Patents Examined by Harold J. Tudor
  • Patent number: 6805036
    Abstract: A method and device for judging the aiming error of a weapon system and a use of the device are disclosed. The weapon system includes a fire control device (F) for tracking a target (Z), a weapon (W) having a weapon barrel (B), aiming means for aiming the weapon barrel (B), and a data processing facility (EDV). The fire control device (F) continuously tracks the target (Z). An image recording device (V) moved in solidarity with the weapon barrel (B) record images of the target (Z) and its surroundings. An image reproduction device (M) displays the images recorded by the image recording device (V) and a mark (X). The mark (X) represents an aiming line, a deviation (a) of the target (Z) from the mark (X) representing the aiming error of the weapon system. The fire control device (F) performs the aiming of the weapon barrel (B) on the basis of a lead calculation, which takes the movement of the target (Z) into consideration. The device may be used for fixed and mobile weapon systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Nicolas Malakatas
  • Patent number: 6763821
    Abstract: The projectile attachments to a forced air compression chamber are devices that are attached to force air compression chambers and permit the user to place the projectile in or on the launch chamber prior to operating the air compression chamber thus making for a more fluid movement. The flexible ball projectile attachment allows the user to place one or more balls into the launch chamber and eject the same in a fluid movement without the aid of mechanical devices. Thus increasing the reliability and decreasing the number of moving parts in the typical ball launching device. The flexible dart type projectile attachment allows the user to place the dart type projection on the launch chamber and then suck air into the air compression chamber through the non-tube openings and when air is expelled from the air compression chamber the flexible diaphragm closes over the non-tube holes thus ejecting the dart type projectiles. Thus making the use of the launch chamber more efficient and easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Kuppler, Timothy Raymond
  • Patent number: 6761116
    Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of an SiC-treated semiconductor substrate material, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Sytems Corporation
    Inventor: Sami Daoud
  • Patent number: 6745698
    Abstract: A frangible projectile for gun ammunition wherein the projectile includes a core formed from one or more metal powders which are pressed into a self-supporting compact and incorporated into a metal jacket. The metal jacket is initially cup-shaped (generally cylindrical in overall geometry) with an open end and a closed end. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the closed end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile. In another embodiment, the closed end of the jacket becomes the leading end of the projectile. In either embodiment, that surface of the closed end of the jacket which faces inwardly of the volume of the jacket is indented and stressed over substantially its entire area in accordance with a pattern which enhances the frangibility of this closed end of the projectile when the projectile strikes a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Doris Nebel Beal Inter Vivos Patent Trust
    Inventor: Harold F. Beal
  • Patent number: 6745697
    Abstract: A cartridge with a propellant case (4) that contains a propellant charge (3) and an electrothermal ignition device, wherein several ignition channels (9) are provided in the charge (3), and extend axial-symmetrical in the direction of longitudinal axis (8) of cartridge (1), with each channel comprising a propellant tube (10) and an electrically conducting layer (11). To achieve a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the cartridge (1) in the chamber of the respective weapon, electric arcs (21) that form during the ignition operation in the ignition channels (9), are decoupled in that the electrically conducting layer (11) is composed of successively connected rhombi or other shapes (circles, ovals, etc.) that electrically function as decoupling resistances. When current flows through such a structure, the current bridges (20) arranged in the current-flow direction between the individual rhombi (15) etc. initially break apart explosively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Karl Haak, Alexei Voronov
  • Patent number: 6736070
    Abstract: A specialty bullet is disclosed that is adapted to transmit a tranquilizing fluid upon impact with a target for purposes of immobilizing the intended target without causing great harm to the target or the surrounding area. The specialty bullet is sized and shaped like that of a conventional bullet so that it can be fired from a conventional firearm; however, the concept could work with innumerable types of ammunition. The disclosed invention includes a so-called “Collapsule” bullet, which is a molded, hollow cavity fabricated of a high-strength malleable plastic polymer that is filled with a tranquilizing fluid. The bullet is fitted with a so-called “Injectile,” which is a hypodermic injection spike (to transmit the tranquilizing fluid) that is backed and driven by an inertia base mass (i.e., lead core or other suitable) located at the base of the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph C. Baltos
  • Patent number: 6732976
    Abstract: A device for fastening a first part to a second part, particularly for fastening a lining element in the interior of a vehicle, for example an aircraft, is provided with at least one fastening element connectable with the first part and releasably attachable to the second part. The fastening element is provided with a locking element that is supported on the fastening element so as to be movable between a disengaged position in which the fastening element is able to be set to the second part and to be detached therefrom, and a pre-locking position in which the fastening element is held at the second part. Further, the fastening element comprises an actuating element for moving the locking element between the disengaged position and the pre-locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Goodrich Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems GmbH
    Inventors: André Hessling, Bodo Wisch
  • Patent number: 6732657
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a soft point bullet and the bullet resulting there from. The method comprises forming a bullet core of a first material plated with a second material; providing a cavity in one end of the plated core of preferably polygonal shape and positioning a shaped blank of plating material into the cavity; and forming the core into the final bullet size and shape by extruding the core into the cavity to form the bullet nose and encapsulate the shaped blank within the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brett Mathew Olin
  • Patent number: 6722251
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placement of continuous pre-split, gel explosive in an elongated borehole or cavity. An anchor is attached to one end of a selected length of continuous gel explosive. A suitable anchor is a flexible, plastic “pilgrim's hat” with a hole in the narrow, closed end. The size of the anchor depends on the width of the borehole; the flared skirt should be narrow enough to permit insertion of the anchor into the hole but wide enough to resist removal. One end of the explosive charge is pressed through the hole in the anchor. The remainder of the length of explosive is placed inside a tubular member, such as PVC pipe. The loaded pipe then is inserted into the borehole or cavity with the anchor leading. The pipe is used to push the anchor back into the hole to the desired depth. Then, the pipe is withdrawn. The flexible skirt on the anchor engages the sidewall of the borehole and thus resists removal with the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: UTeC Corporation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul S. Keeling, Brian F. Loader
  • Patent number: 6722609
    Abstract: An device for correcting the in-flight trajectory of a munition consists of an impulse motor assembly body. The slug or multiple slugs and propellant(s) are located within the impulse motor assembly body. When a trajectory correction is desired and required, the individual impulse motor propellants are activated and fired, and the slug or multiple slugs are propelled out of the in-flight munition at a specific time and a specific angle on or near the gravimetric center of gravity of the in-flight munition. The reactive forces created by the explosion of the(se) heavy metal slugs does, by equal and opposite reaction, create a corrective vector and thereby does cause a correction in the trajectory of the in-flight munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: James M. Linick
  • Patent number: 6721382
    Abstract: An absorber body arranged to absorb radiation in a nuclear energy arrangement. The absorber body comprises more than one area with a locally reduced thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Atom AB
    Inventor: Sven Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6718884
    Abstract: The invention provides an initiator assembly that can be easily manufactured without increasing cost, and can be easily and securely connected to a connector when it is used. The initiator assembly includes a priming for being used in a motor vehicle, an initiator used for igniting the priming and having at least one conductive pin and a metal collar for fixing the initiator assembly on an inflator that are integrally formed by an insulating material injection-molded therebetween. The insulating material is a resin made of a plastic material that surrounds a metal eyelet of the initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Yabuta, Nobuyuki Katsuda
  • Patent number: 6705035
    Abstract: A barrel balancing device for collapsible firearms (20) wherein at least one barrel (9) which is rotatable about a fixed hinging point (7) arranged on a action body (6), wherein an open-close top lever (13) is provided between a closed aligned position of the at least one barrel (9) and the action body (6), and a position disengaged and rotated upon opening of said at least one barrel (9) with respect to said action body (6), the at least one barrel (9) being carried by an iron fore-end (8), wherein at least one elastic or viscoelastic group (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is foreseen which interacts between the iron fore-end and the action body to oppose the falling motion of the at least one barrel (9), once the open-close top lever (13) is unlocked, and to realize a balancing push with respect to the weight of the at least one barrel (9) when the collapsible firearm (20) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ugo Gussalli Beretta
  • Patent number: 6707870
    Abstract: With this method it is possible to evaluate opposing friction forces occurring after a certain operating time on a mobile object in a guide. The method consists of measuring the variations in the speed of movement of the mobile object, of calculating the theoretical speed of movement without friction, of combining these two results and thereby deducing outside opposing forces through calculation of the acceleration of the mobile object. Particular application to the evaluation of additional friction forces acting on a mobile control cluster assembly in the core of a pressurized water nuclear reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Bruno Collard
  • Patent number: 6701849
    Abstract: An inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable device includes a housing (20). A primary propellant (240) in a primary chamber (200) in the housing (20) is ignitable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. A secondary propellant (250) in a secondary chamber (180) in the housing (20) is ignitable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. The inflator (10) includes initiator means (130, 154) for selectively igniting either the primary propellant (240) alone or both of the primary and secondary propellants (240, 250). The inflator (10) also includes a secondary propellant cap (260) for closing the secondary chamber (180) and for maintaining the secondary propellant (250) in the secondary chamber. The secondary propellant cap (260) has a first position blocking flow of combustion products of the first propellant (240) into the secondary chamber (180) when only the primary propellant is ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. McFarland, Darin P. Mika
  • Patent number: 6691600
    Abstract: A multi-purpose missile launcher system for a military land vehicle that has the capability for direct targeting both short and medium range land targets, as well launching missiles against longer-range land targets or air targets using indirect targeting. The multi-purpose missile launcher system is deployed as part of a modular weapon system that mates with a modular bed of the military land vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: David R. Boudreau, Stan Bovee, Philip Matteson, Bruce Gaedke, Dennis Borgwarth
  • Patent number: 6691623
    Abstract: A frangible projectile comprising cold compacted powdered iron and a method for manufacturing is disclosed. The projectile is useful for target and training applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: RA Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Stone
  • Patent number: 6684792
    Abstract: A munition in the form of a projectile contains a dart having a body terminating in a front tip and ductile hammer block in the form of a ferrule engaging at least a part of the dart. The dart is formed of sections the diameters of which increase from the back to the front of the dart body, forming support shoulders. A recess in the hammer block has a shape corresponding to the dart body shape received in the hammer block. Hammer block sections form thrust shoulders which engage the corresponding dart support shoulders. When the projectile impacts a target, the thrust shoulders push against the dart support shoulders, causing the ductile hammer block to open and flare out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Denis
  • Patent number: 6682098
    Abstract: The load acting on the body of a belted-in vehicle occupant restrained by a seat belt is determined by providing electrical signals from occupant restraint device sensors. The electrical signals are then evaluated with an evaluating device, wherein the movement of a seat belt webbing influenced by the body of the belted-in vehicle occupant is scanned and a corresponding signal is fed to the evaluating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Specht
  • Patent number: 6679179
    Abstract: A non-lethal active body which is equipped with a detonation-operated electrical pulse generator, and which is especially deployable as an article of submunition. The pulse generator is a piezo-generator having a detonation-operated inductive current amplifier and a capacitive pulse shaper connected to the output thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Bohl, Tilo Ehlen