Patents Assigned to QIOPTIQ LIMITED
  • Patent number: 11913755
    Abstract: A method for forming a weapon accessory mounting device to attach to a projectile firing weapon is disclosed. A flexure for receiving a body of the weapon accessory is formed. A pivot portion is formed at a first end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a first attachment region. A second attachment portion is formed at a second end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a second attachment region. A first aperture is formed in the pivot portion configured to receive a pivot pin. A second aperture in the weapon accessory body receives the pivot pin at a weapon accessory body first end to attach the weapon accessory body first end to the pivot portion. The pivot portion is configured to convert at least a portion of energy of a weapon shock recoil from translational energy to rotational energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth David Ball, Mark Riley, David A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20230360238
    Abstract: Described herein are passive systems and methods for ranging objects. The systems and methods are passive in that they do not rely on transmission of radiation (whether radiofrequency, visible, infrared, ultraviolet, acoustic, etc.) to determine range. The systems and methods described herein may be used both in civilian and military applications. The present techniques allow users to determine range to moving targets, which is notoriously difficult to estimate using the human eye. The present techniques perform ranging to a target using artificial intelligence models, including object segmentation and pose estimation. Object segmentation may involve determining a dimension (e.g., height) of a specified target in an image, in terms of pixels. If there are multiple objects in the scene, range estimates may be calculated using object segmentation for each object. Pose estimation involves a machine learning technique that identifies sets of coordinates corresponding to joint keypoints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: Donovan Lee Alexander, James Andrew Harding, Ryan Ellis Pargeter
  • Patent number: 11675108
    Abstract: An optical element (200), has a first surface configured to convey light, a second surface configured to convey light, an optical path between the first surface and the second surface, a filter coating (230) applied to the first surface, and a colour corrected anti-reflection (AR) coating (240) with colour correcting and antireflection characteristics applied to the second surface. The AR coating is configured according to an antireflective function to maximise photopic transmission and/or, integrated visual photopic transmission (IVPT) of the optical path. The second surface is disposed opposite the first surface, and the antireflective function is determined according to a daylight emission a I(?), a transmission spectrum of the antireflection/colour corrective coating T(?) and a thickness a d(?), of the film for a specified wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Williams
  • Publication number: 20230160663
    Abstract: A method for forming a weapon accessory mounting device to attach to a projectile firing weapon is disclosed. A flexure for receiving a body of the weapon accessory is formed. A pivot portion is formed at a first end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a first attachment region. A second attachment portion is formed at a second end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a second attachment region. A first aperture is formed in the pivot portion configured to receive a pivot pin. A second aperture in the weapon accessory body receives the pivot pin at a weapon accessory body first end to attach the weapon accessory body first end to the pivot portion. The pivot portion is configured to convert at least a portion of energy of a weapon shock recoil from translational energy to rotational energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth David Ball, Mark Riley, David A. Jones
  • Patent number: 11435166
    Abstract: A method for forming a weapon accessory mounting device to attach to a projectile firing weapon is disclosed. A flexure for receiving a body of the weapon accessory is formed. A pivot portion is formed at a first end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a first attachment region. A second attachment portion is formed at a second end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a second attachment region. A first aperture is formed in the pivot portion configured to receive a pivot pin. A second aperture in the weapon accessory body receives the pivot pin at a weapon accessory body first end to attach the weapon accessory body first end to the pivot portion. The pivot portion is configured to convert at least a portion of energy of a weapon shock recoil from translational energy to rotational energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth David Ball, Mark Riley, David A. Jones
  • Patent number: 11112545
    Abstract: An optical system for overlaying a first image of a scene and a second image includes a first imaging device providing the first image, a second imaging device with an image display and collimation optics providing the second image, and a waveguide. The waveguide has a first diffraction grating configured to receive the first image, a second diffraction grating configured to receive the second image, and a guide portion disposed between the first diffraction grating and the second diffraction grating configured to convey the second image to the first grating. The first diffraction grating is configured to overlay the first image and the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: James Babington
  • Patent number: 10955220
    Abstract: A method for forming a weapon accessory mounting device to attach to a projectile firing weapon is disclosed. A flexure for receiving a body of the weapon accessory is formed. A pivot portion is formed at a first end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a first attachment region. A second attachment portion is formed at a second end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a second attachment region. A first aperture is formed in the pivot portion configured to receive a pivot pin. A second aperture in the weapon accessory body receives the pivot pin at a weapon accessory body first end to attach the weapon accessory body first end to the pivot portion. The pivot portion is configured to convert at least a portion of energy of a weapon shock recoil from translational energy to rotational energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth David Ball, Mark Riley, David A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10798362
    Abstract: A blended optical device includes a first objective with a first axis and a first image position adjustment means for adjusting the position of a first image. An electronic control circuitry is configured to control the first adjustment means to adjust a position of the first image. A second objective includes a second axis and a variable focus mechanism, and a blender configured to form a blended image from the first image and a second image. The electronic control circuitry is configured to receive data from the second objective regarding a range to a target of the second objective as a function of the focus setting, and to adjust the position of the first image so that the blended image is corrected for parallax errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Karl Bustin
  • Patent number: 10605571
    Abstract: A system and method for a weapon accessory mount is disclosed. The weapon accessory mount is configured to attach a weapon accessory to a rail of a weapon configured to fire a projectile in a projectile path. A flexure is configured to receive the weapon accessory. The flexure includes a first end attached to the rail at a first pivot portion, and a second end opposite the first end attached to the rail at a second portion. The first pivot portion is configured to convert at least a portion of energy of a shock recoil from the weapon from translational energy to rotational energy, the second pivot portion has a similar functionality to the first pivot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth David Ball, Mark Riley, David A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10598910
    Abstract: A system includes an optical waveguide configured to receive multispectral radiation from a scene, a first optical component and a second optical component. The first optical component is configured to cause a first portion of the multispectral radiation with wavelengths in a first range to exit the optical waveguide at a first position, and a second portion of the multispectral radiation with wavelengths in a second range to travel through the optical waveguide from the first position to a second position via total internal reflection. The second optical component is configured to cause the second portion of the multispectral radiation to exit the optical waveguide at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Karl Bustin
  • Patent number: 10481361
    Abstract: A system includes a dome-shaped optical component having a substantially circular edge and a mounting base for the optical component. A recess is in an outer surface of the optical component. A projection on an inner surface of the mounting base and is configured to engage the recess. An adhesive material is between the optical component and the mounting base. The adhesive material forms an upper band and a lower band with a void between the upper band and the lower band. The void is positioned relative to the recess in the outer surface of the optical component such that a bending stress in the optical component at the recess is less than what the bending stress would be without the void. A heater is inside and thermally coupled to the optical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth David Ball
  • Patent number: 10409077
    Abstract: A head-up display includes a projector and an optical combiner configured to reflect light from the projector while allowing other wavelengths of light to pass through the optical combiner. The projector has two or more image sources, and two or more optical components, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the image sources. In a typical implementation, the two or more optical components are closely situated to approximate an effective aperture that is larger than the actual aperture of either optical component. In such an implementation, since the actual aperture of each respective optical element is smaller than the larger effective aperture, it is generally much easier to correct for optical aberrations and the like, than it would be if a single optical element with a larger actual aperture were used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: John Roberts
  • Patent number: 10291897
    Abstract: A blended optical device includes a first objective with a first axis and a first image position adjustment means for adjusting the position of a first image. An electronic control circuitry is configured to control the first adjustment means to adjust a position of the first image. A second objective includes a second axis and a variable focus mechanism, and a blender configured to form a blended image from the first image and a second image. The electronic control circuitry is configured to receive data from the second objective regarding a range to a target of the second objective as a function of the focus setting, and to adjust the position of the first image so that the blended image is corrected for parallax errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Karl Bustin
  • Patent number: 10281655
    Abstract: A field inverting optical waveguide is disclosed. The waveguide is configured to convey electromagnetic radiation from an ingress end to an egress end along an optical path. The waveguide includes an optically flat input surface disposed at the waveguide ingress end, and an exit surface disposed substantially opposite the input surface at the waveguide egress end. The exit surface includes an array of prisms projecting outward from or inward to the exit surface. The input surface and the exit surface are arranged substantially orthogonally to the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: John Roberts, James Babington
  • Patent number: 10267372
    Abstract: A method and device for a compact shock isolation apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus is adapted for mounting a sensitive component to a base. The apparatus includes a collar, a plurality of axial flexures mounted to the base to attenuate an axial shock force/acceleration. A plurality of radial flexures extend axially between the collar and the axial flexures, connecting each of the axial flexures to the collar to attenuate radial and/or circumferential shock forces/acceleration. A plurality of attachment pads disposed between adjacent radial flexures extend axially from the collar toward the axial flexures and attach to the sensitive component. The shock isolation apparatus supports the sensitive component in non-contacting proximity to the base. The apparatus optionally includes vibration dampening material disposed between the sensitive component and the axial flexures and/or the radial flexures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth David Ball
  • Patent number: 10191262
    Abstract: A system includes an optical waveguide configured to receive multispectral radiation from a scene, a first optical component and a second optical component. The first optical component is configured to cause a first portion of the multispectral radiation with wavelengths in a first range to exit the optical waveguide at a first position, and a second portion of the multispectral radiation with wavelengths in a second range to travel through the optical waveguide from the first position to a second position via total internal reflection. The second optical component is configured to cause the second portion of the multispectral radiation to exit the optical waveguide at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Karl Bustin
  • Patent number: 10061098
    Abstract: A system includes a dome-shaped optical component having a substantially circular edge and a mounting base for the optical component. A recess is in an outer surface of the optical component. A projection on an inner surface of the mounting base and is configured to engage the recess. An adhesive material is between the optical component and the mounting base. The adhesive material forms an upper band and a lower band with a void between the upper band and the lower band. The void is positioned relative to the recess in the outer surface of the optical component such that a bending stress in the optical component at the recess is less than what the bending stress would be without the void. A heater is inside and thermally coupled to the optical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth David Ball
  • Patent number: 9575280
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and associated method for mounting an optical component in an optical arrangement. An optical component (1) is provided having a circular edge region (5). A mount (9) having a circular wall is also provided, the circular wall being configured for radially-spaced cooperation with the circular edge region of the optical component. The system is configured such that one of said circular edge region (5) and said circular wall (17) has a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions (23) provided around it. The other of the circular edge region (5) and the circular wall (17) has a plurality of spaced-apart recesses provided around it. The protrusions (23) and the recesses (7) are configured such that each protrusion (23) may be aligned with a respective recess (7) and engaged within said recess (7) via relative rotation between the optical component (1) and the mount (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventors: David A Jones, Kenneth D Ball
  • Patent number: 9230698
    Abstract: There is disclosed a radiation stable shield for use in space or high altitude applications. The shield comprises a plurality of overlapping planar glass flakes which are held in a lamellar matrix of flexible polymeric material. The flakes are each formed of a radiation stable glass which is suitable for use in space or high altitude applications. The flakes are arranged in alignment with the lamellar direction of the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Andy Gray
  • Patent number: 9146341
    Abstract: There is disclosed mount arrangement for supporting a tapered light pipe (5) of a type having a relatively wide end (8), a relatively narrow end (7), and an outer surface (9). The mount arrangement includes: a support assembly (25) provided within a housing (13) and having a central bore (28) for receipt of a said light pipe (5) through the support assembly (25), the support assembly (25) being arranged for movement within the housing (13) along the axis of the bore (28), and having within said central bore (28) an array of inwardly directed convex bearing surfaces (33) arranged in spaced relation to one another around the central bore (28). The support assembly (25) is biased towards the relatively wide end (8) of the light pipe (5) so as to urge the convex bearing surfaces (33) into contact with the outer surface (9) of the light pipe (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Qioptiq Limited
    Inventor: Dennis Jones