Patents Assigned to Flex Force Enterprises LLC
  • Patent number: 12117258
    Abstract: Several examples of a dual remote control and crew-served weapon station are described herein that uniquely provide different operating modes, any one of which can be quickly and efficiently selected based on outputs from various system sensors (e.g., switches and buttons). For example, the weapon station may operate in a mode in which the weapon is remotely steered and fired (e.g., remote controlled). The weapon station may also operate in different modes in which the weapon is aimed and fired by a local operator (e.g., crew-served stabilized or full manual). The weapon station may also operate in a safety mode, which is selected when no operator is sensed by a local operator sensor and/or a remote operator sensor. In some examples, the safety mode includes utilizing safety equipment to lock the pointing direction of the weapon and secure the weapon from firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Flex Force Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia Louise Archer, Jacob Ryan Sullivan, John Holbrook Vance, II
  • Patent number: 9074847
    Abstract: A stabilized platform is provided with active sense and adaptive control is provided that allows an operator, during operation, to switch between an electrically assisted operational mode to a manual operational mode. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Flex Force Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Ryan Sullivan, John Holbrook Vance, II, Daniel J. Hyman
  • Patent number: 8610622
    Abstract: An aimed or aiming firearm can be detected before it is able to shoot. Wideband radar signals can be used to identify the barrel of a firearm when the radar antenna and barrel are aiming at or near each other. Signal processing correlates reflected signals to the characteristics of specific firearms of interest, and alerts the user when someone is pointing such a firearm at them. Modern wideband radar systems with fast signal processing speed can enable real-time detection of firearm threats in crowded and cluttered areas before they shoot, which has never before been possible. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Flex Force Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Ryan Sullivan, Daniel J. Hyman
  • Patent number: 8322269
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are stabilized weapon mount systems that allow a gunner (i.e. operator of a weapon) to mount and operate a standard weapon in a manner similar to a stand-alone weapon while compensating for the motion of the platform. The system includes an aiming gimbal that is movable by an operator during stabilization into an aiming orientation directed toward a target and a stabilization gimbal nested within the aiming gimbal and adapted to securely couple to a weapon. The stabilization gimbal and aiming gimbal are mechanically coupled by a control unit such that the stabilization gimbal is moved by the control unit and the aiming gimbal is not moved by the control unit. A stabilization device automatically commands the control unit to move the stabilization gimbal relative to the aiming gimbal using the motors to correct for the base movement and maintain the aiming orientation directed toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Flex Force Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Ryan Sullivan, John Holbrook Vance, II
  • Patent number: 8049659
    Abstract: An aimed or aiming firearm can be detected before it is able to shoot. Wideband radar signals can be used to identify the barrel of a firearm when the radar antenna and barrel are aiming at or near each other. Signal processing correlates reflected signals to the characteristics of specific firearms of interest, and alerts the user when someone is pointing such a firearm at them. Modern wideband radar systems with fast signal processing speed can enable real-time detection of firearm threats in crowded and cluttered areas before they shoot, which has never before been possible. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Flex Force Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Ryan Sullivan, Daniel J. Hyman