Non-lethal projectile construction and launcher

Abstract

A non-lethal projectile includes a payload that incapacitates a target and / or identifies the target. The projectile can separate or otherwise open after being launched by a launcher to release the payload before impact with a target. The launcher can initiate the separation of the projectile. Opening can also be achieved by a control circuit with radio frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a specified distance from the launcher. The launcher can include a trigger and / or safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until certain parameters are met. A magazine or breech assembly of the launcher can power the projectile before the projectile is launched.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure is a partial continuation application of pending U.S. non-provisional application Serial No. 16 / 586,422, filed September 27, 2019, and claims priority to it pursuant to Section 120 of Title 35 of the United States Code, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This disclosure also claims priority to pending U.S. provisional application Serial No. 62 / 943,865, filed December 5, 2019, pursuant to Section 119 of Title 35 of the United States Code, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] For example, this disclosure relates to projectiles for use in non-lethal weapons or other launching mechanisms, and more specifically, to those projectiles and launchers operated using compressed gas or batteries. Background of the Invention

[0005] Non-lethal projectiles and non-lethal firing systems are commonly used by law enforcement agencies for crowd control purposes, such as deterring riots or angry mobs, or subduing suspects individually. They may also increasingly be used as an additional means of self-defense, for example, in situations such as burglaries. Projectiles and systems (such as weapons capable of delivering such non-lethal projectiles) are designed to temporarily subdue one or more targets without causing permanent harm. Typically, such weapon systems require the projectile to detonate upon impact with the suspect, thus requiring precise aiming and, in some cases, causing serious injury to the suspect. The most common devices used for this purpose are projectiles that detonate upon impact or aiming devices tethered by wires that deliver a high-voltage electric shock, rendering the suspect immobile. All of these existing devices have numerous disadvantages, which are described in detail below.

[0006] The use of high-voltage electric shocks has existed for many years. While quite effective at immobilizing suspects, it also has drawbacks, namely, the voltage applied to the suspect's body can cause cardiac arrest. Additionally, when the suspect is not in an open or unrestrained environment, this method requires precise aiming to ensure the electrodes contact the individual for the delivery of the shock. Furthermore, the maximum effective range of this device is less than 30 feet, and more typically 10 or 15 feet. Moreover, the effectiveness of this weapon is diminished by clothing, outerwear, or damp conditions.

[0007] The second technique involves using a trigger filled with chili powder or PAVA powder. While this eliminates or improves the range problem of stun guns, it requires precise aiming at the suspect. This is extremely difficult at short distances because ricochets of powder from the suspect can cause it to bounce back to the user. Furthermore, control over powder release upon impact is not always effective and can be one-dimensional, meaning it's difficult to stop an fleeing suspect, leaving a cloud of powder behind them. Additionally, if the impact does not cause the projectile to explode, the intended effect is not achieved.

[0008] Another approach is to provide a projectile whose breakup or separation is caused by one or more battery-powered components inside the projectile. However, batteries are inherently large and heavy compared to the projectile, thus limiting the projectile's potential configuration (at least due to the fact that the battery occupies a considerable amount of space within the projectile). The inherent weight of the battery adds to the projectile's weight, potentially causing accidental damage to the target upon impact. Furthermore, batteries are relatively expensive, thus increasing the manufacturing cost of such a projectile. Moreover, it is highly concerning that the batteries deplete and lose charge over time, meaning that a projectile configured in this way may not be ready to fire if it has been stored on a shelf for some time. This drawback is unacceptable because the conditions for using such projectiles require them to be ready to fire at any time.

[0009] All currently available methods have one or more of the following drawbacks: difficult to aim, unsuitable for close range, unsuitable for long range, inaccurate, sometimes fatal and usually ineffective, high manufacturing cost, complex configuration, and unreliable power supply. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the aforementioned disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general object of this disclosure is to provide a projectile configuration (also referred to herein as a "projectile") and a projectile launcher that incorporates all the advantages of the prior art and overcomes its inherent disadvantages. As used herein, it should be understood that, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, the payload of the projectile material can be in the form of powder, liquid, aerosol, or foam (or a combination thereof). The payload may include attenuating substances, visible substances (e.g., such as dyes or powders), or invisible marking substances (e.g., such as UV-reactive substances) or combinations thereof. The projectile also preferably includes an energy storage device. As used herein, an "energy storage device" is a storage device that lacks sufficient energy (e.g., such as electrical charge) to activate or standby the projectile or another component of the projectile until the energy storage device has been powered or re-powered by an external source (such as a launcher or its accessories). The minimum energy required to activate or prepare a projectile (or simulate a reaction as described elsewhere herein) is called the “threshold energy,” meaning that at energy levels below the threshold energy, the projectile will not be in standby or activated and / or will not trigger a mechanical or chemical reaction. In one embodiment, the energy storage device includes a capacitor that can be charged or powered by the launcher or a launcher accessory prior to the launch of the projectile.

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment, the projectile includes one of PAVA, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin (DHC), nordihydrocapsaicin (NDHC), or other capsaicin-derived attenuating powders that can be released near the target.

[0012] In one embodiment, the projectile separates into two or more components or creates openings therein after leaving the launcher's barrel to distribute the payload. In one embodiment, the separation can be triggered by an electrical, mechanical, or chemical device or a combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the triggering can be altered based on the distance to the suspect or target.

[0013] In another embodiment, the projectile includes various adjustment devices of the above embodiments, wherein the release or diffusion of the payload occurs at a fixed or predetermined distance from the barrel of the launcher.

[0014] In another embodiment, the attenuating substance of the payload is configured to deliver an effective attenuating dose. For example, for a projectile with a powder concentration of 10% at 1 g / cc and a total volume of 3 cc, the amount of active agent is 0.3 g, which can produce 0.06 m at a concentration of 5 ppm. 3 Encapsulation. This is roughly equivalent to a sphere with a diameter of 0.5 meters.

[0015] In another embodiment, the circuitry may be contained within the projectile. The circuitry may trigger a chemical reaction or otherwise induce separation of the projectile via electromechanical methods. Such methods may include electromagnets, shape memory alloys, etc. Release may be controlled such that separation occurs near the target. This control may include calculations based on the projectile's velocity and distance to the target. The circuitry and reaction may be triggered when the energy storage device is sufficiently powered, i.e., exceeding a threshold energy level (e.g., powered by the launcher or other external source).

[0016] In another embodiment of the projectile containing electrical components, the circuitry can be activated by the launcher and / or launcher accessories (e.g., magazines). Such activation methods can include direct electrical connection, inductive charging, etc. By restricting activation of the launcher and / or launcher accessories, the projectile can be coded, and safety features can be improved by reducing the likelihood of accidental release of the projectile's payload.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the projectile casing may include identification devices that directly or indirectly designate the payload composition. For example, a red line around the casing may indicate that the projectile payload is a attenuating substance.

[0018] In another embodiment, the circuit can be activated by a motion-sensing switch (such as an accelerometer, vibration sensor, etc.) when the projectile is launched.

[0019] In another embodiment where separation is the result of a chemical reaction, the reactive compound (e.g., nitrocellulose) can be ignited using an "electric igniter" or other such initiator. The electric igniter may be made of a nickel-chromium alloy or similar high-resistance wire coated with a pyrogen and ignited by electrical energy (e.g., from a battery, capacitor, etc.). For example, in one embodiment, the pyrogen or initiator may be integrated into a printed circuit board or integrated circuit, such as via fine traces. For example, in yet another embodiment, this may all be done on a single chip (such as an ASIC).

[0020] In another implementation, the separation or opening of the projectile is triggered by the launch force on the projectile.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the projectile launcher and the projectile are part of a system in which the projectile is encoded with timing and / or distance information as a result of its distance to a target. The projectile launcher may also include a rangefinder or other means for measuring the distance to the target. The launcher and the projectile may be configured to communicate wirelessly with each other. In yet another embodiment, a GPS device may be used to control the activation and / or release of the projectile payload. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The advantages and features of this disclosure will become better understood by taking into account the accompanying drawings, the following detailed description, and the claims, wherein like elements are identified by like symbols, and wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher with projectiles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1A This is a view of the breech assembly of a projectile launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a view of a projectile according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure before launch and subsequently during flight, during which the projectile casing has separated and released a decaying substance.

[0026] Figure 2A and 2B This is a view of a projectile including a fracture line before (2A) and after (2B) the projectile separates or breaks along the fracture line, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2C A projectile with a one-piece shell construction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a view of a projectile launcher with a magazine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the projectile is configured to break at various times / distances after firing.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a view of a projectile according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the projectile including a payload, control circuitry, an initiator, and an energy storage device.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a view of a projectile according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the projectile including a payload, an initiator, and control circuitry.

[0031] Figure 6 A projectile and a launcher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the launcher can communicate with the projectile via at least one connection.

[0032] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of a projectile and a launcher according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein the projectile can communicate wirelessly with the launcher.

[0033] Figure 8 A launcher, projectile components, and at least one means for transmitting information to the projectile are shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of the breech assembly according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein the energy storage device of the projectile can be charged or powered beyond a threshold energy by contact with elements of the launcher, such as the bolt.

[0035] Figure 10 A projectile having a casing comprising at least two parallel sides is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 and 11A A projectile including a printed circuit board is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 12 A charging element for charging a bolt and breech assembly after the projectile has been positioned in the breech of a launcher, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0038] Figure 13 A magazine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0039] Figure 14 The illustration shows a configuration of a projectile for powering the projectile via an energy source from a magazine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] For illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiments described in detail herein may have many variations in structure and design. However, it should be emphasized that this disclosure is not limited to the specific projectiles or projectile launchers shown and described. It should be understood that various omissions and equivalent substitutions may be contemplated as expedient circumstances may be suggested or provided, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of this disclosure. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., herein do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. It should also be understood that although the term PCB is used, it may also refer to discrete or individual components without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0041] This disclosure provides a non-lethal projectile 100 and a launcher 1000 for such a projectile 100, the launcher 1000 and the projectile 100 comprising a system. It should be understood that the launcher 1000 may include a launcher and accessories therefor, such as a magazine or energy source or other components. The projectile 100 preferably includes a payload 200. In one embodiment, the payload 200 may include attenuating substances (such as capsaicin, PAVA, tear gas, etc.), visible substances, and / or invisible marking substances for securing and / or marking targets, suspects, or boundaries. The projectile 100 preferably includes a casing that may be formed from at least a partially annular shell 102. The casing may include a closed, substantially planar end portion 104 (also referred to herein as an "end cap") corresponding to the radius of the annular portion of the shell to form the casing. The shell and the end portion may be referred to herein, individually and collectively, as the casing of the projectile 100. In another embodiment, the casing of the projectile includes at least two parallel sides (e.g., Figure 10 (Side view 202 shown). The payload 200 is contained within a casing prior to the launch of the projectile 100. In one embodiment, the projectile 100 is capable of self-separation, splitting, or otherwise opening before impact with a target. In one embodiment, the launcher 1000 is capable of inducing or causing events such as separation, splitting, fracturing, or opening of the projectile 100. In one embodiment, the launcher 1000 is capable of communicating with and / or idling the projectile 100 prior to or simultaneously with its launch. In another embodiment, the launcher includes a safety device and / or trigger that prevents the projectile from idling before activation. Idling can be, for example, charging of an energy storage element or device contained within the projectile. In one embodiment, the launcher includes a breech and / or breech assembly into which one or more projectiles can be loaded prior to launch.

[0042] The breech assembly 1030 includes a barrel 1010, a breech (in one embodiment, the breech is an opening or space in the breech assembly 1030, which may be created by the positioning of the bolt 1034), at least one projectile inlet 1032, and a bolt 1034. The projectile inlet 1032 is adapted to receive a projectile into the breech. The bolt 1034 includes a front portion and a rear portion and can be configured to be partially received within the barrel 1010 such that the front portion of the bolt 1034 closes the projectile inlet 1032, and in a second position, the bolt 1034 is configured to allow a projectile 100 to enter the barrel 1010 from the projectile inlet 1032. The breech assembly may also include a charging element 1036 for use as described below and Figure 9 and 12 The image shows projectile charging. In one embodiment, and as shown... Figure 9As shown, the breech assembly includes one or more conductive probes (in...) Figure 9 The probes are shown as 1036a and 1036b) and conductive fingers 1036c. Such probes or fingers may also include springs or other biasing elements.

[0043] The planar end portion 104 of the projectile 100 is preferably removably attached to the annular portion of the shell 102. The attachability of the planar end portion 104 to the annular portion can be by crimping, press-fit, threaded connection, or, for example, via adhesive or other bonding methods. This attachability allows easy access to the outer shell formed by the planar end portion 104 and the annular portion of the shell 102. The planar end portion 104 of the shell may have a dimension larger than the diameter of the annular portion of the shell 102, and the planar end portion is attached abutting against the annular portion to create a flange. In another embodiment, the shell 102 includes a first annular portion and a second annular portion, wherein the planar end portion 104 is fixedly attached to the first annular portion, and wherein the first and second annular portions are removably attached to each other, such that the outer shell of the shell 102 can be opened elsewhere except for the planar end portion 104 of the shell.

[0044] In one implementation scheme, and as Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the projectile casing includes fracture lines, which may include relatively weak or thin sections of the casing, allowing the projectile casing to fracture along these fracture lines after firing. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the casing comprises a low-melting-point polymer to facilitate melting and opening of the casing by an initiator described elsewhere herein. In yet another embodiment, the projectile casing is a single piece, for example, as... Figure 2C As shown. In another embodiment, the casing is fragile. In yet another embodiment, the projectile comprises an elastomeric material or a combustible casing.

[0045] In another implementation scheme, and as Figure 11 and 11AAs shown, the projectile includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 106. In one embodiment, the projectile PCB includes one or more wired or wireless contacts (such as contact 108) that can receive signals or other inputs from the transmitter, which can instruct the PCB to trigger a projectile separation timer or countdown. In another embodiment, the bolt 1034 can contact the PCB 106 and transmit inputs or signals, such as from the transmitter control circuitry 1040, to the PCB 106, such that when the projectile 100 is positioned in the breech 1030 and / or against the bolt 1034, a projectile separation timer or countdown can be triggered. In yet another embodiment, the bolt and / or breech assembly can include an energy source (e.g., a charger) such that an energy storage device is powered beyond a threshold energy by contact with the bolt and / or charging element 1036 of the breech assembly. In another embodiment, the power supply occurs within less than 100 milliseconds, and in yet another embodiment, within less than 20 milliseconds. In yet another implementation, instead of a PCB or in addition to a PCB, a single chip such as an ASIC or discrete components can be used.

[0046] Exemplary transmitter 1000 in Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The launcher includes a barrel 1010 for guiding and launching the projectile 100. The launcher 1000 may also include a chamber 1015 for receiving the projectile before it is fired. In one embodiment, the chamber includes a breech or breech assembly 1030 disclosed herein. It will be apparent that... Figure 1 The launcher 1000 shown may be of other configurations, as long as the launcher 1000 is capable of firing the projectile 100 of the projectiles disclosed herein.

[0047] The launcher 1000 may also include control circuitry 1040 (referred to herein as launcher control circuitry for clarity). Launcher control circuitry 1040 can transmit inputs and / or signals to the projectile 100. For example, launcher control circuitry 1040 may be activated when projectile 100 is loaded into breech 1040. In one embodiment, launcher control circuitry 1040 is inactive before projectile 100 is loaded into breech. In yet another embodiment, the projectile remains inactive until the bolt contacts the projectile.

[0048] In one embodiment, the projectile 100 casing opens or otherwise separates after the projectile leaves the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000 to dispense a payload 200 in the form of powder, aerosol, liquid, foam, or a combination thereof. That is, the fracturing or cracking of the projectile casing or the separation of casing components creates an opening in the projectile 100 from which the payload 200 can be dispersed or released. In another embodiment, the payload can be colored, marked, attenuating, or a combination thereof. For example, in the case where the payload includes marking material or a cloud of matter, the marking material from the cloud can be used to identify individuals affected by the projectile. The cloud can also be visible to create a deterrent, i.e., the cloud can include a visible barrier preventing individuals from approaching the cloud or the area of ​​the cloud. In one embodiment, the constituent particles of the payload can have a certain particle size, or can be attached to carrier particles, such that the payload cloud or other release is unaffected by wind or other otherwise excitation factors or environmental conditions. In one embodiment, the payload is atomized due to the fracturing, separation, or opening of the projectile.

[0049] In another embodiment, the projectile 100 disclosed herein includes various adjustment devices of the above embodiments, wherein the release or diffusion of the payload 200 occurs at a fixed or predetermined distance from the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000. For example, selective release can be accomplished by a timing response.

[0050] In another embodiment, release may be achieved by control circuitry 120. Such control circuitry 120 may include radio frequency identification (RFID), wherein an RFID tag in projectile 100 may cause projectile 100 to break at a user-specified distance from launcher 1000. In another embodiment, the control circuitry includes timing circuitry that causes the projectile to break at a specific time after launch. In one embodiment, control circuitry 120 includes an ASIC for integrating all components onto a single chip, which reduces projectile assembly and manufacturing time as well as the footprint of control circuitry 120. Figure 4 In another embodiment shown, a reaction can be initiated in response to timer 130. Furthermore, this component can be initiated by a reaction and includes substances such as nitrocellulose, NaN3, etc. In such an embodiment, it will be apparent that transmitter 1000 may include a transmitter or other device for communicating with an RFID tag, or the reaction may be controlled by other devices.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, the launcher and projectile system may include a magazine 1040 that holds a plurality of projectiles 100 and supplies the projectiles 100 to the launcher 1000 for firing / launching the projectiles 100. In one embodiment, the individual projectiles 100 of the magazine 1040 may be configured to separate or break apart, etc., at the same distance "D" or time after firing, or the projectiles may be configured to separate or break apart, etc., at different distances and / or times after firing. In an embodiment in which the individual projectiles are configured to separate or break apart, etc., at the same distance "D" or time after firing, it will be apparent that the user can concentrate the effect of the attenuating substance from the breaking projectiles on a specific defined area. In an embodiment in which the individual projectiles are configured to separate or break apart, etc., at different distances and / or times after firing, it will be apparent that (1) the specific distance and / or time of separation, etc., of each particular projectile among the individual projectiles after firing can be achieved by selectively setting the separation, etc., of each projectile among the individual projectiles as described elsewhere herein. Furthermore, in situations where it is necessary to distribute the payload over a larger area, the separation of individual projectiles at different distances can provide a more distributed diffusion of such material. In embodiments mentioned elsewhere herein, the projectile casing includes at least two parallel sides, which can be configured to facilitate a specific orientation of the projectile within the magazine of the launcher (or in the breech of the launcher). A cross-sectional view of an exemplary projectile of this embodiment is shown in... Figure 10 As shown in the figure. In another embodiment, the magazine 1040 includes an energy source 1042 that can power the projectile when it is disposed in the magazine.

[0052] Refer again Figure 4 The projectile 100 may also include an energy storage device 140 (such as, but not limited to, a capacitor or a micro lithium-ion rechargeable battery) and an initiator 150 (such as, but not limited to, a heating element). The energy storage device 140 and the initiator 150 may be operatively coupled to a switch 180, and a timer 130 may cause the switch 180 to trip at a specific time after the launch of the projectile 100, after which the energy storage device 140 may deliver stored energy to the initiator 150 to cause the initiator 150 to perform a reaction (such as heating) that causes the projectile 100 to open, separate, or split to release the payload 200. As described elsewhere herein, in one embodiment, the casing of the projectile 100 may include a low-melting-point polymer to facilitate melting and opening of the casing by the initiator 150.

[0053] In one embodiment, the energy storage device is charged to a voltage associated with the timing of the projectile's separation or opening. For example, a voltage of 4 volts may correspond to a distance of 20 feet, and a voltage of 5 volts may correspond to a distance of 100 feet. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum threshold voltage that triggers a reaction in the projectile corresponds to the minimum charge of the energy storage device.

[0054] In another implementation, and referring to Figure 5 The control circuit 120 is directly connected to the initiator 150, causing the control circuit 120 to activate the initiator 150. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the initiator 150 may be an electric igniter that can be heated upon activation to create an opening in the casing of the projectile 100, thereby releasing the payload 200.

[0055] In another embodiment, the projectile launcher 1000 includes a trigger and / or a safety switch that prevents the projectile 100 from becoming ready before certain parameters are met. For example, a safety device may be configured to prevent the projectile 100 from becoming ready unless it is switched to firing mode in the launcher 1000. In another embodiment, an energy storage device communicates with the trigger or safety switch and is not powered until the trigger or safety switch is actuated. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage device is not fully powered until the trigger of the launcher is actuated and / or if sufficient force is detected to fire the projectile. Regarding force, in the exemplary case of a compressed gas-driven launcher, a pressure switch may be implemented to detect whether the currently available gas pressure exceeds the gas pressure required to fire the projectile. Thus, for example, in the event that the launcher is forcibly but accidentally moved, or if the user accidentally drops the launcher, such a trigger and safety switch can prevent accidental firing or breakage of the projectile.

[0056] In such Figure 6 , 7 In another embodiment shown in Figure 8, the projectile 100 and the launcher 1000 communicate via at least one of a wireless or wired device. This allows the launcher to set parameters within the projectile, thereby allowing more precise control over the point at which the casing breaks, cracks, or opens, i.e., setting a specific distance or time at which the projectile may break or open. In yet another embodiment, the projectile has an energy source (such as an energy storage device 140) that is activated, powered, or supplied with energy by the launcher 1000 (e.g., by means of a battery 1050 in the launcher, when the projectile 100 is loaded into the launcher 1000, the projectile can be powered as follows). Figure 6The contact point 1070 shown is in contact with the battery, and thus enhances the safety features of the projectile 100, for example, by keeping the projectile 100 and the diffusion device inactive until it is loaded into the launcher. In one embodiment, the power-supplying energy storage device can then power the control circuitry. In another embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, the projectile (and, in one embodiment, the projectile's energy storage device 140) can be charged or powered via induction (such as via an inductive charger 1060). In yet another embodiment, the launcher 1000 includes a device for measuring distance (such as a rangefinder), which can communicate with the control circuitry 120, and which can allow on-site customization of at least one parameter associated with the explosion or rupture of the projectile 100, thereby further increasing its ability to diffuse the attenuating material 200 at a more preferred or precise location. Figure 8 As shown, the launcher 1000 may include a trigger 1080 to initiate the launch process. It will be apparent that charging the energy storage device via the launcher eliminates the need for the energy storage device to include a self-contained power source (i.e., no battery is required for the energy storage device), thereby eliminating the possibility of the energy storage device suffering power depletion before launch. It will also be apparent that the energy storage device can be powered by an external source other than the launcher before being loaded into the launcher. Furthermore, the capacitor, as an exemplary storage device, is significantly lighter and cheaper than a battery, thereby improving performance and reducing the manufacturing cost of the projectile of the present invention. Although the capacitor is mentioned here, it is clear that this reference is not intended to be limiting, and other available power solutions such as small rechargeable batteries can be used.

[0057] In another embodiment, the breech assembly also includes a charger that can charge the projectile when it is positioned in the breech. In one embodiment, and as... Figure 12 As shown, the breech may include conductive metal contacts (such as contact 108) and / or complementary contacts 108 that can contact the PCB 106 or the projectile when it is in the breech (such as...). Figure 11 The conductive metal contacts of the conductive spring fingers 1036c (shown) are conductive metal contacts. The breech can then be powered by the projectile by the metal contacts being configured to abut against the PCB 106 and / or the complementary contacts 108 of the projectile.

[0058] In one implementation, an energy storage device that can be powered is charged to or beyond a threshold energy level via a sensing device. For example, such a sensing device can be used for wireless charging or by moving a coil within a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated by a permanent magnet, electromagnet, or the like, located within a transmitter or as one or more attachments to the transmitter.

[0059] In another embodiment, the magazine 1040 includes an energy source 1042. In one embodiment, the magazine includes at least one track or slot that can engage complementary features 109 of the projectile (such as at least one parallel side 202 of the projectile or a contact 108 of the projectile). That is, the complementary features of the projectile are received in the track or slot of the magazine. The complementary features of the projectile may include electrical contacts (or multiple electrical contacts) capable of receiving and transferring electrical charge to an energy storage device. At least one track or slot of the magazine includes an energy source component such that when the projectile is placed in the magazine, one or more contacts of the projectile are positioned against the energy source component of the magazine, thereby allowing the projectile to be powered by the magazine. In one embodiment, the energy storage device of the projectile is not powered until the magazine has been inserted into the launcher. Figure 13 An exemplary embodiment of such a magazine 1040 is shown. Figure 14 An exemplary embodiment of a projectile having complementary features 109 is shown.

[0060] In one embodiment, the debilitating substance of payload 200 is mixed with an inert powder comprising particles with a diameter of not less than 10 micrometers, since particles smaller than 10 micrometers have been shown to cause long-term health problems, particularly in the lungs and heart.

[0061] Figure 1 The projectile launcher 1000 is preferably based on an electrically driven or a combination of an electric and combustion or compressed gas device. It should be understood that the projectile is not limited to a specific launching method, but rather the launcher is preferably designed to utilize the advantages of having electronic control and communication elements integrated with the projectile. Since the projectile can be powered by the launcher or other external source, the possibility of the projectile becoming inoperable due to internal battery depletion is nonexistent.

[0062] The projectiles and launchers disclosed herein offer the advantage of more controlled payload release than existing solutions. For example, the user can set the range and / or rate of payload release by configuring parameters that control the openings in the projectile. The projectile does not need to impact a target (thus reducing the risk of damage to the target) to disperse and / or deliver the payload. The casing configuration of the projectiles disclosed herein can also increase the projectile's flight accuracy, further enhancing the safety of use of the projectiles disclosed herein. Furthermore, the projectile can remain in a non-standby state until the energy storage device is fully powered, i.e., exceeding a threshold energy level. Powering the energy storage device via the launcher or other external source eliminates the possibility of the projectile suffering electrical loss or failure before firing. This also provides greater safety during the transport or handling of the projectile.

[0063] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of this disclosure has been presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of this disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize this disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the intended particular use.

Claims

1. A launcher and projectile system, the system comprising: transmitter, Non-lethal projectiles The projectile includes a casing, a payload, control circuitry, and an energy storage device. After the projectile is launched, the projectile casing ruptures, splits, separates, or otherwise creates an opening therein, releasing the payload. The projectile includes a printed circuit board, and a heat source or initiator is integrated into the printed circuit board. The launcher includes a launcher control circuit and a breech assembly, the breech assembly including a bolt and a breech, into which the projectile can be received; and The bolt is capable of contacting the printed circuit board and transmitting inputs or signals from the launcher control circuit to the printed circuit board, such that when the projectile is placed in the breech and / or abuts against the bolt, a projectile separation timing or countdown is triggered.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher further comprises a trigger, and wherein the energy storage device is not powered beyond a threshold energy until at least one of the actuation of the trigger and the initiation of the projectile launch.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the breech assembly further includes a charging element for charging the projectile.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the energy storage device is powered by the breech assembly of the transmitter.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the power supply of the energy storage device occurs within less than 100 milliseconds.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher further comprises a launcher control circuit, and wherein the launcher control circuit controls at least one of the power supply to the projectile and the timing of the projectile's breakup, splitting, separation, or opening.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the payload is at least one of powder, aerosol, foam, liquid and labeling substance.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the payload has at least one of attenuation effect, inertization effect and marking effect.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the shell of the projectile comprises at least one of a low-melting-point polymer, an elastomer material, and a combustible shell.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the launcher further comprises a launcher accessory, wherein at least one of the launcher and the launcher accessory is capable of powering the projectile.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage device is charged to a voltage corresponding to the timing of the opening of the projectile.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the payload comprises powder and an inert material, the inert material comprising powder with a particle size of at least 10 micrometers.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the projectile includes at least one fracture line or a fragile shell.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the projectile further comprises a launcher and a launcher accessory, wherein at least one of the launcher and the launcher accessory is capable of powering the projectile.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises at least one of a timing circuit, GPS, and RFID.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the energized energy storage device supplies power to the control circuit.

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