Patent ID: 8061073

Claim:
A launch device for an electronic weapon system, the launch device for use with a provided deployment unit that includes a first wire-tethered electrode and a second wire-tethered electrode, the launch device comprising: a. a stimulator; b. a first terminal; and c. a return path; wherein d. the first terminal and the return path are each coupled to the stimulator; e. the first terminal is positioned with respect to the deployment unit for supporting ionization in air from the first terminal to the deployment unit to conduct a current from the stimulator through the wire tethered electrodes after the electrodes have been launched to accomplish a remote stun function; f. the first terminal is positioned on the launch device for conducting a current from the stimulator through the first terminal when proximate to tissue to accomplish a local stun function; and g. the first terminal comprises (1) a first surface that supports ionization in air for the local stun function; and (2) a second surface that supports ionization in air for the remote stun function.