You can freely build on Weapon That Shoots Wires to Deliver Electric Shocks
This patent expired in 1992. Every claim — 0 independent, 1 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1974
Expired
1992
Forward citations
152
What this patent covers
This patent details a weapon system designed to subdue targets using electricity. It involves a launcher that fires projectiles, like pellets or nets, connected by thin, conductive wires to a power source. When the projectile hits a target, the wires establish an electrical path. The weapon then delivers a high-voltage, low-capacitance electrical discharge in brief pulses. This shock is intended to immobilize the target. The patent specifies delivering over 0.001 joules at voltages greater than 20 KV, with a specific capacitance-voltage product (CV) limit to ensure energy transfer. Some embodiments include a net assembly to entangle the target and ensure good contact.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 3803463 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Weapons that deliver continuous electrical current instead of discrete impulses.
Electrical discharges with a capacitance-voltage product (CV) higher than 10^2 volt-farads.
Electrical impulses delivered at voltages below 20 KV.
Weapons that require direct physical contact for electrical delivery, without projectiles.
Systems that deliver less than 0.001 joules of energy.
Who is building on this today
Axon (formerly TASER International) is the primary company that commercialized and continues to develop projectile-based conducted energy weapons, building on the foundational concepts described in this patent and subsequent advancements.
Products built on expired version of this technology
TASER conducted energy weapons
Stun guns (though often require direct contact)
Early prototypes of less-lethal projectile devices
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 3803463. Weapon for immobilization and capture. Granted 1974, expired 1992. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.