Patents Assigned to Oerlikon Contraves AG
-
Patent number: 5978123Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventors: Reinhard Hanno Czichy, Bernhard Wandernoth
-
Patent number: 5974074Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventors: Jean-Michel Mayor, Thomas Graf, Juerg Balmer
-
Patent number: 5966226Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventor: Peter Gerber
-
Patent number: 5919054Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventors: Udo Herlach, Saverio Sanvido
-
Patent number: 5896219Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventor: Bernhard Wandernoth
-
Patent number: 5872503Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventors: Gerard Marquis, Martin Wittwer
-
Patent number: 5834675Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventor: Andre Boss
-
Patent number: 5814756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventor: Andre Boss
-
Patent number: 5788500Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventor: Peter Gerber
-
Patent number: 5742251Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventor: Peter Gerber
-
Patent number: 5670758Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignees: Oerlikon-Contraves AG, Dornier GmbHInventors: Ingo U. Borchers, Stephan T. Laemmlein, Peter Bartels, Achim Rausch, Markus Faust, Jan A. F. Coebergh, Klaus Koeble
-
Patent number: 5533692Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 1981Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventor: Allen C. Layton
-
Patent number: 5322016Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 2, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventor: Peter Toth
-
Patent number: 5271310Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventor: Kurt Muller
-
Patent number: 5245906Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventors: Kurt Muller, Jurg Dunki
-
Patent number: 5208418Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 1988Date of Patent: May 4, 1993Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventors: Peter Toth, Peter Schueepp
-
Patent number: 5151677Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 1991Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventors: Pierre Gernet, Werner Steinemann, Paul-Andre Margot
-
Patent number: 5125153Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 1990Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventors: Raymond Frey, Fredy Glaus, Fredy Heusler, Jurg Steinmann
-
Patent number: 5117732Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 1991Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventors: Klaus Munzel, Viktor Kalin
-
Patent number: 5115713Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 1991Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AGInventors: Kurt Muller, Erwin Bohler, Jurg Dunki