Abstract: Advantageous fiber optic connector assemblies (e.g., fiber cassette or adapter modules) are provided for use in communication systems, and improved methods for using the fiber optic connector assemblies are also provided. More particularly, improved systems/methods for the design and use of media patching systems having connector assemblies that include a slide lock member are provided. The connector assemblies are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a media system (e.g., to or from a panel member of a media system). In exemplary embodiments, improved systems and methods are provided for easily securing and/or unsecuring fiber optic connector assemblies to or from a panel member or the like by utilizing advantageous connector assemblies that include a slide lock member, and related assemblies.

Abstract: Advantageous fiber optic connector assemblies (e.g., fiber cassette or adapter modules) are provided for use in communication systems, and improved methods for using the fiber optic connector assemblies are also provided. More particularly, improved systems/methods for the design and use of media patching systems having connector assemblies that include a slide lock member are provided. The connector assemblies are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a media system (e.g., to or from a panel member of a media system). In exemplary embodiments, improved systems and methods are provided for easily securing and/or unsecuring fiber optic connector assemblies to or from a panel member or the like by utilizing advantageous connector assemblies that include a slide lock member, and related assemblies.

Abstract: Improved door assemblies and related methods of use are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of door assemblies configured to mount with respect to a mounting structure associated with a rack or the like. The present disclosure provides for mechanisms for mounting, opening, closing and releasing a door assembly relative to a mounting structure. The present disclosure provides for a rack-mounted door assembly having alternative pivoting axes. Exemplary door assemblies of the present disclosure are configured so as to be simultaneously hinged at the left and at the right, and to permit easy opening from either the right or left, as well as to allow for the complete removal of the door from its mounting structure.

Abstract: Improved door assemblies and related methods of use are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of door assemblies configured to mount with respect to a mounting structure associated with a rack or the like. The present disclosure provides for mechanisms for mounting, opening, closing and releasing a door assembly relative to a mounting structure. The present disclosure provides for a rack-mounted door assembly having alternative pivoting axes. Exemplary door assemblies of the present disclosure are configured so as to be simultaneously hinged at the left and at the right, and to permit easy opening from either the right or left, as well as to allow for the complete removal of the door from its mounting structure.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle for receiving a weapon, and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The GWS includes four independent axis drives: a first elevation drive for elevating the weapon cradle; a first azimuth drive for rotation the weapon cradle in azimuth; a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive; and a second azimuth drive for rotating the sighting system independent of the weapon cradle in azimuth.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle for receiving a weapon, and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The GWS also includes a first elevation drive for elevating the weapon cradle, a first azimuth drive for rotation the weapon cradle in azimuth, and a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive. The sighting system includes a sighting device incorporating a laser range finder, a visible spectrum video camera and a thermal spectrum video camera.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle for receiving a weapon, and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The sighting system includes a thermal video camera and a visible spectrum video camera, the thermal video camera and the visible spectrum video camera each producing a video output. The thermal and visible spectrum video outputs are provided to the operator interface for the GWS for display on a display included in the operator interface.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The GWS includes a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive. A network of multiple, mobile target sensors located remotely from the GWS provide coordinates or location of a target to the control unit of the GWS.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle for receiving a weapon, and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The GWS also includes a first elevation drive for elevating the weapon cradle, a first azimuth drive for rotation the weapon cradle in azimuth, and a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive. The sighting system includes a sighting device incorporating a laser range finder, a visible spectrum video camera and a thermal spectrum video camera.

Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.

Abstract: A method is described of preventing weapon fire during operation of a self-contained gimbaled weapon system (GWS). The GWS has a sighting system, a weapon and a weapon cradle. The weapon cradle is elevated by an operator using a first elevation drive and moved in azimuth using an azimuth drive. In the method, the sighting system is moved using a second elevation drive and the azimuth drive to acquire a target based on signals received from a first operator interface and display unit located remotely from the GWS. The method further involves observing target information received from the first operator interface and display unit using a second observation unit having a display unit, and overriding operator control of the weapon based on the observation of the second observation unit to prevent firing of the weapon.

Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.

Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) implements methods for identifying and tracking a target. In one aspect, the sighting system of the GWS moves independently in elevation from the weapon cradle and tracks a target while the weapon cradle and attached weapon are maintained in a non-hostile position, such as a stowed or vertical position. In another aspect, the method uses a system of networked sensors in communication with an observation unit for the GWS. The sighting system is elevated using a second elevation drive to acquire a target based on signals received the system of networked sensors. The network sensors provide coordinates of probable targets, which can trigger automatic tracking of the target or an alarm to notify the operator of a probable target.

Abstract: A method is described of preventing weapon fire during operation of a self-contained gimbaled weapon system (GWS). The GWS has a sighting system, a weapon and a weapon cradle. The the weapon cradle is elevated by an operator using a first elevation drive and moved in azimuth using an azimuth drive. In the method, the sighting system is moved using a second elevation drive and the azimuth drive to acquire a target based on signals received from a first operator interface and display unit located remotely from the GWS. The method further involves observing target information received from the first operator interface and display unit using a second operator interface and display unit, and overriding operator control of the weapon based on the observation of the second operator interface and display unit to prevent weapon fire for a controlled time interval.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes a method of recording target engagement during operation of the GWS. The GWS includes a sighting system, a weapon cradle and a weapon, wherein the weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The sighting system is moved in elevation relative to the weapon cradle using a second elevation drive. A visual image of a target is acquired using the sighting system based on signals received from an observation unit located remotely from the GWS. The visual image of the target is recorded on a storage media for later playback for display by the gunner at the observation unit or optionally by a commander at a separate commander observation unit.

Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes methods for implementing no fire of the weapon, including a method based on azimuth coordinates of predetermined no fire zones which are stored in a control unit, and overriding operator control of the GWS from a second observation unit which his separate from a first or gunner observation unit.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes methods for bore sighting a weapon mounted to the GWS. The GWS includes a sensor aligned with the bore of the weapon which generates an image of a target. The target image generated by the sensor is compared with a target image or reticle produced by the sighting system. The target image or reticle of the sighting system is moved or adjusted using operator controls until it is in alignment with the target image produced by the bore-aligned sensor. The procedure can be conducted at different ranges to targets.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes methods for implementing no fire of the weapon, including a method based on azimuth coordinates of predetermined no fire zones which are stored in a control unit, and overriding operator control of the GWS from a second observation unit which his separate from a first or gunner observation unit.