Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical power and communication of data and control signals to a weapon rail interface includes a controller with a battery adaptor for attaching a power supply. A connector element on the controller allows devices to interface with the controller via a cable connection. Additional devices can be connected in sequential manner via daisy chaining, using inserts chainable together and configured to mechanically attach to slots on a legacy slot rail interface.

Abstract: A central network controller for a weapon comprises a plurality of computer ports for attaching electronic weapon accessory devices. Each of the computer ports is configured to permit interchangeable use of the electronic weapon accessory devices on a weapon. A processor and an associated electronic memory are operably coupled to the plurality of computer ports. One or more input devices are operably coupled to the processor and are configurable to control operation of an attached one or more of said electronic weapon accessory devices. The central network controller is configured to permit communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices and the processor to permit control of the electronic weapon accessory devices based on input from the one or more input devices. The central network controller is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices by mediating transmission of signals between the electronic weapon accessory devices.

Abstract: A rail interface system for connecting a helmet accessory component to a helmet comprises an interface body configured for attachment to an exterior surface of a helmet. The interface body is configured for attachment of the helmet accessory component. A slotted interface portion on the interface body has opposing first and second surfaces. At least one elongated rail opening extends through the slotted interface portion and is configured to receive a retention clip on the helmet accessory device for detachably securing the helmet accessory device to the rail interface system. At least one electrical connector is positioned adjacent a respective one of the at least one elongated rail opening. The at least one electrical connector is operational to provide one or both of electrical power and data communication to the helmet accessory component when the helmet accessory component is attached to the rail interface system.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a weapon-mounted accessory to a computer comprises a first data and power port configured to provide data and power transmission between the computer and the weapon-mounted accessory. The first data and power port is configured to detachably couple to a slot in a slot rail weapon interface. In a further aspect, one or more additional data and power ports are capable of providing data and power transmission between the computer and one or more additional weapon-mounted accessories. Each of the one or more additional data and power ports is configured to detachably couple to a slot in a slot rail weapon interface. The first data and power port and the one or more additional data and power ports are configured to be operably connected to each other to form a serial chain in a custom configuration of data and power ports.

Abstract: A weapon sling includes a strap having first and second free ends and defining a main branch between the first and second free ends. The strap member is formed of an elongate hollow flexible, e.g., textile, element. A loop branch attached to the main branch is configured to be looped around a user's body. First and second connector assemblies are secured to the respective first and second free ends. The first connector assembly is for detachable coupling to a weapon connector on the weapon. The second connector assembly is for detachable coupling to a hub connector on a hub worn by the user. A plurality of electrical conductors extend within the elongate hollow flexible element for electrically coupling electrical contacts on the first connector assembly with electrical contacts on the second connector assembly for providing communications between a host computer on the weapon and the hub.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for providing power and transmitting one or both of data and control signals from an external source to an electronic device on a helmet mount assembly. The helmet mount assembly has a battery module interface configured to detachably couple to a battery module. The adapter assembly includes a main body having a pair of interface lugs, each having a magnetic fastener element and a plurality of power and data pins and configured to detachably couple to an aligned pair of lug receptacles on the battery module interface. A cable extends from the main body and has an electrical power and data connector. The main body is configured to interchangeably attach to the battery module interface in place of the battery module and to emulate physical and electrical characteristics of the battery module. In a further aspect, a battery interface system for a helmet mount assembly is provided.

Abstract: A powered helmet mount adaptor for a helmet-mounted viewing device includes a hot shoe assembly configured to replace an existing mounting adaptor on the helmet-mounted viewing device. The hot shoe assembly has a plurality of electrical contacts which are structured and operable to receive power via a receiver on an associated helmet mount assembly. A power cable integral with the hot shoe assembly has a first end integral with the hot shoe assembly and a second end opposite the first end. The second end has a connector configured to mate with a power inlet on the helmet-mounted viewing device. In another aspect, a method of replacing a mounting shoe of a viewing device with a powered helmet mount adaptor is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a battery pack adapter comprises a first side configured for coupling to a helmet accessory control unit and a second side opposite the first side configured for detachably coupling to a battery pack. The first side comprises first and second protruding attachment lugs configured to be detachably received within first and second complementary receptacles, respectively, on the helmet accessory control unit. Each of the first and second protruding attachment lugs comprises a magnetic fastener element configured to magnetically engage with an aligned magnetic fastener element in a respective one of the complementary receptacles. Each of the first and second protruding attachment lugs comprise electrical connector elements configured to establish an electrical connection with aligned electrical contacts in a respective one of the complementary receptacles. In further aspects, battery pack system comprising the battery pack adapter are provided.

Abstract: A modular side shroud assembly for a helmet mounting system associated with a helmet comprises a housing enclosing shroud circuitry, the housing configured to detachably couple to a side of the helmet. A proximal end of the housing is configured to couple to a rear battery interface of the helmet mounting system. A forward end of the housing has a receptacle configured to removably couple a plurality of modular and interchangeable accessory devices, wherein the receptacle includes an electrical connector for electrically coupling the plurality of modular and interchangeable accessory devices to the shroud circuitry.

Abstract: A bridge link battery interface for a helmet accessory mounting system includes a housing enclosing a circuit and an electrical and mechanical coupling interface structured and operable to connect to an attachment point on the helmet accessory mounting system. A first battery interface is configured for detachable coupling to a first battery pack and a second battery interface configured for detachable coupling to a second battery pack. First and second electrical connector assemblies are disposed on the housing and electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein the circuit is operable to selectively electrically couple the first and second battery interfaces to the first and second electrical connector assemblies.

Abstract: A battery pack adapter and method for mounting battery pack to a weapon are provided. The battery pack adapter is detachable coupled to a powered rail system of a weapon such as a rifle or other firearm, the battery pack adapter for powering one or more weapon accessory devices on the powered rail system. In preferred embodiments, the battery pack adapter and method herein are advantageously configured for use with battery packs that comply with a Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB) form factor.

Abstract: A central network controller for a weapon comprises a plurality of computer ports for attaching electronic weapon accessory devices. Each of the computer ports is configured to permit interchangeable use of the electronic weapon accessory devices on a weapon. A processor and an associated electronic memory are operably coupled to the plurality of computer ports. One or more input devices are operably coupled to the processor and are configurable to control operation of an attached one or more of said electronic weapon accessory devices. The central network controller is configured to permit communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices and the processor to permit control of the electronic weapon accessory devices based on input from the one or more input devices. The central network controller is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices by mediating transmission of signals between the electronic weapon accessory devices.

Abstract: Battery pack system for helmet mount assembly comprises a center base module for electrical and physical attachment to a helmet mount. First and second battery packs configured for removable attachment to the center base module each have a pair of protruding attachment lugs. Each attachment lug has a first magnetic fastener element and a first electrical connector element. The center base module has a first and second side surfaces configured for detachably securing the first and second battery packs, respectively. Each of the first and second side surfaces comprise a pair of lug receptacles for receiving a respective one of the pairs of protruding attachment lugs. Each lug receptacle has a second magnetic fastener element for physically coupling to a respective one of the first magnetic fastener elements. Each lug receptacle has a second electrical connector element for electrically coupling to a respective one of the first electrical connector elements.

Abstract: A helmet accessory system comprises first and second ear brackets, for attachment to a helmet, having a side shroud housing for securing to the side of the helmet and an extension portion curving toward the rear of the helmet. The extension portions enclose circuitry electrically coupled to first sets of electrical contacts on the ear brackets and second sets of electrical contacts on the extension portion. An electrical hot shoe mounting member disposed on the rear portion of the helmet is configured for electrical communication with a helmet power and data circuit. A hot shoe adapter bridge for detachably and electrically coupling to the electrical hot shoe mounting member is operable to couple first and second ear brackets to the helmet power and data circuit.