Beam Rider Patents (Class 244/3.13)
  • Patent number: 11971731
    Abstract: A method and system for coordination of a plurality of munitions in a Global Positioning System (GPS) denied attack of a plurality of ground targets. A relative position of each munition is determined relative to the other munitions in the salvo and a distance range is determined of each munition relative to the other munitions in the salvo. A constellation formation is determined for the plurality of munitions in the salvo relative to a target seeker basket such that each munition in the constellation formation is navigated to its respective target seeker basket, whereby a change in navigation for each munition is caused when necessary such that each munition arrives at its determined seeker basket at an approximate same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Squillace, Gary Willenbring, Todd A. Ell
  • Patent number: 11867482
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a position of an impact point of a directed-energy weapon which has an effective beam optical system and an imaging optical system. An emission of primary radiation of the directed-energy weapon is triggered as an effective beam, and radiation exiting from an irradiated object is received by the imaging optical system and directed onto a camera of a screen. A beam bundle cross section of an effective beam is covered with a reflective optical auxiliary element, the effective beam or the auxiliary beam is triggered with the beam bundle cross section covered, and primary radiation of the effective beam or of the auxiliary beam which is reflected by the reflective optical auxiliary element is received by the imaging optical system and directed onto a spot of the camera as the impact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus Ludewigt
  • Patent number: 11846709
    Abstract: A distance measuring device comprising an optical transmitter channel for transmitting laser light along a transmitter path and an optical reception channel for receiving laser light along a reception path. At least one optical element including a glass part with a coated surface is positioned in the optical transmitter channel or in the optical reception channel. The glass part includes a glass pane with a thickness below 0.3 mm, with a peripheral edge and with a coating on at least one of the two surfaces, and a ring element. The glass pane is adhesively connected to an end face of the ring element. This distance measuring device shows reduced measuring artefacts and/or reduced optical aberration effects and/or a reduced weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Bernhard, Christian Weis
  • Patent number: 11835705
    Abstract: Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths while controlling pointing without benefit of measuring and locating the active signal return. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) is configured to block the received active signal (e.g. reflections off a target in a scene) and process only the passive emissions. These optical sensors may, for example, be used with guided munitions or autonomous vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gerald P. Uyeno, Eric Rogala, Mark K. Lange, Sean D. Keller, Vanessa Reyna, Benn H. Gleason, Craig O. Shott, Garret A. Odom, Jon E. Leigh
  • Patent number: 11802963
    Abstract: A distance measuring device comprising an optical transmitter channel for transmitting laser light along a transmitter path and an optical reception channel for receiving laser light along a reception path. At least one optical element including a glass part with a coated surface is positioned in the optical transmitter channel or in the optical reception channel. The glass part includes a glass pane with a thickness below 0.3 mm, with a peripheral edge and with a coating on at least one of the two surfaces, and a ring element. The glass pane is adhesively connected to an end face of the ring element. This distance measuring device shows reduced measuring artefacts and/or reduced optical aberration effects and/or a reduced weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Bernhard, Christian Weis
  • Patent number: 11774544
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for controlling a projectile, the control system comprising: a plurality of transmitters, wherein each transmitter of the plurality of transmitters is arranged to transmit an electromagnetic wave from a transmission position; a receiver associated with the projectile, the receiver being arranged to receive a plurality of electromagnetic waves transmitted from the plurality of transmitters; a controller associated with the projectile, the controller being arranged to: determine at least one of a position, a velocity or an acceleration of the projectile from transmission positions of the plurality of transmitters and Doppler measurements derived from the received plurality of electromagnetic waves; and generate a control signal for performing an action with the projectile depending on the determined at least one of position, velocity or acceleration of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Andrew James Smith, Martin John White, Guiseppe Carlos Sarno
  • Patent number: 11764539
    Abstract: A transmitting device, containing an emitting device (1) and a scanning mirror (2), which is deflectable about its center (MP) and is arranged in a housing (3) with a transparent cover element (4). The cover element (4) is formed, at least in a coupling-out region (4.2), by a section of a monocentric hemispherical shell (HK) with a center of curvature (K) and is arranged to cover the scanning mirror (2) in such a way that the center of curvature (K) of the hemispherical shell (HK) and the center (MP) of the scanning mirror (2) coincide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: JENOPTIK OPTICAL SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Schaller, Christian Raabe
  • Patent number: 11543835
    Abstract: A monolithic attitude control motor frame includes a monolithic structure including an outer surface of revolution and a plurality of side walls defining a plurality of cavities extending radially from the outer surface of revolution. Adjacent cavities of the plurality of cavities share a side wall or side wall portion therebetween. Each of the cavities is configured to receive an attitude control motor. A monolithic attitude control motor system includes a monolithic frame including an outer surface of revolution and a plurality of side walls defining a plurality of cavities extending radially from the outer surface of revolution. The system further includes a plurality of attitude control motors corresponding to the plurality of cavities, such that an attitude control motor of the plurality of attitude control motors is disposed in each cavity of the plurality of cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wayne K. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 11431921
    Abstract: A millimeter-wave optical imaging system including an imaging detector located at a focal plane of the optical imaging system, the imaging detector being responsive to electromagnetic radiation in wavelength range of approximately 5-50 millimeters, an immersion lens directly coupled to the imaging detector and configured to focus the electromagnetic radiation onto the imaging detector, wherein the focal plane is located on a planar surface of the immersion lens and the imaging detector is directly coupled to the planar surface, a positive power primary mirror configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation towards the immersion lens, and one of a Fresnel lens or a diffraction grating configured to receive and direct the electromagnetic radiation towards the primary mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Lacy G. Cook
  • Patent number: 11385025
    Abstract: The system and method of swarm navigation using a follow the forward approach. Using on-board sensors and communications links between members of a swarm, numerous targets can be engaged more quickly and precisely. In some cases, a designator is used to help a forward of the swarm navigate to a target using image-based navigation up until terminal guidance is used. A cascade of messages are projected back to a following round so that, each member of a swarm can determine a best target/round match and provide real-time, up-to-date information regarding targets' locations and each round's location, range to target, target selection, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Choiniere, Matthew F. Chrobak
  • Patent number: 11228154
    Abstract: An optical apparatus for depolarizing a laser beam within a fiber MOPA laser is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first phase modulator for spectral broadening, a linear polarizer, an optical coupler, a second phase modulator for depolarizing the laser beam, and a polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The optical coupler divides a linearly-polarized portion of the laser beam equally between fast and slow axes of the second phase modulator. The laser beam delivered by the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is truly unpolarized. The apparatus provides independent control of the spectral broadening and the depolarization to mitigate stimulated Brillouin scattering during subsequent amplification. A method for depolarizing a laser beam, using this apparatus, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Nufern
    Inventor: Mitchell Underwood, III
  • Patent number: 11178332
    Abstract: A method of digitally boresighting includes finding a laser spot in a field of view of an imaging device that has an optical center, wherein the laser spot is generated by a laser, determining an offset vector between the laser spot in the field of view and the optical center, and correcting for boresight misalignment of the laser and imaging device in the image on a display using the offset vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Lund
  • Patent number: 10914559
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed include a system comprising a missile segment having a hollow body with an external surface conforming to an external surface of a portion of a missile body. The missile segment comprises a plurality of slot thrust motor (STM) cavities arranged in the hollow body. Each STM cavity being elongated in a first direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the missile body. Each STM cavity includes a chamfered opening at one end of the STM cavity coincident with the external surface of the hollow body. The chamfered opening configured to expel a stream of a gas in a gas-flow direction which is at least one of perpendicular to and offset from the longitudinal axis. The embodiments also include a missile and method for producing a steering force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunil C. Patel, James R. Wood
  • Patent number: 10677565
    Abstract: A guidance system for remote guidance of a remote platform(s) towards a target destination is disclosed. The guidance system includes a light module including a light source operable for beam to illuminating the remote platform, and a spatial light modulator (SLM) placed in the optical path of the light beam emitted from the light source. The guidance system includes a controller operable for obtaining data indicative of guidance information for navigating the remote platform towards the target destination. The controller operates the SLM to encode the guidance information in the light beam. The guidance information may be encoded in light pattern including at least one of the following: a spatial light pattern formed in a cross-section of the light beam, a temporal light pattern in the light beam, and a spatiotemporal light pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Tsafrir Avni
  • Patent number: 10476604
    Abstract: In one aspect, an acoustic full-duplex communication system includes a transmitter array having at least two transmitters. The transmitters are positioned along an axis of maximum transmission and are separated by about half of a wavelength of a transmission frequency band. The transmitters transmit waveforms of opposing polarity that mutually interfere in a plane orthogonal to the transmission axis. The system includes a receiver array having at least one receiver in the orthogonal plane. In a second aspect, an underwater acoustic full-duplex communication system includes a transmitter and two receivers. The receivers are symmetrically positioned about an axis, separated by about half of a wavelength of a transmission frequency band, and equidistant from the transmitter. The receivers are connected in opposing polarity. Either aspect may include an adaptive filter to improve cancellation of transmitter originated near field transmissions received by the one or more receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TELEDYNE INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrey K. Morozov, Kenneth F. Scussel
  • Patent number: 10401856
    Abstract: A vehicle running control apparatus capable of enabling a vehicle to more easily follow a target running state and improving the running stability of the vehicle is provided. A running state obtaining unit obtains the actual running state (actual running path or running position) of a vehicle. A target running state setting unit sets the target running state (target path or target position) of the vehicle. A deviation obtaining unit obtains a deviation of the actual running state from the target running state. A running support controller performs running support control of the vehicle such that the running state of the vehicle becomes identical or closer to the target running state. At this time, a correction unit makes the target running state closer to the actual running state as the deviation becomes greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Mori, Kuniaki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 10378859
    Abstract: A multimode seeker includes an imager and an image processor. The imager is configured to capture image data received by the multimode seeker during a search period and a track period, wherein the search period includes a plurality of search cycles, and wherein a duration of each of the plurality of search cycles is equal to a predetermined pulse period plus a predetermined drift period. The image processor is configured to detect at least one laser candidate based upon the image data and to track the least one candidate laser during the track period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Owen Daniel Evans
  • Patent number: 10215534
    Abstract: The system and method for a digital light processing (DLP) guidance system having a digital light processing (DLP) mirror array at the laser source. A receiver tracks location of the air-borne object using a retro reflector on a pulse-to-pulse basis. The DLP mirror array tracks the air-borne object with a non-scanning beam and immediately provides a correction update to the controller using a pulse repetition interval (PRI) varying code. The system can be packaged in a small format, at a lower cost, and with a higher reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Choiniere
  • Patent number: 10180492
    Abstract: A laser illumination unit for illuminating a target object with high-power laser radiation includes multiple rigidly-interconnected laser beam modules that are designed to emit laser radiation and an aiming unit to aim the laser beam modules at the target object. Each of the laser beam modules includes an optical element that is designed to aim laser radiation at a target point of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: MBDA Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Protz
  • Patent number: 10126101
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dual-mode seeker for a guided missile equipped with seeker/designation handoff capabilities. The dual-mode seeker has Semi-Active Laser (SAL) and Image InfraRed (IIR) modes of operation. SAL-mode operation includes detecting laser pulses reflected by a target designated by a remote Laser Target Designator (LTD) and determining target direction using the detected laser pulses. SAL-mode operation also includes determining the Pulse Repetition Interval (PRI) of the detected laser pulses, and predicting timing of future pulses generated by the LTD. IIR-mode operation includes capturing Short-Wavelength InfraRed (SWIR) images of a scene containing the designated target and determining target location using one or more image features associated with the designated target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Ell
  • Patent number: 10088569
    Abstract: Optical system for tracking and visually examining a target, comprising an image sensor and a lens arrangement having a variable position relative to the image sensor to project an image of the target onto the image sensor, a light source for emitting light in a predetermined wavelength range in the direction of the target and a filter switch for switching an optical filter for selectively allowing the light in the predetermined wavelength range to pass through to the image sensor into and out of the optical path to optionally perform a visual examination and monitoring of the tracking. A tracking device is provided to perform the tracking of the target using the reflected light in the predetermined wavelength range in a sequence of images held by the image sensor when the first optical filter is switched into the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Vogel, Thomas Metz, Torsten Kludas, Ute Natura
  • Patent number: 9921396
    Abstract: Selected embodiments include an imager providing wide field (WFOV) and foveated images. The imager includes a frontend optic receiving light. Corrective optics reduces distortions, and transmits the light to a splitter. One portion of the light exiting the splitter is focused on a WFOV image detector. A second portion falls on a scanning mirror targeting a selected field position. The light is corrected by an adaptive corrector, which may be configured for field position-dependent correction. The light from the corrector is focused on a foveated image detector. An eye tracker may be employed to select the foveated position corresponding to user gaze direction. Another imager includes a configurable corrector in the imager's optical stop. Free space optical (FSO) communication laser may be combined with a foveated/WFOV imager, with a corrector of the imager correcting the FSO light and a scanning component selecting transmission direction for the FSO light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ZIVA CORP.
    Inventors: Eliseo Ranalli, Anis Husain, Aaron Birkbeck
  • Patent number: 9885461
    Abstract: A remotely directable luminaire with an improved color LED homogenization system for LED luminaires employing a plurality of LED arrays where an array employs a plurality of discrete peak LED groups and dichroic mirrors maximized for transmission/reflection of around the groups of LED's discrete peaks to generate a directional homogenized color light beam with additive color mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Robe Lighting s.r.o.
    Inventors: Pavel Jurik, Josef Valchar
  • Patent number: 9885851
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a gimbal assembly includes an enclosure, a window, and a pivot assembly. The enclosure is centered on a first axis and the window is coupled to the enclosure. The pivot assembly is coupled to an interior portion of the enclosure and configured to pivot within the enclosure about a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis. The pivot assembly includes a base portion, a mirror coupled at an angle to the base portion and configured to reflect light received through the window, and a sensor configured to receive the light reflected by the mirror. The pivot assembly is further configured to move within the enclosure in a direction that is perpendicular to the first axis and rotate about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Vance Akira Nishimoto, Mike Ivor Jones
  • Patent number: 9758239
    Abstract: A geodetic measuring system having a geodetic measuring unit having a beam source for emitting a substantially collimated optical beam. The measuring system also has an automotive, unmanned, controllable air vehicle having an optical module. An evaluation unit is also provided, wherein the evaluation unit is configured in such a manner that an actual state of the air vehicle, as determined by a position, an orientation and/or a change in position, can be determined in a coordinate system from interaction between the optical beam and the optical module. The measuring system has a control unit for controlling the air vehicle, wherein the control unit is configured in such a manner that control data can be produced using an algorithm on the basis of the actual state, which can be continuously determined in particular, and a defined desired state, and the air vehicle can be automatically changed to the desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Metzler, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 9501056
    Abstract: A robotic device includes a housing configured to house a mobile device. The robotic device also includes an articulating image director aligned with a field of view of a camera of the mobile device. The housing of the robotic device is positioned at an angle to provide a forward view or rear facing view to the camera via the articulating image director.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Donald Bolden Hutson
  • Patent number: 9466296
    Abstract: Apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and method associated with orienting a display image are described. In embodiments, a computing device may include a speech recognition module to process and recognize a voice command and a voice command module coupled with the speech recognition module. The voice command module may be configured to select, in response to recognition of an initial portion of the voice command, a plurality of voice commands having the same initial portion. The voice recognition module may be further configured to initiate execution of or stage for execution individual voice commands of the plurality of voice commands. On recognition of the entire voice command, the voice command module may be configured to select a result of the execution of an individual voice command or initiate execution of a staged for execution voice command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: David Kaplan, Shahar Taite, Aviad Sachs
  • Patent number: 9410768
    Abstract: A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam and an optics assembly directing the thermal beam to impact a target, the target directing radiation to the optics assembly in response to the impact. The target marking system further includes a detector, and an optics assembly optically connected to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: LaserMax Inc
    Inventors: Susan Houde-Walter, William Houde-Walter, Daniel J. Balonek, Brian L. Olmsted, Michael W. Allen
  • Patent number: 9404633
    Abstract: A lighting device for vehicles, having a housing, in which a light module, containing a light source and a lens unit allocated thereto, is disposed, for generating a lighting function, wherein the light source is designed as a light source emitting a linear light distribution, and the lens unit has optical means for converting the linear light distribution of the light source into another linear light distribution, for generating a predefined lighting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventor: Martin Mügge
  • Patent number: 9321128
    Abstract: A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Patent number: 9279651
    Abstract: A laser-guided projectile system is a system for correcting the external and internal ballistic factors that affect the flight trajectory of a projectile that is traveling to a target. A laser tunnel generator assembly and a housing sleeve are mounted to a barrel of a firearm. A laser tunnel is projected forward from the firearm and the projectile is able to travel within the laser tunnel. When the projectile comes into contact with the laser tunnel due to ballistic factors, a plurality of explosive outputs is generated and the projectile is directed back toward the center of the laser tunnel. The plurality of explosive outputs is evenly distributed about an aerodynamic portion of the projectile to allow the plurality of explosive outputs to correct the flight trajectory, regardless of the portion of the projectile that comes into contact with the laser tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Marshall Phillip Goldberg
  • Patent number: 9207077
    Abstract: A construction laser system comprising at least one rotation laser which has a laser unit and a rotatable deflection means, a laser receiver has a laser beam detector which is designed to generate an output signal when the laser beam impinges on the laser beam detector. An evaluation unit for determining the position of the laser receiver relative to the reference surface and an indicator for the determined position. A controller where a known emission pattern is generated over a sequence of a plurality of revolutions by varying the emission of the laser beam in a manner temporally coupled to the revolution period of the deflection means, and the evaluation unit is designed to identify the reference surface using a sequence of output signals which are each generated by the laser beam detector when the rotating laser beam repeatedly successively impinges, which sequence corresponds to the known emission pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Anton Kehl, Bernd Stöckel, Martin Winistörfer
  • Patent number: 9170069
    Abstract: Techniques for missile countermeasures are disclosed. The techniques can be employed to rapidly detect a missile system location and aim a countermeasure set at the missile system goniometer, and capture the goniometer with a high radiant intensity countermeasure beam before the goniometer narrows its field of view (FOV). Capturing the goniometer before a narrowing of its FOV allows for wider area protection. The techniques can be embodied in an area-protection hit-avoidance system for a rapid Semi-Active Command to Line of Sight Anti-Tank Guided Missile (SACLOS ATGM) countermeasure wherein a SACLOS ATGM launch is rapidly detected and a countermeasure is aimed at the launch site so that the missile is diverted before the ATGM system FOV is narrowed. This early diversion or decoying of the missile guidance set allows the countermeasure to protect a greater area and to engage multiple threats in less time than traditional countermeasures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Kirby A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9012822
    Abstract: Missile guidance involving projection of laser light to define a Laser Information Field (LIF) is augmented by interposition of information pulses, interleaved between laser emissions establishing the LIF. Information pulses encode further information for receipt by a missile, such as an angle of roll of a missile launch platform from which the LIF is emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Thales Holdings UK Plc
    Inventor: Wai Yu
  • Patent number: 9000340
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an inventive guidance system for tracking and guiding at least one object, wherein said guidance system comprises a base station (1) including an optical imaging system (3) configured to determine the angular position vector of said at least one object (5, 15), an optical communication link for transmitting guidance control commands from said base station (1) to said at least one object (5, 15), and steering means provided on said at least one object (5, 15) for adjusting the direction of said at least one object (5, 15) in response to said guidance control commands. The invention also provides a corresponding guiding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Dicander
  • Patent number: 8921748
    Abstract: An optical window for a detection system and method of employing the same. In one embodiment, the detection system includes an optical window configured to internally channel external incident radiation to an exit surface for emission. The detection system also includes a detector oriented to receive emitted radiation from the exit surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Umang R. Patel, Kurt Schuder
  • Patent number: 8916809
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8872081
    Abstract: A relative navigation system projects a grid into space from a grid generator and an object, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may use the projected grid to aid in the landing of the object. Methods of adjusting the projected grid including stabilizing the projected grid and orienting the grid generator relative to the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, John Robert Washburn
  • Patent number: 8748787
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of guiding a salvo of guided projectiles to a target. The method comprises the steps of generating a beam defining a common reference coordinate system, determining the position of each projectile relative to the beam, and providing to each projectile: position information of other projectiles. Further, the method includes the step of associating dispersion parameters to the salvo of guided projectiles. In addition, the method comprises the step of determining numerical values of the dispersion parameters based on accuracy uncertainty. Also, the method includes the step of controlling the projectiles to an optimal dispersion by using a swarming technique based on the position information of the projectiles and on the numerical values of the dispersion parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Martin Weiss, Marcel Gregorius Anthonius Ruizenaar
  • Patent number: 8558151
    Abstract: A method for correcting a trajectory of a projectile is provided, in that a laser beam is guide or rotated around a center of the instantaneous target course of a projectile in such a way that the projectile itself detects a divergence thereof and subsequently carries our a selfcorrection. A first laser beam is emitted over a certain region around the target course of the projectile that can at about the same time initiate a start of a timing process. A further rotating laser beam having a fixed rotational frequency ? can be simultaneously positioned around the region. Via the second laser beam, the projectile recognizes a divergence thereof from the target course and initiates a correction based on the determined divergence, whereby a magnitude thereof is then used to effect the timed initiation of the correction. Thus, delays in the release are implemented in the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Jens Seidensticker
  • Patent number: 8536501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Minas Tanielian
  • Patent number: 8520308
    Abstract: A system and method of reducing turbulence sensitivity in a laser spot detector. Embodiments may include using beam splitters, reflectors, and beam deviators. The reflectors may be trihedral reflectors and the beam deviators may be segmented wedge plates having predetermined physical angles and angle directions in each wedge segment designed to produce opposing blurs for each segment of the aperture. A predetermined blur introduced into each line of sight eliminates the need for de-focus, thereby mitigating effects such as centroid shift caused by turbulence or dirty/damaged sensor apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: John Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8513580
    Abstract: A method is provided for guiding a mortar projectile fired longitudinally from a launcher along a ballistic trajectory. The method includes providing a first inertial navigation system (INS), a laser emitter and optical sensor on the launcher, providing a second INS and a laser reflector on the projectile, and presetting the second INS to an initial reference position prior to firing the projectile. Subsequent to launch, the method further includes emitting a longitudinally directed laser beam from the emitter to the reflector; receiving the reflected signal to the optical sensor; establishing a position and velocity of the projectile based on the reflected signal; transmitting a correction signal to the projectile from the launcher; resetting the second INS at a position prior to reaching maximum altitude; and guiding the projectile along the trajectory by adjusting control fin orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Craig A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8324542
    Abstract: A system is provided for the remote control of a spinning projectile, the system comprising: a polarized radiation source emitting polarized radiation wherein commands are encoded; a projectile round; a polarized radiation receiver disposed on the projectile round and configured to receive the polarized radiation; and a projectile steering mechanism, the mechanism directing movement of the projectile according to the commands communicated by means of rotation of polarization of the polarized radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D Frey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8314374
    Abstract: A lightweight, man-portable weapon delivery system includes a fuselage, and first and second wings mounted to opposing sides of the fuselage. The system includes an electric motor for driving a propeller for providing thrust to propel the system. The electric motor is mounted to the fuselage, and configured to be remotely started by a user. The system includes an imaging device mounted to the system and configured to capture images of a theater of operations of the system. The system includes a communication circuit in communication with the imaging device and configured to transmit the images from the imaging device to the user for viewing the theater of operations of the system for remotely steering the system. The communication circuit is configured to receive commands from the user for steering the system into the target. The system includes a payload configured to store the ordnance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Burak Uzman
  • Patent number: 8288698
    Abstract: A method for correcting a trajectory of terminally guided ammunition is provided. In order to achieve a high probability of hits, in particular when firing in bursts (continuous fire, rapid single shot fire), it is provided that every individual ammunition is addressed separately. The “imprinting” is performed based on the beam rider guidance principle of terminally guided ammunition. Every individual ammunition reads only the guidance beam identified for this ammunition and can, using additional information, determine its absolute roll attitude in space in order to achieve the proper triggering of the correcting propulsion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Jens Seidensticker
  • Publication number: 20120211589
    Abstract: A lightweight, man-portable weapon delivery system includes a fuselage, and first and second wings mounted to opposing sides of the fuselage. The system includes an electric motor for driving a propeller for providing thrust to propel the system. The electric motor is mounted to the fuselage, and configured to be remotely started by a user. The system includes an imaging device mounted to the system and configured to capture images of a theater of operations of the system. The system includes a communication circuit in communication with the imaging device and configured to transmit the images from the imaging device to the user for viewing the theater of operations of the system for remotely steering the system. The communication circuit is configured to receive commands from the user for steering the system into the target. The system includes a payload configured to store the ordnance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Burak Uzman
  • Patent number: 8237095
    Abstract: A laser lead designator for guiding a laser guided weapon (LGW) to strike a moving target includes a laser source for providing a laser beam and a controller coupled to receive a position and a velocity of the moving target. The controller provides a control signal for pointing the laser beam a specified lead distance ahead of the position of the moving target to position a laser spot on a ground location ahead of the moving target. The lead distance compensates for an impact shortfall value that is a function of at least one shortfall parameter including a speed of the moving target so that the LGW shortfalls the laser spot on the moving target. The laser designator is separate from the LGW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Louis N. Glaros, William B. Eddins, Charles Gaylord, Michael Kincheloe
  • Patent number: 8188411
    Abstract: A compact SAL seeker for a projectile guidance system comprises an optical sub-assembly to focus incident electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) such that target bearing in object space is mapped to a spatial irradiance in image space and a detector sub-assembly to generate at least one guidance signal in response to the position of the centroid of the focused EMR. The optical sub-assembly includes an integrated filter stack of a primary optical element, a spreader, a filter and secondary optical element in which at least one and typically both of the spreader and filter are immersed within the optical media of the stack. The detector sub-assembly may include a field lens in which the detector is immersed. Immersion reduces the number of “air-to-glass” interfaces, hence improves optical throughput. The detector sub-assembly may be integrally formed with a mounting bracket adapted to mate with mounting features on the optical sub-assembly to provide a self-aligned seeker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Patrick L. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 8173945
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and a method for guidance of a projectile. The method for guidance of a projectile, includes emission from the launching position of the projectile of beams pointing to the vertexes of a regular polygon, emission from the launching position of a beam encompassing the preceding beams, determination of position of the projectile relative to the beams, the determined position enabling to correct the projectile trajectory to maintain the projectile the closer to the center of the polygon formed by the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Thales Nederland B.V.
    Inventor: Henk Mentink