Triboluminescent - point of impact identifying projectile

Abstract

The instant invention discloses a triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact and includes one or more triboluminescent materials contained thereon or therein. The projectile is in the form of any shape or size and is constructed and arranged to be combined with at least one triboluminescent material. Mechanical stress inducing materials may be included with the triboluminescent materials. The projectile, in combination with the triboluminescent materials, provides a user with identification of the target-projectile point of impact.

1 . A triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact comprising, in combination, a projectile and at least one triboluminescent material wherein impact of said projectile with a target results in light emission by said triboluminescent material which provides site identification of the target-projectile impact. 
     
     
         2 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said projectile is coated with said triboluminescent material along at least a portion of the outer surface. 
     
     
         3 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said triboluminescent material is integrally formed to said projectile. 
     
     
         4 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said projectile includes an inner reservoir constructed and arranged to contain said triboluminescent material. 
     
     
         5 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 4  wherein said reservoir includes at least one mechanical stress inducing material, wherein said mechanical stress inducing material provides enhanced mechanical stress induced on said triboluminescent material upon impact. 
     
     
         6 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said light emission is visible light. 
     
     
         7 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said light emission is infrared light. 
     
     
         8 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said triboluminescent material is zinc sulfide doped with manganese. 
     
     
         9 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said triboluminescent material is Europium teterakis crystals. 
     
     
         10 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said triboluminescent material is Neodonium tetrakis crystals. 
     
     
         11 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said projectile is a bullet between 5 mm and 30 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The triboluminescent projectile useful for identifying a point of impact according to  claim 1  wherein said projectile is a shell propelled by an external propellant. 
     
     
         13 . A process for incorporating triboluminescent material onto the surface of a projectile comprising the steps of: applying an adhesive material to one or more portions of the outer surface of a projectile; and coating said projectile with triboluminescent material: wherein said adhesive material is capable of securing triboluminescent material to the surface of said projectile. 
     
     
         14 . A process for incorporating triboluminescent material within a projectile comprising the steps of: forming at least one reservoir within a projectile; inserting a triboluminescent material into said reservoir; and sealing said triboluminescent material in said reservoir to form a unitary projectile. 
     
     
         15 . The process for incorporating triboluminescent material within a projectile according to  claim 13  including the step of inserting at least one mechanical stress inducing material into said reservoir; wherein said mechanical stress inducing material compliments the impact force used to activate said triboluminescent material.