--- Jack Cover, who invented the Taser stun gun, died Feb. 13. He was 88.

--- Cover, a one-time NASA scientist, began developing the Taser as a nonlethal weapon to combat the hijackings and riots that were happening in the 1960s.

--- One of his favorite books, "Tom Swift and his Electric Rifle," inspired Cover to create the acronym TASER.

--- In 2007, Taser International said it had won more than 60 wrongful-death cases, either beating the lawsuits in court or getting them dismissed with no payout or penalty.

--- More than 13,400 law enforcement, correctional and military agencies in 44 countries use Taser guns.

--- Jack Cover, who invented the Taser stun gun,died on Feb. 13, 2009. He was 88.

--- In 2007, Taser International said they had won more than 60 wrongful death cases, either beating the lawsuits in court or getting them dismissed with no payout or penalty.

--- The Los Angeles police department began using the devices, still somewhat of a novelty, in 1980, and other departments also began using them.

HOW IT WORKS

The Taser X26 Electronic Control Device used by local law enforcement agencies is designed to be carried on officers' gun belts.

--- Each Taser holds a replaceable cartridge containing compressed nitrogen. When activated, the nitrogen deploys two probes up to 35 feet. The probes are attached to the Taser by insulated conductive wires.

--- The Taser transmits electrical pulses into the body that affect the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system, rendering people or animals temporarily incapacitated. Those stunned by a Taser experience an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue and can fall down.

--- Energy generated by Tasers can penetrate up to 2 inches of clothing or 1 inch per probe.

--- Tasers weigh about 7 ounces. The devices cost about $800 each; cartridges run about $25.

--- Although the Taser can deliver as much as 50,000 volts, it averages 1,500 volts. The current is typically 0.0021 amps.

-- Information from Taser International, The Associated Press

	COMPLETE COVERAGE Go to fredericknewspost.com/taserturmoil for complete coverage. — — — DATABASE Search through 44 reports of Taser use by the county's police agencies from April 2007 to July 2008 Age breakdown Click the image for a look at the age breakdown of those who were tasered.