Abstract: A method of determining an aim point of a firearm or simulated firearm at a time of firing by continuously pulsing a laser coaxially aligned with a barrel of the firearm or simulated firearm. The aim point is then continuously detected by a camera system observing the target. A shot firing event is detected and the last detected laser pulse location on the target prior to the shot firing event is determined. The aim point of the firearm or simulated firearm at the time of firing is extrapolated from the last detected laser pulse location and at least one laser pulse location prior to the last laser pulse location.

Abstract: A method of determining an aim point of a firearm or simulated firearm at a time of firing by continuously pulsing a laser coaxially aligned with a barrel of the firearm or simulated firearm. The aim point is then continuously detected by a camera system observing the target. A shot firing event is detected and the last detected laser pulse location on the target prior to the shot firing event is determined. The aim point of the firearm or simulated firearm at the time of firing is extrapolated from the last detected laser pulse location and at least one laser pulse location prior to the last laser pulse location.

Abstract: A system for displaying a plurality of targets and detecting the path of a projectile is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises an enclosed space with a plurality of walls wherein the walls are coated with an anti-reflective coating; a screen for displaying a plurality of targets within the enclosed space; a first area scan camera and a second area scan camera positioned on a first side of the screen, wherein the first area scan camera is positioned at a first corner of the screen and is looking at a detection zone in front of the first side of the screen and the second area scan camera is positioned in an adjacent second corner and is looking at the detection zone; a first directional light source that spans a length of the screen and is positioned outside a field of view of the first area scan camera and second area scan camera, wherein the first directional light source is directed to project light across the first side of the screen through the detection zone.

Abstract: A system for projecting an image of a target is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a rail having a longitudinal axis; a target carrier coupled to the rail such that the target carrier can translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a motor and motion controller coupled to the target carrier wherein the motor is configured to cause the target carrier to translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a projector carrier coupled to the rail and held in fixed relational position to the target carrier; and a projector affixed to the projector carrier and oriented to point back towards the target carrier. In some embodiments, one or more cameras may also be added to the target carrier, projector carrier, or both.

Abstract: A system for projecting an image of a target is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a rail having a longitudinal axis; a target carrier coupled to the rail such that the target carrier can translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a motor and motion controller coupled to the target carrier wherein the motor is configured to cause the target carrier to translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a projector carrier coupled to the rail and held in fixed relational position to the target carrier; and a projector affixed to the projector carrier and oriented to point back towards the target carrier. In some embodiments, one or more cameras may also be added to the target carrier, projector carrier, or both.

Abstract: Controlling a multiplexer for switching between probes of a microwave sensor. The multiplexer is used to select one of the probes at any one time of operation of the sensor. Signal processing constants are updated for the selected probe. One or more signal conditioning devices are adjusted to optimize signal noise levels and dynamic range for the probe. The transmit frequency is set for the probe. Upon expiration of a transition period, a data acquisition operation or measurement operation is conducted with the probe. In turn, a time for switching to the next probe is calculated and applied prior to enabling the multiplexer to switch to another probe. These tasks are completed steps for each of the remaining probes of the microwave sensor and then repeated again for continuing operation of the sensor.

Abstract: A temperature measurement technique for calculating a temperature in a high temperature environment by monitoring a change in resonant frequency of a resonant structure loaded with a dielectric material. A response curve for a reflection coefficient S11 associated with the resonant structure is generated, typically by the use of a network analyzer connected to the resonant structure via a cable. A minimum point for the response curve is identified to detect the resonant frequency for the resonant structure. A calibration map is applied to the minimum point to identify a temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure. The temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure represents the temperature of the high temperature environment.

Abstract: A temperature measurement technique for calculating a temperature in a high temperature environment by monitoring a change in resonant frequency of a resonant structure loaded with a dielectric material. A response curve for a reflection coefficient S11 associated with the resonant structure is generated, typically by the use of a network analyzer connected to the resonant structure via a cable. A minimum point for the response curve is identified to detect the resonant frequency for the resonant structure. A calibration map is applied to the minimum point to identify a temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure. The temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure represents the temperature of the high temperature environment.

Abstract: Controlling a multiplexer for switching between probes of a microwave sensor. The multiplexer is used to select one of the probes at any one time of operation of the sensor. Signal processing constants are updated for the selected probe. One or more signal conditioning devices are adjusted to optimize signal noise levels and dynamic range for the probe. The transmit frequency is set for the probe. Upon expiration of a transition period, a data acquisition operation or measurement operation is conducted with the probe. In turn, a time for switching to the next probe is calculated and applied prior to enabling the multiplexer to switch to another probe. These tasks are completed steps for each of the remaining probes of the microwave sensor and then repeated again for continuing operation of the sensor.

Abstract: A patch antenna for operation within a high temperature environment. The patent antenna typically includes an antenna radiating element, a housing and a microwave transmission medium, such as a high temperature microwave cable. The antenna radiating element typically comprises a metallization (or solid metal) element in contact with a dielectric element. The antenna radiating element can include a dielectric window comprising a flame spray coating or a solid dielectric material placed in front of the radiating element. The antenna element is typically inserted into a housing that mechanically captures the antenna and provides a ground plane for the antenna. Orifices or passages can be added to the housing to improve high temperature performance and may direct cooling air for cooling the antenna.

Abstract: A patch antenna for operation within a high temperature environment. The patent antenna typically includes an antenna radiating element, a housing and a microwave transmission medium, such as a high temperature microwave cable. The antenna radiating element typically comprises a metallization (or solid metal) element in contact with a dielectric element. The antenna radiating element can include a dielectric window comprising a flame spray coating or a solid dielectric material placed in front of the radiating element. The antenna element is typically inserted into a housing that mechanically captures the antenna and provides a ground plane for the antenna. Orifices or passages can be added to the housing to improve high temperature performance and may direct cooling air for cooling the antenna.

Abstract: A system for sensing and measuring the relative motion of an object, comprising a transceiver device configured to transmit a signal toward an object, a plurality of detectors offset in phase to receive the transmitted signal and a reflected signal, and a processor configured with logic to measure a phase shift resulting from the relative motion of the object between the transmitted signal and the reflected signal at the plurality of detectors, wherein the processor is further configured with the logic to relate the phase shift to the relative motion of the object.

Abstract: A system for sensing and measuring the relative motion of an object, comprising a transceiver device configured to transmit a signal toward an object, a plurality of detectors offset in phase to receive the transmitted signal and a reflected signal, and a processor configured with logic to measure a phase shift resulting from the relative motion of the object between the transmitted signal and the reflected signal at the plurality of detectors, wherein the processor is further configured with the logic to relate the phase shift to the relative motion of the object.

Abstract: A single triac on a heat sink is replaced by a plurality of lower rated current, parallel connected triacs for carrying the same total current as the single triac. The plural devices are spaced apart as far as possible, within the confines of an insulation back cover, to reduce the thermal gradient across the heat sink and to reduce the input thermal power to the heat sink. Thermally conductive compressive sheets thermally couple the flat heat sink to a face plate on the side of the heat sink opposite to the side receiving the triacs.