Gun Aiming Patents (Class 434/19)
  • Publication number: 20030003425
    Abstract: A device and method for training a shooter to shoot with improved accuracy. A picture of a target is fixedly mounted in front of a sight on a bow or gun. The picture is mounted in a stationary position which visually aligns an aiming point in the sight with the center of the picture when the shooter is in a shooting position. The shooter then shoots a plurality of shots in a safe direction while looking through the sight and focusing on the stationary mounted picture. In this manner, the shooter's subconscious mind is trained to keep the sight aligned with an actual target while shooting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Fay F. Frigon
  • Publication number: 20020197584
    Abstract: A firearm laser training system of the present invention includes a target assembly, a laser transmitter assembly that attaches to a firearm, a detection device and a processor in communication with the detection device. The system simulates targets at extended ranges and accounts for various environmental and other conditions. The target may be in the form of a target image or a display screen. The detection device captures images of the target for processing by the processor to determine beam impact locations. The processor applies various offsets to the beam impact locations to account for the various conditions and determine the impact locations relative to the target. The processor displays an image of the target including the determined impact locations and scoring and/or other information that is based on those impact locations. An electronic laser filter may be employed by the system to minimize false impact detections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Tansel Kendir, Motti Shechter, John Clark
  • Patent number: 6450816
    Abstract: A soldier (A) carries a weapon, on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier (B). The laser device and the target device each include a microprocessor as well as an ultrasound unit and/or a radio unit (72, 71) such that, if the laser device does not receive a response from the target device within a period of time Ta following the transmission of a bundled, coded laser beam, it transmits another laser beam with different coding, which causes the ultrasound unit and/or the radio unit of the target device to transmit an acknowledgement which can be received by the ultrasound unit and/or the radio unit of the laser device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Publication number: 20020123025
    Abstract: A launcher training system includes a housing shaped to resemble a projectile launcher. A hollowed-out portion of the housing defines a boresight axis. An optical sight is coupled to the housing such that the boresight axis and the optical sight's line-of-sight are fixed in relation to one another. The optical sight further defines a sight field-of-view (FOV) with a first reticle appearing therein. An imaging means in the hollowed-out portion of the housing generates an image in an image FOV thereof. Transmission means are provided to transmit signals indicative of the image over the air waves. A remotely-located receiver station is provided to reproduce the image with a second reticle being overlaid thereon. The imaging means are adjustably positioned such that the image FOV is sighted along the boresight axis and such that the second reticle overlaid on the reproduced image appears at the same position as the first reticle in the sight FOV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy M. Fouse, Michael M. Canaday, Vincent J. Vendetti
  • Patent number: 6439892
    Abstract: A soldier carries a weapon on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier. This harness device is provided with sensors (61, 62, 63, . . . ), which perform detection tasks for several applications in connection with arbitrary simulation scenarios in the course of exercises and battles. The laser device (1) has a laser target illumination element which is designed for transmitting tightly bundled laser beams (11), as well as chopper means for transmitting laser beams which are not only coded, but also chopped at a predeterminable frequency. The sensors contain tuning means for obtaining an alternating electrical signal from the received chopped laser beams, which is supplied to a pre-amplifier connected upstream of a discriminator. A very sensitive laser identification system results due to the fact that the electrical signal obtained in this manner can be very strongly amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Patent number: 6406298
    Abstract: A laser small arms transmitter (SAT) includes a housing having a hollow interior and a clamp structure connected to the housing for rigidly securing the housing to a barrel of a weapon such as an M16A1 rifle. A spyglass shaped metal laser tube is rigidly mounted inside the housing. A lens is mounted in a forward segment of the laser tube and positioned in alignment with a bore in a forward side of the housing. A cylindrical laser diode can is mounted in a rearward segment of the laser tube. A circuit including a photo-optic sensor is mounted inside the housing and selectively energizes the laser diode to cause the same to emit a laser beam through the lens when a blank cartridge is fired. The rear segment of the laser tube is dimensioned and configured so that it can permanently bent to align the laser beam emitted by the laser diode with the barrel of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Cubic Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Varshneya, John B. Roes
  • Publication number: 20020064761
    Abstract: A relatively inexpensive system is provided for detecting and visually indicating the relative location of the impact on a target of an invisible infrared laser beam emitted from a small arms transmitter (SAT) mounted on a combat rifle. A plurality of red LEDs are mounted on a planar PCB that serves as the target and are arranged along X and Y axes corresponding to azimuth and elevation. A plurality of photo-diodes are mounted on the PCB for generating output signals when struck by the laser beam. The photo-diodes are clustered around the intersection of the X and Y axes. A circuit mounted on a reverse side of the PCB is connected to the plurality of photo-diodes for receiving their output signals. The circuit energizes one or more of the red LEDs to provide a pattern of illumination of the LEDs that represents azimuth and elevation deviation of the laser hit from the intersection of the axes when the SAT is fired with the intersection of the axes in the iron sights of the rifle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Allen E. Ripingill, John B. Roes, David A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6322365
    Abstract: A firearm training system includes a training firearm, which includes a laser transmitter module that emits a laser signal along a longitudinal centerline of the barrel of the firearm in response to a mechanical wave generated from pulling the trigger of the firearm. A laser-detecting target includes a planar array of laser light detectors capable of detecting the exact location that the laser signal hits the target. The laser signal transmitted by the training firearm is preferably a modulated laser pulse that the target can easily discriminate from noise and interference. The target is connected to a computer, which reports laser hit information and keeps track of a sequence of laser hits fired by a competitor or trainee. Computer can be linked via a communications network to similar firearm training systems to enable competition between shooters at different geographic locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Beamhit, LLC
    Inventors: Motti Shechter, Stephen P. Rosa
  • Patent number: 6296486
    Abstract: A simulator for simulating the firing of weapons the simulator including a firing station, and a missile weapon simulator. The missile weapon simulator able to simulate imaginary firings, an image display device, an image processing device, and an instructor station. The instructor station includes a video screen associated with a decision device by which an instructor chooses a virtual scenario relating to a firing field, the type of the missile and firing conditions. The image display device displays virtual images in actual size representing a field of vision of a firer in the virtual scenario chosen by the instructor, a micromonitor placed upon the missile weapon simulator displays the same images as those of the display device. The image processing device generates images within the instructor station, the images displayed on the micromonitor, and the images displayed on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Emmanuel Cardaillac, Laƫtitia Weber
  • Patent number: 6257583
    Abstract: An economical reaction shooting target consisting of three targets movably secured to a frame that supports the targets above the ground. Initially, a central target that stands vertically is presented to the shooter. The central target pivotally attaches to the frame so that the central target falls backward once a bullet strikes it. When the central target falls backward, ears on the central target disengage arms provided on two spring loaded side targets, allowing the side targets to swing forward and be presented to the shooter. Various images of good guys and bad guys may be randomly chosen to be attached to the side targets, requiring the shooter to quickly determine whether to shoot the images on the side targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Lee Roberson
  • Patent number: 6257893
    Abstract: For training the tactile perception of a marksman, in particular of a sport marksman, during the firing of a shot in which the marksman exercising a pressure on a trigger of a real or simulation firearm which triggers the shot when it crosses a predetermined threshold, a training process comprises (i) measuring the pressure exercised on said trigger by a finger of said marksman, (ii) converting said measured pressure into electric signals representing an instantaneous amplitude of a pressure vector, and (iii) transforming in real time said electric signals into signals perceptible by a sense of the marksman other than the tactile sense, so that the marksman can in real time follow the variation of the pressure exercised on said trigger until the departure of said shot in simultaneity and in synchronism with the tactile perception perceived by said finger. A training device for implementing this process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Pierre Trabut
  • Patent number: 6251011
    Abstract: A shooting video game machine comprising a mock gun having a trigger, a monitor which presents flying characters and characters other than flying characters to form a game playing display while causing a bullet to travel in a predetermined direction in synchronization of the pulling of the trigger, and a controller module comprising a game controller and a graphic controller. The graphic controller comprises a graphic processor, a character control block, a bullet control block, a hit determining block, and a proximity determining block. The hit determining block determines whether the bullet hits each of the characters, and the proximity determining block determines whether the bullet hits the proximity area of each flying character, when the hit determining block determines that the bullet hits none of the characters. When the hit determining block determines that the bullet hits a character, a strike display is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6174169
    Abstract: A soldier carries a weapon on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier. This harness device is provided with sensors (61, 62, 63, . . . ), which perform detection tasks for several applications in connection with arbitrary simulation scenarios in the course of exercises and battles. The laser device (1) has a laser target illumination element which is designed for transmitting tightly bundled laser beams (11), as well as chopper means for transmitting laser beams which are not only coded, but also chopped at a predeterminable frequency. The sensors contain tuning means for obtaining an alternating electrical signal from the received chopped laser beams, which is supplied to a pre-amplifier connected upstream of a discriminator. A very sensitive laser identification system results due to the fact that the electrical signal obtained in this manner can be very strongly amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves AG
    Inventor: Peter Gerber
  • Patent number: 6146142
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing shooting skills that take into account the effects of wind on the trajectory of a bullet. The method includes the step of entering basic shooting data into a central unit, measuring force and direction of the wind with at least one wind indicator, feeding the measured force and direction of the wind to the central unit, analyzing the measured force and direction of the wind and the entered data to determine the effects of the wind on the trajectory of the bullet and transmitting the effects of the wind to a marksman. The apparatus includes at least one wind indicator for measuring force and direction of the wind. A central unit is provided to allow entry of basic shooting data. The central unit also collects and analyzes the measured force and direction of the wind with the entered data. The data analyzed by the central unit is transmitted to the marksman through a terminal which tells the marksman what effects the wind will have on the trajectory of the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Asko Nuutinen
  • Patent number: 6068483
    Abstract: A simulated firearm sight alignment system designed to teach a person, without the actual use of a firearm, to accurately manually align the sights of any firearm having front and rear open firearm sights or front and rear peep firearm sights. The system uses a simulated firearm sight tool that operates in two modes: simulated peep firearm sight mode and simulated open firearm sight mode. The simulated peep firearm sight mode is acquired when the simulated firearm sight tool has the simulated front peep firearm sight attachment tenon attached to its barrel's front "T" shaped mortise and the simulated rear peep firearm attachment tenon attached to its rear "T" shaped mortise simultaneously. The simulated open firearm sight mode is acquired when the simulated front open firearm sight attachment tenon is attached to the barrel's front "T" shaped mortis and the simulated rear open firearm sight attachment tenon is attached to the barrel's rear "T" shaped mortise simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Fidel Nikita Minor
  • Patent number: 6059573
    Abstract: A full-size mortar training device which includes full-size, simulated, propelling charges is disclosed. Both 81 mm and 60 mm mortar training devices are disclosed. The device provides realistic training on virtually all aspects of mortar firing. The device allows training in target sight acquisition and mortar positioning (elevation and azimuth), sight reacquisition due to recoil, dropping a round, adjusting the number of charges, as required, to achieve a desired zone of firing distance, adjusting the projectile fuse setting to control time of explosion, provides realistic firing sound, and allows trainees to follow procedures similar to those used with standard mortar service ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: FATS, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramesh Patel
  • Patent number: 5980254
    Abstract: A weapons training range provides a simulated weapons use scenario including return fire. A microprocessor selects branches from a multi-branch program and causes an image projector to project subscenarios on a display screen visible to a participant. In response to the subscenarios, the participant fires at projected threats. Return fire simulators positioned behind the display screen return fire toward the participant. Obstructions are placed in the weapons range to provide cover for the participant. A video camera and X-Y position sensor identify the X-Y location of the participant and try to detect exposed portions of the participant. Based upon the identified X-Y location and any detected exposed portions, the microprocessor aims the return fire simulators to provide simulated return fire. To simulate real world aiming, the microprocessor induces time-based and response-based aiming errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Muehle, Erwin C. Treat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5954507
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for training a shooter are disclosed which includes a video camera system for displaying images used by the shooter in aiming the firearm and/or a remotely controlled trigger actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Bristlecone Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel R. Rod, Jon Allen Massey
  • Patent number: 5941708
    Abstract: A method simulates the time effect of a battlefield engagement. The method determines whether a player is in an area of effects (27). A probability of kill is generated for the player (30). The player is assessed results of kill or near-miss (31-33). The method is repeated for a selected time duration (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Richard FitzGerald
  • Patent number: 5924868
    Abstract: A video camera mounted on eyewear worn by a shooter produces displayed images used by the shooter in aiming the firearm. The displayed image, rather than a direct view of a target is used in aiming the firearm. These images may be subsequently reviewed by the shooter or viewed by an instructor. A viewer of the displayed image is able to see the aiming as the shooter actually sees it, and correlate it with success or failure in hitting a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel R. Rod
  • Patent number: 5846083
    Abstract: Target and shooting aid having a silhouette of a target connected to a flexible connector. The flexible connector is coupled to an attaching device for attaching the connector to the barrel of a gun. The target silhouette is sized such that it visually corresponds to an image of an actual target that a shooter would view down range. The target image may be selectively manipulated with the line of sight of a shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: John E. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5823779
    Abstract: A weapons training range provides a simulated weapons use scenario including return fire. A microprocessor selects branches from a multi-branch program and causes an image projector to project subscenarios on a display screen visible to a participant. In response to the subscenarios, the participant fires at projected threats. Return fire simulators positioned behind the display screen return fire toward the participant. Obstructions are placed in the weapons range to provide cover for the participant. A video camera and X-Y position sensor identify the X-Y location of the participant and try to detect exposed portions of the participant. Based upon the identified X-Y location and any detected exposed portions, the microprocessor aims the return fire simulators to provide simulated return fire. To simulate real world aiming, the microprocessor induces time-based and response-based aiming errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Muehle, Irwin C. Treat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5676548
    Abstract: A target for use in interactive target practice by a shooter firing bullets thereat with a controller for controlling the target's operation. The target includes a target plate, indicators, such as lights, for indicating that a practice round has begun, a target sensor, such as a vibration sensor switch, for detecting when the target plate has been struck by a bullet, and a firing mechanism for firing a projectile, such as a paint ball, at the shooter if the shooter does not hit the target plate within the allotted time. The target plate is hingeably attached to a target stand, a shock absorber is provided for absorbing the impact of bullets upon the target plate, and both the target plate and the target stand are angled forwardly downwardly so as to minimize ricochet of bullets back at the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventors: Jim L. McAlpin, Lyndon G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5641288
    Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on a virtual reality head mounted display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: William G. Zaenglein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5599187
    Abstract: A paint ball gun is protected by armor and is equipped with aiming mechanisms to allow the gun to be swiveled horizontally and raised or lowered using linear actuators controlled by hand held controllers distanced from and generally behind a person being trained in armed combat with the task of hitting targets located near the paint gun while avoiding being struck by a paint ball from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Dominick N. Mesiano
  • Patent number: 5591032
    Abstract: A laser weapon simulator apparatus for practice in the shooting of a firearm at a target having reflective material thereon. The apparatus includes a laser beam transmitter that is actuable to emit a laser beam of short duration, a laser beam receiver for collecting and processing a reflected portion of the laser beam, circuitry for detecting the emission of the laser beam by the transmitter, and a visual display. The receiver includes circuitry adapted to produce a "hit" signal upon receiving the reflected portion of the laser beam and the detecting circuitry is adapted to produce a "try" signal in response to the emission of the laser beam. The visual display produces an output "hit" display signal upon the concurrent receipt of a "hit" signal from the receiver and a "try" signal from the detecting circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Richard L. Powell
    Inventors: Richard L. Powell, W. Joe Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 5586887
    Abstract: A training apparatus, method and kit for remotely and substantially instantaneously evaluating the alignment, settings and levels of the aiming devices of a howitzer gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventors: Niall B. McNelis, Richard W. Doyle, Dale A. Clark, Larry A. Zeafla, Thomas P. McGrath
  • Patent number: 5551876
    Abstract: A target practice apparatus which allows a trainee to shoot at a target on a moving image with live bullets. The target practice apparatus includes a screen on which a training image is projected, three or more acoustic sensors for detecting an impact sound, impact coordinate measuring section for computing the coordinates of an impact position on the screen based on detection signals from the acoustic sensors, a projector, a playback unit for supplying the projector with an image signal, a recording medium which stores a hit image and a miss image as well as the training image, a memory unit in which a hit range and a miss range are previously stored for each frame of the training image, and a data processing and controlling section which compares the detected coordinates of the impact position with data of the hit range and the miss range stored in the memory unit to perform a hit/miss judgment, selects the hit image or the miss image based on the results of the judgment, and reproduces the selected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sumio Koresawa, Masanori Yamazaki, Hidetoshi Imaide
  • Patent number: 5460528
    Abstract: A hybrid simulation system that provides realistic indoor starlight and mlight simulation. At least two light sources provides light where each is coupled to an aperture so that the light source is focused. At least one variable aperture control is provided for one of the apertures so that variability of that aperture area size can be performed. Fiber optic bundles coupled for each aperture which receives the focused light where each bundle contains at least one fiber optic which provides a light conduit. Each bundle is coupled to an overhead position so that there is directed in a substantially downward direction from the overhead position the bundle. The area is illuminated with a simulated constant starlight and a simulated moonlight that may be varied by varying aperture size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Edwin W. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 5417573
    Abstract: A reaction time enhancer for gradually decreasing a user's reaction time in aiming a shotgun at clay pigeons in trap shooting and other clay target sports, through repeated use. In a preferred embodiment the "T"-shaped reaction time enhancer is characterized by a horizontal rectangular bar provided with a shorter, vertical rectangular bar perpendicularly mounted on the bottom surface of the horizontal bar. A green lamp is provided on the vertical bar and seven spaced orange lamps are provided on the horizontal bar. The vertical bar contains a suitable electronic circuit which can operate the lamps in one of two different modes. In the first mode, which simulates singles trap shooting, a user initially aims a shotgun at the illuminated green lamp, then as quickly as possible, transfers his aim to a randomly-illuminated orange lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventors: Joseph L. Cassiere, II, Stephen G. Cassiere
  • Patent number: 5344320
    Abstract: Dual mode apparatus for assisting in the aiming of a firearm including laser designating apparatus boresighted with the barrel of the firearm, apparatus for actuating the laser designating apparatus in a first mode of operation for illuminating an impingement location on a target while permitting normal operation of the firearm to shoot projectiles and apparatus for actuating the laser designating apparatus in a second mode of operation to illuminate an impingement location on a target with laser light in response to actuation of the trigger of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: International Technologies (Lasers) Ltd.
    Inventors: Motti Inbar, Yosef Haimovich
  • Patent number: 5321263
    Abstract: A recording target includes targeting information printed on a substrate offset from a visible target and masked from the weapon operator by a thermal clearing masking layer. The operator aims at the visible target and the simulated weapon applies a focussed pulse of intense visible light to the masked targeting information to reveal the relevant targeting information by being converted into infrared radiation, by the thermal clearing masking layer and/or a portion of the masked targeting information thereunder, which clears or renders transparent the portions of the thermal clearing masking layer illuminated by the focussed visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Simon Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew S. Filo
  • Patent number: 5316479
    Abstract: A firearm training system is disclosed, which allows the measurement and display as a function of time of the hand grip force pattern applied to the grip of a firearm by a weapon hand of a shooter. This permits the detection of variations in the individual hand grip forces in the pattern during firing of the weapon. This firearm training system preferably also provides for the detection and display as a function of time of the position of the firearm trigger. The system includes separate force transducers for the side and front-to-back grip forces applied to the side surfaces and one of the front and back surfaces of the grip respectively as well as a trigger position sensor. A relative value of the hand grip forces detected by the transducers and a relative trigger position detected by the sensor are graphically displayed by the system as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: John D. E. Wong, Curtis C. Tugnum, James P. Logan
  • Patent number: 5281142
    Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on display screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: William Zaenglein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5215462
    Abstract: A weapon simulator that consists of a simulated weapon, a trigger sensor 6 for sensing when the weapon's trigger is pulled, a positional sensor 12 and 16 for determining the position of the simulated weapon relative to a target, and a sensor for determining if the simulated weapon is aimed at the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Systems
    Inventors: Delmar J. Lewis, Martin P. Byrne
  • Patent number: 5194006
    Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on display screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: William Zaenglein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5194007
    Abstract: Disclosed is a capability for training and other uses wherein a firearm can e aligned with its target by use of a laser beam, or the target can be designated to others by illuminating it with the laser beam. A laser diode that provides visible light is used in conjunction with the boresight of a gun to paint a visible spot on an intended target at the location the bullet will impact if the weapon were fired. The beam emitted by the diode is collimated by a miniature gradient refractive index lens co-located with the diode on a heat sink that is included to convey heat away from the heat sensitive components. A circuit having a photodiode and a differencing amplifier is included to provide stability in the output of the laser, in order to overcome the effects of thermal excursions, and to protect the reflective surfaces of the laser from power surges. The on-off switch is a pressure sensitive material removably attached to the gun in a convenient location for it to be operated by the user's gun hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Albert H. Marshall, Ronald S. Wolff
  • Patent number: 4983123
    Abstract: Marksmanship training apparatus is used with air guns or weapons firing blank cartridges and comprises a housing member with an attached muzzle alignment tube for insertion into the bore of the barrel of the weapon and includes sealing apparatus around the muzzle alignment tube to minimize leakage of gas between the bore and the muzzle alignment tube and to prevent the gas from pushing the muzzle alignment tube out of the bore. The housing member includes a switch which is activated by the gas to complete an electrical circuit positioned in the housing to cause light energy to be emitted from the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bentley N. Scott, Samuel R. Shortes
  • Patent number: 4976619
    Abstract: A method for pinpointing the actual coordinate location of a passive location device for a simulated battlefield condition is described. A plurality of actuators transmit to a passive location device which includes the method for determining its coordinate location. The coordinate location of a desired impact point is transmitted to the location device. The determination method initializes a starting coordinate location as the impact point of a round of munition. The method then iteratively determines the gradient direction of the position and moves the position estimate in the direction of gradient. As the estimated position approaches the true position successively smaller steps are taken and additional coordinate directions introduced into the solution until the convergence solution is terminated with least rms error in the neighborhood of the true coordinate position of the passive location device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4963096
    Abstract: A device and method for improving and refining a shooter's skills has a laser or light beam, when the device is turned on, emitted from a laser diode or a light emitting diode to a collimating lens and through a hollow shaft, and to a prism being rotated by a shaft and motor. The beam is deflected in different directions so that a rapid rotation of the prism permits the beam to form a substantially circular reflecting image. The diameter of the image can be adjusted by adjusting an adjustable lens. When a shooter aims at a clay target, the shooter moves the gun barrel at a sweeping line of sight along a target flight path until the moving target intersects a point on the circumference of the substantially circular image for indicating to the shooter that a proper lead has been achieved for successfully shooting the moving target. Moreover, a receiver can be mounted on the housing for allowing an instructor to evaluate how well the shooter is performing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventors: Anwar S. Khattak, Masao Shimoji
  • Patent number: 4955812
    Abstract: A gun-resembling member has a stock, a barrel-like portion, and a trigger. Such gun is used with a target and has a front sight on the barrel-like portion together with an optical system which includes a rear sight. A target image from the two sights is reflected by the optical system to a video camera on the gun, and such camera is in circuit with a computer system and visual monitors capable of displaying and recording a target image at the instant of firing. Windage adjustments are included on the gun-resembling member and in the complete syste. A powered plunger is provided on the target whereby when the gun is held up to the target for sighting, the plunger engages the gun and produces a simulated recoil. The gun also has apparatus engageable by the plunger for recocking the trigger when such recoil is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Banford R. Hill
  • Patent number: 4923401
    Abstract: Disclosed is a marksmanship trainer that can accommodate a plurality of tnees. The trainer includes the long range light pen that is the present invention to measure sighting accuracy and tracking steadiness. In the disclosure it is set with the sight of a simulated or operational weapon, and achieves resolution to the pixel level by using telescope optics and special purpose circuitry. Each trainee is provided with a raster scan display and a computer that provide a target image and corrective feedback to the trainee. Bridge configured dual strain gauges are used to sense breathing, and a force sensing resistor is used to monitor trigger squeeze. Recoil is simulated mechanically, and a simulated report of the weapon is provided through a headset. The feedback of corrective action is provided aurally/graphically from a stored expert library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Albert H. Marshall, Ronald S. Wolff, Robert T. McCormack, Edward J. Purvis
  • Patent number: 4923402
    Abstract: The invention is a marksmanship trainer that can accommodate a plurality of trainees. The trainer includes a long range light pen to measure sighting accuracy and tracking steadiness. It is set with the sight of a simulated or operational weapon, and achieves resolution to the pixel level by using telescope optics and special purpose circuitry in addition to its computer board. Each trainee is provided with a raster scan display and a computer that provide a target image and corrective feedback to the trainee. Bridge configured dual strain gauges are used to sense breathing, and a force sensing resistor is used to monitor trigger squeeze. Recoil is simulated mechanically, and a simulated report of the weapon is provided through a headset. The feedback of corrective action is provided aurally/graphically from a stored expert library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Albert H. Marshall, Robert T. McCormack, Edward J. Purvis, Ronald S. Wolff, Herbert C. Towle
  • Patent number: 4820161
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating artillery and other types of indirect field of fire gunnery as an aid to training gunnery observers comprises projecting onto a screen 11 a terrain photographic image. Computer generated artillery shell bursts are overlaid on the terrain photographic image at locations commanded by a trainee observer 19 by projection through a video projector 14 connected with a computer 15. Instructions are entered in the computer by an operator 17 who may be a training instructor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Westland System Assessment, Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter L. Wescott
  • Patent number: 4813877
    Abstract: A remote scoring system for an air-to-ground strafing range is disclosed which utilizes a pair of vector sensors for each target to pinpoint a target hit and/or miss by means of shell shock wave amplitude and time of arrival (TOA) differentials of the shock wave between the two sensors. The invention also encompasses at least one down range cease-fire sensor that utilizes a TOA of the shell shock wave and its respective muzzle blast to determine a ceasefire distance from the target. Unique signal processing of data is designed for immediate display and/or printout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Del Mar Avionics
    Inventors: Clifford Sanctuary, Sean Amour, Shao-Rong R. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4804325
    Abstract: A weapon training simulator employing a computer with associated memory and software. A simulated weapon with simulated recoil provides hammer fall signals to initiate computation. A quadrature sensor mounted on the weapon generates target position signal based on point sources located on simulated targets. The computer generates real time, video displays and replays and prints out displays of target aim, hit and other information while controlling recoil simulation, providing shot sound and generating speech directions and commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Willits, Thomas E. Kleeman, Steven F. Willits
  • Patent number: 4793811
    Abstract: The arrangement for shot simulation with a shot simulator and at least one arget is characterized in that the target has a device for emitting light of a wavelength outside the visible wavelength range and the shot simulator has a receiving device for the light. The shot simulator also possesses a device for measuring the period of time between the detection of the target as a result of the emitted light and the firing of a simulated shot. By means of this arrangement, the reaction time required by the gunner between the detection of the target, the identification of the latter and the firing of a shot and a hit can be measured effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Precitronic Gesellschaft fuer Fein-Mechanik und Electronic mbH
    Inventor: Kurt Eichweber
  • Patent number: 4624641
    Abstract: A live ammunition optical simulator for a weapon disposed in a gun port and aimed through a separate view point. The simulator includes a visible light source, an infrared laser and a beam splitter located adjacent the view port and between the visible light source and the laser. The visible light source and the laser are oriented so that their respective beams lie along a common axis and strike opposing sides of the beam splitter. The laser beam is reflected by the beam splitter out of the view port to simulate the point of impact of a weapon projectile. The visible light beam is reflected by the beam splitter to a weapon user to provide a visual aiming cue simulating the path of a weapon projectile tracer. The weapon user, observing the scene shown in the view port through the beam splitter, can determine the point of impact of the laser beam by orienting himself so as to observe the visible light beam reflection in the beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Loral Electro-Optical Systems
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Gallagher
  • Patent number: H613
    Abstract: A rugged portable diagnostic apparatus is configured for temporary installation and operation on board Naval ships. The apparatus provides gunnery training support by allowing a comprehensive empirical assessment and feedback of individual, team and equipment performance on an economical and environmentally responsible basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Samuel L. Stello, James M. Johnson, J. Harold Jones
  • Patent number: H1891
    Abstract: A new apparatus for displaying and recording an image viewed by a marksman or shooter through a weapon sight is described. A beam splitter is mounted at the eye end of the weapon sight and bends part of the image intended for the shooter 900.degree. to a righting prism which bends the image another 900.degree., for a total of 180.degree.. The image from the righting prism is directed to the input of a miniature video camera mounted over and parallel with the weapon sight. The video camera transmits the image to a remote miniature video display and to a remote video recorder. By bending the image a total of 180.degree., the video camera can be mounted in a low profile position over the weapon sight such that the overall balance of the weapon is minimally upset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Charles H. McClenahan, Edward F. Downs, Jr.