Stabilized By Rotation Patents (Class 244/3.23)
-
Patent number: 7963442Abstract: A Reconfigurable Nose Control System (RNCS) is designed to adjust the flight path of spin-stabilized artillery projectiles. The RNCS uses the surface of a projectile nose cone as a trim tab. The nose cone may be despun by the action of aerodynamic surfaces, to zero spin relative to earth fixed coordinates using local air flow, and deflected by a simple rotary motion of a Divert Motor about the longitudinal axis of the projectile. A forward section of the nose cone having an ogive is mounted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, forming an axial offset of an axis of the forward section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Another section of the nose cone includes another motor, the Roll Generator Motor, that is rotationally decoupled from the forward section and rotates the deflected forward section so that its axis may be pointed in any direction within its range of motion.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Hyatt Jenkins, Jim Byrne, John Christiana, Paul Franz, Tom Kelly
-
Publication number: 20110120337Abstract: An artillery projectile for firing from an artillery gun, mortar or artillery rocket launcher. The artillery projectile includes a body, a payload with a number of inert fragments located within the body, a booster motor associated with the body for accelerating the body with the payload to a penetration velocity, and an opening arrangement associated with the body and deployed for initiating release of the fragments. The artillery projectile further includes a control system causally associated with the booster motor and the opening arrangement. The control system is configured to generate a first command to actuate the booster motor and a second command to actuate the opening arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.Inventor: Menachem Rotkopf
-
Patent number: 7902489Abstract: A control actuator system. The novel system includes a control surface mounted on a body and adapted to move in a first direction relative to the body, and a first mechanism for storing energy as the control surface moves in the first direction and releasing the stored energy to move the control surface in a second direction opposite the first direction. In an illustrative embodiment, the system is adapted to rotate an aerodynamic control surface of a rolling missile, and the first mechanism is a torsional spring arranged such that rotating the control surface in the first direction winds up the spring and releasing the spring causes the control surface to oscillate back and forth, alternating between the first and second directions. In a preferred embodiment, the spring has a spring constant such that the control surface oscillates at a natural frequency matching a roll rate of the missile.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Samuel D. Sirimarco, Gerald E. Van Zee
-
Patent number: 7849800Abstract: A hybrid spin/fin stabilized projectile. The novel projectile includes a body, a first mechanism for spin stabilizing the body during a first mode, and a second mechanism for fin stabilizing the body during a second mode. In an illustrative embodiment, the projectile includes a rifling band adapted to engage with rifling in a gun during gun launch to impart a spin rate compatible with spin stabilization to the projectile, and a plurality of folding fins attached to an aft end of the body. A fin locking mechanism locks the fins in an undeployed position during the first mode and unlocks to deploy the fins at a predetermined time to switch the projectile to fin stabilization during the second mode. The projectile also includes a mechanism for reducing the spin of the projectile to a rate compatible with guided flight during the second mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Hinsdale, Richard Dryer
-
Patent number: 7834301Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a flight trajectory of a spinning projectile. In one aspect the method may involve supporting a nose of the projectile in a manner permitting the nose to be wobbled. At least one electrically responsive component may be coupled at a first end to the nose and at a second end to a base portion of the projectile. An angular position of the nose of the projectile may be sensed as the projectile flies through an atmosphere after being fired from a weapon. An electrical signal is controllably applied to the electrically responsive component, in relation to the sensed angular position of the nose, to control an attitude of the nose during flight of the projectile.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Dan J. Clingman
-
Publication number: 20100237185Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile is steered by taking air from an air intake at the front of the projectile, and expelling the air along an outer surface of the projectile to alter its trajectory toward the desired impact location. Air taken in through the air intake is directed toward a rotor that is able to rotate relative to the rest of the projectile. The rotor has an outlet that may direct the air taken in at the air inlet out in a direction having both radial and circumferential components. The force produced in the radial direction provides a steering force substantially normal to the projectile axis, used to steer the projectile. The force produced in the circumferential direction is used to provide impetus to spin the rotor. A brake is used to control the rotational speed of the rotor, to control the direction that the air is expelled from the projectile.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventor: Richard Dryer
-
Patent number: 7800033Abstract: An aircraft in the form of multi-stage missile 1 with a spiral inducing assembly 2 which is capable of inducing the missile to travel in a continuous spiraling motion without the missile rolling. A fin 6a is attached to a tube 3 that is able to rotate around the encircled part of the fuselage. The fin 6a is able to rotate in a pivoting manner on the rotate-able tube 3 with respect to the rotate-able tube 3, thereby changing the pitch relative to the longitudinal axis of the rotate-able tube 3. Fin 6a is rotated to a greater than another fin on the right side of the tube 3. The difference in degree of rotation between the fins makes the fin 6a exert a greater force on the rotate-able tube 3 than the fin on the right side when the fins are rotated in the same direction. The imbalance between the rotational forces thus causes the rotate-able tube 3 to rotate. When rotated, the fins would exert a lateral force on the rotate-able tube 3.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Tom Kusic
-
Patent number: 7791007Abstract: A guidable projectile has a central shaft, a projectile body, and a surface control assembly. The projectile body is arranged to rotate around at least a portion of the central shaft during flight of the guidable projectile to provide stabilization. The surface control assembly is supported by the central shaft. The surface control assembly includes a movable member arranged to control a trajectory of the guidable projectile during flight of the guidable projectile, and an electromagnetic actuator interconnected between the central shaft and the movable member. The electromagnetic actuator is arranged to control movement of the movable member relative to the central shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.Inventor: Amir Harnoy
-
Publication number: 20100213307Abstract: A hybrid spin/fin stabilized projectile. The novel projectile includes a body, a first mechanism for spin stabilizing the body during a first mode, and a second mechanism for fin stabilizing the body during a second mode. In an illustrative embodiment, the projectile includes a rifling band adapted to engage with rifling in a gun during gun launch to impart a spin rate compatible with spin stabilization to the projectile, and a plurality of folding fins attached to an aft end of the body. A fin locking mechanism locks the fins in an undeployed position during the first mode and unlocks to deploy the fins at a predetermined time to switch the projectile to fin stabilization during the second mode. The projectile also includes a mechanism for reducing the spin of the projectile to a rate compatible with guided flight during the second mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2007Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Andrew J. Hinsdale, Richard Dryer
-
Patent number: 7755012Abstract: A control surface actuation system has the ability to move aerodynamic control surfaces using a rotational motion of a motor. In an arrangement, rotational motion of the motor enables the aerodynamic control surfaces of a rotating projectile to oscillate and thus vary the angle of the control surfaces as the projectile spins. The rotation of a motor in one direction in combination with a gear and a link and a crank arm attached to a shaft of the aerodynamic control surfaces allows the control surfaces to move in fluttering motion to induce the maneuvering of a projectile in the desired direction. A controller takes information regarding the current condition of the projectile and drives the motor to move the aerodynamic devices to maneuver the projectile.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.Inventor: M Robert Mock
-
Patent number: 7718937Abstract: A beam-riding missile (10) has a freely rotating control portion (11) forming its nose and carrying a pair of fixed ailerons (13) and a pair of fixed elevators (14). Detecting means (not shown) gather information indicative of the location of the missile in the beam and steering logic circuitry (not shown) provides signals to a clutch (18) which interfers with the free rotation of the nose in such a way that the elevators are effective to maintain the chosen flight path. The clutch can be electromagnetic, piezo-electric or function on the Johnson-Raebeck effect. The combination of fixed control surfaces and steering by a single actuator leads to the possibility of useful reductions in the size, weight and complexity of the missile.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1983Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Short Brothers PLCInventors: Albert Dunn, Richard Sutton Ransom
-
Publication number: 20090277990Abstract: An aircraft in the form of multi-stage missile 1 with a spiral inducing assembly 2 which is capable of inducing the missile to travel in a continuous spiraling motion without the missile rolling. A ramjet 6b is attached to a tube 3 that is able to rotate around the encircled part of the fuselage. The ramjet 6b is able to rotate in a pivoting manner on the rotate-able tube 3 with respect to the rotate-able tube 3, thereby changing their pitch relative to the longitudinal axis of the rotate-able tube 3. Ramjet 6b is rotated to a greater than another ramjet on the right side of the tube 3. The difference in degree of rotation between the ramjets makes the ramjet 6b exert a greater force on the rotate-able tube 3 than the ramjet on the right side when the ramjets are rotated in the same direction. The imbalance between the rotational forces thus causes the rotate-able tube 3 to rotate. When rotated, the ramjets would exert a lateral force on the rotate-able tube 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventor: Tom Kusic
-
Patent number: 7589663Abstract: A system for the measurement of an angle of roll of a projectile is disclosed. The projectile has a casing with a rear end, a front end, and a side wall extending therebetween. The system includes a radar configured to transmit a polarized electromagnetic signal toward the projectile and a groove disposed on the side wall of the casing. The groove has a width, a depth, and a length, the width extending along a longitudinal axis of the projectile, the depth extending inwardly from an outer surface of the casing toward the longitudinal axis, and the length extending along the outside of the casing. The radar is further configured to receive a return signal from the projectile, wherein the return signal from the groove is modulated as a function of the angle of roll of the projectile. Amplitude or phase modulation of the return signal from the groove can be used to uniquely determine the roll angle of the projectile.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Geoffrey H. Goldman, William O. Coburn, Thomas J. Pizzillo
-
Patent number: 7566027Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for determining the roll orientation of a body with respect to a local fixed coordinate system or a predetermined reference vector. The device uses a measurement of an external magnetic field, such as the Earth's magnetic field, to determine a roll orientation reference with respect to the field or an uncompensated roll orientation. The uncompensated roll orientation is then adjusted according to a bias angle, such as an angular difference between the external magnetic field and a local fixed coordinate system, to determine the roll orientation of the device with respect to the local fixed coordinate system or a compensated roll angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Lyle H. Johnson, Dennis L. Kurschner
-
Publication number: 20090145996Abstract: A method for varying the flight path of a missile, in particular of a spin-stabilized projectile, which has an outer wall and which is provided with at least one impulse device. The impulse device can be activated deliberately at a defined time during the flight of the missile. The impulse device is arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis of the missile such that, when it is activated, it generates an impulse that initiates a tumbling movement which causes the flight-path of the missile to be shortened or varied. A spin-stabilized projectile is provided with such an impulse device and it is configured so that the impulse device may be triggered during flight so as to initiate the flight-altering tumbling movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: DIEHL BGT DEFENCE GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Bernd Gundel, Hans-Rainer Graf, Helmut Hammer, Gunther Thurner
-
Patent number: 7541563Abstract: A hollow cylinder has an electromagnet to hold back a canister and either an induction heating linear actuator or a firing pin to ignite the primer-containing combustive material inside the canister to eject a locked piston from the cylinder. There is a motor-included turbogenerator around the cylinder, which converts the energy of the post-combustion gases into electricity to get stored and to power an integrated or separate annular stator assembly to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. Another device has a helically arranged, multi-pole permanent magnet assembly annularly integrated around the cylinder to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. In other forms, an annular stator assembly around the cylinder is supplied with switched, externally generated electric power without either a turbogenerator or the motor-included turbogenerator to respectively produce electricity or to provide gyroscopic stability to the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: Anadish Kumar Pal
-
Publication number: 20080315032Abstract: A guidable projectile has a central shaft, a projectile body, and a surface control assembly. The projectile body is arranged to rotate around at least a portion of the central shaft during flight of the guidable projectile to provide stabilization. The surface control assembly is supported by the central shaft. The surface control assembly includes a movable member arranged to control a trajectory of the guidable projectile during flight of the guidable projectile, and an electromagnetic actuator interconnected between the central shaft and the movable member. The electromagnetic actuator is arranged to control movement of the movable member relative to the central shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: HR Textron, Inc.Inventor: Amir Harnoy
-
Patent number: 7412930Abstract: The invention relates generally to a roll damping apparatus for a spinning projectile having a first section and a second section rotatably attached about a roll axis. The roll damping apparatus comprises a first portion attached to the front section, and a second portion attached to the rear section. The first portion is adapted to cause a braking frictional force to act on the second portion, the braking force being effective to control the spin rate of the front section relative to the rear section. The invention further relates to a spinning projectile having a roll damping apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: General Dynamic Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Douglas L. Smith, Joseph P. Morris
-
Patent number: 7377468Abstract: A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The drogue may include an active stabilization system adapted to effectively stabilize the refueling drogue via control surfaces on the refueling drogue when the refueling drogue is placed in an airstream.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Smiths Aerospace LLCInventors: Frank Saggio, III, William B. Ribbens, Kean K. Ooi
-
Patent number: 7360490Abstract: A spin-stabilized artillery projectile (10) with a brake device (16) for reduction of the longitudinal deviation of the artillery projectile (10) in a target area (26) that has a number of impulse elements (24) distributed around its circumference that are provided to reduce the lateral deviation of the artillery projectile (10) in the target area (26) and thus improve the accuracy of aim.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Junghans Microtec GmbHInventors: Karl Kautzsch, Albrecht Reindler
-
Patent number: 7354017Abstract: Trajectory is controlled by a control system having fins that de-spin a section of the control system relative to a projectile or missile. The control system also includes aero-surfaces that produce a lift when brought to rotation speed of about 0 Hz relative to a reference frame and a brake that couples the guidance package to the rotational inertia of the projectile or missile. In one example, no electric motor is used in the trajectory control system, saving weight and increasing reliability.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Douglas L. Smith
-
Publication number: 20080061188Abstract: Trajectory is controlled by a control system having fins that de-spin a section of the control system relative to a projectile or missile. The control system also includes aero-surfaces that produce a lift when brought to rotation speed of about 0 Hz relative to a reference fame and a brake that couples the guidance package to the rotational inertia of the projectile or missile. In one example, no electric motor is used in the trajectory control system, saving weight and increasing reliability.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: General Dynamics Ordnance and tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Douglas L. Smith
-
Patent number: 6981672Abstract: Applicants have invented a guidance system for guiding a projectile, the projectile having a body portion capable of being spun in a first direction and a nose portion connected to the body portion by a spin control coupling, the nose portion being capable of being spun in a second direction. The nose portion including first and second aerodynamic surfaces fixedly attached to the nose portion and configured and arranged to cause the nose portion to spin in a second direction during projectile flight. The nose portion including third and fourth aerodynamic surfaces fixedly attached to the nose portion, which are configured and arranged such that when the nose portion is spinning the third and fourth aerodynamic surfaces have no net effect on projectile flight, but when the nose portion is despun using the spin control coupling, the third and fourth aerodynamic surfaces induce both a moment and a lateral force to the nose, causing the projectile flight path to change.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Aleiant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: John A. Clancy, Thomas D. Bybee, William A. Friedrich
-
Patent number: 6889934Abstract: A method of guiding a munition to a target transmitting one or more signals is described. The method includes configuring the munition with a radio frequency receiver, an antenna for the receiver mounted such that a main beam of the antenna pattern for the antenna is offset from a line of flight axis of the munition by an angle and configuring the munition to rotate along an axis substantially similar to the line of flight axis of the munition. The method also includes configuring the munition to process signals received at the antenna, wherein heading changes of the munition, the angle of the main beam of the antenna from the line of flight axis, and the rotation of the munition result in the received signals having amplitude variations. Directional corrections are generated for the munition to direct the munition towards the target based on amplitude variations in the received signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steve H. Thomas, James R. Hager
-
Patent number: 6869043Abstract: The center of pressure of a projectile is caused to move upon the occurrence of an event that changes the static margin, such as the jettisoning of a body previously attached to the projectile, as noted above. In particular embodiments, this is achieved by a flare disposed toward the rear of the projectile. The flare has petals that deploy from a first, stowed position to a second, deployed position upon the occurrence of the event. In the stowed position, the petals are aligned with the air stream, in order to minimize drag. In the deployed position, the petals project into the air stream in such a way as to move the lift center rearward. A slide ring within the flare has sufficient inertia that it shifts aft in response to an acceleration that occurs when the attached body and the projectile are separated from one another. The slide ring is linked to the petals in such a way that the petals are deployed by the displacement of the slide ring. Detents lock the slide ring in its displaced position.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventors: John Daryl Carlyle, William Hall, Hartley Hughes King, Thomas Louis Menna, Lawrence Steven Romero
-
Patent number: 6869044Abstract: A missile, either a powered missile or an unpowered projectile, includes a freely-rolling tail assembly having an odd number of fins. Having an odd number of fins may reduce oscillations caused by the rotation of the freely-rotating tail. This may make a more stable platform for a seeker, such as an uncooled focal point array or other imaging infrared (IIR) or millimeter wave radio frequency (MMW) seeker, in the body of the missile. Also, minimizing oscillation by using an odd number of fins may facilitate control of the missile.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Chris Eugene Geswender, Shawn Brent Harline, George A. Blaha
-
Patent number: 6854394Abstract: Tracer visibility of APFSDS projectiles can be enhanced through a combination of increased steady state spin rate, reduced muzzle obscuration, and optimized airflow over the stabilizing fin geometry of the sub-projectile. The preferred means to increase steady state spin rates of the sub-projectile is to incline or deflect the fin blade tip portion, creating a larger, hotter burning, tracer plume.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Guy H. Henry, Donald E. Dillard, Rao Yalamanchili, Dennis J. Conway, Rick D. Wright, Gary C. Fleming, Alan N. Cohen, Roger E. Joinson, Gene Venable, Thomas Doris, Albert S. Tatka, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6848648Abstract: A system and method for controlling roll in a projectile. The novel system (56) includes first (52) and second (58) sections adapted to counter-rotate relative to each other and a mechanism (76) for inducing the counter-rotation to generate a roll torque on the projectile (50). In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism (76) is a motor comprised of a rotor (64) affixed to the first section (52), and the second section (58) which acts as a stator that rotates around the rotor (64) when a current is applied to the armature. In an alternative embodiment, the second section (58) is turned by a motor (80) attached to the first section (52) which drives a small gear engaging a full-diameter ring gear (82) on the second section (58). In the illustrative examples, the first (52) and second (58) sections are a missile forebody and a tail section of the projectile.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Ralph H. Klestadt, Robert D. Stratton, Christopher P. Owan, Laurence F. Prudic
-
Patent number: 6817569Abstract: A guidance seeker system for a projectile includes a plurality of photoconductive sensing elements symmetrically disposed about a central axis of the projectile. When a target is illuminated with a light source, a lens transmits light reflected from the target to one or more of the photoconductive sensing elements. Dependent on which photoconductive sensing element is irradiated, a variance between the line of flight of the projectile and the target is determined. A voltage impulse resulting from irradiation of the photoconductive sensing element triggers actuation of a course corrector, such as a diverter, to nudge the line of flight of the projectile to increase the likelihood of the projectile reaching the desired target. This guidance seeking system is particularly effective when the target is designated with a pulsed laser.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Tibor G. Horwath
-
Publication number: 20040216635Abstract: Tracer visibility of APFSDS projectiles can be enhanced through a combination of increased steady state spin rate, reduced muzzle obscuration, and optimized airflow over the stabilizing fin geometry of the sub-projectile. The preferred means to increase steady state spin rates of the sub-projectile is to incline or deflect the fin blade tip portion, creating a larger, hotter burning, tracer plume.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: GENERAL DYNAMICS ORDNANCE & TACTICAL SYSTEMSInventors: Guy H. Henry, Donald E. Dillard, Rao Yalamanchili, Dennis J. Conway, Rick D. Wright, Gary C. Fleming, Alan N. Cohen, Roger E. Joinson, Gene Venable, Thomas Doris, Albert S. Tatka
-
Publication number: 20040164202Abstract: A system and method for controlling roll in a projectile. The novel system (56) includes first (52) and second (58) sections adapted to counter-rotate relative to each other and a mechanism (76) for inducing the counter-rotation to generate a roll torque on the projectile (50). In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism (76) is a motor comprised of a rotor (64) affixed to the first section (52), and the second section (58) which acts as a stator that rotates around the rotor (64) when a current is applied to the armature. In an alternative embodiment, the second section (58) is turned by a motor (80) attached to the first section (52) which drives a small gear engaging a full-diameter ring gear (82) on the second section (58). In the illustrative examples, the first (52) and second (58) sections are a missile forebody and a tail section of the projectile.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Ralph H. Klestadt, Robert D. Stratton, Christopher P. Owan, Laurence F. Prudic
-
Patent number: 6761330Abstract: Rocket Accuracy Improvement Device, when coupled between the warhead and motor of a typical free flight rocket, isolates the warhead from the rocket motor in the axis using a plurality of ball bearings and thereby enables the warhead to spin independently of the motor. The separation of the warhead from the motor allows the angular momentum of the warhead, which has reached its maximum spin rate by the time the motor burns out, to act gyroscopically to maintain the trajectory of the rocket even when the motor reverses its spin, thus achieving a much more predictable flight path for the rocket.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: David A. Bittle, Donald E. Davis, Robert C. Glover, Roswell W. Nourse
-
Patent number: 6727843Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an arrangement for determining the angle of roll of a launchable body (4) which rotates in its path. The launchable body (4) can consist of a rotating projectile, shell, guided missile or the like, launchable from a launching device (1). According to the invention the transmitter antenna (3) and receiver antenna (5) are each designed with their sweeping beams (6, 9) directed essentially towards each other. By detecting the time the two beams (6, 9) coincide and the signal strength received in the receiver antenna, the angle of roll of the launchable body can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Bofors Defence ABInventor: Åke Hansen
-
Patent number: 6691948Abstract: A high torque nozzle system for a tube launched rocket has a fixed position nozzle on the rocket and a set of internally positioned erodible vanes inside of the nozzle. The vanes erode as the rocket exits the launcher. The high torque nozzle system has a first section of a rocket nozzle body, a second section of the rocket nozzle body and a torque ring that contains erodible vanes. The torque ring is fitted into a groove formed by the first and second sections of the rocket nozzle body, which are threaded together.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Steven S. Kim, Brian E. Krzewinski
-
Patent number: 6676072Abstract: A rocket spin control system for a tube launched rocket has a fixed position nozzle on the rocket and a set of internally positioned torque ring inside of the nozzle that is anchored with erodible tabs. The tabs erode as the rocket exits the launcher. With the erosion of the tabs, the torque ring is free to rotationally move, which eliminates any torque imparted onto the rocket while retaining the torque ring with the rocket. This increases the reliability of rocket precision.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventors: Steven S. Kim, Eric Hawley
-
Patent number: 6672536Abstract: In order to provide that the braking elements (16), which are to be deployed radially under the effect of centrifugal force, of the braking arrangement in the region of the ogival head of a spin-stabilized artillery projectile (12) are secured in the rest position and can then be released in a defined manner when reaching the braking point of the ballistic trajectory, the stowage space (14) for accommodating the braking elements (16) is radially covered by a hood (22) which is fitted on to the projectile fuse (11) in the afflux direction and is axially fixed between a recess (24) in the rear wall (25) of the stowage space and a front-end holding ring (26) connected to the ogival head.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Bär, Jürgen Bohl
-
Patent number: 6666144Abstract: The invention comprises an improved precision rocket motor and warhead system by increasing the spin rate of the rocket motor. The system comprises an outer housing segment attached to the end of a rocket motor tube and an annular sleeve placed within the end of the outer housing segment so that the end of the sleeve is aligned with the end of the segment. At least two annular bearings are placed around the outer surface of the sleeve. Normally the annular bearings will be made of a plastic type material that can be “stretched” around the outside of the sleeve prior to placing it within the outer housing segment. The inner surface of the sleeve will include a warhead attachment mechanism to secure the warhead to the inner surface. Finally, the invention includes a locking mechanism that locks the sleeve in place within the outer housing segment while attaching the warhead to the sleeve and unlocks to allow the sleeve to rotate independently of the rocket motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Steven S. Kim, Eric J. Hawley
-
Patent number: 6655293Abstract: Tracer visibility of APFSDS projectiles can be enhanced through a combination of increased steady state spin rate, reduced muzzle obscuration, and optimized airflow over the stabilizing fin geometry of the sub-projectile. The preferred means to increase steady state spin rates of the sub-projectile is to incline or deflect the fin blade tip portion, creating a larger, hotter burning, tracer plume.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Guy H. Henry, Donald E. Dillard, Rao Yalamanchili, Dennis J. Conway, Rick D. Wright, Gary C. Fleming, Alan N. Cohen, Roger E. Joinson, Gene Venable, Thomas Doris, Albert S. Tatka, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6646242Abstract: The Rotational Canted-Joint Missile (RCJM) Control System utilizes a single or multiple body joints that rotate in planes that are not perpendicular to the missile body axis. The result is the deflection of a portion of the missile body for flight control purposes. The canted interface plane between any two adjacent movable sections of the missile body and a joint at the interface plane that allows one of the sections to be rotated by a pre-determined angle with respect to the other section comprise a rotational plane mechanism that offers an inclined bearing plane with a large mechanical advantage over typical “brute force” ball joint methods.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Roger P. Berry, Daniel F. Lawless, Stephen C. Cayson, Lamar M. Auman, J. C. Dunaway, Mark D. Dixon, David A. Gibson
-
Patent number: 6629669Abstract: A projectile and a method of launching a projectile from a barrel. The projectile of the present invention may be matched to a pre-selected barrel rifling to produce a controlled spin rate. Controlled spin rate is characterized by substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration. Substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration is characterized by an axial speed that decreases in relationship to the decrease in forward speed. Substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration produces a trajectory that is characterized by a gyroscopic stability factor that remains highly stable over a given distance of a trajectory. Gyroscopic stability is controlled during the projectile's flight by controlling the spin damping moment as a design element. Control of the spin damping moment may be achieved by incorporating physical features in the projectile's design and manufacture and/or may result from the incorporation of physical features imparted upon the projectile during launch.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Inventor: Warren S. Jensen
-
Patent number: 6616093Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for correcting the trajectory (7, 8, 10, 11) of a spin-stabilised projectile (12) in azimuth by controlling its rate of spin by devices (18-21) deployable on the outside of the projectile (12) where they act on the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Bofors Weapon Systems ABInventors: Kjell Albrektsson, Torsten Wik, Ulf Hellman
-
Patent number: 6592070Abstract: An interference-aided navigation system for a rotating vehicle provides rotation angle estimates using interference or jamming signals. An antenna receives interference signals and desired navigation signals. A RF processing function connected to the antenna processes the received interference signals and the desired navigation signals into IF signals. An A/D converter connected to the RF processing function digitizes the interference signals and desired navigation signals and to provide a digitized IF signal. A tracking filter tracks amplitude variations of the interference signals and provides the rotation angle estimate signal of the rotating vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: James H. Doty
-
Patent number: 6587078Abstract: An interference-aided signal acquisition and tracking system with temporal beam forming for a rotating vehicle enhances signal to noise ratio using interference or jamming signals. An antenna receives interference signals and desired navigation signals. A RF processing function connected to the antenna processes the received interference signals and the desired navigation signals into IF signals. An A/D converter connected to the RF processing function digitizes the interference signals and desired navigation signals and provides a digitized IF signal. A tracking filter tracks amplitude variations of the interference signals and provides a rotation angle estimate signal of the rotating vehicle. A signal modulation function connected to the tracking filter and the A/D converter varies gain of the IF signal to enhance the signal to noise ratio.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: James H. Doty
-
Patent number: 6540175Abstract: A method for deflagrating/detonating anti-tank and anti-vehicle land mines, beach zone mines, and surf zone mines located in mine belts or individually using delayed active ignition high temperature incendiary flechettes or darts.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Mayersak, Lance H. Benedict, Robert M. Krass
-
Patent number: 6540176Abstract: A fin disengagement device for limiting the range of a projectile uses an electronic safe and arm circuit to sense launch and spin levels. Once armed, the stored energy from the electronic safe and arm circuit is dumped into an initiator or directly to explosive bolts. The initiator ignites an energetic material to separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. Alternatively, the explosive bolts separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. In the embodiments using an initiator and energetic material, an opening or cavity in the rear portion of the projectile body or rod adapter acts as a pressure chamber. When enough pressure has built up from the burning of the energetic material, the front hub of the fin section expands enough to disengage the threads and separates the fin section from the projectile body.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Bradford S. Davis, James M. Garner, Jerry L. Watson, James F. Newill
-
Publication number: 20030042356Abstract: In order to provide that the braking elements (16), which are to be deployed radially under the effect of centrifugal force, of the braking arrangement in the region of the ogival head of a spin-stabilised artillery projectile (12) are secured in the rest position and can then be released in a defined manner when reaching the braking point of the ballistic trajectory, the stowage space (14) for accommodating the braking elements (16) is radially covered by a hood (22) which is fitted on to the projectile fuse (11) in the afflux direction and is axially fixed between a recess (24) in the rear wall (25) of the stowage space and a front-end holding ring (26) connected to the ogival head.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Bar, Jurgen Bohl
-
Patent number: 6520448Abstract: Attitude of a spinning vehicle is determined by observing at least one of the apparent amplitude modulation and the apparent phase modulation of a navigation signal received from a navigation source. Vectors describing the direction from the vehicle to the navigation source are computed and used to determine attitude relative to the navigation source. Inertial sensors are demodulated to remove rotation artifacts and used to anticipate rapid maneuvers.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: James H. Doty, Gary A. McGraw
-
Patent number: 6502516Abstract: A projectile in the form of a sabot shotgun slug assembly includes a cylindrical slug, a cylindrical sabot positioned about the slug and a pressure wad co-acting with the slug and the sabot. The cylindrical slug defines a central bore extending partially therethrough. The slug is preferably made of a deformable metal. The sabot defines a plurality of longitudinally extending internal grooves. The pressure wad has two ends, with a gas seal located at a first end and a post located at a second end. The pressure wad further includes shock-absorbing members formed between the gas seal and the post. The post is positioned within the central bore defined by the slug.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Anthony E. Kinchin
-
Publication number: 20020190156Abstract: A projectile and a method of launching a projectile from a barrel. The projectile of the present invention may be matched to a pre-selected barrel rifling to produce a controlled spin rate. Controlled spin rate is characterized by substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration. Substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration is characterized by an axial speed that decreases in relationship to the decrease in forward speed. Substantially balanced forward and axial deceleration produces a trajectory that is characterized by a gyroscopic stability factor that remains highly stable over a given distance of a trajectory. Gyroscopic stability is controlled during the projectile's flight by controlling the spin damping moment as a design element. Control of the spin damping moment may be achieved by incorporating physical features in the projectile's design and manufacture and/or may result from the incorporation of physical features imparted upon the projectile during launch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Warren S. Jensen
-
Patent number: 6481356Abstract: A cartridge including a cartridge case for hunting cartridges including a plastic sole body with a first sector forming a wad having an upper damping formed by two parallel cylindrical bodies acting with a balancing effect on a first plate with motion to be driven by a second plate distanced on an axial pin supporting a column bearing a bullet on coaxial clutches into a contact containment cylindrical seat which seat includes two half parts separated by longitudinal cuts perimetrally extending from a disk-shaped deflagration moment for centrifugal, effect the connection points break with contemporary squeezing in opening of the half parts on the inside wall of the barrel and this permits the bullet movement starting with thrust pulse centering to obviate a possible contact with the same barrel also in presence of a narrowing. After shooting of the bullet the two separated half parts follow the bullet along the barrel falling down at the exit of the barrel while the sole body goes out from the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Elio Gualandi & C. SRLInventor: Ezio Gualandi