TEMPE, AZ – September 13, 2011 – VirTra Systems, Inc. (VTSI.PK), a global leader in firearms simulators, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent No. 8,016,594 to the company. Based on the parameters of the awarded patent, VirTra is the only company in the United States that can produce or sell any device using electronic impulses to simulate consequences during simulation training.
Prior to Threat-Fire™, simulation training lacked a key feature – consequences. Trainees were able to engage simulated hostile forces; however, simulated hostile forces could not feasibly affect the trainees – greatly reducing the realism of training. Shoot-back cannons were used but had to be aimed, required eye-protection, caused injuries, required constant cleanup and had a host of other problems.
As part of VirTra’s ongoing effort to revolutionize firearms simulation training, VirTra invented an electric impulse device called the Threat-Fire™. The device easily clips-on to the trainee, uses a rechargeable battery pack, is wireless and can penetrate many layers of clothing. Threat-Fire™ is adjustable and the normal setting of just 30 milliseconds of electric impulse is enough to add real-world consequences while greatly enhancing the effectiveness of professional simulation training. The Threat-Fire™ device is one of the company’s most successful products.
The patented Threat-Fire™ is fully integrated into VirTra’s simulators, which provides yet another compelling reason to buy the VirTra brand of simulator platforms. Threat-Fire™ will be sold in a standalone configuration on a case-by-case basis. Threat-Fire™ represents a higher standard in simulation, where trainees learn to handle consequences in training for the best possible preparation.
“The Threat-Fire™ patent awarded to VirTra is a monumental event in our company’s history. Our determination to solve a potentially life-threatening limitation in simulation training led to a revolutionary new device – the Threat-Fire™. This electric return fire simulator greatly enhances the realism, intensity, and seriousness of all forms of firearms simulation training. In addition, I expect this patent will enhance both the value and future financial results of VirTra,” said Bob Ferris, VirTra’s CEO.
