Inventors: Ofer Fridman and Yariv Ben Yehuda

Title: CLAY-PIGEON-LIKE PROJECTILE FOR CROWD CONTROL

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to projectiles and launch-systems, more particularly, to non-lethal projectiles and launch-systems for riot control.

Control of crowds and of areas where demonstrators gather is often achieved by the use of non-lethal riot control agents such as tear gas, stun grenades, pepper spray, etc.

Most conventional means for delivering the non-lethal riot control agents to the controlled crowd or area is done by firing the riot control agents using concentrated gas, created from pyrotechnic explosion or compressed gas, through some type of tube, e.g. barrel or tube canister, which gives a direction to the flight of the riot control agents.

The non-lethal effects depend on the payload carried by non-lethal projectiles.

The most common payloads cause the following effects: kinetic damage (caused by physical hitting of the projectile), irritation (caused by irritant agent, such as tear gas, pepper powder, irritant liquid, etc.), shock and distraction (caused by flash-bang charge), incapacitation (caused by discharging a high voltage electric charge), disorientation (caused by smoke), etc. Also, there are payloads that combine two or more effects.

The design of prior art non-lethal projectiles depends on the type of the launcher used for their launching. Various forms of non-lethal projectiles are known. For example, such projectiles are disclosed in US Patent No. 3,733,727, in US Patent No. 7,143,699, and in many others. However, due to launchers' main shared concept of shoving projectiles through a tube, the generic design of projectiles is similar: they are designed to be shoved off from the tube by the power of concentrated gas. Therefore, the generic size and shape of prior art non-lethal projectiles is a bullet-like or shell-like size and shape. The main drawback of prior art non-lethal projectiles is the fact that the pyrotechnic or pneumatic mechanisms of the launchers of the non-lethal projectiles constitute limitations for the different characteristics of counter-personnel non-lethal kinetic systems. Two significant limitations are: (1) the possibility of permanent damage, caused by direct hitting; and (2) the limited range of distances of the launchers, from the crowds that need to be controlled, over which the projectiles are both effective and safe.

There is therefore a need for non-lethal projectiles, and for launch- systems thereof, that will significantly reduce the possibility of direct hitting and, simultaneously, will be equally effective and safe at different distances.

Skeet shooting is a sport in which a shooter shoots at flying clay targets (saucerlike clay objects) that are commonly called "clay pigeons" and that are swung into the air by a manual thrower or by a launcher.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view schematic illustration of a prior art manual thrower PI and a clay target P2. The clay target P2 is inserted into the manual thrower PI which is then swung in the required direction.

Figure 2 is a side view schematic illustration of a prior art mechanical launcher P3. Mechanical launcher P3 includes a launching arm P4 on which clay target P2 is loaded prior to launching and a spring P5. When mechanical launcher P3 is operated to launch clay target P2, spring PS releases the energy stored within it and causes launching arm P4 to sweep clay target P2 in the required direction.

Figure 3a is a side view schematic illustration of a prior art automatic launcher P6 in its unloaded state. Automatic launcher P6 is equipped with a magazine P7 which holds a multitude of clay targets P2 and dispenses clay targets P2 individually onto a launching surface P8. Launcher body P9 includes electrical motors, springs and other mechanisms required for reloading and launching processes. When magazine P7 drops a clay target P2 onto launching surface P8, launching arm P4 is released by mam body P9 to sweep clay target P2 in the required direction.

Exemplary patent documents that describe conventional clay target launchers include US Patent No. 5,259,360, US Patent No. 7,263,986 and US Patent Application Publication No, 2011/0100345. These three documents are incorporated, by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The background art does not teach or suggest non-lethal projectiles and launch- systems which do not use compressed gas as a means to propel non-lethal riot control agents into crowds or areas that need to be controlled.

The present invention overcomes these deficiencies of the background art by providing exemplary non-lethal projectiles and by providing launch-systems for the projectiles. However, it should be noted that despite the description of the payloads of the projectiles of the present invention as non-lethal, it also is possible to use lethal agents in conjunction with the described projectiles and launch-system.

According to the present invention there is provided a projectile including: (a) a payload carrier; (b) an incapacitating agent, enclosed within the payload carrier; and (c) an activating mechanism, for activating the incapacitating agent, that includes: (i) a sensor for sensing a launch of the projectile without changing a shape of the projectile, and (ii) a timer for delaying the activating until a predetermined delay after the sensor senses the launch.

According to the present invention there is provided a projectile including: (a) a payload carrier; (b) an incapacitating agent, enclosed within the payload carrier; and (c) an activating mechanism, for activating the incapacitating agent, that includes a receiver for receiving, subsequent to the projectile having been launched, an activation signal that instructs the activating mechanism to activate the incapacitating agent.

According to the present invention there is provided a device, for launching a projectile, including: (a) a communication mechanism for transmitting a signal to the projectile; and (b) an arm for directly contacting and moving the projectile to launch the projectile.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of crowd control comprosing the steps of: (a) providing a projectile that includes: (i) a payload carrier, (ii) an incapacitating agent, enclosed within the payload carrier, and an activating mechanism, for activating the incapacitating agent, selected from the group consisting of: (A) a first activating mechanism that includes: (I) a sensor for sensing a launch of the projectile without changing a shape of the projectile, and (II) a timer for delaying the activation until a predetermined dealy after the sensor senses the launch, and (B) a second activting mechanism that includes a receiver for receiving, subsequent to the projectile having been launched, an activation signal that instructs the activating mechanism to activate the incapacitating agent; (b) launching the projectile, to travel over the crowd to be controlled, by directly contacting and moving the projectile with a solid arm. and (c) using the activating mechanism, activating the incapacitating agent when the projectile is above the crowd.

The two basic embodiments of a projectile of the present invention both include a payload carrier, an incapacitating agent enclosed within the payload carrier, and an activating mechanism for activating the incapacitating agent. An "incapacitating agent" is an agent that, when activated by the activating mechanism, renders people or animals, at whom the projectile is launched, temporarily or permanently incapable of performing whatever action the user of the projectile is trying to prevent or delay. In the discussion below of the preferred embodiments, the exemplary preferred activating mechanisms are called "ignition units".

Preferably, the projectile does not have its own propulsion mechanism for launching and/or propelling the projectile towards its intended target, but instead must be launched by a separate launching device.

Preferably, the projectile is disk-shaped. Most preferably, the shape of the projectile is the shape of a conventional "clay pigeon" such as commonly is used in sports such as skeet shooting and trap shooting.

Although, as noted above, the activated incapacitating agent could be an agent that permanently incapacitates or even kills its target, it is preferred that the incapacitating agent be a riot control agent that is intended to incapacitate its target only temporarily. Such a riot control agent could be either passive or active. A passive riot control agent is an agent, such as pepper powder, that is deployed as such by the activating mechanism. An active riot control agent is a riot control agent that participates as a reactant in a chemical reaction that is initiated by the activation mechanism. In some preferred embodiments, the incapacitation of the target of the projectile is caused by a chemical product of the reaction, for example an irritant such as is produced by a conventional tear gas grenade. In other preferred embodiments, the incapacitation of the target of the projectile is caused by a physical effect of the reaction, for example the flash and bang of a stun grenade.

In the first basic embodiment of a projectile of the present invention, the activating mechanism includes a sensor and a timer. The sensor senses the launching of the projectile without changing the shape of the projectile. The timer delays the activating of the incapacitating agent until a predetermined delay after the sensor senses that the projectile has been launched. That the sensor operates without changing the shape of the projectile distinguishes the projectile of the present invention from e.g. a stun grenade whose lever springs off the grenade when the grenade is thrown.

Preferably, the activating mechanism also includes a mechanism for setting the predetermined delay. Most preferably, the mechanism for setting the predetermined delay includes a mechanism, such as an electrical contact on a surface of the projectile, or an antenna, for receiving a signal in which the predetermined delay is encoded. Alternatively, the mechanism for setting the predetermined delay includes an interface for manually setting the predetermined delay.

Preferably, the sensor senses the launch of the projectile by sensing an acceleration of the projectile.

In the second basic embodiment of a projectile of the present invention, the activating mechanism includes a receiver for receiving, subsequent to the projectile having been launched, an activation signal that instructs the activating mechanism to activate the incapacitating agent.

A basic device of the present invention for launching a projectile includes a communication mechanism for transmitting a signal to the projectile and an arm for launching the projectile by directly contacting and moving the projectile.

In one class of preferred embodiments, the communication mechanism includes an antenna for transmitting the signal wirelessly. The signal could include an activation instruction. The signal could include timing information.

In another class of preferred embodiments, the signal includes timing information. More preferably, the communication mechanism then includes one or more electrical contacts for transmitting the timing information to the projectile when the electrical contact(s) is/are in electrical communication with (a) corresponding electrical contact(s) of the projectile. In a first most preferred embodiment, the arm includes a receptacle, into which the projectile is loaded for launch, that includes the electrical contact(s). In second and third most preferred embodiments, the device also includes a launching surface on which the projectile is placed for launching, and the electrical contact(s) is/are on the launching surface. The third most preferred embodiment also includes a magazine for holding a plurality of the projectiles and for dispensing each projectile individually onto the launching surface so that the electrical contact(s) of the communication mechanism is/are in electrical communication with the corresponding electrical contact(s) of the dispensed projectile.

According to the crowd control method of the present invention, a projectile of the present invention is launched, to travel over the crowd to be controlled, by directly contacting and moving the projectile with a solid arm, and using the activating mechanism to activate the incapacitating agent when the projectile is above the crowd. Usually the crowd to be controlled is a crowd of people but it also could be a crowd of animals. The requirement to launch the projectile via the direct contact of a solid arm is one of the features of the method that distinguishes the method from conventional methods that rely on pyrotechnic or pneumatic mechanisms for launching crowd control projectiles. Although in principle the "solid arm" used to launch the projectile could be the arm and hand of a guard or a policeman who flings the projectile over the crowd like a Frisbee, it is preferable to use one of the launchers of the present invention to launch the projectile.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective schematic illustration of a prior art manual thrower and a prior art clay target;

Figure 2 is a side view schematic illustration of a prior art mechanical launcher;

Figure 3a is a side view schematic illustration of a prior art automatic launcher in its unloaded state;

Figure 3b is side view schematic illustration of exemplary modified automatic launcher (MAL) of the present invention in its unloaded state;

Figure 3c is a top view schematic illustration of a contacting surface of an automatic launcher, according to the present invention;

Figure 4a is a perspective top-side view schematic illustration of a projectile of the present invention; Figure 4b is an exploded schematic illustration of a projectile of the present invention;

Figures 4c and 4d show that, alternatively, the activating mechanism may be located at the bottom of the payload carrier.

Figure 5a is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of a payload carrier;

Figure 5b is an exploded schematic illustration of the first embodiment of a payload carrier;

Figure 6a is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of a payload carrier; Figure 6b is an exploded schematic illustration of the second embodiment of a payload carrier;

Figure 7a is a cross sectional view of the third embodiment of a payload carrier; Figure 7b is an exploded schematic illustration of the third embodiment of a payload carrier;

Figure 8a is a perspective top-side view schematic illustration of the first embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 8b is a perspective bottom-side view schematic illustration of the first embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 8c is a block diagram of the electronic system of the first exemplary embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 9a is a perspective top-side view schematic illustration of the second embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 9b is a perspective bottom-side view schematic illustration of the second embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 9c is a perspective top-side view schematic illustration of an embodiment of a payload carrier's shell used with the second embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 9d is a block diagram of the electronic system of the second exemplary embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 9e is a cross sectional view of the contact strips that are added to the payload carrier's shell for the second embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 10a is a perspective top-side view schematic illustration of the third embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 10b is a perspective bottom-side view schematic illustration of the third embodiment of an ignition unit; Figure 10c is a block diagram of the electronic system of the third exemplary embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 1 1a is a perspective top-side view schematic illustration of the fourth embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 1 lb is a perspective bottom-side view schematic illustration of the fourth embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 1 lc is a block diagram of the electronic system of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an ignition unit;

Figure 12a is a perspective view of a modified manual thrower (MMT) of the present invention.;

Figure 12b is a block diagram of the electronic system of an exemplary modified manual thrower (MMT) of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a top-view schematic illustration of the mechanical embodiment of an acceleration sensor;

Figure 14 is a block diagram of the electronic system of an exemplary modified automatic launcher (MAL) according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of a crowd control projectile and launcher according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring again to the drawings, Figure 3b is side-view schematic illustration of a modified automatic launcher (MAL) 40 in its unloaded state, according to the present invention. MAL 40 is automatic launcher P6 modified according to the principles of the present invention. MAL 40 includes a fire-control unit 41 and is equipped, on launching surface P8, with a contacting surface 40a used by fire-control unit 41 to communicate with the second embodiment of ignition unit la (not not shown in the present illustration) that is described below, through contact strips 21a (shown, in Figure 9c below) and contacts 21 (shown in Figure 9b below). Also, MAL 40 is equipped with an antenna 40b which is used by fire-control unit 41 to communicate with the first embodiment of ignition unit la (not shown in the present illustration) that is described below and that is equipped with an antemia 20a (shown in Figure 8a below). Figure 3c is a top-view schematic illustration of contacting surface 40a of MAL 40, according to the present invention. Contact surface 40a is equipped with several electrical contacts 42 b (see Figure 14 below) that are used to communicate data with the second embodiment of ignition unit la (not shown in the present illustration). Each electrical contact 42b is connected to fire-control unit 41 via a data contact wire 42c. All of the electrical contacts 42b are surrounded by an insulating surface 42a that electrically insulates electrical contacts 42b from each other and from launching surface P8.

Figure 4a is a perspective top-view schematic illustration of a projectile 1 of the present invention.

The overall shape and size of projectile 1 is that of the kind of generally disk- shaped or inverted-saucer-shaped clay target that is commonly used in sports such as skeet shooting and trap shooting and that commonly is referred to generically as a "clay pigeon". The standard size of such targets is 1 10 mm overall diameter and 25- 26 mm thickness for international competition and 108 mm overall diameter and 28-29 mm thickness for American competition. There also are specialized targets such as "battue" targets that are thinner than the standard targets and "rabbit" targets that are thicker than the standard targets. So-called "midi" targets have a diameter of about 90 mm. So-called "mini" targets have a diameter of about 60 mm and a thickness of about 20 mm.

Figure 4b is an exploded schematic illustration of projectile 1 showing that projectile 1 includes a pay load carrier lb and an ignition unit la. Ignition unit la is located in a cavity on the top of the payload carrier lb. Four different preferred embodiments of ignition unit la are described below. Three different embodiments of payload carrier lb are described below.

Figure 4c: is a perspective top-view schematic illustration of a variant of projectile 1 of the present invention in which ignition unit l a is attached at the bottom of payload carrier lb.

Figure 4d: is an exploded schematic illustration of the variant of projectile 1 of Figure 4c, showing that this variant of projectile 1 includes a payload carrier lb and an ignition unit la located in a cavity on the bottom of payload carrier lb.

Figure 5a is cross sectional view of the first embodiment of payload carrier lb. This embodiment of payload carrier lb includes as its payload a passive payload such as powder or liquid. Figure 5b is an exploded schematic illustration of the first embodiment of payload carrier lb. This embodiment of payload carrier lb includes a payload shell 5, a pyrotechnic fuse 6, a passive payload 7 and a passive payload bottom cover 8.

According to the present invention all types of ignition unit la described below can be installed in the recess 9 on the top surface of a first embodiment lb of a payload carrier. Pyrotechnic fuse 6 is located between the pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m in the bottom of an ignition unit l a (not shown in the present figure) and passive payload 7, through a hole 5a in shell 5. Pyrotechnic fuse 6 is ignited by the ignition unit la. After its ignition, pyrotechnic fuse 6 creates an explosion that tears through the bottom cover 8 and/or disconnects bottom cover 8 from shell 5. Then, passive payload 7 is dispersed in the air as passive payload 7 falls out of shell 5.

Figure 6a is cross sectional view of the second embodiment of a payload carrier lb. This embodiment of the payload carrier lb includes as its payload an active payload that produces an irritant material such as smoke or tear gas.

Figure 6b is an exploded schematic illustration of the second embodiment of payload carrier lb. This embodiment of payload carrier lb includes a payload shell 5, a pyrotechnic fuse 6, a secondary payload canister 10, an igniter washer 13, an active payload 11 and an active payload bottom cover 14.

According to the present invention all types of ignition unit la described below can be installed in the recess 9 on the top surface of second embodiment lb of a payload carrier. Pyrotechnic fuse 6 is located between the pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m in the bottom of an ignition unit la (not shown in the present figure) and igniter washer 13, through hole 5a in shell 5 and hole 10c in secondary payload canister 10. Ignition unit la ignites pyrotechnic fuse 6, which in turn ignites igniter washer 13. The burning of igniter washer 13 along the surface of active payload 11 produces an irritant agent. One example of active payload 11 is a mixture of a lachrymator such as CS or CN and a heat generating material such as smokeless powder. Combustion of the heat generating material vaporizes the lachrymator. The irritant agent thus produced is concentrated within an open space 12. The irritant agent, being hot and pressurized, tears membranes 10b and is dispersed in the air through holes 10a in secondary payload canister 10 and holes 5b in shell 5.

Figure 7a is cross sectional view of the third embodiment of payload carrier lb. This embodiment of payload carrier lb includes as its payload an explosive charge that creates a loud noise accompanied by a blinding flash of light, in the manner of a stun grenade.

Figure 7b is an exploded schematic illustration of the third embodiment of payload carrier lb. This embodiment of payload carrier lb includes a payload shell 5, a pyrotechnic fuse 6, a secondary payload canister 10, an explosive charge 16 and. an explosive charge bottom cover 17.

According to the present invention all types of ignition unit la described below can be installed in the recess 9 on the top surface of the third embodiment of payload carrier lb. Pyrotechnic fuse 6 is located between the pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m in the bottom of ignition unit la (not shown in the present figure) and explosive charge 16, through a hole 5a in shell 5 and hole 10c in secondary payload canister 10. Ignition unit la ignites pyrotechnic fuse 6, which in turn ignites explosive charge 16. The explosion of explosive charge 16 produces a loud noise accompanied by a temporarily blinding flash.

Figure 8a is a perspective top-view schematic illustration of a first embodiment of ignition unit la.

Figure 8b is a perspective bottom-view schematic illustration of the first embodiment of ignition unit la.

Figure 8c is a block diagram of the electronic system of the first exemplary embodiment of ignition unit la. The launching of a projectile 1 that includes this embodiment of ignition unit la preferably is done using a modified manual thrower (MMT) (described below with reference to Figures 12A and 12B), a modified mechanical launcher (MML) (described below with reference to Figure 14) or a modified automatic launcher (MAL) (described above with reference to Figure 3b and below with reference to Figure 14). The electronic system of the first exemplary embodiment of ignition unit la includes a power source 20d, which supplies power through an activation button 20c that is operatively connected to an antenna 20a, a data transmitter 20e, a data receiver 20f, a power source tester 20g, an acceleration sensor 20h and a micro-switch 20j. A data processor 20i receives data from data receiver 20f, from the power source tester 20g and from the acceleration sensor 20h, and outputs data to a LED light 20b, to micro-switch 20j and to data transmitter 20e. Data transmitter 20e outputs data it gets from activation button 20c and from data processor 20i to antenna 20a for transmission to a fire control unit such as fire control unit 24b of Figure 12a below or fire control unit 41 of Figuer 3b above and Figure 14 below. Micro-switch 20 j receives data from data processor 20 i and from activation button 20c and outputs a direct current (DC) voltage to a DC/DC converter 20k which converts the received DC voltage to a level suitable for ignition of pyrotechnic fuse 6 of payload earner lb (not shown in this figure) in contact with a pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m.

Upon system startup using activation button 20c, power source tester 20g informs data processor 20i when the power source 20d voltage level is suitable for operation of ignition unit la and data processor 20i then lights up LED light 20b. Data processor 20i then receives required data (such as detonation command, delay time, identification number, etc.) via wireless transmission from fire-control unit 24b or 41 (not shown in the present figure) via antenna 20a and data receiver 20f, and then signals a "ready" signal back through data transmitter 20e and antenna 20a, or by signaling with LED light 20b. When projectile 1 is launched, acceleration sensor 20h senses the launch and signals to the data processor 20i that projectile 1 has been launched. Upon receiving the launch indication from acceleration sensor 20h, data processor 20i starts to count down the delay time received before launch or waits for a detonation command, after which, data processor 20i signals micro- switch 20 j to pass the required DC voltage to pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m via DC/DC converter 20k, thereby detonating pyrotechnic fuse 6 (not shown in present figure).

Figure 9a is a perspective top view schematic illustration of a second embodiment of ignition unit la.

Figure 9b is a perspective bottom view schematic illustration of the second embodiment of an ignition unit la.

Figure 9c is a perspective top view schematic illustration of the payload's shell 5 required for use with the second embodiment of an ignition unit la.

Figure 9d is a block diagram of the electronic system of the second exemplary embodiment of an ignition unit la. The launching of a projectile 1 that includes this embodiment of ignition unit la should be done by modified manual thrower (MMT) (Figure 12a), modified mechanical launcher (MML) or modified automatic launcher (MAL) (Figure 3b). The electronic system of the second exemplary embodiment of an ignition unit la includes a power source 20d, which supplies power through an activation button 20c that is operatively connected to a data transmitter 20e, a data receiver 20f, a power source tester 20g, an acceleration sensor 20h and a micro-switch 20j. A data processor 20i receives data from data receiver 20f _} power source tester 20g and acceleration sensor 20h and outputs data to a LED light 20b, to micro-switch 20 j and to data transmitter 20 e. Data transmitter 20 e outputs data it gets from activation button 20c and from data processor 20i to the ingition unit's contacts to fire-control unit 21. Micro-switch 20j receives data from data processor 20i and from activation button 20c and outputs a direct current (DC) voltage to a DC/DC converter 20k which converts this DC voltage to a level suitable for ignition of pyrotechnic fuse 6 (not shown in this figure) connected to pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m.

Upon system startup using activation button 20c, power source tester 20g informs data processor 20i when the power source 20d voltage level is suitable and data processor 20i lights up LED light 20b. Data processor 20i then receives required data (such as a delay time, an identification number, etc.) via wire transmission from the electrically contacting surface 40a of an automatic launcher's fire-control unit 41 (not shown in the present figure), from the similar fire-control unit of a mechanical launcheer, or from the data contacts 21a of an MMT's fire-control unit 24b (not shown in the present figure) via data receiver 20f, the ignition unit's contacts to fire- control unit 21, and contact strips 21a that connect between the ignition unit and data contacts 24a of MMT 24 or contacting surface 40a of Figure 3C. Then, data processor 20i signals a "ready" signal back through data transmitter 20e or by signaling with LED light 20b. When projectile 1 is launched, acceleration sensor 20h senses the launch and signals to data processor 20i that projectile 1 has been launched. Upon receiving the launch indication from acceleration sensor 20h, data processor 20i starts to count down the delay time received before launch. At the end of the countdown, data processor 20i signals micro-switch 20j to pass the DC voltage to pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m via DC/DC converter 20k, thereby detonating pyrotechnic fuse 6 (not shown in present figure).

Figure 9e is a cross sectional view of the contact strips 21a that are added to the payload carrier's shell 5 for use with the second embodiment of an ignition unit lb. Contact strips 21a, mounted on the payload carrier's shell 5 as is shown in Figure 9c, connect between the second embodiment of an ignition unit lb (not shown in present figure) and data contacts 24a of an MMT (shown in Figure 12a) or contacting surface 40a of an MAL or MML (shown in Figure 3c). The ignition unit's contacts to fire- control unit 21 (shown in Figure 9b) are connected, during the manufacturing process, to the surfaces 21b of the contact strips 21a. Surfaces 21c of contact strips 21a are in contact with data contacts 24a of an MMT (shown in Figure 12a) or contacting surface 40a of a MAL or MML (shown in Figure 3c) when projectile 1 is loaded into the MMT or onto the MAL or MML for launch.

Figure 10a is a perspective top view schematic illustration of a third embodiment of ignition unit la.

Figure 10b is a perspective bottom view schematic illustration of the third embodiment of ignition unit la.

Figure 10c is a block diagram of the electronic system of the third exemplary embodiment of ignition unit la. The launching of a projectile 1 that includes this embodiment of ignition unit la can be done by a modified manual thrower (MMT), by a modified mechanical launcher (MML), by a modified automatic launcher (MAL) or by any prior art thrower/launcher. The electronic system of the third exemplary embodiment of ignition unit la includes a power source 20d, which supplies power through an activation button 20c that is operatively connected to a timing setting switch 22, to a power source tester 20g, to an acceleration sensor 20h and to a micro- switch 20j. A data processor 20i receives data from timing setting switch 22, from power source tester 20g and from the acceleration sensor 20h and outputs data to a LED light 20b and to a micro-switch 20j. Micro-switch 20j receives data from data processor 20i and from activation button 20c and outputs a direct current (DC) voltage to a DC/DC converter 20 k that converts this DC voltage to a level suitable for ignition of pyrotechnic fuse 6 (not shown in this figure) connected to pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m.

Upon system startup using activation button 20c, power source tester 20g informs data processor 20i when the power source 20d voltage level is suitable and data processor 20i lights up LED light 20b. Data processor 20i then receives a delay time from timing setting switch 22. Then, data processor 20i signals a "ready" signal back by signaling with LED light 20b. When projectile 1 is launched, acceleration sensor 20h senses the launch and signals to data processor 20i that projectile 1 has been launched. Upon receiving the launch indication from acceleration sensor 20h, data processor 20i starts to count down the delay time received before launch. At the end of the count down, data processor 20i signals micro-switch 20j to pass the DC voltage to pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m via DC/DC converter 20k, thereby detonating pyrotechnic fuse 6 (not shown in present figure).

Figure 1 la is a perspective top view schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of ignition unit la. Figure l ib is a perspective bottom view schematic illustration of the forth embodiment of ignition unit la.

Figure 11c is a block diagram of the electronic system of the fourth exemplary embodiment of ignition unit la. The launching of a projectile 1 that includes this embodiment of ignition unit la can be done by a modified manual thrower (MMT), by a modified mechanical launcher (MML), by a modified automatic launcher (MAL) or by any prior art thrower/launcher. The electronic system of the fourth exemplary embodiment of ignition unit la includes a power source 20d, which supplies power through an activation button 20c that is operatively connected to a power source tester 20g, to an acceleration sensor 20h and to a micro-switch 20 j. A data processor 20i has a default delay time programmed therein by the manufacturer of ignition unit la and receives data from power source tester 20g and from acceleration sensor 20h, and outputs data to a LED light 20b and to micro-switch 20j. Micro-switch 20j receives data from data processor 20i and from activation button 20c and outputs a direct current (DC) voltage to a DC/DC converter 20k that converts this DC voltage to a level suitable for ignition of pyrotechnic fuse 6 (not shown in this figure) connected to pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m.

Upon system startup using activation button 20c, power source tester 20g informs data processor 20i when the power source 20d voltage level is suitable, and data processor 20i lights up LED light 20b. Then, data processor 20i signals a "ready" signal back by signaling with LED light 20b. When projectile 1 is launched, acceleration sensor 20h senses the launch and signals to data processor 20i that projectile 1 has been launched. Upon receiving the launch indication from acceleration sensor 20h, data processor 20i starts to count down the default delay time that has been programmed by the manufacturer. At the end of the countdown, data processor 201 signals micro-switch 20j to pass the DC voltage to pyrotechnic fuse nest 20m via DC/DC converter 20k, thereby detonating pyrotechnic fuse 6 (not shown in present figure).

Figure 12a is a perspective view of a modified manual thrower (MMT) 24. MMT 24 includes a fire-control unit 24b, data contacts 24a of a fire-control unit 24b, an antenna 24c of fire-control unit 24b, a screen 24d of fire-control unit 24b, a fire button/timing setting switch 24e of fire-control unit 24b, an "on/off switch 24f of fire-control unit 24b, a mode switch 24h of fire control unit 24b, and a body 24g that terminates in a launch recepticle 24i in. which data contacts 24a are embedded. Payloads 1 are loaded into recepticle 24i for launching. A payload 1, whose ignition unit la is the second embodiment of ignition unit la, is loaded into recepticle 24i for launching so that contact strips 21a make electrical contact with data contacts 24a.

Figure 12b is a block diagram of the electronic system of the fire control unit 24b of MMT 24. The electronic system of fire control unit 24b includes a power source 24i, which supplies power through an "on/off switch of fire-control unit 24f, that is operatively connected to an antenna 24c, to a data receiver 24j, to a data transmitter 24k, to a fire button/timing setting switch 24e of fire-control unit 24b, a screen 24d, and a data processor 24m. Mode switch 24h is connected to data transmitter 24k and to data receiver 24j and directs data to/from antenna 24 c or data contacts 24a according to the embodiment (first or second) of the ignition unit la that is installed in a launched projectile 1. If the embodiment of ignition unit la is the first embodiment of ignition unit la, then mode switch 24h directs data to/from antenna 24c. If the embodiment of ignition unit la is the second embodiment of ignition unit la, then mode switch 24h directs data to/from data contacts 24a. Fire button/timing setting switch 24e has two optional functions: to set the delay time for the first and second embodiments of ignition units la and to issue the detonation command for the first embodiment of ignition unit la. Data processor 24m receives data from on/off switch 24f, from fire button/timing setting switch 24e and from data receiver 24j and outputs data to screen 24d and to data transmitter 24 k.

Upon system startup using on/off switch 24f, the user sets mode switch 24h and fire button/timing setting switch 24e according to the type of ignition units la in use. Data processor 24m receives data from fire button/timing setting switch 24e and transfers the data via data transmitter 24k and mode switch 24h, which directs the data via antenna 24c or via data contacts 24a to ignition unit la. The data received, from ignition unit la is directed by mode switch 24h to data receiver 24j and then to data processor 24m. Information received by data processor 24m is displayed on screen 24d.

Figure 13 is a top view schematic illustration of a mechanical embodiment of an acceleration sensor 20h. This embodiment of acceleration sensor 20h includes arm members 25a, springs 25b, first accelerometer contacts 25c, second accelerometer contacts 25d and an external member 25e.

After the launching of a projectile 1, the centrifugal force created by the spinning of projectile 1 compresses springs 25b that are placed between arm members 25a and external member 25e. As a result, first accelerometer contacts 25c touch second accelerometer contacts 25d, and acceleration sensor 20h outputs a signal to data processor 20i (not shown in this figure) to inform data processor 20i that projectile 1 has been launched.

Figure 14 is a block diagram of the electronic system of fire control unit 41 of a

MAL. The electronic system of fire control unit 41 includes a power source 41a, which supplies power through an "on/off switch 41b, that is operatively connected to antenna 40b, to a data receiver 41f, to a data transmitter 41c, to sensors 41d, to an input keyboard 41e, to a screen 41m, and to data processor 41k. Mode switch 41j is connected to data transmitter 41e and to data receiver 41f and directs data to/from antenna 40b or electrical contacts 42 b according to which embodiment of ignition unit la is installed in the launched projectiles 1. If the embodiment of ignition unit la that is installed in projectiles 1 is the first embodiment of ignition unit la, then mode switch 41 j directs data to/from antenna 40b. If the embodiment of ignition unit la that is installed in projectiles 1 is the second embodiment of ignition unit la, then mode switch 41j directs data to/from electrical contacts 42b. Input keyboard 41e is used to input different required data, such as a delay time for the first and second embodiments of ignition units la; the immediate detonation command for the first embodiment of ignition unit la; the number of projectiles to launch; the direction of fire, etc. Sensors 41d collect environmental data such as the angle of the launcher, the wind direction and speed, and/or the ambient temperature, and output the environmental data to data processor 41k. Data processor 41k receives data from on/off switch 41b, from input keyboard 41e, from sensors 41d and from data receiver 41.JF, and outputs data to screen 41m, to data transmitter 41c and to the motors and the launching button of MAL 40, which are placed in the main body of the MAL (not shown in this figure).

Upon system startup using on/off switch 41b, the user sets mode switch 41j and uses input keyboard 41 e to input all required data. Data processor 41k receives data from input keyboard 41 e and transfers the received data via data transmitter 41c and mode switch 41 j, which directs the data to antenna 40b or to electrical contacts 42b. Data received from the ignition unit la of a projectile 1 that is to be launched is directed by mode switch 41 j to data receiver 41f and then to data processor 41k. Data received from sensors 41d and from input keyboard 41e is transferred by data processor 41k to the MAL's motors and launching button. Information received by processor 41k is displayed on screen 41m.

Prior art mechanical launcher P3 of Figure 2 is modified to be a MML of the present invention in a manner similar to how prior art automatic launcher P6 of Figure 3 a is transformed into MAL 40 of the present invention. The description above of MAL 40 applies, mutatis mutandis, to a MML of the present invention. In particular, the description above of the structure and use of fire control unit 41 applies, mutatis mutandis, to the fire control unit of a MML of the present invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited in the claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described, herein.