# Weapon That Shoots Wires to Deliver Electric Shocks

> This 1974 patent describes a weapon that fires projectiles carrying wires to deliver incapacitating electric shocks to a target from a distance.

- **Patent:** US 3803463
- **Original title:** Weapon for immobilization and capture
- **Owner:** Individual
- **Granted:** 1974
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 152
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, automotive, security

## What it does

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 it does NOT cover

- 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.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in using lightweight projectiles to deploy conductive wires to a remote target, creating an electrical path for a high-voltage, low-capacitance discharge that can bridge insulative gaps and deliver incapacitating energy.

## Real-world examples

1. TASER conducted energy weapons
2. Stun guns (though often require direct contact)
3. Early prototypes of less-lethal projectile devices

## Why it matters

This patent is an early example of less-lethal weapon technology, specifically the electro-muscular disruption (EMD) device. It laid groundwork for devices that would later become widely used by law enforcement for crowd control and apprehension, aiming to incapacitate without causing fatal injury.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does Weapon That Shoots Wires to Deliver Electric Shocks cover?

This 1974 patent describes a weapon that fires projectiles carrying wires to deliver incapacitating electric shocks to a target from a distance.

### Who owns patent US 3803463?

Individual owns this patent, granted in 1974.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 3803463 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 152 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent is an early example of less-lethal weapon technology, specifically the electro-muscular disruption (EMD) device. It laid groundwork for devices that would later become widely used by law enforcement for crowd control and apprehension, aiming to incapacitate without causing fatal injury.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Weapons that deliver continuous electrical current instead of discrete impulses.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3803463/taser-stun-gun-cover

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US3803463

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


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