Waging War Patents (Class 89/1.11)
  • Patent number: 8166690
    Abstract: An electronic weapon may be used with a unit for deployment to cause skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. The unit for deployment when electrically coupled to the electronic weapon, may include at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a propellant for deploying the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The indicator indicates, to the electronic weapon, indicia of a first property of the unit for deployment prior to operating the propellant, and indicia of a second property of the unit for deployment after operating the propellant. Another unit for deployment includes at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a stimulus signal generator, coupled to the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 8161899
    Abstract: A multiple torpedo mine is capable of launching multiple torpedoes in water simultaneously or at predetermined intervals. The mine has an elongate container having multiple launch tubes with launch tube covers and each containing a torpedo. A programmable target detection sensor unit in the elongate container senses impinging stimuli indicative of an approaching target and generates representative target signals. A main controller in the elongate container is coupled to receive the target signals from the target detection sensor unit, and the main controller is preprogrammed to recognize targets of interest and generate appropriate launch control signals for the torpedoes. A launching system in the elongate container is coupled to the main controller and each of the launch tubes to feed high pressure gas to the base and interior of the launch tubes to launch the torpedoes into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Bryan Smallin
  • Patent number: 8134103
    Abstract: A system senses the presence of a boosting missile or target and processes the information by comparison of the data with a plurality of predetermined templates of nominal missile characteristics, in order to determine the state of the missile. The processing includes estimation of burnout time and of early thrust termination. Both are determined by generating current stage state estimates including position, velocity, time index error into the thrust template, and motor scale factor error. The change in motor scale factor is compared with a threshold to determine if early thrust termination has occurred. The estimated burnout time of the current stage is calculated from the burnout times of the current and the previous stage processed with the estimated motor scale factor and with state estimates from a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Thu-Van T. Luu, Jeffrey B. Boka, Michael J. Harcourt, Purusottam Mookerjee
  • Patent number: 8132491
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting and disabling a human eye or optical device used in the fire control of a weapon. This apparatus comprises a prism having a plurality of peripheral reflective surface. This prism has a longitudinal axis and rotating about said longitudinal axis. An infrared (IR) laser directs an infrared laser beam toward the prism side that the laser beam is reflected toward the human eye or optical device, such that the IR laser beam is retroreflected to the prism. There is also an infrared IR detector which detects the IR retroreflected laser beam reflected from the prism. A visible light wavelength laser which produces a visible light wavelength laser beam which is reflected from the prism to the human eye or optical device to disable the human eye or optical device to prevent use of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Real, Paul D. Zemany, Paul A. Zank
  • Patent number: 8130137
    Abstract: A method and a system for sensing a boosting target missile, estimate position and velocity and boost acceleration parameters of the target missile, and control an interceptor missile to the target missile. A boost-phase missile target state estimator estimates at least acceleration, velocity, and position using an acceleration template for the target vehicle. The nominal template is incorporated into an extended Kalman filter which corrects the nominal template acceleration with the filter states to predict future thrust acceleration, velocity and position. The correction can compensate for motor burn variations and missile energy management (lofted/depressed trajectory).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Thu-Van Luu, Jeffrey B. Boka, Purusottam Mookerjee, Michael J. Harcourt
  • Patent number: 8122810
    Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: CPI IP, LLC
    Inventor: Richard O. Glasson
  • Patent number: 8125371
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for reducing the instance of friendly fire by having the weapon aiming system include means for emitting an optical signal encoded with the identity of the targeting soldier. The encoded optical signal is received by an optical receiver on a targeted soldier where it is converted into a low power RF signal which is transmitted to a local repeater that retransmits it, optionally using at least one intermediate repeater, to a central monitoring station equipped with a computerized database. If the monitoring station determines that the doubly encoded signal includes the identities of two friendly troops, it transmits a “hold fire” signal back to the aiming system, and a suitable signal, such as a red LED indicative of a “hold fire” order is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Sayo Isaac Daniel
  • Patent number: 8124921
    Abstract: A guidance system according to various aspects of the present invention operates in conjunction with a suite of different ordnance delivery devices. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an interface configured to attach to the ordnance delivery devices in the suite, such as via the fuze well. The guidance system may further include a control system adapted to attempt to establish communications with a subsystem of the ordnance delivery device and operate the guidance system as a standalone guidance system if the attempt fails. The guidance system may further include a control surface interchangeably attachable, for example via an interchangeable control surface module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Chris E. Geswender, Stephen E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8119958
    Abstract: A matrix of explosive cells can include plural explosive cells formed in an array in a common substrate. Each cell can be formed as a recess filled with explosive material. An ignition device has an addressable ignition source for each cell. This matrix can be used in combination with a projectile guidance system. The projectile guidance system includes an antenna, a transceiver and a control processor. A method of guiding a projectile can include firing a projectile at a target, tracking the projectile and the target, determining a desired change in a flight path of the projectile, transmitting guidance commands to effect the desired change in the projectile's flight path to the projectile, receiving the guidance commands onboard the projectile and selectively igniting an explosive cell in a matrix of addressable explosive cells contained in a common substrate using the guidance commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Adams, Kenneth S. Gurley, Tara Y. Rohter, Patrick A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8119957
    Abstract: A submunition is formulated for destroying a target in a target area. Accommodated in a casing are a signal processing unit connected to a radar antenna and/or an infrared sensor and/or another target-detecting sensor. The submunition further has target recognition software and a charge provided with a covering. To increase the versatility of use and to simultaneously improve detection and decision certainty and reliability, the target recognition software has a software interface for the transfer of at least one parameter specific to the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harald Wich
  • Patent number: 8113689
    Abstract: Projectile apparatus is provided employing light and sound that may be dispersed over a large area with high intensity to produce a non-lethal, visible and audible countermeasure to temporarily blind and/or disorient one or multiple potential adversaries. The apparatus is suitable for use in tactical scenarios by military, police, and special operations personnel. The apparatus is also suitable for use in training operations for military, police, and special operations personnel. For amusement or recreation, the apparatus may be used in simulated warfare or in games such as paintball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nanohmics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Mayo, Daniel R. Mitchell, Michael K. McAleer, Byron G. Zollars, Michael G. Durrett, Keith D. Jamison
  • Patent number: 8115148
    Abstract: Current targeting approaches involve guiding to a spatially derived guidepoint of a group of objects likely to be the preferred object. This method may not allow the intercepting missile to contain the preferred, or other probable object(s), within its divert capability. The guidepoint is shifted closer to the preferred object using specific energy and angular momentum, constants of orbital motion, which describe properties of an object's trajectory. Guiding to the specific energy derived guidepoint does not offer significant benefit over guiding to the spatially derived guidance point. However, computing the spatial rate of change of specific energy within the plane formed by the guidance objects establishes a vector pointing close to the preferred object. This is the direction to shift the guidepoint in order to contain the preferred object within the interceptor's divert capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Alan Boardman, Naresh Raman Patel, Jeffrey Bruce Boka
  • Patent number: 8109191
    Abstract: A remote digital firing system for selectively firing a plurality of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a first set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding first set of remote mission payloads and a second set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding second set of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a firing control panel communicatively linked to the first and second sets firing circuits, a first digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the first set and the firing control panel, a second digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the second set and the firing control panel, and a payload selector switch for selecting a remote mission payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Pavlo E. Rudakevych, Mike E. Ciholas, Robert T. Pack
  • Patent number: 8106340
    Abstract: A method for guiding a multistage interceptor missile toward a target missile that may transition from a boost mode to a ballistic mode during the engagement. The method comprises the steps of tracking the position of the target missile with a sensor, generating a predicted intercept point and time, and loading the predicted intercept point and time into the interceptor missile guidance system. The interceptor missile is launched and transition is made to the second stage of propulsion of the interceptor missile. Second-stage midcourse guidance acceleration commands are generated in response to an elevated predicted intercept point generated using the Runge-Kutta integration method working on predicted target missile position, velocity, and acceleration. During third stage propulsion said interceptor missile is guided toward an updated predicted intercept point of the target missile. During fourth stage, the kinetic warhead effects a hit-to-kill intercept of the target missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick U. Diaz, Jeffrey B. Boka
  • Patent number: 8104216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling the aimed shooting of a sniper and the observation of a spotter. At the same time that a sniper directly checks the shape of the target using a sighting telescope, a spotter observes the surroundings of the target using an observatory telescope. The sniper deflects images of the target using a prism, focuses the images, and converts the focused images into digital moving image signals. The spotter deflects images of the target using a prism, focuses the images, and converts the focused images into digital moving image signals. Two types of images can be selectively transmitted, or can be combined with each other using a multiplexer and transmitted to a shooting controller in a multi-screen division form. A commanding office can identify a precise target and make a decision pertaining to shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ID. Fone Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun Duk Uhm
  • Patent number: 8100359
    Abstract: An intercept system for destroying a falling bomb includes a packable structure including a compressed expandable net of break resistant cords, a radio altimeter and a deployment mechanism for expanding and deploying the net below a falling bomb. The system also includes an explosive charge and a detonator for detonating the explosive charge when the detonator comes into contact with a bomb. A shoulder fired missile launcher propels the packable structure into the air below a falling bomb. The structure also includes a timer, responsive to the radio altimeter to detonate the explosive charge if a bomb is not encountered within a pre-selected amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Qasem Awadh Al-Qaffas
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120000349
    Abstract: System and method of assigning at least one weapon of a plurality of weapons to at least one threat of a plurality of threats. Data relating to a plurality of weapons and threats data relating to a plurality of threats is received and processed to select at least one of a plurality of weapons assignment techniques. The selected weapons assignment technique is applied to the data to produce data describing assignment of at least one of the plurality of weapons to at least one of the plurality of threats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Nicolas Couronneau, David Nicholson, Jordi McGregor Barr, Mark Stephen Rowan
  • Patent number: 8089033
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attacking a plurality of dispersed targets are herein presented. In particular, the method and apparatus herein presented allow the user to upload target data onto a pod mounted on a host aircraft. Upon reaching the pre loaded target location, the pod releases a plurality of individually targeted Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs), thereby allowing the user to attack a plurality of dispersed targets from a single aircraft standing off at a significant distance from the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Zank, Paul D. Zemany
  • Patent number: 8087335
    Abstract: Systems and methods inhibit locomotion of a human or animal target in a denial zone. Acquiring the target includes forming a prediction of at least two locations of impact on the target and testing the prediction according to criteria that may include whether the locations are within a boundary corresponding to the target and whether the locations are separated by a minimum physical and/or electrical distance. The two locations may serve for conducting a current through the target for impeding locomotion by the target. The current may be repeated in response to determining that locomotion was not sufficiently impeded. Determination may depend on analysis of video of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Nache D. Shekarri
  • Patent number: 8084726
    Abstract: A control system for a maneuverable kill vehicle is provided. The control system includes a pressurized fluid source configured to provide a pressurized fluid, a valve in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and a voice coil actuator comprising a magnet and a conductive coil oriented relative to the magnet such that when current flows through the coil, the coil moves relative to the magnet. The voice coil actuator is coupled to the valve such that the relative movement of the coil causes an adjustment in a flow rate of the pressurized fluid through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Casey Hanlon, Pablo Bandera
  • Patent number: 8084724
    Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of either a short-band imaging sensor and headlamp or a MWIR sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact. An implicit divert and attitude control system (DACS) using tow or more divert thrusters performs KV divert and attitude maneuvers to respond to the command guidance pre-handover and to maintain track on the aimpoint to terminal intercept post-handover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: R. Glenn Brosch, Darin S. Williams, Kent P. Pflibsen, Thomas M. Crawford
  • Patent number: 8082849
    Abstract: An electrical power disruption device including a projectile configured to be propelled upwardly from a hand-held launcher and receiving a plurality of electrically conductive streamers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Felix Schneider, Christopher Allen Brown
  • Patent number: 8082835
    Abstract: An electronic shield provides protection against rocket propelled grenades. The electronic shield has a mounting frame having opposite first and second mounting surfaces. Grids of electrodes are mounted in spaced-apart relation one behind the other on the first and second mounting surfaces of the mounting frame to form an impact surface configured to be impacted by a rocket propelled grenade. Each grid of electrodes has first connecting end portions connected directly to the first mounting surface of the mounting frame and second connecting end portions connected to the second mounting surface of the mounting frame via respective elastic members. During impact of a grenade on the impact surface, at least one electronic operation device instantaneously directs high power modulated electronic pulses to the impact surface to instantaneously deactivate the grenade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Konstantinos Soukos
  • Patent number: 8082832
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus and process that includes control electronics that generate an electronic control signal; and a plurality of optically or electrically pumped semiconductor lasers, quantum-cascade lasers, optical parametric generators, or optical parametric oscillators, operatively coupled to the control electronics, that output an optical signal having a plurality of wavelengths, each wavelength having an output intensity that is varied over time to simulate a combustion signature of a weapon. In some embodiments, at least two different infrared wavelengths are varied differently with time. Some embodiment are implemented as part of, for example, a anti-aircraft defense system, wherein incoming aircraft need to be disabled, and the present invention provides a way of distracting, exhausting, confusing, overwhelming, or bypassing the hostile aircraft's anti-missile defenses so that, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Tidwell, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8076622
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which includes an antenna and circuitry. The antenna may receive a circularly-polarized signal as first and second linearly-polarized signals. The circuitry is connected to the antenna and is configured for combining the first and second linearly-polarized signals to produce at least two reception patterns. The reception patterns are created by summing the first and second linearly-polarized signals via phase shifting. The reception patterns are optimized for at least two substantially different directional orientations. Further, the antenna may simultaneously allow/provide spec-compliant Global Positioning System operation and spec compliant Height of Burst operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Paulsen, Donald L. Michaels, Robert J. Thompson, Michael J. Cook, John C. Mather
  • Patent number: 8071926
    Abstract: Rolling airframe projectile guidance and stability systems are disclosed. Flight control surfaces, such as canards and/or tail fins are attached to a projectile airframe that is designed to roll during flight. Stepper motors are attached to the flight control surfaces and move the flight control surfaces in discrete increments. A control system generates signals that control the flight control surfaces. The control system may include a neural network that is trained to generate control signals in response to received inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L Alford
  • Patent number: 8063346
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for projecting a virtual image of an object. A projector mounted on the object for projecting a light beam. A photographic plate is provided that includes an interference pattern imprinted onto at least one surface, wherein the interference pattern manipulates the light to form a hologram beam such that a detector detecting the hologram beam detects a virtual image of the object that has a light signature at a greater intensity than a light signature of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Lytle, II, David J. Stack, Joseph Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 8063347
    Abstract: A method for engaging a target uses sensors to generate target track(s). The tracks are projected forward in time and associated with a track quality measure. The maximum seeker look angle and beamwidth, acceleration, and net radar sensitivity characteristics are listed for each type of interceptor. A plurality of target intercept times are generated for each interceptor type. The probability that the interceptor can acquire the target is determined from the projected target tracks, the quality measure, and the characteristics. The probability of hitting the target is determined from the probability of acquisition and acceleration of the interceptor type. The probabilities of acquisition and of hitting the target are aggregated, and the type of interceptor to use is the type having (a) an extreme value of the aggregation or (b) the earliest intercept time from among the interceptors having an aggregation value above a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Leonardo F. Urbano, Gregory F. Bock, Ivy T. Moffett
  • Publication number: 20110277619
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems for repelling a potential pirate boarding of a commercial ship. Electrification of metal surfaces around the sides of a commercial ship allows for providing an electric shock to a pirate attempting to scale a large commercial vessel from a small power boat. Additional systems allow for identification of breach site as well as site-specific responses including the firing of a water cannon to thwart pirate penetration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Benjamin Blumenthal
  • Publication number: 20110271822
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for Unit of Action (UA) real-time optimal Command and Control (C2), where the UA's mission is to defeat the enemy in a predefined geographical zone. Command and Control (C2) functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling UA forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission. The situation in the battlefield is continuously and rapidly changing thus it requires fast reaction from the Command and Control to optimally manage the battle, taking into consideration multitude factors which affect the decision. Structurally, a UA may include one or more units, such as Signal Companies, Intelligence Companies, mobile gun System Companies, Infantry Companies (INF), non-line-of-sight battalion (NLOS), Air Force manned and unmanned units, Navy units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: MAKOR ISSUES AND RIGHTS LTD.
    Inventor: DAVID MYR
  • Patent number: 8051761
    Abstract: A system and methods for broad area visual obscuration around a platform. In one embodiment the system comprises a source of visible light, shaping optics and projecting optics. The system projects a light beam onto an illumination area in a sweeping pattern to repetitively illuminate all portions of the illumination area, such that a stationary observer within the illumination area receives repeating pulses of the light at a power, intensity, frequency and duration sufficient to visually impair the observer so as to substantially prevent the observer from discerning the platform between pulses. The light pulses are capable of temporarily blinding human eyes but incapable of causing permanent vision loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan Z. Ullman, Joel E. Anspach, Jeffrey J. Voelker
  • Publication number: 20110252953
    Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Richard O. Glasson
  • Patent number: 8025002
    Abstract: A system for defending a planet having a satellite against impact from an incoming body includes an explosive system and a propulsion system. The explosive system is adapted for deployment on the satellite and detonation thereon with sufficient explosive force to produce at least one ejectum to which is imparted a velocity increment sufficient for the ejectum to exceed the satellite's escape velocity and enter orbit about the planet. The propulsion system is adapted to be secured to at least one ejectum and impart a velocity increment to the ejectum sufficient to leave orbit about the planet and enter an orbit intercepting the incoming body. The system is used in a planetary defense method in which the explosive system is deployed at a deployment site on the satellite and detonated to produce at least one ejectum having a velocity that exceeds the escape velocity of the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory A. Piccionelli
  • Patent number: 8020481
    Abstract: A system for performing a function with respect to a zone includes a controller, a network, and a plurality of subsystems. The controller issues a first series of commands. Each command of the first series has a first ordinal. The plurality of subsystems is coupled to the controller via the network. A particular subsystem determines a role in accordance with a physical position of the particular subsystem relative to another subsystem of the plurality of subsystems. The particular subsystem counts commands of the series to determine for a particular command the first ordinal. The particular subsystem performs a function with respect to the zone in accordance with the particular command of the series, in further accordance with the first ordinal, and in further accordance with the role.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian T. Beckwith
  • Patent number: 8020482
    Abstract: An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. McCants, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8015905
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a pistol-shaped Taser™-type weapon wherein the cartridge containing a pair of the wire-tethered darts is loaded into the cartridge receiving chamber from beneath the weapon, that is, in an upward movement of the cartridge with the weapon pointed toward the target. This type of loading is referred to herein as a “bottom loading” mechanism or system. The bottom loading mechanism of the present invention has significant advantages over conventional cartridge loading designs. One advantage is reduced reload time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel Sung Wan Park
  • Patent number: 7999212
    Abstract: A guidance system for actively guiding a projectile, such as a bullet after it has been fired from a gun. The guidance system includes a radar unit that includes a plurality of receiver arrays. An optical scope is also mounted to the gun for optically sighting a target. An inertial measurement unit provided on the gun locks onto the target after it has been sighted by the scope, and provides a reference location at the center of the receiver arrays from which the bullet can be directed. The receiver arrays receive radar monopulse beacon signals from the bullet. The signals from the bullet are used to identify the position of the bullet and the roll of the bullet. The signals sent to the bullet provide flight correction information that is processed on the bullet, and used to control actuators that move steering devices on the bullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: EMAG Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Thiesen, Karl F. Brakora
  • Patent number: 7999720
    Abstract: One aspect relates to camouflaging an object by affecting a presentation at least partially using at least one positional element based at least in part on a position of the at least one positional element. Another aspect relates to configuring at least a first camouflage positional element and at least a second camouflage positional element to act as a decoy presentation, an active chaff, and/or a smart chaff. Another aspect relates to providing at least one positional element that can deceive, confuse, defeat, or lead one or more sensors towards or away from a target, such as to act as chaff, one or more flares, fog, one or more decoys, or a combination thereof. Another aspect relates to determining a suitable camouflage for at least one camouflage positional element at least partially considering a background for the at least one camouflage positional element, and affecting a presentation using the at least one camouflage positional element at least partially based on the suitable camouflage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7987791
    Abstract: A method of disrupting electrical power transmission including the steps of launching a projectile from a hand-held launcher, ejecting a plurality of electrically conductive members from the projectile, and bridging electrical contacts of power transmission equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Felix Schneider, Christopher Allen Brown
  • Patent number: 7987759
    Abstract: A method is provided for an electric activation of a plasma jet igniter for firing Electro-Thermal-Chemical (ETC) guns, machine guns and other equivalent ETC barreled weapons, without complete consumption of any of the components necessary for its activation upon activating the igniter. Each activation of the igniter by means of one or several voltage pulses, which from an electric pulse generator (10) are conducted between an anode (4) and a cathode (5), is preceded by heating of the anode (4) to such high temperature that at least parts of the dielectric material (2) arranged in proximity to the anode (4) have begun to vaporize. The method may be implemented using an adapted plasma let igniter which has an anode that can be heated to a high temperature so that the igniter can be used for firing whole series of rounds or a full magazine of successively fired rounds in rapid order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Ola Stark, Mats Lofgren, Lars Peter Svanberg
  • Patent number: 7989742
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process to control the initiation of an attack module, such as a projectile or sub-projectile, such attack module having at least one pre-determined direction of action. Before firing or on trajectory, the coordinates of at least one target are programmed into a fixed terrestrial reference, the orientation of the direction(s) of action in the fixed terrestrial reference is determined at least once on trajectory, and the initiation of the attack module is only authorized if the direction of action is oriented in the direction of the target. The invention also relates to the device implementing such a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Nexter Munitions
    Inventor: Thierry Bredy
  • Patent number: 7984579
    Abstract: An electronic weapon, when combined with a unit for deployment, causes skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. According to the present invention, a launch controller for an electronic weapon includes a detector, a stimulus signal generator, and a switch. When the switch is conducting, it completes a circuit in combination with a unit for deployment. The circuit, when completed, operates a propellant of the unit for deployment to deploy at least two electrodes of the unit for deployment to enable the stimulus signal generator to deliver through the target a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The detector is coupled to the switch and detects whether the switch is conducting prior to combining the unit for deployment and the electronic weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N.D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 7977614
    Abstract: An interception system for intercepting incoming missiles and/or rockets including a launch facility, a missile configured to be launched by the launch facility, the missile having a fragmentation warhead, a ground-based missile guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one early stage of missile flight and a missile-based guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one later stage of missile flight, the missile-based guidance system being operative to direct the missile in a last stage of missile flight in a head-on direction vis-a-vis an incoming missile or rocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: E.C.S. Engineering Consulting Services-Aerospace Ltd.
    Inventor: Dov Raviv
  • Patent number: 7974736
    Abstract: This subject invention features a robot deployed weapon system. A remotely controlled mobile robot has a weapon mounted to the robot. There is a firing circuit for the weapon and a weapon interrupt module on board the robot. An operator control unit is for remotely operating the robot and the weapon. The operating control unit preferably includes a stop switch. Also, a separate operator module is in communication with the weapon interrupt module. Preferably, the operator module includes a kill switch. There are two communication links. The first communication link is between the operator control unit and the robot. This communication link is configured to safe the weapon if the stop switch is activated and/or the first communication link degrades. The second communication link is between the operator module and the weapon interrupt module. The communication link is configured to safe the weapon if the kill switch is activated and/or the second communication link degrades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Morin, Daniel R. Deguire, Kurt Bruck, James Chung, David Platt
  • Patent number: 7964831
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control device from an attack module flying over a target, module of the projectile or sub-projectile, missile or attack drone type, for a target designator positioned on a terrain of operations, comprising means to emit a remote control signal that are arranged in the attack module and at least one receiver means for the remote control signal that are integral with the designator and are associated with means to activate the start-up of the designator, wherein the emitter means incorporate at least one light source oriented so as to illuminate the terrain and in that the receiver means incorporate a detector for the radiation emitted by the light source or sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Nexter Munitions
    Inventor: Michel Jean Hurty
  • Patent number: 7964830
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a vehicle body maneuverable onto a near collision course with a target and a plurality of inflatable ballutes which, when inflated, extend generally radially from the vehicle body. A controller may cause the ballutes to be inflated prior to an anticipated time of collision with the target. A plurality of explosive charges may be attached to at least some of the ballutes. A detonation controller may be coupled to the controller and to the plurality of explosive charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olden, Robert J. Cavalleri
  • Patent number: 7954411
    Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to detect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in an iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets that provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferson E Odhner, John A. McNeil, Geoffrey P. Smyton
  • Patent number: RE42554
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Retro Reflective Optics, LLC
    Inventors: Norman R. Wild, Paul M. Leavy, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE42913
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Retro Reflective Optics, LLC
    Inventors: Norman R. Wild, Paul M. Leavy, Jr.