Gun (e.g., Fire Control) Patents (Class 342/67)
  • Patent number: 11676624
    Abstract: This invention is a gunshot detection device that provides very reliable inside and outside real-time situational awareness of gunshot events, while reducing Gunshot Detection False Positives and Negatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: UTILITY ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Ted Michael Davis, Eric H Bedell, Robert S McKeeman
  • Patent number: 10928501
    Abstract: A radar system includes a radio frequency (RF) circuit to generate a transmit signal and to receive a corresponding receive signal from a target during rainfall or snowfall conditions, and a signal processing circuit coupled to the RF circuit to generate an adaptive filter threshold in response to the rainfall or snowfall conditions, and to generate a valid target signal in response a portion of the receive signal above the adaptive filter threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Avik Santra, Ashutosh Baheti
  • Patent number: 10680863
    Abstract: Modulation apparatus, comprising: a first delta-sigma modulator for providing a digital in-phase signal based on a modulation of an in-phase component of a baseband signal; a second delta-sigma modulator for providing a digital quadrature signal based on a modulation of a quadrature component of the baseband signal; a first multiplicative combiner for combining a carrier signal with the digital in-phase signal and for providing an in-phase output signal; a second multiplicative combiner for combining the carrier signal with the digital quadrature signal and for providing a quadrature output signal; a delay component for generating a 90° phase shift between the in-phase output signal and the quadrature output signal; and an additive output combiner for combining the in-phase output signal and the quadrature output signal and generating a transmit signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gerd Spalink
  • Patent number: 9772155
    Abstract: A friendly fire avoidance system the system that is implemented in any arena involving weaponry and people, such as hunting, policing, military, emergency services, the system using a plurality of specialized navigation and communication devices ‘NCD’, that are wirelessly associated with one another and in communication with one another forming a MESH network, each NCD utilized in the system is associated with a friendly asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: SAFESHOOT LTD
    Inventor: Amir Schechter
  • Patent number: 9376221
    Abstract: Methods and Apparatus to point a payload at a target are disclosed herein. An example method includes estimating a first orientation of a base of a payload to point the payload at a target. The base is coupled to a satellite via a pivot joint and a linear actuator. The linear actuator is to enable adjustment of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the base. The example method further includes communicating a command to actuate the actuator to move the base to the first orientation and determining a base orientation error. The base orientation error is a difference between the first orientation and a second orientation of the base to which the actuator moves the base in response to the command. The example method also includes determining a stroke position error of the actuator based on the base orientation error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Yong Liu
  • Patent number: 9366508
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system are disclosed for defeating enemy missiles and rockets by the use of a non-lethal cloud of pellets that collide with the missile a certain distance away from the target causing premature detonation of the missile, and/or possible severe damage to the missile, and/or deflection of the missile, and/or a deformation to the ogive cones to cause a short in the fuze circuit, and/or deposition of conductive material to cause a short in the fuze circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Mechanical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Marscher, William Joseph Kelly, Paul James Guthrie, Joseph John DeLorenzo, George DeMassi
  • Patent number: 9136612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a front-end apparatus of an RF transceiver connected with an antenna in a wireless communication system. The front-end apparatus of an RF transceiver using radio-frequency passive elements includes: a plurality of band pass filters configured a transmission signal and a reception signal; a first circulator configured to output a first transmission signal to a second terminal and output a second reception signal input; a second circulator configured to output a second transmission signal input into the first terminal to the second terminal and output a first reception signal input into the second terminal to the third terminal; a passive directional double pole and double throw switch configured to process a route to be changed depending on directions of an input and an output; a first antenna configured to transmit the first transmission signal; and a second antenna configured to transmit the second transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Heon Kook Kwon, Byung Su Kang, Jae Ho Jung
  • Patent number: 9063213
    Abstract: An FMCW radar system is provided having a transceiver unit which is designed to transmit radar signals, which are modulated with the aid of at least one modulation parameter, and to receive radar signals, which are reflected from objects, and having an interference detector for detecting interferences in the received radar signals based on at least one frequency-dependent reception power threshold value corresponding to the particular modulation parameters, one of the modulation parameters being a modulation slope of the transmitted radar signal. An interference recognition method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Armin Himmelstoss, Juergen Hildebrandt, Stefan Heilmann
  • Patent number: 9030347
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vehicle survivability. In some embodiments, threat information relating to at least one potential threat against at least one vehicle during a mission may be accessed. The threat information may comprise threat location information indicative of at least one likely location for the at least one potential threat and at least one model associated with the at least one potential threat. Prior to commencing the mission, the threat information may be used to assign a numerical measure to each potential action of a plurality of potential actions for the at least one vehicle based at least in part on at least one measure of the at least one vehicle resulting from executing the potential action. The plurality of potential actions may be compared based at least in part on the respective numerical measures assigned to the plurality of potential actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Carl R. Herman, James C. Rosswog
  • Patent number: 8854252
    Abstract: A system for providing a multi-mode, multi-static interferometer may include a transmitter array, a receiver array and a processor. The transmitter array includes at least a first transmitter and a second transmitter spatially separated from each other by a first known distance. The receiver array includes at least a first receiver and a second receiver spatially separated from each other by a second known distance. The receiver array is positioned to enable receipt of a return signal from transmissions provided by the transmitter array and reflecting off an object. The processor is configured to enable the transmitter array to generate uniquely coded signals and configured to distinguish, based on the uniquely coded signals, a first signal transmitted by the first transmitter from a second signal transmitted by the second transmitter in response to reception of a combined signal including reflected signals corresponding to at least the first and second signals by the receiver array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Propagation Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest Jefferson Holder
  • Publication number: 20140104096
    Abstract: An electronic system for the identification and the neutralization of menaces in a predefined area includes radar detection including at least three discovery radars (R1,R2,R3) arranged on the vertices of a triangle at a predefined distance among them within the area to be protected. A processing electronic unit (CPU) receives from each of the discovery radars information related to the ballistic menace, for recognizing the ones deriving from the same menace, for each of them, through a triangulation algorithm, for identifying three-dimensional position and speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: OTO MELARA SPA
    Inventor: Carlo Alberto Iardella
  • Patent number: 8468930
    Abstract: A rifle scope system allows adjustment of the point-of-aim of a scope while a shooter maintains the shooting posture and the scope sight picture. The scope system saves ballistic parameters and the associated point-of-aim information of a shot in a database of empirical data points. While the scope is aimed at a target, a processor may use the empirical data points along with the ballistic parameters of the target to determine point-of-aim adjustments of the scope. The adjustment system allows processor-determined adjustments to be effected in a quick manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: John Curtis Bell
  • Patent number: 8321070
    Abstract: In order to target and intercept a desired object within a number of objects detected in an environment, detection data is received from two different sensors, where the detection data includes spatial coordinates. A set of four-point subsets (tetrahedra) are selected from each set of spatial coordinates. A number of correlation maps are determined between the first set of spatial coordinates and the second set of spatial coordinates based on the plurality of four-point subsets. The mean sphericity for each corresponding plurality of four-point subsets in the plurality of correlation maps is determined, and a threat object map based on the correlation map having the greatest mean sphericity is created. The desired object is targeted based on the correlation map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Manson
  • Patent number: 8274424
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for defending a physical zone from airborne and ground-based threats are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an apparatus includes a detection component configured to detect and track a ground-based or airborne threat proximate to the physical zone, an integration component to receive data from the detection component and process the data to determine a threat assessment. A defensive component receives the determined threat assessment and disables the ground-based and airborne threat based upon the determined threat assessment. A method includes detecting an object proximate to the physical zone to be protected, identifying the object as a hostile threat, determining at least one of a path and a point-of-origin for the object, and actuating a defensive system in response to the hostile threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frederick A. Ahrens, Jay A. Stern, Timothy K. Kirchhoff, Mark P. Slivinski, Terrence J. Wolfe, Vernon A. Mickle, Arthur D. Dilley, Daniel F. Cheeseman, Timothy M. Minahen
  • Patent number: 8188905
    Abstract: Embodiments of a target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the directed energy system includes a target tracking system to track one or more track points on a moving target, and a beam transmission unit to maintain a directed energy beam on a selected one of the track points in response to tracking control signals provided by the target tracking system. The track points may be smaller than a spot size of the directed energy beam maintained on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: James R. Gallivan
  • Publication number: 20120104282
    Abstract: Embodiments of a target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the directed energy system includes a target tracking system to track one or more track points on a moving target, and a beam transmission unit to maintain a directed energy beam on a selected one of the track points in response to tracking control signals provided by the target tracking system. The track points may be smaller than a spot size of the directed energy beam maintained on the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Gallivan
  • Patent number: 8149156
    Abstract: A system for estimating a location of the source of a projectile includes a radar system for transmitting a wave and detecting and providing an indication of a wave reflection from the projectile, an acoustic detection system for detecting and providing an indication of at least one sound associated with the projectile, and circuitry for estimating the location in response to the indication of a wave reflection and the indication of at least one sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mustang Technology Group, L.P.
    Inventors: Rustin W. Allred, Robert R. Bless
  • Patent number: 8098191
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against incoming projectiles comprising transmitting two radar waveforms, the first waveform comprising a pulsed continuous wave waveform, and the second waveform comprising a pulsed linear chirp waveform over a bandwidth, and based on returned radar data, causing deployment of a defense mechanism to intercept a detected incoming projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Albert N. Pergande, Lloyd Dan Griffin, Jr., Steven G. Gray, Hung Q. Le, Steve T. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 7961133
    Abstract: The disclosed system, device, and method for diverting a guided missile generally includes a ground-based sensor array generating tracking data of a guided missile tracking a target. A control node in communication with the ground-based sensor array generates targeting data from the tracking data. A phased array directed-energy unit in communication with the control node radiates the guided missile with variable beam width microwave radiation based on the targeting data received from the control node, where the microwave radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile such that the guided missile discontinues tracking the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jeff L. Vollin, Frederick A. Ahrens, Kenneth W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7875837
    Abstract: A method for engaging a hostile missile with an interceptor missile includes mathematically dividing an estimated target trajectory into portions, the junction of each portion with the next defining a possible intercept point. The engagement for each possible intercept point is modeled, to generate a probability of lethal object discrimination which is processed to generate a probability of intercept for each of the possible intercept points. The intercept point having the largest probability of intercept defines a selected intercept point from which intercept missile launch time is calculated, interceptor missile guidance is initialized, and the interceptor is launched at the calculated launch time and under the control of the interceptor missile guidance. Also, a method for estimating discrimination performance of a system of sensors includes generating sensor data signal-to-noise ratio and an aspect angle between the sensor and a lethal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Renee Szabo, Christian E. Pedersen, Wade E. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20100295717
    Abstract: A system for causing an electrical effect in a weapon. A system for detecting a location and a size of a weapon. A system for transmitting electromagnetic radiation towards the weapon at a frequency and a vector orientation to optimize generation of electrical effects in the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rourk
  • Patent number: 7825853
    Abstract: The present invention is a man-portable counter-mortar radar (MCMR) radar system that detects and tracks enemy mortar projectiles in flight and calculates their point of origin (launch point) to enable and direct countermeasures against the mortar and its personnel. In addition, MCMR may also perform air defense surveillance by detecting and tracking aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles. MCMR is a man-portable radar system that can be disassembled for transport, then quickly assembled in the field, and provides 360-degree coverage against an enemy mortar attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Syracuse Research Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Bruce, Thomas A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7768444
    Abstract: A system for detecting weapons is provided. The system includes a radar system transmitting electromagnetic radiation, analyzing reflected signals to detect a weapon, and generating reflected signal data. An energy field parameter system receives the reflected signal data and sets a plurality of energy field parameters. An energy field system transmits energy at a location associated with the detected weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rourk
  • Publication number: 20100117888
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for defending against airborne assault ammunition. The assault ammunition is located with at least one position-locating device. The flight path of the assault ammunition is iteratively calculated using the determined ballistic coefficient of the assault ammunition. A firing control solution is determined for firing a fragmentation-type defense ammunition, which is fired with a large-caliber weapon, especially one having a caliber of at least 76 mm. A fuse of the defense ammunition is set after the firing and/or the defense ammunition is remotely detonated, and after the firing the defense ammunition is ignited or remotely ignited at an ignition time point T. Alternatively, the ignition of the defense ammunition is initiated by a proximity igniter disposed in the defense ammunition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Alexander Simon
  • Publication number: 20100026554
    Abstract: There is provided an active protection system and an active protection method preferably for airborne platforms. According to the embodiment of the invention, the active protection system is mounted onboard a platform for protecting the platform, and comprises a radar system configured for generating output data including threat output data corresponding to a velocity, a range, and an angle of the threat with respect to the platform in an airspace around the platform, the output data being useful for detecting, identifying and tracking of at least one threat approaching the platform; a countermeasure system capable of launching at least one non-fragmentation interceptor projectile in response to receiving a control command; and a control unit configured for receiving the output data from the radar system and for generating the control command and transmitting the control command to the at least one non-fragmentation interceptor projectile, thereby enabling countering the threat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: ELTA SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: David Longman, Jacob Tzlil
  • Patent number: 7633431
    Abstract: A method for determining an adjusted position of a component of an aerial vehicle in response to a situational parameter is provided. The system includes a component mounted on an aerial vehicle, a control system operably coupled to the component, and a processor operably coupled to the control system. The control system adjusts a position of the component based on commands received from the processor. The processor receives positional data and a situational datum relating to the vehicle. The positional data is determined as a function of a situational parameter of the vehicle and is stored in a memory accessible by the processor. The processor determines an adjustment to the position of the component using the situational datum and the positional data and sends the determined adjustment to the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Wey, Daniel L. Woodell
  • Patent number: 7629918
    Abstract: An RFDE system includes an RFDE transmitter and at least one RFDE antenna. The RFDE transmitter and antenna direct high power electromagnetic energy towards a target sufficient to cause high energy damage or disruption of the target. The RFDE system further includes a targeting system for locating the target. The targeting system includes a radar transmitter and at least one radar antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy to locate the target. The RFDE system also includes an antenna pointing system for aiming the at least one RFDE antenna at the target based on the location of the target as ascertained by the targeting system. Moreover, at least a portion of the radar transmitter or the at least one radar antenna is integrated within at least a portion of the RFDE transmitter or the at least one RFDE antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Brown, David J. Canich, Russell F. Berg
  • Patent number: 7602329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of tracking and/or avoiding harm to certain devices or humans. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of tracking individual assets may include obtaining position data of an asset via a GPS receiver in communication with a position sensor associated with the asset, processing position data and sensor data via a processing component associated with the position sensor that receives the position data from the GPS receiver, and communicating sensor data to a host device via a communication interface associated with the position sensor and configured to enable wireless communication between the position sensor and the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Shotspotter, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Manderville, Kevin Baxter, Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher
  • Publication number: 20090158954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-protection system (1) comprising at least one launching device (4) for initiating appropriate countermeasures against the threat, which comprises a sensor system (3) in the form of at least one sniper location detector or the like for detecting as well as locating a tank cover or rear cover position (6). A detection as well as a locating of the threat posed by the presence of a tank cover or rear cover position (6) ensues even before a shot is fired or before the threat. To this end, the launching device (4) is armed with pyrotechnic munitions (7), as a priority, irritation bodies or munition being integrated that, when fired, immediately produce an intense flash and/or smoke/fog (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Norbert Wardecki, Steffen Speer
  • Patent number: 7504982
    Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for an anti-missile system generally includes a ground-based sensor array generating tracking data of a guided missile tracking a target. A control node in communication with the ground-based sensor array generates targeting data from the tracking data. A phased array directed-energy unit in communication with the control node radiates the guided missile with microwave radiation based on the targeting data received from the control node, where the microwave radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile such that the guided missile discontinues tracking the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Russell Berg, Keith Kato, Kenneth Brown, Reid Lowell, David Crouch
  • Patent number: 7492308
    Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array. The processing system is configured to derive a series of frames from the image detector, to process the series of frames to identify a flash event and to generate and output that indicates a direction of the flash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Yair Benayahu, Asher Vuskoboinik
  • Patent number: 7425693
    Abstract: A method of tracking a target. The method includes the steps of acquiring a first spectral image of a scene that includes the target, designating a spectral reference window, in the first spectral image, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, acquiring a second spectral image, of the scene, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, and hypercorrelating the spectral reference window with the second spectral image, thereby obtaining a hypercorrelation function, a maximum of the hypercorrelation function then corresponding to a location of the target in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ruth Shapira
  • Publication number: 20080191926
    Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array. The processing system is configured to derive a series of frames from the image detector, to process the series of frames to identify a flash event and to generate and output that indicates a direction of the flash event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: RAFAEL - ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.
    Inventors: Yair Benayahu, Asher Voskoboinik
  • Patent number: 7400289
    Abstract: A methodology determines the offset distance between a threat missile plume and its hardbody during boost phase to aid in guiding a kinetic weapon (KW) or interceptor missile to the threat missile hardbody using the KW infrared sensor of the interceptor missile in conjunction with a radar sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7248210
    Abstract: The present invention is a man-portable counter-mortar radar (MCMR) radar system that detects and tracks enemy mortar projectiles in flight and calculates their point of origin (launch point) to enable and direct countermeasures against the mortar and its personnel. In addition, MCMR may also perform air defense surveillance by detecting and tracking aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles. MCMR is a man-portable radar system that can be disassembled for transport, then quickly assembled in the field, and provides 360-degree coverage against an enemy mortar attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Syracuse Research Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Bruce, Thomas A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7236122
    Abstract: An object self-protection apparatus (12) having a monitoring device (14) which is fixed with respect to the object and a launch container (18), in particular for fragmentation projectiles, which has a target-tracking radar device (20) for the approach movement of a missile (22) which is to be defended against. The monitoring device (14) which is fixed with respect to the object and the target-tracking radar device (20) are connected together with an aiming drive for the launch container (18). Hereby, an expensive search radar is replaced by a passive sensor device (16) forming the monitoring device (14) which is fixed with respect to the object. The passive sensor device (16) generates accurately measured angular information in respect of the approaching missile (22). The distance and the speed of the missile (22) are then determined by the target-tracking radar device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Pappert, Andreas Günther, Volker Koch
  • Patent number: 7205932
    Abstract: An improved system is provided for aiming a shotgun-based or other countermeasure system so as to be able to countermeasure incoming rockets or projectiles. In one embodiment a shotgun aimed and controlled by the subject system projects a pattern of pellets to intercept a rocket-propelled grenade or incoming projectile. The fire control system uses a CW two-tone monopulse radar to derive range and angle of arrival within 150 milliseconds, with range and angle of arrival measurements having approximately twice the accuracy of prior CW two-tone monopulse radars. The improvement derives from using all of the information in the returned radar beams and is the result of the recognition that one can use the Sum and Difference signals to assemble a two-by-two Rank One matrix that permits using singular value decomposition techniques to generate range and angle of arrival matrices in which all available information is used and in which noise is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Fiore
  • Patent number: 7202809
    Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Schade, Thomas C. Winant, Jaime Alforque, Jeffrey Faul, Kenneth B. Groves, Valent Horvatich, Marco Albert Middione, Christopher Tarantino, James Robert Turner
  • Patent number: 7158076
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for correcting the phase difference estimate derived from a two-tone CW radar to correct velocity-induced range estimate phase errors by offsetting the phase difference estimate with a phase correction equal to either of the Doppler frequencies associated with returns from an object multiplied by the time interval between the samplings of the returned waveforms. The correction effectively eliminates the velocity-induced slippage between the phases of the retuned waveforms so that a comparison between the phases of the waveforms can be made to reduce or substantially eliminate range estimate bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Fiore, Eric A. Rundquist
  • Patent number: 7151478
    Abstract: In some pseudo-orthogonal waveform embodiments, a radar system transmits pseudo-orthogonal waveforms and performs multiple correlations on a combined single receiver channel signal. In some quadratic polyphase waveform embodiments, a radar system may simultaneously transmit frequency separated versions of a single quadratic polyphase waveform on a plurality of transmit antennas, combine the return signal from each antenna into a combined time-domain signal, and perform a Fourier transformation on the combined time-domain signal to locate a target. The radar system may identify a target, such as sniper's bullet, incoming projectile, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) or a mortar shell. In some embodiments, the system may estimate the target's trajectory to intercept the target. In some embodiments, the system may estimate the target's trajectory and may further extrapolate the target's trajectory to locate the target's source, such as the sniper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vinh N. Adams, Wesley H. Dwelly
  • Patent number: 7046187
    Abstract: An active protection system comprising an ultrawideband radar for threat detection, an optical tracker for precision threat position measurement, and a high powered laser for threat kill or mitigation. The uwb radar may use a sparse array antenna and may also utilize Doppler radar information. The high powered laser may be of the optically pumped solid state type and in one embodiment may share optics with the optical tracker. In one embodiment, the UWB radar is used to focus the high power laser. Alternative interceptor type kill mechanisms are disclosed. In a further embodiment, the kill mechanism may be directed to the source of the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 6997097
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for planning a mission profile in real time on board a platform or a vehicle dispensed from a platform. In general, the mission planning technique includes ascertaining a plurality of target information, including a target location, a target velocity, and a target location error. This is followed by an autonomous determination of a pattern from the ascertained target information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: William V. Harding
  • Patent number: 6986302
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing accidental friendly fire situations from occurring are provided. Locator devices provide location information of friendly forces to a plurality of command centers. The command centers also receive targeting information from friendly weapon systems and determines if the friendly weapon systems are targeting any of the friendly forces. If a friendly force is determined to be targeted, an associated command center instructs the weapon system to be disabled from firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher M. LaFata
  • Patent number: 6977598
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for protecting aircraft includes a plurality of missile warning sensors and a turret mounted near the top of at least one support structure. Each missile warning sensor is operable to detect a missile and the turret is operable to emit a laser beam that is directed toward the missile to divert the missile from its intended flight pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Longbottom
  • Patent number: 6977593
    Abstract: A method for assuring safety during firing exercises with live ammunition by mobile skirmish participants (11, 11?) practicing under combat conditions in an enclosed practice range (10) that is monitored from a monitoring center (14), to protect all participants (11, 11?) from being shot by firing participants (11). The instantaneous positions of the participants (11, 11?) are continuously determined, and transmitted to a monitoring center (14) wherein the transmitted positions and movement regions derived therefrom for all participants (11, 11?), and the positions of stationary objects (13) that are present, are used to calculate current, authorized firing sectors (38) for the firing participants (11) and are individually transmitted to the firing participants (11). For each firing participant (11), the instantaneous weapon setting (39) is compared to the assigned firing sectors (38), and firing authorization is only given if the instantaneous weapon setting (39) lies within these firing sectors (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: STN ATLAS Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Hellmuth Schmedemann, Manfred Junge
  • Patent number: 6967614
    Abstract: A projectile launch detection system utilizes a continuous wave radio frequency signal (CW/RF) to confirm muzzle exit. The projectile launch detection system can be used in smoothbore, fin-stabilized, non-air breathing projectiles. The gun tube appears as a waveguide to the projectile launch detection system during projectile launch. The projectile launch detection system transmits a CW/RF signal down the gun tube during launch of the projectile. A portion of the CW/RF signal is reflected back by an impedance mismatch at the boundary between the muzzle of the gun tube and free space. Upon exit by the projectile from the gun tube, an exit signature is detected that is defined by the impedance of the gun tube and by a ratio of the diameter of the gun tube to the frequency of the CW/RF signal. The projectile launch detection system processes the exit signature to detect a muzzle launch of the projectile from a specific gun tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ronald G. Wardell, John I. Nickel, Dennis W. Ward
  • Patent number: 6738012
    Abstract: A commercial airliner (10) carries a sensor that detects a characteristic (21) associated with a man portable missile (20). Raw sensor data is transmitted via a wireless data-link (41) to ground stations (31-33) that process the airliner transmission and determine both the presence of the missile and a precise aircraft position. Countermeasures are fired to detonate within a close proximity of airliner in order to divert the detected missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell Industrial Inc.
    Inventor: Philip L. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 6717543
    Abstract: In regard to radar guidance of a launch container (15) for fragmentation projectiles (16) for defending against an attacking missile (12), from the object (11) to be protected, the present invention affords a radar guidance system which can be inexpensively set up from existing components and which, in the absence of interfaces between the object (11) and the launch container (15), operates in a trouble-free manner if, for space monitoring and target acquisition, provided on the substructure (14) of the launch container (15) which is fixed with respect to the object, there is a planar antenna (20) which transmits its target information to a target-tracking radar (19) which is integrated into the launch container (15), for directly guiding the launch container (15) on to the approach of the missile (12) to be defended against.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Pappert, Klaus Schlüter
  • Publication number: 20040061641
    Abstract: A method of tracking a target (2) moving in an airspace and a target tracking system (10) for performing the method are described. A search sensor (12) searches a search space at a first clock rate (2&pgr;/&Dgr;T1) and establishes target information in regard to a track (4) flown through by the target (2). Calculation means (16) extrapolate an expected flight path (6) from the target information established and provide flight path data, which describes the expected flight path (8), to a tracking sensor (14), which covers a tracking space (15), and provides this data at a second clock rate (2&agr;/&Dgr;T2), which is higher than the first clock rate (2&pgr;/&Dgr;T1). When the target (2) reaches the tracking space (15), the tracking sensor (14) is aimed at the expected flight path (6) on the basis of the flight path data provided, the target (2) is detected as soon as it is detectable by the tracking sensor (14), and the tracking sensor (14) is tracked on the target autonomously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Pierre Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040056792
    Abstract: A system for the detection and determination of the success of interception of incoming missiles, used in conjunction with a defense weapon system capable of identifying and tracking incoming missiles and interceptors. The system comprises at least one of a plurality of sensing units. Each sensing unit comprises: an optical sensor for detecting optical signals within a predetermined range; tracking means coupled to the optical sensor for tracking an intercepting missile or an incoming missile; processing means for processing optical input detected by the optical sensor and analyzing the optical input to identify an optical signature and determine detonation of interceptor or incoming missile; communicating means for communicating data between the sensing unit and the defense weapon system; and control means for controlling the tracking means, the processing means and the communicating data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Raphael Miron