Training Apparatus Using Beam Of Infrared, Visible Light, Or Ultraviolet Radiation Patents (Class 434/21)
  • Publication number: 20110109900
    Abstract: Shooters have to presently take their firearms out of their hands to then actuate the advancement of a new target into shooting position. This unit will allow the shooter to shine his laser sight, infrared light, flashlight, or multi-spectrum light onto a sensor forwarding the next target into position without removing the firearm from its' shooting position. The unit also uses a unique target backing material that does not require targets to be made of rolls of coated or heavy material stock. The system can utilize rolls of cash register paper, cut sections of gift wrapping paper, or even paper towels as target materials without snagging and preventing the next target from being presented. The backing has stand-offs at 45 degree angles to the target material so that the target material rebounds against it upon impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Edward Lee McMillan, III
  • Patent number: 7927102
    Abstract: A rocket propelled grenade (RPG) simulation device usable with a laser detector is provided. The RPG simulation device comprises a laser transmitter, a switch, a controller, and a housing. The laser transmitter is capable of directing a laser signal to the laser detector, the laser signal comprising information readable by the laser detector, to simulate a launch of a rocket propelled grenade from the RPG simulation device to the laser detector. The switch permits a user to trigger a laser signal from the laser transmitter. The controller is in operable communication with the laser transmitter and the switch, and the controller is operable to respond to triggering of the switch and to simulate the launch of a rocket propelled grenade by directing the laser transmitter to generate and transmit a laser signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Giles D. Jones, Quang K. Ha, Lee Ourn, Samon Jannati
  • Patent number: 7922491
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an explosive device (IED) simulator usable with a laser detector is provided, the IED simulator comprising a laser transmitter and a first switch. The laser transmitter is capable of directing a laser signal to the laser detector, the laser signal comprising information readable by the laser detector, wherein the laser signal is designed to simulate at least a first type of explosion of an IED. The first switch is operably coupled to the laser transmitter, the first switch permitting a user to trigger the laser signal from the laser transmitter. The first type of explosion that is simulated can comprise at least one type selected from the group consisting of an indoor IED explosion, an outdoor IED explosion, a long range IED explosion, an IED explosion of 2 m to 5 m away from a target, an IED explosion of up to 600 m from a target, and an IED explosion having a predetermined kill pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Giles D. Jones, Lee L. Ourn, Saman Jannati, Quang K. Ha
  • Publication number: 20110053120
    Abstract: The present invention describes a marksmanship training simulator including, a weapon capable of firing a laser, a screen for projecting images including a background and a target thereon using a background projector for projecting a background scene and a target area projector for projecting a density of visible pixels on the screen such that the target image is at better than eye-limited resolution when viewed by the marksman through a and wherein the contrast ratio of the target image formed by both by the background and target area projector is substantially that of the target area projector. The screen reflects the laser and there is also a laser footprint detector directed to the target area wherein the density of the detector pixels for receiving the non-visible footprint and the intensity and size of the laser footprint is such that there is a predetermined accuracy of the detection of the location of the footprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: George Galanis, Armando Vozzo, Philip Temby, Ashley Stephens
  • Patent number: 7845948
    Abstract: A method and device for training persons to remain within a safety zone. An emitter establishes a safety zone that is not to be exceeded by the person, and an adjuster may be operatively connected to the emitter to adjust the size and position of the safety zone. A sensor is placed away from the emitter to indicate when the person moves outside of the safety zone. The method comprises activating the emitter and positioning the person within the safety zone. When the person nears the signal or exits the safety zone, an alarm is indicated to the person and/or a facilitator. Upon return to the safety zone, the alarm may be deactivated and the training procedure within the safety zone can continue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ricky Dion Barnes, Randall Wade Rogers
  • Publication number: 20100297589
    Abstract: A device arranged to illuminate an area. The device includes a light source arranged to transmit a light lobe coded with information, and having a predetermined solid angle defining the width of the lobe. The light lobe is expandable/compressible between a first mode in which the light lobe has a first predetermined solid angle and a second mode in which the light lobe has a second predetermined solid angle. The light lobe is arranged to carry first information in the first mode and second information in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Johan Ruud
  • Publication number: 20100291513
    Abstract: An apparatus for training a shooter of an optically aimed, projectile-firing weapon includes head gear adapted to be worn by the shooter. The head gear carries a housing, a beam splitter mounted to the housing, and an adjustment mechanism for positioning the beam splitter in front of a dominant eye of the shooter so that the beam splitter is operable to divide an image of the target into a first beam portion oriented toward the shooter's eye, and a second beam portion oriented in a different second direction. A camera is mounted on the head gear in line with the second direction for generating a video signal from the second beam portion. A remote monitor is connected to the camera for displaying a video image from the video signal. A hole through which the shooter aims can be adjusted in diameter to facilitate initial aiming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: IES Interactive Training / FAAC Incorporated
    Inventor: Jason LAMONS
  • Publication number: 20100273131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser transmitter for simulation training, which is mounted on a firearm. The laser transmitter for simulation training includes an infrared laser diode 21 configured to emit an infrared laser beam, a laser beam shaping lens 22 disposed in the direction of travel of the laser beam of the infrared laser diode, a dichroic beam splitter 23 disposed in the direction of travel of the laser beam of the infrared laser diode and configured to have a first face 23a for transmitting an infrared laser beam and a second face 23b for reflecting a visible laser beam, a visible laser diode 31 configured to emit a visible laser beam and disposed at a position where the visible laser beam is refracted by the second face, and a focusing lens disposed in the direction of travel of the visible laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: KOREA ELECOM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Chan Lim, In Chan Paek, Min Young Cho, Tae Jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20100240015
    Abstract: A light based projectile detection system for use with a firearm and a virtual firearms training simulator includes a self-sealing screen having a proximal side and a distal side. A scenario projector transmits a simulation onto the proximal side, and a light source faces the distal side. The light source selectively projects light onto the distal side of the screen when the firearm is shot, such that light from the source traverses the screen after contact by a projectile. A camera monitors the light traversing the aperture created by the projectile to determine and associate the position of impact and transmit that information to a scenario computer. The system may include an audio detection circuit to monitor the sound generated by the firearm and transmit a signal to a flash controller to cause the light source to illuminate. The screen will then re-seal around the hole so that the light no longer traverses the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Bobby Hsiang-Hua Chung, Brian Ronald Vaceluke
  • Publication number: 20100227298
    Abstract: A training aid apparatus composed of: a power source; an illuminator electrically attached to the power source; and an actuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ROVATEC LTD.
    Inventor: Moshe Charles
  • Publication number: 20100227299
    Abstract: A threat fire simulation system (40) for simulating a projectile impacting a user (26) includes an electrical impulse element (44) configured for physical contact with the user (26). A controller (42) is in communication with the electrical impulse element (44). The controller (42) enables receipt of a signal (54) for activating electrical impulse element (44) to deliver a non-disabling electrical pulse (46) to the user (26). The electrical pulse (46) simulates an impact of the projectile on the user (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: VIRTRA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert D. Ferris, Roger D. Malin
  • Publication number: 20100203483
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a simulated firearm is provided that mimics the appearance of an actual firearm and is configured to fire blank ammunition. The simulated firearm also includes a light transmitter that transmits an infrared signal representative of a bullet fired from the actual firearm in response to firing of the blank ammunition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Giles D. Jones, Bradley Huang, Qingce Bian, Christopher A. Tomlinson, Peter M. Wallrich, William W. Price, Jeffrey E. Decker
  • Patent number: 7687751
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention, therefore, provide improved systems and methods for tracking targets in a simulation environment. Merely by way of example, an exemplary embodiment provides a reflected laser target tracking system that tracks a target with a video camera and associated computational logic. In certain embodiments, a closed loop algorithm may be used to predict future positions of targets based on formulas derived from prior tracking points. Hence, the target's next position may be predicted. In some cases, targets may be filtered and/or sorted based on predicted positions. In certain embodiments, equations (including without limitation, first order equations and second order equations) may be derived from one or more video frames. Such equations may also be applied to one or more successive frames of video received and/or produced by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventor: David Wayne Page
  • Patent number: 7688219
    Abstract: Hand position monitoring systems and methods for use with firearms. The hand monitoring system monitors a hand position of a firearm user and includes a sensor assembly and a controller. The sensor assembly acquires hand position information (e.g., index or trigger finger position information) of a firearm user and electronically communicates the hand position information for review and/or analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Force Science Institute, Ltd.
    Inventors: William B. Hudson, William J. Lewinski
  • Patent number: 7677893
    Abstract: The present invention relates to training simulators for sharp shooting and introduces a number of functionalities that provide significant savings and further efficiencies such as usage of actual unmodified combat firearms for training purposes, simultaneous training of two individual shooters with individual identification and result display of the firing activity from each shooter on a computer generated concentrical target analogous to the ones used today in firearm training facilities, as well as the usage of a specialized weapon trigger contactor which is mounted on the actual weapon and that provides the usage functionalities to allow training on all single, and double action pistols as well as fully automatic weapons. The simulator also incorporates an emitting unit consisting of a laser light diode and the associated mounting mechanisms which allow the mounting of the emitting unit on any standard firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Matvey Lvovskiy
  • Publication number: 20100035217
    Abstract: A method and system for real-time laser designation scoring is disclosed. The method begins with capturing laser illumination image data of a target that has an active region corresponding to areas of the target reflecting a laser beam and an inactive region. Then, the active regions are encoded into a set of first order vectors, where each first order vector is correlated to a pixel column in the image. A plurality of adjacent first order vectors are then decimated into a second order vector. Thereafter, the method includes transmitting the second order vectors to a remote viewer, and then displaying the second order vectors overlaid on a model of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: David Kasper
  • Publication number: 20100003643
    Abstract: A simulated magazine capable of operating according to a movement of a trigger and a gun simulator provided with the simulated magazine are provided. The simulated magazine includes a burst signal generating unit and a magazine body. The burst signal generating unit a burster lever disposed closely on a rear surface of a trigger of a gun, a burst switch lever capable of operating according to a movement of the burster lever, and a tension spring for returning the moved burster lever to its original position. The magazine body includes a central controller for controlling whole operations, a burst switch disposed adjacent to the burst switch lever to be switched on according to a movement of the burst switch lever and transmit a burst signal to the central controller, and a firing signal output unit receiving a firing signal from the central controller and transmitting the firing signal to an external laser beam transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: KOREA ELECOM
    Inventor: Jung-Il Seo
  • Patent number: 7632187
    Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications between a two or more players is provided. The device includes two infrared transceivers and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger, a barrel portion and a user-interface including a display and a keypad for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions. A first infrared transceiver transmits a directional infrared signal to another game participant and receives an acknowledgment signal therefrom in response to the transmitted directional signal. A second infrared transceiver facilitates omnidirectional two-way communications between two or more devices. The transceivers facilitate communications between game players before, during, and after a game of infrared electronic tag such as game setup, player identification and gameplay analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Farley, David Small
  • Patent number: 7621747
    Abstract: A laser stabilization assembly for weapon simulators is used in conjunction with the weapon simulator to steady a laser module. The laser stabilization assembly includes a first spacer, a second spacer and a lock ring that is secured to the barrel of the weapon simulator via a threaded insert and locking components. The assembly is mounted proximate to the barrel of the weapon simulator in the same general area allocated for a conventional laser apparatus of a conventional weapon simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Meggitt Training Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Burrow
  • Publication number: 20090286208
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for virtual shooting practice comprises a displayed shooting practice image including a target portion and a simulated gun. As the target portion of the image moves relative to the remainder thereof, the simulated gun is moved relative to the displayed image and relative to the moving target portion. Movement of the simulated gun is compared with the movement of the target portion of the displayed image resulting in a determination of whether a “shot” from the gun is a “hit” or a “miss”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald F. Coleman
  • Patent number: 7581954
    Abstract: A firearms training simulator provides recoil simulating the recoil of a conventional firearm. The valve assembly provides consistent rearward gas pressure for generating recoil. Preferred embodiments of the firearms training simulator may include a means for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. A trigger mechanism permitting semi-automatic operation, or full automatic operation at a user selectable cyclic rate, is provided. The firearms training simulator further provides a laser emitter structured to emit a laser substantially along the same path as a bullet fired from a conventional firearm having the same configuration as the simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Newmatics Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Mark Schavone
  • Publication number: 20090111073
    Abstract: The system and method to advance human performance in sighting, tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) moving and stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targets with a firearm. System components include software and hardware that provide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually or automatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli in a blank or a rendered scene environment. The methods including increase stimuli movement speeds and/or reducing the interval between or the time for which stimuli are displayed until the trainee fails to properly engage the stimuli, then reduce the movement speeds and/or increase the interval time to levels at which the trainee properly engages the stimuli. By repeating training methods with increasing speed, the trainee will be conditioned to achieve proper stimuli engagement with increasingly elevated speed and accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Stanley
  • Publication number: 20090081619
    Abstract: A target acquisition apparatus for use in association with a target, includes a weapon activation sensor, an image detector, a modulated light detector, a weapon processor, and a weapon transceiver for detecting activation of the weapon and producing a triggering signal. The weapon processor identifies a predetermined modulation characteristic from detected light radiation, identifies a predetermined spatial configuration within a predetermined portion of an acquired image, determines a local coordinate system, and produces a hit indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Eli Miasnik
  • Publication number: 20090075241
    Abstract: A gun system including a gun directional receiver for directionally receiving a response light from a target emitter, wherein the response light includes an identification of the target emitter, and the gun system further including a gun emitter for broadly sending an identification light to a target receiver, wherein the identification light includes the target emitter identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jimmy Ha
  • Publication number: 20090009987
    Abstract: The retention device fits to a conventional hand-held flashlight with a tail-end switch and allows a shooter to manipulate both the flashlight and a firearm while not violating any fundamentals of marksmanship, namely the two handed grip on the firearm. The retention device is made of a resilient and pliable rubber or elastomeric material and includes an annular connection band, which slides over the cylindrical body of the flashlight. The connection band is positioned near the tail-end of the flashlight opposite the bezel. The band has a chamfered edge, which is used as a contact surface for the shooter's fingers. The retention device may also include an integral finger loop or finger hook, which provides positive retention of the flashlight with the shooter's hand. Both the integral finger loop and finger hook extend from the flat back of the band extending forward over the band toward the bezel end of the flashlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew V. Graham
  • Publication number: 20080286725
    Abstract: In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a military training apparatus generally includes an electrical power converter for coupling between a simulated weapon device and an electrical power system of a vehicle. The electrical power system has at least one operating characteristic that is incompatible with the simulated weapon device. The electrical power converter is operable to receive electrical power from the electrical power system and adjust the electrical power provided to the simulated weapon device such that an operating characteristic of the simulated weapon device remains within one or more specified limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Giles D. Jones, Bradley Huang, Jeffrey E. Decker, Qingce Bian, Christopher A. Tomlinson, William W. Price, Peter M. Wallrich
  • Patent number: 7435179
    Abstract: A gaming server periodically receives location information from a plurality of distributed gaming devices. Such devices can take the form of cellular telephones or other wireless communications devices equipped with a GPS transceiver. When the gaming server determines that a gaming device is within a predetermined range of another gaming device, it sends an authorization message such as an “in-range” message to one or both of the devices within range of each other. The users of the device(s) receiving the in-range message are then authorized to “shoot” the other user, e.g., by taking a picture of them, pointing a laser at them or other gaming action that may be specified by the rules of the game. The gaming action could also be initiating a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventor: Jason Ford
  • Publication number: 20080187888
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus that simulates a firearm includes a simulated firearm housing and a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) device. The simulated firearm housing simulates the appearance of an actual firearm. The MILES device is housed in and integrated within the simulated firearm housing. A MILES circuit portion detects a triggering event. A transmitter transmits a MILES signal in response to the triggering event, the MILES signal representing a bullet fired from the actual firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Giles D. Jones, Bradley C. Huang, Qingce Bian, Christopher A. Tomlinson, Peter M. Wallrich, William W. Price, Jeffrey E. Decker, Eric R. Davis
  • Patent number: 7367805
    Abstract: The invention concerns an aligning device for a simulator (105) arranged for firing and mounted on a weapon. The weapon has aiming means arranged to indicate the aiming of the weapon in a target area. The simulator is equipped with at least a first element arranged so as to emit an electromagnetic beam along a simulation axis, and adjusting means arranged so as to control the simulation axis in order to align the simulating axis with the aiming means. The device is characterized in that it has means (201) arranged so as to reflect visible light from the beam, and sighting means for alignment that are arranged so as to display a projection of the reflected light superimposed over an image (206) of the target area in an alignment sight window. The projected light is movable within the alignment sight window by means of adjusting means so as to enable placement of the projection at a point at which the aiming means are aimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Per Renntoft
  • Patent number: 7351061
    Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play, and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Lightshot Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Sr., Terry P. O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 7345265
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention, therefore, provide improved systems and methods for tracking targets in a simulation environment. Merely by way of example, an exemplary embodiment provides a reflected laser target tracking system that tracks a target with a video camera and associated computational logic. In certain embodiments, a closed loop algorithm may be used to predict future positions of targets based on formulas derived from prior tracking points. Hence, the target's next position may be predicted. In some cases, targets may be filtered and/or sorted based on predicted positions. In certain embodiments, equations (including without limitation, first order equations and second order equations) may be derived from one or more video frames. Such equations may also be applied to one or more successive frames of video received and/or produced by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventor: David Wayne Page
  • Patent number: 7335026
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention enable an operator to interact with a video surveillance system comprising at least one sensor. The sensor may be configured to operate as a simulated weapon, or may be replaced by or augmented with a real weapon and in either case the simulated or real weapon is controlled over a network. The network may comprise the local video surveillance network or a network linking with a remotely operated weapon system. The integration of an existing video surveillance system with a network of remotely operated weapons and/or weapon simulators enables use of the resources of either system by the other system and enables a passive video surveillance system to become an active projector of lethal or non-lethal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Telerobotics Corp.
    Inventors: John Goree, Brian Feldman
  • Patent number: 7329127
    Abstract: A firearm laser training system of the present invention includes a target assembly, a laser transmitter assembly that attaches to a firearm, a detection device and a processor in communication with the detection device. The system simulates targets at extended ranges and accounts for various environmental and other conditions. The target may be in the form of a target image or a display screen. The detection device captures images of the target for processing by the processor to determine beam impact locations. The processor applies various offsets to the beam impact locations to account for the various conditions and determine the impact locations relative to the target. The processor displays an image of the target including the determined impact locations and scoring and/or other information that is based on those impact locations. An electronic laser filter may be employed by the system to minimize false impact detections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Tansel Kendir, Motti Shechter, John Clark
  • Publication number: 20080020355
    Abstract: A structure for visibly boresighting an invisible MILES-type laser beam emitted by a small arms transmitter to sights of a weapon intermittently projects a visible light beam that is parallel to the beam emitted by the MILES-type laser. Adjusting the visible beam to impinge on that portion of a target in the sights of the weapon also boresights the MILES-type laser to the weapon's sights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: C. Gil Young
  • Patent number: 7306462
    Abstract: A removable gas supply for a weapon simulator, wherein the gas system cycles the bolt or slide of the firearm to provide recoil, actuate a hammer/trigger mechanism and provide realism of the original weapon functions. The weapon simulator has a housing defining a piston chamber and a piston positioned in said chamber and connected to the bolt. The simulator also includes a valve chamber in the housing connected with said regulated gas supply and said bolt, and a recoil valve positioned in the valve chamber to control the release of gas from said regulated gas supply to said piston chamber to generate recoil in the weapon simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: FATS, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Howard Metcalfe, Henry Martin Wilson, Jr., Paul Heath Fleming
  • Patent number: 7293992
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a simulator arranged for the simulation of firing, which simulator is intended to be mounted on a weapon with aiming means. The simulator contains an emitter for a simulation bean and an emitting device for an alignment beam, which device contains a reticle arranged in a first focal plane of an optical system. The optical system is characterized in that it contains means for beam-splitting, where the optical system has a second focal plane, and where the emitter for the simulation beam is arranged in an optical path or extension thereof containing the second focal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Arnold Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 7291014
    Abstract: A weapon simulator assembly having a wireless module provided in a simulated weapon to maximize the freedom of movement for the user and to provide complete diagnostics from electronic sensors for users of the firearms training simulator. The wireless module is embedded in the simulated weapon used in the simulator assembly and connected to various sensors to obtain operational information. The wireless data communication link is a wireless module using a frequency hopping spread spectrum technology such that the wireless module can fit in a small firearm simulator, such as a handgun or chemical spray simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: FATS, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby Hsiang-Hua Chung, Kelvin William Klusendorf
  • Patent number: 7192282
    Abstract: This invention concerns a device for a weapon sight. The device includes a deflecting element (15) disposed in an optical path through the sight and comprising an optical wedge (17), and means (16) arranged to control the positional setting of the optical wedge to produce a randomly altered sight image in the sight. The device is characterized in that the control means (16) are arranged to produce, before firing, the altered sight image and, during firing, to guide the wedge or wedges to a reference position in which the sight image is unaltered. The invention also concerns a method for optically simulating recoil in a weapon with a sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Per Cederwall
  • Patent number: 7156662
    Abstract: A light gun includes a trigger unit; a grip coupled to the trigger apparatus; and a barrel unit coupled with the trigger apparatus. The trigger unit has a trigger and a hammer, and the barrel unit includes a light emitting unit which emits a light bullet in response to generation of an impact by the hammer when a trigger operation is carried out by pulling the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Goko
  • Patent number: 7147472
    Abstract: A system, called the Laser Aim Scoring System, and method for automatically scoring gunner training sessions for simulated laser-guided missile, target engagements using the laser designator without the need for training or tactical rounds are disclosed. In the disclosed invention, a pop-up target and its surrounds are separately monitored for radiations at the laser designator frequency. “Hit” or “Miss” scoring is based on detection of the laser radiation at the laser designator frequency illuminating the appropriate region around or on the target at the appropriate time with respect to a simulated missile launch signal at the start of the training engagement, in accordance with the engagement profile programmed into the scoring computer prior to the start of training. The laser aim scoring system send a signal to lower the pop-up target in response to a “Hit” score, and if desired by the user, also sends a signal to initiate smoke and flash signals from a Hoffman Kill Simulator interfaced with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James D. Habersat, Brian C. Redman, Jonathan S. Lei, John E. Nettleton, Michael M. Quarles
  • Patent number: 7121464
    Abstract: A system for precisely timing the firing of two or more weapons in order to create a desired arrival timing of two or more projectiles on a target. Global Positioning System (“GPS”) transceivers are used to determine the position of each weapon and report that position to a command post. Heading-to-target and ranging information is also preferably transmitted so that the command post is able to accurately fix the position of the target, and the range of each weapon to the target. Computations are then performed in order to determine the firing sequence needed to achieve a desired arrival of two or more projectiles on the target. Firing of the weapons is then performed automatically in order to properly execute the computed firing sequence. Interactive command and control data is fed back and forth between the weapons and the command post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Thompkins W. White
  • Patent number: 7052276
    Abstract: The invention relates to simulation of effects in a combat environment, wherein personnel, vehicles and buildings are exposed to simulated fire from military weapons. Direct fire and indirect fire are simulated by means of at least one of light rays and radio waves. Effects of attacking fire are registered by means of a target object device, which includes sensors adapted to detect the light rays respective the radio waves and are co-located with the target object (140). According to the invention the target object is associated to at least one protecting object located between the simulated fire and the target object if such object exists in the current combat situation. This enables a consideration to various protecting object— influence on the simulated fire and the effects on corresponding actual fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Stefan Davidsson, Ulf Björkman, Ingemar Emricson, Peter Hermansson, Åke Jansson, Per Klahr
  • Patent number: 7033175
    Abstract: An optical device controller, for controlling an optical device positioned in a barrel-like portion of an imitative gun facing the outside through a muzzle-like opening of the barrel-like portion. An operation controlling portion is provide for shifting the optical device from an inoperative condition to an operating condition in response to movement of a trigger-like portion, a movable valve provided on a gas leading passage for controlling the gas leading passage to be open in response to the movement of the trigger-like portion, and a sliding member having a pressure receiving portion formed therein positioned at the back of the barrel-like portion for receiving pressure of the gas coming through the gas passage formed in the gas passage forming portion and the gas leading passage which is controlled to be open by the movable valve and provided to be moved back along the barrel-like portion with the pressure of the gas acting on the pressure receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Western Arms
    Inventor: Keiichi Kunimoto
  • Patent number: 7001182
    Abstract: Detonating projectiles are fired into a target area by a weapon, the time between firing and detonation being one second or less. By setting the target location at the same distance as e.g. the edge (1) of a building (3), however laterally displaced with respect to that edge, it is possible to obtain an effect also in an area invisible to the bearer of the weapon. For simulating this weapon, for example in house-to-house fighting, it is proposed to affix devices (5) comprising a sensor (22) and a transmitter (27) to obstacles. When the weapon is fired, a simulation device provided on the weapon transmits a firing signal to the sensor (22), the latter activating the transmitter (27). Similarly to the real effect of the weapon, the transmitter (27) emits an impact signal in the impact area (7) which also includes the mentioned area which is invisible to the bearer of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Business Park Bern AG
    Inventors: René Lazecki, Roland Luethi, Adrian Balmer
  • Patent number: 6997716
    Abstract: The Continuous Aimpoint Tracking System is comprised of a position detection device (PDD) and a laser pointing device (LPD) that projects an infrared crosshair onto the PDD. The PDD is coupled to a computer and comprises a multitude of photodiodes and associated circuits, the photodiodes being evenly spaced and arranged to form a frame that can be mounted on the computer so as to surround the computer video display. When a “shot” is fired from the LPD, the crosshair projection is interrupted briefly. The PDD determines the position of the four crosshair intersections and reports them to the computer which, in response, generates the video signals that form the resolved aimpoint on the screen, matching the LPD aimpoint to the video image. Further, the tracking system determines the rotation of the LPD over a range of at least 10 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James A. Skala, Frank J. Blackwell, Patrick W. Jungwirth
  • Patent number: 6975859
    Abstract: A remote target control system utilizes a telephone as an input device to enable remote control of targets. Preferably, the telephone is in the form of a cordless handset and a base unit so that the user can activate the remote control system from a substantial distance from the base unit of the telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Action Target, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer Lambert, H. Addison Sovine
  • Patent number: 6966775
    Abstract: A firearm laser training system of the present invention includes a target having a plurality of zones, a laser transmitter assembly for projecting a laser beam, a sensing device and a processor. The sensing device scans the target to produce target images to detect laser beam or simulated projectile impact locations. The processor receives impact location information from the sensing device and processes the received information to evaluate user performance and to display evaluation information and an image of the target including indicia corresponding to the detected impact locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Beamhit, LLC
    Inventors: Tansel Kendir, Motti Shechter
  • Patent number: 6960085
    Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play; and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Lightshot Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hull, Robert M. O'Loughlin, Terry P. O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 6945782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for indicating that a target (1), such as a vehicle, has been hit. The target is provided with information on the weapon action, and a light source indicates a hit. The information can be made available by direct electromagnetic transmission, for example via radio, or by means of one or more strips (9–11) with detectors (13) being arranged on the target (1). In the latter case, the detectors detect incident illuminating electromagnetic radiation, and a light source indicates a hit when the incident radiation satisfies defined detection criteria. According to the invention, the light source is mounted directly in one or more strips (12) which in the present case can be the same as the detector strips and consist of distributed light points preferably in the form of light-emitting diodes (14). In this way, a protected and integrated solution is obtained which has little effect on the shape of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Peter Isoz, Micael Malmberg
  • Patent number: 6942486
    Abstract: The simulator of the invention is based on a number of functional units connected directly or remotely to the central computer for controlling the operation and recording the shooting results. The weapon unit is untethered and includes a real hand gun equipped with a snap-on emitter unit to send simultaneously two beams of light upon pulling the trigger—a wide angle infrared beam and a narrowly focused and aimed at the target light beam. The infrared beam is registered by the sensor near the screen and a signal indicating a firing event is sent to the computer. The light beam, preferably from a laser source is sent towards the screen, reflected therefrom towards the optical block and travels through a number of fixed and rotating mirrors and through a light divider to the light sensor. That sensor when activated sends the HIT or MISS signal to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Matvey Lvovskiy