Radio Wave Patents (Class 244/3.19)
  • Patent number: 8106340
    Abstract: A method for guiding a multistage interceptor missile toward a target missile that may transition from a boost mode to a ballistic mode during the engagement. The method comprises the steps of tracking the position of the target missile with a sensor, generating a predicted intercept point and time, and loading the predicted intercept point and time into the interceptor missile guidance system. The interceptor missile is launched and transition is made to the second stage of propulsion of the interceptor missile. Second-stage midcourse guidance acceleration commands are generated in response to an elevated predicted intercept point generated using the Runge-Kutta integration method working on predicted target missile position, velocity, and acceleration. During third stage propulsion said interceptor missile is guided toward an updated predicted intercept point of the target missile. During fourth stage, the kinetic warhead effects a hit-to-kill intercept of the target missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick U. Diaz, Jeffrey B. Boka
  • Publication number: 20120012690
    Abstract: A matrix of explosive cells can include plural explosive cells formed in an array in a common substrate. Each cell can be formed as a recess filled with explosive material. An ignition device has an addressable ignition source for each cell. This matrix can be used in combination with a projectile guidance system. The projectile guidance system includes an antenna, a transceiver and a control processor. A method of guiding a projectile can include firing a projectile at a target, tracking the projectile and the target, determining a desired change in a flight path of the projectile, transmitting guidance commands to effect the desired change in the projectile's flight path to the projectile, receiving the guidance commands onboard the projectile and selectively igniting an explosive cell in a matrix of addressable explosive cells contained in a common substrate using the guidance commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christian Adams, Kenneth S. Gurley, Tara Y. Rohter, Patrick A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8093539
    Abstract: A method for guidance of a moving object towards a target. The method including: providing reference signals from RF reference sources to illuminate RF sensors on the moving object; positioning the RF reference sources to form a reference coordinate system; determining position information designating a position of the target in the reference coordinate system by a forward observer; fixing at least one of the RF reference sources at the forward observer in the reference coordinate system; determining a position and orientation of the moving object in the reference coordinate system on board the moving object based on signals received at the RF sensors from the RF reference sources and based on the positions of the RF reference sources; and guiding the moving object to the target at least based on the determined position and orientation of the moving object and the determined position information of the designated target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Patent number: 8085188
    Abstract: A method of determining a deviation of a path of a projectile from a predetermined path. The method uses an image of a target area in which the desired path or direction is pointed out. Subsequently, the real direction or path is determined and the deviation determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Trackman A/S
    Inventor: Fredrik Tuxen
  • Patent number: 8076622
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which includes an antenna and circuitry. The antenna may receive a circularly-polarized signal as first and second linearly-polarized signals. The circuitry is connected to the antenna and is configured for combining the first and second linearly-polarized signals to produce at least two reception patterns. The reception patterns are created by summing the first and second linearly-polarized signals via phase shifting. The reception patterns are optimized for at least two substantially different directional orientations. Further, the antenna may simultaneously allow/provide spec-compliant Global Positioning System operation and spec compliant Height of Burst operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Paulsen, Donald L. Michaels, Robert J. Thompson, Michael J. Cook, John C. Mather
  • Patent number: 8076621
    Abstract: A method for guiding a moving object to a target. The method comprising: transmitting a signal from one or more illuminating sources defined in a reference coordinate system; receiving the signal at three or more cavity waveguides disposed on the moving object; using one or more forward observers to determine the position of the target; fixing the one or more illuminating sources to the one or more forward observers; determining a position and/or orientation of the object in the reference coordinate system based on a strength of the signal received in the three or more cavity waveguides; and guiding the moving object to the target based on the determined position and/or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8063347
    Abstract: A method for engaging a target uses sensors to generate target track(s). The tracks are projected forward in time and associated with a track quality measure. The maximum seeker look angle and beamwidth, acceleration, and net radar sensitivity characteristics are listed for each type of interceptor. A plurality of target intercept times are generated for each interceptor type. The probability that the interceptor can acquire the target is determined from the projected target tracks, the quality measure, and the characteristics. The probability of hitting the target is determined from the probability of acquisition and acceleration of the interceptor type. The probabilities of acquisition and of hitting the target are aggregated, and the type of interceptor to use is the type having (a) an extreme value of the aggregation or (b) the earliest intercept time from among the interceptors having an aggregation value above a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Leonardo F. Urbano, Gregory F. Bock, Ivy T. Moffett
  • Publication number: 20110240792
    Abstract: A system for transmitting non-GPS information for reception by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, the system including a processor, a memory coupled to the processor and including computer-readable instructions configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive the non-GPS information, determine an available pseudo-random noise (PRN) code, spread the non-GPS information using the available PRN code to provide a spread signal, modulate a GPS carrier frequency using the spread signal to produce a GPS compatible signal, and a terrestrial transmitter configured to transmit the GPS compatible signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: MOBILEACCESS NETWORKS LTD.
    Inventors: Yair Oren, Stanley B. Alterman
  • Patent number: 7999726
    Abstract: A system for estimating an antenna boresight direction. The novel system includes a first circuit for receiving a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement corresponding with the Doppler measurement, and a processor adapted to search for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a Doppler error between the Doppler measurement and a calculated Doppler calculated from the estimated boresight direction and the line-of-sight direction measurement. The line-of-sight direction measurement is measured relative to the true antenna boresight, and the calculated Doppler is the Doppler calculated for a direction found by applying the line-of-sight direction measurement to the estimated boresight direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first circuit receives a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement from each of a plurality of pixels, and the processor searches for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a sum of squares of Doppler errors for each of the pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ralph Guertin, David Faulkner, John Treece, Donald Bruyere
  • Patent number: 7977613
    Abstract: A method for onboard measurement of a deviation in orientation of an object from a desired orientation of the object. The method including: transmitting a polarized RF signal from a reference source, with a predetermined polarization plane: receiving the signal at a pair of polarized RF sensor cavities positioned symmetrical on the object with respect to the predetermined polarization plane: analyzing an output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities resulting from the received signal: and determining the deviation in orientation of the object relative to the predetermined plane based on the analysis. The method can further include controlling the object based on the determined deviation in orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Carlos M. Pereira
  • Patent number: 7977614
    Abstract: An interception system for intercepting incoming missiles and/or rockets including a launch facility, a missile configured to be launched by the launch facility, the missile having a fragmentation warhead, a ground-based missile guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one early stage of missile flight and a missile-based guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one later stage of missile flight, the missile-based guidance system being operative to direct the missile in a last stage of missile flight in a head-on direction vis-a-vis an incoming missile or rocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: E.C.S. Engineering Consulting Services-Aerospace Ltd.
    Inventor: Dov Raviv
  • Patent number: 7960675
    Abstract: An unmanned missile which may be uncoupled from a preferably propelled aircraft has a navigation and control device which has a receiver for position determination signals. The receiver is electrically connected to a first antenna, and receives signals collected by the first antenna and transmits same as position determination signals to the navigation and control device. The missile has an electrical signal input by which the missile is connected to the aircraft until it is uncoupled from the aircraft, and by which the missile is supplied with signals for position determination. The missile is provided with at least one additional antenna which is also electrically connected to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: LFK-Lenkflugkoerpersysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Grabmeier
  • Patent number: 7953524
    Abstract: A method of navigating a mobile platform. A reflectable electronic signal is transmitted. A reflection of the reflectable signal is received. A position of the mobile platform is determined based upon the reflection of the reflectable signal. A platform position signal is transmitted to the mobile platform. The platform position signal provides the mobile platform the determined position of the mobile platform. The mobile platform is navigated based upon the platform position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Roggendorf
  • Patent number: 7947936
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Bobinchak, Gary Hewer
  • Patent number: 7875837
    Abstract: A method for engaging a hostile missile with an interceptor missile includes mathematically dividing an estimated target trajectory into portions, the junction of each portion with the next defining a possible intercept point. The engagement for each possible intercept point is modeled, to generate a probability of lethal object discrimination which is processed to generate a probability of intercept for each of the possible intercept points. The intercept point having the largest probability of intercept defines a selected intercept point from which intercept missile launch time is calculated, interceptor missile guidance is initialized, and the interceptor is launched at the calculated launch time and under the control of the interceptor missile guidance. Also, a method for estimating discrimination performance of a system of sensors includes generating sensor data signal-to-noise ratio and an aspect angle between the sensor and a lethal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Renee Szabo, Christian E. Pedersen, Wade E. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7858910
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely sensing the content in a field of view are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a coherent optical signal into a field of view; receiving and detecting a reflection of the optical signal from a portion of the field of view bounded by the platform's boresight; correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the platform's boresight. The apparatus comprises a radome; an optical signal generator; an optical transmission channel; an optical receiver channel; and a plurality of electronics capable of receiving the representative signal and: correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the boresight from the corrected first instance of the reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Brett A Williams
  • Publication number: 20100308152
    Abstract: A method for correcting a trajectory of terminally guided ammunition is provided. In order to achieve a high probability of hits, in particular when firing in bursts (continuous fire, rapid single shot fire), it is provided that every individual ammunition is addressed separately. The “imprinting” is performed based on the beam rider guidance principle of terminally guided ammunition. Every individual ammunition reads only the guidance beam identified for this ammunition and can, using additional information, determine its absolute roll attitude in space in order to achieve the proper triggering of the correcting propulsion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Jens SEIDENSTICKER
  • Patent number: 7834300
    Abstract: A method and system for guiding and controlling an ordinance body having a trajectory and a bore sight angle including making corrections to the trajectory based on bore sight angle vs. time history. The system is incorporated with existing fuse components in a replacement kit for existing munitions. The method determines nominal time values of the ballistic trajectory of the munition in relation to launch time and determines deviation from the nominal time values by an algorithm by analyzing signals received from a source of radiation located at the target. A processor determines lateral (left/right) and range errors and provides commands to a plurality of flight control surfaces mounted on the munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Zemany, Mark A. Carlson, John A. Maynard
  • Publication number: 20100282894
    Abstract: A system for estimating an antenna boresight direction. The novel system includes a first circuit for receiving a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement corresponding with the Doppler measurement, and a processor adapted to search for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a Doppler error between the Doppler measurement and a calculated Doppler calculated from the estimated boresight direction and the line-of-sight direction measurement. The line-of-sight direction measurement is measured relative to the true antenna boresight, and the calculated Doppler is the Doppler calculated for a direction found by applying the line-of-sight direction measurement to the estimated boresight direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first circuit receives a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement from each of a plurality of pixels, and the processor searches for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a sum of squares of Doppler errors for each of the pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ralph Guertin, David Faulkner, John Treece, Donald Bruyere
  • Publication number: 20100274415
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a vehicle to intercept a target is described. The method iteratively estimates a time-to-go until target intercept and modifies an acceleration command based upon the revised time-to-go estimate. The time-to-go estimate depends upon the position, the velocity, and the actual or real time acceleration of both the vehicle and the target. By more accurately estimating the time-to-go, the method is especially useful for applications employing a warhead designed to detonate in close proximity to the target. The method may also be used in vehicle accident avoidance and vehicle guidance applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent C. Lam
  • Patent number: 7791006
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a kill-vehicle to be used in an exo-atmospheric anti-missile interceptor aimed at hitting a target, the kill-vehicle having a main body and comprising: an electronic box; a sensor unit coupled to the electronic box and including at least one sensor for tracking the target at a certain field of view; an inertial measurement unit coupled to the sensor unit; and a divert system controlled by the electronic box for providing the kill-vehicle with thrust at a desired direction; said divert system and electronic box constituting said main body, wherein the kill-vehicle further comprises at least one gimbals unit coupled to the main body and to the sensor unit for controllably changing an angle between the sensor unit and the main body, and wherein said electronic box is configured to synchronically operate said divert system and gimbals unit such that the target remains in the field of view of said at least one sensor and the thrust is provided i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Hasson, Galya Goldner
  • Patent number: 7724179
    Abstract: A receiver, such as a miniaturized microwave-photonic coherent receiver (MMPR) is disclosed. The receiver includes an antenna to output an electrical RF signal received on a section of the antenna, a laser to produce an optical signal, a photonic modulator to receive the optical signal and the electrical RF signal and produce an EO-RF signal and to receive the optical signal and an electrical LO signal and produce an EO-LO signal, a signal combiner to provide a combined EO-RF and EO-LO signal and a photodiode to receive the combined signal and produce an IF signal. A method of detecting an object using the MMPR includes receiving an electrical RF signal corresponding to the object, outputting the electrical RF signal to a photonic modulator, modulating the electrical RF signal onto an optical carrier, demodulating the electrical RF signal to produce an IF signal and processing the IF signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brett A. Williams, Mark A. Turner
  • Patent number: 7696460
    Abstract: A circuit for compensating for frequency modulation on a radar signal is disclosed. The disclosed circuit includes an adaptive narrow band filter in the feedback path of a phase-locked detector, such filter having a bandwidth which is narrower than the frequency range of the signal being compensated, and means for detecting the amplitude of such signal. The invention herein described was made in the course of, or under a contract or subcontract thereunder, with the Department of Defense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: George R. Spencer, James Williamson, Paul G. Crete
  • Patent number: 7675012
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets. An oracle vehicle relays network information to a control base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Bobinchak, Gary Hewer
  • Patent number: 7672480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for photographing on board of a flying rotating body and system for carrying out said method. According to said invention, pictures (V0, V90, V180, V270) are taken at predetermined angular positions of said flying body by a device which is rigidly fixed to the front thereof and are exposed to an image geometrical transformation required for the display thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: MBDA France
    Inventors: Bernard Longuet, Bernard Teneze
  • Patent number: 7566026
    Abstract: A guidance method for a powered ballistic missile involves using an onboard computer to numerically simulate the flight path of the missile in real time, using a model with at least 3 degrees of freedom. The results of this simulation are used to update in real time an aim point and/or a predicted intercept point. An iterative process may be used in adjusting the aim point and/or the predicted intercept point. The process may be carried out until a specified number of steps have been completed, and/or until a specified heading error threshold of the aim point and a specified time of flight threshold have been achieved. The use of real time updating of an aim point of the missile advantageously takes into account variations in missile velocity and position due to individual variations in the rocket motor of the missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frank C. Lam, Gerald C. Chiang
  • Patent number: 7520464
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bearing from a spinning projectile to a target emitting electromagnetic radiation comprising disposing a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sensors on a body of the projectile, receiving sensed electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of sensors, determining a periodic phase modulation between pairs of the plurality of sensors, integrating the modulation over a plurality of revolutions of the projectile, and calculating a bearing estimate from the projectile to the target using the integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Russell N. Van Allen
  • Patent number: 7498969
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuze application capable of GPS (Global Positioning System) and proximity radar functionality by co-locating a proximity radar antenna with a GPS DRA (Dielectric Resonator Antenna) fuze. The GPS DRA fuze has a HE11? mode structure resulting in an E-field null at the center. The monopole proximity radar antenna is mounted in the E-field null center and is thus electrically isolated from the GPS DRA fuze. The high dielectric constant permits the GPS DRA fuze to operate in the L1 frequency and the electrically shortened proximity radar antenna to resonate in the C-Band within a small form factor. The GPS DRA fuze maintains a forward-looking CP (circular polarization) pattern while proximity antenna maintains a desirable monopole pattern. Nesting allows mounting of both GPS and proximity radar antennas on the fuze nose while reducing the total space occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Paulsen, James B. West
  • Patent number: 7495198
    Abstract: A method for improving nighttime visual awareness of a pilot flying an aircraft carrying an air-to-air missile including one or more one gimbaled imaging sensor. The method includes providing a helmet for the pilot, a helmet tracking system for determining the attitude of the helmet relative to the aircraft, and a helmet-mounted display. The method also includes determining a current imaging sensor viewing direction of the imaging sensor of the air-to-air missile, sampling an image from the imaging sensor of the air-to-air missile and displaying the image on the helmet-mounted display. The determining and the displaying are performed so that the image displayed on the helmet-mounted display viewed by the pilot is spatially aligned with the scene viewed by the imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsafrir Ben Ari
  • Patent number: 7422175
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets. An oracle vehicle relays network information to a control base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Bobinchak, Gary Hewer
  • Patent number: 7338009
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets. An oracle vehicle relays network information to a control base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Bobinchak, Gary Hewer
  • Patent number: 7339537
    Abstract: Disclosed are antenna embodiments and air vehicles so equipped that include a first antenna component, and a second antenna component, separated by a free space gap, where the antenna embodiments are adapted to capacitively couple the first antenna component and the second antenna component across one or more portions of the free space gap and where the first antenna component member has a degree or axis of rotation, relative to the second antenna component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Kregg Hunsberger
  • Patent number: 7273194
    Abstract: The centroid of the discrete components forming the overall radar return from a target onto which a homing weapon is being guided may not coincide with a desired aimpoint on the target. Herein proposed is the discrimination and comparison of returns from different portions of the weapon sensor's field-of-view, i.e. different portions of the target and guidance of the weapon in dependence upon the relative values of the differences between those returns. As a result, the weapon can hit say the center of a tank turret roof rather than the probably heavily armored area forward of the turret roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Malcolm D Jones
  • Patent number: 7264198
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a vehicle to intercept a target is described. The method iteratively estimates a time-to-go until target intercept and modifies an acceleration command based upon the revised time-to-go estimate. The time-to-go estimate depends upon the position, the velocity, and the actual or real time acceleration of both the vehicle and the target. By more accurately estimating the time-to-go, the method is especially useful for applications employing a warhead designed to detonate in close proximity to the target. The method may also be used in vehicle accident avoidance and vehicle guidance applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Vincent C. Lam
  • Patent number: 7249730
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method, and program storage device implementing the method, of data fusion, wherein the method comprises determining pre-launch data affecting a flight of a self-sensing air-bursting ballistic projectile, the projectile comprising a plurality of independent data sensors; predicting a trajectory path of the projectile based on a target location of the projectile; calculating trajectory path errors based on the predicted trajectory path; generating in-flight data from each of the data sensors; combining the in-flight data into a single time-series output using a fusion filter; tracking a trajectory position of the projectile based on the single time-series output, pre-launch data, and the trajectory path errors; comparing the tracked trajectory path with the predicted trajectory path; analyzing the in-flight data to gauge successful navigation of the projectile to the target location; and self-guiding the projectile to the target location based on the trajectory position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Luther D. Flippen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7219853
    Abstract: A target identification and tracking system includes a carrier vehicle and one or more tracking vehicles. The carrier vehicle may determine an aimpoint of a target from a high resolution image of the target and may generate an offset from a tracking point to the aimpoint. The offset may be conveyed to an assigned tracking vehicle for tracking the tracking point of the target while navigating toward the aimpoint of the target. The tracking point may be the target's centroid. The carrier vehicle may employ a high-resolution LIDAR imaging system to identify the aimpoint from a target's features; while the tracking vehicle may employ a lower resolution optical imaging system for tracking the target's tracking point. The carrier vehicle may correct the offset for parallax and the offset may be revised as the tracking vehicle approaches the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Darin S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7193556
    Abstract: A system for measuring a position and orientation of an object in flight relative to a reference coordinate system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Carlos M. Pereira, Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Patent number: 7188801
    Abstract: The centroid of the discrete components forming the overall radar return from a target onto which a homing weapon is being guided may not coincide with a desired aimpoint on the target. Herein proposed is the discrimination and comparison of returns from different portions of the weapon sensor's field-of-view, i.e. different portions of the target and guidance of the weapon in dependence upon the relative values of the differences between those returns. As a result, the weapon can hit say the centre of a tank turret roof rather than the probably heavily armoured area forward of the turret roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Malcolm D Jones
  • Patent number: 7183966
    Abstract: A dual-mode target seeking apparatus having a seeker dome defining an aperture and transmissive to microwave frequency energy of a first frequency and to light wave energy at a second frequency and at a third frequency. An optics system within the seeker dome is transmissive to the microwave frequency energy reflective to the light wave energy received via the aperture. A first detector receives the microwave frequency energy via the aperture, and a second detector images a target by the light wave energy of the second and third frequencies via the optics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Schramek, Ronald E. Byrd, Michael E. Weinstein, Seong-Hwoon Kim, Allan J. Lyon
  • Patent number: 7104496
    Abstract: An interceptor device for protecting a platform against an incoming threat is provided. The interceptor device comprises a housing and a countermeasure device. At least one detonating charge is capable of deploying the countermeasure device. A controller device housed by the housing is capable of directing the detonating charge(s) to deploy the countermeasure device at least partially radially outward of the housing, corresponding to the threat trajectory. A sensor device is in communication with the controller device, and comprises a range-finding apparatus including one of a LADAR, a RADAR, and a LIDAR device, capable of sensing the threat and/or a range thereof, at least partially radially outward of the housing, and notifying the controller device if the threat is sensed, to cause the controller device to direct the detonating charge(s) to deploy the countermeasure device to impact the threat in the intercept zone. Associated systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Chang Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 7079070
    Abstract: Disclosed is an autonomous radar guidance of an otherwise radar-directed projectile (RDP). The preferred embodiment uses an inexpensive radar receiver with an inexpensive slow wave antenna, placed internally in a gun projectile, and on the surface of the projectile, respectively. The receiver detects the angle and range of the target relative to the body coordinates of the projectile. The radar receiver operates as a bistatic radar apparatus with the primary illumination emanating from the fire control radar directing the fire of the gun. When integrated with an on-board trajectory correcting system, such as divert thrusters of miniature proportions, the projectile autonomously refines its otherwise ballistic trajectory to the target. The trajectory refinements produce improved kills per round, with the potential for reducing the ammunition expended and time-loading on the fire control system and its guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Knut Kongelbeck, Ada Mendelovicz
  • Patent number: 7076342
    Abstract: An attitude sensing apparatus for determining the attitude of a mobile unit is provided that can reliably estimate an alignment angle between a GPS antenna coordinate system and an IMU coordinate system with good accuracy regardless of the magnitude of the alignment angle. Based on observation of the difference between a GPS angular velocity and an IMU angular velocity, an alignment angle estimating section estimates an alignment angle and sensor errors. An alignment angle adder and a sensor error adder cumulatively add and update the estimated alignment angle and sensor errors, respectively. The estimated alignment angle is fed back to an inertia data converter while the estimated sensor errors are fed back to an inertia data correcting section. The apparatus repeatedly performs estimation until the estimated alignment angle gradually approaches a true alignment angle by successively feeding back estimated values to a flow of alignment angle estimation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Company, ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Fukuda, Hiroyuki Toda
  • Patent number: 7066427
    Abstract: An interceptor device adapted to protect a platform associated therewith against an incoming threat having a trajectory by intercepting the threat in an intercept zone is provided. Such an interceptor device comprises a housing defining an axis and a countermeasure device operably engaged with the housing. At least one detonating charge is housed by the housing and is operably engaged with the countermeasure device. A controller device is in communication with the at least one detonating charge, wherein the controller device is housed by the housing and is configured to direct the at least one detonating charge to deploy the countermeasure device at least partially radially outward with respect to the axis of the housing and in correspondence with the trajectory of the threat to thereby cause the countermeasure to impact the threat in the intercept zone. Associated apparatuses, systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Chang Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 7043343
    Abstract: A method for testing the performance of a Missile Time-Space-Position Information Unit. The method is utilized for Functional, Acceptance and Qualification test of the Missile Time-Space-Position Information Unit. The method has the capability of testing the Missile Time-Space-Position Information Unit to verify and document functionality of the Missile Time-Space-Position Information Unit prior to use of the Missile Time-Space-Position Information Unit in an operational environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christian L. Houlberg, Gary Glazner
  • Patent number: 7039367
    Abstract: A communications system and method utilizes an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) capable of collecting data about an environment in which the USV resides. At least one micro-aerial vehicle (MAV), equipped for unmanned flight after a launch thereof, is mounted on the USV. Each MAV has onboard radio frequency (RF) communications. Each MAV launched into the air transmits the data collected by the USV using the MAV's RF communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Daniel Kucik
  • Patent number: 6969025
    Abstract: A dual servo system for a seeker actuator comprises a seeker head gimballed on a platform and driven in the pitch and yaw senses by respective fast, i.e. high bandwidth low ambit, servo sub-systems, the platform being pivotally mounted with respect to a base and driven in the pitch and yaw senses by respective slow, i.e. low bandwidth high ambit, servo systems. The pivotal mounting between the platform and the base is configured to provide a spherical bearing of relatively large area (typically about 85° solid angle) to provide good resistance to high acceleration loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: MBDA UK Limited
    Inventors: John F. Bugge, Kenneth C. Goulding, Anthony Machell
  • Patent number: 6961007
    Abstract: A method for providing a pilot with information associated with at least one region of a field of view visible to the pilot from within a cockpit without requiring a visual display. The method includes the steps of determining an eye gaze direction relative to a given frame of reference for at least one eye of the pilot, determining a reference direction relative to the given frame of reference, comparing the eye gaze direction with the reference direction, and if the eve gaze direction and the reference direction are equal to within a given degree of accuracy, generating audio output audible to the pilot and indicative of information associated with the reference direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsafrir Ben-Ari, Ronen Ben-Horin
  • Patent number: 6952179
    Abstract: A dual mode radar seeker comprising a wide-band passive anti-radar antenna system (3) at the rear of a radome (1), operating at relatively low radar frequencies in an amplitude comparison tracking mode, and a high-frequency (W-band) active amplitude-comparison antenna system (5) in the nose of the radome (1) and having a common boresight with the anti-radar system. The active system employs coarse phase shift steering (31, 41) of the antenna ‘beam’ for the transmit and, optionally, also, the receive ‘beam’. The high frequency and the use of phase shift steering both help to keep down the size of the active radar thus enabling it (5, 7, 9) to be positioned far forward in the nose of the radome (1) so as not to obscure the field of the anti-radar system (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems Electronics Limited
    Inventor: Michael Arthur Jones
  • Patent number: 6933877
    Abstract: The Multiple-Antenna Jamming System (MAJS) is useful for missile-borne jamming of active protection system radars that operate in close proximity to the frequency band of the missile's radio frequency seeker. The MAJS utilizes multiple receiving and transmitting antennas to reduce shadowing effects due to the transmissive radome. It also channelizes the jamming signals into in-seeker-band and out-of-seeker band signals to synchronize the transmission of jamming signals with the emit-listen pattern of the missile seeker and to eliminate the problem of de-sensitizing the RF seeker from the jammer energy. The in-seeker-band jamming signals are transmitted only concurrently with the missile seeker emissions and any signals emanating from an enemy radar are received only during the listen mode of the missile seeker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ralph H. Halladay, Michael R. Christian, Donald E. Lovelace
  • Patent number: 6919840
    Abstract: A proximity sensor for use with a guidance system of a smart bomb including a ranging radar proximity sensor configured for mounting on a smart bomb and a radome connected to the ranging radar proximity sensor. A laser radiation sensor system is attached to the proximity sensor, which is configured and arranged to detect laser radiation reflected from a target which passes through the radome and output the azimuth and elevation angles to the target to the guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Friedrich, Lyle H. Johnson, Mark K. Conrad