Missile Stabilization Or Trajectory Control Patents (Class 244/3.1)
  • Patent number: 9696725
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for launching and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including multi-rotor aircrafts. The methods and apparatus disclosed herein utilize positional change of the UAV, visual signal, or other means to effect the launch or landing. The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are user friendly, particularly to amateur UAV users lacking practice of operating a UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming-yu Wang
  • Patent number: 9658321
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise in a coded aperture radar system, the coded aperture radar system transmitting signals which occur in sweeps, with K sweeps utilized to cover field of view of the coded aperture radar system and Q frequency shifts or steps occurring each sweep thereof. An array of N antenna elements is provided, the array of antenna elements each having an associated two state modulator coupled therewith. Energy received at the array is modulated according to a sequence of multibit codes, the number of codes in the sequence of codes comprising at least K times Q times N, thereby reducing noise in the coded aperture radar system compared to a coded aperture radar system radar system having fewer than K times Q times N codes in its sequence of multibit codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan J. Lynch
  • Patent number: 9659502
    Abstract: Apparatus, method, computer program product, and system described for an autonomous vehicle (a drone) which uses one or more hosts to transport that drone on its journey. Potential hosts along the envisioned journey can be rated as to their suitability. That rating along with an indication of the value of traveling under its own power or remaining stationary for a particular time can be evaluated at any point along the journey to produce an effective route, time, cost, or whatever other factor is desirable. The drone can chose between these states and communicate with potential hosts and even stationary positions or it can remain in the mode it was just in. The drone can switch between one host and another, be charged by a host or at a stationary location, and can evaluate the different modes differently depending on the needs of the user and the drone itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ermyas Abebe, Anton Beloglazov, Dileban Karunamoorthy, Jan Richter, Kent Charles Barton Steer
  • Patent number: 9644971
    Abstract: A Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS) recorder is provided. The MEMS recorder includes a scheduler, a serializer, a multiplexer, a transmit/receive switch, a master clock generator, a deserializer, a comparator array to determine whether to generate a signal to wake up a controller and/or a location module from a sleep mode, and a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) memory to output data to be stored and wake up the controller and/or the location module from the sleep mode if a signal to wake up the controller and/or the location module is received or if the FIFO memory is full, wherein the controller and/or the location module is awakened directly by the MEMS recorder or via the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel Babitch, Nicolas Vantalon
  • Patent number: 9625236
    Abstract: A method of fire control against aerial targets traveling towards an object of protection. A position of the object of protection is known. A position of the aerial target is measured. The position of the aerial target is estimated. A velocity of the aerial target is estimated. A model of a guidance law of the aerial target is applied. An acceleration of the aerial target sufficient to hit the object of protection is calculated. A future trajectory of the aerial target is predicted based on the position of the object of protection, the estimated position of the aerial target, the estimated velocity of the aerial target, and the calculated acceleration of the aerial target. Points of aim along the predicted future trajectory are calculated. A fire control system includes at least one sensor for measuring the position of the aerial target as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventor: Kjell Wållberg
  • Patent number: 9555873
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The UAVDC may comprise a fuselage, at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion means and/or a modular payload. The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing stowed against the fuselage and the at least one control surface stowed against the fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped to increase a wingspan of the deployed arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Area-I Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Robert Alley, Joshua Lemming Steele, Jesse Owen Williams, Daniel Kuehme, Jonathan Caleb Phillips
  • Patent number: 9535151
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the range, radial velocity, and bearing angles of scattering objects reflecting RF signals or for determining the range, radial velocity, and bearing angles of sources RF signals. An array of antenna elements is utilized, the array of antenna elements each having an associated two state modulator wherein transmitted and/or received energy is phase encoded according to a sequence of multibit codes, the bits of the multibit codes each preferably having two states with approximately a 50% probability for each of the two states occurring within each given multibit code in said sequence of multibit codes, thereby allowing the determination of range, radial velocity, and bearing angles through digital computation after the scattered signals have been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLc
    Inventor: Jonathan J. Lynch
  • Patent number: 9494937
    Abstract: A system comprise a server configured to communicate vehicle information with a vehicle transceiver of a vehicle moving along a vehicle route and communicate drone information with a drone transceiver of a drone moving along a drone route. A computing device with a memory and a processor may be configured to communicatively connect with the server, process the vehicle information and the drone information, identify a plurality of pickup locations based in part on the vehicle information and drone information, select at least one of the plurality of pickup locations based in part on a priority score associated with a travel time to or wait time for each of the plurality of pickup locations, and update the drone route based in part on the selected pickup location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Verizon Telematics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Siegel, Stephen Christopher Welch, James Ronald Barfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9495877
    Abstract: An aircraft deconfliction system including a registration system having an airspace database, a registered airspace, wherein registration details of the registered airspace are logged in the airspace database, and an aircraft assigned to the registered airspace, the aircraft including a flight control system, a guidance computer controlling the flight control system based on a pilot input, and an override unit in communication with the guidance computer, wherein the override unit overrides the pilot input when the aircraft breaches the registered airspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Duffy, John J. Mattero
  • Patent number: 9476677
    Abstract: A KV-based missile defense system and method of strategic engagement provides performance improvement for both singleton and raid scenarios by launching multiple interceptors that place a follower KV in a trailing position with respect to a lead KV. Knowledge of the target cloud gained by the lead KV is transmitted to the follower KV and incorporated to inform the target selection of the follower KV. The follower KV trails the lead KV with sufficient spacing in time and distance to select a target and maneuver to engage the target pre-acquisition. This also allows the follower KV to receive and incorporate knowledge of target impact by the lead KV. This knowledge may be transmitted back to another follower KV and so forth in a “string” of KVs to inform target selection and down to the ground to inform strategic engagement. Updated non-KV observational data can be uplinked and transmitted forward along the string to the lead KV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Wright, James G. Sierchio, Myron E. Calkins, Jr., Kent P. Pflibsen, Perry H. Frahm, William R. Owens, Thomas M. Crawford
  • Patent number: 9448107
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting laser in a laser warning receiver is disclosed. A panoramic lens assembly utilized in cameras is combined with a laser detection focal plane. Incident laser light is refracted in the panoramic lens and made to illuminate a multiplicity of individual sensor elements. By determining the corresponding intensity of the laser light on the sensors, the angle of arrival resolutions superior to the element angular resolutions can be achieved. The combination of a panoramic lens with a laser detection focal plane provides a low cost laser warning for wrap around ground based situational awareness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Allister McNeish
  • Patent number: 9420236
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system that captures and inputs video images of a crowd with a surveillance camera for detecting normal and/or various abnormal states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Miyako Hotta, Masanori Miyoshi, Wataru Ito
  • Patent number: 9395467
    Abstract: A solid solution-based optical material capable of transmitting infrared light, the solid solution-based optical material comprising at least two nano-sized phases intermixed in one another, wherein at least one of the at least two nano-sized phases is a solid solution containing a dissolved dopant, the dissolved dopant present in an amount sufficient to reduce a refractive index difference between the at least two nano-sized phases to about 0.2 or less when infrared light is being transmitted. Various embodiments are directed to related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the infrared light is visible infrared light, short-wave infrared light, eye safe infrared light, medium wave infrared light, long wave infrared red light, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Zelinski, Richard Gentilman, Christopher Scott Nordahl, Thomas M. Hartnett
  • Patent number: 9352858
    Abstract: A methodology for initial orbit determination of an object about an astronomical body searches a grid of possible boundary values on the range-to-object over the observation interval to find the grid point and corresponding initial orbit that best fits all of the more than three (N) angles-only observations according to an error metric. The search is conducted by solving a boundary-value problem for different grid points. The state vector is propagated to determine estimated observation directions for the remaining N?2 observations. The grid point (and initial orbit) that best fit all of the observations is selected. For efficiency, the search may start with a broad but coarse initial grid and increase the resolution of the grid as the search converges to a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Coleman, John F. Silny
  • Patent number: 9341704
    Abstract: Methods and systems for object tracking are disclosed in which the bandwidth of a “slow” tracking system (e.g., an optical tracking system) is augmented with sensor data generated by a “fast” tracking system (e.g., an inertial tracking system). The tracking data generated by the respective systems can be used to estimate and/or predict a position, velocity, and orientation of a tracked object that can be updated at the sample rate of the “fast” tracking system. The methods and systems disclosed herein generally involve an estimation algorithm that operates on raw sensor data (e.g., two-dimensional pixel coordinates in a captured image) as opposed to first processing and/or calculating object position and orientation using a triangulation or “back projection” algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Frederic Picard, Gontje C. Claasen, Philippe P. Martin
  • Patent number: 9335126
    Abstract: An offset aperture gimbaled optical system comprises a gimbal and an optics assembly that is mounted on an inner gimbal and offset radially from an axis of symmetry (and rotation axis) of a conformal dome. An optical corrector adjacent the inner surface of the conformal dome encompasses the field-of-view of the optics assembly as the inner gimbal rotates about its rotation axis. The corrector is fixed with respect to the inner gimbal's rotation axis while it rotates about the axis of symmetry. The optical corrector comprises an aspheric transparent arch having an optical corrector shape and position responsive to a shape of the conformal dome at the offset position of the optics assembly. In different applications, the offset aperture provides for reduced optical aberrations and improved utilization of the available packaging volume to accommodate multiple offset aperture optics assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Chadwick B. Martin, David J. Knapp, Gregory P. Hanauska
  • Patent number: 9269162
    Abstract: A rapid anomaly detection approach with corresponding method and system to detect anomalies in scene pixels making up a hyperspectral scene, efficiently, is presented. The approach includes tailoring an approximation of an anomaly score for each scene pixel, individually, based on an “intermediate anomaly score.” The intermediate score is computed using a portion of the terms used to compute the anomaly score. Scene pixels with low intermediate anomaly scores are removed from further processing. The remaining scene pixels are further processed, including computing anomaly scores to detect anomalies in these pixels. Advantageously, examples of the RAND approach process a few terms of all scene pixels, eliminate most scene pixels, and calculate more terms on high anomaly scoring scene pixels as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ian S. Robinson, Bradley A. Flanders, Anthony M. Sommese
  • Patent number: 9089292
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for calibrating glucose monitoring sensors and/or insulin delivery systems. In certain example embodiments, blood glucose reference samples may be correlated with sensor measurements with regard to a delay associated with the sensor measurements. In certain other example embodiments, one or more parameters of a probability model may be estimated based on blood glucose reference sample-sensor measurement pairs. Based on such information, function(s) for estimating a blood-glucose concentration in a patient may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anirban Roy, Barry Keenan, Michael Kremliovsky
  • Patent number: 9052174
    Abstract: A projectile is provided with a projectile tip having enhanced aerodynamic properties to improve accuracy of the projectile. The tip has a body having a base or lower end, an upper end and a curved, side wall between its upper and lower ends that defines an ogive tip length. The tip is received with a projectile jacket and also can have a series of aerodynamic features formed in its body to modify air flow about the body of the projectile in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dennison
  • Patent number: 9035226
    Abstract: An exoatmospheric vehicle uses a control system that includes a thrust system to provide thrust to control flight of the vehicle. A regenerative heat system is used to preheat portions of the thrust system, prior to their use in control of the vehicle. The heat for preheating may be generated by consumption of a fuel of the vehicle, such as a monopropellant fuel. The fuel may be used to power a pump (among other possibilities), to pressurize the fuel for use by thrusters of the thrust system. The preheated portions of the thrust system may include one or more catalytic beds of the thrust system, which may be preheated using exhaust gasses from the pump. The preheating may reduce the response time of the thrusters that have their catalytic beds preheated. Other thrusters of the thrust system may not be preheated at all before operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Wayne C Jouse, Mark S Muktoyuk
  • Patent number: 9018572
    Abstract: A rocket is provided and includes booster stages at a rear of the nose cone, the booster stages being configured for propelling the nose cone in a propulsion direction and a divert control system housed entirely in the nose cone for controlling an orientation of the propulsion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Michael S. Alkema, Robert T. Moore
  • Patent number: 9012825
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for retaining and deploying a plurality of canards and canard covers on a projectile. The projectile includes a projectile housing defining an interior chamber and a longitudinal axis, canards rotatably mounted to the housing, canard covers, a bobbin movably disposed in the interior chamber of the housing along the longitudinal axis, and rocker arms. The canards mounted for movement from a stowed position to a deployed position. The canard covers have a hook element and are adapted to cover respective slots formed in the housing. The bobbin has first and second ends and a retaining surface proximate the second end. Rocker arms have a first and second arm end, with a canard retaining slot defined therebetween. The first arm end includes a latch element for engaging with the canard cover element, and the second arm end is positioned proximate the retaining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Plumer, Jeff Gibson, Jim Byrne, Brian Richardson
  • Patent number: 9012823
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a missile, is disclosed. The vehicle includes an optically transparent dome, a vehicle body, and a brazed joint directly coupling the dome to the vehicle body. The dome is formed of a Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic (NCOC) material comprising two or more different types of nanograins dispersed in one another. Each nanograin type has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and an aggregate CTE of the NCOC material is based on the CTE of each nanograin type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Wayne L. Sunne, Christopher E. Pentland, Christopher D. Marr
  • 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: 9003943
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decision support of a combat object (1) in a combat situation comprising the steps of: a) detecting (3) an enemy object (2) such that a plurality of characteristic parameters of the enemy object (2) is determined, b) calculating (4) at least one quality factor for at least one combat sensor of the combat object (1), wherein each quality factor is adapted for indicating identification ability of a combat sensor, and calculating (4) at least one signature factor for at least one enemy sensor of the enemy object (2) based on a predetermined model, wherein each signature factor is adapted for indicating identification ability of an enemy sensor, c) allocating (5) each quality factor calculated in the previous step b) to each combat sensor and allocating (5) each signature factor calculated in the previous step b) to each enemy sensor, and d) controlling (6) each combat sensor against the enemy object (2) based on the result of the previous step c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Anders Lundqvist, Vibeke Kensing
  • 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: 8975565
    Abstract: An interceptor is provided with an integrated propulsion and attitude control system (ACS) in which propellant burn forms a common pressure vessel for high-pressure gas. An aft port in the rocket motor directs gas through one or more main nozzles that expel high-velocity gas in a generally axial direction to propel the interceptor. A forward port directs gas through one or more attitude control nozzles that expel high-velocity gas in a generally radial direction to control the attitude of the interceptor. The main nozzle(s) and stabilization fins are fixed, there is no servo control to the main nozzles or fins to affect attitude control. The use of a common pressure vessel enables an integrated propulsion and ACS that can be compact, lightweight and inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Doron Strassman, Mark E. Elkanick
  • Patent number: 8975564
    Abstract: This invention advances the related state-of-the-art by eliminating the physical EO window used by electro-optical imaging infrared seekers for tactical missiles and high-altitude endo-atmospheric interceptors, widely employed in integrated defense systems. This invention increases the probability of intercepting exo-atmospheric ballistic warheads by exo-atmospheric interceptors, and eliminates the existing altitude “gap” of interception, as well as the geographical limitations posed by the mesospheric Noctilucent Clouds. The problem of protecting an imaging EO sensor from aeroheating is solved in this invention by a special purpose device which is enabled immediately after the nose cone ejection event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sener Grupo De Ingenieria, S.A.
    Inventors: Jorge Sancho Ponce, Pedro Jose Herraiz Alijas, Rafael Rebolo Gomez, Carlos Miravet Fuster, Aitor Arce Aguinaga, Jose Maria Fernandez Ibarz, Daniel Ribas Nieto
  • Patent number: 8957355
    Abstract: Inertial measurement unit apparatus for use with guidance systems are disclosed herein. An example guidance system includes an inertial measurement unit removably coupled in a cavity of a guidance wafer via an access port of the guidance wafer defining a port axis that is non-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the guidance wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Angelo Truncale, James K. Gingrich, Stephen T. Butscher, Joseph E. Justin
  • Publication number: 20150041582
    Abstract: According to the invention, the balance weights of the missile are made from pellets whereof the particle size is at most equal to 1 mm which is enclosed in a closed package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MBDA FRANCE
    Inventors: Patrick Barthelemy, Phillippe Dubois, Laurent Carton, Nicholas Sibillaud, Marc Ferrat, Frederic Paintendre
  • Patent number: 8946606
    Abstract: Apparatus/method estimate LOS rotation, to track, approach, pursue, intercept or avoid objects. Vehicle-fixed imagers approach/recede-from objects, recording image series with background. Computations, from images exclusively, estimate rotation vs. the vehicle, applying the estimate. Preferably, recording/estimating provide proportional navigation; scan mirrors extend strapdown-sensor FOR; applying includes measuring “range rate over range”, exclusively from interimage optical flow, using results to optimize proportional-navigation loop gain; estimating includes evaluating interframe optical flow, preregistering roughly as first approximation, selecting sequence anchor points, and applying a second, finer technique developing output registration that's a coordinate translation, aligning inertial surroundings. The approximation operates optical flow with efficient embedded registration/mapping, applying a homography matrix to nearby imagery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Arete Associates
    Inventors: John Charles Dennison, Clayton Houston Davis, Brian Edward Frazier
  • Patent number: 8938324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a time delay between two output signals measured by two adjacent optical sensors, the time delay resulting from a movement of an object moving in a given direction. The method comprises the steps: carrying out a spatial filtering of the signals Ph1 and Ph2 delivered by a first and a second optical sensor; calculating a first order derivative and carrying out a temporal low-pass filtering of the signals; calculating the second order derivative of the signals; measuring the delay between the signals; and is characterized in that the step of measuring the delay is a feedback loop based on an estimated delay between the temporally filtered signals. Device and set of devices for measuring the angular velocity of a luminance transition zone and steering aid system for fixation and tracking a target comprising at least one such luminance transition zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: Universite d'Aix-Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Lubin Kerhuel, Stéphane Viollet, Franck Ruffier
  • Patent number: 8933382
    Abstract: A missile guidance system is configured to estimate a time to go, the time to go comprising an amount of time until a missile would reach a closest point of approach to a target. The guidance system is also configured to estimate a zero-effort miss distance along a zero-effort miss vector, the zero-effort miss distance comprising a distance by which the missile would miss the target if the missile performs no future maneuvers. The guidance system is also configured to determine a tolerance for the zero-effort miss distance, the tolerance being a function of the time to go. The guidance system is further configured to modify a course of the missile by adjusting an expenditure of propellant such that the estimated zero-effort miss distance in excess of the tolerance is removed from future consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Andrew E. Dolphin
  • Patent number: 8927914
    Abstract: An optical device forms a beam path between an optical end element at a beam path end and an object scene into which the beam path is directed via a field of view of the end element. The optical device contains an alignment device for pivoting the field of view relative to a predetermined direction, an end optical unit and an optical articulation for guiding the beam path from the pivoted field of view into the end optical unit. In order to achieve good shielding against spurious radiation, the device has a shielding unit containing a shielding element led partly around the optical articulation, which shielding unit shields the optical articulation against incident radiation that is not incident through the entrance or exit aperture of the optical articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defense GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Eckhardt, Joachim Barenz, Hubert Kuppel
  • Patent number: 8927915
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for intercepting a rocket body during boost phase. A sensor is arranged to detect thermal emission in a range that is characteristic of a firing rocket body. The image detected by the sensor is applied to an analog-to-digital converter for digitization and application to a computer that includes a routine for separating the modulated photon energy of the detected image from the substantially unmodulated photon energy that characterizes rocket body emissions. The unmodulated photon energy, signature of the rocket body, may be utilized by a fire control system for tracking, targeting and aiming munitions at the firing rocket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Frank O. Clark
  • Publication number: 20150001335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake panel (3, 3?) for a projectile (1), in which those surfaces (A) of the brake panel (3, 3?) which are facing in the direction of travel of the projectile are wholly or partially angled in such a way that the normal from the said surfaces (A) is not parallel with the centre line (C) of the projectile (1) in order to reduce or counteract the Magnus torque generated during and after the extension of the brake panel (3, 3?). The invention further relates to a detonator (2) for a projectile (1) and a projectile (1) comprising such a brake panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventor: Thomas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 8921749
    Abstract: A perpendicular drive mechanism for a missile control actuation system employs an electric motor and power shaft operatively coupled to a first spur gear. A lead screw is coupled to a second spur gear. The lead screw is oriented parallel to the motor and perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. The first and second spur gears meshingly engage such that the second spur gear rotates in the opposite direction as the first spur gear. A lead nut threadingly engages with and is configured to move linearly along the central axis of the lead screw. A crank arm is coupled on one end to the lead nut and on the other end to the canard shaft of a canard assembly. As the lead nut moves linearly along the central axis of the lead screw, the crank arm follows the lead nut and causes the canard assembly to actuate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Aaron M. Scott
  • 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: 8895908
    Abstract: A low cost, lightweight frangible wing slot seal can be applied to a guidance wing slot of a folding fin aerial rocket or missile, providing a barrier against exposure of internal missile components to external contaminants, while allowing unhindered deployment of missile guidance wings simply by bursting through the seals. The simple design is nearly foolproof, and has no impact the likelihood of weapon failure. The seal is a flexible sheet which is sufficiently thin so as not to exceed the required volume envelope of the missile. The sheet includes a burst seam, which is breached when impacted by the leading edge of a deploying wing. No additional wing deployment force is required, and after deployment the seal has minimal impact on the aerodynamic performance of the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Barry, Robert Winkler, John R. Franzini, Kenneth D. Cleveland, Adam Butland
  • Patent number: 8884202
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for combining systems of an upper stage space launch vehicle for enhancing the operation of the space vehicle. Hydrogen and oxygen already on board as propellant for the upper stage rockets is also used for other upper stage functions to include propellant tank pressurization, attitude control, vehicle settling, and electrical requirements. Specifically, gases from the propellant tanks, instead of being dumped overboard, are used as fuel and oxidizer to power an internal combustion engine that produces mechanical power for driving other elements including a starter/generator for generation of electrical current, mechanical power for fluid pumps, and other uses. The exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is also used directly in one or more vehicle settling thrusters. Accumulators which store the waste ullage gases are pressurized and provide pressurization control for the propellant tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Frank C. Zeglar
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140312160
    Abstract: Embodiments of a flight vehicle including a scribed frangible seal are provided, as are embodiments of a scribed frangible seal and a method for equipping a flight vehicle with a scribed frangible seal. In one embodiment, the flight vehicle includes a vehicle body having a deployment opening therein, and a deployable element residing in a stowed position within the vehicle body and movable into a deployed position. At least a potion of the deployable element passes through the deployment opening when moving from the stowed position into the deployed position. The flight vehicle further includes a scribed frangible seal, which is sealingly disposed over the deployment opening and which is positioned so as to be contacted by the deployable element during deployment thereof. The scribed frangible seal fractures along at least one scribe line when contacted by the deployable element to permit movement of the deployable element from the stowed position to the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Alexandra L. Blake, W. Howard Poisl, Thomas E. Fetsko, Timothy B. Mellor
  • Patent number: 8849476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of updating an ATC flight plan of an aircraft in real time to take account of the flight directives. A reference flight plan is designated. In tandem with the receipt of the flight directive messages originating from the ground, then verifying validity of the flight directive messages, if the message is validated in the affirmative, the messages are applied successively to the reference flight plan and stored. Managing, in real time, the complete list of these flight directives and the ATC flight plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: François Coulmeau
  • Patent number: 8829401
    Abstract: A projectile and associated method are provided for seeking a target that has been laser designated even though the projectile does not include a laser receiver. A projectile includes an aerodynamic body and a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS signals indicative of a location of the aerodynamic body. The projectile also includes a radio receiver configured to receive radio signals from an offboard laser receiver that provide information relating to a location of the target based upon laser designation of the target. Further, the projectile includes a processor configured to direct flight of the aerodynamic body toward the target based upon the location of the aerodynamic body as determined from the GPS signals and the location of the target based upon the information provided by the offboard laser receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kevin Lutke, Aaron J. Kutzmann
  • Patent number: 8825231
    Abstract: A method and system for piloting a craft with a rear propulsion unit are disclosed. The method can include a servo loop where the attitude (?M) of the craft (1) is measured in the vicinity of the rear end (1R) of the craft, then the orientation (?) of the propulsion means (2), which can be oriented relative to the rear end (1R), is adjusted as a function of the attitude measurement (?M) in such a way that the craft (1) is stabilized on its flight path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Astrium SAS
    Inventors: Paul Caye, James Caillaud, Guillaume Laporte
  • Patent number: 8816261
    Abstract: Control surfaces secured tangentially to a round projectile, such that the lift force generated by the control surfaces is generated through the projectiles centerline. This eliminates the need for an opposing fin to counter roll moment. Sizing the control surfaces to form an equilateral triangle gives each panel equal span, and enables the force generated by two panels to be equal and opposite to that of the opposing panel. The end effect is that each panel only has two active states (neutral and positive deflection). Thus, a solenoid and a return spring may be used to control the canards. Additionally, the control panels may fold along the surface of the projectile, which frees up internal volume and minimizes the length of the control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jesse H. Blake, Matthew G. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20140231575
    Abstract: An apparatus including a body portion, a plurality of missiles attached to the body portion in a manner which allows the plurality of missiles to detach from the body portion, a net having a plurality of locations, wherein each missile is attached to the net at a different location of the plurality of locations, and means for controlling a flight direction and a flight speed of each of the plurality of missiles. The means for controlling the flight direction and the flight speed of each of the plurality of missiles may include a computer processor attached to each of the plurality of missiles. A majority of the net may lie inside of an inner chamber inside of the body portion, and the at least a majority of the net may be configured to come out of the inner chamber in response to a command from a control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jason J. Shand
  • Patent number: 8803052
    Abstract: A method for controlling autopilot roll capture of a rocket comprising adapting the start time and the rate of roll capture such that regardless of the initial rocket spin rate, the roll capture process is completed at a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: David Schorr, James H. Steenson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8789366
    Abstract: A shape memory stored energy assembly includes a projectile housing having a projectile lumen. A projectile is within the projectile lumen and the projectile is movable relative to the projectile housing. A shape memory actuator is coupled between the projectile anchored end and the projectile housing. The shape memory actuator is configured to transition from a strained energy stored configuration to a fractured kinetic delivery configuration at a specified temperature range to propel the projectile through the projectile lumen. A method includes storing energy in a shape memory actuator coupled with a projectile. The stored energy in the shape memory actuator is released and propels the projectile. Releasing the stored energy includes heating the shape memory actuator, tensioning the shape memory actuator, and fracturing the tensioned shape memory actuator at a fracture locus to propel the projectile away from the fracture locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ward D. Lyman, Frederick B. Koehler