Patents Assigned to Rafael-Armament Development
  • Patent number: 7021188
    Abstract: A system for enhancing targets follow-up by a gunner of an automatic grenade launcher (AGL). After aiming the sight at the target and measuring range to it, the liner lock fixing the sight to the cradle mount is disengaged. The AGL is subsequently free to accept a superelevation inclination angle while the sight remains aligned with the target. Simultaneously, the sight is fixed vertically to the system mount by a temporary engagement of a mount-brake. The AGL elevation angle is applied by motor automatically as a function of the said measured range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: RAFAEL-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Eyal Berkovich, Shimon Chachamian
  • Publication number: 20060061450
    Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring access of a person from an exterior to an interior of a partition via a passage having an openable closed opening, using a detection device and supervision of an operator. A monitoring unit is coupled to both the detection device on the exterior, for handling in manual self-scanning procedure, and an input/output unit on the interior, for use by the operator. The monitored person handles the detection device, which transmits at least a first type handling signal, and at least a second type recognition signal to the monitoring unit. The operator rates the monitored person and transmits a third type rating signal to the monitoring unit, indicating crossing permission or crossing denial. The monitoring unit then derives an access signal from the three types of signals received from at least two sensors, to allow or to deny access via the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Applicant: RAFAEL ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.
    Inventors: Dov Tibi, David Fisher
  • Publication number: 20060006314
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a region of interest are presented. Incident radiation is transmitted towards the region of interest with a certain transmitting angle and with a predetermined angular intensity distribution of the incident radiation. The transmitting angle defines a plane of propagation of the incident radiation, the region of interest being located within this plane. Reflections of the incident radiation are collected with a solid angle of collection intersecting with said plane. A region of intersection presents a detecting window of a predetermined geometry containing at least a portion of the region of interest. The collected radiation coming from within the detecting window is detected, and output signals indicative thereof are generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Applicant: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Evgeny Frumker, Eliezer Rosenblum, Ezra Shamay
  • Patent number: 6961121
    Abstract: A method of evaluating optical disturbances occurring in a flow field around a solid body. The method includes performing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculation to obtain a three-dimensional index-of-refraction field outside the solid body, and performing one or more ray tracing calculation based on the sindex-of-refraction field to botain a numerical estimater of the optical disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Evgeny Frumker, Ofer Pade
  • Patent number: 6961007
    Abstract: A method for providing a pilot with information associated with at least one region of a field of view visible to the pilot from within a cockpit without requiring a visual display. The method includes the steps of determining an eye gaze direction relative to a given frame of reference for at least one eye of the pilot, determining a reference direction relative to the given frame of reference, comparing the eye gaze direction with the reference direction, and if the eve gaze direction and the reference direction are equal to within a given degree of accuracy, generating audio output audible to the pilot and indicative of information associated with the reference direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsafrir Ben-Ari, Ronen Ben-Horin
  • Patent number: 6952010
    Abstract: An optical system for receiving an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation, for dividing it into a transmitted beam, containing a part of the wavelength band of the incoming beam, and a reflected beam, containing the remainder of the wavelengths in the incoming beam, and for transferring the transmitted beam continuously to a detector. The system is capable of switching the reflected beam between any one of two or more detectors. The system comprises an objective lens, a dichroic beamsplitter cube, a first detector, capable of detecting radiation in a first wavelength band, a second group of two or more detectors, each capable of detecting radiation in a second wavelength band and means of rotating the dichroic beamsplitter cube, so as to switch between the detectors of the second group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi Nizani
  • Publication number: 20050211086
    Abstract: A Controlled-Harm Explosive Reactive Armor (COHERA) is made of explosive layered between two plates of material with predetermined fragmentation having controlled harm prevention properties. The fragmentation is predetermined and prevents harm to personnel and equipment nearby a reacting COHERA. The controlled harm prevention qualities of a COHERA are determined according to a Harm Specification and to accompanying harm delimiting parameters. Furthermore, the COHERA is configured to prevent sympathetic initiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Applicant: RAFAEL ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.
    Inventor: Meir Mayseless
  • Patent number: 6946642
    Abstract: An optical window assembly including an outer window, an inner window and a housing. The outer window and the inner window are mounted in the housing, holding the outer window and the inner window apart, forming an intervening space between the outer window and the inner window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Sami Mangoubi
  • Patent number: 6943337
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a region of interest are presented. Incident radiation is transmitted towards the region of interest with a certain transmitting angle and with a predetermined angular intensity distribution of the incident radiation. The transmitting angle defines a plane of propagation of the incident radiation, the region of interest being located within this plane. Reflections of the incident radiation are collected with a solid angle of collection intersecting with said plane. A region of intersection presents a detecting window of a predetermined geometry containing at least a portion of the region of interest. The collected radiation coming from within the detecting window is detected, and output signals indicative thereof are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Evgeny Frumker, Eliezer Rosenblum, Ezra Shamay
  • Patent number: 6943336
    Abstract: An optical window assembly including an outer window, an inner window and a housing. The outer window and the inner window are mounted in the housing, holding the outer window and the inner window apart, forming an intervening space between the outer window and the inner window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Sami Mangoubi
  • Publication number: 20050177307
    Abstract: An airborne reconnaissance system comprising: (1) Gimbals having at least two degrees of freedom; (2) At least one array of light sensors positioned on the gimbals, for being directed by the same within at least two degrees of freedom; (3) Map storage means for storing at least one Digital Elevation Map of an area of interest, divided into portions; (4) Inertial Navigation System for real-time providing to a gimbals control unit navigation and orientation data of the aircraft with respect to a predefined global axes system;(5) Portion selection unit for selecting, one at a time, another area portion from the area of interest; and (6) servo means for directing the gimbals. The system uses data from the inertial navigation system and from the digital elevation map for real-time calculating direction to selected area portions, and for maintaining the direction during integration of light from the terrain, and for producing corresponding images of area portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Applicant: Rafael-Armament Development Authority LTD
    Inventors: Israel Greenfeld, Zvi Yavin, Bernd Uhl
  • Publication number: 20050173587
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding an optical fiber of arbitrary diameter on a smooth conical bobbin. The apparatus includes a slotted helical ring (148) attachable to, or integrated with a bobbin, the ring used to guide a fiber (152) in its initial first turn in the winding. After the first turn, the winding of a base layer and subsequent layers is acieved without needing a grooved bobbin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Applicant: Rafael - Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Nathan Raz
  • Patent number: 6923059
    Abstract: An angular motion measurement system disposed on a movable platform having a first and second section, the system comprising a first and second measurement arrangement and a processor arrangement. The first measurement arrangement provides a first output indicative of angular motion of the first section and has a bandwidth above 50 Hertz and at least one of, a bias above 5 degrees per second and a scale factor above 10%. The second measurement arrangement provides a second output indicative of angular motion of the second section and has a bandwidth below 50 Hertz, a bias below 5 degrees per second and a scale factor below 10%. The processor arrangement is responsive to a plurality of inputs, which include the first and second output, generating a corrected output having a bandwidth above 50 Hertz, a bias below 5 degrees per second and a scale factor below 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzvi Efrati, Miki Naroditsky, Maxim Goldshtein
  • Publication number: 20050132837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical structure which provides motion in six degrees of freedom, which comprises: (a) a main plate; (b) a base; (c) at least three supporting structures, each comprising a lower, bridge-like section supported by the base, and an upper section connected to said bridge section and to said main plate, wherein: (I) said bridge-like structure comprising two supporting plates, two intermediate plates, and one middle plate, all being serially connected one to another by means of four transversal hinges; (II) each pair of said supporting plates being slidable in linear displacement parallel to the base; (III) said upper section comprising two plates, a lower plate connected to said middle plate by means of a hinge transversal to said lower plate but longitudinal with respect to said middle plate, and an upper plate connected to said lower plate by means of a longitudinal hinge and to said main plate by means of a transversal hinge; (d) At least six linear motors connected each to a cor
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Applicants: RAFAEL-ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT, THE TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.
    Inventors: Ronen Ben Horin, Moshe Shoham, Hagay Bamberger
  • Patent number: 6880491
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating superheated steam from industrial grade hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide and a combustible fluid are injected into a first part of the combustion chamber to form a reactant mixture. The reactant mixture is ignited, to allow for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and the generation of superheated steam, which exits from a second part of the combustion chamber. An improved combustion efficiency is realized with the implementation of a flame holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: David Reiner, Ben Zion Freedman
  • Patent number: 6880445
    Abstract: A reactive armor element for protection against a shaped-charge warhead, comprising a casing fitted with an outer metal cover plate, and at least one explosive matrix extending between the metal plates. The explosive matrix comprises a substantially flat carrier plate formed with a plurality of compartments formed by adjoining divider ribs, with explosive material embedded between the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Benyami, Samuel Friling, Moshe Paz, Ron Gemussov
  • Patent number: 6854393
    Abstract: A soft removable thermal shiled for protecting a heat-sensitive element of a projectile. The shield includes a main body and an attachment arrangement forconnecting the main body to the projectile. The main body is designed to cover part of a window of the projectile, behind which the element is disposed. The main body is designed also to thermally protect the element during part of the flight of the projectile, and to be soft enough when released from the projectile, so that the main body does not harm the projectile after it is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Nisim Hazan
  • Patent number: 6853349
    Abstract: A device for aiming a directional device, such as a beam transmitter, mounted on a platform having a platform roll axis, the device having a device roll axis and a device nod axis, wherein the device roll axis is substantially different from the platform roll axis. Also a method for aiming a directional device, such as a beam transmitter, mounted on a platform having a platform roll axis by providing a device of the present invention, aiming the directional device by changing the aim of the directional device about the device roll axis and about the device nod axis; and, if as a result the device roll axis approaches coincidence with the aimed direction, rotating the platform about the platform roll axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority LTD
    Inventor: Ehud Chishinski
  • Publication number: 20050024753
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a temperature compensation device for optical instruments which comprises a lens assembly, motor means for rotating the lens assembly about the optical axis thereof, kinematic means for producing rectilinear motion of the lens assembly in response to the rotary motion of the lens assembly, and means for determining the linear displacement and therefore the actual linear position of the lens assembly. Additionally, the device comprises thermometric means, e.g. a temperature detector, which measures the temperature of the environment and transmits the temperature to a processor which controls the actual linear position of the lens assembly through an electronic circuit. The relationship between the temperature detector reading and the corresponding desired linear position is defined by memorized means, preferably by a LUT (look-up table) or, e.g., through optimization on a sensor (ccd, IR, etc.) output (picture).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Applicant: RAFAEL ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Avihu Goral, Ehud Shoavi, Ehud Chishinski
  • Patent number: 6833804
    Abstract: A Radar Counter Measure System (RCMS) and method for operating a decoy as a Radar Counter Measure (RCM) against incoming airborne threats, wherein the RCMS consists of an airborne vehicle (6) carrying a payload (8) launched from a platform (2) by a launcher (4). The payload contains one or more decoys. Each decoy includes a folded corner reflector construction (CRC) (14) which is released at a predetermined point on the vehicle's trajectory. The vehicle is launched by a gun (26), a mortar (20), a rocket (32) or another airborne device. Once released, the decoy is deployed and self-erected to become effective as a RCM. The self-erection mechanism (12) is mechanical, pneumatic, pyrotechnic or aerodynamic. The payload (8) may hold various kinds of counter measure devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rafael - Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Doron Atar