Ordnance Or Weapon Systems Computer Patents (Class 235/400)
  • Patent number: 11217401
    Abstract: Explosion-proof pressure-resistant housing with a receiving part for electric operating components and with a closure part that closes the receiving part via a bayonet catch, wherein the closure part has a cylindrical segment that forms a flameproof joint when inserted into the receiving part, the cylindrical segment of the closure part has pins and the cylindrical outer wall of the receiving part contains longitudinal slots, at the ends of which longitudinal slots short transverse slots connect for receiving the pins, where a locking part is slid onto the closure part and includes locking elements distributed across the periphery and engaging in the longitudinal slots such that the pins are prevented from rotating out of the transverse slots, and where the locking part is fastened to the closure part via at least one fastener that detachable exclusively via a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Pfalzer
  • Patent number: 11089686
    Abstract: The invention concerns a data acquisition device (10) comprising a casing (11) defining a cavity (20), and a plurality of electronic modules (12) suitable for being stacked in the cavity (20), each electronic module (12) having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and comprising a first set of conductive tracks extending over the first face, and a second set of conductive tracks sending over the second face, the first set of conductive tracts comprising at least one conductive track for transmitting a data signal, and the second set of conductive tracks comprising at least one conductive track for transmitting the data signal, making it possible to propagate the data signal from one module to another through the entirety of the stack, whatever the order of stacking of the electronic modules (12) in the cavity (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN DATA SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Ghislain Guerrero, Olivier Pinto
  • Patent number: 11022408
    Abstract: A system operative to down a target drone having propellers deployed along a perimeter p, comprising a processor-controlled interceptor drone bearing a processor-controlled flexible elongate intercepting agent cannon and an onboard camera; and an onboard processor to receive sensed wind conditions and to a firing distance d, between interceptor and target drones, given a firing angle A, and wherein the processor is configured to track the target drone using imagery generated by the onboard camera including at least once, when said wind conditions exist, guiding the interceptor drone to a firing position whose distance from the target drone is d, and commanding the cannon to fire at firing angle A, once said firing position is achieved, thereby to use the flexible elongate intercepting agent to down target drones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ELTA SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventor: Gil Klar
  • Patent number: 10962331
    Abstract: The system and method of dynamic weapon to target assignment (DWTA) using a control based methodology to dynamically assign each projectile to a target in a multiple target engagement situation. In some cases, closest proximity is used in a real-time, to accomplish the DWTA functional requirement and performance criteria. In some cases, g pulling acceleration and projectile fin deflection motion are also used to assess the best matched pair for each projectile and each target with an end goal of intercepting the target or guiding the projectile to an acceptable error basket for target destruction via detonation. For the closest distance criterion for projectile/target pairing, a cutoff time is used to ensure the pairing is conducted within an acceptable duration while still being able to intercept the target or meet a required miss distance basket (e.g., <3 m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Quang M. Lam, Ned B. Thammakhoune
  • Patent number: 10959313
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture includes a lamp having a tube with at least one LED lamp positioned therein and operatively connected with external electrical contacts. The lamp has at least one communication protocol address associated therewith. A communication protocol converter is associated with the lamp and is configured to receive an instruction from a communication protocol controller, determine if the instruction is intended for the associated at least one communication protocol address, and if so, control the at least one LED lamp based on the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Mike Bovino
  • Patent number: 10823536
    Abstract: An interactive target system including a first target assembly having a first target base operationally engaged with a first anchoring component, a first target surface rotatably engaged with, or fixed to, the first target base, a first spring adapted to bias the first target surface into the open position, a first electronics component having a first target GPS operationally engaged with the first target assembly, a first target strike status detector adapted to generate a first target strike count, and a first target electromagnetic signal transmitter and receiver, a first cooperating signal device having a first cooperating signal device GPS operationally engaged with the first cooperating signal device, a first cooperating signal device electromagnetic signal transmitter and receiver, a clock, and a first sound generator adapted to selectably generate a first notification sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: James Sarver
  • Patent number: 10795668
    Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a control module including a processor and a local memory that stores a first instance of operational software executable by the processor and that relates to functionality of the control module to selectively control a vehicle system, and a backplane memory device coupled to the control module by a common backplane. The backplane memory device includes shadow memory that stores a second instance of the operational software. A method of synchronizing an assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terrence R. Leibham, Michael J. Hanson, Dave Reiter
  • Patent number: 10782098
    Abstract: The system and method of dynamic weapon to target assignment (DWTA) using a control based methodology to dynamically assign each projectile to a target in a multiple target engagement situation. In some cases, closest proximity is used in a real-time, to accomplish the DWTA functional requirement and performance criteria. In some cases, g pulling acceleration and projectile fin deflection motion are also used to assess the best matched pair for each projectile and each target with an end goal of intercepting the target or guiding the projectile to an acceptable error basket for target destruction via detonation. For the closest distance criterion for projectile/target pairing, a cutoff time is used to ensure the pairing is conducted within an acceptable duration while still being able to intercept the target or meet a required miss distance basket (e.g., <3 m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Quang M. Lam, Ned B. Thammakhoune
  • Patent number: 10752378
    Abstract: Described herein is a mobile apparatus for capturing images that includes a body, a propulsion device coupled to the body and actuatable to propel the body in response to a motion control command. The mobile apparatus also includes a low-resolution camera coupled to the body and configured to capture a plurality of low-resolution images. Further, the mobile apparatus includes a transceiver coupled to the body. The transceiver is configured to wirelessly receive the motion control command and wirelessly transmit the plurality of low-resolution images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 10712133
    Abstract: An impact indication system for indicating an impact of a projectile on a target. The impact indication system includes an impact sensing system including a g-force sensor, a housing engagable with the target, and a first computing device including at least a processor and a memory. The impact indication system further includes a signal output unit including a housing, a signal output device, a second computing device including a processor and a memory, the first computing device operable to send a signal to the second computing device in response to sensing the impact, and the second computing device operable to produce a signal indicative of the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventors: David Kerley, Laurence A. Bay
  • Patent number: 10605570
    Abstract: A launch control system relates to a method and apparatus for launch control packet processing that is provided in the launch control system and configured to allow interworking between a plurality of firing control systems and the launch control system. The launch control system comprises a plurality of operation equipments, a system control device, and control the plurality of operation equipments, a launch control packet processing unit, a control signal distribution device, and a status display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Jino Oh, Joon Ki Min, Jae Yob Lee
  • Patent number: 10557686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating, in an aircraft in flight, a feasibility display indicative of the feasibility of a weapon, the method comprising: providing a performance envelope for the weapon; determining, using the performance envelope, configuration data for configuring a generic algorithm; uploading the configuration data to the aircraft; generating feasibility data indicative of the feasibility of a weapon carried on the aircraft successfully engaging a target and/or the feasibility of a weapon carried on the target successfully engaging the aircraft; determining, on board the aircraft, using the same generic algorithm and the uploaded configuration data, one or more test criteria; performing, on board the aircraft, an assessment process including determining whether or not the feasibility data satisfies the one or more test criteria; and, based the assessment, using the feasibility data, generating the feasibility display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: John Arthur Selwyn Rowlands
  • Patent number: 10516440
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a waveguide system for transmitting first electromagnetic waves via a coupler located in proximity to a transmission medium to generate second electromagnetic waves that propagate on an outer surface of the transmission medium, the transmission medium further providing a first power signal having a first operating frequency and a second power signal having a second operating frequency that differs from the first operating frequency. The waveguide system can further obtain energy from the first power signal for powering the waveguide system. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10495416
    Abstract: An apparatus, device, or method may detect aim or pointing direction of a firearm, and may display aim directions of the firearm for gunshots fired at a target. Sequence of bullet strikes by multiple gunshots may be determined. A method may comprise detecting gunshots of the firearm discharging live ammunition, measuring aim directions of the firearm substantially at times of detecting the gunshots, recording the times of the gunshots and/or sequence order of the gunshots, and generating output for displaying an image that includes bullet strike icons that represent bullet strikes on the target. Locations of the bullet strike icons in the image may be based, at least in part, on the measured aim directions of the gunshots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Donald Wichner
  • Patent number: 10466069
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the wind force along the planned trajectory of a projectile are disclosed herein. A drone is flown along the expected path of the trajectory along a set heading. The drone is programmed to maintain the heading. As wind forces act upon the drone during its flight, the drone's electronic stability system provides automatic power and directional control to one or more motors that control the rotors and propellers that keep the drone aloft. By monitoring the changes in motor or drone state information over time in response to wind forces, the wind can be determined at various locations along the flight path. This information can be provided to a ballistics calculator to determine the launch heading of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventors: Charles Kirksey, Al Garcia
  • Patent number: 10458758
    Abstract: A system for sensing the impact of a bullet on a target and remotely reporting the successful impact to the shooter by means of a signal transmitted from a sensor transmitter to a receiver incorporated with headphones, ear buds or an “Smart phone”, tablet or other device with WIFI and/or Blue tooth capability. The sensor includes a wireless transmitter and a impact/vibration sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor. The target impact sensors can be used with various stationary targets such as metallic, plastic, film, or paper targets, but can also be used on movable targets such as body armor or removable patches worn by players in mock warfare or games such as paint ball competition to effect audible signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Brian D. Miller, William C. Hall, Loren M. Miller
  • Patent number: 10321037
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to active imaging systems and methods. In one example, an active imaging system includes a positioning system configured to detect a direction of motion of the imaging system relative to a scene, an optical source positioned to emit electromagnetic radiation, a non-mechanical beamsteering device positioned to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the optical source and configured to scan the electromagnetic radiation over at least a first portion of the scene within an instantaneous field-of-view of an optical receiver, and the optical receiver positioned to receive reflections of the electromagnetic radiation from at least the first portion of the scene within the instantaneous field-of-view, wherein the first portion of the scene is within a first edge region of the instantaneous field-of-view of the optical receiver, the first edge region being in the direction of motion of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Gerald P. Uyeno, Sean D. Keller
  • Patent number: 10311293
    Abstract: A system for tracking airborne organisms includes an imager, a backlight source (such as a retroreflective surface) in view of the imager, and a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured by the processor to identify a biological property of an organism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: TOKITAE LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, 3ric Johanson, Jordin T. Kare, Artyom Makagon, Emma Rae Mullen, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Nathan John Pegram, Nels R. Peterson, Phillip Rutschman, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10139196
    Abstract: An effector launching system includes an environment that has external components located within the environment. The effector launching system may include a modular controller located in the environment of an effector launching system and the external components may be located in the environment externally to the modular controller for executing an effector launching sequence. The modular controller may include a core processor module that is configured to execute a plurality of different effector launching sequences using the external components and a plurality of converting modules that each have an electro-mechanical interface and is connectable between the core processor module and one of the external components. The plurality of converting modules are configured to send and receive data with the core processor module and the plurality of external components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Emile M. Szlemko, Huy Le, Brian A. Gin, Ryan P. Wahl, Mary L. Kulbacki, Chad V. Anderson, David P. Ueberschar
  • Patent number: 9946922
    Abstract: A system for tracking airborne organisms includes an imager, a backlight source (such as a retroreflective surface) in view of the imager, and a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured by the processor to identify a biological property of an organism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, 3ric Johanson, Jordin T. Kare, Artyom Makagon, Emma Rae Mullen, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Nathan John Pegram, Nels R. Peterson, Phillip Rutschman, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9810862
    Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The system may be configured to modify or alter the light at the plurality of sensor to optimize different system functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: SA Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Elon Graves, William Dickson, Greg Mitchell, Andy McClaren, Dave Pechner
  • Patent number: 9783296
    Abstract: A deployment system for deploying a store from an aircraft includes a lock member that selectively engages the store to the deployment system, an ejector that selectively ejects the store from the deployment system, and a deployment system controller communicatively coupled to the lock member and to the ejector, the system controller communicatively coupled to the aircraft to receive commands from the aircraft, wherein upon receipt of a master arm command from the aircraft the system controller maintains the lock member in an engaged state relative to the store, and wherein upon receipt of a fire command from the aircraft the system controller disengages the lock member from the store and activates the ejector to eject the store from the deployment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Ray, Armando Guerrero
  • Patent number: 9759911
    Abstract: Device (100) for reading coded information, comprising a first optical group (10) including a first light source and first focusing means in optical alignment with said light source along an optical axis (X), and at least one further optical group including a further light source and further focusing means in optical alignment with the further light source along an optical axis (X1) parallel to the optical axis (X). The first optical group (10) and the further optical group (20) are housed in a single one-piece block (50) obtained through a single mechanical processing that, preferably, is a machine tool processing. The number of components of the reading device is thus reduced and the calibration operations necessary to achieve the desired optical alignment between light sources and with the respective focusing means are simplified and automated. Consequently, the costs of material and qualified workers are reduced, as is the time needed to calibrate the reading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: DATALOGIC IP TECH S.R.L.
    Inventor: Stefano Ciabattoni
  • Patent number: 9651343
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a small arms training system. In exemplary embodiments, a training system includes a control system, shooter systems that can include a user interface, and a target system that collects projectile position information in relation to a target. In one embodiment, the systems are linked via a mesh radio network and are configured to process GPS information for rapid and accurate positioning of the shooter in relation to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Kenneth V. Miller
  • Patent number: 9632898
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide methods and systems for calculating and presenting a positioning performance of a location system. In one aspect, a server may receive a signal including information indicative of a determined location of an asset. Based on the received signal, the server may determine a positioning error value indicating an error in the determined location of the asset. The server may then calculate a metric as a function of the positioning error value, and provide positioning performance information for display based on the calculated metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: AeroScout Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Aljadeff
  • Patent number: 9569849
    Abstract: A network for indicating and communicating detection of hostile fire, and systems, methods, and computer program products thereof. Hostile fire is optically detected and identified at a first vehicle and such identification is transmitted from the first vehicle to one or more other vehicles in the network. Data regarding hostile fire directed at the first vehicle can be stored at one or more of the other vehicles and even retransmitted to other vehicles or base stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Moraites, Shawn McPhail, Donald Sobiski
  • Patent number: 9546466
    Abstract: A dish for use in a manhole having a manhole cover covering a manhole opening and a frequency transmitting system for use in a manhole are provided. The dish and the frequency transmitting system is configured to transmit a signal to a network through the manhole cover. The signal is generated by a sensor unit disposed within the manhole and configured to detect the conditions of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Utility Sealing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd J. Wander
  • Patent number: 9488441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for mission planning. The method comprises the steps of: —providing (805) information related to a target scene, said information comprising information related to a plurality of targets, —providing (810) information related to a plurality of resources for target attack, —determining (820) at least one possible attack direction against each target, —determining (830) a target effect associated to attacking the target from each of said determined at least one possible attack direction for each target, —forming (840) a network of possible routes between the targets for the resources, wherein the possible routes are determined based on the possible attack directions related to each target, and —forming (845) the mission plan for fighting the targets based on the determined target effects from the respective attack directions and based on the formed network of possible routes, wherein each target is fighted a predetermined amount of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Jan Erik Eriksson, Kristian Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9038900
    Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for determining the attitude angles of a weapon includes a number of accelerometers for measuring the components of the acceleration of the weapon along the axes of a first reference system integral with weapon; a number of gyroscopes configured in such a way to measure the components of the angular speed of the weapon along the axes of the reference body; and a processing unit configured to compute a number of actual attitude angles of the weapon under dynamic conditions based on the components of the angular speed; determine a number of static attitude angles of the weapon under static conditions of the weapon based on the components of the acceleration; and correct the components of angular speed according to static attitude angles and to the actual attitude angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SELEX GALILEO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Galanti, Luca Mattonai, Nicola Santini
  • Patent number: 9038901
    Abstract: An optical device includes a housing containing a plurality of lenses. At least one of those lenses includes a reticle. An optical device and a processor are also located in the housing. A wind speed sensor is mounted to the housing and configured to send a wind speed signal corresponding to a wind speed to the processor. The processor calculates a wind speed based at least in part on the wind speed signal, and wherein the processor sends an output signal corresponding to the calculated wind speed to the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Burris Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas F. Paterson, Steven A. Bennetts
  • Patent number: 9033232
    Abstract: An electromechanical system translates an “aiming error” signal from a target tracking system into dynamic “pointing corrections” for handheld devices to drastically reduce pointing errors due to man-machine wobble without specific direction by the user. The active stabilization targeting correction system works by separating the “support” features of the handheld device from the “projectile launching” features, and controlling their respective motion by electromechanical mechanisms. When a target is visually acquired, the angular deflection (both horizontal windage and vertical elevation) and aiming errors due to man-machine wobble (both vertical and horizontal) from the target's location to the current point-of-aim can be quickly measured by the ballistic computer located internal to a target tracking device. These values are transmitted to calibrated encoded electromechanical actuators that position the isolated components to rapidly correct angular deflection to match the previous aiming error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ROCKSIGHT HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan Sterling Bockmon
  • Patent number: 8998085
    Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an optical sensor configured to capture a digital image of an animal within a view area, a processor coupled to the optical sensor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to determine a distance to the animal, determine edges of the animal, and calculate measurements of selected portions of the animal in response to determining the edges and the distance. The memory further stores instructions that, when executed, cause processor to automatically calculate a prey score for the animal in response to calculating the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: TrackingPoint, Inc.
    Inventors: John Francis McHale, Douglas Ainsworth Scott
  • Publication number: 20150069121
    Abstract: A sight and methods of operation thereof are provided. In some embodiments, an image is captured via an image capture unit, and a center position is calculated according to the positions of at least three impact points in the image, and a predefined view center of a display unit is set to the center position. In some embodiments, an angle of dip of the sight to a plane is detected via a dip angle detector. A predictive impact point is calculated according to the angle of dip and at least one calculation parameter, and an impact point indication is accordingly displayed in the display unit. When the angle of dip is changed, the predictive impact point is recalculated according to the new angle of dip, and the corresponding impact point indication is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Yen-Chao Chen, Chih-Hsien Lin, Tsung-Wei Lin, Szu-Han Wu, Jen-Chih Chung, Yung-Sheng Chiang
  • Patent number: 8963765
    Abstract: A method for tracking an object using radar includes detecting a wideband radio frequency (“RF”) energy at a first radar sensor tracking the object and determining in a computer process if a booster is propelling the object based on the wideband RF energy. The object is tracked in a computer process based on a ballistic trajectory if the booster is not propelling the object, and the object is tracked in a computer process based on a non-ballistic trajectory if the booster is propelling the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Richard N. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8963766
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a target tracking apparatus calculates N-dimensional predicted values from a respective stored (N+1)-dimensional tracks for each of the targets, determines whether or not the N-dimensional predicted value for each of the targets is correlated with the received N-dimensional angle observed value for the target, if the N-dimensional predicted value is not correlated, generates a new (N+1)-dimensional track for the target based on the N-dimensional track corresponding to the N-dimensional angle observed value and if the N-dimensional predicted value is correlated, updates and stores the (N+1)-dimensional track using the N-dimensional angle observed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8960542
    Abstract: A system for indicating a point of impact of a projectile fired from a barrel of a gun including a dynamic aiming device mounted to the barrel having a camera and a range finder configured to be pointed at a target. The system also includes a display device coupled to the camera for displaying an image of the target, and processing circuitry for superimposing a crosshair image on the displayed image of the target. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a distance from the dynamic aiming device to the target using the range finder and to adjust a position of the crosshair image. The position of the crosshair image is adjusted relative to the distance for indicating the point of impact of the projectile fired from the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: API Defense, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Jaroh, George Lubert, Jeremy Sitar, David Metz
  • Patent number: 8939366
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying information on a targeting display are provided. A method comprises positioning a targeted object proximate a center of a targeting display image and providing a reticle below the target object. The reticle is configured to identify the targeted object to a user of the targeting display. The method further comprises providing a first plurality of data elements positioned along a vertical axis upon which the targeted object and reticle are also positioned. The first plurality of data elements include a range to the target, an azimuth to the target, and one or more error estimates relating to at least one of the range to the target or the azimuth to the target. The method further comprises providing a second plurality of data elements within a plurality of areas positioned proximate to one or more borders of the targeting display image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8937530
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) that is controlled by the RFID's logic and powered by the RFID's power harvesting circuit, wherein the RFID tag is capable of being interrogated by an RFID reader and reporting its unique identification number by RF backscatter and/or controlling the illumination state of the at least one LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua R. Smith, Daniel Yeager, Ali Rahimi
  • Patent number: 8857714
    Abstract: A system can include a camera configured to mount to a firearm and a scope configured to mount to the firearm. A display can be configured to show an image from the camera. The scope can be configured to view the display. The image from the camera can be electronically movable relative to scope and camera to facilitate compensation for bullet drop and windage. Moving the image can allow use of higher scope magnification and/or electronic camera zoom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Benson
  • Patent number: 8843305
    Abstract: A system and method for providing independent weapon launch or release control for an unmanned or autonomous vehicle by ensuring the vehicle is within its weapon launch area using geographic position information from a navigational source such as GPS, comparing the position of the vehicle to the weapon's launch boundaries, and arming or disarming the vehicle's weapon launch capability based on its location relative to the weapon launch area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert Jacob
  • Patent number: 8833655
    Abstract: A method is used to determine an aiming point for a sighting system used by a shooter to shoot a target. The method includes receiving a range signal that corresponds to a distance from the shooter to the target. A first position signal is received from a magnification system sensor. A first magnification setting based at least in part on the first position signal is then determined. Thereafter, a first aiming point based at least in part on both of the range signal and the first magnification setting is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Burris Corporation
    Inventors: John McCarty, Walter D. Stoddard, Douglas F. Paterson
  • Patent number: 8800870
    Abstract: An infared-based scope configured to obtain and display video imagery that allows a user to estimate wind speed and direction over a trajectory to a target based on observed air motion in the video imagery. In certain examples, the scope further includes electronics configured to calculate the wind speed using video image processing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael K. Burkland, Christopher E. Thomas, Robert Rinker, Darrell R. Rogers, Byron B. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140209678
    Abstract: System, device and method for protecting aircrafts against incoming threats. The system includes: (a) a dual-band Radio Frequency (RF) track-and-confirm module comprising: a dual-band RF receiver to receive high-band RF signals and low-band RF signals; a threat confirmation module to confirm a possible incoming threat based on processing of RF signals received at the dual-band RF receiver; a threat parameters calculator to calculate a fine angular position and a precise angular position of a confirmed incoming threat, based on processing of RF signals received at low-band RF for fine angular position and at high-band RF for precise angular position; (b) a countermeasure directed Laser module to activate a directed Laser countermeasure towards said precise angular position of said confirmed incoming threat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BIRD AEROSYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Ronen FACTOR, David DRAGUCKI, Ariye Yehuda CAPLAN, Zahi BEN ARI, Semion ZELIKMAN, Royee LI-RAN
  • Patent number: 8783568
    Abstract: Telescopic sight, in particular for a handgun, comprising an optical lens system which is integrated in an essentially elongated outer tube which preferably has a circular cross section and can be fitted to the handgun or the like, which optical lens system is terminated by an eyepiece at an end facing the shooter's eye when the gun is being used, and by an objective at its opposite end, and has, between the eyepiece and the objective, at least one image plane lying in the optical beam path of light beams passing through the eyepiece and the objective, wherein a graticule structure lying in the beam path is arranged in the or at least one of the image planes, characterized in that the graticule structure comprises a virtual image of a graticule arranged outside the beam path, said virtual image being projected into the (respective) image plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Gerhard Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 8783567
    Abstract: Systems and methods of integrating weapons systems with the aircraft systems of an aircraft carrying the weapon so as to generate on the aircraft in flight a display indicative of the weapon successfully engaging a target are disclosed. The system can include a ground station for generating a database describing the weapon performance envelope, a generator for creating coefficients characteristic of that performance envelope using a generic algorithm and an uploader for uploading the coefficients to the aircraft, and a reconstructor on the aircraft containing the same generic algorithm and adapted to select the coefficients for the algorithm according to the aircraft and target conditions in order to generate the feasibility display, wherein the algorithm is generic to both air to ground and air to air weapons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventors: Bhadrayu Manherlal Ranat, Monadl Abd Al-Abbas Mansour Al-Ameri, Jeffrey Christopher Haines
  • Patent number: 8757486
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for firing a projectile in response to a threat according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a computer coupled to a launch system for the projectile. The computer may be configured to select the projectile from multiple available projectiles and calculate a fire control solution according to a characteristic of the selected projectile. Calculating the fire control solution may comprise deriving the fire control solution from a look-up table according to a predicted intercept point. The computer may initiate a launch of the selected projectile and provide the fire control solution to the selected projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James M. Cook, Robert S. Brinkerhoff, Michael J. Mahnken
  • Patent number: 8746561
    Abstract: A system and method for disrupting at least one component of a suspect object is provided. The system has a source for passing radiation through the suspect object, a grid board positionable adjacent the suspect object (the grid board having a plurality of grid areas, the radiation from the source passing through the grid board), a screen for receiving the radiation passing through the suspect object and generating at least one image, a weapon for deploying a discharge, and a targeting unit for displaying the image of the suspect object and aiming the weapon according to a disruption point on the displayed image and deploying the discharge into the suspect object to disable the suspect object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Gladwell, Justin Garretson, Clinton G. Hobart, Mark J. Monda
  • Patent number: 8740071
    Abstract: A method and system for attenuating a shockwave propagating through a first medium. The method and system may include providing a sensor for detecting a shockwave-producing event, which may include detecting an explosive device or detecting an explosion from an explosive device, determining a direction and distance of the shockwave relative to a defended target, calculating with a computer control a firing plan, and interposing a second medium between the shockwave and a protected asset if cost effective to do so. The second medium may be different from the first medium and the shockwave may be reflected, refracted and dispersed, or absorbed as it passes through the second medium prior to reaching the protected asset, and thus may be attenuated in force as it reaches the protected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher Higgs, Brian J. Tillotson
  • Patent number: 8729442
    Abstract: Technology for predicting and correcting a trajectory is described. The technology can create a model to predict a position of the reusable launch vehicle at a time in the future; observe a wind condition during ascent of the reusable launch vehicle; store the observed wind condition in a wind map; predict during ascent a position and a terminal lateral velocity of the reusable launch vehicle at a terminal altitude; and correct a flight trajectory of the reusable launch vehicle based on the wind map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Origin, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Boelitz, Mark O. Hilstad
  • Patent number: 8672223
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for protecting an aircraft against one or more incoming threats. The system includes one or more electro-optic sensors to scan an area around the aircraft for one or more possible incoming threats, and to generate an indication signal once an incoming threat is detected; an integrated unit combining a Missile Approach Confirmation Sensor (MACS) with Directed Infra-Red Counter Measure (DIRCM), to verify the incoming threat and to activate a countermeasure against the verified incoming threat; and a processor to receive data from said one or more electro-optic sensors and the integrated MACS-DIRCM unit, and to select a countermeasure technique for deployment against the incoming threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BIRD Aerosystems Limited
    Inventors: Ronen Factor, David Dragucki, Ariye Yehuda Caplan, Zahi Ben Ari, Semion Zelikman, Royee Li-Ran