The following patent for restraints that are capable of emitting electrical shocks and administering drugs to subdue detainees was published November 29, 2012.  It was first pointed out by Patent Bolt.

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR AUGMENTED DETAINEE RESTRAINT

• 43 pages
• November 29, 2012

There is provided a device and system for restraining detainees through devices attached to the detainees and configured to administer electrical shocks when certain predetermined conditions occur. Restraining devices may be activated by internal control systems or by external controllers that transmit activation signals to the restraining device. External controllers may be actuated by an external controlling entity such as a detention guard or other person or system, or may be controlled by an enabling signal sent by wired or wireless connections to the controller. There is also provided a system for detainee restraint where multiple detainees may be restrained collectively or individually in a controlled environment such as a detention facility, a jail, or a detainee transport vehicle.

…

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] There is provided a device and system for restraining detainees through devices attached to the detainees and configured to administer electrical shocks when certain predetermined conditions occur. Restraining devices may be activated by internal control systems or by external controllers that transmit activation signals to the restraining device. External controllers may be actuated by an external controlling entity such as a detention guard or other person or system, or may be controlled by an enabling signal sent by wired or wireless connections to the controller. There is also provided a system for detainee restraint where multiple detainees may be restrained collectively or individually in a controlled environment such as a detention facility, a jail, or a detainee transport vehicle.

[0017] Embodiments of the restraining device of the present invention includes a restraint for physically constraining movement of at least a portion of a detainee’s body; an electric shock component coupled to the restraint; and a control system coupled to the electric shock component, the control system configured to cause the electric shock component to deliver a shock to the detainee when a predetermined condition occurs. The restraining device may be any device capable ofbeing attached to a detainee and restraining at least a portion of the detainee’s body, and in various implementations may include at least one of: a handcuff; an ankle cuff; a restraining belt; a straightjacket; a harness; a facial restraint; a helmet; and a neck collar; and combinations thereof. The restraint further includes one or more electrodes coupled to the electric shock component, and one of the one or more electrodes are configured to contact the skin of the detainee to deliver a shock when a predetermined condition occurs. Warnings in various forms may be provided to the detainee by the restraining device prior to administration of shock, and may be managed selectively by the control system coupled to the restraining device. Examples of warnings may include one or more of: an audio warning; a tactile warning such as a vibration or low-intensity shock; a visual warning such as a flashing light or text indicating a shock may be administered; and combinations thereof. The warnings may be varied in intensity to attempt to modify behavior of the detainee prior to administration of a shock, and the output of the administered shock may be tailored to a predetermined or variable amount based upon conditions perceived by an external controlling entity.

[0018] In various embodiments, the shock output of the restraining device may be varied to achieve any desired result. For example, the control system may be configured to cause the electric shock component to vary at least one of: a magnitude of the electric shock; a frequency of a signal generating the electric shock; and duration of the electric shock.

[0019] Embodiments of the restraining device may further include one or more sensors in communication with the control system. A sensor may be configured to detect whether the detainee engages in an unauthorized activity, and when such condition occurs the control system may be configured to deliver a shock to the detainee. The unauthorized activity may be defined to include any condition such as the detainee entering an unauthorized location; the detainee approaching a restricted area within a predetermined distance; the detainee approaching a keep-out zone broadcasting a keep-out signal, wherein a signal power level of the keep-out signal received by the device exceeds a predetermined threshold; the detainee attempting to tamper with the restraining device; or the detainee exiting an authorized location. Additionally, unauthorized activities may include the detainee making a threatening movement, where the restraining device measures through its sensors that the detainee is making movements of an aggressive nature or is modifying posture to a posture of potential aggression, such as drawing back a fist to swing, raising an arm suddenly, yanking against the restraining device, or rising suddenly from a prone or seated posture. Also, sensors on the restraining device may determine an unauthorized activity has occurred when the detainee makes an utterance that exceeds a predetermined volume measured by sensors coupled to the restraining device (such as a microphone); such a situation may be desirable to prevent the detainee from interfering in court proceedings, for example. In another embodiment, an unauthorized activity may include use of an unauthorized system such as any structure, device, or system to which use or access by the detainee can be controlled, including: a door to a building, ignition to a police car, computer system, or a weapon. In one embodiment, if a weapon is equipped with an RFID or other identification device, sensors in the restraining device may transmit a signal and receive a response signal indicating that a weapon is in a predetermined the proximity, and if the detainee does not move away from the weapon to cause the response signal to fall below a predetermined threshold, a shock will be administered. In yet another embodiment, an unauthorized activity occurs when the detainee fails to provide a predetermined verbal acknowledgement. Various combinations of these states may lead to additional unauthorized activities being detected.

Share this: