Unified Execution Protocols
FRED A. LEUCHTER ASSOCIATES, INC.
UNIFIED SPECIFICATIONS
EXECUTION EQUIPMENT
& SERVICES
Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc.
231 Kennedy Drive
Unit 110
Boston, Massachusetts
02148
(617) 322-0104
FAX (617) 321-3306
FRED A. LEUCHTER ASSOCIATES, INC.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODULAR LETHAL INJECTION SYSTEM
MODULAR ELECTROCUTION
SYSTEM
EQUIPMENT
CERTIFICATION
CERTIFIED TRAINING
EXECUTION SUPPORT
Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc.
231 Kennedy Drive
Unit 110
Boston, Massachusetts
02148
(617) 322-0104
FAX (617) 321-3306
SPECIFICATION
THE FRED A. LEUCHTER ASSOCIATES, INC.
MODULAR LETHAL INJECTION SYSTEM
The design of this Lethal Injection System has considered all
applicable medical, mechanical and operational problems
inherent in the lethal injection procedure and is the most
reliable application of the lethal injection requirement.
DESCRIPTION
The Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. Modular Lethal
Injection Machine is designed to sequentially deliver
variable quantities of three solutions at variable time
periods. Utilizing standard 60cc disposable syringes, it is
essentially driven by weighted pistons depressing the syringe
plungers. It is designed to sequentially deliver the
solutions at time intervals controlled by an electrical,
solid-state, timing system powered by a sealed battery which
receives its charge from the power line. The system is
designed to be activated by two executioners: a solid-state
digital circuit will randomly determine which executioner
controls the system, but will not retain the chosen
executioner in memory. Since it operates from battery power,
it is not subject to power line failure. Three electrical
solenoids cause the weighted pistons to depress the
respective syringe plungers. Chemical delivery is via a
single intravenous line, commoned by an eight-port stainless
steel manifold with luer lock entry ports. This line joins
with a standard intravenous administration set dispensing
saline solution on a continuous basis into the subject.
Three solid state timers operate the solenoids and the stages
are initiated by switch-controlled relays monitoring the
volume of solution in each syringe.
In the event of a timing system failure, an electrical
override is provided to control the solenoid operation. Two
switches are used to control the depression of each
successive plunger. Any one, or all three plungers, may be
controlled, depending upon the problem encountered. The
controlling switch group is preset during machine makeready.
Thus, the system still functions as a one-of-two executioner
controlled system. In the event of total electrical failure,
or a partial mechanical failure of the Prime System, a second
Back-up System, which is strictly mechanical, is employed.
This system consists of a redundant set of piston driven
syringes and is operated by three sets of double pull knobs.
Determination of which executioner will control the system is
made during makeready. Both knobs of each set are pulled in
tandem sequentially and the system operates as a one-of-two
executioner system. The use of either back-up system
requires that sequential timing between successive plunger
actuations be determined by clock and command. All three
systems have been engineered with a minimal amount of
components for trouble free operation, and it is unlikely
that a systems failure should occur in any of the three
systems. However, should failure occur, the redundant
systems should insure a problem-free execution.
Provision is made for systems purge via two saline filled
syringes and an external saline supply is utilized to prevent
coagulation at the needle tip, in the usual manner. The
system is designed to accept eight 60cc syringes; two for
saline, two for Pentathol, two for Pancuronium Bromide, and
two for Potassium Chloride. Each of the six functional
syringes has a positive piston stop pin to prevent premature
operation of the system.
The system consists of two modules; The Control Module and
The Delivery Module. The Control Module is made up of the
power, sequential timing and control circuitry. The Delivery
Module consists of the electro-mechanical and mechanical
drive assemblies, syringes, and manifold, to ensure proper
fluid delivery.
THE CONTROL MODULE
The Control Module is designed utilizing state-of-the-art,
solid-state, power, digital and timing circuitry and
conventional electrical switches. The on/off and function
switches are key controlled to prevent accidental operation.
The battery, power supply and charging circuit are also part
of this package.
The Control Panel itself contains the Key-controlled on/off
switch and two executioner switches (which are pushed
simultaneously) for the prime system; the key-controlled
function switch for the electrical back-up system (to
determine which executioner activates the system) and six
operating switches, arranged in three pairs, for the back-up
system. These switches are thrown simultaneously by the
executioners and control the sequential dispensing of the
fluids, individually. Each pair is thrown simultaneously
with the proper time interval between operations when the
electrical back-up system is utilized.
There are two sets of monitoring lights, one on The Control
Module and a redundant set on The Delivery Module. A system-
on light indicates power on. Each syringe is monitored by a
three light sequence. Red indicates Ready, Yellow indicates
Operating and Green indicates Completion. The sequence
occurs three times, once for each syringe. The Control
Module shall be in The Control Room.
THE DELIVERY MODULE
The Delivery Module consists of an eight inlet, one outlet
stainless steel manifold containing two purge syringes filled
with saline solution, two syringes filled with Sodium
Pentathol, two syringes filled with Pancuronium Bromide, and
two syringes filled with Potassium Chloride. The outlet is
connected to a disposable intravenous administration set
terminating in a needle tip and connected to a saline
dispensing bag a short distance from the manifold.
Additional hardware includes the cylinder matrix for
supporting the syringe assembly, three electrical solenoids,
three solenoid pull rods, six mechanical pull knobs, six
connecting cables, six weight stop pins, six weighted
pistons, six cylinders, and nine indicator lights. A total
of eight disposable 60cc syringes are utilized in the system.
During system makeready, all three solenoid pull rods are
used, but only three of the six connecting cables, one for
each set of two. The pull knobs are arranged in three pairs
and both from each pair are pulled, one by each executioner,
but only one from each pair is connected (either all odd or
all even numbers). All manifold inlet connections are
accomplished by luer lock fittings. Two purge syringe back
flow stop brackets and twelve piston spaces are also part of
The Delivery Module.
During makeready, the two saline syringes are used to bleed
the system, the other syringes are installed, after filling,
in the proper order, as assemblies, with the weighted piston,
cylinder and piston stop pin. The cables are connected in
the proper sequence and the solenoid pull rods inserted into
the pistons. The Delivery Module shall be in the Execution
Chamber.
PROCEDURE
It is suggested that the following procedure might be
followed to facilitate a smooth execution. These dosages are
established, although not recommended, through consultation
with pharmaceutical manufacturers. We at Fred A. Leuchter
Associates, Inc., not being pharmacologists, do not
recommend, or in any way guarantee the efficacy of these
chemicals or dosages, but simply communicate the
recommendations of the manufacturers.
1. Pre-injection 10cc antihistamine, one half hour prior
to execution.
2. Pre-injection 8cc 2% Sodium Pentathol (5 grams/250
ml, Abbott Labs #6108-01) five minutes prior to
transmittal of subject to death chamber.
3. Machine injection 15cc Sodium Pentathol 2% Solution
(as above) delivered over a ten second time period.
4. One minute wait.
5. Machine injection 15cc Pancuronium Bromide (Pavulon,
Organon Drug Co., 2ml/2mg/ml) over a ten second time
period.
6. One minute wait.
7. Machine injection 15cc Potassium Chloride (KCl
Injectable solution).
8. Two minute wait.
9. Execution over.
SYSTEM NOTES
Times may be varied up to two and one half minutes by setting
the timer in The Control Module.
Volumes to be dispensed may be varied by reducing the volumes
in the syringe and utilizing the appropriate piston spacer.
Speeds of injection may be varied by using needles of
different sizes. It is recommended not to exceed a twelve
gauge. Fourteen gauge angiocaths are supplied.
The battery contains sufficient power at full charge to
sustain operation for at least six usages of the system at
fifteen minute time intervals before recharge is necessary.
A uniform, slow-rate charge circuit, designed to guarantee a
maximum battery life, will completely charge the battery over
a 14 hour time period from 110 vac line power. The battery
is a 12-volt 15-ampere hour battery.
END
SPECIFICATION
THE FRED A. LEUCHTER ASSOCIATES, INC.
MODULAR ELECTROCUTION
SYSTEM
The design of an electrocution system involves the
consideration of a few, but very significant, requirements.
Voltage, current, connections, duration and number of current
applications (jolts).
REQUIREMENTS
First, the system should contain three (3) electrodes. The
head should be fitted with a tightly fitting cap containing
an electrode with a saline solution moistened sponge. It is
through this electrode that the current is introduced.
Second, each ankle should be tightly fitted with an
electrode, causing the current to divide and guaranteeing
passage through the complete trunk of the subjects body. Use
of one (1) ankle electrode (instead of two [2]) will almost
always ensure a longer and more difficult electrocution.
These two (2) ankle electrodes are the return path of the
current. Contact should be enhanced by using saline salve or
a sponge moistened with a saline solution at each of the
ankle connections. It is of the utmost importance that good
circuit continuity, with a minimum amount of resistance, be
maintained at the electrode contacts. Further, a minimum of
2000 volts ac must be maintained, after voltage drop, to
guarantee permanent disruption of the functioning of the
autonomic nervous system. Voltages lower than 2000 volts ac,
at saturation, cannot guarantee heart death and are, thus,
not adequate for electrocution, in that they may cause
unnecessary trauma to the subject prior to death. Failure to
adhere to these basic requirements could result in pain to
the subject and failure to achieve heart death, leaving a
brain dead subject in the chair.
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION
During electrocution there are two (2) factors that must be
considered: the conscious and the autonomic nervous systems.
Voltages in excess of 1500 volts ac are generally sufficient
to destroy the conscious nervous system, that which controls
pain and understanding. Generally, unconsciousness occurs in
4.16 milliseconds, which is 1/240 part of a second. This is
twenty-four (24) times as fast as the subjects conscious
nervous system can record pain. The autonomic nervous system
is a little more difficult, however, and generally requires
in excess of 2000 volts ac to seize the pacemaker in the
subjects heart. Generally, we compute the voltage at 2000
volts ac plus 20%. After the voltage is applied and the
subjects body saturates, the voltage has dropped about 10%
(depending upon the resistance of the electrode contacts and
that of the subject body) and this should be taken into
consideration, as well. Current should be kept under six (6)
amperes to minimize body damage (cooking).
Ideally, the voltage is calculated thus:
The average man weighing 70 kilos (154 lbs.) requires
2000 volts ac to seize the heart.
Increase the voltage by 20% to accommodate subjects with
greater resistance.
2000 volts ac plus 20% equals 2400 volts ac.
Increase voltage by 10% for drop at saturation.
2400 volts ac plus 10% equals 2640 volts ac.
Thus, the voltage should be 2640 volts ac.
This 2640 volts ac should be applied in two (2) jolts of one
(1) minute each, spaced at a ten (10) second interval. On
occasion, the subjects heart will spasm, instead of seizing,
during the first application of current and the application
of the second jolt will generally eliminate this problem.
This spasm is due to excessive chemical build-up
(acetylcholine and sympathin) at the nerve junctions and the
ten (10) second wait generally allows for dissipation of the
chemicals.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. manufactures a low-cost,
state-of-the-art modular system for electrocution. The
system utilizes solid state circuitry for control and timing,
current regulation to five (50) milliamperes (1%) and single
and two (2) station control for operation. It is designed
with plug-in components for ease in repair and maintenance,
and because of its modular design can be installed in very
little time by untrained personnel.
The control system is designed for a timing sequence which
will deliver two (2) one (1) minute jolts at minimum of 2400
volts ac spaced ten (10) seconds apart. To guarantee fail-
safe operation, a redundant system's timer activates and
shuts down the system if any of the sequential timers fail.
Additionally, there are two (2) modes of operation: single
station and two (2) station. In single station, one (1) push
button switch controls the operation. In two (2) station,
two (2) switches are utilized and logic (computer) circuitry
determines which switch causes operation. The two (2)
station mode precludes the use of an executioner, since no
one knows which of the two (2) switches activated the system.
The system does not retain the operating switch in memory.
Further, since the controls are operated electronically, the
operator handles only low voltage equipment, being completely
isolated from the high voltage, guaranteeing operator safety.
The high voltage circuitry is designed to deliver 2640 volts
ac upon activation and, as the load saturates and the current
increases, the voltage stabilizes at (or above) 2400 volts
ac. The current is limited to five (5) amperes, maximum, by
a current regulator. The voltage, in accordance with the
standard formula for admittance, will drop approximately 10%
or 240 volts, but the current will never exceed five (5)
amperes with 1% (five [50] milliampere) regulation. A
current limiting breaker protects the load in the event of a
regulator failure and will open the circuit at six (6)
amperes. The equipment is protected by a ninety (90) ampere
overcurrent breaker.
THE POWER SUPPLY
The power supply consists of a 208 volt ac primary, 2640 volt
as secondary transformer coupled to a saturable reactor with
current monitoring circuitry, two (2) overcurrent limits and
a high voltage contactor.
It is designed to deliver five (5) amperes at 1% (fifty [50]
milliampere) regulation at 2400 volts ac, plus 10% (240 volts
ac). This means that when the circuit is closed, 2640 volts
ac is fed into the load. As the load saturates, the current
increases and the voltage drops. At approximately ten (10)
seconds into the operation, the load is fully saturated and
will appear to be approaching a direct short circuit. The
current regulator, however, limits the current to five (5)
amperes at the saturation voltage point of 2400 (minimum)
volts ac. If the current regulator fails, an overcurrent
breaker is set to trip a six (6) amperes.
The system operates by monitoring output current, processing
it in a direct current amplifier, and applying it to a direct
current coil which controls the flux density in the core of
the reactor. It is, essentially, a highly accurate magnetic
amplifier.
Additionally, the power supply contains overcurrent
protection for both the equipment and the load and an output
contactor for closing the high voltage circuit to the
Electric Chair. All connections to the power supply, except
those for the 208 volts ac in, which are terminal block, are
via two (2) military-type circular connectors.
THE CONTROL CONSOLE
The control console is a sloped metal panel cabinet
containing the timing circuitry, computer controlled
switching circuitry and controls for the system operation.
It contains two (2) key switches for circuit control and a
key-controlled fail-safe switch for high voltage output.
The timing sequence is accomplished with two (2) solid-state
one (1) minute timers and one (1) ten (10) second timer
cascaded from a system's timer of 130 seconds, guaranteeing
system shutdown after 130 seconds even in the event of a
sequential timer failure. Timer activation is all by
precision relay.
One (1) and two (2) station control is standard and is
facilitated by solid-state circuitry. In single station
control, one (1) switch operates an electronic relay and
activates the system. In two (2) station control, two (2)
switches are utilized and the logic (computer) circuitry
chooses the switch which will activate the relay. This
insures that no one will know which operator controlled the
circuit, as with a firing squad. The system does not retain
the operating switch in memory.
THE ELECTRIC CHAIR
The electric chair consists of an oaken chair with an
adjustable arms and backrest, inherent leg electrodes, a
leather and sponge helmet with electrode, a drip pan, a
plexiglass seat and a non-incremental restraint system. It
is connected to the power supply via one military type
connector. It disassembles into five (5) sub groups: the
back, the seat, the arms, the electrode leg stock and the
helmet.
The ankle electrodes, which are fabricated onto the leg
stock, are turned of solid brass. They accommodate a #6
conductor and are paralleled to ground.
The helmet consists of an outer helmet of leather and an
inner helmet of copper mesh and sponge. It will disassemble
for repair and the electrode will accommodate a #6 conductor.
The helmet includes an removable face curtain.
The chair design includes a removable drip pan. The straps
are of nylon aircraft construction and consist of two (2)
ankle straps, two (2) wrist straps and one (1) cross-the-
chest harness, all with quick release fasteners. All
fasteners comprising the restraints are non-incremental,
enabling a tighter fit.
The entire system, because of its modular design, may be
installed by non-technical people in several hours and is
fully field repairable.
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER SUPPLY
Voltage: 208 volts ac in, 2400 volts ac plus 10% or
2640 volts ac out.
Current: five (5) amperes at 1% (fifty [50]
milliampere) regulation.
Overcurrent protection: six (6) amperes; ninety (90)
amperes; load and equipment respectively.
Input: 208 volts ac, 75 Amp, 60 Hz, 15.5 VA.
Disconnect rated 208 volts ac, 100 Amp.
Main Transformer: Primary-195 volts ac, 68 amps,
13.2 KVA. Secondary-2640 volts ac, 5 amp.
Saturable reactor: 75 amp, 15 KVA.
Control Transformer: Primary-208 volts ac.
Secondary-110 volts ac, 50-60 Hz, 750 KVA.
Meters: 1 volt, 1 amp.
Terminations: two (2) MS (military-type) circular
connectors, console and high voltage output. Terminal
block, 208 volts ac input.
Enclosure: NEMA 12.
CONTROL CONSOLE
Voltage: 110 volts ac.
Overcurrent protection: one (1) ampere; three (3)
ampere.
Timing: sequential--one (1) minute; ten (10) seconds;
one (1) minute. All solid-state with a 130 second
system's timer.
Switches: three (3) lock type--two (2) for circuit
control operation, one (1) for system fail-safe; two
(2) operator switches.
Terminations: one (1) MS (military-type) circular
connector.
ELECTRIC CHAIR
Material: oak.
Electrodes: all turned of solid brass, two (2) leg, one
(1) helmet.
Helmet: leather, copper mesh and sponge.
Straps: nylon, aircraft-type; quick release.
This is a modular system and all components are available
separately. Integration into existing systems may require
modification of component or system and interface.
All installed equipment is Certified as ready. Training and
Certification of personnel is strongly recommended.
THE ELECTRIC CHAIR MODULAR POWER SUPPLY TEST UNIT
The Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. Modular Power Supply
Test Unit is especially designed for use with the Fred A.
Leuchter Associates, Inc. Modular Electrocution System. It
replaces the electric chair in the system during testing and
simulates the load of the chair occupied by an executee.
It contains an especially fabricated, harmonically balanced,
twenty (20) component, high wattage resistor package which is
cooled by a quadrafan assembly having an area of some 255
square inches and an aggregate airflow of some 2320 cfm. It
mates with the connector to the electric chair.
SPECIFICATIONS
TEST CIRCUIT
Resistor Bank: Twenty (20) 26.4 ohm 375 watt resistors;
total impedence 528 ohms, total wattage (KVA) 7500 at
200 % rating. Total 15 KVA.
QUADRAFAN CIRCUIT
Rating: 115 volts ac, 1.4 amps, 144 watts.
END
EQUIPMENT
CERTIFICATION
Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. can evaluate, Test and
Certify your equipment as Ready at any time prior to an
execution. This involves one engineer and one technician
inspecting and testing your equipment on site. Any problems
can be determined and a remedy found prior to a failure
during an execution. A dated Certificate will be issued
Certifying your equipment as Ready for a competent execution.
This minimizes any legal problems in the event of a failure
during an execution. Further, it guarantees the Executee a
dignified and professional execution.
CERTIFIED TRAINING
Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. can Train and Certify your
personnel to operate your execution equipment for a competent
execution. Training consists of a one day combination
lecture/seminar at your facility with actual hands-on
training with your equipment. This training to include all
aspects of your mode of execution, including, but not limited
to, the medical, technical and practical problems and
procedures required for a competent execution. Additionally,
there will be a discussion of the theory, design, maintenance
and operation of your equipment. Resultant to this training
program, Certificates will be issued to all those attending
Certifying them as Execution Technicians in your mode of
execution. Training and Certification is available in any of
the following disciplines: Lethal Injection Technician,
Electrocution Technician, Lethal Gas Technician, Hanging
Technician. Training and Certification minimizes legal
problems in the event of a problem during an execution.
Further, it guarantees the Executee a dignified and
professional execution.
EXECUTION SUPPORT
Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. can enter into an Execution
Support Contract with your State. Under the terms of this
contract Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. will assume the
full responsibility for the technical aspects of your
execution. The State need only supply the executioner and,
in the event of Lethal Injection, an I.V. Technician. Fred
A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. will Test and Certify all
equipment as Ready, set up all equipment, supply all
consumables needed for the execution (except electricity) and
ensure a competent execution which will maintain the dignity
of the executee, as well as, the dignity of those responsible
for the execution. This requires one engineer and one
technician. An Execution Support contract guarantees a
smooth and competent execution for the executee and minimizes
legal problems in the event of a failure during the
execution.
GAS CHAMBERS
Gas Chamber maintenance and construction is not modular and
is available upon special request. Because of the danger to
personnel, all equipment must be installed by Fred A.
Leuchter Associates engineers and technicians.
GALLOWS
Gallows equipment is not common and is available upon special
request.
DISCLAIMER
Fred A. Leuchter Associates, Inc. assumes no liability for
the actual or intended use of its devices or services.