Line Throwing Patents (Class 89/1.34)
  • Patent number: 10252779
    Abstract: An unmanned vessel having a coupling apparatus includes: a heaving line launcher, which is provided on one side of the bow of the unmanned vessel; a coupling apparatus, which is provided at the center of gravity of the unmanned vessel and is coupled to a coupling member of a crane provided on a mother vessel; a first winch, which is provided on at least one side of either the bow or stern of the unmanned vessel, a first tow line being wounded around the same; and a second winch around which a second tow line, which passes one side of the coupling apparatus, is wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Nam Sun Son, Sun Young Kim, Yeon Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 9016267
    Abstract: A line launching device is provided with a tube for receiving a projectile and including an externally threaded bottom and a cap put on the tube; a cylinder including a first externally threaded extension at one end, an internally threaded cup secured to the first externally threaded extension, a second externally threaded extension at an other end, and an internally threaded ring securing to both the second externally threaded extension and the externally threaded bottom; a hollow anchor fastened in one end of the tube; a hollow fin assembly in a bottom of the projectile and including slits on a housing, pivotal fins, and an internal biasing member biasing against the fins; and a rope having one end attached to the nose and an other end fastened in the anchor. The fins project out of the slits after the projectile being propelled out of the tube by pressurized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: STARJET Technologies Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jui-Fu Tseng
  • Patent number: 8857305
    Abstract: A rope projection device for capturing an object is provided with a head assembly including an open central chamber and two open inclined cylinders spaced from both sides of the central chamber respectively; a capturing rope including a rope member in the central chamber, and two end weights in the inclined cylinders respectively; and a projection assembly including a housing including a recess having a first through hole, and a cap on the recess and having a second through hole; a sleeve in the housing; a diaphragm on a front end of the sleeve; an air canister in the sleeve; and a mechanism including a spring biased cylindrical member in the sleeve, a receptacle on the cylindrical member, a spring biased sliding member projecting out of the receptacle into a third through hole on the sleeve to be under the first through hole, and a rear sharp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: STARJET Technologies Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jui-Fu Tseng
  • Patent number: 8757039
    Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 8714070
    Abstract: An interdiction device that includes a net for trapping and containing a target swimmer, diver or water-borne vessel. The net is deployed from the interdiction device that is either initially submerged in a body of water or floating on the surface of the body of water. The net is deployed either below the surface of the water in one embodiment or on the surface of the water depending on the desired function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corp
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Michael W. Niederschulte, Brian D. Rosner
  • Publication number: 20140041516
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull and a water diverter. The water diverter comprises at least one first deflector configured to direct water upward and outward from the hull of the watercraft to create a wave. The water diverter may include a support structure in the shape of a hollow tube for the first deflector, and a second deflector positioned above the first deflector. An entanglement system for defending watercraft includes a main cable attached to the watercraft and at least one strand section. Each strand section includes a connector and a plurality of strands attached to the connector, and each strand section is attached to the main cable. A defense system for watercraft can include both a water diverter and an entanglement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: International Maritime Security Corporation
    Inventor: Scott BREWER
  • Publication number: 20130340600
    Abstract: A combustion gas piston type movable guiding tube netting device includes a capture net (8), a traction head (6), a guiding tube (7), an igniter (3), a main gunpowder (5), a combustion gas generator (1) and a piston (2). The piston and the main gunpowder are placed in the combustion gas generator. The top of the piston contacts a triangular lug on the base of the guiding tube. The traction head is placed in the guiding tube, and another end of the traction head is tied on one corner of the capture net. When operating, the main gunpowder is ignited by the igniter, the resulting combustion gas pushes the piston to move, the piston pushes the guiding tube to move, and the combustion gas comes into the guiding tube and pushes the traction head to burst out the guiding tube, and the traction head drives the capture net to open. The combustion gas piston type movable guiding tube netting device has a quick expansion speed, and the area of the expansive capture net is big.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Beijing Mechanical Equipment Institute
    Inventors: Hao LIU, Shuyong HAN, Shengjie WANG, Xuyang QIU, Aifeng CHEN, Yulong TANG, Kegang CHI, Hejiu WANG, Chengshuai SU
  • Patent number: 8613241
    Abstract: A restraining device for use in a water environment includes a plurality of tendrils that can be launched from a submerged device when an unauthorized swimmer is proximate the restraining device. Data communication in a neural-network of restraining devices is facilitated by a central command that has the capability of directing restraining devices, normally, aquatic mines, to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corp
    Inventors: Martin A Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 8601928
    Abstract: A method and device for impeding the progress of a swimmer or a diver included a plurality of tendrils that can be launched into the path of a target and entangle the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corp.
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Publication number: 20130291710
    Abstract: A restraining device for use in a water environment includes a plurality of tendrils that can be launched from a submerged device when an unauthorized swimmer is proximate the restraining device. Data communication in a neural-network of restraining devices is facilitated by a central command that has the capability of directing restraining devices, normally, aquatic mines, to a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 8561516
    Abstract: An undercarriage immobilization device and method of restraining a vehicle uses tendrils and straps to engage the vehicle. The tendrils and straps will wrap around moving parts of the vehicle and restrain the moving parts to eventually incapacitate the vehicle. The undercarriage immobilization device includes a housing that contains tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant or compressed gas. The tendrils may be attached to the straps carried by the undercarriage immobilization device. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 8552282
    Abstract: A system for reducing the operational efficiency of a watercraft's propulsion system includes a self-propelled and variable-speed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that has at least one homing device adapted to direct the UUV towards an origin of a targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At least one rod is coupled to a forward end of the UUV and extends forward therefrom at least when the UUV is in proximity to the origin of the targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At this point, the UUV is directed and accelerated to drive the rod into the targeted watercraft's propulsor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Felipe A. Garcia, Gregory A. Reitmeyer, Robert C. Woodall
  • Patent number: 8485475
    Abstract: A debris removal management system and a method of removing space debris. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a frame, (2) a plurality of net sections coupled to the frame and (3) a plurality of microvehicles coupled to the plurality of net sections and configured to be ejected relative to the frame to deploy the plurality of net sections, the plurality of net sections cooperating to form a net configured to capture space debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel W. Allen, Robert L. Spicer
  • Patent number: 8245617
    Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 8205537
    Abstract: An interceptor projectile includes a deployable net that deploys during flight and wraps around an incoming projectile, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The net is initially in a tubular body of the interceptor projectile. A propellant is used to deploy the net from the body. Even after deployment the net remains attached to the body by an elastic tether. The engagement of the net with the incoming projectile disables the incoming projectile, with the momentum imparted by the interceptor projectile sending the incoming projectile off course. This successfully defends a target against the incoming projectile. Through the tether, substantially all of the parts of the interceptor projectile may be mechanically linked together even after deployment of the net. This mechanical linking provides more momentum for impacting the interceptor projectile, which may facilitate diverting the incoming projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: James H. Dupont
  • Patent number: 8176867
    Abstract: A watercraft immobilizing apparatus and system deployable from a marine vessel to passively defend against an attacking watercraft includes a towed array of entanglement lines. The entanglement lines can be stored on and supplied from one or more storage cartridges mountable on and deployed via outriggers and submersible rollers to foul and immobilize propellers and engine cooling intakes of attacking watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J.A. Gayton
  • Publication number: 20110174140
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull and a water diverter. The water diverter comprises at least one first deflector configured to direct water upward and outward from the hull of the watercraft to create a wave. The water diverter may include a support structure in the shape of a hollow tube for the first deflector, and a second deflector positioned above the first deflector. An entanglement system for defending watercraft includes a main cable attached to the watercraft and at least one strand section. Each strand section includes a connector and a plurality of strands attached to the connector, and each strand section is attached to the main cable. A defense system for watercraft can include both a water diverter and an entanglement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Scott BREWER
  • Publication number: 20110030540
    Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 7882775
    Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Engineering Science Analysis Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Publication number: 20110005373
    Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick J. Barnhill, Steven A. Floyd
  • Publication number: 20110005374
    Abstract: A method and device for impeding the progress of a swimmer or a diver included a plurality of tendrils that can be launched into the path of a target and entangle the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Martin A. Martinez, Patrick A. Barnhill
  • Patent number: 7640839
    Abstract: A cartridge for propelling a pair of wire-tethered contact darts for disabling a remote target with an electrical discharge. The cartridge comprises two bores each having one wire-tethered dart in front of an electrically activated pyrotechnic. A cartridge contains two separated straight bores, which each launch a single dart assemblage with a single primer of standard manufacture. A single 200 large rifle primer can launch a single dart assemblage reasonably accurately to 30 feet from the cartridge. Each assemblage is deflected to a predicted angle of flight when it collides with a center hinged cover as it exits the cartridge. This arrangement allows for longer flight distances and tighter, but still effective, dart spreads throughout the travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7441511
    Abstract: A watercraft arresting system and method including an entanglement subsystem including at least two arms in a V-configuration. A deployment subsystem deploys the entanglement subsystem so the arms are spread apart in the water in the path of the watercraft to arrest it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Farinella, Mads Christian Schmidt, Scott Quigley
  • Patent number: 7415917
    Abstract: A warhead including a hit-to-kill vehicle and a hub about the hit-to-kill vehicle including, packaged therein, a net and a plurality of rods held in a spaced relationship by the net for destroying a target when the net is deployed in the vicinity of the target in case the hit-to-kill vehicle misses the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Richard M. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7412916
    Abstract: A method of destroying a target includes positioning a hit-to-kill vehicle in the trajectory path of a target, and deploying a net including a plurality of rods held in a spaced relationship by the net for destroying the target in case the hit-to-kill vehicle misses the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Richard M. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7328644
    Abstract: A system has a containment blanket. The system further has a launcher configured to launch the containment blanket and logic configured to deploy the containment blanket. The containment blanket is configured to encompass an incoming projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: SCV Quality Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel C. Vickroy
  • Publication number: 20070283940
    Abstract: An anti-riot device is provided that includes a net-containing tube, and multiple shot holes in the upper area connecting with air outlet space. The shot holes are equidistantly spaced from the central axis of the device and are circumferentially angularly inclined. The lower side of the air outlet space communicates with a high pressure gas device. The net containing tube recieves a high strength net body and a propellant board with a gas receiving concave shaped surface inside. Multiple bullets received in the shot holes are coupled to a periphery of the net body. The bottom of the net contained tube has multiple gas holes and an air outlet board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7305981
    Abstract: An anti-riot device is provided that includes a net containing tube, and multiple shot holes in the upper area connecting with air outlet space. The shot holes are equidistantly spaced from the central axis of the device and are circumferentially angularly inclined. The lower side of the air outlet space communicates with a high pressure gas device. The net containing tube receives a high strength net body and a propellant board with a gas receiving concave shaped surface inside. Multiple bullets received in the shot holes are coupled to a periphery of the net body. The bottom of the net contained tube has multiple gas holes and an air outlet board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7213589
    Abstract: A compressed gas injection device includes a projectile course for receiving and accelerating projectile bodies, a compressed gas housing which is connected to the projectile course and which is divided up into a compressed gas chamber and a working chamber by a partition. A working piston is arranged in the compressed gas housing and is provided with a valve plate which is arranged on the front end of the piston rod thereof for moveable rear closure of the projectile course, wherein the working piston is a movable backward closure element for the working chamber and the piston rod is guided through the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hans Eichner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Eichner, Ulrich Hess
  • Patent number: 6729222
    Abstract: A wire-tethered dart cartridge for electrical discharge weapons or stun guns wherein the sudden force needed to propel the darts toward a remote target is derived from a source of energy other than expanding gas. The propulsive force is derived from potential energy stored in at least one coiled spring having an arm which impacts the dart with sufficient force to propel the dart a desired distance toward a remote target. In a preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the spring is formed on two interconnected coils, each end of the spring wire extending from a respective coil and forming an impact arm for striking the back of a dart. The arms are maintained in a tensioned configuration by retention pistons which are connected to pyrotechnic devices. When an electrical voltage is applied to the pyrotechnic devices, the ignition forces each piston to move suddenly to release the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6681676
    Abstract: A generalized, rationally-scaled design is disclosed for a line laying system for use in stringing communications cable across inaccessible spaces. The system includes a tethered projectile which is accurately aimed and launched to a defined target zone by means of a energy-store coupled with a pivoting release lever. The geometric details of placement of the pivot axis of the release lever are disclosed in detail. Specific configurations of the projectile guides and spring support ribs are also disclosed. Implications of design and materials upon accuracy and range are considered and optimal component finishes and tolerances are indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Halo Products, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Hayes, Francis C. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 6626077
    Abstract: An intercept device for flying objects made of a light-weight, packable structure made of a pliable, tear resistant material that can be expanded to a large web-like structure by means of a deployment device, into the path of a flying weapon. To capture, hold and reduce the velocity of intercepted flying objects, activatable resistance bodies are incorporated into uniformly distributed masses that are connected to the perimeter of the web like structure. Contractable sections of the web, made of cable-like structures, connected to perimeter masses, act as drawstrings upon collision with flying object. This causes closure of the web around the flying object as a result of the mass's inertia and added resistance from deployable resistance structures that place tension on drawstring structures of the web. The flying object is subsequently captured within the web, held secure and it's velocity rapidly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Mark David Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20030010184
    Abstract: A wire-tethered dart cartridge for electrical discharge weapons or stun guns wherein the sudden force needed to propel the darts toward a remote target is derived from a source of energy other than expanding gas. The propulsive force is derived from potential energy stored in at least one coiled spring having an arm which impacts the dart with sufficient force to propel the dart a desired distance toward a remote target. In a preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the spring is formed on two interconnected coils, each end of the spring wire extending from a respective coil and forming an impact arm for striking the back of a dart. The arms are maintained in a tensioned configuration by retention pistons which are connected to pyrotechnic devices. When an electrical voltage is applied to the pyrotechnic devices, the ignition forces each piston to move suddenly to release the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: James F. McNulty
  • Patent number: 6487951
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for firing a projectile in which one part of the projectile rotates and the other part of the projectile does not rotate where is it used for delivering a line. The projectile firing apparatus includes a projectile having a part that rotates and a part that does not rotate, and further a barrel with a bore having spiraled grooves and at least two channels for the nonrotating part of the projectile to travel through when the projectile is fired. A line dragging system is mounted on the front of the barrel and engages to the nonrotating part of the projectile. The line dragging system is made of a wire frame including a cylindrical portion, engaging members, frame sides, and engaging locks. Upon firing the projectile, the rotating part moves through the bore of the barrel while the nonrotating part moves through the channels of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Bankware, Ltd.
    Inventor: Latchezar Lazarov Petkantchin
  • Patent number: 6477933
    Abstract: A wire-tethered dart cartridge for electrical discharge weapons wherein the sudden force needed to propel the darts toward a remote target is derived from a source of energy other than expanding gas. The propulsive force is derived from potential energy stored in at least one coiled spring having an arm which impacts the dart with sufficient force to propel the dart a desired distance toward a remote target. In a preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the spring is formed on two interconnected coils, each end of the spring wire extending from a respective coil and forming an impact arm for striking the back of a dart. The arms are maintained in a tensioned configuration by a retention bracket which is connected to a piston pyrotechnic device. When an electrical voltage is applied to the pyrotechnic device, the ignition forces the piston to move the retention bracket to suddenly release the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: James F. McNulty, Jr., John F. Chudy, II
  • Publication number: 20020139239
    Abstract: This invention is a line throwing rescue gun which is inexpensive and easy and efficient to use. The rescue gun utilizes a combustible gas which is sprayed into a chamber of the rescue gun and then igniting thereby propelling a projectile attached to a line over a substantial distance. The invention is also a method for using a rescue gun wherein the projectile is greased and ramrodded into the barrel of the rescue gun, whereby an aerosol combustible gas is sprayed into the chamber of the rescue gun, the chamber is sealed and the gas is ignited thereby propelling the projectile through the barrel towards a specified target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Dwayne Vogl
  • Patent number: 6393989
    Abstract: In a towed body with infrared flares located at its rear, the flares are in an ejection unit and are pulled out of the towed body via a tow cable as they ignite, preventing the towed body from being destroyed by missiles when it is used during target simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Dornier GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Weimer
  • Publication number: 20020053278
    Abstract: A generalized, rationally-scaled design is disclosed for a line laying system for use in stringing communications cable across inaccessible spaces. The system includes a tethered projectile which is accurately aimed and launched to a defined target zone by means of a energy-store coupled with a pivoting release lever. The geometric details of placement of the pivot axis of the release lever are disclosed in detail. Specific configurations of the projectile guides and spring support ribs are also disclosed. Implications of design and materials upon accuracy and range are considered and optimal component finishes and tolerances are indicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Roger D. Hayes, Francis C. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 6382071
    Abstract: Apparatus for capturing fleeing animals or persons comprises a gun having a barrel and stock to which are attached a pair of elongated tubular members, one on each side of the gun barrel and substantially parallel thereto. Attached to the end of the gun barrel is a guide assembly which includes a central tube coaxially aligned with the gun barrel and on either side of which are outwardly extending guides. Retainer assemblies provided near the rear ends of the tubular members include chambers which are in fluid communication with the interior of the gun barrel. The apparatus comprises a bola assembly having a central plug from each side of which extends a cord at the end of which are weights. The plug is insertable into the central tube of the guide assembly and the weights are insertable through the elongated tubes for releasable engagement with the retainer assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gilbert A. Bertani
  • Patent number: 6295911
    Abstract: A break line launch energy damper and recoil limiting system for line charges absorbs and dissipates launch energy over time during deployment of line charges. This system limits the amount of recoil energy that can act upon the line charge and allows for linear deployment without recoil that might hinder the effectiveness of the rear lengths of the line charge. An elongate strength member connects the line charge to an inertial drag, such as a parachute and/or container for the line charge. A plurality of lines having different tensile strengths are appropriately connected to sequentially part when their tensile strengths are exceeded to thereby absorb and dissipate energy during deployment of the line charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Gilberto Irizarry
  • Patent number: 6244261
    Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for projecting a line across an intermediate span includes a launching tube having one end connected to a source of propellant gas energy for launching a projectile, the other end forming an open muzzle adapted to receive and fire a line deploying projectile. The projectile is releasably attached to one end of the line attached to a source of line connected to the launch tube and containing a supply of line to be payed out during the flight of the projectile. An axially-mounted laser sighting device connected to the launch tube for sighting the tube in on a remote target for the projectile is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: David A. West, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6240849
    Abstract: A projectile attachment is disclosed that has open-biased arm members that can be either mounted directly onto the projectile base or may be mounted to a mutual connection means which is then attached to the projectile base. The arms are compressed into a restrained position so that they may be inserted into the casing of the bullet. Upon firing, the arms extend to the unrestrained position. Upon impact the projectile penetrates the target then the extended arm members engage the target surface to cause widespread damage while slowing the projectile. The members may optionally have hook-like ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher A. Holler
  • Patent number: 6223659
    Abstract: A line storage device prevents a line from becoming entangled. A channel formed in a piece of material defines a non-overlapping zigzag pattern. The line is laid in the channel and extends from opposing ends of the piece of material. The material supports the line in the channel until the line attains a threshold tension at which point the piece ruptures sequentially along the zigzag pattern from each opposing end. The channel can be formed in or on one or more surfaces of the piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Felipe Garcia, Robert Woodall, Gilberto Irizarry
  • Patent number: 6205903
    Abstract: A line charge has a series of spaced-apart warheads coupled to strength members and a detonating cord freely extends through bores in the warheads. A rocket motor at one end of the strength members pulls the line charge across an obstacle laden area. An anchored tether or drogue chute at the other end arrests flight of the line charge and it drops across the area. The thermoplastic, polymeric, or metallic strength members provide strain management to withstand the severe deployment forces and to preclude damage to the detonating cord. Strain is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the strength members coupled to the warheads. Strain also is reduced through direct dissipation of energy by dynamic frictional losses created between strength members, coupling components, and anchoring devices during deployment when slippage occurs between the strength members and coupling components and anchoring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Gilberto Irizarry