Patent Publication Number: US-11644289-B2

Title: Ordnance delivery system using a protective housing as an antenna

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention is ordnance delivery systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     Until now, attempts have been made to incorporate sensors and other types of electronics packages into bullets, especially for small arms. However, up until now, those efforts were unsuccessful due to the high g-loads and harsh impacts of the environments. Firing a bullet exerts tremendous amounts of forces, heat, and other environmental factors on the bullet and the contents of the bullet therein. Upon impact, the effect can be even worse, depending on the density of the target. For delicate electronics components such as sensors, transmitters, processors and circuit boards, these forces can be destructive and often result in rendering the electronics components inoperable. 
     Moreover, an additional challenge in deploying electronics packages within bullets has been successfully retaining the electronics components embedded within the target, even in situations where part of the bullet exits the target. Applicant&#39;s own pending application Ser. No. 16/900,226 (incorporated by reference herein) addresses these challenges. 
     However, a particular challenge in deploying electronics packages within bullets is in the transmission of information from the electronics package. The size and reliability of antennas used can affect the range of transmission of the electronics package, and even influence whether a transmission is possible. 
     Thus, there is still a need for a solution that improves the antenna capabilities of successfully deployed electronics components in ballistics and ordnance within a target. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which an electronics ordnance delivery system includes an electronics component that includes a transmitter to transmit a wireless signal and a protective housing that is dimensioned to envelop the electronics component. The protective housing is made from a conductive material and is electronically coupled with the transmitter such that the protective housing functions as an antenna for the transmitter. Suitable materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper or stainless steel. 
     It is contemplated that, in embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the protective housing is coupled directly with the electronics component (and the transmitter) via an electrically-conductive connection such as via an electrically-conductive adhesive. 
     In other embodiments, the protective housing is coupled with the transmitter via a wire. 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the system also includes an outer jacket that envelops the protective housing. The outer jacket includes a plurality of lines of weakened sections that cause the outer jacket to petal away during deployment into a target. These weakened sections can be serrated lines or perforation lines. 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the outer jacket is also made of a conductive material and electronically coupled with the transmitter such that the outer jacket can also function as an antenna. 
     The transmitter can be one or more of a cellular transmitter, a Wi-Fi transmitter, a Bluetooth transmitter or an NFC transmitter. 
     Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
     All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
     The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. 
     Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
     The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG.  1    shows the components of a cartridge in an exploded and assembled view, according to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    shows a close-up view of the housing exoskeleton/protective housing, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG.  3    is a close-up view of the deceleration sleeve of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    provides a close-up view of the outer jacket, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates the process in which the deceleration sleeve and outer jacket are activated such that the electronics component is delivered within the target, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. 
         FIG.  6    shows an embodiment of the inventive subject matter that incorporates a forward magnet. 
         FIG.  7    shows cutaway top and side views of the electronics component directly coupled to the housing exoskeleton. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
     The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. 
     As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
     The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
       FIG.  1    shows the components of bullet  100  in an exploded and assembled view, according to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter. 
     Bullet  100  includes an electronics component  110  which is enclosed within a housing exoskeleton  120  (also referred to as a protective housing  120 ) when the bullet is assembled. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the electronics component  110  includes a transmitter and as such, is coupled to an antenna for signal transmission. According to the embodiments of the inventive subject matter discussed herein, the housing exoskeleton  120  is used as the antenna and/or incorporates the antenna as discussed in further detail below. As assembled, a core  160  is inserted into a first end of the deceleration sleeve  130 . The core  160  is made of a material that deforms upon impact and entry into a target body. For example, core  160  can be a lead core or made from another suitable material (e.g., polymer, composite, copper, steel or other hard or soft metals). 
     The deceleration sleeve  130  encases the housing exoskeleton  120  which contains the electronics component  110 , all of which are encased within the outer jacket  150 . The outer jacket  150  is then incorporated to finish the assembly of bullet  100 . However, it should be noted that in the assembled bullet the tip of core  160  is exposed and not completely enveloped by the outer jacket  150 . This is visible from in  FIG.  1   . 
     As seen in  FIG.  1   , bullet  100 , powder charge  200  and case and primer  300  are then assembled into the finished cartridge  400 . 
     The electronics component  110  can be a tracking device designed to track the location of the device when active (e.g., GPS device or other location determination system). It typically includes a transmitter that can transmit data to a remote computer, such as to communicate the location data and other types of data. The electronics component  110  can also include components such as biomonitors (that can monitor biometric aspects of a target such as heartbeat, temperature, the type of target hit, etc.), microphones, etc. Typically, in addition to having hardware for the specific purpose(s) of the bullet  100  (e.g., sensors, transmitters, etc.) the electronics component  110  will include a processor and physical memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, solid-state memory, etc.) that store the programming for the electronics component  110  to execute its functions. The electronics component  110  also includes a battery or other type of portable power supply to power the various parts of the electronics component  110 . 
     The electronics component  110  shown in  FIG.  1    is encased in a potting material that is shaped to fit within the housing exoskeleton  120 . To encase the electronics component  110 , the electronics component  110  is placed within a mold and the potting material then poured into the mold, enveloping the electronics component  110 . The potting material then hardens around the electronics component  110  leaving the assembled electronics component  110  with the potting material in the proper shape to fit within the housing exoskeleton  120 . Alternatively, the electronics component  110  can be placed within the housing exoskeleton  120  and the potting material poured into the exoskeleton  120  directly such that the potting material encases the electronics component and hardens in the shape of the inside of the exoskeleton  120 . 
     The potting material can be a polymer or other material that can be shaped in this way. The electronics component  110  is seen in  FIG.  1    inside the potting material for illustrative purposes. The potting material may be transparent or translucent, such that the electronics component  110  is visible, or it may be opaque such that the electronics component  110  inside is not visible. 
       FIG.  2    shows a close-up view of the housing exoskeleton  120 . As seen in  FIG.  2   , the housing exoskeleton  120  has an open end  121  at the rear end dimensioned to fit the electronics component  110 . On this same end  121 , the housing exoskeleton  120  has a collar  122  extending outwardly from the body of the exoskeleton. The collar  122  is dimensioned such that the rear end of the deceleration sleeve contacts the collar  122 , preventing the deceleration sleeve  130  from sliding rearward during the acceleration of the bullet when fired. The front end  123  of the housing exoskeleton is closed and solid, thus helping to protect the electronics component  110 . 
     In other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the housing exoskeleton does not have a collar  122 , such as embodiments where no deceleration sleeve  130  is used. 
     The systems and methods of the inventive subject matter utilize the housing exoskeleton  120  itself as the antenna by making the housing exoskeleton  120  of an electrically conductive material and coupling the housing exoskeleton  120  to the electronics component  110 . The housing exoskeleton  120  is also made from a material that can resist the forces encountered by the bullet  100  during firing and impact to protect the enclosed electronics component  110 . Examples of suitable materials that are both electrically conductive and also provide the necessary protection to the electronics components  110  include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and other metals. It is also contemplated that electrically-conductive polymers can be used for the housing exoskeleton  120 . 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the potting material can be an electrically-conductive material that can enhance the antenna capabilities of the housing exoskeleton  120 . In these embodiments, the electronics component  110  can be electrically insulated from the potting material. 
     In preferred embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component  110  is directly coupled to the housing exoskeleton  120  by an electrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive adhesive.  FIG.  7    shows cutaway top and side views of the electronics component  110  directly coupled to the housing exoskeleton  120 . 
     In other embodiments, the electronics component  110  is coupled with the housing exoskeleton  120  by a wire. 
     In still other embodiments, the housing exoskeleton  120  and electronics component  110  are manufactured as a single unit. Thus, the housing exoskeleton  120  and electronics component  110  are manufactured to have a direct connection without needing to couple them otherwise. Thus, the electrically-conductive connection is established at the time of manufacturing without requiring a separate step to connect the electronics component with the housing exoskeleton  120 . 
     The thickness of the housing exoskeleton  120  can vary according to the transmission needs of the deployed electronic components. The housing exoskeleton  120  can be made thicker such that the transmission capabilities of the system are increased. In some situations where the transmission does not need to be relatively strong (e.g., a weaker transmission capability is acceptable), the thickness can be reduced such that there is more internal space for the electronics components  110  or other payload components. 
     The thickness of the housing exoskeleton  120  can also vary depending on factors such as the intended target, the caliber of the ordnance, the weapon deploying the ordnance, and whether a deceleration sleeve  130  is used in the bullet  100 . For situations where the impact forces are expected to be greater, the housing exoskeleton  120  can have a greater thickness to offer greater protection to the electronic components  110 . 
     The use of the housing exoskeleton  120  as the antenna enables wireless communication to/from the electronics component  110  across various wireless communications technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular communication along various spectrums (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), RF, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). 
     In alternative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the housing exoskeleton  120  itself is not used as the antenna. Instead, in these embodiments, an antenna is incorporated into the housing exoskeleton  120 . The antenna can be printed, woven or otherwise incorporated into the housing exoskeleton  120 . 
     It is contemplated that the electronics component  110  could have an internal antenna in addition to the housing exoskeleton  120  used as the antenna. Having an additional internal antenna can provide the electronics component  110  with additional wireless communication modalities, and can allow for simultaneous data transmission among these modalities. For example, the housing exoskeleton  120  can be a long range RF antenna while the internal antenna could be a short-range antenna such as a Bluetooth or NFC antenna. Another benefit of having both an internal and external antenna is that, during deployment, the external antenna may become damaged. If this occurs, the internal antenna (which could be of the same or a different wireless technology) serves to provide a backup way for the electronics component  110  to transmit/receive data. 
       FIG.  3    is a close-up view of the deceleration sleeve  130  of  FIG.  1   . The deceleration sleeve  130  is dimensioned to fit the lead core  160  at a front end  131 , and have the housing exoskeleton  120  introduced at a rear end  132  such that the housing exoskeleton  120  is within the deceleration sleeve  130 . As noted above, when the bullet is fully assembled, the rear end  132  of the deceleration sleeve  130  abuts the collar  122  of the housing exoskeleton  120 , thus preventing the deceleration sleeve  130  from further rearward movement relative to the housing exoskeleton  120  during firing and flight. As seen in  FIG.  3   , the deceleration sleeve  130  includes a plurality of grooves or perforations  133  extending rearwardly from the front end  131  of the sleeve. Between the grooves  133 , the side surface  134  is divided up into deceleration segments  135 . In the embodiments shown here, the grooves  133  extend entirely through the side surface  134  of the deceleration sleeve  130 . 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the deceleration sleeve  130  can be used as an antenna as a complement to the protective housing  120  as an antenna. In these embodiments, the deceleration sleeve  130  is made of electrically conductive materials that are also suitable for the desired petaling effect. Suitable materials for the deceleration sleeve  130  include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or other metals with suitable properties. The material should not be too hard or rigid such that the deceleration sleeve  130  is prevented from shearing. 
     In these embodiments, the deceleration sleeve  130  can be coupled with the housing exoskeleton  120  via a wire such that when the deceleration sleeve  130  falls away from the exoskeleton  120  upon entry into a target, the deceleration sleeve  130  nevertheless remains electrically coupled with the exoskeleton  120  and, therefore, the transmitter of electronics component  110 . 
     In the embodiments shown here, the grooves  133  extend entirely through the outer side surface  134  of the deceleration sleeve  130 . In other embodiments, the grooves  133  may not extend entirely through the outer surface  134  of the sleeve  130  all the way to the inside, but instead be sections of material of a smaller thickness than the regular thickness of the sleeve  130 . In still other embodiments, the grooves  133  may comprise a weakened section such as a perforated section or serrated section. 
     In embodiments where a deceleration sleeve  130  is not used, the housing exoskeleton  120  does not have the collar  122 . 
       FIG.  4    provides a close-up view of the outer jacket  150 . Outer jacket  150  has an opening at a front end  151  and is closed at a rear end  152 . Along the length of the side surface, outer jacket  150  has a plurality of weakened section lines  153  extending rearwardly from the front end  151 . These weakened section lines  153  are weaker sections of the outer surface of the jacket  150  that are sufficiently strong to hold the bullet closed during flight, but that fail and cause the jacket  150  to shear away during the impact/deployment procedures as discussed in greater detail below. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4   , the weakened section lines  153  extend along the entire length of the side of outer jacket  150 . However, in other embodiments, the weakened section lines  153  extend rearwardly along the side of outer jacket  150  for a portion of the length. 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the weakened section lines  153  comprise serrated lines. In other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the weakened section lines  153  comprise perforation lines. In still other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the weakened section lines  153  comprise lines of thinner material than the rest of the jacket  150 . 
     In embodiments, the weakened section lines  153  are disposed on the outer jacket  150  to align with the grooves  133  of the deceleration sleeve  130  when the bullet  100  is assembled. In other embodiments, the weakened section lines  153  are not required to be aligned with the grooves  133 . 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the outer jacket  150  can be used as an antenna as a complement to the protective housing  120  as an antenna. In these embodiments, the outer jacket  150  is made of electrically conductive materials that are also suitable for the desired petaling effect. Suitable materials for the outer jacket  150  include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or other metals with suitable properties. The material should not be too hard or rigid, such outer jacket  150  is prevented from shearing. 
     In these embodiments, the outer jacket  150  can be coupled with the housing exoskeleton  120  via a wire such that when the outer jacket  150  falls away from the exoskeleton  120  upon entry into a target, the outer jacket  150  nevertheless remains electrically coupled with the exoskeleton  120  and, therefore, the transmitter of electronics component  110 . 
     In embodiments where a deceleration sleeve  130  is not used, the outer jacket  150  is dimensioned to also receive core  160 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates the process in which the deceleration sleeve  130  and outer jacket  150  are activated such that the electronics component  110  is delivered within the target. 
     At step  1  of  FIG.  4   , the bullet  100  has been fired and is in flight. 
     At step  2 , upon impact, the core  160  (e.g., a lead core) expands laterally as it is compressed by the force of the impact. The expanding core  160  causes the segments  135  of deceleration sleeve  130  to begin shearing outward. This also causes the outer jacket  150  to split and fan out along its perforations, which fail due to the forces exerted by the expanding lead core  160 . Because the core  160  is not fully encased by either the deceleration sleeve  130  or the outer jacket  150  in the assembly of the bullet  100 , it can push both components outward as it flattens (and, thus, outwardly expands) causing this fanning effect. 
     The friction caused by the contact of the fanned-out sections of the deceleration sleeve  130  and outer jacket  150  with the target result in the slowing down of the electronics component  110  within the housing exoskeleton  120 . As the deceleration sleeve  130  peels away from the housing exoskeleton  120 , the housing exoskeleton  120  with the electronics component  110  is left deployed within the target as shown in step  3 . 
     During the deceleration of step  2 , the slowdown caused by the fanning out of the outer jacket  150  causes the jacket  150  to become separated from the housing exoskeleton  120 . This causes the housing exoskeleton  120  to become deployed and thus the electronics component  110  to initiate transmission. As discussed, herein, the housing exoskeleton  120  functions as the antenna for the electronics component  110 . In embodiments such as the one discussed in greater detail below, a magnet can be used to initiate transmission wherein the separation of the magnet from the proximity of the electronics component  110  causes the initiation of transmission. 
     In the embodiments where the outer jacket  150  and/or the deceleration sleeve  130  are complementary antennas, it is appreciated that the petalling/fanning out effect occurring when the bullet enters at target results in a larger antenna area from the petalled components. This effect further increases the effectiveness of the transmission capabilities of the systems. In these embodiments, the outer jacket  150  and/or deceleration sleeve  130  separate from the housing exoskeleton  120  as seen in  FIG.  5   , but the housing exoskeleton  120  remains electronically coupled with the outer jacket  150  and/or the deceleration sleeve  130  via a wire such that the electronics component  110  benefits from the increased antenna. 
     The expanding core  160  is illustrated herein as having a conical shape. However, other shapes are contemplated such as hollow points, rounded tip, flat tip, etc. 
     In embodiments such as the one illustrated in  FIG.  6    (which is a cross-section/cutaway view), a forward magnet  170  is incorporated into the bullet between the core  160  and the housing exoskeleton  120 . The forward magnet  170  is used to hold a switch in electronics component  110  open until deployment within a target such that the electronics component  110  is only powered (and thus activated) when the bullet impacts with a target. Upon impact, the magnet  170  is separated from the housing exoskeleton  120 . When the force exerted by the magnet is no longer present due to the separation, the switch within electronics component  110  is closed and the power from a power source (a battery) is provided to the electronics component  110  for function. 
     In other embodiments, a switch can be used instead of the magnet  170 . In these embodiments, the switch is kept open with a mechanism that is separated from the switch upon the separation, similar to the switch. The switch is biased to closed such that when the mechanism is separated from the switch, the switch closes thus completing the circuit and providing power from the power source to the electronics component  110 . 
     It should be noted that the illustration of  FIG.  6    is prior to the sealing of the outer jacket  150 . To finish the manufacture of the bullet  100 , the outer jacket  150  is shaped to follow the front shape of the core  160  and sealed. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , the assembly also includes a gas check  180  rearward of the outer jacket  150 . 
     In alternative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the bullet  100  can be assembled without a deceleration sleeve  130 . In these embodiments, the thickness of the housing exoskeleton  120  is increased to provide adequate protection to the electronics component  110 . In these embodiments, the front of the bullet can also be modified to assist in slowing the bullet after impact with the target. For example, a hollow-point core  160  (such as a hollow-point lead core) can be used to assist in slowing the bullet after it enters the target. 
     It is contemplated that the inventive subject matter can be used with bullets of all calibers and sizes (e.g., 0.50 caliber, 0.22 caliber, etc.), and with projectiles larger than bullets (e.g., mortars, missiles, grenade launchers-based ordnance, etc.). 
     As discussed herein, the materials used for the housing exoskeleton  120  and the deceleration sleeve  130  can be selected based on factors such as the caliber of the bullet, the weapon used to deploy the bullet, the intended target, and other factors. Likewise, the physical characteristics of various components (e.g., the thickness of the various parts of the housing exoskeleton  120  and/or deceleration sleeve  130 ) can similarly be altered according to these factors. 
     As mentioned above, the electronics component  110  is encased within a potting material. In embodiments, a polymer potting material can be used to not only encase the electronics component  110 , but also to replace one or more of the components of the embodiment of  FIG.  1   . For example, a polymer can be used with a mold to shape the polymer layer to replace the housing exoskeleton  120 , and in certain embodiments, also replace the deceleration sleeve  130  and core  160 . In still other embodiments, the polymer can be in the shape of the entire bullet such that the outer jacket  150  is also replaced. In these embodiments, the electronics component  110  encased in the polymer bullet is assembled with the powder charge  200  and primer  300  to form the finished cartridge  400 . 
     In alternative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, only the core  160  is used to slow down the bullet within a target. In these embodiments, the system does not have a deceleration sleeve  130  or weakened outer jacket  150 . To slow down, the core  160  is compressed upon impact/when entering into the target. The spreading outward of the core  160  due to this compression force provides a larger area of contact inside the target that slows down the bullet and results in the deployment of the electronics component  110  within the target. 
     It is contemplated that, via the systems and methods of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component  110  can communicate with cellular towers, satellites, repeaters, networking devices, mobile devices, and other computer devices. Thus, the electronics component  110  can communicate directly with a controller&#39;s computing device or relay the signal indirectly via various types of communication technologies. 
     In embodiments, the electronics component  110  can communicate with other electronics components  110  of other bullets  100 , forming an ad-hoc mesh wireless network. This can be used to relay a more complete representation of a situation to the controller&#39;s computing device. This can also be used to relay the signal from one or more bullets  100  back to the controller&#39;s computing device. For example, a series of bullets  100  can be fired at various locations near the intended target at distances such that each bullet  100  is within communication range of two other bullets in a chain, such that the series of bullets  100  forms a communication chain that leads from the intended target back within communication range of the operator. In this way, the operator (which could also be the shooter) could track the location of the target with a cellphone or other small portable device that might only have short-range wireless communications capabilities. 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component  110  can communicate with one or more nearby drones. Based on the signals from the electronic component  110 , a drone can follow the electronic component  110  (if the bullet  100  is lodged in a moving object or a person) and can relay information to other drones. As a drone begins to run out of fuel or the target moves away from the drone, another drone that is a better position can continue following the target. Contemplated drones include unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) autonomous land-based vehicles, and autonomous marine vehicles. 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the electronics component  110  of one or more bullets  100  can transmit to a plurality of computing devices. In this way, more than one operator can observe in real time where bullets have been fired, and by whom. For example, in a situation where multiple police officers discharge their weapons, each bullet  100  containing electronics component  110  can report its location to a computing device carried by each officer. 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, augmented reality applications carried by an operator can present a visual indicator of the bullet&#39;s position based on information transmitted by the electronics component  110 . In these embodiments, the operator carries a computing device capable of presenting an augmented reality environment (e.g., mobile phone, augmented reality glasses, etc.). The computing device receives a transmission that allows the computing device to ascertain the bullet&#39;s real-world position in real time such that when the operator looks in the direction of the bullet the augmented reality environment displays the position of the bullet even if the bullet (or the object in which the bullet is lodged) is obscured from a line-of-sight view in the real world. The transmission can be information regarding the real-world location of the bullet and/or an electronic emission signal that works as a beacon. In an example, a bullet embedded in a human target shows up as a colored mark (for example, a red mark) in the augmented reality environment. As the human moves within a structure, or in a vehicle, the colored mark would move correspondingly, allowing an operator (which may be the shooter or other operator) to visually track the location of the bullet (and consequently, the target). If the bullet is inside a structure and a digital map of the structure is available, the computing device can determine where in the structure the bullet is located (i.e., which room) based on the determined location of the bullet and the digital map. 
     It is contemplated that the electronics component  110  can transmit multiple types of information to a remote system such as an operator-worn system. An example of information that can be gathered and sent is target categorization information. Applicant&#39;s own application Ser. No. 17/004,895 (incorporated by reference in its entirety) is an example of a suitable system of target categorization. 
     In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, a bullet  100  carrying electronics component  110  can be used to designate a target for a strike, such as an air strike. In these embodiments, a shooter can shoot a bullet  100  into a target (a vehicle, a person, etc.). The electronics component  110  then transmits such that a computing device (worn by the shooter, in an aircraft, or in another location) can ascertain the location of the bullet  100  (and thus, the target). This information can be relayed to a striking aircraft, artillery equipment, or missile guidance system. 
     In the embodiments discussed herein, it is contemplated that the bullet  100  is a bullet fired from a rifle or other firearm held by a person. However, it is contemplated that the bullet  100  can be fired from other platforms including autonomous weapon systems, vehicle-mounted weapons systems, manned or unmanned aircraft, etc. 
     As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
     It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.