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US 7,042,696 B2Granted
Systems and methods using an electrified projectile
AssigneeTASER International, Inc.
InventorsPatrick W. Smith, Magne H. Nerheim
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for immobilizing a target includes electrodes deployed after contact is made between the apparatus and the target. Spacing of deployed electrodes may be more accurate and/or more repeatable for more effective delivery of an immobilizing stimulus signal.
Claims56
A method for immobilizing a target, the method comprising:
- a step for providing a device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, a signal generator, and an electrode deployment apparatus that deploys the second electrode;
- a step for restraining movement of the second electrode with respect to the first electrode;
- a step for removing restraint of the second electrode with respect to the first electrode after the first electrode makes contact with the target, so that the second electrode initially moves away from the target to make contact with the target a distance away from where the first electrode made contact with the target;
- and
- a step for providing a stimulus signal via the signal generator, the first electrode, and the second electrode.
2 more elements
A device for immobilizing a target, the device comprising:
- a first electrode,
- a second electrode,
- means for deploying the second electrode away from the first electrode, comprising:
- (1) means for restraining movement of the second electrode with respect to the first electrode;
- and
- (2) means for removing restraint of the second electrode with respect to the first electrode after the first electrode makes contact with the target, so that the second electrode initially moves away from the target to make contact with the target a distance away from where the first electrode made contact with the target;
- and
- means for generating a stimulus signal in a circuit comprising the first electrode and the second electrode.
5 more elements
A device for immobilizing a target, the device comprising:
- a first portion comprising a first electrode for contact with a target;
- a second portion comprising:
- (1) a second electrode for contact with the target;
- and
- (2) a tether that maintains electrical communication between the first portion and the second portion;
- a signal generator that provides a stimulus signal via the first electrode and the second electrode to immobilize the target;
- and
- a coupling that couples the first portion to the second portion to transport the immobilization device as a unit, and that, after the first portion makes contact with the target, releases the second portion from the first portion, so that the second portion moves away from the target, to deploy the second electrode a distance away from the first electrode.
5 more elements
A method for immobilizing a target, the method comprising:
- providing a device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, a signal generator, and an electrode deployment apparatus that deploys the second electrode;
- restraining movement of the second electrode with respect to the first electrode;
- removing restraint of the second electrode with respect to the first electrode after the first electrode makes contact with the target, so that the second electrode initially moves away from the target to make contact with the target a distance away from where the first electrode made contact with the target;
- and
- providing a stimulus signal via the signal generator, the first electrode, and the second electrode.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.