Non-lethal marking and identification projectile and associated marking and identification method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a non-lethal marking projectile (1) comprising a casing (10) consisting of two continuously connected portions defining an inner chamber; a filling matrix (13) for the inner chamber of the casing (10); a plurality of micro-dots (14) comprising an identification code; microcapsules containing an olfactory agent; the plurality of micro-dots (14) and the microcapsules being distributed within the matrix (13) and the chamber of the casing (10); said projectile (1) being configured to mark a target upon which it is projected, by means of the plurality of micro-dots (14) and the microcapsules. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Non-lethal marking and identification projectile and associated marking and identification method. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projectile enabling the marking and tracing of objects or individuals, identification by means of such marking, as well as the identification of the origin of the marking.

[0002] The present invention provides a non-lethal marking projectile. The present invention also relates to ammunition comprising said projectiles, a marking method using one of said projectiles, and a method for reading an identification code of said projectile. The projectile according to the invention also allows for the identification of individuals or objects. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] It is known from the prior art that it is possible to mark individuals who have committed offenses at the time of their commission by means of methods involving the projection of aerosols, particles, or colored liquids. The dyes used in this type of known method are either visible to the naked eye or detectable under ultraviolet radiation.

[0004] In the first case, law enforcement, as well as witnesses to the criminal act or the flight of the individual(s), can identify the perpetrator(s) of the criminal act. The drawback of such a method, however, lies in the fact that it is easy for the "marked" individuals to dispose of the clothing and / or conceal the relevant body parts.

[0005] In the second case, the individual(s) who committed the offense can only be identified by law enforcement officers equipped with specific detection devices. This identification is only possible during an individual check or an arrest.

[0006] With regard to stolen objects, the known marking devices are of an electronic or visual nature, whether by use of visible dyes or by use of specific dyes detectable by ultraviolet radiation.

[0007] A major drawback of these known marking methods lies in the fact that the markings currently used do not allow for the easy and immediate identification or tracing of the individuals or objects concerned, nor for the tracing and identification of the person throwing the projectile. Indeed, on the one hand, individuals discard their colored clothing and easily conceal traces of dye; on the other hand, stolen objects can be hidden from view and / or transported in containers. Impervious to electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, the marking is identical regardless of the launcher.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a non-lethal marking projectile enabling the identification and tracing of individuals who have committed an offence, as well as the identification of the person who made the marking.

[0009] To this end, the present invention proposes a non-lethal marking method enabling the identification of the target as well as the identification of the person who made the marking, ammunition for such a projectile, a marking method using such a projectile, and a method for reading the identification code of such a projectile enabling the identification of the origin of the marking. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] More specifically, the invention relates to a non-lethal marking and identification projectile comprising a casing with two continuously connected portions, defining an internal chamber; a filling matrix for the internal chamber of the casing; a plurality of micro-dots bearing an identification code, distributed within the matrix of the internal chamber of the casing; and a plurality of microcapsules, distributed within the filling matrix, particularly on the plurality of micro-dots, at least some of the microcapsules containing either the same olfactory agent or different olfactory agents. The projectile is configured to mark a target onto which it is projected, by means of the plurality of micro-dots and the plurality of microcapsules.

[0011] For example, the micro-dots can be coated with a gel loaded with microcapsules.

[0012] The microcapsules containing the olfactory agent are biodegradable and designed to be stable. They are preferably composed of polylactide (PLA) or polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), which are biocompatible. This composition also allows them to rupture upon impact with the target, thus enabling the gradual release of the olfactory agent. Depending on the requirements, several olfactory agents can be combined in the same projectile; they are then encapsulated separately to prevent denaturation.

[0013] Advantageously, part of the microcapsules may include one or more fluorescent agents and / or synthetic labeling DNA.

[0014] To designate the microdots referred to in this document, the person skilled in the art also uses the English term "microdots".

[0015] The identification code of each micro-dot, mixed in the projectile matrix, will, upon impact of the projectile with the target, spread across the target. Thus, the matrix and the micro-dots will mark the target. Each owner Since a projectile has its own unique identification code, it is possible, by reading the identification code of the micro-points projected onto the target, to determine the person who projected the projectile.

[0016] Each projectile or batch of projectiles has its own unique identification code. This code can be indicated, depending on the type of launcher and / or ammunition, on the single-use magazine containing the projectile or batch of projectiles, the packaging of a single, limited batch of projectiles, and / or the pyrotechnic cartridge, for example. By reading the identification code of the micro-dots projected onto the target, it is possible to identify the projectile or batch of projectiles that caused the impact, the launcher that was used, and therefore the shooter and the context of the firing.

[0017] Advantageously, the casing is made of silicone.

[0018] Silicone has the particularity of being a hydrophobic organic material, which gives the casing and therefore the projectile anti-adhesive properties which promote the extraction of the matrix from the casing when the casing is impacted with the target.

[0019] Advantageously, the matrix is ​​liquid, or in powder or gel form.

[0020] A powder matrix has the advantage of being able to be dispersed uniformly and to remain adherent to the target after impact. This can be particularly useful in environments where the liquidity of the matrix could be a disadvantage (for example, in rainy weather or in aquatic environments).

[0021] A liquid matrix has the advantage of being easily spread over the target, increasing the contact area and therefore the visibility of the marking. The liquid can also penetrate textiles or other materials more effectively.

[0022] A gel matrix combines the properties of powder and liquid. The gel can spread while remaining cohesive, allowing for controlled application and minimizing material waste. The gel can also be formulated to have specific adhesive properties, thus improving adhesion to various types of surfaces.

[0023] Advantageously, the matrix is ​​in powder form and comprises all or part of the following elements: chalk, cellulose, polyethylene glycol, aluminum hydroxide, starch, talc and structuring additives.

[0024] Advantageously, the casing has a diameter of about 17 mm, corresponding to the .68 caliber of many CO2 gas launchers, and a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm, or a diameter of between 44 and 83 mm, in particular of about 40 mm or about 44 mm or about 50 mm, corresponding to the calibers of sub-lethal weapons of the type of flashballs or defense ball launchers (LBD) usual, and a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm or a diameter of about 12 mm and a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm.

[0025] Advantageously, each micro-point of the plurality of micro-points has a planar shape, a length less than or equal to 0.5 mm and a thickness less than or equal to 0.08 mm.

[0026] The micro-dots can be made of nickel.

[0027] Advantageously, the plurality of micro-points comprises between two thousand and five thousand micro-points.

[0028] Such a quantity of micro-dots in the matrix makes it possible to ensure the marking of the target by the projectile.

[0029] Advantageously, each micropoint of the plurality of micropoints has a planar shape, having two faces, and has said identification code on at least one of its faces.

[0030] The microdots can be colored. Coloring the microdot makes it possible to visualize on the target where said microdots are located, in order to facilitate the reading of the identification code.

[0031] Advantageously, the identification code is a numeric or alphanumeric code engraved, in particular by laser cutting.

[0032] The numeric and alphanumeric code allows a large number of combinations.

[0033] Advantageously, each micro-point of the plurality of micro-points is coated with a lacquer capable of reflecting under ultraviolet rays, or infrared rays, or blue light rays.

[0034] This coating lacquer allows the localization and reading of micro-dots on the target when they have been projected.

[0035] Advantageously, each micro-point of the plurality of micro-points is coated with a porous gel carrying the plurality of microcapsules.

[0036] The porous gel of microcapsules loaded with the olfactory marker allows the target to absorb a specific odor, enabling olfactory tracking of the target. The tracking is therefore immediate and long-lasting.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a projectile munition comprising at least one projectile as previously described, said munition comprising a hollow body housing at least one projectile, a shock-absorbing base, a butt cap and a pyrotechnic assembly configured to allow the expulsion of said projectile from the hollow body, the butt cap forming the bottom of the body and projecting towards the interior of said hollow body and housing the pyrotechnic assembly, said base being interposed between the projectile and the pyrotechnic assembly, said base being configured to attenuate the explosive impact on the projectile when the munition is fired.

[0038] The pyrotechnic assembly allows the expulsion of the projectile from the munition.

[0039] The invention also relates to a marking method using a projectile as previously described, comprising the following steps: • the step of projecting said projectile onto a target using a suitable launcher; • the step of bursting the casing of said projectile following contact of said projectile with the target; • the step of releasing the plurality of micro-points on the target by dispersion.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a method of reading the identification code of the projectile described above, said method comprising the step of comparing the micro-points of a target with the micro-points of a projectile launcher. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0042] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective representation of a projectile according to the invention, a portion of whose envelope has been removed so as to make visible its inner chamber housing the matrix and micro-points;

[0043] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the two portions of the envelope of the projectile of [Fig.1] at a distance from each other;

[0044] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of a micro-point of the projectile in [Fig. 1], comprising an alphanumeric identification code; and

[0045] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a munition according to the invention housing the projectile of [Fig.1].

[0046] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The invention relates to a non-lethal marking projectile 1 shown in [Fig. 1].

[0048] The projectile 1 comprises a casing 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the casing 10 is spherical and ball-like. In particular, the casing 10 comprises two hemispherical portions 11 continuously connected to each other. Specifically, the hemispherical portions are joined by sonic welding to form the casing 10 of the projectile 1.

[0049] Advantageously, break lines are formed in each of the portions 11, so as to promote the bursting of the envelope 10 of the projectile 1, upon its impact with the target.

[0050] With reference to [Fig.2], the assembly of the two portions 11 of the envelope 10 makes it possible to delimit an internal chamber 12 to the envelope 10.

[0051] Advantageously, the envelope 10 has a diameter of about 17 mm and a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm, or a diameter of about 40 mm, about 44 mm or about 50 mm and a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm or a diameter of about 12 mm and a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm.

[0052] Such dimensions allow the envelope 10 and therefore the projectile 1 to be strong enough to resist any handling, such as its insertion into a munition or cartridge for example, or during an impact path, but to be fragile enough to burst upon impact with a target.

[0053] With reference to [Fig.1], the projectile 1 comprises a filling matrix 13 of the internal chamber 12 of the envelope 10, said filling matrix 13 comprising a plurality of micro-dots 14 bearing an identification code 15. The filling matrix 13 also comprises a plurality of microcapsules containing an olfactory marking agent or respectively different olfactory marking agents.

[0054] The plurality of micro-points 14 is distributed in the filling matrix 13, in the chamber 12 of the envelope 10 of the projectile 1.

[0055] Advantageously, the casing 10 is made of silicone.

[0056] Silicone has the particularity of being a hydrophobic organic material, which gives the envelope 10 and therefore the projectile 1 anti-adhesive properties which promote the extraction of the matrix 13 from the envelope 10 when the said envelope 10 is impacted with the target.

[0057] According to a first embodiment, the matrix 13 is liquid.

[0058] According to a second embodiment, the matrix 13 is in gel.

[0059] According to a third embodiment, the matrix 13 is in powder form.

[0060] In particular, the powder matrix 13 may comprise chalk, cellulose, polyethylene glycol, aluminum hydroxide, starch, or talc. In addition, the matrix 13 may comprise structuring additives.

[0061] The composition of the powder matrix can improve the cohesion of the microdots, ensure uniform dispersion, and optimize the fixation of the microdots to the target. The composition of the powder matrix influences the physical properties of the powder, such as its fluidity, adhesion, or ability to dissolve or activate under certain conditions. The proportions of each component in the powder matrix, such as cellulose, polyethylene glycol, aluminum hydroxide, Starch and talc are thus configured according to the targeted physical properties, particularly in terms of water resistance and marking durability.

[0062] Cellulose is a natural thickening agent that can improve the viscosity and stability of the powder. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and provides good adhesion to surfaces.

[0063] Polyethylene glycol (PEG) acts as a plasticizer and can help bind powder particles, reducing dust and improving handling. It is also water-soluble, which can facilitate cleaning of marked surfaces if necessary.

[0064] Aluminum hydroxide can be used as a filler to increase the density of the powder, thereby improving its impact and its ability to adhere to surfaces. It can also act as a pH stabilizer.

[0065] Starch can be used as a binding agent to improve the structural integrity of the powder. It is economical, biodegradable, and can be chemically modified for various functionalities.

[0066] Talc helps reduce friction between powder particles, facilitating their dispersion and application. It can also improve the sensory properties of the powder, making it softer to the touch.

[0067] The following specific structuring additives can be integrated into the composition of the powder matrix: modified silicas, synthetic polymers, crosslinking agents.

[0068] These structuring additives can be chosen to specifically improve the thermal stability, chemical reactivity, or mechanical properties of the powder matrix.

[0069] These structural additives are further selected based on their ability to improve the performance of the final product while meeting specific environmental, health, and safety criteria. The selection and precise dosage of these additives will depend on the specific application requirements of the marking projectile.

[0070] With reference to [Fig. 3], each micro-point 14 has a planar shape. In particular, each micro-point 14 has a maximum length of 0.5 mm and a maximum thickness of 0.08 mm.

[0071] The error tolerance for the dimensions of the microdots is generally low, since accuracy is crucial to ensure the readability of the identification code and to maintain the performance of the marking. A typical tolerance could be on the order of ±0.01 mm, although this may vary depending on the specific manufacturing requirements and application.

[0072] Advantageously, the microdots 14 have a metallic matrix; in particular, they are made of nickel. Nickel is advantageous for the microdots because of its Nickel offers corrosion resistance, durability, and magnetic properties that can be useful for electronic detection. It is also compatible with many marking and engraving techniques, including laser cutting, which is useful for engraving precise identification codes.

[0073] The projectile 1 can have between two thousand and five thousand micro-dots 14. Such a quantity of micro-dots 14 in the matrix 13 makes it possible to ensure the marking of the target by the projectile 1.

[0074] In addition, each micro-point 14 can be colored. Coloring the micro-point 14 makes it possible to visualize on the target where the micro-points 14 are located.

[0075] As shown in [Fig.3], each micro-point 14 has two faces, a first face 16 and a second face 17, opposite each other.

[0076] One of the faces 16, 17 may have the identification code 15 of the micro-point 14; for example in the form of a slot 18 obtained by laser cutting.

[0077] The identification code 15 is a numeric or alphanumeric code that allows a large number of combinations.

[0078] Advantageously, the identification code 15 is engraved, in particular by laser cutting.

[0079] Advantageously, each micro-point 14 is polygonal in shape, in particular hexagonal.

[0080] Each microdot 14 can be coated with a lacquer capable of reflecting light under ultraviolet, infrared, or blue light. This coating lacquer allows the microdots 14 to be located and read on the target once they have been projected. The microdots can also carry fluorescent markers, for example in the form of a lacquer, adapted to be revealed by ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), or blue light.

[0081] Furthermore, each micro-point 14 can be coated with a porous gel bearing microcapsules containing an olfactory agent. The porous gel loaded with microcapsules containing an olfactory agent allows the target to absorb a particular odor, enabling olfactory tracking of the target. The tracking is therefore immediate and long-lasting. The microcapsules can contain the same olfactory agent or different olfactory agents.

[0082] Furthermore, the microcapsule(s) may contain one or more fluorescent agents or synthetic DNA for target labeling.

[0083] With reference to [Fig.4], the invention also relates to a munition 2 of projectiles comprising at least one projectile 1 as previously described and represented.

[0084] The munition 2 comprises a hollow body 20 housing the projectile 1 or plurality of projectiles 1. The body 20 extends mainly along its length and has a Circular section. It is obvious that the circular shape is the preferred shape, but the body can have any other shape.

[0085] The munition 2 further comprises a shock-absorbing base 21, a base 22 and a pyrotechnic assembly 23. The pyrotechnic assembly 23 is configured to allow the expulsion of the projection 1 from the hollow body 20.

[0086] The base 22 forms the bottom of the body 20 and protrudes into the body 20. The base 22 houses the pyrotechnic assembly 23.

[0087] The body 20 is closed by a cover 24, of complementary shape to that of the body 20, so as to allow the projectile 1 to be held in the body 20 of the munition 2.

[0088] The base 21 is interposed between the projectile 1 and the pyrotechnic assembly 23. The base 21 is configured to mitigate the explosive impact on the projectile 1 during the firing of the munition 2.

[0089] The invention also relates to a method for marking a target using projectile 1. This method comprises the following steps: • the step of projecting projectile 1 onto a target using a suitable launcher, such as a gas launcher for example; • the step of bursting the casing 10 of projectile 1 following contact of projectile 1 with the target; and • the step of releasing the plurality of micro-dots 14 onto the target by dispersion.

[0090] Following the marking of the target, a method for reading the identification code 15 of the projectile 1 can be implemented. This method includes the step of reading the identification code 15 of the micro-dots 14 of a target using a magnifying glass or a microscope, in particular with the aid of a UV, IR or blue light lamp in the case where said micro-dots bear fluorescent markers, and comparing this identification code 15 read to the identification code corresponding to the projectile launcher 1, the latter being inscribed on the projectile container (single-use magazine, packaging, etc.) or on the projectile cartridge in the case of pyrotechnic munition.

[0091] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0092] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiment set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted to include all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Demands

1. A non-lethal marking and identification projectile (1) comprising: • a casing (10) comprising two portions (11) continuously connected to each other, delimiting an internal chamber (12); • a filling matrix (13) of the internal chamber (12) of the casing (10); • a plurality of micro-dots (14) bearing an identification code (15), the plurality of micro-dots (14) being distributed in the matrix (13) of the internal chamber (12) of the casing (10); • a plurality of microcapsules, distributed in the filling matrix (13), in particular on the plurality of micro-dots (14), at least a portion of the microcapsules containing respectively the same olfactory agent or different olfactory agents; said projectile (1) being configured to mark a target onto which it is projected, by means of the plurality of micro-dots (14) and the plurality of microcapsules.

2. Projectile (1) according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the microcapsules comprises one or more fluorescent agents and / or synthetic labeling DNA.

3. Projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the matrix (13) is in powder form and comprises all or part of the following: chalk, cellulose, polyethylene glycol, aluminum hydroxide, starch, talc and structuring additives.

4. Projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the casing (10) has a diameter of .68 caliber, i.e. about 17 mm, and a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm, or a diameter of 44 to 83 mm and a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm, or a diameter of 12 mm and a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm.

5. Projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each micro-spot (14) of the plurality of micro-spots (14) has a planar shape, a maximum length of 0.3 mm and a maximum thickness of 0.08 mm.

6. Projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each micro-point (14) of the plurality of micro-points (14) has a planar shape, having two faces (16; 17), and has on at least one of its faces (16; 17) said identification code (15).

7. Projectile (1) according to claim 6, wherein the identification code (15) is an engraved numeric or alphanumeric code.

8. Projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each micro-spot (14) of the plurality of micro-spots (14) is coated with a lacquer capable of reflecting under ultraviolet rays, or infrared rays, or blue light rays.

9. Projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each micro-spot (14) of the plurality of micro-spots (14) is coated with a porous gel bearing microcapsules.

10. Munition (2) of projectiles comprising at least one projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: • a hollow body (20) housing at least one projectile (1); • a shock-absorbing base (21); • a butt cap (22); and • a pyrotechnic assembly (23) configured to permit the expulsion of said projectile (1) from the hollow body (20); the butt cap (22) forming the bottom of the body (20) and projecting into said hollow body (20) and housing the pyrotechnic assembly (23); said butt cap (21) being interposed between the projectile (1) and the pyrotechnic assembly (23), said butt cap (21) being configured to attenuate the explosive impact on the projectile (1) upon firing of the munition (2).

11. A marking method using a projectile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: • the step of projecting said projectile (1) onto a target using a suitable launcher; • the step of bursting the casing (10) of said projectile (1) following contact of said projectile (1) with the target; • the step of releasing the plurality of micro-points (14) onto the target by dispersion.

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