By Light Reception Patents (Class 89/41.06)
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Patent number: 11953291Abstract: Provided is a multi-use laser rangefinder usable in either of hand-held and weapon-mounted modes. It includes a compact laser rangefinder (LRF) removably mountable to a weapon system and an optical aiming unit separate from a weapon system optical sighting device. The compact optical aiming unit has a point of aim viewable therethrough and is removably attachable to the rangefinder. The LRF has a point of aim adjustable to a point of aim of the weapon system when mounted and to the point of aim of the optical aiming unit when LRF is demounted and the optical aiming unit is attached to the LRF.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Lightforce USA, Inc.Inventor: Brian J. Bellah
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Patent number: 11892470Abstract: A chronograph system with a frame, at least two sensors, an accelerometer, and a processor module. The frame is configured to removably couple to a barrel of a firearm. The sensors are attached to the frame and are configured to detect a projectile as the projectile passes each sensor. A first of the sensors may be separated from a second of the sensors by at least three inches. The accelerometer is attached to the frame and configured to track an orientation of the barrel. The processor module is communicatively coupled to the sensors and to the accelerometer and may be configured to receive timestamps from the sensors and the orientation of the barrel from the accelerometer, use the timestamps to determine a velocity of each projectile, and analyze the velocity data and the orientation of the barrel to aid a user in adjusting a scope of the firearm.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Inventor: Manuel Salinas
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Patent number: 10921180Abstract: Infrared sensing systems having improved vibration cancelation, and methods of achieving improved vibration cancelation. In one example, an infrared sensing system includes an infrared sensor configured to produce a sensor output signal representative of a response of the infrared sensor to infrared excitation and vibration excitation, an accelerometer configured to provide an acceleration signal responsive to the vibration excitation, and a controller, including an adaptive digital filter, coupled to the infrared sensor and to the accelerometer, and configured to receive the acceleration signal and to adjust coefficients of the adaptive digital filter so as to minimize coherence between a residual signal and the acceleration signal, the residual signal being a difference between the sensor output signal and a filter output signal from the adaptive digital filter.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.Inventors: Ronald Bruce Coleman, Richard James Mullen, Jeffrey Mazurek
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Patent number: 10900733Abstract: A method of controlling the release of bullets from a firearm by user behavior, including monitoring the spatial orientation of a virtual vector representing the orientation of a barrel of the firearm by receiving measurements from sensors installed in or on the firearm, engaging a trigger of the firearm to release a first bullet to a first direction, while the trigger is engaged continuously analyzing the measurements to identify preconfigured motion patterns, releasing bullets automatically responsive to identifying the preconfigured motion patterns, wherein the preconfigured motion patterns include identifying that the user is stabilizing the firearm toward a target that is in a direction that is distinct from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES (I.W.I) LTD.Inventors: Oren Itzhakian, Aviram Sobol, Zeev Shneorson, Naor Sagy
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Patent number: 10663258Abstract: Provided are a gunnery control system and a gunnery control method using the gunnery control system. The gunnery control system includes: an imaging device configured to photograph a target and to measure a distance to the target and a degree of a turning angle to the target; a gunnery device configured to fire at the target; and a controller configured to receive, from the imaging device, location information of the imaging device, the gunnery device, and the target, and to control a firing operation of the gunnery device by using the location information, wherein the controller is further configured to control a location and a photographing direction of the imaging device and to control a location and a firing direction of the gunnery device.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: HANWHA DEFENSE CO., LTD.Inventor: Dong Hwan Choi
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Patent number: 10508887Abstract: A flight control system for an aircraft includes a flight control computer operatively interconnected with a main rotor system and a translational thrust system of the aircraft. A selectively enabled integrated target and flight control system arranged in communication with the flight control computer. The integrated target flight and control system is configured to control pitch attitude and heading of the aircraft. When the integrated target and flight control system is enabled, at least partial operation of the aircraft is controlled in response to a pilot input via the flight control computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew T. Luszcz, David L. Adams, Mark R. Alber
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Patent number: 10101125Abstract: A system and method having a first device mounted on a first gimbal mount; a first visual feedback associated with the first gimbal; a second device mounted on a second gimbal mount physically displaced relative to the first gimbal mount; a second visual feedback mechanism associated with the second device. The orientation of the first device differs from the orientation of the second device by a dynamic correction amount. A correction controller having input that when acted upon by a user causes movement of the second device independently of movement of the first device to alter the correction amount to a revised correction amount such that subsequent movement of the first device causes motion in the second device that is at least partially dependent upon the revised correction amount.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Scott A. Conklin
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Patent number: 9435603Abstract: Provided is a remote weapon device including a firing arm configured to fire a bullet at a target in response to a firing signal; a driver coupled to the firing arm and configured to move the firing arm to aim the firing arm at the target; a detector configured to detect shaking of the firing arm with respect to a zero position, the zero position corresponding to a position at which the firing arm points at the target and fires the bullet at the target; and a controller configured to obtain a shaking pattern based on the detected shaking and configured to generate the firing signal controlling a firing time when the firing arm fires the bullet according to the shaking pattern to control the firing arm to fire the bullet.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jaeyoon Choi, Jaehwan Lee, Younghoon Kim
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Patent number: 9129356Abstract: A system for identifying a hit on a target. The system includes a digital camera. The system also includes a computing device configured to produce a reference image of a target prior to a shot occurring. The computing device is also configured to produce a comparison image of the target subsequent to the shot occurring. The computing device is further configured to compare the comparison image to the reference image. The system further includes a networking device configured to connect the digital camera to the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Inventor: Duane Dougal
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Patent number: 9057585Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to illumination associated with a weapon. In one embodiment, a lighting device for mounting on a weapon comprises a light source, an inertial sensor, and a controller. The light source can be used to illuminate a portion of a target. The inertial sensor can be used for sensing the forces acting on the lighting device. The controller can be configured to activate the light source when the lighting device is in a firing position for more than a first predetermined time period, and deactivate the light source when the lighting device is in a non-firing position for more than a second predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Trifecta Tactical LLCInventors: Timothy G. Veldman, Dale Crane
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Patent number: 8833232Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling a turret assembly with two or more gimbaled, swivel assembly sub-systems, such as a gimbaled gun and a gimbaled electro-optical sensor. The turret can be automatically slewed in response to one of the swivel assemblies rotating. A user can switch turret modes reflecting a priority between the gimbaled sub-systems system so that one takes priority over the other(s) during a mission.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Fox, Bruce E. Exely, Michael C. Mareschal, Thomas D. Linton
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Patent number: 8794119Abstract: A system and method for providing information for performing a registration correction for artillery employs two spaced apart optical imaging systems associated with a processing system. Outputs from the two imaging systems are monitored to detect potential shell trajectory events and then correlated to eliminate potential shell trajectory events not viewed by both optical imaging systems. Locations are determined for potential shell trajectory events viewed by both optical imaging systems. Shell firing data relating to firing of at least one shell is provided to determine at least one predicted trajectory time point for the shell, and this is used to identify a corresponding detected shell trajectory event.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.Inventors: Dan Shlomo Shulman, Yair Bnayahu, Egon Gersch, Shlomo Cohen
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Patent number: 8468930Abstract: A rifle scope system allows adjustment of the point-of-aim of a scope while a shooter maintains the shooting posture and the scope sight picture. The scope system saves ballistic parameters and the associated point-of-aim information of a shot in a database of empirical data points. While the scope is aimed at a target, a processor may use the empirical data points along with the ballistic parameters of the target to determine point-of-aim adjustments of the scope. The adjustment system allows processor-determined adjustments to be effected in a quick manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Inventor: John Curtis Bell
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Patent number: 8393900Abstract: A system for aligning a simulator arranged for firing a mounted on a weapon. The simulator has a radiation source arranged so as to emit a beam along a simulation axis, and for adjusting the simulation axis so that it is aligned with the weapon sight. The system includes a sighting mark at which the weapon sight is to be aimed during alignment, and a device arranged in connection with the sighting mark to emit beam along an axis representing an aligned simulation axis. The system further includes an aligning unit that is deployable at the simulator and in which at least a first part of the beam from the element is reflected along an axis representing the current position of the simulation axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Saab ABInventor: Per Renntoft
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Patent number: 8347543Abstract: Measurement of the deviation of a laser beam from a straight line, where the laser beam is of a type which causes thermal blooming, is used to determine the integrated effect which wind will have on an article traveling through airspace, for example, to enable an adjustment in the aim point of the article. The invention includes correcting the aim point of a gun firing a projectile, correcting the flight path of an aircraft, and correcting the path of a watercraft. The invention includes a method and means for measuring the flow of fluid in a conduit or as a free mass, for purposes other than adjusting the path of a projectile or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: David C. Smith
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Publication number: 20120325078Abstract: A system and method for providing information for performing a registration correction for artillery employs two spaced apart optical imaging systems associated with a processing system. Outputs from the two imaging systems are monitored to detect potential shell trajectory events and then correlated to eliminate potential shell trajectory events not viewed by both optical imaging systems. Locations are determined for potential shell trajectory events viewed by both optical imaging systems. Shell firing data relating to firing of at least one shell is provided to determine at least one predicted trajectory time point for the shell, and this is used to identify a corresponding detected shell trajectory event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems LtdInventors: Dan Shlomo Shulman, Yair Bnayahu, Egon Gersch, Shlomo Cohen
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Patent number: 8334770Abstract: A detector assembly for detecting a flash from the firing of a weapon comprising: a first support; a plurality of sensors supported by the first support for detecting light from the flash; the sensors operating to receive light in the range of ultraviolet light from approximately 100 nm to approximately 290 nm; a directional indicator for indicating the directional location of the first support; and an indicator assembly comprising at least one indicator; the at least one indicator operating to display the directional location of the flash.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Kristan Peter Gurton
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Patent number: 8272157Abstract: A device for directing a beam of radiation at a target. The device includes a fiber laser for producing the beam of radiation, an aiming mechanism, for aiming the beam of radiation at the target, that moves independently of the fiber laser, and an optical fiber for conveying the beam of radiation to the aiming mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense SystemsInventor: Yehuda Nachshon
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Patent number: 8074555Abstract: A method and system for improving precision and accuracy of weaponry according to which angular position information of the fire control device and optical location information of the optical signals emitted during the flight of a projectile are processed in a computer using software to calculate and provide a precise aim point for firing one or more subsequent projectiles.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventors: Kevin Michael Sullivan, Jacob Stefanus Budricks
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Patent number: 7921588Abstract: A safeguard system ensures device operation in conformance with governing laws for devices such as directed energy weapons or surveillance systems, whose misuse may discomfort, harm or otherwise violate the legal rights of a person. A legal protocol is defined by rules embodying the laws that govern the use of the device and requires as inputs an authorization to use the device and input condition(s) relating to at least one of a use of the device, an attribute of a human target of the device and an operational environment of the device and human target. The safeguard system applies the rules to the authorization and input condition(s) to generate a control signal that ensures the device is used in conformance with the legal protocol. A documentation system records the authorization, input condition(s) applied rules, and control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Kenneth W. Brown, James R. Gallivan
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Patent number: 7739823Abstract: A fire control system that includes an array of photodiode elements. For each element of the photodiode array, there is a specific optical path in the atmosphere leading from the laser to a target and back from the target to the element. Accordingly, each element of the detector array can be regarded as if illuminated by a distinct light source. For short time periods (in the range of tens to hundreds of milliseconds) the shape or spatial distribution of the refractive-index irregularities does not significantly change, and the irregularities drift with the atmospheric wind. By measuring the signal fluctuations by any element of the photodiode array, it is possible to compute the crosswind velocity. By comparing signal fluctuations patterns of two or more elements it is possible to define the wind direction and to determine the turbulence strength value.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Soreq Nuclear Research CenterInventors: Joseph Shapira, Hagai Zmora
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Patent number: 7574825Abstract: A gun sight includes a rangefinder that operates in a continuous-measuring mode as soon as the rangefinder is activated. Because the rangefinder is continuously determining the distance to the target when in the continuous-measuring mode, the user does not have to take any time to press any buttons in order to obtain a distance measurement to a sighted target while aiming at that target.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Nikon Inc.Inventor: Jon B. Lacorte
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Publication number: 20090081619Abstract: A target acquisition apparatus for use in association with a target, includes a weapon activation sensor, an image detector, a modulated light detector, a weapon processor, and a weapon transceiver for detecting activation of the weapon and producing a triggering signal. The weapon processor identifies a predetermined modulation characteristic from detected light radiation, identifies a predetermined spatial configuration within a predetermined portion of an acquired image, determines a local coordinate system, and produces a hit indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventor: Eli Miasnik
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Patent number: 7409899Abstract: Disclosed is an optical gunfire detection system comprising an image-capturing device operable for detecting light; a narrowband Fraunhofer line filter connected to the image-capturing device, and operable for partially restricting transmission of the light; a convex parabolic reflector operable for transmitting images to the image-capturing device; a lens system; an image storage device connected to the image-capturing device, wherein the image storage device comprises a solid-state digital memory unit operable to store multiple seconds of video imagery; a real-time computer-implemented mechanism connected to the image storage device, the computer-implemented mechanism operable for detecting locations and classifications of gunfire associated with the images; an acoustic device in communication with the computer-implemented mechanism, and operable for verifying the classifications of the gunfire; a position laser operable for identifying the locations of the gunfire; and a defense mechanism comprising the laType: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of ArmyInventor: Daniel W. Beekman
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Patent number: 7219590Abstract: In a system for controlling the inclination angle and rotation angle of a body, a rotary actuator is coupled to a base. A pivot actuator is coupled to an output shaft of the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator controls the angular position of the pivot actuator. A displacement member is coupled to an output shaft of the pivot actuator. The pivot actuator controls the linear position of the displacement member. A support shaft is pivotably coupled to the displacement member. A spherical bearing includes a socket that is coupled to the base and a ball that is coupled to the support shaft. In this manner, the angular position and linear position of the displacement member is translated to a corresponding rotation angle and inclination angle in the support shaft. This system provides for a continuous range of rotation of the upper body and a continuous range of inclination angles in the upper body relative to the lower base.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Textron Systems CorporationInventor: Salvatore Cianciolo
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Patent number: 7210262Abstract: A weapon sight can be mounted on a weapon. According to a different aspect of the invention, the sight can detect a level of ambient illumination, and takes a selected action if the detected illumination level is below a selected level.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James Florence, Clay E. Towery
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Patent number: 7174835Abstract: A covert tracer round has an infrared emitter of radiation mounted to its front, side or back. The radiation (which may be coherent or incoherent) is detected by a sensor that displays an image of the target and the beam. The sensor receives the beam directly if the emitter is on the back of the round and by reflection off the target or nearby objects if the emitter faces forward. The round may include a fixed or moveable collimating lens. The emitter may radiate radially from the round to signal troops or devices located along its path. The round may include sensors that gather significant information about chemicals or biological agents, about magnetic or gravitational anomalies or any other remotely detectable property and transmit that information to the sensor by modulating the emitted radiation.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: David James Knapp
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Patent number: 7124676Abstract: In systems embodying the invention, a battery powered collimated light source is located at the muzzle end of a cannon and is beamed back over the length “L” of the cannon gun tube to the collecting aperture of an optical transceiver located near the breech end (or trunnion) of the cannon. The turn-on and turn-off of the collimated light source is under the control of the gunner of the tank or the tank's fire control computer system to ensure that the battery power/energy is used only when deemed necessary by the user so that battery power is conserved.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Princeton Scientific InstrumentsInventors: John L. Lowrance, Vincent J. Mastrocola, George F. Renda, Stephen R. Smith
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Patent number: 7021188Abstract: A system for enhancing targets follow-up by a gunner of an automatic grenade launcher (AGL). After aiming the sight at the target and measuring range to it, the liner lock fixing the sight to the cradle mount is disengaged. The AGL is subsequently free to accept a superelevation inclination angle while the sight remains aligned with the target. Simultaneously, the sight is fixed vertically to the system mount by a temporary engagement of a mount-brake. The AGL elevation angle is applied by motor automatically as a function of the said measured range.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: RAFAEL-Armament Development Authority Ltd.Inventors: Eyal Berkovich, Shimon Chachamian
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Patent number: 6887079Abstract: An alignment device for alignment of a weapon and a weapon simulator mounted on the weapon. The weapon is provided with a sight and the weapon simulator is equipped with a first device arranged to emit an electromagnetic simulator beam exiting along a simulator axis. The alignment apparatus includes a second device arranged to generate an alignment beam along an alignment axis. The angle between the simulator axis and the alignment axis is fixed and known. A reflection device is arranged to reflect the alignment beam into the sight. An adjuster is arranged to collectively guide the alignment axis and the simulator axis during the alignment of the simulator axis with the sight so that the axes during the alignment maintain the fixed relative angular relationship.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: SAAB Training Systems ABInventors: Hans Robertsson, Arnold Fredriksson
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Patent number: 6880467Abstract: A covert tracer round has an infrared emitter of radiation mounted to its front, side or back. The radiation (which may be coherent or incoherent) is detected by a sensor that displays an image of the target and the beam. The sensor receives the beam directly if the emitter is on the back of the round and by reflection off the target or nearby objects if the emitter faces forward. The round may include a fixed or moveable collimating lens. The emitter may radiate radially from the round to signal troops or devices located along its path. The round may include sensors that gather significant information about chemicals or biological agents, about magnetic or gravitational anomalies or any other remotely detectable property and transmit that information to the sensor by modulating the emitted radiation.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: David James Knapp
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Patent number: 6802239Abstract: External armament apparatus, including a machine gun, an associated ammunition box for supplying belted ammunition to the gun, a flare dispenser, a missile launcher or other external stores apparatus, and a forward looking infrared sensor (FLIR), is exteriorly supported on a landing gear sponson tow plate of a helicopter, adjacent a cabin area gunner's window. The external mounting of the gun and other armament apparatus frees up cabin space, permits the gunner's window to be closed with the gun in a ready position, and permits a 0.50 caliber machine gun to be used an alternative to either a 7.62 mm mini-gun or a single barrel 7.62 mm machine gun adjacent the gunner's window.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Paul H. Sanderson
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Patent number: 6769347Abstract: A self-contained gimbaled weapon system (GWS) has a shared azimuth axis and two independent elevation axes for a sighting device and a weapon cradle. The GWS allows the weapon cradle to be elevated completely independent of the sighting device. The GWS can be stabilized and operated remotely.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Recon/Optical, Inc.Inventor: James P. Quinn
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Patent number: 6708597Abstract: An aiming system for a trajectory weapon such as a ground launcher, machine gun, mortar, or the like. The aiming system is attached to a conventional mount for the involved weapon. Also disclosed is a method of sighting in a weapon which employs the aiming system.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventors: Brad E. Meyers, Mark Cameron
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Publication number: 20040050240Abstract: An autonomous weapon system including weapon (9) and weapon mounting system (7, 8) operable to point the weapon (9) in accordance with input control signals. The weapon system includes a sensor (2) to acquire images and other data from a target zone and an image processor (3) to process acquired image data and identify potential targets (1) according to predetermined target identification criteria. Targeting system (4, 5) provides input control signals to the weapon mounting system (7, 8) to point the weapon (9) for firing at potential targets (1). A control system operates targeting system (4, 5) and fires the weapon (9) at selected targets (1) according to a predetermined of rules of engagement. The rules of engagement include combat, peacekeeping or policing scenarios. Remotely located operator (10) may amend the rules of engagement, or override the control system as required.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Ben A. Greene, Steven Greene
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Patent number: 6658985Abstract: Sight head with integrated laser designator for use in an aircraft such as a rotorcraft. The laser designator (32) is integrated into a zone of a main external assembly of the pod (14) of the sight head (12), enclosed externally in an existing fairing (34). It comprises a laser transmitter (36), a power supply (38) and a radio receiver (40). The laser transmitter (36) is fitted to the site head structure using adjusting screws (46) which allows the alignment to be modified.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: MBDA FranceInventors: GĂ©rard Aumont, Bernard Fontaine
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Publication number: 20030180692Abstract: The Continuous Aimpoint Tracking System is comprised of a position detection device (PDD) and a laser pointing device (LPD) that projects an infrared crosshair onto the PDD. The PDD is coupled to a computer and comprises a multitude of photodiodes and associated circuits, the photodiodes being evenly spaced and arranged to form a frame that can be mounted on the computer so as to surround the computer video display. When a “shot” is fired from the LPD, the crosshair projection is interrupted briefly. The PDD determines the position of the four crosshair intersections and reports them to the computer which, in response, generates the video signals that form the resolved aimpoint on the screen, matching the LPD aimpoint to the video image. Further, the tracking system determines the rotation of the LPD over a range of at least 10 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: James A. Skala, Frank J. Blackwell, Patrick W. Jungwirth
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Patent number: 6615531Abstract: A range finder for hunting applications. In one embodiment, a range finder includes a cylindrical main housing, a range finder circuit, a display housing, a display and one or more brackets. The range finder circuit is contained in the main housing. The display housing is couple to a first side of the main housing. The display is received in the display housing and is in electrical communication with the range finding circuit. The one or brackets are selectively coupled to a second side of the main housing, wherein the second side of the main housing is opposite the first side of the main housing. In addition, the one or more brackets are adapted to couple the main housing to a portion of a hunting weapon.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Larry Holmberg
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Publication number: 20030000372Abstract: An aiming system for a trajectory weapon such as a ground launcher, machine gun, mortar, or the like. The aiming system is attached to a conventional mount for the involved weapon. Also disclosed is a method of sighting in a weapon which employs the aiming system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Brad E. Meyers, Mark Cameron
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Patent number: 6460447Abstract: An aiming system for a trajectory weapon such as a ground launcher, machine gun, mortar, or the like. The aiming system is attached to a conventional mount for the involved weapon. Also disclosed is a method of sighting in a weapon which employs the aiming system.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventors: Brad E. Meyers, Mark Cameron
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Patent number: 6362872Abstract: Method and device for thermal imaging and rangefinding. In one form the device comprises an optical system including a first aperture and first, second and third optical paths each passing through the first aperture. A polarizer positioned to segregate the first and second optical paths is capable of receiving polarized radiation reflected from the target and transmitted through all portions of the first aperture stop. A polarization modifier is positioned between the first aperture and said polarizer; and a beam splitter, sensitive to spectral differences between the polarized radiation and the thermal radiation, is positioned along the first optical path between the first aperture and said polarizer.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1989Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Barry N. Berdanier
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Patent number: 6347762Abstract: The Multispectral-Hyperspectral Sensing System (MHSS) comprises a control center, a surveillance platform and at least one weapon battery with known sensing and destroying capabilities. The control center has access to pre-existing information relating to the target scene and potential targets, although not necessarily current, as well as the capabilities and limitations of the available weapons. This pre-existing information is communicated to the surveillance platform to be used in collecting hyperspectral/multispectral image data of the target scenery and to derive from the collected image data the relevant current target data subset. The derived data subset is then down-linked to the control center, which performs further processing to make it useful to the selected weapon. The weapon receives the target signature update from the control center and, in response, performs a significantly more precise strike at the selected target than based just on the a priori knowledge base.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: S. Richard F. Sims, William C. Pittman
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Patent number: 6265704Abstract: A laser tracking system steers a beam of laser energy which is dithered in two directions to scan the surface of a moving object. A laser energy detector detects laser energy reflected from the target. Reflected energy is filtered to distinguish dither frequencies for signals in both directions, which signals are independently analyzed to determine the location of the target in relation to the laser beam. A bias signal is generated which causes the beam of laser energy to be steered toward a surface radius to be steered toward a surface with the largest compound curvature within the trackers, field-of-regard, to the target, to the tracked location on-target, or modified signals steer a portion of the beam to an optimum track location on target while offsetting most of the beam's energy to a second engagement location on target. Also, a track testing system is capable of monitoring a laser beam focused on a missile and determining the effective laser engagement on a spinning target.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Peter M. Livingston
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Patent number: 6260466Abstract: Assessing the accuracy with which a round fired from a gun hits an intended target is achieved and alignment of the gun is corrected by monitoring the target with an image sensor which is associated with a computer enabling a frame by frame analysis and comparison of the fired round's trajectory with computer-generated alternative trajectories.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Barr & Stroud LimitedInventor: David Kerr Paterson Humphreys
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Patent number: 6247259Abstract: A method for the fire control of flat trajectory weapons, which comprises the steps of measuring the target range and cross wind velocity along the intended projectile trajectory prior to firing the weapon and, using the know ballistic equations of the projectile, determining the expected vertical and horizontal deflection of the projectile and adjusting the weapon sight to compensate for said deflections.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1998Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: The State of Israel, Atomic Energy Commission, Soreq Nuclear Research CenterInventors: Sagie Tsadka, Ehud Azoulay, Gideon Bar-Tal
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Patent number: 6199794Abstract: A multi-color, multi-pulse laser target designator is disclosed in which the target is illuminated with pulses of preselected colors and interpulse spacings so as to uniquely identify the target. Inter-pulse spacing may be varied down to an arbitarily small spacing by virtue of the use of pulses of differing colors, thereby increasing countermeasure resistance due to the difficulty of a target detecting and duplicating inter-pulse spacing. Pulse elongation is provided in one embodiment to provide prolonged illumination of the target so as to permit increased homing accuracy for optically guided weapons.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1977Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Inventors: Charles S. Naiman, Stuart D. Pompian