Deployment Unit with Compliant Material

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a deployment unit for a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”).

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosures, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, coupled, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be used to interfere with voluntary locomotion (e.g., walking, running, moving, etc.) of a target. For example, a conducted electrical weapon (e.g., “CEW”) may be used to deliver a current (e.g., stimulus signal, pulses of current, pulses of charge, etc.) through tissue of a human or animal target. Although typically referred to as a conducted electrical weapon, as described herein a “CEW” may refer to a conducted electrical weapon, a conducted energy weapon, an electronic control device, and/or any other similar device or apparatus configured to provide a stimulus signal through one or more deployed projectiles (e.g., electrodes). Moreover, principles of the present disclosure may be applied to other less-lethal and non-lethal weapons and devices, including, for example, electronic devices configured to deploy projectiles towards a target, electronic devices configured for training purposes (e.g., to imitate less-lethal and/or non-lethal weapons), electronic devices configured for virtual reality (e.g., to imitate real-world use of less-lethal and/or non-lethal weapons), and/or the like.

A stimulus signal carries a charge into target tissue. The stimulus signal may interfere with voluntary locomotion of the target. The stimulus signal may cause pain. The pain may also function to encourage the target to stop moving. The stimulus signal may cause skeletal muscles of the target to become stiff (e.g., lock up, freeze, etc.). The stiffening of the muscles in response to a stimulus signal may be referred to as neuromuscular incapacitation (“NMI”). NMI disrupts voluntary control of the muscles of the target. The inability of the target to control its muscles interferes with locomotion by the target.

A stimulus signal may be delivered through the target via terminals coupled to the CEW. Delivery via terminals may be referred to as a local delivery (e.g., a local stun). During local delivery, the terminals are brought close to the target by positioning the CEW proximate to the target. The stimulus signal is delivered through the target's tissue via the terminals. To provide local delivery, the user of the CEW is generally within arm's reach of the target and brings the terminals of the CEW into contact with or proximate to the target.

A stimulus signal may be delivered through the target via one or more (typically at least two) wire-tethered electrodes. Delivery via wire-tethered electrodes may be referred to as a remote delivery (e.g., a remote stun). During a remote delivery, the CEW may be separated from the target up to the length (e.g., 15 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.) of the wire tether. The CEW launches the electrodes towards the target. As the electrodes travel toward the target, their respective wire tethers deploy behind the electrodes. The wire tether electrically couples the CEW to the electrode. The electrode may electrically couple to the target thereby coupling the CEW to the target. In response to the electrodes connecting with, impacting on, or being positioned proximate to the target's tissue, the current may be provided through the target via the electrodes (e.g., a circuit is formed through the first tether and first electrode, the target's tissue, and the second tether and second electrode).

Terminals or electrodes that contact or are proximate to the target's tissue deliver the stimulus signal through the target. Contact of a terminal or electrode with the target's tissue establishes an electrical coupling (e.g., circuit) with the target's tissue. Electrodes may include a spear that may pierce the target's tissue to contact the target. A terminal or electrode that is proximate to the target's tissue may use ionization to establish an electrical coupling with the target's tissue. Ionization may also be referred to as arcing.

In use (e.g., during deployment), a terminal or electrode may be separated from the target's tissue by the target's clothing or a gap of air. In various embodiments, a signal generator of the CEW may provide the stimulus signal (e.g., current, pulses of current, etc.) at a high voltage (e.g., in the range of 40,000 to 100,000 volts) to ionize the air in the clothing or the air in the gap that separates the terminal or electrode from the target's tissue. Ionizing the air establishes a low impedance ionization path from the terminal or electrode to the target's tissue that may be used to deliver the stimulus signal into the target's tissue via the ionization path. The ionization path persists (e.g., remains in existence, lasts, etc.) as long as the current of a pulse of the stimulus signal is provided via the ionization path. When the current ceases or is reduced below a threshold (e.g., amperage, voltage), the ionization path collapses (e.g., ceases to exist) and the terminal or electrode is no longer electrically coupled to the target's tissue. Lacking the ionization path, the impedance between the terminal or electrode and target tissue is high. A high voltage in the range of about 50,000 volts can ionize air in a gap of up to about one inch.

A CEW may provide a stimulus signal as a series of current pulses. Each current pulse may include a high voltage portion (e.g., 40,000-100,000 volts) and a low voltage portion (e.g., 500-6,000 volts). The high voltage portion of a pulse of a stimulus signal may ionize air in a gap between an electrode or terminal and a target to electrically couple the electrode or terminal to the target. In response to the electrode or terminal being electrically coupled to the target, the low voltage portion of the pulse delivers an amount of charge into the target's tissue via the ionization path. In response to the electrode or terminal being electrically coupled to the target by contact (e.g., touching, spear embedded into tissue, etc.), the high portion of the pulse and the low portion of the pulse both deliver charge to the target's tissue. Generally, the low voltage portion of the pulse delivers a majority of the charge of the pulse into the target's tissue. In various embodiments, the high voltage portion of a pulse of the stimulus signal may be referred to as the spark or ionization portion. The low voltage portion of a pulse may be referred to as the muscle portion.

In various embodiments, a signal generator of the CEW may provide the stimulus signal (e.g., current, pulses of current, etc.) at only a low voltage (e.g., less than 2,000 volts). The low voltage stimulus signal may not ionize the air in the clothing or the air in the gap that separates the terminal or electrode from the target's tissue. A CEW having a signal generator providing stimulus signals at only a low voltage (e.g., a low voltage signal generator) may require deployed electrodes to be electrically coupled to the target by contact (e.g., touching, spear embedded into tissue, etc.).

In various embodiments, a CEW may include at least two terminals at the face of the CEW. A CEW may include two terminals for each bay that accepts a deployment unit (e.g., cartridge). The terminals are spaced apart from each other. In response to the electrodes of the deployment unit in the bay having not been deployed, the high voltage impressed across the terminals will result in ionization of the air between the terminals. The arc between the terminals may be visible to the naked eye. In response to a launched electrode not electrically coupling to a target, the current that would have been provided via the electrodes may arc across the face of the CEW via the terminals.

The likelihood that the stimulus signal will cause NMI increases when the electrodes that deliver the stimulus signal are spaced apart at least 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) so that the current from the stimulus signal flows through the 6 or more inches of the target's tissue. In various embodiments, the electrodes preferably should be spaced apart at least 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) on the target. Because the terminals on a CEW are typically less than 6 inches apart, a stimulus signal delivered through the target's tissue via terminals likely will not cause NMI, only pain.

A series of pulses may include two or more pulses separated in time. Each pulse delivers an amount of charge into the target's tissue. In response to the electrodes being appropriately spaced (as discussed above), the likelihood of inducing NMI increases as each pulse delivers an amount of charge in the range of 55 microcoulombs to 71 microcoulombs per pulse. The likelihood of inducing NMI increases when the rate of pulse delivery (e.g., rate, pulse rate, repetition rate, etc.) is between 11 pulses per second (“pps”) and 50 pps. Pulses delivered at a higher rate may provide less charge per pulse to induce NMI. Pulses that deliver more charge per pulse may be delivered at a lesser rate to induce NMI. In various embodiments, a CEW may be hand-held and use batteries to provide the pulses of the stimulus signal. In response to the amount of charge per pulse being high and the pulse rate being high, the CEW may use more energy than is needed to induce NMI. Using more energy than is needed depletes batteries more quickly.

Empirical testing has shown that the power of the battery may be conserved with a high likelihood of causing NMI in response to the pulse rate being less than 44 pps and the charge per pulse being about 63 microcoulombs. Empirical testing has shown that a pulse rate of 22 pps and 63 microcoulombs per pulse via a pair of electrodes will induce NMI when the electrode spacing is about 12 inches (30.48 centimeters).

In various embodiments, a CEW may include a handle and one or more deployment units. The handle may include one or more bays for receiving the deployment units. Each deployment unit may be removably positioned in (e.g., inserted into, coupled to, etc.) a bay. Each deployment unit may releasably electrically, electronically, and/or mechanically couple to a bay. In various embodiments, a CEW may include a bay configured to receive a magazine comprising one or more electrodes. A deployment (e.g., launch) of the CEW may launch one or more electrodes toward a target to remotely deliver the stimulus signal through the target.

In various embodiments, a deployment unit may include two or more electrodes that are launched at the same time. In various embodiments, a deployment unit may include two or more electrodes that may be launched at separate times. Launching the electrodes may be referred to as activating (e.g., firing) a deployment unit. After use (e.g., activation, firing), a deployment unit may be removed from the bay and replaced with an unused (e.g., not fired, not activated) deployment unit to permit launch of additional electrodes.

In various embodiments, and with reference to, a CEWis disclosed. CEWmay be similar to, or have similar aspects and/or components with, any other CEW disclosed herein including the CEWs previously discussed herein. It should be understood by one skilled in the art thatis a schematic representation of CEW, and one or more of the components of CEWmay be located in any suitable position within, or external to, housing. CEW I may comprise a housingand one or more deployment units.

Housing(e.g., handle, CEW handle, etc.) may be configured to house various components of CEWconfigured to enable deployment of the deployment units, provide an electrical current to the deployment units, and otherwise aid in the operation of CEW, as discussed further herein. Although depicted as a firearm in, housingmay comprise any suitable shape and/or size. Housingmay comprise a handle endopposite a deployment end. Deployment endmay be configured, and sized and shaped, to receive one or more deployment units. Handle endmay be sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user. For example, handle endmay be shaped as a handle to enable hand-operation of the CEW by the user. In various embodiments, handle endmay also comprise contours shaped to fit the hand of a user, for example, an ergonomic grip. Handle endmay include a surface coating, such as, for example, a non-slip surface, a grip pad, a rubber texture, and/or the like. As a further example, handle endmay be wrapped in leather, a colored print, and/or any other suitable material, as desired.

In various embodiments, housingmay comprise various mechanical, electronic, and electrical components configured to aid in performing the functions of CEW. For example, housingmay comprise one or more triggers, control interfaces, processing circuits, power supplies, and/or signal generators. Housingmay include a guard. Guardmay define an opening formed in housing. Guardmay be located on a center region of housing(e.g., as depicted in), and/or in any other suitable location on housing. Triggermay be disposed within guard. Guardmay be configured to protect triggerfrom unintentional physical contact (e.g., an unintentional activation of trigger). Guardmay surround triggerwithin housing.

In various embodiments, triggerbe coupled to an outer surface of housing, and may be configured to move, slide, rotate, otherwise become physically depressed upon application of the physical contact. For example, triggermay be actuated by physical contact applied to triggerfrom within guard. Triggermay comprise a mechanical or electromechanical switch, button, trigger, or the like. For example, triggermay comprise a switch, a pushbutton, and/or any other suitable type of trigger. Triggermay be mechanically and/or electronically coupled to processing circuit. In response to triggerbeing activated (e.g., depressed, pushed, etc. by the user), processing circuitmay enable deployment of one or more deployment unitsfrom CEW, as discussed further herein.

In various embodiments, power supplymay be configured to provide power to various components of CEW. For example, power supplymay provide energy for operating the electronic and/or electrical components (e.g., parts, subsystems, circuits) of CEWand/or one or more deployment units. Power supplymay provide electrical power. Providing electrical power may include providing a current at a voltage. Power supplymay be electrically coupled to processing circuitand/or signal generator. In various embodiments, in response to control interfacecomprising electronic properties and/or components, power supplymay be electrically coupled to control interface. In various embodiments, in response to triggercomprising electronic properties or components, power supplymay be electrically coupled to trigger. Power supplymay provide an electrical current at a voltage. Electrical power from power supplymay be provided as a direct current (“DC”). Electrical power from power supplymay be provided as an alternating current (“AC”). Power supplymay include a battery. The energy of power supplymay be renewable or exhaustible, and/or replaceable. For example, power supplymay comprise one or more rechargeable or disposable batteries. In various embodiments, the energy from power supplymay be converted from one form (e.g., electrical, magnetic, thermal) to another form to perform the functions of a system.

Power supplymay provide energy for performing the functions of CEW. For example, power supplymay provide the electrical current to signal generatorthat is provided through a target to impede locomotion of the target (e.g., via deployment unit). Power supplymay provide the energy for a stimulus signal. Power supplymay provide the energy for other signals, including an ignition signal and/or an integration signal, as discussed further herein.

In various embodiments, processing circuitmay comprise any circuitry, electrical components, electronic components, software, and/or the like configured to perform various operations and functions discussed herein. For example, processing circuitmay comprise a processing circuit, a processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, logic circuitry, state machines, MEMS devices, signal conditioning circuitry, communication circuitry, a computer, a computer-based system, a radio, a network appliance, a data bus, an address bus, and/or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, processing circuitmay include passive electronic devices (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.) and/or active electronic devices (e.g., op amps, comparators, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, programmable logic, SRCs, transistors, etc.). In various embodiments, processing circuitmay include data buses, output ports, input ports, timers, memory, arithmetic units, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, processing circuitmay include signal conditioning circuity. Signal conditioning circuitry may include level shifters to change (e.g., increase, decrease) the magnitude of a voltage (e.g., of a signal) before receipt by processing circuitor to shift the magnitude of a voltage provided by processing circuit.

In various embodiments, processing circuitmay be configured to control and/or coordinate operation of some or all aspects of CEW. For example, processing circuitmay include (or be in communication with) memory configured to store data, programs, and/or instructions. The memory may comprise a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory. Instructions stored on the tangible non-transitory memory may allow processing circuitto perform various operations, functions, and/or steps, as described herein.

The term “non-transitory” is to be understood to remove only propagating transitory signals per se from the claim scope and does not relinquish rights to all standard computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory signals per se. Stated another way, the meaning of the terms “non-transitory computer-readable memory” and “non-transitory computer-readable storage medium” should be construed to exclude only those types of transitory computer-readable media which were found in In re Nuijten to fall outside the scope of patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

In various embodiments, the memory may comprise any hardware, software, and/or database component capable of storing and maintaining data. For example, the memory may comprise a database, data structure, memory component, or the like. The memory may comprise any suitable non-transitory memory known in the art, such as, an internal memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), solid state drive (SSD), etc.), removable memory (e.g., an SD card, an xD card, a CompactFlash card, etc.), or the like.

Processing circuitmay be configured to provide and/or receive electrical signals whether digital and/or analog in form. Processing circuitmay provide and/or receive digital information via a data bus using any protocol. Processing circuitmay receive information, manipulate the received information, and provide the manipulated information. Processing circuitmay store information and retrieve stored information. Information received, stored, and/or manipulated by processing circuitmay be used to perform a function, control a function, and/or to perform an operation or execute a stored program.

Processing circuitmay control the operation and/or function of other circuits and/or components of CEW. Processing circuitmay receive status information regarding the operation of other components, perform calculations with respect to the status information, and provide commands (e.g., instructions) to one or more other components. Processing circuitmay command another component to start operation, continue operation, alter operation, suspend operation, cease operation, or the like. Commands and/or status may be communicated between processing circuitand other circuits and/or components via any type of bus (e.g., SPI bus) including any type of data/address bus.

Processing circuitmay be electrically and/or electronically coupled to deployment unit. Processing circuitmay be configured to determine one or more deployment unit characteristics associated with deployment unit. A deployment unit characteristic may include data indicating various characteristics of the deployment unit. A deployment unit characteristic may include a deployment unit type, a projectile type, a projectile position, a deployment instruction, and/or any other suitable or desired information relating to a deployment unit, a projectile, the CEW, or deployment of projectiles from the deployment unit.

In various embodiments, processing circuitmay be mechanically and/or electronically coupled to trigger. Processing circuitmay be configured to detect an activation, actuation, depression, input, etc. (collectively, an “activation event”) of trigger. In response to detecting the activation event, processing circuitmay be configured to perform various operations and/or functions, as discussed further herein. Processing circuitmay also include a sensor (e.g., a trigger sensor) attached to triggerand configured to detect an activation event of trigger. The sensor may comprise any suitable mechanical and/or electronic sensor capable of detecting an activation event in triggerand reporting the activation event to processing circuit.

In various embodiments, processing circuitmay be mechanically and/or electronically coupled to control interface. Processing circuitmay be configured to detect an activation, actuation, depression, input, etc. (collectively, a “control event”) of control interface. In response to detecting the control event, processing circuitmay be configured to perform various operations and/or functions, as discussed further herein. Processing circuitmay also include a sensor (e.g., a control sensor) attached to control interfaceand configured to detect a control event of control interface. The sensor may comprise any suitable mechanical and/or electronic sensor capable of detecting a control event in control interfaceand reporting the control event to processing circuit.

In various embodiments, processing circuitmay be electrically and/or electronically coupled to power supply. Processing circuitmay receive power from power supply. The power received from power supplymay be used by processing circuitto receive signals, process signals, and transmit signals to various other components in CEW. Processing circuitmay use power from power supplyto detect an activation event of trigger, a control event of control interface, or the like, and generate one or more control signals in response to the detected events. The control signal may be based on the control event and the activation event. The control signal may be an electrical signal.

In various embodiments, processing circuitmay be electrically and/or electronically coupled to signal generator. Processing circuitmay be configured to transmit or provide control signals to signal generatorin response to detecting an activation event of trigger. Multiple control signals may be provided from processing circuitto signal generatorin series. In response to receiving the control signal, signal generatormay be configured to perform various functions and/or operations, as discussed further herein.

In various embodiments, signal generatormay be configured to receive one or more control signals from processing circuit. Signal generatormay provide an ignition signal to deployment unitbased on the control signals. Signal generatormay be electrically and/or electronically coupled to processing circuitand/or deployment unit. Signal generatormay be electrically coupled to power supply. Signal generatormay use power received from power supplyto generate an ignition signal. For example, signal generatormay receive an electrical signal from power supplythat has first current and voltage values. Signal generatormay transform the electrical signal into an ignition signal having second current and voltage values. The transformed second current and/or the transformed second voltage values may be different from the first current and/or voltage values. The transformed second current and/or the transformed second voltage values may be the same as the first current and/or voltage values. Signal generatormay temporarily store power from power supplyand rely on the stored power entirely or in part to provide the ignition signal. Signal generatormay also rely on received power from power supplyentirely or in part to provide the ignition signal, without needing to temporarily store power.

In various embodiments, signal generatormay include circuits for receiving electrical energy and for providing the stimulus signal. Electrical/electronic circuits (e.g., components) of signal generatormay include capacitors, resistors, inductors, spark gaps, transformers, silicon controlled rectifiers (“SCRs”), analog-to-digital converters, and/or the like.

Signal generatormay be controlled entirely or in part by processing circuit. In various embodiments, signal generatorand processing circuitmay be separate components (e.g., physically distinct and/or logically discrete). Signal generatorand processing circuitmay be a single component. For example, a control circuit within housingmay at least include signal generatorand processing circuit. The control circuit may also include other components and/or arrangements, including those that further integrate corresponding function of these elements into a single component or circuit, as well as those that further separate certain functions into separate components or circuits.

Signal generatormay be controlled by the control signals to generate an ignition signal having a predetermined current value or values. For example, signal generatormay include a current source. The control signal may be received by signal generatorto activate the current source at a current value of the current source. An additional control signal may be received to decrease a current of the current source. For example, signal generatormay include a pulse width modification circuit coupled between a current source and an output of the control circuit. A second control signal may be received by signal generatorto activate the pulse width modification circuit, thereby decreasing a non-zero period of a signal generated by the current source and an overall current of an ignition signal subsequently output by the control circuit. The pulse width modification circuit may be separate from a circuit of the current source or, alternatively, integrated within a circuit of the current source. Various other forms of signal generatorsmay alternatively or additionally be employed, including those that apply a voltage over one or more different resistances to generate signals with different currents. In various embodiments, signal generatormay include a high-voltage module configured to deliver an electrical current having a high voltage. In various embodiments, signal generatormay include a low-voltage module configured to deliver an electrical current having a lower voltage, such as, for example, 2,000 volts.

Responsive to receipt of a signal indicating activation of trigger(e.g., an activation event), a control circuit provides an ignition signal to deployment unit. For example, signal generatormay provide an electrical signal as an ignition signal to deployment unitin response to receiving a control signal from processing circuit. In various embodiments, the ignition signal may be separate and distinct from a stimulus signal. For example, a stimulus signal in CEWmay be provided to a different circuit within deployment unit, relative to a circuit to which an ignition signal is provided. Signal generatormay be configured to generate a stimulus signal. In various embodiments, a second, separate signal generator, component, or circuit (not shown) within housingmay be configured to generate the stimulus signal. Signal generatormay also provide a ground signal path for deployment unit, thereby completing a circuit for an electrical signal provided to deployment unitby signal generator. The ground signal path may also be provided to deployment unitby other elements in housing, including power supply.

In various embodiments, power supplymay comprise an electrical circuit (e.g., a power supply electrical circuit, a power supply circuit, etc.) defining an electrical coupling between processing circuitand power supply. For example, the electrical circuit may comprise an electrical path (e.g., a conductive path), one or more switches controlling the electrical circuit, and/or any other suitable or desired electrical circuit components. The electrical circuit may be configured to provide energy (e.g., electricity) from power supplyto processing circuit. In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may also be configured to provide energy from power supplyto one or more other components of CEW, such as control interfaceand/or signal generator. Processing circuitmay be in electrical communication with one or more components of the electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to detect an electrical property of the electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to sample a voltage (e.g., a power supply voltage, a power supply circuit voltage, a power supply switch voltage, etc.) of the electrical circuit.

In various embodiments, triggermay comprise an electrical circuit (e.g., a trigger electrical circuit, a trigger circuit, etc.) defining an electrical coupling between processing circuitand trigger. For example, the electrical circuit may comprise an electrical path (e.g., a conductive path), one or more switches controlling the electrical circuit, and/or any other suitable or desired electrical circuit components. The electrical circuit may be configured to allow triggerto provide trigger signals to processing circuit. The electrical circuit may be configured to allow processing circuitto detect trigger signals from trigger. Processing circuitmay be in electrical communication with one or more components of the electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to detect an electrical property of the electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to sample a voltage (e.g., a trigger voltage, a trigger circuit voltage, a trigger switch voltage, etc.) of the electrical circuit.

In various embodiments, signal generatormay comprise one or more electrical circuits (e.g., signal generator electrical circuits, signal generator circuits, etc.) defining electrical couplings between signal generatorand one or more components of CEW.

For example, signal generatormay comprise a first electrical circuit (e.g., a first signal generator circuit, a signal generator input circuit, a charging circuit, etc.) defining an electrical coupling between power supplyand signal generator. The first electrical circuit may comprise an electrical path (e.g., a conductive path), one or more switches controlling the first electrical circuit, and/or any other suitable or desired electrical circuit components. The first electrical circuit may be configured to provide energy (e.g., electricity) from power supplyto signal generator. In some embodiments, the first electrical circuit may comprise one or more capacitors configured to store (e.g., accumulate) the energy received from power supply. In some embodiments, the first electrical circuit may comprise one or more switches and/or other suitable or desired electrical circuit components configured to control the provision of energy from power supplyto the one or more capacitors. In some embodiments, the first electrical circuit may comprise a high-voltage module (HV module) (e.g., a high-voltage transformer, an HV transformer, etc.) configured to receive energy from power supply. The HV module may receive pulses of energy from power supply. The pulses of energy may charge the HV module. Processing circuitmay be in electrical communication with one or more components of the first electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to detect an electrical property of the first electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to sample an input (e.g., an electrical input) of the first electrical circuit. In some embodiments, processing circuitmay be configured to determine (e.g., count) whether pulses of energy from power supplysuccessfully charged the HV module. For example, during a startup of CEW, during a load test of a CEW, and/or at any other suitable time, the HV module may receive a number of pulses from power supplyto charge the HV module and/or to ensure the HV module is capable of delivering a current. Processing circuitmay determine the number of pulses of energy that successfully charge the HV module and/or the number of pulses of energy that did not successfully charge the HV module.

As a further example, signal generatormay comprise a second electrical circuit (e.g., a second signal generator circuit, a signal generator output circuit, a discharging circuit, etc.) defining an electrical coupling between signal generatorand one or more electrical contacts proximate a bayof housing. The second electrical circuit may be different from the first electrical circuit. The second electrical circuit and the first electrical circuit may share one or more electrical components. The second electrical circuit may comprise an electrical path (e.g., a conductive path), one or more switches controlling the electrical circuit, and/or any other suitable or desired electrical circuit components. The second electrical circuit may be configured to provide energy (e.g., electricity) from signal generatorto the one or more electrical contacts proximate bayof housing. For example, the second electrical circuit may be configured to provide one or more stimulus signals from signal generatorto deployment unitvia electrical contacts coupling housingto deployment unit. As a further example, the second electrical circuit may be configured to provide one or more electrical signals from signal generatorto one or more exposed terminals on deployment end. The exposed terminals may be configured to provide a local delivery (e.g., a local stun) to a target. In some embodiments, the second electrical circuit may comprise one or more capacitors configured to store (e.g., accumulate) the energy received from power supplyand discharge the stored energy to provide an electrical signal and/or stimulus signal. In some embodiments, the second electrical circuit may comprise one or more switches and/or other suitable or desired electrical circuit components configured to control the provision of energy from the one or more capacitors. Processing circuitmay be in electrical communication with one or more components of the second electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to detect an electrical property of the second electrical circuit. Processing circuitmay be configured to sample an output (e.g., an electrical output) of the second electrical circuit. In some embodiments, processing circuitmay be configured to determine whether the one or more capacitors of the second electrical circuit properly discharged to provide an electrical signal and/or stimulus signal. Processing circuitmay sample an output of the one or more capacitors to determine whether the one or more capacitors properly discharged.

In various embodiments, bayof housingmay be configured to receive one or more deployment units. Baymay comprise an opening in deployment endsized and shaped to receive one or more deployment units. Baymay include one or more mechanical features configured to removably couple one or more deployment unitswithin bay. Baymay be configured to receive a single deployment unit, two deployment units, or any other number of deployment units.

In various embodiments, a deployment unitmay comprise a propulsion systemand a plurality of projectiles, such as, for example, a first projectileand a second projectile. Deployment unitmay comprise any suitable or desired number of projectiles, such as, for example, two projectiles, three projectiles, ten projectiles, and/or any other desired number of projectiles.

In various embodiments, propulsion systemmay be coupled to, or in communication with, each projectile in deployment unit. In various embodiments, deployment unitmay comprise a plurality of propulsion systems, with each propulsion systemcoupled to, or in communication with, one or more projectiles. Propulsion systemmay comprise any device, propellant (e.g., air, gas, etc.), primer, or the like capable of providing a propulsion force in deployment unit. The propulsion force may include an increase in pressure caused by rapidly expanding gas within an area or chamber. The propulsion force may be applied to projectiles,in deployment unitto cause the deployment of projectiles,. Propulsion systemmay provide the propulsion force in response to deployment unitreceiving the ignition signal.

In various embodiments, the propulsion force may be directly applied to one or more projectiles,. For example, the propulsion force may be provided directly to first projectileor second projectile. Propulsion systemmay be in fluid communication with projectiles,to provide the propulsion force. For example, the propulsion force from propulsion systemmay travel within a housing or channel of deployment unitto one or more projectiles,. The propulsion force may travel via a manifold in deployment unit.

In various embodiments, the propulsion force may be provided indirectly to first projectileand/or second projectile. For example, the propulsion force may be provided to a secondary source of propellant within propulsion system. The propulsion force may launch the secondary source of propellant within propulsion system, causing the secondary source of propellant to release propellent. A force associated with the released propellant may in turn provide a force to one or more projectiles,. A force generated by a secondary source of propellent may cause projectiles,to be deployed from the deployment unitand CEW.