Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a cartridge for a remote electroshock weapon.

The present invention provides a deployment unit as set out in claim <NUM>. Optional features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawing, wherein like designations denote like elements, and:.

<NUM> A conducted electrical weapon ("CEW") is a device that provides a stimulus signal to a human or animal target to impede locomotion of the target. A CEW may include a handle and one or more removable deployment units (e,g, cartridges). A removable deployment unit inserts into a bay of the handle. An interface may electrically couple the removable deployment unit to circuitry positioned in the handle. A deployment unit may include one or more wire-telhered electrodes (e.g., darts) that are launched by a propellant toward a target to provide the stimulus signal through the target. A stimulus signal impedes the locomotion of the target. Locomotion may be inhibited by interfering with voluntary use of skeletal muscles and/or causing pain in the target. A stimulus signal that interferes with skeletal muscles may cause the skeletal muscles to lockup (e.g., freeze, tighten, stiffen) so that the target may not voluntarily move.

A stimulus signal may include a plurality of pulses of current (e.g., current pulses). Each pulse of current delivers a current (e.g., amount of charge) at a voltage. A voltage of at least a portion of a pulse may be of a magnitude (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> volts) to ionize air in a gap to establish a circuit to deliver the current to a target. A gap of air may exist between an electrode (e.g., dart) and tissue of the target. Ionization of air in the gap establishes an ionization path of low impedance for delivery of the current to the target.

The stimulus signal is generated by a signal generator. The signal generator may be controlled by a processing circuit, which may also control a launch generator. The processing circuit may receive input from a user interface, and possibly information from other sources. The user interface may be as simple as a safety switch (e.g., on/off) and a trigger that is pulled to operate the weapon. An example of information from other sources may be a signal that indicates that a deployment unit is loaded into a bay in the handle and is ready for use.

The processing circuit may send commands to the launch generator to launch one or more wire-tethered electrodes and/or engage the signal generator based on input received from the user interface or other possible sources. Upon receiving a launch command from the processing circuit, the launch generator controls the propulsion system to provide a force to launch one or more electrodes.

A force for launching one or more electrodes from a bore or bores in a deployment unit may include release of a rapidly expanding gas. The force from the gas propels the one or more electrodes from the one or more bores toward the target. The rapidly expanding gas enters a rear (e.g., rear-end portion) of a bore to provide a force on an electrode to push (e.g., propel, launch) the electrode from the bore. An electrode exits the front (e.g., front-end portion) of a bore to fly toward a target. A bore includes a central axis. At launch, an electrode initially flies a trajectory (e.g., path, line) that is along the central axis.

A wad may be positioned at the rear-end portion of an electrode while it is positioned in a bore. The wad makes contact with an inner wall of the bore to seal the bore. The expanding gas enters to bore from behind (e.g., with respect to the direction of launch) the wad. The seal between the wad and the inner wall of the bore reduces (e.g., decreases, inhibits) leaks of the expanding gas around from behind the wad and around the electrode thereby maximizing the force delivered by the expanding gas on the electrode.

A force from a rapidly expanding gas directed provided to (e.g., steered toward) a deployment unit may apply a force on the deployment unit so that the housing of the deployment unit moves in the handle. Further, applying the force of the rapidly expanding gas on an electrode in a bore causes an equal and opposite force (e.g., recoil) on the deployment unit that may further move the deployment unit in the bay of the handle. Movement of a deployment unit in a handle bay at the time of launch may cause loss of accuracy in the launch trajectory of the electrodes and/or the flight path of the electrodes.

Posts extending outward from the sides of a deployment unit may slide into slots in a bay of a handle to fortify (e.g., solidify, secure, stabilize) the mechanical coupling of the removable deployment unit in the bay of the handle. Securing the deployment unit in the bay of the handle impedes (e.g., hinders, diminishes, reduces) movement of the deployment unit during launch thereby improving accuracy.

In a CEW that holds multiple deployment units, posts may be positioned on the respective deployment units in a configuration whereby a portion of the posts of two or more deployment units link (e.g., mechanically couple, join, lock, interlock) together to further increase the stability of the deployment units during launch. Deployment units that are linked together may be referred to herein as linked deployment units. For example, two deployment units may be linked together to increase stability during launch. In the case of two deployment, deployment units that are linked together may be referred to as a deployment pair. A deployment pair that may be removed (e.g., unloaded) from and inserted (e.g., loaded) into a CEW handle together as a set. Loading and unloading a deployment pair may facilitate faster reloading of a CEW. Further, the improved stability provided by the deployment pair may improve accuracy.

In an implementation, a post has the shape of an I-beam in which the width of the top and bottom of the post is wider than the portion of the post that connects the top and the bottom.

As an electrode flies toward a target, the electrode deploys (e.g., extends) a filament (e.g., wire). The filament may be wound in a winding (e.g., coils). The winding may be positioned (e.g., stored) in the electrode. The winding of the filament may unravel (e.g., uncoil) to deploy the filament. The filament deploys from the winding through an opening in the back of the electrode. A tensioner may be positioned at the rear of the electrode. A tensioner may be coupled to the rear of the electrode. The tensioner may have a hole (e.g., bore, opening) therethrough that is axially centered with the opening in the back of the electrode. The diameter of the hole may be about the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the filament.

As the filament deploys from the electrode, the filament moves through the hole in the tensioner. Friction between an inner wall of the hole of the tensioner and the filament applies a force on the filament. In an implementation where the tensioner is coupled to the electrode, applying a force on the filament by the tensioner during deployment provides drag on the electrode. Providing drag on the electrode increases stability of flight of the electrode and accuracy of flight along an intended trajectory. Increasing stability and/or accuracy improves the repeatability of flight along intended trajectory of electrodes launched from different deployment units.

As a filament deploys from the winding in the electrode, one end portion of the filament remains coupled to the deployment unit. The position where the filament couples to the deployment unit may position the extended filament in-line (e.g., along) an initial trajectory of the electrode. Positioning the filament that extends from the deployment unit in-line with an initial trajectory of flight improves the likelihood that the electrode will fly along the trajectory. As discussed above, an initial trajectory of an electrode exiting a bore is along a central axis of the bore. A guide may be positioned inside a bore to hold (e.g., keep, retain) the filament in alignment (e.g., long) or close (e.g., proximate) to the central axis of the bore. A guide may align a filament along or close to a central axis of a bore at least during launch of an electrode form the bore and for a period of time thereafter. A guide may be positioned inside at a rear-end portion of a bore.

An end portion of the filament remains coupled to the deployment unit before, during and after launch of the electrode. The filament remains coupled through an interface to a signal generator in the handle to deliver the current to the target. The deployment unit establishes an electrical coupling with the interface upon insertion of the deployment unit into a bay of the handle. The deployment unit electrically decouples from the interface upon removal of the deployment unit from the bay of the handle. A guide may contact the end portion of the filament that remains coupled to the deployment unit. A guide may position a filament at the location (e.g., point) of contact at or close to the central axis of a bore. From the point of contact with the guide, a filament that has been deployed from an electrode during launch, at least during an initial portion of launch, may extend from a bore. An initial portion of launch includes the exit of an electrode from a bore and for a period of time (e.g., several feet of travel) thereafter. During the initial portion of launch, the deployed filament may extend along or proximate to the central axis of the bore.

The other end portion of the filament remains coupled to the electrode, or at least to a portion thereof (e.g., front, spear), before, during, and after launch to deliver the current from the signal generator to the target via the filament. An electrode may include a spear. A spear may couple to target clothing or embed in target tissue to retain the electrode coupled to the target.

A propulsion system provides a force for launching one or more wire-tethered electrodes from a deployment unit. A propulsion system provides the force to propel the one or more electrodes toward a target. A propulsion system may release a rapidly expanding gas to propel the one or more electrodes. A propulsion system may be in fluid communication with an opening in a rear-end portion of one or more bores. A rapidly expanding gas may flow from a propulsion system and enter the opening at the rear-end portion of one or more bores to launch the respective projectiles positioned in the one or more bores.

A propulsion system may receive a signal for launching (e.g., releasing the rapidly expanding gas) responsive to operation of a control (e.g., switch, trigger) of a user interface of the CEW. A propulsion system may include a pyrotechnic that ignites (e.g., burns) to release a compressed gas from a canister to launch the electrodes. A canister (e.g., capsule) holds (e.g., retains) a compressed gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, inert). When the canister is opened (e.g., pierced), the compressed gas from the canister rapidly expands to provide a force to launch the electrodes.

A manifold may transport (e.g., delivery, carry, direct) the rapidly expanding gas from the compressed gas to one or more electrodes to launch the electrodes from the deployment unit. A manifold may include structures (e.g., channels, guides, passages) for transporting a rapidly expanding gas from a source (e.g., burning pyrotechnic, canister of compress gas) of the rapidly expanding gas to the electrodes. A manifold may transport a rapidly expanding gas from the source to one or more bores that hold the one or more electrodes respectively.

For example, CEW <NUM> of <FIG> performs the functions of a CEW and includes the structures as discussed above. CEW <NUM> includes deployment unit <NUM>, interface <NUM>, and handle <NUM>. Deployment unit <NUM> and handle <NUM> perform the function of a deployment unit and a handle respectively.

Deployment unit <NUM> includes propulsion system <NUM>, manifold <NUM>, electrode <NUM>, electrode <NUM>, guide <NUM>, guide <NUM>, wad <NUM>, wad <NUM>, tensioner <NUM>, tensioner <NUM>, filament <NUM>, filament <NUM>, and interface portion <NUM>. Propulsion system <NUM> and manifold <NUM> perform the functions of a propulsion system and a manifold respectively as discussed above. Electrodes <NUM> and electrode <NUM> perform the functions of an electrode as discussed above. Filament <NUM>, guide <NUM>, wad <NUM>, and tensioner <NUM> cooperate with electrode <NUM>. Filament <NUM>, guide <NUM>, wad <NUM>, and tensioner <NUM> cooperate with electrode <NUM>.

Handle <NUM> includes launch generator <NUM>, processing circuit <NUM>, signal generator <NUM>, user interface <NUM>, and interface portion <NUM>. Launch generator <NUM> and processing circuit <NUM> perform the functions of a launch generator and a processing circuit respectively as discussed above. Signal generator <NUM> and user interface <NUM> respectively perform the functions of a signal generator and a user interface as discussed above.

Although only one deployment unit <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, as discussed above, CEW <NUM> may cooperate with one or more deployment units <NUM> at the same time. One or more deployment units <NUM> may couple to (e.g., be inserted into) handle <NUM> at the same time. A deployment unit may couple to (e.g., attach to, plug into, insert into) a handle. A deployment unit may be decoupled (e.g., detached) and separated (e.g., be removed) from the handle. A deployment unit may be decoupled from a handle after a use (e.g., launch electrodes, deliver current) of the deployment unit. A used deployment unit may be replaced with an unused deployment unit and coupled to the handle. Coupling a deployment unit to a handle mechanically and electrically couples the deployment unit to the handle.

Coupling a deployment unit to a handle enables the deployment unit to communicate (e.g., send, receive) with the handle. Communication includes providing and/or receiving control signals (e.g., launch signal), stimulus signals, information, and/or power. Interface <NUM> enables communication between handle <NUM> and deployment unit <NUM> as discussed above. Interface <NUM> includes interface portion <NUM> that is part of deployment unit <NUM> and interface portion <NUM> that is part of handle <NUM>. Interface portion <NUM> is part of deployment unit <NUM> and remains with deployment unit <NUM>. Each deployment unit <NUM> includes its own interface portion <NUM> respectively. Interface portion <NUM> is part of handle <NUM> and remains with handle <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may include one or more bays for respectively receiving one or more deployment units <NUM>. A bay may include one or more interface portions <NUM> to interface with the one or more deployment units <NUM> inserted into the bay.

An interface portion may include any electrical, sonic, and/or optical component for receiving and/or providing information, signals, and/or power. For example, interface portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more contacts (e.g., electrical contacts). While deployment unit <NUM> is inserted into a bay of handle <NUM>, the one or more contacts of interface portion <NUM> may physically contact (e.g., touch) the one or more contacts of interface portion <NUM> thereby establishing interface <NUM> by which deployment unit <NUM> may communicate (e.g., send, receive) information, signals, and/or power with handle <NUM>. In another example, interface portion <NUM> and <NUM> may respectively include one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs, lasers) and one or more photo sensors (e.g., light detectors, photoelectric sensor). Insertion of deployment unit <NUM> into a bay permits the one or more light sources of interface portion <NUM> to provide light to photo sensors of interface portion <NUM> and vice versa. The light sources and photo sensors may be used to communicate information between deployment unit <NUM> and handle <NUM>.

While deployment unit <NUM> is inserted into a bay of handle <NUM>, interface portion <NUM> for that deployment unit cooperates with (e.g., aligns with, electrically couples to, mates with) interface portion <NUM> for that bay to form interface <NUM>. Removing deployment unit <NUM> from the bay physically separates (e.g., decouples) interface portion <NUM> for that deployment unit from interface portion <NUM> for that bay thereby terminating interface <NUM>.

Handle <NUM> may provide signals from signal generator <NUM> and/or launch generator <NUM> to deployment unit <NUM> via interface <NUM>. A launch signal from launch generator <NUM> may cooperate with (e.g., instruct, initiate, control, operate) propulsion system <NUM> to launch electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> from deployment unit <NUM>. A stimulus signal from signal generator <NUM> may be delivered (e.g., transported, carried) by electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> and their respective filaments <NUM> and <NUM> to a human or animal target to interfere with locomotion of the target.

Handle <NUM> may have a form-factor for ergonomic use by a human user. A user may hold (e.g., grasp) handle <NUM>. A user may manually operate user interface <NUM> to operate (e.g., control, initiate operation of, halt operation of) CEW <NUM>. A user may aim (e.g., point) CEW <NUM> to direct the deployment of electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> toward a specific target.

A processing circuit includes any circuitry and/or electrical/electronic subsystem for performing a function. A processing circuit may include circuitry that performs (e.g., executes) a stored program. A processing circuit may include a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic device, logic circuitry, state machines, MEMS devices, signal conditioning circuitry, communication circuitry, a computer, a radio, a network appliance, data busses, address busses, and/or a combination thereof in any quantity suitable for performing a function and/or executing one or more stored programs.

A processing circuit may further include passive electronic devices (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors) and/or active electronic devices (e.g., op amps, comparators, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, programmable logic). A processing circuit may include data buses, output ports, input ports, timers, memory, and arithmetic units.

A processing circuit may provide and/or receive electrical signals whether digital and/or analog in form. A processing circuit may provide and/or receive digital information via a bus using any protocol. A processing circuit may receive information, manipulate the received information, and provide the manipulated information. A processing circuit may store information and retrieve stored information. Information received, stored, and/or manipulated by the processing circuit may be used to perform a function and/or to perform a stored program.

A processing circuit may control the operation and/or function of other circuits and/or components of a system. A processing circuit may receive data from other circuits and/or components of a system. A processing circuit may receive status information and/or information regarding the operation of other components of a system. A processing circuit may perform one or more operations, perform one or more calculations, provide commands (e.g., instructions, signals) to one or more other components responsive to data and/or status information. A command provided to a component may instruct the component to start operation, continue operation, alter operation, suspend operation, and/or cease operation. Commands and/or status may be communicated between a processing circuit and other circuits and/or components via any type of buss including any type of data/address bus.

A processing circuit may include memory for storing data and/or programs for execution.

A launch generator provides a signal (e.g., launch signal) to a deployment unit. A launch generator may provide a launch signal to one or more propulsion systems of one or more deployment unit respectively. A launch signal may initiate (e.g., start, begin) operation of a propulsion system to launch one or more electrodes. A launch signal may ignite a pyrotechnic. A launch signal may be provided from a launch generator to a deployment unit via an interface. A launch generator may be controlled by and/or cooperate with a processing circuit to perform the functions of a launch generator. A launch generator may receive power for a power supply (e.g., battery) to perform the functions of a launch generator. A launch signal may include an electrical signal provided at a voltage. A launch generator may include circuits for transforming power from a power supply into a launch signal. A launch generator may include one or more transformers to transform a voltage from a power supply into a signal provided at a higher voltage.

A signal generator provides (e.g., generates, produces) a signal. A signal that accomplishes electrical coupling (e.g., ionization of air in a gap) with a target and/or interferes with locomotion of a target may be referred to as a stimulus signal. A stimulus signal may include a current provided at a voltage. A current may include a pulse of current. A stimulus signal through target tissue may interfere with (e.g., impede) locomotion of the target. A stimulus signal may impede locomotion of a target through inducing fear, pain, and/or an inability to voluntary control skeletal muscles as discussed above.

A stimulus signal may include a one or more (e.g., a series) of pulses of current. Pulses of a stimulus signal may be delivered at a pulse rate (e.g., <NUM> pps) for a period of time (e.g., <NUM> second). A signal generator may provide a pulse of current having a voltage in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> volts. A pulse of current may be provided at one or more magnitudes of voltage. A pulse of current may include a high voltage portion for ionizing gaps of air (e.g., between an electrode and a target) to electrically couple the signal generator to a target. A pulse of current provided at about <NUM>,<NUM> volts may ionize air in one or more gaps of up to one inch in series between a signal generator and a target.

Ionizing of air in the one or more gap between a signal generator and a target establishes low impedance ionization paths for delivering a current from a signal generator to a target. After ionization, the ionization path will persist (e.g., remain in existence) as long as a current is provided via the ionization path. When the current provided by the ionization path ceases or is reduced below a threshold, the ionization path collapses (e.g., ceases to exist) and the signal generator (e.g., wire-tethered electrode) is no longer electrically coupled to target tissue. Ionization of air in one or more gaps establishes electrical connectivity (e.g., electrical coupling) of a signal generator to a target to provide the stimulus signal to the target. A signal generator remains electrically coupled to a target as long as the ionization paths exist (e.g., persist).

A pulse may include a lower voltage portion (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> volts) for providing current through target tissue to impede locomotion of the target. A portion of a current used to ionize gaps of air to establish electrical connectivity may also contribute to the current provided through target tissue to impede locomotion of the target.

A pulse of a stimulus signal may include a high voltage portion for ionizing gaps of air to establish electrical coupling and a lower voltage portion for providing current through target tissue to impede locomotion of the target. Each pulse of a stimulus signal may be capable of establishing electrical connectivity (e.g., via ionization) of a signal generator with a target and providing a current to interfere with locomotion of the target.

A signal generator includes circuits for receiving electrical energy (e.g., power supply, battery) and for providing the stimulus signal. Electrical/electronic components in the circuits of a signal generator may include capacitors, resistors, inductors, spark gaps, transformers, silicon controlled rectifiers, and/or analog-to-digital converters. A processing circuit may cooperate with and/or control the circuits of a signal generator to produce a stimulus signal.

A user interface provides an interface between a user and a CEW. A user may control, at least in part, a CEW via the user interface. A user may provide information and/or commands to a CEW via a user interface. A user may receive information and/or responses from a CEW via the user interface. A user interface may include one or more controls (e.g., buttons, switches) that permit a user to interact and/or communicate with a device to control (e.g., influence) the operation (e.g., functions) of the device. A user interface of a CEW may include a trigger. A trigger may initiation an operation (e.g., firing, providing a current) of a CEW.

An electrode is propelled (e.g., launched) from a deployment unit toward a target. An electrode couples to a filament. A signal generator may provide a stimulus signal to a target via an electrode that is electrically coupled to a filament. An electrode may include any aerodynamic structure to improve accuracy of flight toward the target. An electrode may include structures (e.g., spear, barbs) for mechanically coupling the electrode to a target. An electrode in flight may deploy a filament from a cavity within the electrode. The filament extends from the deployment unit inserted into the handle to the electrode at the target. An electrode may be formed in whole or in part of a conductive material for delivery of the current into target tissue. The filament is formed of a conductive material. A filament may be insulated or uninsulated.

CEW <NUM>, in <FIG>, is an implementation of CEW <NUM>. CEW <NUM> includes handle <NUM>, deployment unit <NUM>, and deployment unit <NUM>. Handle <NUM> includes slot <NUM> and slot <NUM>. Deployment unit <NUM> includes posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Deployment unit <NUM> includes posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Deployment unit <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into handle <NUM>. Posts <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into slot <NUM>. Posts <NUM> and <NUM> insert into slot <NUM>. Posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> interlock with each other. Handle <NUM> includes trigger <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> may be implemented as a component of user interface <NUM>.

Handle <NUM> performs the functions of a handle discussed above. Deployment unit <NUM> and/or <NUM> perform the functions of a deployment unit discussed above. Posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> performs the functions of a post discussed above. Trigger <NUM> performs the functions of a trigger discussed above.

Deployment unit <NUM> of <FIG> is deployment unit <NUM> of <FIG> decoupled from handle <NUM>. Deployment unit <NUM> includes housing <NUM>, electrode <NUM>, electrode <NUM>, guide <NUM>, guide <NUM>, manifold <NUM>, and propulsion system <NUM>. Electrode <NUM> and <NUM> perform the functions of an electrode discussed above. Guides <NUM> and <NUM> perform the function of a guide discussed above. Manifold <NUM> and propulsion system <NUM> perform the functions of a manifold discussed and a propulsion system respectively as discussed above.

Housing <NUM> includes bore <NUM> and bore <NUM>. Electrode <NUM> includes body <NUM>, filament <NUM>, front wall <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, tensioner <NUM>, wad <NUM>, and spear <NUM>. Electrode <NUM> includes body <NUM>, filament <NUM>, front wall <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, tensioner, <NUM>, wad <NUM>, and spear <NUM>. Tensioners <NUM> and <NUM> perform the function of a tensioner discussed above. Wads <NUM> and <NUM> perform the function of a wad discussed above.

Housing <NUM> includes posts <NUM> and <NUM>. Posts <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned on a side of housing <NUM> and extend outward. Posts <NUM> and <NUM> on deployment unit <NUM> cooperate with slot <NUM> in handle <NUM> to help stabilize deployment unit <NUM> in handle <NUM> during launch. Increasing the stability of the mechanical coupling between detachable deployment units <NUM> and handle <NUM> may improve CEW accuracy.

Deployment unit <NUM> cooperates with handle <NUM> to launch electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> toward a target to provide a stimulus signal to the target. Launch generator <NUM> of handle <NUM> provides a launch signal via interface <NUM> to propulsion system <NUM> positioned within deployment unit <NUM>. Propulsion system <NUM> provides a force for launching electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> in response to receiving a launch signal. Propulsion system <NUM> provides a force by releasing a rapidly expanding gas. Manifold <NUM> transports (e.g., delivers, carries, directs) the rapidly expanding gas from propulsion system <NUM> to bores <NUM> and <NUM>. The rapidly expanding gas exits manifold <NUM>, enters bore <NUM>, and applies a force on electrode <NUM> thereby propelling (e.g., launching) electrode <NUM> from bore <NUM> toward a target. Similarly, the rapidly expanding gas exits manifold <NUM>, enters bore <NUM>, and applies a force on electrode <NUM> thereby propelling (e.g., launching) electrode <NUM> from bore <NUM> toward the target.

Wad <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned rearward of electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Wad <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to rear wall <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Wad <NUM> seals bore <NUM> thereby decreasing (e.g., reducing) the escape (e.g., leaking, bypass) of the rapidly expanding gas between the sides of body <NUM> and an inner wall of bore <NUM>. Wad <NUM> seals bore <NUM> thereby decreasing the escape of the rapidly expanding gas between the sides of body <NUM> and an inner wall of bore <NUM>. Wad <NUM> and wad <NUM> increase the amount of force from the rapidly expanding gas that is delivered to (e.g., acts upon) electrode <NUM> and electrode <NUM> respectively. Increasing the amount of force delivered to an electrode increases the muzzle velocity of the electrode. Increasing the muzzle velocity may increase the distance an electrode may fly. Using a wad to seal a bore for delivery of a force against an electrode may improve the consistency (e.g., repeatability) of launch (e.g., muzzle velocity) between different deployment units, which may in turn improve accuracy and repeatability of the launch operation of deployment units.

During launch, electrode <NUM> exits bore <NUM> flying toward a target. As electrode <NUM> travels toward the target, filament <NUM> stored within body <NUM> deploys through opening <NUM> in rear wall <NUM>. Tensioner <NUM> is positioned at the rear-end portion of electrode <NUM>. In an implementation, tensioner <NUM> is coupled to wad <NUM>. Tensioner <NUM> has a hole therethrough. As filament <NUM> deploys it passes through the hole in tensioner <NUM>. The hole in tensioner <NUM> may be axially centered with opening <NUM> in rear wall <NUM>. As filament <NUM> deploys from electrode <NUM>, filament <NUM> moves through the hole in tensioner <NUM>. Friction between an inner wall of the hole of tensioner <NUM> and an outer surface of filament <NUM> applies a force on filament <NUM>. Applying a force on filament <NUM> by tensioner <NUM> provides drag on electrode <NUM>. Providing drag on electrode <NUM> increases the stability of flight of electrode <NUM>. Providing drag on electrode <NUM> increases the accuracy of flight along an intended trajectory. Increasing stability and/or accuracy improves the repeatability of flight along intended trajectory of electrodes launched from different deployment units.

Tensioner <NUM> performs a similar function as tensioner <NUM> with respect to electrode <NUM>, wad <NUM>, and filament <NUM> thereby providing the same result of increased drag, stability, accuracy and/or repeatability.

As filament <NUM> and filament <NUM> deploy from the winding in electrode <NUM> and electrode <NUM> respectively, one end portion of the respective filaments remains coupled to deployment unit <NUM>. Positioning filament <NUM> and filament <NUM> so that they extend from bores <NUM> and <NUM> respectively in-line with the trajectory of flight of electrode <NUM> and electrode <NUM> respectively improves the likelihood that the electrode will fly along the trajectory. Coupling filament <NUM> to a position that is closer to the center axis of bore <NUM> decreases the force applied by filament <NUM> that pulls electrode <NUM> away from the central axis of bore <NUM> thereby increasing accuracy of flight of electrode <NUM>.

When electrode <NUM> reaches the target, spear <NUM> mechanically couples to (e.g., enmeshes in, entangles in, attaches to) the target's clothing (e.g., garments, apparel, outerwear) or pierces and embeds into target tissue to mechanically couple to the target. Signal generator <NUM> may electrically couple to the target through electrode <NUM> via interface <NUM> and deployed filament <NUM>.

In a similar way, spear <NUM> may mechanically couple electrode <NUM> to target clothing or embed into target tissue. Signal generator <NUM> may electrically couple to the target through electrode <NUM> via interface <NUM> and deployed filament <NUM>.

Signal generator <NUM> may provide a stimulus signal through target tissue via interface <NUM>, filament <NUM>, electrode <NUM>, target tissue, electrode <NUM>, filament <NUM>, and interface <NUM>. A high voltage stimulus signal ionizes air in any gaps to electrically coupled signal generator <NUM> to the target. Signal generator <NUM> may provide a stimulus signal through the electrical circuit established with the target to impede locomotion of the target.

In an implementation of deployment unit <NUM>, bore <NUM> includes components <NUM> in <FIG>. Bore <NUM> may include similar components. Components <NUM> include pad <NUM>, electrode <NUM>, filament <NUM>, and guide <NUM>. Electrode <NUM> includes spear <NUM>, front wall <NUM>, body <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, wad <NUM>, and tensioner <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). Spear <NUM> is mechanically coupled to front wall <NUM>. Front wall <NUM> is mechanically coupled to body <NUM>. Rear wall <NUM> is mechanically coupled to body <NUM>. Components <NUM> are positioned in bore <NUM> prior to launch.

In an implementation, pad <NUM> and pad <NUM> are a <NUM> inch thick slice of a thermoplastic elastomer respectively. Pad <NUM> and pad <NUM> are mechanically coupled to front wall <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Pad <NUM> and pad <NUM> may absorb some of the force of impact with a target thereby reducing potential tissue or skin damage (e.g., bruising, tearing) to the target. Pad <NUM> and pad <NUM> may reduce the momentum of electrode <NUM> and electrode <NUM> after impact, thereby hindering (e.g., preventing) electrode <NUM> and <NUM> from bouncing off of the target with enough residual force to decouple spear <NUM> and spear <NUM> respectively from the clothing or tissue of the target.

In an implementation, wad <NUM> is mechanically coupled to a rear-end portion of electrode <NUM>. Wad <NUM> may be made of a low-density polyethylene (e.g., a soft plastic). A soft plastic composition allows wad <NUM> to expand to seal bore <NUM> behind electrode <NUM> when a rapidly expanding gas enters from the rear-end portion of bore <NUM>. During launch, wad <NUM> seals bore <NUM> to decrease an amount of the rapidly expanding gas that bypasses electrode <NUM> thereby increasing the force transferred from the rapidly expanding gas to electrode <NUM>, thereby increasing muzzle velocity of electrode <NUM>. Increased muzzle velocity may result in increased flight distance and/or improved accuracy of electrode <NUM>. Further, reducing gas leaks around the electrodes reduces a variation (e.g., in muzzle velocity) between deployment units, thereby improving repeatability of flight distance and/or accuracy between deployment units.

In an implementation, tensioner <NUM> is mechanically coupled to rear wall <NUM> and/or wad <NUM>. Tensioner <NUM> may be made of a urethane foam. Tensioner <NUM> has a hole therethrough.

In an implementation, filament <NUM> is an insulated wire having an outer diameter of about <NUM>/<NUM> inches. The conductor of filament <NUM> may be a copper-clad steel that is insulated with a Teflon insulator. The insulator on filament <NUM> may include a clear coat proximate to the conductor that is covered with a coat having a green color to provide greater visibility to the filament when used in the field.

In an implementation, the diameter of a hole in tensioner <NUM> is <NUM>/<NUM> inches. Filament <NUM> deploys through the hole in tensioner <NUM>. The hole in tensioner <NUM> is axially centered with opening <NUM> in rear wall <NUM>. As filament <NUM> deploys from electrode <NUM>, filament <NUM> moves through the hole in tensioner <NUM>. Friction between an inner wall of the hole of tensioner <NUM> and filament <NUM> applies a force on filament <NUM>. A force on filament <NUM> provided by tensioner <NUM> during deployment provides drag on electrode <NUM>. The drag provided by tensioner <NUM> increases the stability of flight for electrode <NUM>. The drag provided by tensioner <NUM> increases accuracy of flight along an intended trajectory. Increasing stability and/or accuracy improves the repeatability of flight along an intended trajectory of electrodes launched from different deployment units.

In an implementation, guides <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned at the rear-end portion of bores <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Guide <NUM> and <NUM> position filaments <NUM> and <NUM> closer to the launch (e.g., initial) trajectories of electrode <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. Guide <NUM> and <NUM> have a hole therethrough that allows the rapidly expanding gas from propulsions system <NUM> into bore <NUM> and <NUM> via manifold <NUM>.

Filament <NUM> is deployed from electrode <NUM> during flight. Filament <NUM> remains coupled to the deployment unit <NUM> before, during and after launch of the electrode. Guide <NUM> positions filament <NUM> closer to the launch trajectory of electrode <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, axis <NUM> is the center axis of bore <NUM> and axis <NUM> is the center axis of bore <NUM>. Upon launch, electrode <NUM> exits bore <NUM> along axis <NUM>. For a first portion of flight, electrode <NUM> continues to travel along axis <NUM>. The location at which filament <NUM> couples to deployment unit <NUM> may be referred to as a coupling point. For example, coupling points <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned at a front of deployment unit <NUM>. Coupling point <NUM> is position at a rear of bore <NUM> above axis <NUM>. Coupling point <NUM> is position at a rear of bore <NUM> below axis <NUM>. Coupling points <NUM> and <NUM> are position at a rear of bore <NUM> in-line with axis <NUM> and at a rear of bore <NUM> in-line with axis <NUM>.

Coupling filament <NUM> or <NUM> at coupling points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> positions filament <NUM> and filament <NUM> a distance, measured orthogonally, away from axis <NUM>. The distance between axis <NUM> and coupling points <NUM> is greater than the distance between axis <NUM> and coupling point <NUM> and likewise with coupling points <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and axis <NUM>. Coupling filament <NUM> at coupling point <NUM> or filament <NUM> at coupling point <NUM> would position filament <NUM> and filament <NUM> respectively directly in line with axis <NUM> and axis <NUM> respectively so that there is no distance between filament <NUM> and axis <NUM> or filament <NUM> and axis <NUM>. However, coupling points <NUM> and <NUM> are by openings (e.g., passages) in the rear-end portion of bore <NUM> and bore <NUM> respectively, so there is no structure at coupling points <NUM> and <NUM> for coupling filament <NUM> and filament <NUM>.

The greater the distance between the coupling point and axis <NUM>, the greater the force applied on electrode <NUM> via filament <NUM> that pulls electrode <NUM> away from flying along axis <NUM> after launch. Pulling electrode <NUM> away from flight along axis <NUM>, at least initially, decreases the accuracy of repeatable delivery of electrode <NUM> to a location on the target.

Guide <NUM> holds filament <NUM> mechanically coupled at point <NUM> thereby improving accuracy of flight of electrode <NUM>. Guide <NUM> positions filament closer to axis <NUM> than if filament <NUM> were coupled at coupling points <NUM>. Guide <NUM> holds filament <NUM> mechanically coupled at point <NUM> thereby improving accuracy of flight of electrode <NUM>. Guide <NUM> positions filament closer to axis <NUM> than if filament <NUM> were coupled at coupling points <NUM>.

Further, although the passages through the center of guides <NUM> and <NUM> preclude coupling filament <NUM> at coupling point <NUM> and filament <NUM> at coupling point <NUM>, the passages permits the flow of the rapidly expanding gas into bores <NUM> and <NUM> without interference. Notch <NUM> allows a space for filament <NUM> to be positioned between guide <NUM> and an inner wall of bore <NUM>. A similar notch in guide <NUM> (not shown) positions filament <NUM> between guide <NUM> and an inner wall of bore <NUM>.

In an implementation, deployment pair <NUM> includes deployment units <NUM> and <NUM>. Deployment unit <NUM> includes posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and deployment unit <NUM> includes posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as discussed above.

Posts <NUM> and <NUM> extend from a side of deployment unit <NUM> and cooperate with slot <NUM> in handle <NUM> to improve the mechanical coupling between deployment unit <NUM> and handle <NUM>. Post <NUM> and <NUM> extend from a side of deployment unit <NUM> and cooperate with slot <NUM> in handle <NUM> to improve the mechanical coupling between deployment unit <NUM> and handle <NUM>. The sides of a slot interfere with the posts inserted into the slot to reduce movement of the deployment units responsive to a recoil force produced on launch of electrodes from the deployment units.

In an implementation with two deployment units (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>), posts may be positioned adjacent to each other so that the posts from deployment unit link with (e.g., interlock with, couple to, interfere with) the posts of the other deployment unit. The interlocking of posts of adjacent deployment units increases the stability of the deployment units during use of the CEW. In particular, interlocking posts reduce movement of the deployment units in response to the force of recoil produced on launch of the electrodes from either of the deployment units.

For example, referring to <FIG>, posts <NUM> and <NUM> of deployment unit <NUM> are positioned to link to posts <NUM> and <NUM> of deployment unit <NUM>. Post <NUM> is positioned between <NUM> and <NUM>. Post <NUM> is positioned between posts <NUM> and <NUM>. While the posts are so positioned, pressing deployment unit <NUM> toward deployment unit <NUM> causes posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to mechanically couple to (e.g., mechanical interfere with, interlock with) each other. Deployment units <NUM> and <NUM> so linked may be referred to as deployment pair <NUM>. Deployment pair <NUM> may be inserted into and remove from a handle <NUM> while linked together. Loading and unloading deployment units that are interlocked as deployment pair <NUM> may decrease the amount of time required to replace the deployment units in a CEW. Linking deployment units <NUM> and <NUM> may improve accuracy of launch of the electrodes from deployment units <NUM> and <NUM> because the deployment units are more stable (e.g., move less) during launch of the electrodes.

The foregoing description discusses embodiments, which may be changed or modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Examples listed in parentheses may be used in the alternative or in any practical combination. As used in the specification and claims, the words 'comprising', 'comprises', 'including', `includes', 'having', and 'has' introduce an open-ended statement of component structures and/or functions. In the specification and claims, the words 'a' and 'an' are used as indefinite articles meaning 'one or more'. When a descriptive phrase includes a series of nouns and/or adjectives, each successive word is intended to modify the entire combination of words preceding it. For example, a black dog house is intended to mean a house for a black dog. While for the sake of clarity of description, several specific embodiments have been described, the scope of the invention is intended to be measured by the claims as set forth below. In the claims, the term "provided" is used to definitively identify an object that not a claimed element but an object that performs the function of a workpiece. For example, in the claim "an apparatus for aiming a provided barrel, the apparatus comprising: a housing, the barrel positioned in the housing", the barrel is not a claimed element of the apparatus, but an object that cooperates with the "housing" of the "apparatus" by being positioned in the "housing".

Claim 1:
A deployment unit (<NUM>) for cooperating with a provided handle (<NUM>) of a conducted electrical weapon ("CEW') to provide a current through a target to impede locomotion of the target, the deployment unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a bore (<NUM>) having a front-end portion, a rear-end portion, and a central axis (<NUM>);
an electrode (<NUM>) positioned in the bore prior to a launch of the electrode (<NUM>);
a filament (<NUM>) having a first end portion coupled to the deployment unit (<NUM>) at a coupling point (<NUM>) positioned at a distance away from the central axis (<NUM>), and a second end portion coupled to an electrode (<NUM>) which, prior to launch, is positioned in the bore (<NUM>), the electrode (<NUM>) configured to provide the current through the target via the filament (<NUM>);
a propulsion system (<NUM>), the propulsion system (<NUM>) for launching the electrode (<NUM>) from the bore (<NUM>); and
a guide (<NUM>) positioned inside the bore (<NUM>), the guide (<NUM>) being configured to align a portion of the filament (<NUM>) with the central axis (<NUM>) of the bore (<NUM>),
characterized in that during and after launch, the first end portion of the filament (<NUM>) is configured to extend from the electrode (<NUM>) through the front-end portion of the bore (<NUM>), through the guide (<NUM>) at the rear-end portion of the bore (<NUM>).