4 wherein: the electrode further
comprises a spear comprising a continuous surface; and the
continuous surface includes the first barb and the second barb.
7. The deployment unit of claim 1 wherein the electrode further
comprises an undulation that increases friction between the second
surface and the target.
8. The deployment unit of claim 1 wherein: the electrode comprises
a shaft; and the second surface is assembled onto the shaft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority
under 35 USC .sctn. 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/979,619 to Hanchett, filed Dec. 28, 2010, which is a
continuation of US patent application serial no. 12/842,866 to
Hanchett, filed Jul. 23, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,587,918, issued
Nov. 19, 2013.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic
weaponry, deployment units, and electrodes used in deployment units
for electronic weaponry, and to methods of providing a current
through a human or animal target via at least one electrode having
a current spreading capability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional electronic weapons launch one or more
electrodes toward a human or animal target to deliver a stimulus
signal through the target to inhibit locomotion by the target. A
thin conductor called a filament (e.g., wire) couples a signal
generator in the electronic weapon to a launched electrode
positioned in or near the target. The signal generator provides the
stimulus signal through the target via the filament, the electrode,
and a return path to complete a closed circuit. The return path may
be through earth and/or through a second filament and electrode.
Conventional electrodes are made of conductive materials and have a
sharp barbed tip to acquire and remain in a position in or near a
target (e.g., lodge in clothing, skin). Consequently, relatively
high field strengths and current densities occur at the electrode
tip. Generally, reducing current at the tip of an electrode and
increasing current at the skin of the target is desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention will now be further
described with reference to the drawing, wherein like designations
denote like elements, and:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic weapon
according to various aspects of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an electrode of the
electronic weapon of FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-section diagram of an impact with target
tissue of an electrode in one implementation according to FIG.
2;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of an implementation of the
electronic weapon of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the deployment unit of the
electronic weapon of FIG. 4;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of an electrode in a first
implementation of the electrode of FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of an electrode in a second
implementation of the electrode of FIG. 2; and
[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-section of an electrode in a third
implementation of the electrode of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] An electronic weapon, according to various aspects of the
present invention, delivers a current through a human or animal
target to interfere with locomotion by the target. An important
class of electronic weapons launch at least one tethered electrode,
also called a dart or a probe, toward a target to position the
electrode in or near target tissue. A respective filament (e.g.,
wire with or without insulation) extends from the electronic weapon
to each electrode at the target, thereby tethering the electrode to
the electronic weapon. One or more electrodes may form a circuit
through a target. The circuit conducts the stimulus signal. The
circuit's return path may be through ground, through one or more
additional tethered electrodes, or through a conductive path (e.g.,
liquid, plasma) formed by the electronic weapon to the target. The
electronic weapon provides a stimulus signal (e.g., current, pulses
of current) through, inter alia, the filament, the electrode, and
the target to interfere with locomotion by the target. Interference
includes causing involuntary contraction of skeletal muscles to
halt voluntary locomotion by the target and/or causing pain to the
target to motivate the target to voluntarily stop moving.
[0014] Conventional stimulus signals may be used. For example, a
stimulus signal may comprise about 19 current pulses per second at
a duty cycle less than 1/400, repeated for a period of from 5 to 30
seconds to facilitate arrest of the target or escape from the
target.
[0015] An electronic weapon, according to various aspects of the
present invention, may include a launch device and one or more
field replaceable deployment units mounted to the electronic
weapon. Each deployment unit may include expendable (e.g., single
use) components (e.g., tether wires, electrodes, propellant), and
storage cavities (e.g., bores, chambers). Herein, a filament is
interchangeably called a wire, a tether wire, and a tether. A
tethered electrode is an assembly of a filament and an electrode at
least mechanically coupled to an end portion of the filament. A
portion of the filament near the other end of the filament is at
least mechanically coupled to the deployment unit and/or the launch
device (e.g., one end fixed within the deployment unit), generally
until the deployment unit is removed from the electronic weapon. As
discussed below, mechanical coupling may facilitate electrical
coupling of the launch device and the target prior to and/or during
operation of the electronic weapon.
[0016] A launch device of an electronic weapon launches at least
one tethered electrode of the electronic weapon toward a target. As
the electrode travels toward the target, the electrode deploys
(e.g., pulls) a length of filament from storage within the
deployment unit. The filament trails the electrode. After launch,
the filament spans (e.g., extends, bridges, stretches) a distance
from the deployment unit to the electrode generally positioned in
or near a target.
[0017] Electronic weapons that use tethered electrodes, according
to various aspects of the present invention, include handheld
devices, apparatus fixed to buildings or vehicles, and stand-alone
stations. Hand-held devices may be used in law enforcement, for
example, deployed by an officer to take custody of a target.
Apparatus fixed to buildings or vehicles may be used at security
checkpoints or borders, for example, to manually or automatically
acquire, track, and/or deploy electrodes to stop intruders.
Stand-alone stations may be set up for area denial, for example, as
used by military operations. Conventional electronic weapons such
as the model X26 electronic control device and Shockwave.TM. area
denial unit, each marketed by TASER International, Inc., may be
modified to implement the teachings of the present invention by
replacing the conventional deployment units with deployment units
having electrodes as discussed herein.
[0018] An electrode, according to various aspects of the present
invention, provides a mass for launching toward a target. The
intrinsic mass of an electrode includes a mass that is sufficient
to fly, under force of a propellant, from a launch device to a
target. The mass of the electrode includes a mass that is
sufficient to deploy (e.g., pull, uncoil, unravel, draw) a filament
from storage. The mass of the electrode is sufficient to deploy a
filament behind the electrode while the electrode flies toward a
target. The mass of the electrode deploys the filament from storage
and behind the electrode in such a manner that the filament spans a
distance between the launch device and the electrode positioned at
a target. The mass of an electrode is generally insufficient to
cause serious blunt impact trauma to a target. In one
implementation, the mass of an electrode is in the range of 2.0 to
3.0 grams, preferably about 2.8 grams.
[0019] An electrode provides a surface area for receiving a
propelling force to propel the electrode away from a launch device
and toward a target. Movement of the electrode away from the launch
device is limited by aerodynamic drag and resistance force (e.g.,
tension in the filament) that resists deploying a filament from
storage and pulling the filament behind the electrode in flight
toward a target.
[0020] A forward portion of an electrode may be oriented toward a
target prior to launch. Upon launch and/or during flight from the
launch device toward the target, the forward portion of the
electrode orients toward the target. An electrode has an
aerodynamic form for maintaining the forward portion of the
electrode oriented toward a target. The aerodynamic form of an
electrode provides suitable accuracy for hitting the target.
[0021] An electrode includes a shape for receiving a propelling
force to propel the electrode toward a target. A shape of an
electrode may correspond to a shape of a portion of the launch
device or deployment unit that provides a propelling force to
propel the electrode. For example, a cylindrical electrode may be
propelled from a cylindrical tube of a deployment unit. During a
launch of an electrode by expanding gas, the electrode may seal the
tube with the body of the electrode to accomplish suitable
acceleration and muzzle velocity. A rear face of the cylindrical
body may receive substantially all of the propelling force.
[0022] An electrode may include a substantially cylindrical body.
Prior to launch, the electrode is positioned in a substantially
cylindrical tube slightly larger in diameter than the electrode. A
propelling force (e.g., rapidly expanding gas) is applied to a
closed end of the tube. The gas pushes against a rear portion of
the body of the electrode to propel the electrode out of an open
end of the tube toward a target.
[0023] An electrode includes a shape and a surface area for
aerodynamic flight for suitable accuracy of delivery of the
electrode across a distance toward a target, for example, about 15
to 35 feet from a launch device to a target. An electrode may
rotate in-flight to provide spin stabilized flight. An electrode
may maintain its pre-launch orientation toward a target during
launch, flight to, and impact with a target.
[0024] In other implementations, an electrode has a conical shape
(e.g., cone, golf tee, series of axially nested cones) with the
base of the conical shape receiving the propelling force.
[0025] On impact, an electrode mechanically couples to a target.
Mechanical coupling includes penetrating target clothing and/or
tissue, resisting removal from clothing and/or tissue, remaining in
contact with a target surface (e.g., tissue, hair, clothing,
armor), and/or resisting removal from the target surface. Coupling
may be accomplished by piercing, lodging (e.g., hooking, grasping,
entangling, adhering, gluing), and/or wrapping (e.g., encircling,
covering). An electrode, according to various aspects of the
present invention, includes structure (e.g., hook, barb, spear,
glue ampoule, tentacle, bolo) for mechanically coupling the
electrode to a target. A structure for coupling may penetrate a
protective barrier (e.g., clothing, hair, armor) on an outer
surface of a target.
[0026] In one implementation, an electrode includes a body and a
spear (e.g., pointed shaft, needle). The spear penetrates target
clothing and/or tissue up to the length of the spear. The body
arrests penetration. A spear extends away from the body toward the
target. The spear may include one or more barbs for increasing the
strength of the mechanical coupling of the electrode to the target.
The barbs may be arranged to accomplish suitable mechanical
coupling at various lengths of penetration of clothing and/or
tissue.
[0027] An electrode is mechanically coupled to a filament to deploy
the filament from storage and to extend the filament from the
launch device to the target. Mechanical coupling includes coupling
a filament and an electrode with sufficient strength to retain the
coupling during manufacture, prior to launch, during launch, after
launch, during mechanical coupling of the electrode to a target,
and while delivering a stimulus signal to a target. A mechanical
coupling may be established between a filament and an electrode in
any conventional manner (e.g., threading the filament through a
hole in the electrode and knotting the filament to prevent
unthreading, tying the filament in a knot to a portion of the
electrode, gluing the filament to the electrode, joining (e.g.,
welding, soldering) a portion of the filament to a portion of the
electrode). Mechanical coupling may be accomplished by confining
the filament in a portion of the electrode. For example, confining
a portion of the filament in an interior of the electrode.
Confining may include enclosing, holding, retaining, maintaining
mechanical coupling, and/or resisting separation. Confining may be
accomplished by preventing or resisting movement or deformation
(e.g., stretching, twisting, bending) of the filament. As discussed
below, placing the filament in an interior and affixing a spear
over the interior in one implementation confines the filament to
the interior.
[0028] An electrode facilitates electrical coupling of the launch
device and the target. Electrical coupling generally includes a
region or volume of target tissue associated with the electrode
(e.g., a respective region for each electrode when more than one
electrode is used). According to various aspects of the present
invention, one or more structures of the electrode accomplish lower
current density in the region or volume compared to prior art
electrodes.
[0029] For each electrode, electrical coupling may include placing
the electrode in contact with target tissue (e.g. touching,
inserting) and/or ionizing air in one or more gaps between the
launch device, the deployment unit, the filament, the electrode,
and target tissue. For example, a placement of an electrode with
respect to a target that results in a gap of air between the
electrode and the target does not electrically couple the electrode
to the target until ionization of the air in the gap. Ionization
may be accomplished by a stimulus signal that includes, at least
initially, a relatively high voltage (e.g., about 25,000 volts for
one or more gaps having a total length of about one inch). After
initial ionization, the electrode remains electrically coupled to
the target while the stimulus signal supplies sufficient current
and/or voltage to maintain ionization. Ionization may not be
needed, for instance when contact is accomplished by spreading
involving direct conduction from a filament to the target.
[0030] In an electrode, according to various aspects of the present
invention, conduction of current from the electrode is enhanced at
surface tissue of the target and diminished at the tip inserted in
target tissue. These effects are accomplished by spreading and/or
diffusing.
[0031] An electrode for use with a deployment unit and/or an
electronic weapon, according to various aspects of the present
invention, performs the functions discussed above. For example, any
of electrodes 142, 143, 600, 700, and 800 of FIGS. 1-8 may be
launched from weapon 100 toward a target to establish a circuit
with the target to provide a stimulus signal through the
target.
[0032] Electronic weapon 100 of FIG. 1 includes launch device 110
and deployment unit 130. Launch device 110 includes user controls
112, processing circuit 114, power supply 116, and signal generator
118. In one implementation, launch device 110 is packaged in a
housing. The housing may include a mechanical and electrical
interface for a deployment unit 130. Conventional electronic
circuits, processing circuit programming, and propulsion and
mechanical technologies may be used, suitably modified, and/or
supplemented as discussed herein.
[0033] A user control is operated by a user to initiate an
operation of the weapon. User controls 112 may include a trigger, a
manual safety, and/or a touch screen user interface operated by a
user. When user controls 112 are packaged separately from launch
device 110, any conventional wired or wireless communication
technology may be used to link user controls 112 with processing
circuit 114.
[0034] A processing circuit controls many if not all of the
functions of an electronic weapon. A processing circuit may
initiate a launch of one or more electrodes responsive to a user
control. A processing circuit may control an operation of a signal
generator to provide a stimulus signal. For example, processing
circuit 114 receives a signal from user controls 112 indicating
user operation of the weapon to launch an electrode and provide a
stimulus signal. Processing circuit 114 provides a launch signal
152 to deployment unit 130 to initiate launch of one or more
electrodes. Processing circuit 114 may provide a signal to signal
generator 118 to provide the stimulus signal to the launched
electrodes. Processing circuit 114 may include a conventional
microprocessor and memory that executes instructions (e.g.,
processor programming) stored in memory.
[0035] A power supply provides energy to operate an electronic
weapon and to provide a stimulus signal. For example, power supply
116 provides energy (e.g., current, pulses of current) to signal
generator 118 to provide a stimulus signal. Power supply 116 may
further provide power to operate processing circuit 114 and user
controls 112. For hand held electronic weapons, a power supply
generally includes a battery.
[0036] A signal generator provides a stimulus signal for delivery
through a target. A signal generator may reform energy provided by
a power supply to provide a stimulus signal having suitable
characteristics (e.g., ionizing voltage, charge delivery voltage,
charge per pulse of current, current pulse repetition rate) to
interfere with target locomotion. A signal generator electrically
couples to a filament to provide the stimulus signal through the
target as discussed above. For example, signal generator 118
provides a stimulus signal to electrodes 142-143 of deployment unit
130 via their respective filaments 140-141. Signal generator 118 is
electrically coupled via stimulus interface 150 to filaments stored
in deployment unit 130. The stimulus signal may consist of from 5
to 40 pulses per second, each pulse capable of ionizing air, each
pulse delivering after ionization (if needed) about 80
microcoulombs of charge through a human or animal target having an
impedance of about 400 ohms.
[0037] A deployment unit (e.g., cartridge, magazine) receives a
launch signal from a launch device to initiate a launch of one or
more electrodes and a stimulus signal to deliver through a target.
A spent deployment unit may be replaced with an unused deployment
unit after some or all electrodes of the spent deployment unit have
been launched. An unused deployment unit may be coupled to the
launch device to enable additional electrodes to be launched. A
deployment unit may receive, via an interface, signals from a
launch device to perform the functions of a deployment unit.
[0038] For example, deployment unit 130 may include one or more
cartridges 132-134. Each cartridge 132 (134) may include one or
more filaments 140 (141), one or more electrodes 142 (143), and one
or more propellants 144 (145). A deployment unit stores a filament
for each electrode or group of electrodes. Each filament
mechanically couples to an electrode or group of electrodes as
discussed herein. Via launch signal 152, processing circuit 114
initiates activation of propellant 144 (145) for one or more
selected cartridges. Propellant 144 (145) propels one or more
electrodes 142 (143) toward a target. Each electrode is coupled to
deploy a respective filament from storage. As each electrode flies
toward the target, each electrode deploys its respective filament
out from its storage. Signal generator 118 provides the stimulus
signal through the target via stimulus interface 150 and the
filaments coupled to launched electrodes 142 (143).
[0039] Each propellant may serve to launch any number of
electrodes. For instance, a deployment unit formed as a replaceable
cartridge may include a housing, an electrical interface, two
electrodes, one propellant for launching the two electrodes, and
two filaments, one for each electrode.
[0040] An electrode, according to various aspects of the present
invention, performs one or more of the following functions in any
combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the
filament, mechanically coupling the electrode to a target, enabling
conduction of the stimulus current from the filament through the
target, spreading a current density with respect to a region of
target tissue, and diffusing a current into a volume of target
tissue. Enabling conduction includes ionizing, spreading, and/or
diffusing. Enabling conduction, may include ionization of
insulative material internal to one or more portions of the
electrode. Enabling conduction may include ionization of insulative
material external to the electrode. Insulative materials include
any material or substance (e.g., gas, liquid, solid, aggregation,
suspension, composite, alloy, mixture) that presents, at any time
or times, a relatively high resistance to current of the stimulus
signal.
[0041] A functional block diagram of an electrode, according to
various aspects of the present invention illustrates functional and
structural cooperation. Lines shown on FIG. 2 illustrate paths by
which current is conducted. Arrows on these lines show a single
polarity for current flow for clarity of description. Current of
any conventional polarity or polarities may flow in one or more
directions on any of the lines shown at various times. Return path
246 may be accomplished in any manner discussed above.
[0042] Electrode 142 includes binding and/or deploying structure
202; coupling and/or diffusing structure 204; and a regional
spreading structure 206. Electrode 142 performs mechanical and
electrical functions. Receiving and conducting the stimulus signal
is herein called activation. Electrode 142 is activated via
filament 140 with current to signal generator 118 and with current
from target tissue 208 on one or more paths through electrode 142
and one or more paths through target tissue 208.
[0043] A binding deploying structure has mass, shape, and surfaces
for being attached to a filament, for being propelled, and for
deploying the filament to a target, as discussed above.
Conventional mass, shape, and surfaces may be employed. For
example, a binding structure may have a substantially cylindrical
shape, an interior with surfaces that abut and/or grip a filament,
and external surfaces with suitable aerodynamic properties for
efficient propulsion and accurate flight to a target. A binding
deploying structure may employ conductive, resistive, and/or
insulative material on an intended path of conduction of stimulus
current. A binding deploying structure may employ resistive and/or
insulative material to diminish stimulus current conduction on
undesired paths. Conventional metal and/or plastic fabrication
technologies may be used in the manufacture of a binding deploying
structure as discussed herein.
[0044] For example, binding deploying structure 202 binds an end
portion of a filament (e.g., an insulated wire 140) for deploying
the filament in response to propulsion (e.g., by propellant 144).
In addition, binding deploying structure 202 may conduct the
stimulus current as discussed in Table 1.
[0045] Diffusing facilitates formation and use of at least one
current path for stimulus signal current through tissue of the
target, subtracting from current that would otherwise pass into
target tissue through a tip of the electrode. As a result of
diffusing, stimulus current divides among the at least two current
paths. Diffusing reduces electric field flux density in a volume of
target tissue (e.g. near a tip). A structure of conventional
materials may accomplish diffusing as discussed herein. Such a
structure may have any shape known in the art for inserting an
electrode into a volume of target tissue. A diffusing structure
includes conductive material and may further include insulative
material, for example, to inhibit ionization from undesired
surfaces and/or locations of the diffusing structure.
[0046] A coupling diffusing structure accomplishes mechanical
coupling of the electrode to the target (e.g., target's tissue,
target's clothing) as discussed above. A coupling diffusing
structure has a shape suitable for the mechanical coupling
method(s) being implemented as well as shape and material suitable
for electrical coupling (e.g., forming ionized paths, conducting
stimulus signal current) and diffusing current density. Mechanical
coupling may be accomplished with piercing. When piercing and
lodging are used for coupling, the coupling diffusing structure may
have one or more shafts of small diameter compared to the length of
the shaft. Each shaft may include a tip sufficient to pierce
material and/or tissue at the target. Lodging may be accomplished
with any conventional irregularity of the surface of the shaft at
the tip, spaced away from the tip, or continuing from the tip.
Mechanical coupling may be accomplished without piercing. When
coupling includes lodging and/or wrapping the coupling diffusing
structure may have a relatively blunt surface for colliding with
material and/or tissue at the target. For example, the blunt
surface may have a relatively large adhering surface compared to a
spear. A blunt surface may be long, as implemented with a tentacle
deployed on impact that adheres to the target and/or adheres to
itself.
[0047] For example, coupling diffusing structure 204 may include a
spear comprising a shaft formed or joined to binding deploying
structure 202. The shaft may terminate with a sharp tip. In
addition, coupling diffusing structure 204 may conduct the stimulus
current as discussed in Table 1.
[0048] Spreading facilitates formation and use of at least one
current path for stimulus signal current through skin of the
target, subtracting from current that would otherwise enter target
tissue through a tip of the electrode. As a result of spreading,
stimulus current divides among the at least two current paths.
Spreading reduces electric field flux density in a volume of target
tissue (e.g. near a tip). A structure of conventional materials may
accomplish spreading as discussed herein. Such a structure may have
any shape known in the art for spreading an electric field across a
region or throughout a volume. A spreading structure includes
conductive material and may further include insulative material,
for example, to inhibit ionization from undesired surfaces and/or
locations of the spreading structure.
[0049] A regional spreading structure improves the conductivity of
a surface in a region near a point of impact of the electrode and
the target. A regional spreading structure may dispense a
conductive substance (e.g., liquid, gel, suspension, aggregate,
powdered solid) to spread the current density of the stimulus
signal into the region. The region may be immediately adjacent to a
point of impact. The region may surround (e.g., encompass) the
point of impact. The region may be spaced apart from the electrode
and/or point of impact, for instance, separated from the electrode
by a second interstitial region where conductivity is not improved
by the regional spreading structure. An electrode may produce more
than one point of impact. The region may be centrally located
between points of impact. The region may have an area larger than
an area that is subject to contact by blunt impact of the
electrode.
[0050] For example, regional spreading structure 206 may comprise a
container that supplies conductive material onto or into the
region. The container may conduct the stimulus current into the
conductive material. Because spreading may be a consequence of the
conductivity of the material dispensed, the container may spread
the stimulus current density without supplying the stimulus current
to the material dispensed. See Table 1 for illustrative
implementations.
[0051] The seven configurations of Table 1 provide guidance for
construction of at least seven electrodes. The techniques
illustrated by these configurations may be combined in any
practical manner for construction of additional electrodes. Current
division may be described as a ratio of the currents 242 and 244.
Zero or more of the paths 212 through 244 may require ionization to
become effective. Zero or more of the paths may be constructed to
include a resistance. A suitable ratio may be accomplished by
adjusting ionization (e.g., quantity of gaps, gap length(s)) and/or
resistance of one or more paths 212 through 244. For example, the
structures of electrode 142 in one implementation enables a
relatively low voltage of the stimulus signal to effect path
214/242, a relatively higher voltage to effect path 216/242 or
216/244, and a still higher voltage to effect path 218/244.
[0052] Current 242 may be expressed as a percentage of total
current I (e.g., {100*i (242)}/{i (242)+i (244)}). A non-zero
percentage provides beneficial reduction of electric field strength
at an electrode tip inserted in target tissue. According to various
aspects of the present invention, greater percentages are even more
beneficial. In one implementation, the percentage is in the range
of from about 50% to about 99%. In other implementations, the
percentage is in the range of from about 20% to about 80% due to
limitations of structural strength and economics of material costs
and manufacturing.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Activation Sequence Accomplishing Division
Of Current Configuration Through Target 208 (via 242 and 244) 1
Filament 140 activates (216) binding deploying structure 202 which
activates (224) coupling diffusing structure 204 for current 244.
Coupling diffusing structure 204 activates (226) regional spreading
structure 206 for current 242. 2 Filament 140 activates (216)
binding deploying structure 202 which activates (222) regional
spreading structure 206 for current 242. Regional spreading
structure 206 activates (228) coupling diffusing structure 204 for
current 244. 3 Filament 140 activates (216) binding deploying
structure 202 which activates (224, 222) both coupling diffusing
structure 204 for current 244 and regional spreading structure 206
for current 242. 4 Filament 140 activates (218) coupling diffusing
structure 204 for current 244. Coupling diffusing structure 204
activates (226) regional spreading structure 206 for current 242. 5
Filament 140 activates (218) coupling diffusing structure 204 for
current 244. Coupling diffusing structure 204 activates (225)
binding deploying structure 202 which activates (222) regional
spreading structure 206 for current 242. 6 Filament 140 activates
(214) regional spreading structure 206 for current 242. Regional
spreading structure 206 activates (228) coupling diffusing
structure 204 for current 244. 7 Filament 140 activates (214)
regional spreading structure 206 for current 242. Regional
spreading structure 206 activates (223) binding deploying structure
202 which activates (224) coupling diffusing structure 204 for
current 244.
[0053] In various implementations according to Table 1, structures
202-206 may be implemented using conventional manufacturing
technologies (e.g., molding, casting, machining, joining, crimping,
staking, fastening, adhering, coating, over molding, abutting,
assembling) as needed to support conductivity for the desired one
or more paths 212-244. Current paths shown schematically on FIG. 2
adjacent to a gap may be subsumed in structures adjacent to the
gap.
[0054] When more than one path of paths 212-244 is formed, stimulus
current divides among the formed paths (an inclusive OR of the
paths 212-244). Due to changes in the environment of the electrode
(e.g., movement of the electrode and/or the target with respect to
the other), changing signal generator output voltage V.sub.A,
changes in the conductivity of target tissue), one or more of paths
212-244 may form, decay, and/or reform over time (e.g., during a
series of pulses of stimulus current).
[0055] An electrode according to various aspects of the present
invention may have one or more binding deploying structures 202
(e.g., more than one filament for redundancy, one for each of
several stimulus signals), one or more coupling diffusing
structures 204 (e.g., increased lodging capability with decreased
depth of piercing tissue), and/or one or more regional spreading
structures 206 (e.g., plural spreading structures symmetrically
arranged around the shaft of one spear, one or more spreading
structures for each of several coupling diffusing structures).
[0056] In operation with one of each structure as shown, a voltage
V.sub.A is impressed by signal generator 118 across a filament 140
(212) and a return path 246. The return path may be through earth
or through a second electrode (not shown) analogous to electrode
140. Current (I) may flow through target 208 by any one or more
paths 242-244.
[0057] An example impact of one implementation of electrode 142 is
shown in cross section in FIG. 3. Electrode 142 has a central axis
316. As shown, binding deploying structure 202 maintains a rigid
arrangement of itself, an end portion of filament 140 and an end
portion of coupling diffusing structure 204. Filament 140 comprises
a coaxially insulated conductor 212. Conductor 212 is exposed to
the atmosphere near binding deploying structure 202, coupling
diffusing structure 204, and regional spreading structure 206. As
shown, electrode 142 has made impact with target 208 by piercing a
surface of the target, namely, clothing 302 that remains a distance
322 (exaggerated merely for clarity of presentation) away from skin
304 of the target. Regional spreading structure 206 has deformed on
impact with the target.
[0058] Binding deploying structure 202 includes a cylindrical body
310 and a front face 313 both symmetric about axis 316. Body 310
retains filament 140 and coupling diffusing structure 204 by
friction. Body 310 may be conductive (as shown).
[0059] Coupling diffusing structure 204 includes a shaft 311, a tip
314, and a barb 312. Shaft 311 has a longitudinal axis aligned with
axis 316. Coupling diffusing structure 204 is conductive at
voltages above an activation voltage.
[0060] Coupling diffusing structure 204 may be activated by any one
or more of currents 216 and 219 through body 310, and 218 from
filament 140 at a locale a distance 315 from tip 314. Tip 314 may
be activated via any current in shaft 311, provided sufficient
activation voltage is available.
[0061] In one implementation, activation of tip 314 involves a
series circuit comprising intrinsic resistance of shaft 311 and/or
one or more gaps (e.g., series 332, 334, and 336) each gap
requiring ionization for current to freely flow. Ionization occurs
internally to shaft 311. Assuming sufficient activation voltage to
activate shaft 311 to a locale near skin 304, a portion 244 of
current in coupling diffusing structure 204 enters target tissue.
An activation voltage of tip 314 is higher than the activation
voltage to produce current 244 due to additional length of
intrinsic resistance and/or additional gaps (not shown) in the
material of shaft 311, gaps 332, 334, and 336 being illustrative of
a principle of activation. Consequently, a portion of current 228
in coupling diffusing structure 204 is inhibited from flowing
through tip 314 by intrinsic resistance and/or gaps and enters
target tissue at a locale different from tip 314 (e.g., current 244
near skin 304). Current 344 flows in a volume of target tissue 208.
Current 344 and an associated electric field flux density at tip
314 are consequently less in comparison to a shaft, barb, and tip
formed of highly conducting material (e.g., stainless steel as in
the prior art).
[0062] Regional spreading structure 206 comprises a container 306
formed of insulative material and a conductive gel 308. On impact,
the container deforms, ruptures, and dispenses the gel away from
coupling diffusing structure 204 and away from axis 316 of
electrode 142. The gel makes conductive contact with the surface
302 up to a distance 307 from coupling diffusing structure 204. In
one implementation, distance 307 is greater than a radius of
electrode 142 from axis 316. Gel 308 may be activated by any one or
more of currents 222, 214, and 216 at an activation voltage that
depends at least in part on the conductive or insulative properties
of the materials of binding deploying structure 202, container 306,
and shaft 311. Current 242 enters skin 304 a distance 309 away from
coupling diffusing structure 204. Currents 342 flow in a volume of
target tissue 208.
[0063] In another implementation, a relatively low viscosity
conductive material (e.g., liquid) may substitute for conductive
gel 308 to permit flow through clothing 302. Conductive gel 308 may
cause clothing 302 to adhere to skin 304 by virtue of wetting,
surface tension, electrostatic attraction, and/or chemical
adhesion.
[0064] In operation after impact, electrode 142 inhibits current
344 through tip 314 by spreading and diffusing to enable currents
242, 342, and 244 not through tip 314. Currents 342 and 244 exist
in response to electric field flux density in the locale of each
current. The structures of electrode 142 diffuse and spread the
electric field flux density that would otherwise occur at tip 314
by diffusing current through any locale of shaft 311 in contact
with target tissue (the locale at current 244 for example), by
inhibiting activation of tip 314 through use of materials in shaft
311 and/or tip 314 that are not highly conductive, and/or by
enabling current flow 342 at a distance from the electrode through
use of regional spreading.
[0065] Activation of shaft 311 and current 244 occurs at a voltage
lower than an activation voltage of tip 314. Current 244 is
representative of currents from shaft 311 at any locale where shaft
311 is in contact with target tissue 208. Other currents from shaft
311 (not shown) may be activated at respective activation voltages
that are less than the activation voltage of tip 314. In one
implementation, such activation voltages are inversely proportional
to distance of the respective locale from tip 314. Proportionality
may be linear or nonlinear as a result of choice of insulative
materials and manufacturing techniques used to form and assemble
structure 204.
[0066] Activation of regional spreading structure 206 occurs at a
voltage lower than an activation voltage of tip 314. Activation of
regional spreading structure 206 may occur at a voltage lower than
an activation voltage associated with current 244 (representing
currents from shaft 311 not at tip 314). As a result, at preferred
operating voltages for electrode 142, current 342 may have a
magnitude greater than current 244 (representing currents from
shaft 311 not at tip 314); and/or current 342 may have a magnitude
greater than a sum of magnitudes of currents 244 and 344.
[0067] An electronic weapon 100, according to various aspects of
the present invention, may launch two electrodes each of the type
discussed herein with reference to electrode 142, where one
electrode serves in the return path, as discussed above. For
example, electronic weapon 100 of FIG. 4 is shown immediately after
a user initiated launch of two electrodes from a deployment unit.
Electronic weapon 100 includes a hand-held launch device 110 that
receives and operates one field-replaceable cartridge 130 as a type
of deployment unit. Launch device 110 houses a power supply (having
a replaceable battery), a processing circuit, and a signal
generator as discussed above. Launch device 110 may be of the type
known as a model X26 electronic control device marketed by TASER
International, Inc. Cartridge 130 includes a plurality 402 of
tethered electrodes including electrodes 142 and 143. Upon
operation of trigger 401, electrodes 142 and 143 are propelled from
cartridge 130 generally in direction of flight "A" toward a target
(not shown). As electrodes 142 and 143 fly toward the target,
electrodes 142 and 143 deploy behind them filaments 140 and 441
respectively. When electrodes 142 and 143 are positioned in or near
the target, filaments 140 and 441 extend from cartridge 130 to
electrodes 142 and 143 respectively. The signal generator provides
a stimulus signal through the circuit formed by filament 140,
electrode 142, target tissue, electrode 143, and filament 441.
Electrodes 142 and 143 mechanically and electrically couple to
tissue of the target as discussed above.
[0068] A deployment unit may substantially simultaneously deploy a
plurality of electrodes. For example, deployment unit 130 of FIG. 5
includes the exterior dimensions, features, and operational
functions, of a conventional cartridge of the type used with model
M26 and X26 electronic control devices marketed by TASER
International, Inc. FIG. 5 is drawn to scale with the angle formed
by the launch tubes being 8 degrees. For deployment unit 130, two
electrodes are simultaneously propelled from respective cylindrical
launch tubes (e.g., bore, chamber) in a housing of the deployment
unit. For example, deployment unit 130 includes housing 502, cover
508, filament storage (not shown), bores 504 and 506, propellant
system 144, 145 comprising several components, and tethered
electrodes 142 and 143. Each tethered electrode 142 (143) is
mechanically coupled to a respective filament (one shown) 141, to
deploy the filament with the electrode. Spaces for filament storage
are located on both sides of the plane of the bores of the housing,
so that in the cross-section view of FIG. 5, one storage space is
removed by cross section and the other is hidden. In use, the
propellant explosively provides a volume of gas that pushes each
electrode 142 (143) from the respective bore 504 (506).
Acceleration, muzzle velocity, flight dynamics, and accuracy of
hitting the target are affected by the fit of the body as it leaves
the bore. Any diameter along the length of the body that exceeds a
limit interferes for a period of time unnecessarily with propelling
the body from the bore.
[0069] Portions of an electrode, as discussed above, may be formed,
according to various aspects of the present invention, of materials
that are not highly conductive. These materials are discussed above
as resistive and/or insulative. The structure of these materials
may be uniform through a volume or nonuniform. When uniform,
electrical activation may be in accordance with a resistance per
unit length and one or more lengths of conduction (path lengths)
needed to accomplish suitable activation. Nonuniformity may be
accomplished by varying the blend of constituents of the material
when molding the desired structure, or by arranging materials of
different properties in series assembly. Nonuniformity may cause
resistance to increase away from the target or to any desired
nonlinear extent. Conductive and/or resistive materials may be
combined with insulative materials in any conventional fashion.
[0070] Insulative materials include nonconductors. When exposed to
ionization voltages, portions of insulative materials along paths
of ionization may reform (e.g., wear, deform, mobilize, melt,
vaporize, temper, congeal, crystallize, stratify, reconstitute)
into resistive materials, voids, and/or pockets of component
materials (e.g., liquids or gases). Reformation may change a
magnitude of voltage needed for a desired activation. Insulative
materials may comprise plastic, nylon, fiberglass, or ceramic.
Insulative coatings include lacquer, black zinc, a dielectric film,
a non-conductive passivation layer, a polyp-xylylene polymer (e.g.,
Parylene), polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), a thermoplastic
polyamide (e.g., Zytel). Conventional insulative technologies may
be used.
[0071] Insulative materials of a type herein called composite
materials, may include separated conductors. Conventional composite
materials are manufactured and used for molding and overmolding.
For example, a composite material may be formed from a liquid
resin, plastic, or thermoplastic as a host material with solid
fibers, spheres, ellipsoids, powder, or other particles as filler
mixed into the host before the host cures to a solid. Host material
may be plastic, nylon, PEEK (polyetheretherkeytone), thermoplastic
elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), SBS
poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) rubber. Particles of conductive
(e.g., metal, stainless steel, tungsten) or resistive (e.g.,
carbon) material may be used as filler. Particles having a coating
of conductive or resistive material may be used as filler. For
example, insulative material of the type marketed by RTP Co. as
thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPUR/TPU) comprising
nickel-coated carbon fiber may be used. Spheres or powder may have
a diameter of from about 3 to about 11 microns. Fibers may have a
similar diameter and a length of from about 5 to about 7
millimeters. Filler to host by weight may be from about 5% to about
40% to assure separation (nonoverlap) of particles. Composition may
result in activation voltages of from about 50 volts to about 6000
volts for components of electrodes 142.
[0072] In one exemplary implementation in accordance with the
functions discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-5, binding
deploying structure 202 is implemented as a body, coupling
diffusing structure 204 is implemented as a spear having a shaft
and a tip, and regional spreading structure 206 is implemented as a
container that contains an amorphous conductor.
[0073] The body and spear may be of dissimilar materials. Forming
the body comprising a material with significant ductility (e.g., a
zinc alloy) may facilitate binding of the filament and/or
assembling of the filament and the body. Forming the spear
comprising a material with significant hardness (e.g., a stainless
steel alloy) may facilitate forming a tip for piercing and a barb
for lodging.
[0074] A body may perform binding and deploying as discussed above.
A body may have any size and shape known in the art for suitably
binding a filament and deploying a filament (e.g., substantially
spherical, substantially cylindrical, having an axis of symmetry in
the direction of flight, bullet shaped, tear drop shaped,
substantially conical, golf tee shaped). In various
implementations, a body may be conductive, resistive, or
insulative. If insulative, the body may comprise composite material
and/or be coated with insulative material.
[0075] A spear may perform mechanical coupling and diffusing as
discussed above. A spear may have any size and shape known in the
art for suitably piercing material and/or tissue of a target,
lodging in material and/or tissue of a target, and forming an
ionized path from the tip of the spear to target tissue. In various
implementations, a spear may be resistive or insulative. When
insulative, the body may comprises composite material and/or be
coated with insulative material. Activation and use of a shaft
and/or tip may reform paths through the insulative material.
[0076] A container includes any structure that maintains the shape
of an amorphous substance. A container may be formed to rupture on
impact with a target by being thin, brittle, scored, and/or
pre-stressed. Rupture may be designed to dispense the substance
uniformly or in jets. Conventional materials may be used, such as
those adapted for sports involving paint balls. For example, a thin
brittle plastic (e.g., polystyrene) may be used.
[0077] The container may be formed with locales where activation is
desired. For example, activation by current 226 in FIG. 2 may be
encouraged by an electrical weakness of the container near shaft
311.
[0078] An amorphous conductor includes any substance with suitable
electrical properties to serve as a conductor for the stimulus
signal (e.g., ionization current, muscle stimulus current). The
amorphous conductor may comprise a liquid, paste, gum, or gel. For
example, a hydrogel of the type used for medical testing electrodes
may be used. A gel marketed by Ludlow Technical Products (e.g.,
GRG73P) may be used.
[0079] According to various aspects of the present invention, a
ratio of the current delivered through target tissue via a coupling
diffusing structure to the current delivered through target tissue
via a regional spreading structure is designed to account for
expected target impact and expected reformation of materials of the
electrode. The ratio may decrease over time responsive to
reformation when materials of the coupling spreading structure are
more subject to reformation than other structures such as the
regional spreading structure.
[0080] A launcher with signal generating capabilities that suitably
adjust to reformation of electrode materials may be used. The
voltage applied to an electrode may be adjusted to control (e.g.,
regulate, mitigate, encourage, limit, respond to) reformation of
the material of the body and/or the spear. A voltage applied
(V.sub.A) may assure sufficient charge is delivered through target
tissue. For example, electrodes as discussed here may be used with
a launcher as described in any of the following: U.S. Pat. No.
7,457,096, publications U.S.-2008/158769-A1, and/or
U.S.-2008-0259520-A1, each incorporated by reference in its
entirety for any purpose.
[0081] A regional spreading structure may form a region of
relatively higher conductivity as a consequence of impact with the
target. Such a region, according to various aspects of the present
invention, may have an area larger than an area of the body (e.g. a
front, face, contact surface) that is in contact with the regional
spreading structure. In addition, a regional spreading structure
may absorb and/or dissipate kinetic energy of the electrode to
reduce blunt impact trauma to tissue of the target.
[0082] In one implementation, the regional spreading structure is
implemented as one or more containers of conductive material. A
voltage of the stimulus signal may ionize air in a gap between the
conductor of a filament and the conductive portion of a regional
spreading structure to establish an electrical coupling for a
duration of ionization in the gap. Due to the small dimensions of
the gap between the conductor of the filament and a regional
spreading structure, a relatively low voltage (e.g., 200V-400V)
stimulus signal may activate the regional spreading structure,
traversing any intervening material and/or ionizing relatively
short air gaps.
[0083] A spear may include an insulator. An insulator may insulate
all or any portion of a spear. A spear may be partially or entirely
formed of a material that electrically insulates. An insulator may
be of a type (e.g., thickness, material, structure) that
electrically insulates the spear against a current having a voltage
below a threshold, but fails to insulate the spear against a
current having a voltage above the threshold. An insulator may be
formed (e.g., shaped, applied, positioned, removed, partially
removed, cut) to establish a likely location on the spear where the
insulator may fail to insulate against a current having a voltage
above a threshold. An insulator may be positioned on or near a
spear relative to a regional spreading structure. An insulator may
define a series of gaps between conductors of the spear or
conductive portions of the spear. The gaps may act as switches
operative to conduct in response to the applied voltage of the
stimulus signal.
[0084] A regional spreading structure may include an insulator. An
insulator may insulate all or any portion of a regional spreading
structure. A regional spreading structure may be partially formed
of a material that electrically insulates. An insulator may be of a
type (e.g., thickness, material, structure) that electrically
insulates the regional spreading structure against a current having
a voltage below a threshold, but fails to insulate the regional
spreading structure against a current having a voltage above the
threshold. An insulator may be formed to establish a likely
location on the regional spreading structure where the insulator
may fail to insulate against a current having a voltage above a
threshold. An insulator may be positioned on or near a regional
spreading structure relative to a spear. When the regional
spreading structure includes a container, the container may
comprise insulative material. By dispensing conductive material
away from an insulated interface between the regional spreading
structure and a surface of the target (e.g., clothing, tissue), the
current spreading function of the regional spreading structure is
accomplished beginning at a substantial distance from the electrode
(e.g., at a distance greater than a diameter of the spear, at a
distance greater than a diameter of the body, at a distance greater
than a diameter of the regional spreading structure prior to impact
with the target).
[0085] A tip (e.g., point, cone, apex comprising acute angles
between faces, end of a shaft of relatively small diameter)
operates to pierce an outer surface (e.g., layer) of a target
and/or target tissue. A tip of a spear facilitates mechanical
coupling by piercing and lodging. A tip when insulated may operate
as a gap or switch interfering with current flow (e.g., blocking)
until a threshold voltage breaks down the insulator and/or permits
ionization near the tip followed by current flow through the
tip.
[0086] A barb operates to lodge (e.g., retain) an electrode in
clothing, armor, and/or tissue of a target to retain a mechanical
coupling between the barb and the target. A barb portion of a spear
resists mechanical decoupling (e.g. separation or removal from the
target). A spear may include a barb near the tip. A spear may
include a plurality of barbs arranged at increasing distance from
the tip. A barb may include a continuous surface of the spear
(e.g., a helical channel or ridge, a screw thread or channel, a
surface having an undulation that increases friction between the
barb and the target.
[0087] A path may include an electrical coupling established
through physical contact of conductors and/or ionization across one
or more gaps between conductors. A gap may include insulation of
the electrode, air, clothing, armor, skin, fur, hair, and/or target
poorly conducting portions of tissue.
[0088] Electrode 142 may include a shaft having a tip and one or
more barbs not located at the tip. Such a barb or barbs may include
a surface for retaining the electrode in the target. Such a surface
may provide mechanical coupling and may further provide electrical
coupling of the shaft (or a locale of the shaft) and target tissue
adjacent to the shaft (adjacent to the locale of the shaft).
[0089] For example, an electrode may include a spear 600, shown in
part in FIG. 6. Spear 600 includes shaft 604 and tip 606. A
longitudinal axis 602 passes through a center of shaft 604 and a
center of tip 606. Shaft 604 may be cylindrical or any conventional
geometric shape in cross-section through axis 602. Shaft 604
includes a plurality 610 of barbs formed with or assembled onto
shaft 604. For example, three barbs 612, 622, and 632 are shown but
any suitable number of barbs may be used. Barbs may be arranged in
symmetry about axis 602 and at a series of increasing distances
from tip 606. Separations may be uniform in distance.
[0090] Each barb 612 (622, 632) includes a surface 614 (624, 634)
facilitating piercing of a surface of the target (e.g., clothing,
fur, skin), for example by sloping away from axis 602 at an obtuse
angle 618 (e.g., greater than 90 degrees). Each barb 612 (622, 632)
further includes a surface 616 (626, 636) that inhibits removal of
shaft 604 from the surface of the target, for example by sloping
away from axis 602 at an angle 620 of 90 degrees or less.
[0091] Barbs 610 may form a continuous surface about axis 602, for
example, as a helical screw thread.
[0092] In another implementation, each barb (612) completely
encircles axis 602 to form a ring or cone shape.
[0093] Surfaces 614 (624, 634) and/or 616 (626, 636) may be
conductive to facilitate electrical coupling of stimulus signal
current and target tissue. When shaft 604 is formed of insulative
materials, one or more of barbs 612, 622, and 632 may be activated
by ionization to a conductive surface of each barb, for example
ionization from barb to barb toward target tissue. The sharp point
of a barb may support a suitable electric field flux density,
facilitating ionization.
[0094] Spear 600 may be formed of resistive material. In such case,
a voltage for activation of tip 606 is greater than a voltage to
activate one or more barbs 610. The resistance per unit length may
be constant, increase linearly toward tip 606, or increase in a
nonlinear manner toward tip 606.
[0095] Spear 600 may be formed of a composite material. Spear 600
may diffuse current into target tissue in any locale of shaft 604
in contact with target tissue. Due to division of current as
discussed above, current into target tissue through tip 606 is
inhibited by diffusion.
[0096] Diffusion may occur after insertion of a portion of spear
600 in target tissue. The barbs of spear 600 may accomplish current
spreading by ionization from the barb to target skin when spear 600
(or a portion thereof) is not inserted into target tissue.
[0097] Electrode 142 may include a spear formed or assembled to
include rings. Each ring may facilitate coupling of the stimulus
current to target tissue. Activation of a ring may require a
voltage sufficient to ionize air in a gap between a source of the
current and the ring. Activation of a series of rings by a series
of ionization paths from ring to ring toward target tissue may
implement diffusion as discussed above. Ionization paths between
rings are external to spear 700.
[0098] For example, electrode 700, a portion shown in cross-section
in FIG. 7 after impact with target tissue 714, includes body 712, a
spear having shaft 704, barb 718, and tip 716. A longitudinal axis
702 passes through a center of shaft 704. Shaft 704 may be
cylindrical or any conventional geometric shape in cross-section
through axis 702. Shaft 704 includes a plurality 720 of conductive
ring formed with or assembled onto shaft 704. For example, three
rings 722, 724, and 726 are shown, but any suitable number of rings
may be used. Rings 720 may be arranged at a series of increasing
lengths from tip 706. Any suitable lengths may be used. Due to the
lengths as shown, activation of target tissue 714 occurs at a
voltage less than an activation voltage of ring 726.
[0099] Shaft 704 may be formed of resistive material or composite
material provided an insulative barrier (not shown) is included
between rings 720. Shaft 704 may diffuse current into target tissue
in any locale of shaft 704 in contact with target tissue.
[0100] Shaft 704 may be formed or assembled of insulative material.
Shaft 704 may diffuse current into target tissue in any locale of
shaft 704 in contact with target tissue. Due to division of current
as discussed above, current into target tissue through tip 716 is
inhibited by diffusion.
[0101] Rings 722, 724, 726 may be formed of a conductive metal or
conductive alloy of metals. When rings are formed of resilient
material, they may be snapped onto shaft 704. Rings may be formed
of composite material that includes conductive material or formed
of material that is treated to include a conductive surface.
[0102] In operation, body 712 of electrode 700 may activate the
series of rings 722, 724 by supporting ionization on paths 732 and
734. Ionization of path 736 accomplishes spreading as discussed
above as current enters skin 714 at a distance 746 from shaft 704.
Path 736 may form as a cone due to the circular symmetry of ring
736.
[0103] Electrode 142 may include a body having an insulative
coating, a shaft comprising conductive and insulative materials
further comprising an insulative coating, a tip formed from the
shaft, and a regional spreading structure comprising a torus shaped
conductive material. On impact of the electrode and a surface of
the target, the regional spreading structure deforms to provide a
film between the body and the surface of the target to promote
conductivity of stimulus current into target tissue at a distance
from the tip. The insulative coatings inhibit ionization and
currents between electrodes in a cartridge prior to deployment. The
insulative coating on the shaft may improve resiliency, resistance
to breakage, and/or sheer strength of the shaft. The regional
spreading structure may collapse to form a film and/or rupture an
outer surface to expose and/or dispense a film of conductive
material. The outer surface may be provided by a container formed
of insulative material. Voids in the container may facilitate
activation of the conductive film and exit of current from the film
both at suitable locations with respect to the filament, body, and
shaft.
[0104] Electrode 142 may employ a spreading structure abutting a
face of a body and/or a diffusing structure extending in front of a
face of a body. By locating the spreading structure abutting the
face, impact with the target may cause deforming and/or dispensing
to facilitate spreading. By extending a diffusing structure in
front of a face, insertion of the diffusing structure may be
arrested by the face.
[0105] For example, electrode 800, shown in FIG. 8, includes body
804 and spear 805. Body 804 retains filament 802 and shaft 808 in
any manner as discussed above. Spear 805 includes shaft 808, tip
810, and barb 812. Electrode 800 has a longitudinal axis through a
center of body 804 and a center of shaft 808. Shaft 808 supports
regional spreading structure 852, shaped as a torus and located
against front face 816.
[0106] Body 804 may be formed of a conductor (e.g., a conductor
(e.g., metal, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, zinc alloy. An
insulative coating 842 may be used to inhibit ionization between
electrodes prior to deployment. For the same reason, barb 812, tip
810 and a portion of shaft 808 extending from tip 810 to forward
face 816 of body 804 may be covered with an insulative coating 862.
The insulative coating may be formed of a conventional material
(e.g., paint, Parylene, anodize, black zinc, oxide, powder coat,
plastic). Insulative materials 862 and 842 may overlap or be
coextensive. Ionization and reformation of the insulative coatings
842 and/or 862 may be intended and accomplished with suitable
activation voltage.
[0107] Insulative material 862 may accomplish electrical insulating
and structural strengthening purposes. For example, when material
of shaft 808 is brittle, a silicone envelope may be overmolded on
spear 805. The envelope acts as an insulative coating 862. The
envelope also acts to maintain the electrical properties of shaft
808, in spite of, for instance, possible fracture on impact with
target. Silicone provides a resilient support to shaft 808
inhibiting fracture and maintaining fractured portions proximate
for conduction of the stimulus signal with ionization.
[0108] Body 804 may be formed of an insulative material (e.g.,
plastic, ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, high density plastic) when
currents through body 804 are not needed for activation of target
tissue.
[0109] Body 804 may be formed of composite material. (e.g., resin
based material with conductive filler). The body may exhibit an
activation voltage for forming a path for continued current flow
and/or an activation voltage for stimulating tissue of the target.
Activation for either purpose may be associated with an initial
voltage (e.g., threshold, breakdown, set-up, reformation) below
which current sufficient for the purpose is not conducted through
the body and after which maintaining the initial voltage is not
required. As examples, body 804 may be formed and/or covered to
operate with an initial voltage for activation of forming a path to
target tissue in the range of about 100 volts to about 25,000
volts. Body 804 may be formed and/or covered to operate with an
initial voltage for activation of stimulating tissue in the range
of about 100 volts to about 5,000 volts. Meeting or exceeding an
activation voltage and/or conducting ionization and/or stimulation
current may reform a material of the body. Reformation may limit
the useful life of the body for the intended purpose. Body 804 may
be designed to operate for a time limit that corresponds to a
reasonable time for escape from or arrest of the target human or
animal (e.g., 60 seconds).
[0110] Spear 805 may be formed of a material the same (e.g.,
integral with) or different from body 804.
[0111] Spear 805 may be formed of a composite material (e.g., a
resin based material with conductive filler). The spear may exhibit
an activation voltage for forming a path for continued current flow
and/or an activation voltage for stimulating tissue of the target.
Activation for either purpose may be associated with an initial
voltage (e.g., threshold, breakdown, set-up, reformation) below
which current sufficient for the purpose is not conducted through
the body and after which maintaining the initial voltage is not
required. As examples, spear 805 may be formed and/or covered to
operate with an initial voltage for activation of forming a path to
target tissue in the range of about 100 volts to about 25,000
volts. Spear 805 may be formed and/or covered to operate with an
initial voltage for activation of stimulating tissue in the range
of about 100 volts to about 5,000 volts. Meeting or exceeding an
activation voltage and/or conducting ionization and/or stimulation
current may reform a material of the spear. Reformation may limit
the useful life of the spear for the intended purpose. Spear 805
may be designed to operate for a time limit that corresponds to a
reasonable time for escape from or arrest of the target human or
animal (e.g., 60 seconds).
[0112] Regional spreading structure 852 may include a conductive
material 854 with or without an enclosing material. The conductive
material may be gelatinous or liquid.
[0113] For activation to ionize and/or to stimulate, the current
path from filament 802 to body 804 to dispensed gel 854 (e.g.,
dispensed like 308) is preferred. If such activation is not
practical (e.g., excessive distance 322, highly insulative
clothing), then for activation to ionize and/or stimulate, the
current path from filament 802 to body 804 to shaft 808 may support
activation of target tissue.
[0114] In operation of electrode 800, activation of target tissue
may proceed in one or more paths analogous to paths discussed above
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Because tip 810 is insulated and
because additional ionization paths exist in series with tip 810
due to the particle to particle distances in the composite material
of shaft 808, an activation voltage of the regional spreading
structure 852 is less than an activation voltage of tip 810. In
addition, shaft 808 promotes by lower activation voltages the
activation of target tissue from shaft 808 near the skin of the
target as opposed to tip 810.
EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION
[0115] First, a deployment unit in operation provides a current
from a signal generator (not part of the deployment unit) through
tissue of a target. The current inhibits voluntary movement by the
target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a
filament, an electrode, a propellant, a binding deploying
structure, and a coupling structure. The interface couples the
housing to the signal generator so that the interface receives the
current. The filament is stored in the housing until deployment of
the filament. The filament is coupled to the interface for
receiving the current. The filament conducts the current to the
electrode. The electrode is stored in the housing until deployment
of the electrode. The propellant, in the housing, in operation
propels the electrode away from the housing to deploy the filament
toward the target. The electrode includes a binding deploying
structure and a coupling structure. The binding deploying structure
is mechanically coupled to the filament to deploy the filament from
the housing. The coupling structure includes a shaft and a tip. The
coupling structure is mechanically coupled to the binding deploying
structure. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The tip is for
piercing the target. The shaft includes a locale (e.g., surface). A
portion of the shaft along the axis separates the locale from the
tip. The locale couples the electrode to the target.
[0116] Second, a deployment unit in operation provides a current
from a signal generator (not part of the deployment unit) through
tissue of a target. The current inhibits voluntary movement by the
target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a
filament, an electrode, a propellant, a binding deploying
structure, and a coupling structure. The interface couples the
housing to the signal generator so that the interface receives the
current. The filament is stored in the housing until deployment of
the filament. The filament is coupled to the interface for
receiving the current. The filament conducts the current to the
electrode. The electrode is stored in the housing until deployment
of the electrode. The propellant, in the housing, in operation
propels the electrode away from the housing to deploy the filament
toward the target. The electrode includes a binding deploying
structure and a coupling diffusing structure. The binding deploying
structure is mechanically coupled to the filament to deploy the
filament from the housing. The coupling diffusing structure
includes a shaft and a tip. The coupling diffusing structure is
mechanically coupled to the binding deploying structure. The shaft
has a longitudinal axis. The tip is for piercing the target. The
shaft includes a surface. A portion of the shaft along the axis
separates the surface from the tip. The surface electrically
couples the current through the target.
[0117] Third, a deployment unit in operation provides a current
from a signal generator (not part of the deployment unit) through
tissue of a target. The current inhibits voluntary movement by the
target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a
filament, an electrode, a propellant, a binding deploying
structure, and a coupling structure. The interface couples the
housing to the signal generator so that the interface receives the
current. The filament is stored in the housing until deployment of
the filament. The filament is coupled to the interface for
receiving the current. The filament conducts the current to the
electrode. The electrode is stored in the housing until deployment
of the electrode. The propellant, in the housing, in operation
propels the electrode away from the housing to deploy the filament
toward the target. The electrode includes a binding deploying
structure and a coupling diffusing structure. The binding deploying
structure is mechanically coupled to the filament to deploy the
filament from the housing. The coupling diffusing structure
includes a shaft and a tip. The coupling diffusing structure is
mechanically coupled to the binding deploying structure. The shaft
includes a plurality of conductors spaced apart from the tip that
cooperate to form a series circuit for the current through the
target.
[0118] Fourth, a deployment unit in operation provides a current
from a signal generator (not part of the deployment unit) through
tissue of a target. The current inhibits voluntary movement by the
target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a
filament, an electrode, a propellant, a binding deploying
structure, and a coupling structure. The interface couples the
housing to the signal generator so that the interface receives the
current. The filament is stored in the housing until deployment of
the filament. The filament is coupled to the interface for
receiving the current. The filament conducts the current to the
electrode. The electrode is stored in the housing until deployment
of the electrode. The propellant, in the housing, in operation
propels the electrode away from the housing to deploy the filament
toward the target. The electrode includes a binding deploying
structure, and a coupling diffusing structure. The binding
deploying structure is mechanically coupled to the filament to
deploy the filament from the housing. The coupling diffusing
structure is mechanically coupled to the binding deploying
structure. The coupling structure includes a tip. The coupling
diffusing structure is capable of coupling the electrode to the
target. Further, the coupling diffusing structure is capable of
inhibiting a portion of the current from flowing into the target
through the tip by enabling the portion of the current to flow out
of the coupling diffusing structure and into the target at a first
distance away from the tip.
[0119] Fifth, a deployment unit in operation provides a current
from a signal generator (not part of the deployment unit) through
tissue of a target. The current inhibits voluntary movement by the
target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a
filament, an electrode, and a propellant. The interface couples the
housing to the signal generator so that the interface receives the
current. The filament is stored in the housing until deployment of
the filament. The filament is coupled to the interface for
receiving the current. The filament conducts the current to the
electrode. The electrode is stored in the housing until deployment
of the electrode. The propellant, in the housing, in operation
propels the electrode away from the housing to deploy the filament
toward the target. The electrode includes a binding deploying
structure, a coupling structure, and a regional spreading
structure. The binding deploying structure is mechanically coupled
to the filament to deploy the filament from the housing. The
coupling structure is mechanically coupled to the binding deploying
structure. The coupling structure couples the electrode to the
target. The regional spreading structure enables a portion of the
current to flow into the target at a first distance away from the
coupling structure.
[0120] In one implementation, the regional spreading structure
extends away from a longitudinal axis of the electrode to contact
the target. The distance from the coupling structure to the place
where current flows into the target is greater than a distance the
electrode extends away from its longitudinal axis prior to impact
with the target.
[0121] In another implementation, the regional spreading structure
dispenses a conductive material to contact the target to a distance
from an axis of the electrode greater than a radius of the
electrode prior to impact of the electrode with the target.
[0122] Sixth, a deployment unit in operation provides a current
from a signal generator (not part of the deployment unit) through
tissue of a target. The current inhibits voluntary movement by the
target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a
filament, an electrode, a propellant, a binding deploying
structure, and a coupling structure. The interface couples the
housing to the signal generator so that the interface receives the
current. The filament is stored in the housing until deployment of
the filament. The filament is coupled to the interface for
receiving the current. The filament conducts the current to the
electrode. The electrode is stored in the housing until deployment
of the electrode. The propellant, in the housing, in operation
propels the electrode away from the housing to deploy the filament
toward the target. The electrode includes a binding deploying
structure, a coupling diffusing structure, and a regional spreading
structure. The binding deploying structure is mechanically coupled
to the filament to deploy the filament from the housing. The
coupling diffusing structure is mechanically coupled to the binding
deploying structure. The coupling diffusing structure couples the
electrode to the target. The coupling diffusing structure spreads
electric field flux density to tissue away from a tip of the
coupling diffusing structure. The regional spreading structure
spreads electric field flux density into a region of a surface of
the target.
* * * * *