Abstract: Devices and methods for pest control, including devices useful to place pest control devices at locations of use such as at a crop (e.g., at a branch of a tree), certain embodiments of devices including a capsule and a tether that can become tangled or caught in a tree or other crop location.

Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip configured to combine a LIDAR input signal and a reference signal so as to generate a composite light signal. The LIDAR input signal includes light reflected by an object located off of the LIDAR chip. The reference signal does not include light reflected by the object. The system also includes electronics configured to use the composite light signal to approximate a radial velocity between the LIDAR chip and the object. The radial velocity is approximated from a difference between a first distance and a second distance. The first distance is the distance between the object and the LIDAR chip at a first time. The second distance is the distance between the object and the LIDAR chip at a second time.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuse system (22) for a munitions projectile, the system comprising: a first electro-optic transmitter (24); a first electro-optic receiver (30); the first electro-optic transmitter (24) being arranged to receive electrical power, and to use that received electrical power to transmit an optical signal (28) to the first electro-optic receiver (30); the first electro-optic receiver (30) being arranged to receive the optical signal (28), and to use that received optical signal (28) to transmit electrical power to an element (34) of the fuse system (22) connected to the first electro-optic receiver (30).

Abstract: An optical detection device is included in a self-guided flying vehicle, the self-guided flying vehicle being composed of a cone located at the head of the self-guided flying vehicle, a propulsion device located at the rear of the self-guided flying vehicle and a body located between the cone and the propulsion device. The optical detection device includes at least two portholes disposed in a collar on the periphery of the body of the self-guided flying vehicle.

Abstract: An optical radiation-collecting assembly includes a convex mirror, a concave mirror with a central opening and a window, arranged such that light passes through the opening in the concave mirror, is reflected first by the convex mirror and then by the concave mirror, and subsequently passes through the window. The optical assembly is suitable for use in a homing device for guiding a rocket, preventing an optical input component of such a device from being damaged and rendered inoperative from abrasion when exposed to a high-speed air flow containing dense particles. The optical assembly also includes an image-forming function.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a search and protect device for airborne targets including projectiles. The disclosure is directed to a search and protect device for airborne threats of interest within a 360-degree field of view via a spinning device with range finders. The disclosure relates to a search and protect device that can autonomously determine threats and engage said threats with appropriate counter-measures by determining its future location through the use of range finders within an at least three sensor array with a rotating path of a given speed to protect a target. The location of the projectile may be determined using a distance formula and further trigonometry.

Abstract: A hearing device, in particular a hearing aid device, includes an earpiece with a first proximity sensor, a second proximity sensor and a control unit. The first proximity sensor is configured to transfer a first proximity signal to the control unit and the second proximity sensor is configured to transfer a second proximity signal to the control unit. The earpiece can be inserted into the external auditory canal of a user of the hearing device for operating the hearing device. The control unit is configured to control an operating mode of the hearing device according to changes in the first proximity signal and the second proximity signal. A method for controlling a hearing device is also provided.

Abstract: A fuze for an explosive weapon, comprising onboard sensors to monitor operation of the fuze and/or the explosive weapon, a radar sensor to transmit radar signals and receive reflected radar signals, and an electronic signal processor connected to the onboard sensors and to the radar sensor and programmed to implement a main operating function aimed at implementing a detonation logic, and a secondary operating function supplemental to the main one and comprising a telemetry function designed to determine, based on signals from the onboard sensors, and to transmit, via the radar sensor, telemetry data indicative of the operation of the fuze and/or the explosive weapon during flight thereof.

Abstract: A mid-body which a cylindrical housing which defines a longitudinal axis and has an interior compartment. A guidance controller is housed within the mid-body for controlling flight. A plurality of wings are connected to the housing and each of the wings is movable into a deployed position to provide guidance during flight. The mid-body has an access window which facilitates communication between the interior compartment of the housing and an external environment. A normally door covers the access window, but when the door is moved, relative to the access window, into an open position, communication between the interior compartment and the external environment is established. An optical sensor is accommodated within the interior compartment and the optical sensor, once the door is moved relative to the access window, can view the external environment and supply data to the guidance controller for controlling operation of the plurality of wings during flight.

Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to utilizing predictive guidance during one or more phases of a trajectory flown by an interceptor during interception with a target. The trajectory of the interceptor comprises an initial phase, a predictive phase, and a final phase. The initial phase includes the launching of the interceptor and can be unguided. The predictive phase directs the interceptor towards the target, wherein the predictive phase utilizes predictive guidance to control the trajectory of the interceptor based upon a predicted location of the target relative to the current locations of the target and the interceptor. During the predictive phase, a motor(s) can be cycled on and off, causing a period(s) where the interceptor is being propelled by the ignited motor, and a period(s) where the interceptor is propelled by its own momentum after cessation of power from the motor, e.g., unpowered flight.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to controlling an explosive burst event of a ballistic ordnance, based on a ground surface topography mapped by a phased-array LIDAR system. The ground surface topography is mapped using an integrated photonics LIDAR system configured to: generate a beam of coherent light; non-mechanically steer a beam of coherent light over a solid angle about an ordnance axis; and detect the beam reflected from the ground surface. The integrated photonics LIDAR system is further configured to map the ground surface topography, based on a functional relation between an angle of the beam and a time difference between generating the beam and detecting the beam reflected from the ground surface. A timing and/or direction of the explosive burst can be controlled, based on the calculated ground surface topography, so as to advantageously realize a desired effect of the explosion.

Abstract: A sensor for a missile seeker includes a primary, concave, reflector that is reflective to RF waves and to another kind of waves, but that includes a transmissive region, through which RF waves can pass. A secondary, convex, reflector is reflective to RF waves but transmissive, and not reflective, to the other kind of waves, and is arranged facing the primary reflector to further reflect RF waves reflected by the primary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. An RF detector is arranged on the opposite side of the primary reflector from the secondary reflector and arranged to detect the RF waves reflected by the secondary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. A second detector, for detecting the other kind of waves, is arranged on the opposite side of the secondary reflector from the primary reflector and is arranged to detect the other kind of waves after they are reflected by the primary reflector and transmitted through the secondary reflector.

Abstract: A Remote Controlled Weapon Station is provided wherein it comprises a weapon mounting bracket that is remotely adjustable in elevating/lowering and a rotatable turret assembly adapted to be mounted on vehicles, remotely adjustable in rotation, and wherein the weapon mounting bracket is pivotally mounted on it, and the Remote Controlled Weapon Station is converted into a remote controlled Non Lethal weapon station by that at least one non lethal means is installed in it, chosen from a group consisting of—a multi barreled means for firing grenades; multi-barrels launcher means for pyrotechnically firing plurality of charges; acoustic means for producing tones; illuminating means; observation means and means for providing sniper firing capabilities of small caliber kinetic bullet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for performing non-contact based determination of the position of an implement. In one embodiment, a non-contact based measurement system is used to determine the relative position of an implement coupled with a mobile machine. The geographic position of the mobile machine is determined and the geographic position of said implement based upon the geographic position of the mobile machine and the position of the implement relative to the mobile machine.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a wireless countermeasure signal to disrupt third party communications is disclosed that include an antenna configured to receive wireless signals and transmit wireless counter measure signals such that the wireless countermeasure signals are responsive to the received wireless signals. A receiver processes the received wireless signals to create processed received signal data while a spectrum control module subtracts known source signal data from the processed received signal data to generate unknown source signal data. The unknown source signal data is based on unknown wireless signals, such as enemy signals. A transmitter is configured to process the unknown source signal data to create countermeasure signals and transmit a wireless countermeasure signal over the first antenna or a second antenna to thereby interfere with the unknown wireless signals.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target.

Abstract: An anti-fratricide responsive ordnance system that uses the power of a friendly radio frequency signal to detect and identify a friendly force. Upon identification, an electronic safe and arm device disarms the munition when it enters a kill radius of the friendly force emitting the friendly radio signal.

Abstract: A weapon-locating ladar system estimates a backward trajectory of an airborne target by using flow field measurements to follow the wake turbulence trailing the airborne target from a position at which the target is detected backwards until the wake is no longer observable. The system may use the backward trajectory to estimate the point-of-origin of the target. The system may also use the flow field measurements along the backward trajectory to classify the target. Target classification may be used to refine the point-of-origin estimate, to influence counter-fire or to adapt the flow field measurements.

Abstract: A method is provided for optically providing at least one of power and data to a projectile from an external optical source. The method including: outputting an optical signal from an external optical source into an interior of the projectile; receiving the optical signal in the interior of projectile and at least one of converting the optical signal to electrical energy and storing data provided in the optical signal. The electrical energy can be provided to the one or more electronic components and/or energy storage medium disposed on the interior of the projectile. The data provided in the optical signal can be provided to a data storage medium disposed on the interior of the projectile.

Abstract: Described herein is an optical fuze for a guided missile that comprises an array of a large number of optical apertures distributed about the outer surface of the missile. An optical waveguide network selectively couples the array of apertures to a laser source and to a photodetector such that light from the laser source is emitted by selected ones of said apertures, and light returned from a target is received by selected ones of said apertures and directed by said optical waveguide network to said photodetector. These apertures might be arranged to form a composite target images in a particular direction, and/or may be arranged to perform a sensing operation along selected directions. The optical proximity fuze described herein provides inherent flexibility in the way the fuze can be configured in the missile for optimisation for different applications.

Abstract: A system for optically programming an in-flight projectile fired from a weapon comprises a fire control device and a controlled projectile. The fire control device comprises an optical transmitter and the projectile comprises a fuze, an optical collector and an optical sensor. The transmitter transmits optical signals to the in-flight projectile in order to program the circuit of the fuze disposed in the projectile.

Abstract: An optical impact system controls munitions termination through sensing proximity to a target and preventing effects of countermeasures on false munitions termination. Embodiments can be implemented on in a variety of munitions such as small and mid caliber that can be applicable in non-lethal weapons and in weapons of high lethality with airburst capability for example and in guided air-to-ground and cruise missiles. Embodiments can improve accuracy, reliability and lethality of munitions depending on its designation without modification in a weapon itself and make the weapon resistant to optical countermeasures.

Abstract: A marking projectile comprises separate compartments that break during launch due to rotation of the projectile as it leaves the barrel of a weapon. Metal pellets contained within the compartments are pressed outward and pierce the compartment walls. This allows for mixing of chemical materials contained within the compartments, so that the materials substantially react by the time the projectile strikes a target. The chemical materials may be a pair of chemi-luminescent components, or components that create heat for thermal marking.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system for activating a munition charge. It also relates to a munition fitted with a high precision activation device. Finally, it relates to a system for neutralization of a target. A laser beam (21) is used for illuminating an object (3) located close to the target (X), firing of the charge (23) of the munition being activated using detection by the munition of the laser spot (24) reflected by the object (3). Firing is activated at a time t1 after the time t0 at which the laser spot (24) is detected. The invention is applicable particularly to hit hidden targets for which a direct impact with these targets is not necessary.

Abstract: A projectile including: a casing; first and second windows provided on the casing for at least one of transmitting a first optical signal into an interior of the casing and transmitting a second optical signal from the interior of the casing; a receiving element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for at least one of converting the first optical signal into electrical energy and storing data provided in the first optical signal; and a transmitting element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for transmitting data provided in the second optical signal to outside the casing.

Abstract: A system for detecting proximity to a target object. The novel system includes a detector adapted to receive a reflected electromagnetic beam from the target and a processor adapted to determine a distance to the target by measuring an angle of the reflected beam. The system may also include an emitter adapted to transmit an electromagnetic beam toward the target to produce the reflected beam such that the angle of the reflected beam corresponds with a distance to the target. In an illustrative embodiment, the emitter is a focused infrared emitter or laser diode positioned to transmit the beam at a known angle such that the transmitted beam crosses an optical axis of the detector. The processor may also be adapted to use the rate of change of the amplitude of the reflected beam in determining the distance to the target.

Abstract: Described herein is an optical fuze for a guided missile that comprises an array of a large number of optical apertures distributed about the outer surface of the missile. An optical waveguide network selectively couples the array of apertures to a laser source and to a photodetector such that light from the laser source is emitted by selected ones of said apertures, and light returned from a target is received by selected ones of said apertures and directed by said optical waveguide network to said photodetector. These apertures might be arranged to form a composite target images in a particular direction, and/or may be arranged to perform a sensing operation along selected directions. The optical proximity fuze described herein provides inherent flexibility in the way the fuze can be configured in the missile for optimisation for different applications.

Abstract: A system for detecting proximity to a target object. The novel system includes a detector adapted to receive a reflected electromagnetic beam from the target and a processor adapted to determine a distance to the target by measuring an angle of the reflected beam. The system may also include an emitter adapted to transmit an electromagnetic beam toward the target to produce the reflected beam such that the angle of the reflected beam corresponds with a distance to the target. In an illustrative embodiment, the emitter is a focused infrared emitter or laser diode positioned to transmit the beam at a known angle such that the transmitted beam crosses an optical axis of the detector. The processor may also be adapted to use the rate of change of the amplitude of the reflected beam in determining the distance to the target.

Abstract: There is provided a proximity to a target, detection system, including a laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength temporal and spatial shape, towards a target from which the proximity is to be determined, a small dimensions body having an opening for admitting radiation reflected from the target, the body housing a receiver for receiving the reflected beam radiation from the target and directing it towards a detector in the body for producing a signal. The detector includes a detection logic circuit allowing detection of reflected radiation for producing an output signal when the body is at a predetermined range from the target and in consideration of the temporal or spatial relative strength of the signal produced by the detected radiation of the reflected beam. A method for detecting the proximity of a body to a radiation-reflecting surface of a target, is also provided.

Abstract: An infra-red proximity fuze system for a homing missile is provided that has Mercury Cadmium Telluride detector cells cooled to at least ?40° C., and a frequency response range of 5-7 microns, so as to be sensitive to target skin radiation due to kinetic heating and insensitive to jet-exhaust plume radiation. Three optics/detector modules are equidistantly spaced around the missile axis and each has first and second detector elements the three first elements being connected in a common channel to constitute a guard beam and the three second elements being likewise connected to constitute a firing beam, the guard beam field being displaced angularly from the firing beam field in the forward missile axis direction by about 6°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow bullet for a light weapon which comprises within said hollow: (a) At least one proximity sensor at the front portion of the bullet for sensing an object, and for providing a sensing indication of a proximity object to a control unit;—A control unit for providing a detonation signal to an explosive charge within the bullet upon receipt of said proximity indication;—and An explosive charge for detonating upon receipt of said detonation signal from said control unit.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the sensitivity of stabilizing an optronic fuse system, which includes a controller, and, as a receiver, an avalanche photodiode (APD). In order to avoid adjustment of an analog electronic system with potentiometers, laser trimming or individual resistor fitment, the controller ascertains the temperature of the APD in such a way that the sensitivity of the APD corresponds to its reference sensitivity at any temperature.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for use with a guidance system of a smart bomb including a ranging radar proximity sensor configured for mounting on a smart bomb and a radome connected to the ranging radar proximity sensor. A laser radiation sensor system is attached to the proximity sensor, which is configured and arranged to detect laser radiation reflected from a target which passes through the radome and output the azimuth and elevation angles to the target to the guidance system.

Abstract: A projectile including: at least two electronic or electrical components; and a casing, the casing having at least a portion thereof acting as a communication bus for connecting the at least two electronic/electrical components. The projectile casing can further have a window for inputting a signal or charging an internal power storage device.

Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes the casing off at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source which is put into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made from a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.

Abstract: A proximity sensor (11) is intended to initiate the warhead of a defence shell which is fired against an attacking projectile from the object to be protected in order to interfere with or even destroy the functionality of the attacker. For that purpose the proximity sensor (11) should not yet respond to the attacker which is to be defended against by the shell appearing ahead in the direction of flight thereof; rather, the proximity sensor is to respond only when the attacker to be defended against is detected ahead inclinedly at an operatively optimal distance. Such a response characteristic in the form of the wall of a hollow cone is afforded if an annular detector element (12) is arranged in the image focus plane behind a positive cylindrical lens (14).

Abstract: A fuzing system for non-spinning or substantially non-spinning weapons is implemented by means of wide angle optics providing at least forward-hemisphere coverage, an array of infrared detectors and a microprocessor for image and data processing, aim-point selection, directional-warhead aiming and skewed-cone fuzing. The skewed-cone fuzing has a generatrix which is the vector sum of missile velocity, warhead velocity and the negative of target velocity.

Abstract: An active optical fuze employing side looking, narrow beams. The beams never have anything below the roll stabilized missile in their field of view. Fog and cloud discrimination circuitry is included in the fuze. Detonation of the warhead occurs when either beam intersects any structure on the target.

Abstract: An identification friend or foe system for use by a weapon to determine whether a target that has been selected is a friendly target comprises a signal source attached to the target and arranged to radiate encrypted signals. A detection system attached to the weapon includes a receiver arranged to receive the encrypted signals when the weapon is within a predetermined range from the target. Signal processing apparatus is connected to the receiver and arranged to determine whether the encrypted signals identify the target as being friendly. The central processing unit is arranged to decrypt the encrypted signal and produce a disarm signal if the target is identified as being friendly. The central processing unit preferably is also arranged to produce a signal that causes the weapon to perform a collision avoidance maneuver to avoid colliding with the target if the target is identified as being friendly.

Abstract: A munition article is to be provided with an antenna which, by virtue of a characteristic which is uniform all around, permits interference-free reception of items of satellite navigation information, even if in the manner of an artillery projectile it is fired with spin along an elongate ballistic trajectory, so that a tail antenna with a spherical characteristic does not allow the expectation of good reception factors in relation to navigation satellites which are as high as possible above the horizon. Therefore the tip (10) of the fuse tip (11) of the projectile is equipped with a dipole satellite antenna which faces in the direction of flight. Connected to the dipole (13) which is arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (14) of the projectile are symmetrically disposed conductor portions (15) which rest with a close fit in recesses (19) in the ballistic cap (12).

Abstract: An optronic fuse of the standoff or proximity type, which comprises an arrangement for the measurement of a transit time between a transmitted and from a target reflected pulse.

Abstract: A propellant device of consisting of a compact charge and a firing system for pipe weapons or ballistic drives is proposed. At least one electromagnetic radiation absorbing medium, e.g. carbon black, is dispersed in the compact charge and can be activated by means of a firing system emitting electromagnetic radiation. The compact charge is thereby disintergrated in fragments through triggering of the firing system and the fragments are accelerated into the gas volume produced during burning of the compact charge. The inventive propellant device avoids the use of chemical firing as well as mechanical firing means. Moreover, fragmentation of the compact charge permits maintenance of the produced maximum pressure over a longer period of time to impart a higher muzzle velocity to an object to be accelerated, e.g. a projectile, a rocket or the like.

Abstract: An imaging fuse comprising a housing fixable within a receptacle at a fore end of a projectile, a coaxial support frame rotatably supported within the housing and fitted with an imaging assembly. The support frame is axially displaceable with respect to the housing. An axial shock absorbing system is provided intermediate the housing and the support frame, and a spin suppressing mechanism is associated with the support frame, for suppressing its rotation with respect to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for triggering a warhead in a target-tracking guided missile. The guided missile has an impact fuse and a proximity fuse for triggering detonation of the warhead. The invention triggers the warhead such that the damage caused to the target, such as an enemy fighter aircraft, becomes maximal. To this end, the miss disdance is predicted from influencing variabled detected during the flight of the guided missile. The warhead triggering delay time of the proximity fuse is set dependent on the predicted miss distance to achieve such maximum damage.

Abstract: A system for guiding projectiles to a target. More particularly, a system for the guidance of projectiles toward a target using a photo detector array (18) and an arrangement of single use thrusters (22). The system is capable of guiding projectile to targets after firing from extended distances.

Abstract: A laser radar-proximity fuse with a laser-range measuring device and mask or camouflage discrimination, wherein for the initiation of the fuse, is no longer triggered at the beginning rather but at the end of an echo pulse configuration, even though its comparatively flat descending or falling pulse flank is or is not adapted for the determination of a clear, reproducible or controllable triggering point-in-time. By applying a Constant-Fraction-Trigger-Principle, which has heretofore been applied primarily to the rising or ascending flank of a pulse, there can be also derived a good controllable range or distance-dependent triggering pulse for the thereby optimized initiation of the fuse from the flatter rear flank of the echo pulse configuration, whereby the attacking of the target will not take place prematurely, but will be better directed toward the target center.

Abstract: The present invention is to a method and system for providing protection from an EMS-targeted weapon by providing an appropriate spoofed EMS signal to cause an EMS-targeted weapon to determine an apparent object distance sufficiently close to the EMS-based targeting threat to nullify the weapon. In a first embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses reflected EMS emissions, such as RADAR, to target the object the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by falling within a weapon-safety lockout distance determined by a fire control system of the targeting threat. In another embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses EMS signals from an external source, such as GPS, to target a position of the object and the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by causing premature detonation at a safe standoff distance from said object.

Abstract: A laser activated grenade is provided which includes a controllable laser source activated at specific times to generate radiation pulses. An energetic material within the grenade is ignited upon delivery of the generated radiation pulses. A propellant charge material triggers a propellant explosive train when the energetic material ignites. The grenade further includes load materials which are selectively activated once the propellant explosive train has been launched. The laser source may be located remotely from the grenade in order that the generated radiation pulses travel to the grenade through a fiber optic cable. Alternatively, the laser source may be embedded in the grenade and activated by a microwave/RF coded signal received from a remote signal transmitter.

Abstract: A passive proximity fuze. The inventive fuze (10) is adapted to be mounted on a munition (11) and includes a receiver (16) adapted to lock on to a signal transmitted by a target transmitter (12). The receiver (16) detects a Doppler shift in the signal as the munition approaches the target. When a closest point of approach is reached the Doppler shift changes from increasing to decreasing. The inventive fuze (10) includes a mechanism for detecting this change in the Doppler shift and provides a detonation signal in response thereto. In the illustrative embodiment, the receiver (16) is an FM receiver. The mechanism for detecting a change in the Doppler shift may be implemented with discrete analog circuitry or digital circuitry. In an illustrative analog implementation, first and second resistive/capacitive networks (R1C1 and R2C2) are employed to compute a second derivative of the Doppler shift signal output by the receiver (16).

Abstract: A fuzing system for non-spinning or substantially non-spinning weapons is implemented by means of wide angle optics providing at least forward-hemisphere coverage, an array of infrared detectors and a microprocessor for image and data processing, aim-point selection, directional-warhead aiming and skewed-cone fuzing. The skewed-cone fuzing has a generatrix which is the vector sum of missile velocity, warhead velocity and the negative of target velocity.