Patents Examined by Christopher K. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5600913
    Abstract: A two-piece adjustable molded plastic pistol rest which permits a fork member to be retained within a base member to facilitate storage of the pistol rest. The pistol rest includes a base member and a detachable fork weber engaged with the base member. The base member has a front surface which defines a center channel and two outer channels. The outer channels are positioned on either side of the center channel, and the center channel includes a number of spaced-apart interior guide ribs. The fork member includes an upright body and two forks extending divergently from the upright body. The upright body has a plurality of spaced-apart exterior guide ribs which mesh with the interior guide ribs to confine the fork member to one of a plurality of upright positions relative to the base member. The upright body also includes two guide arms that extend within the outer channels in the assembled state of the pistol rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Steven W. Minneman
  • Patent number: 5601255
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for flight path correction of one or more projectiles (2-6) with the aid of a guide beam (9), wherein target data, such as speed, range and direction of movement, are continuously acquired in a fire-guidance system associated with the firing device (1), for example, an automatic cannon, and are transmitted to the laser apparatus (21) that produces the guide beam (9), and wherein each projectile includes a receiving apparatus (31) which receives the guide beam (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignees: Rheinmetall Industrie GmbH, TZN Forschungs-und Entwicklungszentrum Unterluss, GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Romer, Gerd Wollmann, Helmut Misoph
  • Patent number: 5600086
    Abstract: A device for detecting a target and for detonating an explosive device includes a displaceable trigger wire attached to a movable or deformable trigger member, and a detection device for detecting movement or deformation of the trigger member. In the case of a movable trigger member, movement of the trigger wire causes movement of the trigger member, and the detection device generates a detonation signal in response to the movement to cause detonation of the explosive. In the case of a deformable trigger member, movement of the trigger wire causes deformation of the trigger member, and the detection device generates a detonation signal in response to the deformation that causes the explosive device to detonate. The detection device may be located in the explosive device, with the trigger wire extending out away from the explosive device. Alternately, the detection device may be located in a support member located apart from the explosive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Georges Lemonnier
  • Patent number: 5596830
    Abstract: A firearm rest comprising a base and a rifle seat component. The rifle seat component is attached to the base by a cooperating pin connection or formed integral therewith. The base includes at least one channel capable of receiving a tie down member such as a rope or other article for secure attachment to a vertical support surface. The base also includes a platform having a plurality of pin receiving bores. The seat component includes a channel which includes an optional cushion for receiving a rifle. The seat includes upwardly projecting walls and a pin extending substantially perpendicular from the walls. The pin or pins are configured to be received within the bores of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: James M. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5596166
    Abstract: A penetrating vehicle having a rocket motor includes an elongated projectile body with a forward section for holding a payload and a rearward section for housing the rocket motor. The vehicle contains a fuse that ignites the propellent of the rocket motor during impact of the projectile body with a surface barrier. The propellent provides high thrust in a rapid burn time and thereby counteracts undesirable deceleration forces acting on the body during impact. The high thrust also promotes a maximum penetration of the projectile body within the surface barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Logicon RDA
    Inventor: Robert L. Gould
  • Patent number: 5596548
    Abstract: A method for producing seismic images from seismic data obtained from two different datums. Traveltimes between the two datums are determined from either measurements or an assumed velocity field. An extrapolation of the data to simulated source and receiver locations is carried out using any form of the wave equation which does not require velocity field information. After extrapolation, the data at the simulated source and receiver locations is processed using standard seismic imaging techniques. The method can be applied to simulate borehole, crosshole, or multi-borehole seismic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventor: Jerome R. Krebs
  • Patent number: 5593109
    Abstract: An actuator receives an input torque command and rotates an aeronautical surface within a prescribed range of motion. An output shaft is rigidly secured to the aeronautical surface, such that axial rotation of the output shaft results in displacement of the aeronautical surface. A drive motor controls rotation of the output shaft by applying a motive force thereto. A drive circuit controls the drive motor, to thereby control axial rotation of the output shaft, in response to keep input torque command. A torque sensor is operatively coupled to the drive shaft. The torque sensor measures output shaft rotational torque and provides an electronic representation of the output shaft rotational torque to the drive circuit. The drive circuit receives the electronic representation as a torque command feedback signal, and derives a torque error command as the difference between the input torque command and the output shaft rotational torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Lucas Western, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew S. Williams
  • Patent number: 5592769
    Abstract: An automatic cartridge monitoring and indicator system for a firearm includes: a magazine for storing a plurality of cartridges; a follower mechanism in the magazine for feeding the cartridges from the magazine into the firearm; an actuator movable with the follower mechanism; a monitoring device disposed along the path of the follower mechanism and operable by the actuator to monitor the level of the follower mechanism and the level of cartridges in the magazine; and an indicator device responsive to the monitoring device for providing a representation of the level of cartridges in the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Michael J. Villani
  • Patent number: 5589657
    Abstract: A detonating system includes a detonator within a thermal insulating container. In order for the detonator, especially an electronic detonator, to be usable at higher temperatures, the detonator is surrounded by the thermal insulating container especially a Dewar vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Gessel, Rolf Rospek, Helmut Zollner
  • Patent number: 5587550
    Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit and method for generating sequential, multiple impulses for use in firing or initiating more than one output device. The invention permits the firing, or actuation, of multiple devices at different times. The disclosed invention is an improvement on existing designs for multiple output impulse cartridges. This multi-output impulse cartridge has self-contained an electrical circuit and electrical energy storage capacitors which allow a single, short pulse of input current to initiate a first output, time out a second or multiple later outputs, and fire the outputs from the remaining energy stored on the capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Quantic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Willis, William D. Fahey, David S. Whang
  • Patent number: 5584448
    Abstract: A flight control device is described for a flying object assembly. The assembly has a plurality of fins symmetrically disposed thereabout. Each of the fins is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A support is provided for the flight control device. The flight control device further includes a frame for each fin which is connected to the fin by a pivot and is freely movable with respect to the support. The fin can be angularly displaced about the pivot. A main shaft is rotatably supported on the support and is coaxial with the axis about which the frame is movable. Also provided on the support, is a motor having a motor shaft. Included, are rotating means connecting the motor to rotate the main shaft. A guide is actuated by the main shaft and a follower which is carried by the fin engages the guide to angularly displace the fin about the pivot when the guide is actuated by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: State of Israel Ministry of Defense, Rafael Armaments Development Authority
    Inventors: Moshe Epstein, Moshe B. Ezri
  • Patent number: 5585596
    Abstract: A separating joint for use primarily in aerospace applications is provided having two operational components. The first component provides a very high force over a short stroke distance, using an explosively actuated expanding-tube, suitable for shearing connectors such as rivets. The second component provides a longer stroke, thrusting force to impart a separating velocity to the structures connected using this joint. The second component comprises a flexible bellows surrounding the expanding-tube. The bellows is inflated by gases that exit the expanding-tube, usually through vent holes in the tube wall. In operation, the detonation of an explosive cord in the tube causes the tube to expand and shear rivets or other connectors. The detonation gases then exit the tube to inflate the bellows, which further pushes the separated structures apart. This invention thus provides a high strength separable joint having relatively low weight and capable of providing a high thrusting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Tracor, Inc.
    Inventors: Les H. Richards, J. Ken Vinson, David J. Schorr
  • Patent number: 5585798
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system for an automotive vehicle detects obstacles ahead of the vehicle and finds the dynamic relativity between the vehicle and each of the obstacles. Based on the dynamic relativity, information relating to a danger level between the vehicle and each obstacle is operated on so as to make a danger judgement. A frequency, at which the operations on the information relating to danger level are made, is increasingly or decreasingly varied according to the danger levels of the obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Yoshioka, Hiroki Uemura, Tadayuki Niibe, Ayumu Doi, Kenichi Okuda, Yasunori Yamamoto, Tomohiko Adachi, Naotsugu Masuda
  • Patent number: 5585590
    Abstract: A recoil counter-vectoring gun (10) is shown having a gun barrel assembly (14, 16, 20) slidably mounted on a frame (12). A counterweight assembly (26) is also slidably mounted on the frame (12) and is shifted forwardly by rearward recoil of the gun barrel assembly (14, 16, 20) by means of cables (38, 40) and pulleys (28A, 28B and 36A, 36B) to move forward substantially twice the distance that the gun barrel assembly recoils rearwardly. The counterweight assembly (26) preferably includes at least one throwweight (58) which is shifted from a rearward to a forward position along a declining path as the counterweight assembly reaches its forwardmost position on the frame (12). The counterweight assembly (26) is automatically returned by springs (52) and the throwweights (58) are reset and cocked by return of the counterweight assembly (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Fredric D. Ducolon
  • Patent number: 5583312
    Abstract: There is provided a renewable energy source ejector rack for retaining and releasing stores (bombs or the like) on an aircraft, which has on-board pressurization capability, employs a single pressurization system for two or more release mechanisms, and uses air or other clean non-pyrotechnic pressurized gases both as the energy source and energy transfer medium. The aircraft contains a miniature compressor and purification system. Ambient air is filtered, dried and stored as an energy medium. Since the compressor system is onboard, the pressure can be constantly maintained regardless of temperature change. Using purified air eliminates the excessive cleaning burden imposed when using state-of-the-art pyrotechnics, and eliminates the sealing problems associated with hydraulics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company
    Inventor: Thaddeus Jakubowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5581046
    Abstract: The invention discloses a hand-held firearm with a barrel assembly (2, 18, 36, & 54) moving back and forth essentially in or opposite the direction the weapon is fired in between a forward and a rear stop (44, 48, & 50) on or in a frame or grip assembly (12). A breech assembly (6 & 32) that moves back and forth essentially in the same direction as the barrel assembly between a forward and closed position and a rear and open position, moving out of the closed position and into the open position against the force of a closure spring (16) and, at the end of its return stroke, the frame or grip assembly or a component (64 or 64') resting off it. A buffering spring (66) tensions the barrel assembly toward the forward stop (44 or 50) and buffers its contact with the rear stop (44 or 48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Weldle, Hermann Albrecht
  • Patent number: 5572214
    Abstract: This is a computer-implemented model for the frequency space utilized by the Mode Select Beacon System (the Mode S system) for air traffic surveillance and control. The model simulates the operation of interrogators, transponders, and receivers, and calculates the probability of interference between transponder reply signals using a sliding window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Emanuel I. Ringel
  • Patent number: 5571262
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable supersonic nozzle for a turbojet engine having an improved control system for varying the convergent and divergent nozzle flaps. All of the flaps are supported on several beams about the circumference of a gas passage. A control linkage interconnects hydraulic control cylinders, which are also mounted on the beams, with the convergent and divergent flaps such that, as the piston rod of the hydraulic control system extends and retracts, the angles of the flaps are varied accordingly. Additionally, cold flaps may be attached to the beams and interconnected with the linkage system such that their positions may also be varied by the control cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Natinonale d'Etude ed de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventor: Andre A. M. L. Camboulives
  • Patent number: 5571985
    Abstract: A sequential blasting system for use in particular in mining comprises a plurality of detonator stages S1, S2, . . . , each of which contains a series circuit consisting of a thyristor T and a detonator means ZE, said series circuit being interposed between two supply leads A, O; B, 0. The signal voltage for the thyristor T in each stage is derived solely from the switching state of the thyristor T of the preceding stage. This causes activation to be transferred from stage to stage independently of the detonator means ZE, in particular irrespectively of whether or not a detonator has been attached and whether or not this detonator becomes highly resistive or not as it should upon being activated. This eliminates the errors that have occurred in known circuits. Upon firing the blasting system, such errors can cause the detonation to occur not only at the first detonator stage, but simultaneously at a location where a detonator is missing as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Euro-Matsushita Electric Works AG.
    Inventors: Heinz Ritter, Wolf Steinbichler
  • Patent number: H1634
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a compound sanitary napkin. The compound sanitary napkin includes a primary absorbent member secured to a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core wrapped in an outer cover, at least a portion of the outer cover being liquid impervious. The secondary absorbent member includes a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent material joined thereto. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member includes a backsheet, a topsheet joined to the backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventors: David C. Oetjen, Ronald R. McFall, Richard G. Coe