Miscellaneous Patents (Class 89/1.1)
  • Patent number: 11499795
    Abstract: The present folding stock adapter can be used with many types of military-type assault rifles that typically comprise a receiver extension, buffer and action spring. The present folding stock adapter can be used to add a folding capability to a standard stock allowing it to fold against a rifle's receiver when the weapon is not in use, thus reducing the overall length of the weapon. This reduction in length can facilitate its maneuverability, storage and transport in cramped quarters. The present device can also allow for the quick unfolding of the stock in order to allow the weapon to function and fire normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Zachary Law
  • Patent number: 11243037
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for extracting and storing electrical energy from the gaseous discharge of a firearm. In one embodiment a muzzle device is provided comprising of at least one thermoelectric generator which generates electric power, to be stored in a battery, using heat transferred from the gaseous discharge of a firearm to the thermoelectric generator by a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Skerl, Tomislav Skerl
  • Patent number: 11118871
    Abstract: A conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”) launches wire-tethered electrodes from multiple cartridges to provide a current through a human or animal target to impede locomotion of the target. The CEW includes a handle and one or more deployment units. A handle and each deployment unit include a processing circuit and memory. The processing circuit of a handle may communicate with the processing circuit of the one or more deployment units. The processing circuit in a deployment unit may confirm receipt of a message from the processing circuit in a handle. A handle may provide operation and usage data to a deployment unit for storage. A handle may receive data from a deployment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Axon Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventors: Siddharth Heroor, Magne H. Nerheim
  • Patent number: 11105599
    Abstract: A sabot having an extended casing for containing propellant charge and a slotted top portion for securing a projectile. The propellant charge is ignited by gases that enter the lower portion of the sabot from a puncture developed by the mating of the sabot against a breech plug. The breech plug has a piercing component in the form of a sharpened forward edge to initiate puncture of the breech end of the sabot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Ardesa, S.A.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Hall
  • Patent number: 11079369
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method to dispense an explosive compound onto a substrate. An example device includes a solvent having the explosive compound dissolved in the solvent to form a sample. A delivery mechanism dispenses the sample in a dispersed manner to sufficiently vaporize the solvent to prevent wicking while dispersing a residue of the explosive compound on the substrate to enable detection by explosive detection tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventor: James E. Deline
  • Patent number: 11047634
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a firearm system and method of assembly of the firearm system including a receiver complex including a receiver coupled to a forward receiver. A feed port is positioned between the receiver and the forward receiver, and a striker coil assembly is positioned proximate the receiver, and includes a plurality of strikers each extending at least partially through a coil. An interchangeable barrel is coupled to the forward receiver forming a breech. In some embodiments, the firearm system includes a breech that includes a plurality of side-by-side bores of the barrel. Some embodiments include a magazine coupled to the receiver complex adjacent the feedport to simultaneously feed more than one dischargeable projectile into the feedport with a single charge block. In some embodiments, the charge block includes a plurality of chambers and a plurality of projectiles positioned within the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: FORWARD DEFENSE MUNITIONS, CO.
    Inventor: Martin Grier
  • Patent number: 11041692
    Abstract: A system and method for acceleration of a flying object, preferably with large take-off mass is described. The system can accelerate an object with a mass of several hundred thousand tons. The system includes the use for object acceleration of free (for the period of direct acceleration) energy of exhaust gases of the system elements' jet engines, pushing-out force of water, force of Earth's gravity, initial movement energy of the compressed spring and vacuum, lifting force of light gases, as well as energy consuming, for the period of acceleration, action of the system elements' jet engines, gunpowder gases and drives. The system and the method include acceleration of an object simultaneously in several systems accelerating one inside the other with the summation and increase of acceleration speed. The main elements of the system: launch barrel, carrier and booster pistons with jet engines, and pushing the pistons support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Chromych
  • Patent number: 10520270
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of manufacturing are disclosed with regard to a rapid-fire accessory for a semi-automatic firearm. The rapid-fire accessory may include a trigger guard mount, a trigger actuator, and a trigger guard adapter. The trigger guard mount may include a mounting channel for receiving a trigger guard. The trigger actuator may be fixed relative to the mounting channel and configured to pull the trigger when the trigger guard slides forward in the mounting channel. The trigger guard adapter may be configured to mount on and remain fixed relative to the trigger guard. The trigger guard adapter may include an adapter channel for receiving the trigger guard. When the trigger guard adapter is mounted on the trigger guard and in the mounting channel, the trigger guard adapter guides a sliding movement of the trigger guard mount forward and rearward relative to the trigger guard adapter and the trigger guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Bair
  • Patent number: 10378860
    Abstract: A muzzle brake for a firearm is described. In one example, an apparatus includes an inner shroud, an outer shroud, and an attachment portion. The inner shroud is configured to permit passage of a bullet from a firearm through a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of inner vents configured to vent gases caused by the passage of the bullet. The outer shroud is at least partially disposed around the longitudinal axis of the inner shroud and forms a chamber between the inner shroud and the outer shroud. The outer shroud has a plurality of outer vents configured to further vent the gases received through the plurality of inner vents. The attachment portion is connected to at least one of the inner shroud or the outer shroud. The attachment portion is configured to form a removable attachment to a part of the firearm that is other than a barrel of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Salient Arms International
    Inventor: Adrian Chavez
  • Patent number: 10215514
    Abstract: An automatic or semi-automatic rifle. The rifle has a receiver and a bolt having a striking surface, the bolt enclosed within the receiver. A barrel has a bore, the barrel coupled to the receiver. An indirect gas operating system has a cylinder and a piston, the indirect gas operating system mounted with a mounting structure substantially independent of the barrel. The cylinder is in communication with the bore, and the piston is fitted to the cylinder and disposed for striking the striking surface and displacing the bolt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: COLT'S MANUFACTURING IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Paul Hochstrate, Michael Josey, Kevin Audibert
  • Patent number: 10184741
    Abstract: A magazine assembly for a firearm and a related method are disclosed. The assembly has a magazine housing defining a track, and a follower assembly. The magazine housing is configured to constrain a cartridge as the cartridge is moved within the magazine assembly such that majority of a proximal surface area of the cartridge does not contact the magazine housing, and a distal tip of the cartridge does not contact the magazine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy Eric Roberts, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Eric Nakayama, William Bradley Bennett
  • Patent number: 10168118
    Abstract: A barrel clamp for a Gatling-style firearm, or “mini-gun,” provides vanes for the direction of fresh air currents into the muzzle area of the firearm. The directed air streams contribute to cooling the barrels while in the firing cycle and also towards the disruption of fuel-rich gasses which contribute to muzzle flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Brian F. Abbott
  • Patent number: 10027400
    Abstract: A relaying method performed by a half duplex relay for a telecommunications system. The method includes a reception stage of receiving codewords transmitted by a source, the successive codewords corresponding to B blocks, the first of which can be decoded independently of the other blocks. This stage includes a decoding step of estimating a message from each source based on received codewords, the message being associated with the codewords transmitted by the source. The relay performs an error detection and decision-taking step on messages that are decoded without error. The relay encodes a signal and forwards it to the destination, wherein the signal is representative of only those messages that are decoded without error, such that the relay passes from non-selective reception to selective reception after receiving B1 blocks and switches from the reception stage to the encoding and forwarding stage under control of the error detection and decision stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ORANGE
    Inventors: Abdulaziz Mohamad, Raphael Visoz, Antoine Berthet
  • Patent number: 9909829
    Abstract: A muzzle device that may be attached to the barrel of a firearm that includes structures which influence the flow characteristics of exhausting propellant gases for suppressing muzzle flash, counter acting the rearward and upward motion of the muzzle during firing, and reducing the concussion directed towards the shooter as well as personnel to the sides of the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: PM Research Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Vossler
  • Patent number: 9903679
    Abstract: An improved barrel clamp assembly for a multi-barreled minigun includes a barrel clamp tube having a front end, a rear end, and a plurality of longitudinal openings extending along a portion the length of the tube between the front end and the rear end. An impeller is mounted in the barrel clamp tube between the tube front end and the tube rear end. The impeller includes a plurality of impeller blades that are spaced around a periphery of the impeller and that project forward from a rear flange portion of the impeller and the impeller blades define a plurality of air channels. A barrel assembly includes the barrel clamp tube, a flash suppressor mounted to the front end of the barrel clamp tube, and a barrel clamp collar mounted to the rear end of the barrel clamp tube. The impeller is mounted to the barrel clamp tube between the flash suppressor and the barrel clamp collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Profense, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Rowe, Arthur O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9841248
    Abstract: A heat dissipation assembly for use with a barrel forming a part of a firearm upper receiver. An annular shaped barrel nut is adapted to secure the barrel to the upper receiver. An elongated handguard is affixed to the barrel nut at a heat conducting location, the handguard adapted to surround a proximal extending portion of the barrel, the handguard having a plurality of apertures defined therethrough. At least one cooling element is located on an exterior of the handguard. A thermoelectric generator is incorporated into the handguard for transferring heat from the barrel nut to the cooling element. A fan component is integrated into the handguard and operated by the thermoelectric generator for drawing air through the apertures in order to provide additional cooling to the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Bradley W. Bybee
  • Patent number: 9719754
    Abstract: The present folding stock adapter can be used with many types of military-type assault rifles that typically comprise a receiver extension, buffer and action spring. The present folding stock adapter can be used to add a folding capability to a standard stock allowing it to fold against a rifle's receiver when the weapon is not in use, thus reducing the overall length of the weapon. This reduction in length can facilitate its maneuverability, storage and transport in cramped quarters. The present device can also allow for the quick unfolding of the stock in order to allow the weapon to function and be fire normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Zachary Law
  • Patent number: 9702660
    Abstract: A gun having at least two barrels wherein each barrel is adapted to receive at least one projectile. The barrels are attached to a gun body having a gun chamber adapted to receive a propelling charge. An interface between the gun chamber and the barrels selectively connects the gun chamber with one or more of the barrels to fire a variable number of projectiles at variable velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Todd A. Dutton
  • Patent number: 9593900
    Abstract: A muzzle device that may be attached to the barrel of a forearm that includes structures which influence the flow characteristics of exhausting propellant gases for suppressing muzzle flash, counter acting the rearward and upward motion of the muzzle during firing, and reducing the concussion directed towards the shooter as well as personnel to the sides of the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Vossler
  • Patent number: 9562734
    Abstract: A tunable muzzle compensator for a firearm that includes a tube that extends the barrel of the weapon by fitting over the muzzle. This center tube includes one or more holes along its length. One or more removable sections that have gas exit ports at various predetermined angles fit over the center section. Removable sections can be rotated to either turn off top holes on the center tube or to choose different angles of gas discharge The total effect of all the removable sections represents a particular tuning for the weapon. The weapon can be very quickly tuned on the range or in the field to compensate for weight of the projectile, the charge, and the shooting style by simply replacing and/or reversing removable sections with sections that have different angles of discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Wilson
  • Patent number: 9068789
    Abstract: The invention concerns a marking for the barrel of a firearm, in particular of a pistol, a rifle, or a carbine, with a barrel cross section the perimeter of which alternately consists of linear, polygonal segments and arched segments, where necessary with transitions between them, whereby the linear, polygonal segments define an inscribed circle, further comprising at least two ribs being provided in or on the arched segments which extend radially inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: VALUE PRIVATSTIFTUNG
    Inventor: Gaston Glock
  • Patent number: 9003943
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decision support of a combat object (1) in a combat situation comprising the steps of: a) detecting (3) an enemy object (2) such that a plurality of characteristic parameters of the enemy object (2) is determined, b) calculating (4) at least one quality factor for at least one combat sensor of the combat object (1), wherein each quality factor is adapted for indicating identification ability of a combat sensor, and calculating (4) at least one signature factor for at least one enemy sensor of the enemy object (2) based on a predetermined model, wherein each signature factor is adapted for indicating identification ability of an enemy sensor, c) allocating (5) each quality factor calculated in the previous step b) to each combat sensor and allocating (5) each signature factor calculated in the previous step b) to each enemy sensor, and d) controlling (6) each combat sensor against the enemy object (2) based on the result of the previous step c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Anders Lundqvist, Vibeke Kensing
  • Patent number: 8935975
    Abstract: An incendiary machine (10) comprises a feed and dispensing system (12), a priming system (20) and a control system. The feed and dispensing system (12) feeds a belt (14) of incendiary capsules (16) to a region at which individual capsules are separated from the belt and dispensed from the machine (10). The priming system (20) primes the capsule (16) prior to being dispensed from the machine (10) with a priming liquid which, when delivered into a capsule, facilitates an exothermic reaction. The control system controls the feed and dispensing system (12), and the priming system (20) independently of each other so that the belt (14) can be fed into and indeed thought the machine (10) with the priming liquid being injected into the capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Raindance Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8829401
    Abstract: A projectile and associated method are provided for seeking a target that has been laser designated even though the projectile does not include a laser receiver. A projectile includes an aerodynamic body and a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS signals indicative of a location of the aerodynamic body. The projectile also includes a radio receiver configured to receive radio signals from an offboard laser receiver that provide information relating to a location of the target based upon laser designation of the target. Further, the projectile includes a processor configured to direct flight of the aerodynamic body toward the target based upon the location of the aerodynamic body as determined from the GPS signals and the location of the target based upon the information provided by the offboard laser receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kevin Lutke, Aaron J. Kutzmann
  • Patent number: 8813627
    Abstract: A method and system to detect an improvised explosive device is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes dispersing a mixture containing a fluorescent material uniformly over a ground cover, illuminating the ground cover with wavelengths of visible light or ultraviolet (UV) light causing the fluorescent material to fluoresce in a visible light spectrum, and detecting where the mixture has been disturbed on the ground cover by visually observing inconsistencies in the fluorescent material on the ground cover that is fluorescing to indicate a location of the improvised explosive device. The method also includes that the mixture is adapted to cling to a person, clothes, or any combination thereof, upon contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Francisco Velasco
  • Patent number: 8752465
    Abstract: A laser weapon system includes a chamber configured to direct a post-detonation gas flow between a first mirror and a second mirror, and an ejectable ammunition cartridge containing a first gas and a second gas. The cartridge is fluidly connected to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: LaserMax, Inc.
    Inventor: William Houde-Walter
  • Patent number: 8674277
    Abstract: There is disclosed a collar (100) which may be attached to a munition in order to control the trajectory of the munition. The collar (100) has a collar body (10); a surface (12) for capturing the projectile as it leaves the barrel; a sill (14) for supporting the surface (12) at the muzzle of the barrel; and a guidance means (20a, 20b, 21a, 21b) for altering the flow of air around the collar (100). The collar (100) supports itself at the muzzle and may attach to the projectile at the surface (12) to integrate with the projectile as the projectile is fired. The collar (100) is particularly suited for attachment to mortar rounds. Such a collar (100) gives a weapon operator the option of increasing the precision of a munition without having to carry a plurality of munition types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Richard Desmond Joseph Axford, Kevin William Beggs
  • Patent number: 8549975
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for an active bonnet is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cylinder, a piston which can be displaced in the cylinder under the influence of a propellant gas and a first gas generator for producing the propellant gas. The actuator includes, but is not limited to at least one further gas generator, which can be ignited independently of the first gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joachim Schäfer, Volker Scheuch, Werner Schmidt, Martin Zilg
  • Patent number: 8536500
    Abstract: A system and method for rapid aiming and firing of weapons and defensive countermeasures against rocket-propelled grenades or other ballistic devices suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CPI IP, LLC
    Inventor: Richard O. Glasson
  • Patent number: 8505818
    Abstract: A method for providing fire support command and control for small unit operations. The method involves displaying a geographical representation of a battle space using a map. One or more strike asset icons are displayed on the map, each representing strike assets which are geographically dispersed within the battle space. At least one target icon is also displayed on the map to represent a target within the battle space. In response to a user input identifying a desired effect upon the target, the system graphically conveys fire mission planning information to the user during an interactive mission planning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Darius F. Miller
  • Patent number: 8479655
    Abstract: A projectile system for impeding vessel movement is provided. The system includes a projectile device that contains a superoxide material for generating an exothermic reaction when exposed to water. At termination of flight, the projectile releases the superoxide material into the surrounding water. A delay can be set to enable the projectile to release its payload underneath the water surface, creating both a disturbance in the water and large gas bubbles to affect the trajectory of the target surface vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Raymond M. Gamache, Jeffrey Michael Emenheiser
  • Patent number: 8479634
    Abstract: A trunnion nose guard is a flanged cylinder having internal threads which allow it to thread onto the outer threads of the trunnion nose of a Browning .50 caliber machine gun. The flange of the trunnion nose guard has a face adapted to fit against the front face of the trunnion or against a shim that is interposed between the trunnion front face and the flange. The flange also has at least one hole for receiving a spring-biased locking pin that may be provided on the trunnion front face. The axial length of the trunnion nose guard is selected so that, in use, the trunnion nose guard protects all of the threads of the trunnion nose, but does not extend substantially beyond the end of the trunnion nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: William J. Nemec
  • Patent number: 8430011
    Abstract: A system for disabling or degrading electrically initiated explosive devices includes an apparatus for inducing waveforms of varying power and duration into the leads of a bridgewire based blasting cap, thus raising the resistance to render the blasting cap inoperable without requiring detonation, and for polling or confirming electrical performance and operational status of the blasting cap. An operational methodology for neutralizing an explosive device is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Emerging Science & Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Foley, Wesley S. Estes, Walter Siering
  • Patent number: 8418624
    Abstract: An invention in which a projectile device is deployed from a compressed air firing system that, upon impact of the projectile device into a target, the projectile device embeds itself in the intended target's outer surface or material. In one application, a GPS receiver and transmitter provided within the projectile device relays position data to a receiving apparatus that is monitored by a stationary or mobile conveyance. In another application, the projectile device, may include remotely operable explosives which are preferably triggered once the target is an area where the explosives can be detonated with minimal collateral damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Thomas McGarraugh, Barron Christopher Miller
  • Patent number: 8387501
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Jordan, Daniel J. Murphy, Douglas A. Fisher, Jr., Tyler Forbes
  • Patent number: 8387507
    Abstract: A weapon interceptor projectile has a deployable frame for maintaining a deployable net in shape. The deployable frame may be an inflatable structure, including a flexible material inflated by a gas generator. The inflatable structure has a perimeter that supports an outside shape of the net, and a series of spokes or arms that couple the perimeter to a body of the projectile. The perimeter may have an airfoil cross-section shape, reducing drag of the frame and aiding in deployment. The perimeter may be have a circular shape, giving the net a circular area. The deployable frame allows the net to maintain its shape during flight, increasing its area and its ability to come into contact with an incoming weapon, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Johnson, Garrett L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8333152
    Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to an example projectile that includes an enclosure and an umbilical interface that is exposed on the enclosure. The projectile further includes an umbilical interface cover attached to the enclosure such that the umbilical interface cover protects the umbilical interface. The umbilical interface cover includes a casing and a sensing system inside the casing. The sensing system monitors conditions that the projectile is exposed to until the umbilical interface cover is removed to expose the umbilical interface. The sensing system allows the umbilical interface cover to record data related to the conditions that the projectile is exposed to until the umbilical interface on the projectile is mated to a launcher's umbilical interface. The recorded data may provide valuable information in diagnosing why there was a projectile mission failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Bruce R. Woollard
  • Patent number: 8322263
    Abstract: A laser weapon system includes a chamber configured to direct a post-detonation gas flow between a first mirror and a second mirror, and an ejectable ammunition cartridge containing a first gas and a second gas. The cartridge is fluidly connected to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LaserMax, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Houde-Walter
  • Patent number: 8274023
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to missile training systems, especially to those relating to the provision of a mechanism that allows missiles and similar devices to be fired at a target in a realistic, but safe, manner. The use of live fire exercises, in which army or other armed forces personnel use fully functioning weapons systems is well established. Live fire exercises can be used to provide realistic training scenarios, but also present obvious dangers. The present invention provides a module for attachment to an object (such as a missile), the object being adapted to be directed towards a target (such as a ship), the module comprising a control system providing an output signal indicative of whether or not said object is to be destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: MBDA UK Limited
    Inventor: Philip Neil Gazard
  • Publication number: 20120216697
    Abstract: A liquid missile for being projected from a launching device which includes a liquid charge combined with a non-rigid flight integrity component. The flight integrity component allows the liquid charge to be launched at increased speeds and distances by inhibiting substantial break-up of the liquid charge during flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8250961
    Abstract: A system and/or method for securing areas (e.g. airport terminals, courtrooms, embassies, borders, property surrounding critical infrastructure, areas within cities/towns, etc.) against terrorists is provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein individuals pass (e.g. walk, drive, etc.) through a gateway before gaining access to a secured area. Signals capable of detonating certain explosives that might be carried by the individuals passing through the gateway are emitted in or proximate the gateway. The gateway may be shielded to minimize damage to the surrounding areas. In certain example embodiments, arc currents are generated to trigger the detonation of explosives. In certain example embodiments, explosives may be detonated using cellular signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Technology Patents, LLC
    Inventor: Aris Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 8156867
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a multiple part missile according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a first missile part having a first groove formed in a surface of the first missile part and a second missile part having a second groove. A snap ring may be configured to engage the first groove and the second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Michael V. Stimpson
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20110120291
    Abstract: A non-firing housing imitates a functioning receiver for a semi-automatic or fully automatic gun. The non-firing housing includes a thick sidewall that is thicker than the corresponding sidewall of the functioning receiver such that the non-firing housing prohibits the receipt of at least one of the required firing components that are received in the functioning receiver to create a functioning gun, thus prohibiting the use of the non-firing housing as a functioning receiver in a semi-automatic or fully automatic gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Robert I. Landies, Daniel L. Albright, Joshua G. Hershberger
  • Patent number: 7926403
    Abstract: The new injection system provides rapid, high pressure, high density, and transient batch injection of cryogenic liquids. The system stores and maintains the temperature of liquids in vacuum jacketed tanks, increases pressures using pumps, and stores the high pressure fluid in accumulators. The accumulator periodically injects the fluids at high pressure in measured mass batches into a combustion chamber. The system injects enough liquid or gas in 0.5 to 3.0 seconds to provide 500 to 6500 psi in a closed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Utron Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Vigil, David L. Kruczynski, Barry L. Landers, Dennis W. Massey
  • Patent number: 7922491
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an explosive device (IED) simulator usable with a laser detector is provided, the IED simulator comprising a laser transmitter and a first switch. The laser transmitter is capable of directing a laser signal to the laser detector, the laser signal comprising information readable by the laser detector, wherein the laser signal is designed to simulate at least a first type of explosion of an IED. The first switch is operably coupled to the laser transmitter, the first switch permitting a user to trigger the laser signal from the laser transmitter. The first type of explosion that is simulated can comprise at least one type selected from the group consisting of an indoor IED explosion, an outdoor IED explosion, a long range IED explosion, an IED explosion of 2 m to 5 m away from a target, an IED explosion of up to 600 m from a target, and an IED explosion having a predetermined kill pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Giles D. Jones, Lee L. Ourn, Saman Jannati, Quang K. Ha
  • Patent number: 7910867
    Abstract: A scalable and distributable software architecture for use in conjunction with various different weapons control system and launch systems is disclosed. The architecture discards the proprietary and non-open protocols and services that characterize in favor of open source adaptive and middleware components. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the inventive architecture is implemented as a Launch Control Module that separates different layers of responsibility within a launch controller (e.g., LCU) and exposes its variation points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph W. Edwards, George H. Goetz, Jennifer L. Houston-Manchester, Christine A. Ballard, Benjamin D. Skurdal