Aiming Patents (Class 235/404)
  • 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: 8776664
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Bland, Michelle A. Winston
  • Patent number: 8777620
    Abstract: A firearm training system provides a firearm body having a trigger and a trigger pull sensor circuit. When the trigger is pulled, the trigger pull sensor circuit provides trigger pull data allowing monitoring of the actual two-dimensional trigger pull path taken by the trigger during the trigger pull. The trigger pull path is graft on a predetermined map together with boundary lines representing a predetermined difference threshold from ideal trigger pull data. The system provides a way to monitor trigger pull path to determine whether the trigger has been pulled laterally and/or the firearm body has moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the firearm body during the trigger pull. By repeatedly monitoring trigger pulls using the system, a user can train to improve trigger pull technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TriggerMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcom Baxter
  • Patent number: 8757487
    Abstract: An embodiment of an optoelectronic apparatus for assisting an operator in determining the shooting attitude to give to a hand-held grenade launcher so as to strike a moving target including an electronic processing unit configured so as to: measure the pitch angle and the heading angle of the grenade launcher and the distance of the target when the grenade launcher is moved by the operator during the pointing of the moving target, determine position data indicative of the positions of the moving target, determine a future impact time of the grenade on the target on the basis of position data and of data indicative of the ballistics of the grenade, determine a shooting attitude of the target on the basis of the impact time, measure the pitch angle and heading angle indicating the attitude imparted to the grenade launcher by the operator, compute a pitch difference between the shooting pitch angle and the pitch angle measured and a heading difference between the shooting heading angle and the heading angle meas
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Selex Galileo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Santini, Andrea Magi, Enrico Fossati
  • Publication number: 20140166751
    Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets. The present invention provides reticles that provide means for selecting secondary aiming points that accurately target an intended target at any desired range, including extreme distances. In particular, the reticles of the present invention provide markings or other indications that allow a user, for example, to associate a first aiming point of the reticle with an intended target, and to identify a second aiming point that represents a point to insure an accurate shot to hit the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HORUS VISION LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Sammut, Lawrence Chao
  • Publication number: 20140166750
    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: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: ASIA OPTICAL INTERNATIONAL LTD., SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL INTERNATIONAL LTD.
  • 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: 8733647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a replacement distance when taking aim on a target (2) with a target distance D (6) and an elevation angle ? (5) between a line of sight (4) to the target (2) and a horizontal plane (3) with a weapon (9) in order to fire projectiles with an approximately flat trajectory. The replacement distance is determined from the target distance D (6) by means of a correction function, and the correction function is determined exclusively from non-ballistic characteristic values and at least as a function of the target distance D (6) and the difference in angle between the elevation angle ? (5) and the shooting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Swarovski-Optik KG.
    Inventors: Konrad A. Roider, Andreas Zimmermann
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140124575
    Abstract: A digital targeting scope apparatus includes an image sensor and a lens for acquiring video images of objects at which the aiming device is aimed; an image processor; a tilt sensor; and a display component for displaying the video images captured by the image sensor, all mounted in a tubular housing. An interchangeable digital camera module is carried by the first end of the housing. A control/display module is removably fastened to the second end of the housing. The control/display module is electrically connected to the camera module through a connector on the sensor circuit board of the camera module when the control/display module is installed in the second end of the housing. The control portion includes a circuit board and a display component mounted thereon. The display portion houses an eyepiece lens assembly aligned with the display component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Millett
  • Patent number: 8713843
    Abstract: An adjustment turret knob for a telescopic sight comprises a programmable function in which rotational positions of the knob for a specific projectile, at selected ranges, ambient atmospheric conditions, or field conditions, or any combination thereof, are stored and later used for adjusting elevation or windage settings based on the determined range of a target or conditions experienced in the field. In one exemplary embodiment, the turret knob is capable of determining, or calculating, a “best fit” trajectory curve for a specific projectile based on the stored rotational positions of the turret knob relating to the conditions under which the projectile was fired and conditions stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard T. Windauer
  • Publication number: 20140110482
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically calculating a trajectory of a projectile launched from a weapon includes receiving environmental conditions and determining a distance to a potential target. Determining the distance to the potential target may include calculating distance via optics of the weapon in conjunction with a self correcting reticle module or a video target tracking module. Alternatively, the distance to the potential target may be determined using a laser range finder. A point of impact for the projectile on the potential target may automatically be calculated based on the distance and environmental conditions. A graphical indicator may then be projected on a display device which corresponds to the potential target and indicates the point of impact for the projectile on the potential target. The video target tracking or self correcting reticle module moves the projectile impact point (crosshairs) as the weapon is translated in space by the marksmen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ZRF, LLC
    Inventor: LAURENCE ANDREW BAY
  • Publication number: 20140110483
    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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Benson
  • Patent number: 8678282
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided which: (a) receive wired or wireless transmission of information regarding an orientation of a weapon; (b) receive wired or wireless transmission of information regarding an orientation of a viewing area of a head-mounted display apparatus; (c) process ballistic information of ammunition to be fired by the weapon and the information regarding the orientations of the weapon and the viewing area to obtain a calculated endpoint of the ammunition to be fired by the weapon; and (d) display an icon (e.g., a crosshair) representative of the endpoint of the ammunition in the viewing area of the head-mounted display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Black, Gregory A. Harrison, David Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 8661962
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronics unit, such as a digital pointing device, to a mortar bipod may include a pair of spaced-apart, generally parallel mounting brackets having respective inner faces. A pair of support rails may be fixed to opposite outer edges of the mounting brackets. A pair of support rods may be fixed between opposite lower portions of the mounting brackets. A lower guide rod housing may be fixed to first ends of the support rails. A pair of fire control guide rods may have first ends fixed to the lower guide rod housing. A plurality of shock mounts may have respective bases and tops. The shock mount bases may be fixed to the respective inner faces of the mounting brackets. The electronics unit may include a top plate fixed thereto. A pair of side plates may be fixed to the top plate. The side plates may extend generally perpendicularly from the top plate. The tops of the shock mounts may be fixed to the side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jeffery Hart, Scott Montanio, Benjamin Lewin, Steven McDonald, Raul Galliano, John N. Gravina
  • Patent number: 8651381
    Abstract: A sighting apparatus for a firearm includes a video camera capable of capturing and tracking the path of a projectile The captured images are taken generally concurrently with the firing of the first projectile, and with the projectile reaching the target. A video display includes a reticle positioned at the center of the display to permit the user to aim the firearm by positioning the reticle over the target. A processor receives captured images from the camera. An output interface delivers information to the video display to enable the video display to display images of the target area. Software and a processor determine the flight path of the projectile and the point where the projectile impacts or passes by the intended target and adjusts for the variance between the two points by moving the image on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: David Rudich
  • Publication number: 20140042224
    Abstract: An improved electronic aiming device for use with a weapon or other manually aimed device. Means are provided to vary the field of view, determine range to target, compensate for bullet drop, and to compensate for crosswind, without removing either hand from the weapon, by monitoring the tilt of the weapon upon which the device is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Millett
  • Patent number: 8579194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a favourable moment for triggering the firing of a weapon on a moving target. According to said method, firing commands and expected impact points (P1-P3) of a projectile and the target (2) are calculated with the aid of an algorithm, without actually triggering a firing burst. The target (2) is selected, the algorithm is activated and hypothetical data is determined. The process is aided by a graphical display (4) of the data. In the preferred embodiments, additional information is taken into account and/or is visualised for a user (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventors: André Boss, Karel Vit
  • Patent number: 8550346
    Abstract: Systems and methods allow for intercepting a small, low-altitude and low-velocity target. A system includes a detecting apparatus, a directing control apparatus, an aiming control apparatus, a launch control apparatus, a launching device, and an intercepting device. A method includes: searching and tracking a target by the detecting apparatus in a networking mode, or by the aiming control apparatus in a single-soldier mode; sending target information to the launch control apparatus; performing a trajectory calculation by the launch control apparatus; and launching the intercepting device by the launching device to intercept the target. A low-cost system with a short response time can thus be realized. The target falls with the net at a low velocity under a parachute, and this is desirable in a city environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing Mechanical Equipment Institute
    Inventors: Hao Liu, Shengjie Wang, Xuchang Ding, Xiaoming Wei, Shuyong Han, Xuyang Qiu, Kegang Chi, Yan Shen, Aifeng Chen, Yulong Tang
  • Patent number: 8540155
    Abstract: An automated aiming assistance towards a shooting target for a visually- challenged or blind person is provided. The method comprises: providing the shooting weapon used by the person with a camera placed on the weapon for filming the target to be aimed at; identifying the target by shape recognition in the images shot by the camera; and transmitting a signal received by the person for guiding the person for orienting the shooting weapon towards the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventors: Guy D'urso, Jean-Marie Henault, Jocelyn Chanussot, Vincent Couturier-Doux
  • Publication number: 20130228618
    Abstract: An improved electronic aiming device for use with a weapon or other manually aimed device. Means are provided to vary the field of view, determine range to target, compensate for bullet drop, and to compensate for crosswind, without removing either hand from the weapon, by monitoring the tilt of the weapon upon which the device is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: James Allen Millett
  • Patent number: 8520895
    Abstract: A system and method calculate a range and velocity of an object in image data. The range calculation includes detecting a contour of the object from the image data, forming a template from the image data based on the contour; and calculating a range to the object using pixel resolution and dimension statistics of the object. A three-dimensional velocity of the object is determined by calculating a radial component and an angular component of the velocity. The radial velocity component is calculated by determining the range of the object in two or more image frames, determining a time differential between the two or more image frames, and calculating the radial velocity as a function of the range of the object in the two or more image frames and the time differential between the two or more image frames. The angular component is calculated using spatial-temporal derivatives as a function of a motion constraint equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kwong Wing Au, Saad J. Bedros
  • Publication number: 20130206836
    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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: BURRIS COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: BURRIS COMPANY, INC.
  • Patent number: 8500016
    Abstract: An analog ballistic system calculator for long range shooting is constructed of a pair of rugged, waterproof rotatable transparent discs superimposed over a base member on one side and a single transparent rotatable disc on the opposite side of the base. The hand held calculator device provides a wind speed and direction and air temperature adjusted calculator device for long distance rifles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Finamore
  • Publication number: 20130181047
    Abstract: An embodiment of an optoelectronic apparatus for assisting an operator in determining the shooting attitude to give to a hand-held grenade launcher so as to strike a moving target including an electronic processing unit configured so as to: measure the pitch angle and the heading angle of the grenade launcher and the distance of the target when the grenade launcher is moved by the operator during the pointing of the moving target, determine position data indicative of the positions of the moving target, determine a future impact time of the grenade on the target on the basis of position data and of data indicative of the ballistics of the grenade, determine a shooting attitude of the target on the basis of the impact time, measure the pitch angle and heading angle indicating the attitude imparted to the grenade launcher by the operator, compute a pitch difference between the shooting pitch angle and the pitch angle measured and a heading difference between the shooting heading angle and the heading angle meas
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SELEX GALILEO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Santini, Andrea Magi, Enrico Fossati
  • Patent number: 8485085
    Abstract: Allows for the assignment of threat(s) to weapon(s) to allow operators to coordinate actions. Enables dynamic discovery and operation weapon(s), sensor(s) over a local or public network so available weapons can be selected by operators. Sensors may act as simulated weapons and may also reside in a video surveillance system (VSS). Sensors may be collocated or away from weapons which may differ in number. Sensors simulating weapons are transparently interchangeable with actual weapons. Simulated actors and events may be injected into system with operator gestures recorded for later analysis. Operator may control more than one weapon or sensor at a time. Operator user interface may be cloned onto another computer for real-time supervision or for later use. Integration of existing VSS with a network of remotely operated weapons or simulated weapons enables a passive video surveillance system upgrade to become a projector of lethal or non-lethal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Telerobotics Corporation
    Inventors: John Goree, Brian Feldman
  • Patent number: 8464949
    Abstract: A method including detecting a threat incoming to a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of countermeasures including a primary armament and an active protection system, communicating the detected threat to a controller, activating, with the controller, a first sensor in response to the detecting, the first sensor tracking the incoming threat and generating tracking data, routing, with the controller, the tracking data to a plurality of fire control processors, each of the plurality of fire control processors being associated with a respective one of the plurality of countermeasures, and the plurality of fire control processors simultaneously computing respective firing solutions using the tracking data, and determining, with the controller, a preferred countermeasure out of the plurality of countermeasures with which to counter the incoming threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Namey, James F. Kviatkofsky, James R. Toplicar
  • Patent number: 8459552
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that calculates a real-time, accurate, firing solution for man carried weapon system; specifically a transparent display to be located in-line with a weapon mounted optic and a device to adjust the aim point through real-time data collection, analysis and real-time visual feedback to the operator. A firing solution system mounted on a projectile weapon comprising: A Sensor and CPU Unit (SCU) and a Sight Adjusted Reticule (SAR) and a PC Dongle which configured to facilitate communication between the SCU and a personal computer (PC), or similar computing device, enabling management of the SCU configuration and offloading of sensor obtained and system determined data values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Awis LLC
    Inventor: Paul Arbouw
  • Publication number: 20130130205
    Abstract: A live-fire simulation system uses a position sensitive detector (PSD) in a weapon-mounted sensor to intercept emitted light from target emitters spatially distributed about a target. Each target emitter is modulated with a unique frequency. The system can thus not only determine the points of interception on the PSD but also determine which emitter caused which interception by using a frequency analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SureFire, LLC
    Inventor: SureFire, LLC
  • Patent number: 8430313
    Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Talir, Thomas Linton
  • Patent number: 8408460
    Abstract: A ranging system for use with a projectile launching device is provided. The ranging system includes an alignment marker visible with an optical sight device. The position of the alignment marker is adjusted based at least on a determined range to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Felix Schneider, Christopher Allen Brown
  • Patent number: 8400348
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an airborne biota monitoring and control system are disclosed. Radar and laser/optical sensors are used to detect insects, with detection zones being over water in some embodiments to reduce backscatter clutter. A pest control laser or small autonomous or radio controlled aircraft under automated or human control may be used to disable a targeted flying insect. One embodiment includes use of a head-mounted display for displaying insect targeting information superimposed on a real landscape view. Technologies such as adaptive lens, holographic optical elements, polarized radar and/or laser beams, light amplifiers and light guides, thin disk, spinning disk, or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers enhance performance of the apparatus or reduce cost of the apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of discrimination of insect types using spectral information and dynamic relative variation of spectral intensities at different wavelengths reflected from an insect in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Information Movement and Management, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lehmann Guice, Augustus Hammond Green, Jr., William Vaden Dent, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130014421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: HORUS VISION LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Sammut, Dickinson Buell, Lawrence Chao
  • Patent number: 8353454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Horus Vision, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Sammut, Todd Hodnett
  • Patent number: 8353455
    Abstract: An electronic device adapted for use as a shooting sight preferably includes an electronic device and an application software program. The electronic device includes a microprocessor, operating system software a and a flat screen display. The application software program is installed in the microprocessor. The application software program communicates with the operating system. The application software program includes sight indicia, a weapon profile input, a laser finder input and operation display tabs. The sight indicia overlays a video image on the flat screen display. The operation display tabs are displayed on the flat screen display in addition to the sight indicia. The type, position, color and size of the sight indicia is set by clicking on operation display tabs. A retention bracket holds the electronic device and is secured to a weapon. The sight indicia is aligned with an image seen on the flat screen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Dorge O. Huang
  • Publication number: 20120327247
    Abstract: An advanced weapon scope system, particularly for 21st century nighttime tactical situations is disclosed herein. A preferred embodiment includes multiple sensors coupled to a thermal scope to provide input to a ballistics computer also provided to the scope. The device is further programmable and can record nighttime tactical events as desired by a user. Other features include automatic recognition of a living target based on a temperature threshold and automatic identification of weapon based on RFID scanning. Another preferred embodiment provides for command center remote monitoring via a wireless module such as Wi-Fi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Sergei Y. Mironichev, Pavel Alpatov
  • Patent number: 8336777
    Abstract: A weapon aiming system projects an aim point and/or an image from a weapon mounted vision system into a display coupled to a head-mounted vision system to aid in acquiring a target. The system incorporates electronic image stabilization and is capable of maintaining a reticle aligned with a point-of-impact of a weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Francis P. Pantuso, Rick K. Dorval
  • Patent number: 8336776
    Abstract: An aiming system for use with a weapon is provided and may include a processor, at least one sensor in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The aiming system may also include a display in communication with the processor that displays a corrected-aiming point based on at least one simulated bullet trajectory and at least one simulated bullet impact location determined by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Trijicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Horvath, Aaron Adkins, Richard Willard, Paul Stoltz
  • Publication number: 20120298750
    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: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: John McCarty, Walter D. Stoddard, Douglas F. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20120298749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a replacement distance when taking aim on a target (2) with a target distance D (6) and an elevation angle ? (5) between a line of sight (4) to the target (2) and a horizontal plane (3) with a weapon (9) in order to fire projectiles with an approximately flat trajectory. The replacement distance is determined from the target distance D (6) by means of a correction function, and the correction function is determined exclusively from non-ballistic characteristic values and at least as a function of the target distance D (6) and the difference in angle between the elevation angle ? (5) and the shooting angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: SWAROVSKI-OPTIK KG.
    Inventors: Konrad A. Roider, Andreas Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8317100
    Abstract: An automatic optical sighting system generates at least one adjustment for an adjustable optical system based on at least one detected condition, an appropriate dynamic model of a projectile in flight, and a solution of the equations of motion in flight, so that the projectile will have a trajectory between an origin and a selected target that helps the projectile to hit the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AOSS, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard T. Windauer, William True McDonald, Ted C. Almgren
  • Patent number: 8321070
    Abstract: In order to target and intercept a desired object within a number of objects detected in an environment, detection data is received from two different sensors, where the detection data includes spatial coordinates. A set of four-point subsets (tetrahedra) are selected from each set of spatial coordinates. A number of correlation maps are determined between the first set of spatial coordinates and the second set of spatial coordinates based on the plurality of four-point subsets. The mean sphericity for each corresponding plurality of four-point subsets in the plurality of correlation maps is determined, and a threat object map based on the correlation map having the greatest mean sphericity is created. The desired object is targeted based on the correlation map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Manson
  • Publication number: 20120273571
    Abstract: In order to determine crosswind effects between a weapon and its intended target (204) a crosswind gradient measuring apparatus (600) directs a first pulsed coherent light beam (646) and a second pulsed coherent light beam (648) to the target (204). Light of both beams scattered back by aerosols in the air is measured by using a detector (652) thus generating a beat frequency in the detector signal. The beat frequency indicates a Doppler-shift due to crosswind as a function of range between weapon and target wherein the range is determined by the time of flight. The information determined by such a Doppler differential interferometer, DDI, is utilised by a signal processor (608) to calculate the bullet's crosswind offset which enables manual of automatic adjustment of an aiming mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: LOGOS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Michael Kremer
  • Patent number: 8286871
    Abstract: An archery sighting system and method for placing a reticule on a display. The system includes a housing mounted in fixed relation to a bow. The housing includes a rangefinder to generate a target distance signal indicative of a target distance between the bow and a target. A display is configured to depict a reticule. A chronograph generates a bow speed indicating a bow speed at which an arrow leaves the bow. A processor receives a bow speed signal from the chronograph, a range signal from the rangefinder. In response to the signals, the processor generates a reticule pattern on the display, the reticule is positioned to indicate an attitude of the bow necessary for an arrow released from the bow at the bow speed to strike a target at the target distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Shot Archery, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Bay
  • Patent number: 8286872
    Abstract: A remote weapon system (10) includes: a fire control unit (12); and a mechanical support (14) to which a weapon (18) capable of firing airburst ammunition is mountable, the mechanical support being adapted to move the weapon in azimuth and elevation directions. The fire control unit is adapted to receive input parameters including at least one area parameter related to a geographical area to be covered by the airburst ammunition from the weapon. Further, the fire control unit is configured to automatically calculate a number of shots of the weapon as well as azimuth and elevation directions of the mechanical support for each shot based on the input parameters such that substantially the entire geographical area is covered by the airburst ammunition when the weapon is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS
    Inventors: Kjell M. Laupstad, Rune Werner, Eirik Malterud, Leif O. Haugen
  • Patent number: 8276815
    Abstract: A high-speed automatic fire net-based fire instruction control system for a short-range anti-aircraft gun is provided. More particular, the present invention relates to a system, in which when a short-range anti-aircraft gun gunner calibrates values indicated on equipment and follows instructions without personally viewing a flying object that has infiltrated at low altitude, a tracking and automatic fire net is constructed, and the gunner follows fire instructions, thus allowing gunners to easily cope with targets anywhere regardless of the location, such as an anti-aircraft defensive position or a contact area, as long as the targets appear on a detection radar even in unfavorable weather or at night which forbids the targets from being detected and identified with eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Jong Kook Lim
  • Patent number: 8266077
    Abstract: A method for analyzing documents is disclosed. The method compares concepts consisting of groups of terms for similarity within a corpus of document, clusters documents that contain certain concept term sets together. It may also rank the documents within each cluster according to the frequency of term co-occurrence within the concepts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Handley
  • Publication number: 20120223139
    Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Talir, Thomas Linton
  • Publication number: 20120217300
    Abstract: A portable system for facilitating inclined shooting of projectile weapons comprises a ranging system, an inclinometer and a processor. The ranging system measures a line-of sight range distance from a vantage point to a target that is elevated or depressed relative to the vantage point, and the inclinometer measures an inclination angle of a line of sight between the vantage point and the target. Based on information from the rangefinder and inclinometer, the processor determines a predicted altitude-compensated inclined shooting (ACIS) trajectory at the line-of sight range distance for a preselected projectile. The ACIS trajectory is based on a bullet path height correction between a bullet path height at a first altitude and a bullet path height at a second altitude, a range distance of the target from the vantage point, and selected meteorological atmospheric information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Bitterroot Advanced Ballistics Research, LLC
    Inventors: William T. McDonald, Ted C. Almgren
  • Patent number: 8251288
    Abstract: A network-centric targeting system includes a prepare module to plan for targeting engagements and to identify a target; a sense module to locate targets of opportunity and targets generated by the prepare module to form targeting information; a refine module to enhance the targeting information from the sense module; a track module to maintain a location of a target, a state of the target and target activity, the track module being coupled to the refine module; a target module to select effects and to coordinate delivery of selected effects to the target, the target module being coupled to the track module, the refine module and the sense module; a deliver module to deliver effects to the target, the deliver module being coupled to the track module, the refine module, the target module and the sense module; and an assess module to assess effectiveness of the delivered effects on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Woitalla, Sean M. Beary