Patents Assigned to Oerlikon Contraves AG
  • Patent number: 5978123
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transmission of a low-rate supplementary channel 24 in high-rate coherent optical transmission systems for the transmission of supplemental data 26, in particular relating to the operation, in an optical communications link, in which a user data flow 17 in the form of a phase-modulated laser lightwave is transmitted, and and wherein syncbits (synchronization bits) are scattered into the user data flow 17 by a transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Hanno Czichy, Bernhard Wandernoth
  • Patent number: 5974074
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a laser system for optical free space communications, in particular the generation of amplified laser light under conditions in outer space. In the process, an optical beam (72) to be amplified is conducted via a polarizing beam splitter (71) to a Faraday rotator (70) and brought from there to a neodymium crystal (68). By means of reflection, appropriate diffraction and passage through a quarter-wave plate (67), a multiple passage through the neodymium crystal (68) is forced and amplification is achieved by this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Mayor, Thomas Graf, Juerg Balmer
  • Patent number: 5966226
    Abstract: The combat communication system is used for "identification friend or foe", firing simulation during practice, and/or combat aiming for live night shooting. Each participant wears a harness comprising light detectors and control units, as well as a laser assembly mounted to a weapon. For firing simulation or identification, a participant aims his weapon at a potential target and sends a laser signal. When the target is another participant wearing a harness, his harness answers via a radio, ultrasonic or light signal. The carrier frequency of the response signal can be determined and transmitted by the querying unit over the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Patent number: 5919054
    Abstract: The line connection (10) connects a first line (14.1) via an intermediate line (12.1) with a second line (16.1) and, functionally parallel therewith, a first branch line (14.2) via an additional intermediate line (12.2) with a second branch line (16.2). The line connection (10) itself comprises two coaxial cylinders (20, 22), which are rotatable in relation to each other, and a planet wheel (24) disposed in the space between the cylinder (20, 22), as well as the intermediate line (12.1) and the additional intermediate line (12.2). Connections (18.1, 18.2) of the first line (14.1) and the first branch line (14.2) to the intermediate line (12.1) and the additional intermediate line (12.2) are disposed on one of the cylinders (20 or 22), and on the other of the cylinders (22 or 20) the connections (19.1, 19.2) of the intermediate line (12.1) and the additional intermediate line (12.2) to the second line (16.1) or the second branch line (16.2). In a zero position all connections (18.1, 18.2, 19.1, 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventors: Udo Herlach, Saverio Sanvido
  • Patent number: 5896219
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method and a device for optical phase modulation by means of semiconductor amplifiers. In this case an optical semiconductor amplifier comprises optical waveguides 10, which rise over its length and change in its lateral extension, so that light supplied at the optical inlet 11 undergoes an amplification on its way to the optical outlet 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Wandernoth
  • Patent number: 5872503
    Abstract: A scanning potentiometer adapted to a hatch edge prevents buckling of an insulating cover (2) which has a contact strip (10) and a resistor strip (14) during bending and prevents undesired contact. The insulating cover (2) has two profiles (3, 4), with a reinforcing device provided in at least one of the profiles (3, 4). In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing device has tubular conduits (5, 6) that are integrated into one of the profiles (3, 4), namely the profile (3) that includes an actuation surface (7) of the scanning potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventors: Gerard Marquis, Martin Wittwer
  • Patent number: 5834675
    Abstract: It is possible to improve the hit probability of programmable projectiles by means of this method. For this purpose a predetermined optimal disaggregation distance (Dz) between a disaggregation point (Pz) of the projectile (18) and an impact point (Pf) on the target is maintained constant by the correction of the disaggregation time (Tz) of the projectile (18). The correction is performed by adding a correcting factor, which is multiplied by a velocity difference, to the disaggregation time (Tz). The velocity difference is formed from the difference between the actually measured projectile velocity and a lead velocity of the projectile, wherein the lead velocity is calculated from the average value of a number of previous successive projectile velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Andre Boss
  • Patent number: 5814756
    Abstract: It is possible to improve the hit probability of programmable projectiles by means of this method. For this purpose a predetermined optimal disaggregation distance (Dz) between a disaggregation point (Pz) of the projectile (18) and an impact point (Pf) on the target is maintained constant by the correction of the disaggregation time (Tz) of the projectile (18). The correction is performed by adding a correcting factor, which is multiplied by a velocity difference, to the disaggregation time (Tz). The velocity difference is formed from the difference between the actually measured projectile velocity and a lead velocity of the projectile, wherein the lead velocity is calculated from the average value of a number of previous successive projectile velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Andre Boss
  • Patent number: 5788500
    Abstract: An improved battlefield simulation system based upon continuous wave lasers. The system uses continuous wave lasers and high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to simulate weapons. A continuous wave laser energy beam is coded using pulse-code modulation (PCM) and pulse-pause modulation (PPM) so that the agent is uniquely identified, as well as the type of weapon responsible for the light beam. The present system provides improved eye safety, improved sensitivity, improved realism, and improved data transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Patent number: 5742251
    Abstract: The harness comprises a plurality of elements, such as light detectors, a laser emitter and a master control unit. The elements are communicating by means of ultrasonic signals. Such signals provide a secure communication over a short distance while being impossible to detect from larger distances. Upon initialization of the harness, the master control unit initializes all elements to respond to a common identification code, which identification code can be updated automatically during later operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Patent number: 5670758
    Abstract: By means of this acoustic protection it is possible to protect the payloads of expandable launch vehicles effectively against noise emissions from the rocket propulsion system which result in damage of the payloads. For this purpose acoustic absorbers (8) tuned to a defined frequency range are provided and are arranged in foamed plastic mats (7) disposed on the insides (6) of the payload fairing (1). The acoustic absorbers (8) are composed of a cup-shaped lower part (12) and an upper part (13) having a horn (18). The horn (8) tapers in a curved-conical manner from a larger diameter (D.sub.m) to a smaller diameter (D.sub.t) and projects into the lower part (12) by a defined distance (a) from a bottom (14) thereof. Slits (21) for the dissipation of the directed flow energy occurring in the horn (18) are disposed in the wall of the horn in the area of the smaller diameter (D.sub.t).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignees: Oerlikon-Contraves AG, Dornier GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo U. Borchers, Stephan T. Laemmlein, Peter Bartels, Achim Rausch, Markus Faust, Jan A. F. Coebergh, Klaus Koeble
  • Patent number: 5533692
    Abstract: A beam of electromagnetic radiation is spatially encoded using a digital phase modulation technique. The spatial encoding defines the beam cross section into a series of resolution elements each identified by a different digital code. The codes defining resolution elements are detectable by a missile located in the radiation beam and can be used to define the location of the missile in this beam. In the preferred embodiment, an encoding mask, moved through the beam at its source, provides the digital phase modulation. The mask is provided with a series of bit areas, each of which bears at least two sets of cyclically recurring bands effective to modulate a detectable parameter of the radiation, such as intensity. The spacing between adjacent bands of a set, termed a bit cycle, is proportional to a predetermined phase of the modulation of the beam parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventor: Allen C. Layton
  • Patent number: 5322016
    Abstract: A weapons system with at least one fire control device and a launcher uses a remotely fragmentable projectile for defense against a missile or other movable target. Although the probability of a hit is increased with the use of a remotely fragmentable projectile, the system of the invention increases the success of the defense, which is nevertheless questionable because of the low density of the projectile fragments. The method utilizes a projectile, the fragments of which are concentrated in a ring, which spreads out in the shape of a conical envelope. The projectile is individualized at launch. Tracking of the target continues during the flight of the projectile, because of which the expected location at the pre-calculated time of impact becomes continuously better known. The fragmentation command is transmitted to the projectile as late as possible. It is always possible with a high degree of probability to score a hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Toth
  • Patent number: 5271310
    Abstract: Apparatuses for the infeed of cartridges predominantly of two different types of ammunition from conveying devices to a Gatling-type gun or weapon system, can be constructed such that first and second transport devices, a third device and the Gatling-type gun can be simultaneously driven if there are provided storage devices for the intermediate storage of the empty cases during reverse clearing following a firing burst. These storage devices are operatively associated with conveying devices from which the Gatling-type gun has delivered ammunition thereto by the first and second transport devices. The conveying devices, which deliver cartridges from ammunition magazines, can be selectively driven. There is prevented transport of empty cases during reverse clearing by the Gatling-type gun and there is attained the result that the Gatling-type gun is free of empty cases prior to accomplishing a new firing burst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventor: Kurt Muller
  • Patent number: 5245906
    Abstract: Apparatuses for the infeed of cartridges predominantly of two different types of ammunition to a Gatling-type gun or weapon system, can be stationarily installed if there are employed, apart from two transport devices, storage devices for the intermediate storage of the empty cases or spent cartridges during the reverse clearing operation following a firing burst. There is prevented transport of empty cases or spent cartridges during reverse clearing by the Gatling-type gun and there is attained the result that the Gatling-type gun is free of empty cases prior to accomplishing a new firing burst. Additionally, it is possible to fire cartridges or ammunition rounds of one type of ammunition without interruption from two ammunition magazines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Kurt Muller, Jurg Dunki
  • Patent number: 5208418
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for determining and correcting alignment errors between fire control devices and weapon systems are distinguished by the following features. Target measuring sensors are mounted on guns which are mounted on servo-controlled mounts, and the sensor line of sight of each target measuring sensor is aligned with the line of sight of the gun. The guns containing the target measuring sensors are aligned to a common measuring target using a target tracking device. A deviation between the measured position of the common measuring target and the position of the line of sight of the target measuring sensor is detected in the target measuring sensor of the gun which is controlled by the target tracking device. This deviation is evaluated and processed to determine an alignment error vector taken into account during control of the gun. Control signals used during a firing operation are corrected on the basis of the alignment error vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Peter Toth, Peter Schueepp
  • Patent number: 5151677
    Abstract: The apparatus serves for rapid orientation of a periscope and, if desired, a weapon barrel with respect to a sighted target. A contact potentiometer is proved as angle transmitter for an electric servo control. The contact potentiometer is annularly arranged around the observer's post at the vehicle, preferably in the region of the rim portion of the observation hatch of the vehicle. The contact potentiometer comprises an arcuate, hose-like insulating envelope defining a radial direction. A resistance track and a contact track are laid within the insulating envelope at a predeterminate spacing therebetween in the radial direction of the insulating envelope. By touching the contact potentiometer in the direction of sight, there is tapped thereat a resistance value corresponding to the direction with which the periscope or, if desired, the weapon barrel has to be aligned by a swivelling motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Pierre Gernet, Werner Steinemann, Paul-Andre Margot
  • Patent number: 5125153
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a highly packed hybrid array. The packing density of the hybrid array is increased by providing a barrier between closely adjoining strip conductors on a substrate. The barrier reduces the occurrence of short circuits between adjacent strip conductors when an adhesive that is used to glue a chip to the substrate is pushed out from under the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Raymond Frey, Fredy Glaus, Fredy Heusler, Jurg Steinmann
  • Patent number: 5117732
    Abstract: In order to improve the inductive transmission of pulses from a transmitter coil to a receiver coil of a projectile fuze, an insert formed of a steel band is mounted between a coil and a coil core formed of aluminum. This insert shields the coil against eddy current fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Klaus Munzel, Viktor Kalin
  • Patent number: 5115713
    Abstract: During the infeed of cartridges from an ammunition container or magazine to a firing weapon, problems arise in the event there are not simultaneously fulfilled the following three requirements: (a) the first cartridge of a firing burst or series firing should be first delivered to the firing weapon following completion of the run-up-to-speed of the firing weapon; (b) the last cartridge of a firing burst or series firing should be delivered to the firing weapon before the firing weapon has been braked; and (c) the spent cartridge cases should be returned by the cartridge infeed apparatus to the ammunition container. To fulfill these objectives, there is provided an arrangement composed of an endless storage chain, a transfer location, and a switchable gate, in order to allow the temporary storage of spent cartridge cases during reverse movement of the cartridge transport apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Kurt Muller, Erwin Bohler, Jurg Dunki