Waging War Patents (Class 89/1.11)
  • Patent number: 7728264
    Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for targeting and measurement of stationary target locations in addition to prediction of moving target positions for given weapon intercept times generally includes: a target location system (TLS) configured with a computing device, a GPS receiver, mapping software, calibration software and digital filtering software. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve target acquisition and engagement. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide for improved accuracy of range finders, magnetometers and inclinometers as well as for improved prediction of moving target positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Erwin De Sa, Ebbert Marvin, Rodney Krebs
  • Patent number: 7707938
    Abstract: At least two gases combine to form a detonable mixture that is detonated near an avalanche start zone. Each gas is separately supplied at a pressure above ambient pressure so that the pressure differential drives the gases through a mixer and to deploy as a detonable cloud in open air near the start zone. An igniter is located in communication with the detonable cloud near its discharge point from the mixer so that the igniter will be in communication with the cloud near the end of a predictable time interval. A controller releases the gases to initiate the mixing and deployment of the gas cloud and measures the interval. At the end of the predictable time interval, the controller fires the igniter to detonate the explosive gas mixture in open air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Stanley D. Hisel
  • Patent number: 7692126
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for countering and tracking a threat with optical delay device in the form of a homing-head missile, comprising a homing head adapted to receive an incident coherent light beam and in deflecting same to produce a transmitted beam. The invention is characterized in that the homing head comprises a biprism dividing the transmitted beam into two sub-beams, the biprism being associated with an optical delay device introducing an optical path difference between the two sub-beams greater than the coherence length of the incident beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Julien Aragones, Jacques Robineau
  • Patent number: 7688247
    Abstract: A DIRCM (Direct IR Counter Measures) system includes a detection and warning apparatus for detecting a missile that might pose a threat on the platform to which said system is allocated, and for generating a warning of its existence. The warning may include data that enable the calculation of the expected direction from which the missile is approaching. The DIRCM system may also include an acquisition device for performing acquisition of the approaching missile in accordance with the data provided by the detection and warning apparatus, and issuing data that may enable the calculation in real time of the updated position of the missile, a fiber laser for generating a laser beam, and a motion and aiming enabled turret, coupled with the laser, for directing the laser beam onto the approaching missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ELOP Electro-Optical Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Israel Anschel, Vladimir Krupkin, Andrew Lovett, Zachary Sacks, Doron Chomski, Zeev Schiffer, Kuti Grossman, Elena Luria, Doron David, Itamar Shoshan
  • Patent number: 7687750
    Abstract: A system under international control is in possession of the firing codes required to launch missiles owned by the parties to the system. Upon a request to the international authority for the release of its firing codes so that it may launch a first strike, the target party is advised of the request and given the opportunity to launch its own missiles first. The system deters first strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Raoul D. Revord
  • Patent number: 7676972
    Abstract: A non-lethal self-defense device that ejects two electrically charged streams of conductive fluid at a biological target for a period of time sufficient to have the liquid contacting both the target and the electrically charged device until incapacitation of the target occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Duane Smith, Derrick Evans
  • Patent number: 7679037
    Abstract: A reconnaissance system includes a projectile having an opening through which images of a target area are acquired, a portable launcher having a mechanism for affixing the launcher to a rifle for launching the projectile to fly along and above the target area, an image acquiring device within the projectile for acquiring images of the target area through the opening, a transmitter within the projectile for transmitting during its flight the acquired images to a remote station, a stabilizing mechanism for stabilizing at least one of the projectile and the image acquiring device while flying in a ballistic trajectory above the target area and a remote station. The remote station includes a receiver for receiving the images transmitted from the projectile and a monitor having a display for displaying the received images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Benjamin Z. Eden, Ronen Ben-Horin
  • Patent number: 7675012
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets. An oracle vehicle relays network information to a control base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Bobinchak, Gary Hewer
  • Patent number: 7675011
    Abstract: A missile guidance system and method for guiding a missile, mainly horizontally flying, to pass a target at a desired passage height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Henrik Jonson
  • Publication number: 20100050856
    Abstract: A method is performed by an electronic weapon system. The electronic weapon system is aimed in a first direction toward a target. The method includes, deploying an electrode of the system in a second direction different from the first direction, to compensate for drag of a tether wire deployed with the electrode. For example, a tether wire deployed from a tether wire store located adjacent to a cavity from which the electrode is propelled may exert a drag force causing inaccuracies of the propelled electrode. Compensation is accomplished, for example, by virtue of shaping the cavity. Compensation improves accuracy of the electrode striking the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Wallace Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7669802
    Abstract: A space based orbital kinetic energy weapon system and method of using same is provided. The space based orbital kinetic energy weapon system includes a satellite having a control system configured to maintain an orbit in outer space around the earth and to deorbit the satellite on a desired trajectory corresponding to an earth based target upon a command, and a projectile object operably connected to the satellite. The projectile object includes a dense mass and a heat shield operably surrounding the mass such that at least a portion of the mass survives reentry into the earth's atmosphere and strikes the earth based target delivering its kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Scapa Flow, LLC
    Inventor: John Dorman
  • Publication number: 20100038490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a satellite, and a system or an arrangement with at least one satellite for detecting flying objects that are located in the vicinity of a planet, planetoid or similar celestial bodies. The invention further relates to the use thereof for carrying out said method and particularly to a constellation of LEO satellites (LEO=Low Earth Orbit) as an early warning of ballistic missiles, wherein said constellation comprises only satellites on equatorial orbits or orbits with low inclination. Satellite constellations in the low earth orbit (LEO) for missile detection are used for early warning of ballistic missiles, either by detecting the combustion phase of the flying object or by detection during the free-flight phase. The viewing direction of the sensors can be directed directly toward the earth or at an angle past the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: OHB ORBITALE HOCHTECHNOLOGIE BREMEN-SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Gerd Hofschuster, Sascha Mahal, Martin Kassebom
  • Publication number: 20100031808
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for providing feedback about firing on blueforce personnel are provided. A blueforce soldier is armed with a weapon that has one or more weapon sensors. The weapon sensors may provide information about a direction of fire and a firing state of the weapon. A blueforce-injury-possibility calculator may determine the direction of fire, the firing state, and an injury zone of the weapon based on the information from the weapon sensors. The blueforce-injury-possibility calculator may receive location information about one or more blueforce personnel. The blueforce-injury-possibility calculator may then determine a blueforce-injury possibility based on the injury zone and the location information. Tactile feedback may be provided to the blueforce soldier based on the blueforce-injury possibility. The tactile feedback may be provided via a tactile-feedback suit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Whitlow, Robert E. DeMers
  • Publication number: 20100024635
    Abstract: A towed howitzer interchangeable between a travelling mode and a firing mode, the towed howitzer being suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the towed howitzer comprising: a barrel for firing a projectile, the barrel defining a barrel axis; a cradle for holding the barrel at an azimuth and an elevation; a means for varying the elevation and the azimuth of the barrel; a front leg for supporting the aiming means comprising a wheel intended for contacting the ground at a foremost ground contact point; a suspension mechanism for resiliently mounting the wheel a restraining means for selectively enabling the suspension; and a back leg for contacting the ground at a backmost ground contact point the back leg comprising a hinging for swinging the back leg out of contact with the round.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: David Andrew Eaglestone
  • Patent number: 7654185
    Abstract: An embodiment of a protection system for an object includes first and second sensors and a processor coupled to the sensors. The sensors are mountable to a side of the object a predetermined distance apart, and each sensor is operable to detect a respective angle between the sensor and a location from which a projectile is fired toward the side. The processor is operable to determine from the detected angles whether the firing location is aligned with the object. If the firing location is aligned with the object, then the processor is operable to calculate from the detected angles and the predetermined distance a time window during which the processor estimates that the projectile will strike the object, and is operable to cause a protection unit to defend against the projectile for the duration of the time window. Such a protection system may be less expensive to acquire, install, or operate than prior protection systems, and may expand defenses more efficiently than prior protection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Yannone
  • Patent number: 7652234
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a sky view of a battle site, comprising launching an interceptor (2) towards at least one detected flying threat (3); the interceptor (2) tracking the threat (3) using at least one remote sensor for achieving a kill of the threat (3) at a designated kill site (4) being at a large range from the at least one sensor; when the interceptor (2) approaches the kill site (4), releasing from the interceptor (2) at least one detachable vehicle (7) that includes at least one local sensor (8) for sensing the kill site (4) from a range considerably shorter than the large range and communicating the sensed data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Eli Shukrun
  • Publication number: 20100010793
    Abstract: A computer system and method for determining a survivability aspect control signal for an aircraft is disclosed. The computer system can include a processor and a memory including software instructions adapted to cause the computer system to perform a series of steps. The steps can include providing a plurality of signature exposure models, each signature exposure model corresponding to a threat sensor and including a threat sensor characteristic and a threat operational characteristic. A portion of a mission can be selected along with one or more of the models based on the selected mission portion. The steps can include calculating a signature exposure index based on the one or more selected models and the selected mission portion and providing a survivability aspect control signal based on the signature exposure index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Carl R. Herman
  • Patent number: 7640839
    Abstract: A cartridge for propelling a pair of wire-tethered contact darts for disabling a remote target with an electrical discharge. The cartridge comprises two bores each having one wire-tethered dart in front of an electrically activated pyrotechnic. A cartridge contains two separated straight bores, which each launch a single dart assemblage with a single primer of standard manufacture. A single 200 large rifle primer can launch a single dart assemblage reasonably accurately to 30 feet from the cartridge. Each assemblage is deflected to a predicted angle of flight when it collides with a center hinged cover as it exits the cartridge. This arrangement allows for longer flight distances and tighter, but still effective, dart spreads throughout the travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090321579
    Abstract: A space based orbital kinetic energy weapon system and method of using same is provided. The space based orbital kinetic energy weapon system includes a satellite having a control system configured to maintain an orbit in outer space around the earth and to deorbit the satellite on a desired trajectory corresponding to an earth based target upon a command, and a projectile object operably connected to the satellite. The projectile object includes a dense mass and a heat shield operably surrounding the mass such that at least a portion of the mass survives reentry into the earth's atmosphere and strikes the earth based target delivering its kinetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Scapa Flow, LLC
    Inventor: John Dorman
  • Publication number: 20090321578
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory A. Piccionelli
  • Patent number: 7637195
    Abstract: A set defence means for defending a designated area including, at least one monitor for monitoring the designated area to detect any zone therein in which a new presence appears, defence capable of debilitating personnel present anywhere in a remote designated area and communication means providing communication between the monitoring means and the defence means for triggering selective activation of the defence means for delivering a debilitating attack to the detected zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 7631601
    Abstract: A surveillance projectile consisting primarily of a very robust electronic device designed to be contained in a 40 mm cartridge that can be fired over distances through an open window or door and into a remote location, such as an enclosed site, where it is desirable to surreptitiously acquire intelligence by electronic means or by irradiating an interior with invisible infrared light to facilitate infrared sensing. The projectile may be configured to contain any of several types of surveillance devices. Such devices may be, but are not limited to, wirelessly operated cameras, audio transmitters, recorders and infrared illuminators. Audio transmission may be scrambled for decoding at a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Paul H. Feldman, Matthew J. Ray, James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7631452
    Abstract: A launch device, according to various aspects of the present invention, stuns a target. The launch device includes a detector and a processing circuit. The detector detects indicia from a provided deployment unit. The deployment unit deploys an electrode to stun the target. The processing circuit performs a function of the launch device in accordance with the indicia. A method, according to various aspects of the present invention, is performed by a launch device that stuns a target. The method includes in any practical order: (a) detecting indicia from a deployment unit that deploys an electrode to stun the target; and (b) performing a function of the launch device in accordance with the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic, Patrick W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7631833
    Abstract: The present invention provides an unpowered low-cost “smart” micromunition unit for a weapon system for defense against an asymmetric attack upon ships and sea or land based facilities. A plurality of air dropped micromunition units are each capable of detecting and tracking a plurality of maneuvering targets and of establishing a fast acting local area wireless communication network among themselves to create a distributed database stored in each deployed micromunition unit for sharing target and micromunition unit data. Each micromunition unit autonomously applies stored algorithms to data from the distributed database to select a single target for intercept and to follow an intercept trajectory to the selected target. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sam Ghaleb, James Bobinchak, Keith P. Gray, Rodney E. Heil, Philip T. Aberer
  • Patent number: 7629918
    Abstract: An RFDE system includes an RFDE transmitter and at least one RFDE antenna. The RFDE transmitter and antenna direct high power electromagnetic energy towards a target sufficient to cause high energy damage or disruption of the target. The RFDE system further includes a targeting system for locating the target. The targeting system includes a radar transmitter and at least one radar antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy to locate the target. The RFDE system also includes an antenna pointing system for aiming the at least one RFDE antenna at the target based on the location of the target as ascertained by the targeting system. Moreover, at least a portion of the radar transmitter or the at least one radar antenna is integrated within at least a portion of the RFDE transmitter or the at least one RFDE antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Brown, David J. Canich, Russell F. Berg
  • Patent number: 7624666
    Abstract: An object such as an aircraft in flight is obscured from infrared detection when viewed from an external viewing location. The method includes providing the object having an externally viewable hot region associated therewith, wherein the hot region has a temperature greater than 150° C. A source of an obscuring agent is provided, wherein the obscuring agent comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. The obscuring agent is ejected from a dispensing location so as to flow between the hot region and the external viewing location. The obscuring agent has a temperature of less than that of the hot region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Mary Morabito O'Neill, William H. Wellman
  • Patent number: 7623059
    Abstract: A disruptive media dispersal system for aircraft which absorbs and scatters directed energy weapon beams such as tracking lasers and high energy lasers (HELs) is disclosed. The system may include laser detectors, laser beam propagation disruptive media and a dispersal system. When attacked by a directed energy weapon such as a laser, the laser detector system or vehicle operator deploys the disruptive media. The disruptive media is released by a feeder and dispersal system into the air in the path of the tracking and/or HEL weapon. For example, the dispersal system may be located onboard the aircraft near the front of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: John Frederick Klein
  • Publication number: 20090260511
    Abstract: A projectile tracking system for acquiring and precisely tracking a projectile in flight in order to reveal the source from which the projectile was fired. The source is revealed by the back projection of a 3-dimensional track file. In preferred embodiments the system is installed on a vehicle, such as an un-manned blimp or other aircraft, road vehicle or ship, for locating and destroying small arms fire directed at the vehicle. A kill system may also be included on the vehicle to destroy the source of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Steve Melnychuk, William Foote, Zhong Quan Zhao, Fritz (Cornelius) Moore
  • Publication number: 20090250634
    Abstract: Commercial aircraft are protected from attack by infrared seeking guided missiles through the utilization of a ground-based directed infrared countermeasure system in which the deployment of an IR guided missile is detected off-aircraft and more particularly on the ground. An infrared laser beam is projected towards the detected missile such that the projected laser infrared radiation impinges upon the missile from the rear. The off-axis infrared radiation illuminates the IR transmissive dome at the head of the missile where it is internally reflected back towards the IR detector carried by the missile through the total internal reflection characteristics of the dome. The domes of these missiles are typically made of a high index of refraction IR transmissive materials such that the material is prone to total internal reflection. The infrared laser generated radiation is a modulated so as to interfere with the guidance system of the missile causing it to execute a turn and plunge to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Evan P. Chicklis, John L. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20090241763
    Abstract: A system under international control is in possession of the firing codes required to launch missiles owned by the parties to the system. Upon a request to the international authority for the release of its firing codes so that it may launch a first strike, the target party is advised of the request and given the opportunity to launch its own missiles first. The system deters first strikes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Raoul D. Revord
  • Publication number: 20090223354
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing an observer with an intuitive sense of the tactical situation in an operational area that surrounds a point-of-interest. The observer is simultaneously presented a top-down view of the operational area that includes contact indicators for each of one or more contacts within the operational area, and a status display that indicates the instantaneous hostility assessment of one or more of these contacts. In addition, the operator is automatically presented historical information, including contact images, for each contact whose hostility assessment exceeds a threshold level. The operator, or a group of operators, is enabled to view all of the displayed information from a single vantage point, assess the relative hostility of numerous contacts simultaneously, and rapidly confirm the identity of apparently hostile contacts prior to engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: George Raymond Root, JR.
  • Patent number: 7581480
    Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Mallory John Boyd, Jason R. Allen, William Rodney Ditzler, Richard James Busse, Michael Dennis Barrett
  • Patent number: 7568431
    Abstract: An apparatus or device for simulating weapons firing/hit indications for military training which uses pyrotechnic devices to simulate target hits and hostile fire. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, can be used with blank ammunition. The combination of the device and the blank ammunition can offer both audio and visual indication of a hit in battlefield conditions and also simulate hostile fire. The device can be used for the training of military personnel. The device can provide visible and audible feedback to trainees. It can simulate hostile fire in which case the trainee must recognize the hostile fire and must be able to return fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Systems
    Inventor: Ronald M. Stria
  • Patent number: 7565858
    Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Mallory John Boyd, Jason R. Allen, William Rodney Ditzler, Richard James Busse, Michael Dennis Barrett
  • Patent number: 7559269
    Abstract: A remote digital firing system includes a firing circuit operative to fire remote mission payloads, a firing control panel linked to the firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to communicate with the firing circuit and firing control panel. The firing circuit can generate, write and store one-time random session variables to the digital code plug. The firing circuit validates digital messages received from the firing control panel by comparing one-time random session variables embodied in the messages with the stored one-time random session variables, before firing the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Pavlo E. Rudakevych, Mike E. Ciholas, Robert T. Pack
  • Patent number: 7552669
    Abstract: A method for generating plans against ballistic missiles begins with the locations of regions from which missiles may be launched and identifies regions to be defended. The available sensor and engagement assets, their capabilities and possible locations are identified. At least some of the assets have sensor and engagement capabilities independent those of other assets. Initial potential plans are binary encoded, and applied to a genetic algorithm for producing a population of genetically modified solutions. These modified solutions are decoded and evaluated for fitness. The fitness evaluations are iteratively reapplied to the genetic algorithm to ultimately produce improved plans. The improved plans are decoded and finally evaluated for fitness and application. This process continues for a fixed number of iterations, at the end of which the best solution is presented as the plan best fit to achieve a valid defense against the BMD threats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Denis, David R. Gavelek
  • Publication number: 20090158921
    Abstract: A battery powered personal security device is designed to be worn on the wrist of a wearer like a bracelet. The device includes an electrical circuit adapted to generate a discharge voltage of around 1500 volts sufficient to deter an attacker but not cause tissue damage. There are two adjacent electrodes that protrude through the sloped front face of the device. The sloped front face is adapted to contact facial skin and when the electrodes are in simultaneous contact with the skin of the attacker the device discharges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: DAVID JAMES NORMAN
  • Patent number: 7551121
    Abstract: The multi-target tracking and discrimination system (MOST) fuses with and augments existing BMDS sensor systems. Integrated devices include early warning radars, X-band radars, Lidar, DSP, and MOST which coordinates all the data received from all sources through a command center and deploys the GBI for successful interception of an object detected anywhere in space, for example, warheads. The MOST system integrates the optics for rapid detection and with the optical sensor array delivers high-speed, high accuracy positional information to radar systems and also identifies decoys. MOST incorporates space situational awareness, aero-optics, adaptive optics, and Lidar technologies. The components include telescopes or other optical systems, focal plane arrays including high-speed wavefront sensors or other focal plane detector arrays, wavefront sensor technology developed to mitigate aero-optic effects, distributed network of optical sensors, high-accuracy positional metrics, data fusion, and tracking mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Oceanit Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. O'Connell, Ken C. K. Cheung
  • Patent number: 7550697
    Abstract: Boresighting systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly adapted for boresighting a launch system includes first and second elongated members adapted to be coupled to the launch system. First and second alignment members are coupled to and extend between the first and second elongated members and are adapted to position the elongated members in a substantially aligned, spaced-apart relationship. A mirror assembly is coupled to each elongated member, the mirror assemblies being adapted to provide an average angular position resulting in a single corrector value for the launch system. In a particular embodiment, each of the first and second elongated members is sized to simulate a Stinger missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Veselovsky, Andrew R. Zimmerle, Dean Van De Laare
  • Patent number: 7548194
    Abstract: A hostile intention assessment system and method wherein a tracking sensor subsystem (e.g., radar) tracks targets relative to a critical asset. Determinations are made to assess if a first target is approaching a second target, and to assess if the second target is approaching the critical asset. If the first target is approaching the second target to hide in the radar shadow thereof and the second target is approaching sufficiently close to the critical asset, an alert is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Wood
  • Patent number: 7540226
    Abstract: A thermal radiation-generating decoy mounted adjacent an aircraft engine structure, such as an engine nacelle, includes a heat source inside of an aerodynamic enclosure with a mounting interface to attach the enclosure to the engine structure. The decoy can further be located at the lower extreme of and adjacent the forward-most portion of the engine nacelle in order to attract an infrared-seeking threat to the vicinity of the fan containment portion of the engine nacelle. The decoy can be designed to have a thermal signature that mimics a scaled overall aircraft thermal signature. In addition, the decoy can include a fuse shield adjacent the enclosure to detonate a threat in the case that the threat approach trajectory is imprecise and the threat bypasses the enclosure within an aspect of the fuse shield as viewed from the approach direction of the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jamie J. Childress, Edward C. Marques
  • Patent number: 7533849
    Abstract: An optically guided mortar comprising a three axis canard assembly, an optical seeker, a guidance and control processor, and a fuze mechanism. The optical seeker is a direct replacement for existing standard mortar fuzes. The resulting system significantly improves current mortar circular error probability (CEP) and results in overall reduction of cost of target prosecution, reduction in collateral damage, improved crew survivability, and adds compatibility against limited non-stationary targets. The optical seeker detects an optical illuminator located at a target and supplies signals to the guidance and control processor which through a guidance algorithm supplies steering commands to drive motors of the three axis canard assembly which move a plurality of guidance canards to accurately direct the munition toward a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Zemany, Mark A. Carlson, John A. Maynard
  • Patent number: 7523692
    Abstract: An inexpensive, efficient and lightweight integrated small decoy system towed behind an aircraft to power an intense IR emitter for drawing in a missile with an IR sensitive guidance system away from vulnerable parts of a defended aircraft is combined with a system for simultaneously cloaking the aircraft with spectral bands of atmospherically scattered UV solar radiation reflected, and radiated from UV radiant sources mounted on the aircraft to defend against advanced MANPADS missiles with guidance systems sensitive to UV shadows cast by an aircraft in a background sky radiance of atmospherically scattered solar UV. Both the reflected and direct cloaking UV emittance may be spatially and/or temporally modulated to confuse an incoming missile. The UV aspect of this invention may also be combined with other C-MANPADS missiles, such as DIRCM, to provide additional defensive capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: MLHO, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Alexander Burns
  • Publication number: 20090100995
    Abstract: An integrated weapons pod includes a plurality of pod components such as a targeting system, a weapons bay, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a wireless data link, and an external shell. The external shell houses the targeting system, the weapons bay, the CPU, and the wireless data link in a single freestanding unit. The weapons bay is configured to house one or more weapons and deploy the one or more weapons at a target. The CPU is operable to control operation of the targeting system, the weapons bay, and the wireless data link. The targeting system is operable to provide to the one or more weapons location information identifying a location of the target, and the wireless data link is operable to exchange data with a remote operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: EFW Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Francis Fisher
  • Patent number: 7521655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a civil aircraft from missiles with infrared seeker heads includes detecting a launch of a missile from a location of launch, the missile having an infrared seeker head with an infrared sensitivity range, a power and an operation frequency, continuously determining instantaneous coordinates of the missile in flight after the launch and generating pulsed laser radiation. A wavelength range of the pulsed laser radiation is within the sensitivity range of the infrared seeker head, a power of the pulsed laser radiation exceeds the power of radiation of the aircraft engine in the sensitivity range of the infrared seeker head and a pulse repetition frequency of the pulsed laser radiation is at about the operation frequency of the infrared seeker head. The method includes sending the pulsed laser radiation to the instantaneous coordinates of the missile in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Zakrytoe Aktsionernoye obschestvo “STIVIT” (RU)
    Inventors: Alexander Vasilyevich Kisletsov, Peter Nikolaevich Sygurov, Vladimir Vasilyevich Butuzov, Sergey Dmitrievich Velikanov
  • Patent number: 7516689
    Abstract: A system determines an optimal weapon release condition of an attack vehicle engaging a target. The system includes a portion for determining the optimal weapon release condition by comparing the probability of killing the target to the probability of the attack vehicle being killed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Carl R. Herman, John O. Moody
  • Patent number: 7513455
    Abstract: A method for guiding an intercept vehicle to intercept a ballistic target includes conceptual setup of a line-of-sight (LOS) extending between the vehicles. The interceptor is accelerated in a direction perpendicular to the LOS until its velocity in that direction equals that of the target. At this time, the thrust of the interceptor accelerates it along the line-of-sight, thereby guaranteeing an intercept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Lockhead Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Mavroudakis, Jeffrey B. Boka, Joseph T. Corso
  • Publication number: 20090084252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for antimissile protection of vehicles having a very short response time with practically no false alarms and not requiring the use of means such as decoys or conventional laser jammers, while providing the best possible protection. It is characterized in that at least one curtain of plasma filaments is created between these vehicles and the probable launch point of these missiles, this curtain being intended to blind the target-seeking device of the missiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Emmanuel Marquis, Jean-Paul Pocholle
  • Patent number: 7511252
    Abstract: A fire control system for a boost phase threat missile includes sensors for generating target-missile representative signals, and a multi-hypothesis track filter, which estimates the states of various target hypotheses. The estimated states are typed to generate hypotheses and their likelihoods. The states, hypotheses and likelihoods are applied to a multihypothesis track filter, and the resulting propagated states are applied to an engagement planner, together with the hypotheses and likelihoods. The engagement planner initializes the interceptor(s). Interceptor guidance uses the initialization and the propagated states and typing information to command the interceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Christian E. Pedersen, Jeffrey B. Boka
  • Patent number: RE40927
    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: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Norman R. Wild, Paul M. Leavy, Jr.