Projectile configurations, launchers, and launcher accessories

Abstract

The projectile includes a projectile housing with at least one compartment, an energizable energy storage means, a payload, a control circuit, and an initiator. The payload may be isolated in one compartment of the projectile until the projectile is separated or opened. A ram element within the projectile may move within the projectile to cause the projectile to open. The projectile may include a means for actuating the initiator via dynamic induction. In an example embodiment, the projectile includes a coil operably coupled to a magnetic element of the launcher. As the projectile moves within the launcher, the projectile may be dynamically charged by interaction between the coil and the magnetic element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a nonprovisional application under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of and claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 287,265, filed December 8, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to non-lethal and lethal projectiles and associated launch mechanisms and accessories, and more particularly to projectiles that may be energized or charged by a launcher and / or launcher accessories and that may disintegrate after launch to deliver a payload. [Background technology]

[0003] Non-lethal projectiles and non-lethal firing systems are commonly used by law enforcement agencies for crowd control purposes, e.g., to quell rioting or angry crowds, or to subdue individual intruders. Increasingly, they may find use as an alternative means to enhance self-defense in situations such as home invasions. Projectiles and systems (such as weapons capable of delivering such non-lethal projectiles) are designed to subdue a target subject or subjects for a period of time without causing permanent harm. Typically, such weapon systems require the projectile to explode on impact with the intruder, thus necessitating precise targeting, and in some cases causing serious injury to the intruder. The most common means for such devices are projectiles that explode on impact, or tethered targeting devices that incapacitate the intruder by applying a high voltage shock. All of these existing means have a number of drawbacks, which are outlined in more detail below.

[0004] The use of high voltage electric shock has been around for many years. While this can be fairly effective at immobilizing an intruder, it has the drawback that the voltage delivered to the intruder's body can cause cardiac arrest in the target / intruder. Furthermore, if the intruder is in an open or unrestrained environment, such measures require precise targeting to ensure that the electrodes contact the individual to deliver the shock. Furthermore, the longest effective range for such devices is less than 30 feet, more typically 10 or 15 feet. Additionally, the effectiveness of such weapons can be inhibited by clothing, coats, or moist environments.

[0005] The second technique involves the use of paintballs loaded with cayenne or PAVA powder. This eliminates or improves the range problem of the electroshock technique, but requires precise targeting of the suspect. This is extremely difficult to do at short distances, as the powder may bounce off the suspect and back at the user. Furthermore, on impact, control of the release of the powder is not always effective and can be one-dimensional; i.e., a cloud is left behind, making it difficult to stop a fleeing suspect. Furthermore, if the projectile does not burst on impact, the intended effect is not achieved.

[0006] Another approach is to provide a projectile, the rupture or separation of which is triggered by a battery or components powered by batteries inside the projectile. However, batteries are inherently large and heavy, respectively, compared to the projectile, limiting the potential configurations of the projectile (at least due to the fact that the batteries take up a significant amount of space inside the projectile). Furthermore, batteries are relatively expensive, thus driving up the manufacturing costs of such projectiles. Moreover, and of great concern, batteries wear out and lose charge over time. This means that a projectile so constructed may not be ready to be used for firing after sitting on a shelf for some time. This drawback is unacceptable, since the conditions under which such projectiles should be used require them to be ready to fire at all times.

[0007] Lethal projectiles have also been developed that fragment into multiple pieces, thus increasing the effective radius of such projectiles (requiring less targeting accuracy). Such fragmentation can occur by a battery or components powered by the battery(ies) inside the projectile, or by actual impact on the target. However, batteries are inherently large and heavy, respectively, compared to the projectile, limiting the potential configurations of the projectile (at least due to the fact that they take up a significant amount of space inside the projectile). Furthermore, batteries are relatively expensive, thus driving up the manufacturing costs of such projectiles. Moreover, and of great concern, batteries wear out and lose charge over time. This means that a projectile so constructed may not be ready to be used for firing after sitting on a shelf for some time. This drawback is unacceptable, since the conditions under which such projectiles should be used require them to be ready to fire at all times.

[0008] All currently available methods for non-lethal projectiles suffer from one or more of the following drawbacks: they are difficult to target, are not suitable for close ranges, are not suitable for long ranges, are inaccurate, are often lethal, are often otherwise ineffective, are costly to manufacture, are complex to construct, and are not reliably powered. Additionally, most currently available methods for lethal projectiles require such projectiles to impact a target to be effective, and require heavy and complex battery arrangements for power and operation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Considering the aforementioned shortcomings inherent in the prior art, a general objective of the present disclosure is to provide a projectile configuration (also referred to herein in context as a "projectile"), projectile launcher, and launcher accessory that includes all the advantages of the prior art and overcomes the shortcomings inherent in the prior art. As used herein, a "payload" may refer to a substance, object, compound, or material that can apply a lethal or incapacitating force to a target and / or produce a lethal or incapacitating effect on a target. Such a payload may be in the form of a powder, liquid, or aerosol, or foam and / or shrapnel (or combinations thereof) without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The payload may include attenuating materials, visible substances (e.g., dyes or powders, etc.), or invisible marking substances (e.g., UV-reactive materials, etc.), or combinations thereof. The projectile may also include an energy storage means. As used herein, an "energy storage means" is a storage means that lacks sufficient energy (e.g., charge, etc.) to arm or activate a projectile or another component of a projectile until the energy storage means is energized or re-energized by an external source (such as a launcher or its accessories). The minimum energy to arm or activate a projectile (or mimic a reaction described elsewhere herein) is referred to as the "threshold energy", i.e., below an energy level, the projectile will not be armed or activated and / or will not initiate a mechanical or chemical reaction. In one embodiment, the energy storage means includes a capacitor. The capacitor may be charged or energized by the launcher or launcher accessories prior to or simultaneously with launch of the projectile.

[0010] In one embodiment, the projectile separates into two or more components after leaving the launcher barrel to disperse the payload. In one embodiment, separation can be initiated by electrical, mechanical, or chemical means, or a combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the time of initiation can vary depending on the distance to the suspect or target. In one embodiment, the means for initiating separation of the projectile and payload are located within separate compartments or regions of the projectile.

[0011] In another embodiment, an electric circuit may be disposed within the projectile. In the above embodiment, the projectile may include an energy storage means. The electric circuit may initiate a chemical reaction or otherwise cause separation of the projectile by electromechanical methods, and the circuit may be actuated by activation by dynamic induction. Dynamic induction, as used herein, is the charging or energization of a moving coil by the disturbance of a static magnetic field. The charging or energization depends on the speed at which the coil disturbs the static magnetic field lines, as shown in the exemplary embedment of FIG. 10. This form of induction is different from electrostatic induction, which is the charging of a stationary coil using a dynamic magnetic field.

[0012] In one embodiment, the circuitry and payload are located in separate compartments or regions of the projectile. Release may be timed to separate and disperse the payload near the target. Timing may include calculations based on the distance to the target as well as projectile velocity. The electrical circuitry and reaction may be initiated when the energy storage means is sufficiently charged or energized (i.e., exceeds a threshold energy). Such charging or energization may be provided, for example, by the launcher or an external source (for example, but not necessarily limited to, a launcher accessory).

[0013] In yet other embodiments, separation, opening, etc. of the projectile is the result of a chemical reaction, and an activating compound such as nitrocellulose may be initiated by an "electric match." The electric match may consist of a nichrome or similar high resistance wire coated with a pyrophoric substance and initiated by electrical energy from a battery, capacitor, etc. In one embodiment in which the launcher and / or launcher accessory includes at least one magnet, when the projectile is launched, at least one magnet of the launcher and / or accessory may activate the electric match by dynamic induction. In one embodiment, the electric match and the payload are located in separate compartments or regions of the projectile.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the projectile launcher (and / or launcher accessory) and projectile are part of a system in which the projectile is encoded with timing and / or distance information as a result of the range to the target. The projectile launcher and / or launcher accessory may further include a range finder or other means for measuring the distance to the target. In a further embodiment, the energy storage means is energized with a specific amount of energy corresponding to the distance of the target from the user. In other words, the amount of energy provided to the projectile is determined by the launcher / launcher accessory (such as a range finder in the launcher or launcher accessory). The launcher / launcher accessory classifies the distance information and charges or energizes the energy storage means with a specific amount of energy, which is decoded by the projectile control circuitry, which determines the distance at which the projectile should burst, etc. The launcher (and / or launcher accessory) and projectile may be configured to communicate with each other by wire or wireless communication, and the launcher and / or launcher accessory may be able to transfer energy to the projectile. In one embodiment, firing of the projectile by the launcher may be accomplished by compressed air, which eliminates the need for complex ignition mechanisms (such as a primer on the projectile or a hammer for the launcher), although it will be apparent that the projectiles and launchers herein may be configured to be fired by combustion or other means.

[0015] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like reference numerals, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a projectile launcher 1000 having a projectile, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a barrel of a projectile launcher and at least one magnet of the launcher. [Diagram 2] 1A-1C are diagrams of a projectile both prior to launch and in subsequent flight, with the projectile housing separating to release the payload, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a projectile launcher having a magazine in which projectiles are set to explode at various times / distances after launch, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a projectile including a payload, a control circuit, an initiator, and an energy storage means, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a projectile including a payload, an initiator, and a control circuit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a launcher, components of a projectile, and at least one means for communicating information to the projectile, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a projectile having multiple compartments and a ram for facilitating opening, bursting, separation, etc. of the projectile, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a projectile with the projectile housing separated by a ram to release the payload in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates the movement of a projectile through a static magnetic field and actuation of said projectile by energizing an energy storage means by dynamic induction, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a projectile with multiple compartments and various components thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 illustrates another diagram of a projectile with multiple compartments and various components thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The exemplary embodiments described in detail herein for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in construction and design. It must be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific projectile or projectile launcher shown and described. That is, it is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated, where circumstances may suggest or render expedient, and are intended to cover the present application or embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. The terms "first", "second", and the like, as used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Also, the terms "a" and "an" as used herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0018] The present disclosure provides a projectile 100 and launcher 1000, and in one embodiment, a launcher accessory 1100. The projectile 100 preferably includes a payload 200 for immobilizing and / or marking a target or suspect. It is understood that payload, as used herein, may also include a substance, object, compound, or material capable of applying a lethal or incapacitating force and / or producing a lethal or incapacitating effect on a target.

[0019] The projectile 100 preferably includes an enclosure. The enclosure may be formed by an at least partially annular shell 102. The shell may include closed, substantially planar ends 104 (also referred to herein as "end caps") corresponding to the radius of the annular portion of the shell that forms the enclosure. The shell and ends may individually and collectively be referred to herein as the housing of the projectile 100. It is clear that the projectile housing is not limited to the shell and end configurations mentioned in the preceding exemplary embodiment, and that the housing of the projectile may include any shape that forms an enclosure, for example, not necessarily limited to a sphere or a cone, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The payload 200 is preferably contained within the enclosure prior to launch of the projectile 100. In one embodiment, the projectile 100 includes an aperture. The aperture may be temporarily sealed by the end cap 104 to seal the projectile during / after launch until the projectile is activated.

[0020] In one embodiment, the projectile 100 can self-separate, disintegrate, or otherwise open prior to impact with a target or other impact surface. In one embodiment, the launcher 1000 can initiate the separation or disintegration or bursting or opening, etc., of the projectile 100. In one embodiment, the launcher 1000 can communicate with the projectile 100 and / or arm the projectile 100 prior to or simultaneously with launch of the projectile. In another embodiment, the launcher includes a safety and / or trigger. The safety and / or trigger prevents the projectile from being armed until actuated. Arming can be, for example, the charging or energization of an energy storage element or means contained within the projectile.

[0021] An exemplary launcher 1000 is shown in FIG. 1A. The launcher includes a barrel 1010 for directing and firing the projectile 100. The launcher 1000 may include a chamber 1015 for holding the projectile prior to firing. It should be apparent that the launcher 1000 shown in FIG. 1A may have other configurations as long as the launcher 1000 is capable of firing the projectile 100 of the projectiles disclosed herein.

[0022] 2, the housing of the projectile 100 opens or otherwise separates after leaving the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000 to disperse the payload. That is, the projectile housing bursts or splits, or housing components separate, creating an opening in the projectile 100 through which the payload 200 may emerge.

[0023] In another embodiment, the projectile 100 disclosed herein includes various adjustment means of the previously described embodiments, where the release or dispersion of the payload 200 occurs at a fixed or predetermined distance from the barrel 1010 of the launcher 1000 and / or the launcher accessory 1100.

[0024] In another embodiment, the release may be accomplished by the control circuitry 120. Such control circuitry 120 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID), and an RFID tag in the projectile 100 may cause the projectile 100 to burst at a user-specified distance from the launcher 1000 or launcher accessory 1100. The bursting may occur, for example, by initiating a reaction with nitrocellulose. In such an embodiment, it is apparent that the launcher 1000 and launcher accessory 1500 may include a transmitter or other means for communicating with the RFID tag, or the reaction may be controlled by other means. In another embodiment, the control circuitry 120 is inductively actuated. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, the projectile may include multiple compartments 105 to isolate the payload from other components of the projectile until separation, bursting, opening, etc. of the projectile is imminent.

[0025] In another embodiment, energization of the energy storage means is achieved via dynamic induction. In such an embodiment, the projectile includes a coil of wire 550 and the launcher includes a magnetic element. The coil is operably coupled to the magnetic element. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic element is located near the barrel of the launcher. The magnetic element is capable of generating a static magnetic field. In one embodiment, the magnetic element is at least one magnet 500. It is understood that the projectile (and the coil of wire 550 contained therein) has a known speed as it moves down the barrel and through the static magnetic field. In this way, energy is induced in the coil of wire 550. This energy can be utilized, for example, to energize the energy storage means. This energization by dynamic induction occurs only when the projectile is moving through the barrel at a sufficient threshold speed (defined herein as the required speed such that the energy induced in the coil 550 exceeds the threshold energy). This provides an inherently safe method of actuating the projectile. That is, the projectile can only be actuated during firing, which must impart sufficient speed to the projectile to exceed the threshold speed.

[0026] With further reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 11, a multi-compartment 105 projectile is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the payload is maintained in a compartment 105 different from the compartment 105 in which the initiator 150 and / or actuation material is maintained. The integrity of the isolated elements is maintained by keeping these elements physically separated until a sequence of projectile separation, opening, bursting, etc. is initiated. In one embodiment, the separation is created by a ram 108, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 11. The ram 108, in such an embodiment, is movable within the housing of the projectile, and upon actuation of an actuation element or material (such as an electric match or nitrocellulose), the ram 108 is moved by the force of the actuation element or material. In one embodiment, the ram 108 is proximate to a portion of the interior of the shell, and the movement of the ram 108 caused by the actuation element or material contacts the shell and causes the shell to separate, burst, open, etc., such that the payload can be released from the shell. In such an embodiment, the payload may be in proximity to the area of ​​the shell that is contacted and / or opened by the ram 108. A typical opening of a projectile is shown in FIG. 9, where a moving projectile 100 disrupts the static magnetic field lines 501 (created by magnetic element(s) 500) and activates the initiator 150, thereby accelerating the ram 108, ejecting the end cap 104 and subsequently dispersing the payload 200. A stopper 109 may be provided to ensure that the ram 108 is not ejected along with the payload 200 and end cap 104.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the launcher and projectile system may include a magazine 1040. The magazine 1040 holds a number of projectiles 100 and supplies the projectiles 100 to the launcher 1000 for firing / launching the projectiles 100. In one embodiment, the various projectiles 100 of the magazine 1040 may be configured to separate, burst, etc. at the same distance "D" or time after launch, or may be configured to separate, burst, etc. at different distances and / or times after launch. In an embodiment in which the various projectiles are configured to separate, burst, etc. at the same distance "D" or time after launch, it will be apparent that a user may focus the impact of the payload from the burst projectile within a certain defined range. In an embodiment in which the various projectiles are configured to separate, burst, etc. at different distances and / or times after launch, it will be apparent that separation, etc. of each particular projectile of the various projectiles may be achieved at a particular distance and / or time after launch by selectively setting the separation, etc. of each particular projectile of the various projectiles as described elsewhere herein.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 4, the projectile 100 may further include an energy storage means 140 (e.g., without limitation, a capacitor or a small lithium-ion rechargeable battery) and an initiator 150 (e.g., without limitation, a heating element). As used herein, an "energy storage means" is a storage means that lacks sufficient charge or energization to activate or prime the projectile or another component of the projectile until the energy storage means is charged or energized above a threshold energy by an external source (e.g., a launcher, said launcher including an electric, magnetic, and / or electromagnetic source). Charging the energy storage means may also be referred to herein as "energizing" the energy storage means. The energy storage means disclosed herein may also be referred to as energizable energy storage means. The energy storage means 140 and the initiator 150 may be operatively coupled to a switch 180, and a timer 130 may trip the switch 180 at a particular time after launch of the projectile 100, after which the energy storage means 140 may provide stored energy to the initiator 150 to cause the initiator 150 to react (such as heat up) such that the projectile 100 opens, separates or disintegrates to release the payload 200. In one embodiment, the energy storage means is energized by at least one magnet 500 of the launcher and / or at least one magnet 1500 of the launcher accessory coincident with the launch of the projectile, as described elsewhere herein. In one embodiment, the energy storage means is located in a compartment 105 of the projectile separate from the compartment 105 of the projectile in which the payload is located.

[0029] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the control circuit 120 is directly coupled to the initiator 150, and the control circuit 120 enables operation by the initiator 150 after the initiator 150 or the control circuit 120 is activated by inductive energy from a coil 550 of the projectile 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the initiator 150 may be an electric match. The electric match may heat up upon activation and form an opening in the shell of the projectile 100 to release the payload 200. It is clear that the control circuit 120 may be activated by at least one magnet 500 of the launcher and / or at least one magnet 1500 of the launcher accessory. In the above embodiment, the initiator 150 initiates the opening of the projectile immediately after it leaves the launcher. This may be desirable, for example, in short-range situations.

[0030] In one embodiment, the projectile includes multiple compartments 105 within the projectile housing. Such a configuration is shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7. In such an embodiment, the payload may be physically isolated from the initiator 150, the energy storage means, and / or the control circuitry 120. This isolation allows these various components to function more effectively. For example, if the payload is a powder, the isolated powder cannot coat and decompose the nitrocellulose. Similarly, isolation prevents the actuation element from inadvertently igniting or burning the payload prior to projectile separation, opening, etc. In one embodiment, the multiple compartments 105 are formed by a ram 108 element disposed within the projectile. The ram 108 may be in a temporarily fixed position within the projectile, but may be able to move within the projectile when subjected to a force.

[0031] In one embodiment, actuation of the actuation element applies a force to the ram 108 such that the ram 108, with sufficient force of its own, strikes a portion of the interior of the housing to break, rupture, or otherwise open the portion of the housing and disperse the payload from the projectile. In one embodiment, the projectile is blocked by the end cap 104 after loading the components and payload. In such an embodiment, after the ram 108 is subjected to the force of the actuation element, the ram 108 strikes the end cap 104 to open the projectile.

[0032] In yet other embodiments, the projectile 100 and launcher 1000 communicate via at least one of wireless or wired means, as shown, for example, in Figure 6. This allows the launcher to set parameters within the projectile and more precisely control the point at which the housing is breached or exploded, i.e., set a specific distance or time at which the projectile may explode.

[0033] The launcher 1000 may include a trigger 1080 for initiating the launch process. It will be apparent that charging or energizing the energy storage means with the launcher and / or launcher accessories eliminates the requirement for the energy storage means to include a self-contained power source (i.e., no battery is required for the energy storage means), thereby eliminating the possibility that the energy storage means will suffer from depletion of power prior to launch.

[0034] FIG. 1 depicts a projectile launcher 1000, preferably based on an electric drive or a combination of electrical and combustion or compressed gas means. Of course, the projectile is not limited to a particular launch method, but a preferred design launcher is one that takes advantage of having electronic control and communication elements with the projectile. In one embodiment, the projectile herein is of lightweight construction (at least because it does not require an internal battery), and compressed gas can sufficiently and effectively launch the projectile. However, the disclosure may in other embodiments include a primer and / or propellant on the projectile, a hammer in the launcher for striking such a primer, as well as other means of launching the projectile other than by compressed gas. Since the projectile can be energized by the launcher (e.g., by at least one magnet or magnetic element of the launcher) or by other external sources, the possibility that the projectile will become inoperable due to depletion of an internal battery is nullified. This energization scheme also eliminates the possibility that the projectile may ignite before launch.

[0035] The projectiles, launchers, and launcher accessories disclosed herein offer the advantage of a more controlled payload release than existing solutions can offer. For example, a user can set the range and / or speed at which material is released by configuring parameters that control the opening in the projectile. Furthermore, the projectile does not need to impact the target. The configuration of the projectile shell disclosed herein may also increase the accuracy of the projectile's flight, further improving the safety of using the projectiles disclosed herein. Furthermore, the projectile can be kept in a non-armed state until it is fired from the launcher. Charging or energizing the energy storage means by the launcher or other external source eliminates the possibility of the projectile suffering a power loss or failure before firing.

[0036] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and its various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular uses contemplated.

Claims

1. 1. A launcher and projectile system, comprising: The launcher, [0023] a projectile; The projectile is a housing, the housing including at least one compartment; an energizable energy storage means; A payload; A control circuit; An initiator; a compartment of the at least one compartment contains the payload; the energizable energy storage means is at least partially energized by the launcher; The launcher and projectile system, wherein after launch of the projectile, the initiator initiates to rupture, collapse, separate, or otherwise form an opening through which the payload is released from the projectile housing.

2. The projectile of claim 1 , wherein the projectile includes a ram element.

3. 3. The projectile of claim 2, wherein the ram element isolates the initiator from the payload before, during, and after actuation of the initiator.

4. 3. The projectile of claim 2, wherein the ram element is stationary until initiation of the initiator, at which point the ram element moves to form an opening in the projectile housing.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said launcher and projectile include means for energizing said energizable energy storage means via dynamic induction.

6. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the launcher includes a magnetic element and the projectile includes a wire coil operatively coupled to the magnetic element, the magnetic element charging the wire coil via dynamic induction as the projectile moves through the launcher.

7. A projectile, The projectile is a housing, the housing including at least one compartment; an energizable energy storage means; A payload; A control circuit; an initiator; a compartment of the at least one compartment contains the payload; the energizable energy storage means is at least partially energized by a source external to the projectile; After launch of the projectile, the initiator initiates, causing the housing of the projectile to rupture, collapse, separate, or otherwise form an opening through which the payload is released.

8. The projectile of claim 7 , wherein the projectile includes a ram element.

9. 9. The projectile of claim 8, wherein the ram element isolates the initiator from the payload before, during, and after actuation of the initiator.

10. 9. The projectile of claim 8, wherein the ram element is stationary until initiation of the initiator, at which point the ram element moves to form an opening in the projectile housing.

11. 8. The projectile of claim 7, wherein said projectile includes means for energizing said energizable energy storage means via dynamic induction.

12. 8. The projectile of claim 7, wherein the projectile includes a wire coil operatively coupled to a magnetic element of an external source, the magnetic element charging the wire coil via dynamic induction as the projectile moves.

13. A projectile, The projectile is a housing, the housing including at least one compartment; A wire coil; A payload; an initiator; a compartment of the at least one compartment contains the payload; the wire coil is at least partially energized by a magnetic source external to the projectile; After launch of the projectile, the initiator initiates, causing the housing of the projectile to rupture, collapse, separate, or otherwise form an opening through which the payload is released.

14. The projectile of claim 13 , wherein the projectile includes a ram element.

15. 15. The projectile of claim 14, wherein the ram element isolates the initiator from the payload before, during, and after actuation of the initiator.

16. 15. The projectile of claim 14, wherein the ram element is stationary until initiation of the initiator, at which point the ram element moves to form an opening in the projectile housing.

17. 14. The projectile of claim 13, wherein the wire coil is operatively coupled to a magnetic element of an external source, the magnetic element charging the wire coil via dynamic induction as the projectile moves.

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