OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160138893 | REMOTELY GUIDED GUN-FIRED AND MORTAR ROUNDS - A method for guiding a gun-fired or mortared round towards an intended target. The method including: capturing image data from an image pick-up device during a descent of the round; transmitting the image data to a control platform remotely located from the round; receiving the image date at the control platform; displaying the image data to a user at the control platform; manually identifying one or more features in the image data on the monitor; and stabilizing the image on the monitor based on the one or more identified features. | 05-19-2016 |
20160102952 | Very Low-Power Actuation Devices - A munition including: a control surface actuation device including: an actuator comprising two or more pistons, each of the pistons being movable between an extended and retracted position, the retracted position resulting from an activation of each of the two or more pistons; and a movable rack having a portion engageable with a portion of the two or more pistons to sequentially move the rack upon activation of each of the two or more pistons; and a control surface operatively connected to the rack such that movement of the rack moves the control surface; Where the actuator comprises three pistons; the portion of the rack is a plurality of spaced portions and the portion of the piston is an end portion of the piston exposed when the piston is in the extended position or the movable rack is linear and moves linearly. | 04-14-2016 |
20160100651 | Manually Operated Electrical Power Generators For Body Heating and Powering Other Devices - A portable electrical generator including: a housing; a generator disposed within the housing and operable by a user from outside the housing to generate electrical energy; an output for outputting the energy from the generator to another device; and a connector to connect the housing to an other device or an article of clothing. The generator can include a cord having a portion within the housing and a portion movable outside the housing and connected to the generator such that pulling the cord to move the movable portion away from the housing produces the energy. The output and the connector can include contacts disposed on an external surface of the housing where the contacts can be magnetic contacts for releasably connecting the housing to mating magnetic contacts on the other device or the article of clothing. | 04-14-2016 |
20160095455 | Shape Memory Safety Utensil - A method for preventing holding of one or more of a hot liquid or hot food in a utensil. The method including: configuring a utensil portion for holding one or more of a liquid or food to have a first orientation relative to a handle portion when a temperature of a shape memory alloy neck portion connecting the utensil portion to the handle portion is below a transition temperature and changing the orientation of the utensil portion relative to the handle portion to a second orientation when the temperature of the shape memory alloy neck portion is greater than the transition temperature so as to not hold the liquid or food. | 04-07-2016 |
20160025474 | METHOD FOR INITIATING THERMAL BATTERY HAVING HIGH-HEIGHT DROP SAFETY FEATURE - A method for initiating a thermal battery including: releasing an engagement between an element and a striker mass upon an acceleration time and magnitude greater than a first threshold; and moving at least one member into a path of the element to prevent the element from releasing the striker mass only where the acceleration time and magnitude is greater than a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025473 | Electrical Setback Detection Switch - A switch including: a first body having holes located at a longitudinal position; a movable second body having a concavity corresponding to the holes; a retaining ball positioned in the holes and corresponding concavity for restraining the second body from movement relative to the first body; an elastic element disposed on the body; a mass disposed on the elastic element, the mass moving the elastic element upon an acceleration event; and first and second electrical contacts positioned on the body such that when the acceleration event has a predetermined magnitude and duration, the mass moves past the longitudinal position to permit the retaining ball from releasing from the holes, thereby permitting the second body to move towards the first and second electrical contacts; wherein the second body includes a conductive portion for closing an electrical circuit between the first and second electrical contacts. | 01-28-2016 |
20160020671 | Miniature Electrical Generators And Power Sources - A power source for generating electrical power. The power source including: a shaft rotatably disposed relative to a structure; an elastic element having one end attached to the shaft and another end attached to the structure for storing potential energy upon rotation of the shaft in a first angular direction; a generator operatively coupled relative to the shaft; and a retaining mechanism movable between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction. Wherein, when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates the generator coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power. | 01-21-2016 |
20150338272 | Methods and Devices For Usage of Sunscreen Lotions - A method for calculating a rate of UV radiation absorbed by a user's skin including: capturing image data of an area of the user's skin; determining a skin tone of the user's skin based on the captured image data; calculating a rate of UV radiation absorption for the determined skin tone; measuring an amount of UV radiation exposed to the user's skin; and calculating a rate of UV radiation that would be absorbed by the user's skin based on the user's skin tone and the amount of UV radiation exposed to the user's skin. The method can further comprise calculating an amount of time that the user can be exposed to the amount of UV radiation exposed to the user's skin based on predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria can at least include an SPF level of sunscreen applied to the user's skin. | 11-26-2015 |
20150331008 | Piezoelectric-Based Multiple Impact Sensors and Their Electronic Circuitry - An electrical energy harvesting device for harvesting electrical energy from a pulsed impact loading event. The device including: a piezoelectric element configured to be loaded and unloaded to a first load level by the pulsed impact loading event; and a first inductor coupled to the piezoelectric element configured to be loaded and unloaded to a second load level by the pulsed impact loading event, wherein the piezoelectric element and the first inductor together operate as a first inductor/capacitor (LC) resonant circuit having a first resonance frequency and wherein the loading of the first inductor lags in time the loading of the piezoelectric element. | 11-19-2015 |
20150323296 | Countermeasure Flares - A flare including: a casing; and a grain assembly, at least a portion of which is slidably disposed in the casing in a longitudinal direction, the grain assembly including: a burster component used to ignite the flare pyrotechnic; and a flare component having a plurality of sections arranged circumferentially around the burster component such that ignition of the flare component further disperses the plurality of sections in a radial direction after the grain assembly is ejected from the casing in the longitudinal direction. | 11-12-2015 |
20150251897 | Inertia Sensors With Multi-Directional Shock Protection - A MEMS sensor including: a base structure; at least one component formed from the base structure which moves relative to the base structure; and one or more locking mechanisms for locking the at least one component in a predetermined stationary position in response to external stimuli exceeding predetermined thresholds in at least first and second directions, where the first direction is different from the second direction. | 09-10-2015 |
20150191920 | Methods, Apparatus and Kits for Measuring and Cutting Irregular Shaped Items - A method for measuring and cutting a tile. The method including: laying tiles other than the tile to be cut to define a space corresponding to the tile to be cut; arranging a plurality of pieces in the space to cover at least a portion of a surface area of the space, the plurality of pieces sticking together to form a tile blank; removing the tile blank from the space; and transferring dimensions of the tile blank to an uncut tile. Also provided is a kit for measuring a tile. The kit including a plurality of flat pieces, the plurality of flat pieces being formed in at least one of a plurality of different shapes and a plurality of different sizes, the plurality of flat pieces being capable of sticking to each other. | 07-09-2015 |
20150147601 | Liquid Reserve Batteries For Muntions - A liquid reserve battery including: a collapsible storage unit having a liquid electrolyte stored therein; a battery cell having an inlet in communication with an outlet of the collapsible storage unit, the battery cell having gaps dispersed therein; a first pyrotechnic material disposed adjacent the collapsible storage unit such that initiation of the first pyrotechnic material provides pressure to collapse the collapsible storage unit to heat and force the liquid electrolyte through the outlet and into the gaps; and one or more heat exchangers disposed between the outlet of the collapsible storage unit and the inlet of the battery cell. | 05-28-2015 |
20150143988 | Pneumatic Actuation Devices For Valves and the Like - A stepper motor including: a plurality of actuators, each having an actuation rod movable between retracted and expended positions, the actuation rod having an actuation pin movable along with the actuation rod; and a shuttle rotatable about a shaft, the shuttle having a plurality of pockets corresponding to the actuation pin of the plurality of actuators, the plurality of pockets being partially offset from the plurality of pins such that actuation of one or more of the plurality of actuators moves the actuation rod and corresponding actuation pin into a corresponding one of the plurality of pockets to rotate the shuttle about the shaft. | 05-28-2015 |
20150058100 | Methods For Automatically Paying a Toll/Fee - A method for automatically paying a fee and for performing at least one additional function with a device. The method including: emitting an identifying signal from a transponder responsive to a signal from a fee payment system; storing fee payment system information in a storage device to be emitted in the identifying signal; displaying fee payment information on a display; and electronically controlling the transponder, storage device and display. Where at least one of the storage device, display or processor is used for both the operation of the transponder and for operation of the at least one additional function of the device. | 02-26-2015 |
20150058099 | Devices For Automatically Paying a Toll/Fee - A device for automatically paying a fee. The device including: a transponder for emitting an identifying signal responsive to a signal from a fee payment system; a storage device for storing fee payment system information to be emitted in the identifying signal; a display for displaying fee payment information; and a processor for controlling the transponder, storage device and display. Where at least one of the storage device, display or processor is used for both operation of the transponder and for operation of at least one additional function of the device. The device can be one of a cellular phone, pad computer, GPS device, laptop computer and computer. Furthermore, at least one of the transponder, storage device, display and processor can be provided in one of the devices and the other of the transponder, storage device, display and processor can be provided in another device. | 02-26-2015 |
20150022947 | Capacitors For High Voltage Charge and High Current Discharge Rates - A capacitor including: a first conductive plate; a second conductive pate arranged parallel to the first conductive plate to define a spacing between a surface of the first conductive plate and an opposing surface of the second conductive plate; a dielectric material disposed in the plate; and a capacitor lead connected to one of the first and second conductive plates at a connection region; wherein a thickness of the space is varied in the connection region. | 01-22-2015 |
20150008852 | On The Dynamic Response of Actuation Devices in Nonlinear Dynamics Systems - A method for actuating a motor including: separating feed-forward signals corresponding to motion independent components of a required actuating force/torque from motion dependent components; filtering the motion dependent components of the feed-forward signals to at least reduce high frequency signals generated due to feedback signals; and either not filtering or filtering with a low pass filter having a higher cut off frequency the motion independent components of the feed-forward signals to at least reduce higher frequency noise and components; wherein higher frequency components of electronic power amplifier signals corresponding to the motion independent components of the actuating forces/torques are not eliminated by the low pass filter, thereby ensuring that the reaction forces/torques are provided to actuate the motor. | 01-08-2015 |
20140311369 | Mechanical Inertial Igniter With High-Height Drop Safety Feature For Thermal Batteries and the Like - A method for initiating a thermal battery including: releasing an engagement between an element and a striker mass upon an acceleration time and magnitude greater than a first threshold; and moving at least one member into a path of the element to prevent the element from releasing the striker mass only where the acceleration time and magnitude is greater than a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold. | 10-23-2014 |
20140305326 | Compact Mechanical Inertia Igniters For Thermal Batteries and the like - A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced. | 10-16-2014 |
20140248522 | Compact and Mechanical Inertial Igniters For Thermal Batteries and the like for Munitions With Short Duration Firing Setback Shock - An inertial igniter including: a body having a base; a striker release element rotatably disposed on the body, the striker release element having a first surface; a first biasing element for biasing the striker release element away from the base; a striker mass rotatably disposed on the base along a second axis, the striker mass having a second surface corresponding to the first surface of the striker release element, the first surface obstructing rotation of the striker mass; and a second biasing element for biasing the striker mass such that the second surface is biased towards the first surface; wherein when the body experiences an acceleration profile of a predetermined magnitude and duration, the striker release element rotates towards the base to release an engagement between the first and second surfaces and allow the striker mass to rotate under a biasing force of the second biasing element. | 09-04-2014 |
20140210273 | Hybrid Reserve Power Source Systems For Munitions - A method of sustaining a production of power in a munition. The method including: (a) initiating a reserve power source of two or more reserve power sources upon a predetermined event; (b) storing a portion of a supply of electrical energy from the reserve power source in at least one electrical energy storage device; (c) providing a portion of the supply of electrical energy from the reserve power source to one or more electronic components on-board the munition; and (c) repeating the initiating for another reserve power source of the two or more reserve power sources upon determining that the electrical energy stored in the at least one electrical energy storage device is less than a predetermined value. | 07-31-2014 |
20140202350 | Inertially Operated Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Electronic Circuitry - An electrical energy harvesting device for harvesting electrical energy from a pulsed impact loading event. The device including: a piezoelectric element configured to be loaded and unloaded to a first load level by the pulsed impact loading event; and a first inductor coupled to the piezoelectric element configured to be loaded and unloaded to a second load level by the pulsed impact loading event, wherein the piezoelectric element and the first inductor together operate as a first inductor/capacitor (LC) resonant circuit having a first resonance frequency and wherein the loading of the first inductor lags in time the loading of the piezoelectric element. | 07-24-2014 |
20140153778 | Method For Displaying Successive Image Frames on a Display to Stabilize the Display of a Selected Feature in the Image Frames - A method for displaying successive image frames on a display. The method including: processing image data containing the successive image frames to identify features in an image frame and to display the image frame to a user with two or more of the identified features highlighted; manually selecting one of the identified features by a user; determining a portion of a subsequent image frame in which the selected feature is likely to be present; and if the selected feature is found in the portion of the subsequent image frame, displaying the subsequent image frame to change the position of the selected feature. | 06-05-2014 |
20140114225 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing - A dressing for covering a wound. The dressing including: a first component having a first shape with a first dimension; a second component releasably attached to a first surface of the first component to maintain the first component in a second shape different from the first shape, the second shape having a second dimension longer than the first dimension; and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first component different from the first surface for attaching the first component to the wound such that the second component can be released from the first component to allow the first component to take the first shape to apply a pressure to portions of the skin surrounding the wound to close the wound. Wherein the first and second dimensions are a length in more than one direction. | 04-24-2014 |
20140109789 | METHOD FOR DETONATING AN UNEXPLODED MUNITION - A method for generating a time-out signal for an unexploded munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; and initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time. | 04-24-2014 |
20140076186 | MINIATURE SAFE AND ARM (S&A) MECHANISMS FOR FUZING OF GRAVITY DROPPED SMALL WEAPONS - A device for enabling safe/arm functionality in a gravity dropped weapon detachably connected to an airframe. The device including: an elastic element disposed in a shell of the weapon; a releasable connection between the weapon and the airframe to release a stored and/or generated energy in the elastic element; and a piezoelectric member connected to one end of the elastic member for converting the one or more of the stored and generated energy to an electrical energy. Wherein the releasable connection includes: a link having a movable connection for movement of the link relative to the shell between a first position constraining the elastic element from movement and a second position releasing the elastic member to generate the electrical energy; and a lanyard for tethering the link to the airframe such that the link is moved to the second position upon the weapon being released from the airframe. | 03-20-2014 |
20140060367 | GRAVITY DROPPED SMALL WEAPON ELECTRONIC SAFE ARM FUZE AND ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE FOR POWER GENERATION ONBOARD GRAVITY DROPPED WEAPONS - A generator including: a member having a cable wound thereon, the cable having a free end; a spring for storing energy as the cable is unwound from the member by pulling on the free end; and an electromagnetic generator operatively connected to the member such that rotation of the member is transferred to an input side of the electromagnetic generator after the cable is unwound from the member and the stored energy in the spring turns the member. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060366 | Inertially Operated Electrical Initiation Devices - An all-fire detection circuit for an electrically initiated inertial igniter munition. The all-fire detection circuitry including: an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device to deliver an all-fire indication when at least a portion of the charge exceeds a first predetermined voltage; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input, and a first cathode; a resistor coupled in series between the first cathode and the electrical storage device; a second diode having a second anode coupled to the electrical storage device, and a second cathode; and a third diode having a third anode coupled to the first cathode, and a third cathode coupled to the second cathode. | 03-06-2014 |
20140057149 | Reserve Battery Operated Power Supplies - A power supply including: a reserve power source for providing power, the reserve power source including: a liquid reserve battery which requires activation to produce power; an activator having a liquid electrolyte for activating the liquid reserve battery upon a mechanical activation such that the liquid electrolyte is forced from the activator into the liquid reserve battery through a communication between the activator and the liquid reserve battery; a pair of terminals operatively connected to the liquid reserve battery for outputting the produced power; and a mechanical stop for preventing the activator from activating the liquid reserve battery, the stop being selectively removable when activation is desired. Where the activator includes a container having the liquid electrolyte contained therein and the activator further includes: a top and a bellow attached on one end to the top and to a portion of the liquid reserve battery at an other end. | 02-27-2014 |
20140052031 | Walk-Assist Devices and Methods - A method for reducing an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work. | 02-20-2014 |
20140028027 | Novel Electrical Generators For Use In Unmoored Buoys And the Like Platforms With Low-Frequency and Time-Varying Oscillatory Motions - A buoy for generating electrical energy from an roll/pitch motion resulting from a passing wave. The buoy including: a body; a pendulum member rotatably disposed on the body at a first end of the pendulum member; a pendulum mass disposed at a second end of the pendulum member; an exciter mass positioned on the pendulum member between the first and second ends; and one or more generators for generating electrical energy, the one or more generators being positioned in the body such that swinging of the pendulum member due to the roll/pitch motion causes a portion of the exciter mass to engage the one or more generators to generate the electrical energy. | 01-30-2014 |
20140026695 | Motion and Fundamental Frequency Doubling Planar and Spatial Linkage Mechanisms and Applications therefore - A method for doubling an input motion of a first mechanism including: providing the first mechanism having a first link, a second link rotatably connected to the first link; a first output which undergoes a motion resulting from a motion of the first link, the first output being operatively connected to the first link through at least the second link; driving the first link from a first position to a second position, wherein a singular position of the first and second links occurs between the first and second positions; cascading the first mechanism with a second mechanism; and inputting the second mechanism with the output to double the output and quadruple the input. | 01-30-2014 |
20140023901 | Compact and Low-Volume Mechanical Igniter and Ignition Systems for Thermal Batteries and the Like - A thermal battery including: a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment; a thermal battery housed in the first compartment; and an inertial igniter housed in the second compartment; where the first and second compartments are separated by a rigid member. | 01-23-2014 |
20140013983 | Compact and Low-Volume Mechanical Igniter and Ignition Systems for Thermal Batteries and the Like - An ignition system for a thermal battery where the ignition system includes: a base plate for connection to the thermal battery; and two or more inertial igniters formed on the base plate, each of the two or more inertial igniters having a striker mass which ignites one or more pyrotechnic materials upon a predetermined acceleration profile, the base plate having an opening corresponding to each of the two or more inertial igniters for allowing a generated spark to pass into the thermal battery. | 01-16-2014 |
20130344356 | Multi-Functional Insulation Materials For Thermal Batteries - A thermal battery including: a casing; a thermal battery cell disposed in the casing and operatively connected to electrical connections exposed from the casing; a first portion of a material capable of having an exothermic reaction positioned between the casing and the thermal battery cell; a second portion of a material capable of having an exothermic reaction positioned between the casing and the thermal battery cell; a first initiator for initiating the thermal battery cell; at least one second initiator for initiating the first portion; and a fuze in communication with the first and second portions for initiating the second portion resulting from the initiation of the first portion. | 12-26-2013 |
20130340642 | MUNITION HAVING DETONATION TIME-OUT CIRCUITRY - A munition including: a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; a processor operatively connected to the power supply for initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time. | 12-26-2013 |
20130296667 | Sensor Patch For Detecting and Alerting Of A Cardiac Abnormality - A system for monitoring a cardiac characteristic. The system including: a sensor patch adhered to a surface of the skin which includes: a patch body having a surface and an adhesive, the patch body further having a cavity; a sensor disposed in the cavity and configured for detecting the cardiac characteristic; a transmitter connected to the sensor for transmitting a signal representative of the cardiac characteristic; and a power source disposed in the cavity for powering the sensor and transmitter; and a receiver for receiving or monitoring the signal from the transmitter and outputting information associated with the cardiac characteristic. The receiver can be a cellular phone having an application used to receive the signal from the transmitter and generate the information associated with the cardiac characteristic. The cardiac characteristic can be a cardiac abnormality or useful in monitoring or providing feedback to the user while exercising. | 11-07-2013 |
20130277494 | Very Low Power Actuation Devices - A method of actuating a control surface in a munition. The method including: coupling a pair of fins to an actuation device; generating pressurized gas to selectively actuate the actuation device; and converting the actuation of the actuation device to rotation of the pair of fins. The converting can convert a linear output of the actuation device to the rotation of the pair of fins or a rotary output of the actuation device to the rotation of the pair of fins. The generated gas can be directly provided to the actuation device or the generated gas can be stored in a storage device before being provided to the actuation device. The method can further include repeating the coupling, generating and converting for a second pair of fins. | 10-24-2013 |
20130276657 | Multi-Stage Mechanisms For Event Detection and Initiation of Pyrotechnic Materials in Thermal Batteries and the Like in Munitions - A method for detecting a number of events having an acceleration profile greater than a predetermined threshold. The method including: detecting a number of events having the acceleration profile greater than the predetermined threshold; counting the number of events detected having the acceleration profile greater than the predetermined threshold; and outputting a mechanical or electrical signal based on whether the counted number of events having the acceleration profile greater than the predetermined threshold is greater than a predetermined number. | 10-24-2013 |
20130267881 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing for Puncture Wounds - A method for closing a puncture wound on skin. The method including: adhering a first surface of a first member having an unrestrained shape to the skin and over the puncture; and subsequent to the adhering, removing a second member for restraining the first member in a restrained shape from the first member. Where at least a normal force is applied to the puncture wound due to the removal of the second member from the first member which causes the first member to change towards the unrestrained shape. The removing can further cause a force substantially perpendicular to the normal force which tends to close the puncture wound. | 10-10-2013 |
20130237895 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing - A method of closing a wound with a dressing. The method including: restraining at least a portion of the dressing corresponding to the wound into a first shape; adhering first and second portions of the dressing across the wound; removing the restraint from the dressing while the first and second portions are adhered to the skin by removing a member from the dressing to allow at least the portion to move towards a second shape and apply a force tending to close the wound. | 09-12-2013 |
20130228425 | Setback and Set-Forward Activated Electrical Switches - An electrical switch including: a body; a mass element; a spring element attached at one end to the body and at another end, at least indirectly, to the mass element; and an inclined surface upon which the mass element moves from a resting position to an all-fire position. The inclined surface being inclined with respect to a firing setback acceleration. When the body experiences the firing setback acceleration, the mass element travels at least across the inclined surface against a force of the spring element to contact an electrical contact and close a circuit. | 09-05-2013 |
20130218468 | Software Based Driving Directions - A method for electronically generating driving directions. The method including: indicating a starting address; indicating an ending address; indicating one or more preferences for the directions; and generating driving directions based on the indicated starting address, ending address, and one or more preferences; wherein at least one of the one or more preferences comprises one or more of an indication to use no roads of a certain type in the generated driving directions; an indication to generate driving directions that start from a nearest highway; an indication to generate driving directions that start from a named road or highway and/or an indication to generate driving directions that include a named road or highway. | 08-22-2013 |
20130206897 | VERY LOW-POWER ACTUATION DEVICES - An actuator including: a housing; a piston movably disposed in the housing, the piston being movable between an extended and retracted position; a plurality of gas generation charges generating a gas in fluid communication with the housing; and an exhaust port for exhausting gas from the cylinder generated by the plurality of gas generation charges; wherein activation of each of the plurality of gas generation charges results in an increase in pressure in the housing causing the piston to move in the housing from the refracted to the extended position. The actuator can further include a return spring for biasing the piston in the retracted position and the plurality of gas generation charges can be disposed in the housing. | 08-15-2013 |
20130183551 | Liquid Reserve Batteries For Munitions - A method for producing power from a liquid reserve battery. The method including heating a liquid electrolyte and forcing the heated liquid electrolyte into gaps dispersed in a battery cell. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181459 | POWER GENERATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A power generation device including: a housing; an elastic element disposed in the housing in a preloaded state; a power source operatively connected to the elastic element such that release of the elastic element from the preloaded state converts potential energy in the elastic element to electric power by the power source; and a locking element for releasably locking the elastic element in the preloaded state such that removing the locking element causes the potential energy preloaded in the elastic element to be converted to electric power by the power source. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180423 | Shock Detection Circuit and Method of Shock Detection - A shock detection circuit including: an electrical energy generating device configured to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to the acceleration; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device; and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the output and a reference voltage and to produce a result based on the comparison. | 07-18-2013 |
20130174756 | Inertially Operated Electrical Initiation Devices - An all-fire detection circuit for an electrically initiated inertial igniter munition. The all-fire detection circuitry including: an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device; and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the output and a reference voltage and to produce a result based on the comparison. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174754 | Inertially Operated Electrical Initiation Devices - An all-fire detection circuit for an electrically initiated inertial igniter munition. The all-fire detection circuit including: an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device to deliver an all-fire indication when at least a portion of the charge exceeds a first predetermined voltage; and a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device, the first diode selected to have a backward leakage draining the charge when the input voltage drops below a second predetermined voltage. | 07-11-2013 |
20130167746 | Methods and Devices For Enabling Safe/Arm Functionality Within Gravity Dropped Small Weapons Resulting From a Relative Movement Between the Weapon and a Rack Mount - A device for enabling safe/arm functionality in a gravity dropped weapon. The device including: a rack for attaching the weapon to an airframe; an elastic element disposed in the weapon; a releasable connection between the weapon and the airframe to release a stored energy in the elastic element; and a piezoelectric member connected to one end of the elastic member for converting the stored energy to an electrical energy. | 07-04-2013 |
20130152811 | Impulse-Based Compact Mechanical G-Switch With Modular Design - A G-switch including: a base and posts, the posts having a hole; a locking ball with a portion disposed in the holes; a striker mass movably disposed relative to the posts and having a concave portion, wherein a portion of the locking balls is disposed the concave portion; a collar movable relative to the posts; a biasing element for biasing the collar in a position which retains the locking balls within the concave portions, the biasing element permitting movement of the collar to a position in which the locking balls are released from the concave portions to release the striker mass upon a predetermined acceleration profile; and a member on the striker mass and first and second electrically conductive contacts on a portion of the body, the first member opening or closing an electrical circuit between the first and second contacts upon release of the striker mass. | 06-20-2013 |
20130145948 | Methods and Devices For Enabling Safe/Arm Functionality Within Gravity Dropped Small Weapons Resulting From a Relative Movement Between the Weapon and a Rack Mount - A method for determining one or more of an impact level and direction of a weapon as it strikes a target. The method including: providing an elastic element in the weapon; providing a piezoelectric member attached to the elastic element such that elongation and/or depression of the elastic element will generate an electrical power output from the piezoelectric member; and determining the impact level based on the output of the piezoelectric member. | 06-13-2013 |
20130081550 | MINIATURE SAFE AND ARM (S&A) MECHANISMS FOR FUZING OF GRAVITY DROPPED SMALL WEAPONS - A device for enabling safe/arm functionality in a gravity dropped weapon detachably connected to an airframe where the device includes: an elastic element disposed in a shell of the weapon; a releasable connection between the weapon and the airframe to release one or more of a stored and generated energy in the elastic element; and a piezoelectric member connected to one end of the elastic member for converting the one or more of the stored and generated energy to an electrical energy. The releasable connection can include: a link having a movable connection for movement of the link relative to the shell between a first position constraining the elastic element from movement and a second position releasing the elastic member to generate the electrical energy; and a lanyard for tethering the link to the airframe such that the link is moved to the second position upon the weapon being released from the airframe. | 04-04-2013 |
20130028607 | Method For Optically Transmitting Data Into and From a Casing of a Projectile - A method for optically transmitting data into and from a casing of a projectile. The method including: transmitting, from an outside of the casing to an inside of the casing, a first optical signal containing first data through a first optical window disposed on the casing; manipulating the first data inside the casing of the projectile into second data; and transmitting, from the inside of the casing to the outside of the casing, a second optical signal containing the second data through a second optical window. The first and second optical windows can be the same optical window or different optical windows. | 01-31-2013 |
20130014660 | METHOD FOR DETONATING AN UNEXPLODED MUNITION - A method for detonating an unexploded munition including: firing one or more munitions into an area without detonation; providing the one or more munitions with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from an induced vibration; inducing a vibration in the power supply of the one or more munitions to generate power; and generating a detonation signal from the generated power to detonate the one or more munitions. | 01-17-2013 |
20120313812 | Scanning Polarized RF Reference Sources For Angular Orientation Measurement For Munitions and the Like - A method for determining an angular orientation of a sensor relative to a source. The method including: amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized Radio Frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency; detecting the scanning polarized RF reference source at the sensor; and using peak detection or pattern matching analysis on a signal detected at the sensor to determine the angular orientation of the sensor relative to scanning polarized RF reference source. | 12-13-2012 |
20120301754 | Exothermic Reactive Portions Positioned About A Thermal Battery For Increasing an Active Life of the Thermal Battery - A thermal battery including: a casing; a thermal battery cell disposed in the casing and operatively connected to electrical connections exposed from the casing; at least one portion of a material having an exothermic reaction positioned between the casing and the thermal battery cell; a first initiator for initiating the thermal battery cell; at least one second initiator for initiating the at least one portion; and a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the thermal battery cell corresponding to the at least one portion; wherein the second initiator initiates the at least one portion when the temperature of the thermal battery cell corresponding to the at least one portion falls below a predetermined level. | 11-29-2012 |
20120291613 | Miniature Safe and Arm Mechanisms For Fuzing of Gravity Dropped Small Weapons - Methods and devices for differentiating an actual air drop of a gravity dropped weapon from an accidental drop of the weapon onto a surface. The method including: connecting a first end of at least one lanyard to an airframe; releasably connecting a second end of the at least one lanyard to a power generation device such that release of the second end with the power generation device initiates power generation by the power generation device; and releasably connecting a third end of the at least one lanyard to at least a portion of an air velocity sensor such that release of the third end one of activates or exposes the air velocity sensor to an air stream; and differentiating the actual air drop from the accidental drop based at least on a detection of an air velocity by the air velocity sensor. | 11-22-2012 |
20120283949 | Software Based Driving Directions - A method for electronically generating driving directions without text entry. The method including: indicating a starting address or starting location on a map without text entry; indicating an ending address or ending location on a map without text entry; and generating driving directions based on the indicated starting address or starting location and ending address or ending location. | 11-08-2012 |
20120277647 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing - A dressing for application to skin is provided. The dressing including: first and second portions; an adhesive applied on a surface of the first and second portions for adhering the first and second portions to the skin; an elastic member having one end connected to the first portion and another end connected to the second portion; and a locking member disposed between the first and second portions for restraining the elastic member into a first shape; wherein when the locking member is at least partially removed from between the first and second portions, the elastic member moves in a direction towards an unrestrained second shape. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274463 | Battery-Less Emergency Distress Signal And Position Indication Broadcasting Methods and Devices - A method for transmitting a distress signal from a hand-held electronic device. The method including: generating electrical energy resulting from an impact force applied to an impact surface of the device; providing the generated power to a transmitter in the device; and transmitting the distress signal from the transmitter. | 11-01-2012 |
20120269517 | Method and Means of Eliminating Wiring Harness in High-Speed and High-Precision Machines - A method for wirelessly providing electrical energy to a moving platform that is movable relative to a base or ground structure. The method including: moving the moving platform relative to the base or ground structure; providing a device on the moving platform for converting a first energy to the electrical energy; directing a source of the first energy at the device; converting the first energy to the electrical energy at an output of the device; and providing the electrical energy to one or more of an electrical or electronic device associated with the moving platform or to an energy storage device associated with the moving platform. The method can further include wirelessly transmitting data between the moving platform and the base or ground structure. | 10-25-2012 |
20120262334 | Integrated Reference Source and Target Designator System For High-Precision Guidance of Guided Munitions - A method for determining a position of a device in a reference coordinate system. The method including: receiving, at the device, less than all of GPS signals necessary to determine the position of the device in the reference coordinate system; transmitting a signal from aυ illuminating source defined in the reference coordinate system; receiving the signal at a cavity waveguide disposed on the device; and determining the position of the device in the reference coordinate system based on the GPS signals and the signal received in the cavity waveguide. The signal received in the cavity waveguide can also be used to confirm a position determined by the GPS signals. | 10-18-2012 |
20120256039 | Remotely Guided Gun-Fired and Mortar Rounds - A system for guiding a gun-fired or mortared round towards an intended target, the system including a round having: a forward facing image pick-up device for capturing image data; a first transceiver; guidance device for varying a flight path of the round; and a first processor. The system further including a control platform remotely located from the round, the control platform having: a second transceiver; a second processor; an input device; and a display. Where the first processor transmits image data from the image pick-up device through the first transceiver to the second processor through the second transceiver, the second processor transmits guidance information from the second transceiver to the first processor through the first transceiver and the first processor controls the guidance device based on the guidance information to guide the round towards the intended target. | 10-11-2012 |
20120241551 | METHOD FOR STEPPING A FIRST MEMBER RELATIVE TO A SECOND MEMBER ASSOCIATED WITH A PROJECTILE - A method for stepping a first member relative to a second member associated with a projectile. The method including: providing one of the first and second members with one of a plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a first spacing; providing the other of the first and second members with the other of the plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a second spacing, where the first spacing is different from the second spacing; and engaging at least one of the movable pins into a corresponding pocket to step one of the first and second members a predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement. | 09-27-2012 |
20120238971 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing For Blisters and Puncture Wounds - A dressing for application over a wound on a surface of the skin of a patient. The dressing including: a pressure applying portion positioned over the wound; an adhesive portion positioned proximate to the pressure applying portion for fixing the pressure applying portion to the skin; and a potential energy storage mechanism for storing potential energy that would tend to apply pressure to the wound formed by the pressure applying portion. | 09-20-2012 |
20120238931 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing - A method for applying pressure to skin with a dressing. The method including: adhering at least a portion of the dressing to the skin; and subsequent to the adhering, changing the shape of the dressing by removing a restraint which restrains an elastic member associated with the dressing into a first shape. Where the removing of the restraint from restraining the elastic member moves the elastic member towards an unrestrained second shape to one or more of elongate or reduce a dimension of the dressing to apply a pressure to corresponding portions of the skin. | 09-20-2012 |
20120234095 | ENERGY HARVESTING POWER SOURCES FOR GENERATING A TIME-OUT SINGAL FOR UNEXPLODED MUNITIONS - A method for generating electrical power from an acceleration of an object is provided. The method including: vibrating a mass-spring unit upon an acceleration of an object; transmitting a force resulting from the acceleration from the mass-spring unit to the one or more piezoelectric elements; converting the vibration of the mass-spring unit to an electrical energy; and calculating at least one of the force and acceleration based on an output of the one or more piezoelectric elements. | 09-20-2012 |
20120228423 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROLL ANGLE INDICATION AND MEASUREMENT IN FLYING OBJECTS - A method for onboard determination of a roll angle of a projectile. The method including: transmitting a polarized RF signal from a reference source, with a predetermined polarization plane; receiving the signal at a pair of polarized RF sensor cavities positioned symmetrical on the projectile with respect to a reference roll position on the projectile; measuring a difference between an output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities resulting from the received signal to determine zero output roll positions of the projectile; and comparing an output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities at each of the zero output positions to determine when the projectile is parallel to the predetermined polarization plane. The method can also include analyzing an output of at least one third sensor positioned on the projectile to determine whether the roll angle position of the projectile is up as compared to the horizon. | 09-13-2012 |
20120215270 | RESERVE BATTERY OPERATED EMERGENCY MEDICAL DEVICES - An automated external defibrillator including: a reserve power source for providing power to defibrillate a patient, the reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power to electrode pads configured to supply the produced power to a surface of the patient; and a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, the stop being selectively removable when activation is desired. | 08-23-2012 |
20120210896 | Electrically Initiated Inertial Igniters for Thermal Batteries and the Like - A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition. The method including: providing an electrical energy generating device to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; providing a first electrical storage device connected to the electrical energy generating device through a voltage divide circuit to receive a portion of the voltage over the duration; providing a second electrical storage device connected to the electrical energy generating device to accumulate the voltage; and providing a circuit powered by a connection to the electrical energy generating device, the circuit determining an all-fire condition based on both a connection to the first electrical storage device that receives the portion of the voltage and the duration of voltage generation and a predetermined accumulated voltage of the second electrical storage device. | 08-23-2012 |
20120206084 | Reserve Power Source for Munitions - A method of sustaining a production of power. The method including: initiating a reserve power source of two or more reserve power sources upon a predetermined event; storing at least a portion of a supply of electrical energy from the reserve power source in at least one electrical energy storage device; and repeating the initiating for another reserve power source of the two or more reserve power sources upon determining that the electrical energy stored in the at least one electrical energy storage device is less than a predetermined value. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205225 | High-G Inertial Igniter - A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced. | 08-16-2012 |
20120204747 | INTEGRATED POWER SOURCE AND SAFETY MECHANISMS FOR SUBMUNITIONS SELF-DESTRUCT FUZE AND THE LIKE - A method for providing electrical energy to a self-destruct fuze for submunitions contained in a projectile is provided. The method including: using a firing acceleration of the projectile to deform at least one elastic element to store mechanical energy in the elastic element; converting the stored mechanical energy to electrical energy; and providing the electrical energy at least indirectly to the self destruct fuze for detonation of the self destruct fuze. Alternatively, the firing acceleration can lock the elastic element in the deformed position and an expulsion acceleration of the submunitions from the projectile can be used to unlock the elastic element and convert the stored mechanical energy to electrical energy. | 08-16-2012 |
20120200250 | Power Source For Starting Engines of Vehicles and the Like - A reserve power source for charging a device, such as a depleted power source or a vehicle. The reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power, such as a thermal battery or a liquid reserve battery; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; and a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power. The reserve power source can also include a cable connected to each of the pair of terminals for connecting outputting the produced power to the depleted power source and/or conditioning circuitry for conditioning the produced power prior to output at the terminals. The reserve battery can also include a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, where the stop is selectively removable when activation is desired. | 08-09-2012 |
20120199690 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROLL ANGLE INDICATION AND MEASUREMENT IN FLYING OBJECTS - A method for onboard determination of a roll angle of a projectile. The method including: transmitting a polarized RF signal from a reference source, with a predetermined polarization plane; receiving the signal at a pair of polarized RF sensor cavities positioned symmetrical on the projectile with respect to the predetermined polarization plane; receiving the signal at a third polarized RF sensor cavity positioned such that it receives a maximum signal at zero roll angle positioning; differentiating between up or down positioning of the desired roll angle position based on an output from a fourth sensor on the projectile; analyzing an output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities and the third RF sensor cavity resulting from the received signal and an output of the fourth sensor; generating a curve based on the output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities and the third RF sensor cavity indicating a relationship between roll angle and the third sensor output; and determining a roll angle positioning of the projectile based on the curve. | 08-09-2012 |
20120184890 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing for Blisters Caused by Burn and the Like - A dressing for application over a blistered area on a surface of the skin of a patient. The dressing including: a volume forming portion positioned over the blistered area; an adhesive portion positioned proximate to the volume forming portion for fixing the volume forming portion to the skin; and a potential energy storage mechanism for storing potential energy that would tend to increase a volume adjacent to the blistered area formed by the volume forming portion to create a vacuum adjacent the blistered area. | 07-19-2012 |
20120180682 | Inertially Operated Electrical Initiation Devices - An electrical igniter for a munition. The igniter including: a magnet and coil wherein the magnet is configured for substantially repetitive motion in proximity to the coil to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the voltage over the duration; and a circuit powered by the voltage, the circuit configured to determine an all-fire condition based on both the portion of the voltage and the duration of voltage generation and a predetermined accumulated voltage of the electrical storage device. | 07-19-2012 |
20120180681 | Inertially Operated Electrical Initiation Methods - A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition. The method including: generating a voltage over a duration of an acceleration of the munition; directing a portion of a charge resulting from the voltage and duration to an electrical storage device on board the munition; determining by a circuit, whether the acceleration experienced by the munition is an all-fire condition based on both the voltage and duration of voltage generation and a predetermined accumulated voltage of the electrical storage device; and providing the predetermined accumulated voltage to an initiator when the all-fire condition is determined. | 07-19-2012 |
20120180680 | Inertially Operated Electrical Initiation Devices - An electrically initiated inertial igniter for a munition including: an electrical energy generating device configured to generate a voltage over a duration of an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the voltage over the duration; a circuit powered by the electrical energy generating device, the circuit configured to determine an all-fire condition based on both the portion of the voltage and the duration of voltage generation and a predetermined accumulated voltage of the electrical storage device; and an initiator, the circuit configured to activate the initiator by providing the predetermined accumulated voltage to the initiator when the all-fire condition is determined. | 07-19-2012 |
20120174810 | MULTI-STAGE MECHANICAL DELAY MECHANISMS FOR INERTIAL IGNITERS FOR THERMAL BATTERIES AND THE LIKE HAVING A LEAF SPRING MOVABLE MEMBER - An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance. | 07-12-2012 |
20120174670 | Inertia Sensors With Multi-Directional Shock Protection - A sensor including: a base; at least one component which moves relative to the base; and one or more locking mechanisms for locking the at least one component in a predetermined stationary position in response to external stimuli exceeding predetermined thresholds in at least first and second directions, where the first direction is different from the second direction. | 07-12-2012 |
20120172779 | SHAPE AND PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE DRESSING - A dressing for covering a wound. The dressing including: a first component having a first shape; a second component releasably attached to a first surface of the first component to maintain the first component in a second shape different from the first shape; and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first component different from the first surface for attaching the first component to the wound such that the second component can be released from the first component to allow the first component to take the first shape to apply a pressure to portions of the skin surrounding the wound to close the wound; wherein the second component is a mechanical device. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172778 | Shape and Pressure Adjustable Dressing - A dressing for covering a wound in which the dressing includes: a first component having a first shape with a first dimension; a second component releasably attached to a first surface of the first component to maintain the first component in a second shape different from the first shape, the second shape having a second dimension longer than the first dimension; and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first component different from the first surface for attaching the first component to the wound such that the second component can be released from the first component to allow the first component to take the first shape to apply a pressure to portions of the skin surrounding the wound to close the wound. | 07-05-2012 |
20120169055 | NOVEL ELECTRICAL GENERATORS FOR USE IN UNMOORED BUOYS AND THE LIKE PLATFORMS WITH LOW-FREQUENCY AND TIME-VARYING OSCILLATORY MOTIONS - A buoy for generating electrical energy from an roll/pitch motion resulting from a passing wave. The buoy including: a body; a pendulum member rotatably disposed on the body at a first end of the pendulum member; a pendulum mass disposed at a second end of the pendulum member; an exciter mass positioned on the pendulum member between the first and second ends; and one or more generators for generating electrical energy, the one or more generators being positioned in the body such that swinging of the pendulum member due to the roll/pitch motion causes a portion of the exciter mass to engage the one or more generators to generate the electrical energy. | 07-05-2012 |
20120152142 | Actuators for Gun-Fired Projectiles and Mortars - A method for providing actuation thrust to a projectile. The method including: providing two or more individual actuators movably disposed in a stack housing, each of the two or more individual actuators being separated by a separation layer; accelerating exhaust from the two or more individual actuators with an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat; and maintaining a constant volume in the accelerating nozzle after actuation of each of the two or more individual actuators. | 06-21-2012 |
20120146843 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SCANNING POLARIZED REFERENCE SOURCES - A method of providing a polarized radio frequency scanning source is provided. The method including amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized radio frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency. The two or more synchronized polarized RF carrier signals with the predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation can obtain a periodic or non-periodic scanning range, rate and frequency. | 06-14-2012 |
20120135280 | Multi-Functional Insulation Materials For Thermal Batteries - A thermal battery including: a casing; a thermal battery cell disposed in the casing and operatively connected to electrical connections exposed from the casing; a fuel and oxidizer mixture disposed at least partially between the casing and the battery cell; and one or more initiators for initiating one or more of the thermal battery cell and the fuel and oxidizer mixture; wherein the fuel and oxidizer mixture produces an exothermic reaction upon initiation and forms a reaction product being a thermal insulator. | 05-31-2012 |
20120135276 | Reserve Power Source for Munitions - A method for producing electrical energy in a munition includes; initiating a thermal battery contained within the munition to generate electrical energy; dumping the electrical energy generated by the thermal battery into an electrical energy storage device before the thermal battery becomes inactive; and using the stored electrical energy in the electrical energy storage device over a period of time. The initiation device can be an inertial igniter, the electrical energy storage device can be a capacitor and the thermal battery, initiation device and electrical energy storage device can be configured such that the initiation device and electrical energy storage device sandwich the thermal battery. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132097 | Compact Mechanical Inertia Igniters For Thermal Batteries and the Like - An inertial igniter for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event is provided. The inertial igniter including: a base having a first projection; a striker mass rotatably connected to the base through a rotatable connection, the base having a second projection aligned with the first projection such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and a rotation prevention mechanism for preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced. | 05-31-2012 |
20120119015 | Actuators For Gun-Fired Projectiles and Mortars - An actuator stack is provided and having a tubular body and two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction in the tubular body. Where each of the two or more actuators have a solid propellant; a primer for igniting the propellant; and detonation wiring for powering the primer. The actuator stack further having a separation layer formed between adjacent individual actuators in the stack. | 05-17-2012 |
20120033135 | Method and Apparatus For Listening to audio Corresponding to a PIP Display - A method for enabling two or more viewers to simultaneously view and listen to different video content, the method including: displaying simultaneously video content from each of two or more tuners on a television monitor; producing with a speaker hardwired to the television monitor audio corresponding to the displayed video content from any of the two or more tuners; generating wireless audio signals corresponding to the displayed video content from any other of the two or more tuners simultaneously with the at least one speaker producing the audio; transmitting the wireless audio signals to a single remote control; receiving the wireless audio signals at the single remote control; directing the audio signals to headphones detachably connected to the remote control; and entering commands on the single remote control for controlling at least a changing of video content displayed and changing of an audio volume corresponding to the displayed video content. | 02-09-2012 |
20120001016 | PROJECTILE HAVING ONE OR MORE WINDOWS FOR TRANSMITTING POWER AND/OR DATA INTO/FROM THE PROJECTILE INTERIOR - A projectile including: a casing; first and second windows provided on the casing for at least one of transmitting a first optical signal into an interior of the casing and transmitting a second optical signal from the interior of the casing; a receiving element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for at least one of converting the first optical signal into electrical energy and storing data provided in the first optical signal; and a transmitting element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for transmitting data provided in the second optical signal to outside the casing. | 01-05-2012 |
20110297029 | INERTIAL IGNITERS WITH SAFETY PIN FOR INITIATION WITH LOW SETBACK ACCELERATION - Inertial igniters for initiating a thermal battery and methods of preventing initiation of an inertial igniter are provided. The method including: biasing a mass element from a base element with a spring element connecting the mass element and the spring element; and removably disposing a safety member between the mass element and the base element to prevent relative movement between the mass element and base element to prevent accidental initiation of the inertial igniter. The method can further comprise removing the safety member prior to subjecting the inertial igniter to all-fire conditions. | 12-08-2011 |
20110271864 | Speed-Adaptive Deployable Boat-Tailing Cone for Munitions for Range Extension - A base cone for a projectile including: a cone member being movable between a retracted position and an extended deployed position, the deployed position being longer in an axial direction than the refracted position; a member adapted to connect the cone member to a trailing portion of the projectile; and a release mechanism for releasing the cone member from the refracted position to the extended deployed position. | 11-10-2011 |
20110271863 | Electrically Initiated Inertial Igniters for Thermal Batteries and the Like - A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition. The method including: generating a voltage over a duration of an acceleration of the munition; powering a circuit from the generated voltage for determining when the acceleration experienced by the munition is an all-fire condition; electrically activating a reserve battery by the generated voltage when the circuit determines that the acceleration experienced by the munition is the all-fire condition; and electrically initiating pyrotechnic materials at a specified time into a flight of the munition using the reserve battery. | 11-10-2011 |
20110253230 | Temperature Sensitive Valve Having Shape Memory Actuator - A valve for preventing the flow of fluid from an outlet when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold. The valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass through the outlet when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet. | 10-20-2011 |
20110204751 | Generators For Very-High-G Energy Harvesting - A method for harvesting energy from a high-G acceleration of a munition. The method including: proving a vibrating mass-spring unit in a housing of an energy harvesting device; and reducing an effective acceleration on the mass-spring unit by one or more of: offsetting the vibration of the mass-spring unit with respect to a direction of the high-G acceleration; biasing a mass of the mass-spring unit in a direction having at least a component in the direction of the high-G acceleration; limiting a vibration deflection of at least a portion of the mass-spring unit in the direction of the high-G acceleration; or limiting an amount of vibration of the mass-spring unit in a direction offset from the direction of the high-G acceleration and removing such limit after the acceleration. | 08-25-2011 |
20110193350 | Electrical Generators For Low-Frequency and Time-Varying Rocking and Rotary Motions - An apparatus for generating electrical energy from a first motion having a low and/or variable frequency. The apparatus including: a first device to which the first motion is transferred; and a second device to which the first motion is transferred from the first device, the second device operating at a second motion having a frequency which is higher and/or more constant that the first motion. Wherein the first device comprises one of a first rotating shaft or first translating mass; the first shaft or first mass includes a tip interacting with the second device to transfer the first motion thereto, the second device comprises a mechanism having an electrical energy generator for converting the second motion to electrical energy; and the electrical energy generator comprises a rotary or linear coil and magnet generator or a piezoelectric generator. The interaction of the tip with the shaft or mass can be contactless. | 08-11-2011 |
20110179964 | ACTUATORS FOR GUN-FIRED PROJECTILES AND MORTARS - A ring portion including: a ring body; and one or more actuators formed therein for providing thrust to a projectile and configured for fastening to a shell of an airborne device to form a portion of the shell. The airborne device can be a projectile. | 07-28-2011 |
20110176129 | System and Method For Providing A Polarized RF Reference System with Scanning Polarized RF Reference Sources and Their Self-Alignment for Munitions - Arbitrarily deploying scanning polarized RF reference sources and using them to establish a full position and angular orientation reference coordinate system or a full angular orientation reference coordinate system that objects property equipped with polarized RF sensors could use to determine their angular position and/or orientation relative to the reference coordinate system. | 07-21-2011 |
20110171511 | Compact and Low-Volume Mechanical Igniter and Ignition Systems For Thermal Batteries and the Like - An inertial igniter including: a body having a base and three or more posts, each post having a hole; a locking ball corresponding to each post, wherein a portion of the locking balls are disposed in the hole; a striker mass movably disposed relative to the posts and having a surface corresponding to the posts, the striker mass further having a concave portion corresponding to the locking balls, wherein a second portion of each locking ball is disposed in a corresponding concave portion for retaining the striker mass relative to the posts; a collar movable relative to the posts; and a biasing element for biasing the collar in a first position which retains the striker mass, the biasing element permitting movement of the collar to a second position to release the striker mass relative to the posts upon a predetermined acceleration profile. | 07-14-2011 |
20110168046 | ENERGY HARVESTING POWER SOURCES FOR GENERATING A TIME-OUT SINGAL FOR UNEXPLODED MUNITIONS - A method is provided for detecting a target impact of a munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; and determining whether the output of power from the power supply has dropped below a predetermined threshold. | 07-14-2011 |
20110162549 | ACTUATORS FOR GUN-FIRED PROJECTILES AND MORTARS - An actuator stack is provided and having two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction. Each of the two or more actuators having a solid detonation charge; a primer for igniting the detonation charge; and detonation wiring for powering the primer; and wherein at least one of the two or more individual actuators comprise an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat. | 07-07-2011 |
20110129295 | Deployable Collapsible Engineered Material Systems For Runway Safety - A method for slowing a vehicle. The method including: disposing a predetermined thickness of collapsible material over a base; disposing a plurality of panels over a top surface of the collapsible material over which the vehicle travels; and selectively either supporting one or more of the plurality of panels or allowing the collapsible material to be compressed under the weight of the vehicle. | 06-02-2011 |
20110088149 | Method For Applying a Protective and Decorative Covering to Sports Helmets - A method for one or more of protecting and decorating a sports helmet. The method including; positioning an opening in a band of heat shrink material around an external outer surface of the sports helmet, the opening being larger than a corresponding size of the external outer surface of the sports helmet; and applying heat to the heat shrink material to shrink the heat shrink material to a size of the external outer surface of the helmet. | 04-21-2011 |
20110076030 | Computer Having a Casing and/or Interior Acting as a Communication Bus Between Electronic Components - A computer including: a casing, at least a portion of which contains a potting material acting as an optical waveguide material; a transmitter for transmitting a pulse based signal at least partially through the potting material acting as the optical waveguide material; and a receiver for receiving the pulse based signal after one or more reflections of the pulse based signal from interior surfaces of the casing; the pulse based signal having a pulse rate configured such that a subsequent pulse doesn't interfere with reflections from an immediately previous pulse. | 03-31-2011 |
20110076029 | Device Having a Casing and/or Interior Acting as a Communication Bus Between Electronic Components - A device other than a projectile including: a casing, at least a portion of which contains a potting material acting as the optical waveguide material; a transmitter for transmitting a pulse based signal at least partially through the potting material; and a receiver for receiving the pulse based signal after one or more reflections of the pulse based signal from interior surfaces of the casing; the pulse based signal having a pulse rate configured such that a subsequent pulse doesn't interfere with reflections from an immediately previous pulse. | 03-31-2011 |
20100307362 | Setback and Set-Forward Initiated Inertial Igniters and Activated Electrical Switches - A method of igniting one of a pyrotechnic material and primer during or after an all fire setback acceleration. The method including: positioning a mass element along an inclined surface; biasing the mass element in a direction into the inclined surface such that the mass element traverses the inclined surface upon the all fire setback acceleration against the biasing; drawing the mass element toward one of a pyrotechnic material and primer with the biasing after the mass element traverses the inclined surface. The method can further include delaying the drawing until the mass element experiences a set forward acceleration. The delaying can include drawing the mass element into a delay well after the mass element traverses the inclined surface and drawing the mass element across a delay wedge when the mass element experiences the set forward acceleration. | 12-09-2010 |
20100295720 | Integrated Reference Source And Target Designator System For High-Precision Guidance of Guided Munitions - A method for guidance of a moving object towards a target. The method including: providing reference signals from RF reference sources to illuminate RF sensors on the moving object; positioning the RF reference sources to form a reference coordinate system; determining position information designating a position of the target in the reference coordinate system by a forward observer; fixing at least one of the RF reference sources at the forward observer in the reference coordinate system; determining a position and orientation of the moving object in the reference coordinate system on board the moving object based on signals received at the RF sensors from the RF reference sources and based on the positions of the RF reference sources; and guiding the moving object to the target at least based on the determined position and orientation of the moving object and the determined position information of the designated target. | 11-25-2010 |
20100283265 | METHOD FOR POWERING A DEVICE WITH AN IMPACT - A method for powering a device. The method including: impacting a portion of the device against a surface; converting the impacting to electrical energy; and providing at least a portion of the electrical energy to at least one powered element associated with the device. | 11-11-2010 |
20100283264 | Impact Powered Devices - A device including: a housing; a powered element disposed on or in the housing; and an impact power producing element housed on or in the housing and operatively connected to the powered element, the impact power producing element producing power upon an impact of at least a portion of the housing with another surface; wherein the impact power producing element comprises a mass and one or more spring elements connected at a first end to the mass and at a second end directly or indirectly to the housing and the impact power producing element further comprises one or more magnet elements and a coil, wherein the impact causes a relative motion between the one or more magnet elements and the coil. | 11-11-2010 |
20100236440 | Methods and Apparatus For Mechanical Reserve Power Sources For Gun-Fired Munitions, Mortars, and Gravity Dropped Weapons - A power source including: a power generation device; a mass-spring unit having a mass and an elastic element operatively connected to the power generation device; and one or more retention fingers releasably engaged with the mass-spring unit for retaining the mass-spring unit in a position such that potential energy is stored therein and for releasing the potential energy upon occurrence of an event to generate electrical energy in the power generation device, the one or more retention fingers having a first end fixed at a base and a second end releasably engaged with the mass-spring unit. The occurrence of the event can be one or more of an acceleration and spinning of the base. Also disclosed is a power source having one or more retention fingers that are slidable with respect to a base such that the engagement of the first end is released upon a spinning of the base. | 09-23-2010 |
20100236329 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATED ENERGY HARVESTING POWER SOURCES AND INERTIAL SENSORS FOR GUN-FIRED MUNITIONS - A method for generating electrical power from an acceleration of an object is provided. The method including: vibrating a mass-spring unit upon an acceleration of an object; transmitting a force resulting from the acceleration from the mass-spring unit to the one or more piezoelectric elements; converting the vibration of the mass-spring unit to an electrical energy; and calculating at least one of the force and acceleration based on an output of the one or more piezoelectric elements. | 09-23-2010 |
20100220002 | System and Method For Roll Angle Indication and Measurement in Flying Objects - A method for onboard measurement of a deviation in orientation of an object from a desired orientation of the object. The method including: transmitting a polarized RF signal from a reference source, with a predetermined polarization plane; receiving the signal at a pair of polarized RF sensor cavities positioned symmetrical on the object with respect to the predetermined polarization plane; analyzing an output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities resulting from the received signal; and determining the deviation in orientation of the object relative to the predetermined plane based on the analysis. The method can further include controlling the object based on the determined deviation in orientation. | 09-02-2010 |
20100199873 | Methods and Devices For Enabling Safe/Arm Functionality Within Small Weapons - A method for enabling safe/arm functionality in weapons. The method including: attaching the weapon to an airframe; providing an elastic element in the weapon; releasing the weapon from the airframe to release a stored energy in the elastic element; converting the stored energy to an electrical energy; and providing the electrical energy to one or more components in the weapon. | 08-12-2010 |
20100181784 | Collision Barrier Device For Projecting Loads - A crash barrier device including: a body portion having at least an impact portion; and a fastening portion configured to fasten the body portion to a projecting load being carried by a vehicle; wherein the impact portion and fastening portion are configured such that the impact portion is nearer to a surface traveled on by the vehicle than the fastening portion. A system for carrying projecting loads is also provided and includes: a trailer having wheels and fastener(s) for fastening the trailer to a powered vehicle; and the crash barrier device. | 07-22-2010 |
20100174478 | Software Based Driving Directions - A method for electronically generating driving directions from a starting location to an ending location. The method including: indicating the ending location; indicating one or more preferences for the directions to include less than all steps that would otherwise be generated if not for the one or more preferences; and generating driving directions based on the starting location, ending location, and one or more preferences. | 07-08-2010 |
20100160122 | Device for Generating Power From a Locomotion Energy Associated With Leg Muscles Acting Across a Joint - A device for generating power from a locomotion energy associated with leg muscles acting across an ankle joint. The device including: a cuff worn on the leg; a shoe; an energy absorbing element operatively connected to the cuff and shoe for absorbing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160121 | Device for Generating Power Across a Joint - A device for generating power during a locomotion cycle from mechanical energy of a living body. The device including an energy absorbing and converting device disposed across a joint of the living body, the energy absorbing and converting device configured to be selectively in an engaged state and in a disengaged state during selected portions of the locomotion cycle while the device remains disposed across the joint of the living body, wherein the device is engaged to absorb mechanical energy of the living body only during a portion of the locomotion cycle during which muscles of the joint would otherwise be doing work across the joint to absorb mechanical energy of the living body, the device is disengaged during a portion of the locomotion cycle during which the muscles are doing work across the joint to increase mechanical energy of the living body and at least partially converting the absorbed mechanical energy to converted energy and the converted energy is provided to one of an energy storage device or power consuming device. | 06-24-2010 |
20100132577 | Multi-Stage Mechanical Delay Mechanisms For Electrical Switching and the like - A multi-stage inertial switch including: a housing having a first electrical contact; two or more members disposed in the housing, at least one end of each of the two or more members being sequentially movable upon a different level of acceleration of the housing; and a movable member movable within the housing by the sequential movement of the two or more members, the movable member having a second electrical contact capable of engagement with the first electrical contact to one of open or close an electrical circuit between the first and second electrical contacts upon an occurrence of a predetermined magnitude and/or duration acceleration event. | 06-03-2010 |
20100126338 | Modular, Deployable Weapon System Mount - A mount for deploying a weapon system through a window in a defended position is provided. The mount including a mechanism having an attachment to the weapon system and a base having an attachment to a portion of the defended position. The mechanism further having; a first actuator for moving the weapon system from a stowed position to at least one intermediate position; and a second actuator for moving the weapon system from the at least one intermediate position to a deployed position projecting from the window. The defended position can be a ship in which case the window can be an opening in a hull of the ship. | 05-27-2010 |
20100100312 | Software Based Driving Directions - A method for electronically generating driving directions including: indicating a starting address; indicating an ending address; indicating one or more preferences for the directions to include less than all steps that would otherwise be generated if not for the one or more preferences; and generating driving directions based on the indicated starting address, ending address, and one or more preferences. Also provided is a method for electronically generating driving directions including: indicating a starting address; indicating an ending address; instructing the use of less than all steps that would otherwise be generated if not for the instruction; and generating driving directions based on the indicated starting address, ending address, and instruction. Also provided is a method for electronically generating driving directions by indicating addresses or locations on a map. | 04-22-2010 |
20100094265 | Automated Laser-Treatment System With Real Time Integrated 3D Vision System for Laser Debridement and the Like - A method for automated treatment of an area of skin of a patient with laser energy. The method including: identifying the area to be treated with the laser; modeling the identified area of the skin to be treated; and controlling the laser to direct laser energy to within the modeled area of the skin. | 04-15-2010 |
20100087803 | Automated Laser-Treatment System With Real Time Integrated 3D Vision System for Laser Debridement and the Like - A treatment head for treatment of an area of the skin. The head including: an enclosure having an open end for contact with the skin in a vicinity of the treatment area; a camera configured to be directed towards the open end; and a laser head configured to be directed towards the open end. | 04-08-2010 |
20100071577 | AXIALLY COMPACT AND LOW-VOLUME MECHANICAL IGNITER FOR THERMAL BATTERIES AND THE LIKE - An inertial igniter for use with a thermal battery for producing power upon acceleration is provided. The inertial igniter including: a base; at least one member disposed on the base, the at least one member having a hole; a mass movable towards the base, the mass having a concave portion; a locking ball disposed in the hole in the at least one member and having a portion thereof disposed in the concave portion for preventing relative movement of the mass with the base when an acceleration time profile is below a predetermined threshold; and a biasing spring including a portion for preventing the locking ball from leaving the concave portion when the acceleration time profile is below the predetermined threshold and for allowing the locking ball to leave the concave portion when the acceleration time profile is below the predetermined threshold to unlock the mass and permit movement of the mass relative to the base. | 03-25-2010 |
20100059622 | Integrated Reference Source and Target Designator System for High-Precision Guidance of Guided Munitions - A method for guiding a moving object to a target. The method comprising: transmitting a signal from one or more illuminating sources defined in a reference coordinate system; receiving the signal at three or more cavity waveguides disposed on the moving object; using one or more forward observers to determine the position of the target; fixing the one or more illuminating sources to the one or more forward observers; determining a position and/or orientation of the object in the reference coordinate system based on a strength of the signal received in the three or more cavity waveguides; and guiding the moving object to the target based on the determined position and/or orientation. | 03-11-2010 |
20090315431 | ELECTRICAL GENERATORS FOR LOW-FREQUENCY AND TIME-VARYING ROCKING AND ROTARY MOTION - A method for generating electrical energy from a first motion having a low and/or variable frequency is provided. The method including: transferring the first motion to a first device; and intermittently transferring the first motion from the first device to a second device operating at a frequency which is higher and/or more constant that the first motion. | 12-24-2009 |
20090288571 | MULTI-STAGE MECHANICAL DELAY MECHANISMS FOR INERTIAL IGNITERS FOR THERMAL BATTERIES AND THE LIKE HAVING A ROTATABLE MOVABLE MEMBER - An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance. | 11-26-2009 |
20090256024 | Projectile Having A Window For Transmitting Power and/or Data Into The Projectile Interior - A method is provided for optically providing at least one of power and data to a projectile from an external optical source. The method including: outputting an optical signal from an external optical source into an interior of the projectile; receiving the optical signal in the interior of projectile and at least one of converting the optical signal to electrical energy and storing data provided in the optical signal. The electrical energy can be provided to the one or more electronic components and/or energy storage medium disposed on the interior of the projectile. The data provided in the optical signal can be provided to a data storage medium disposed on the interior of the projectile. | 10-15-2009 |
20090218712 | Method of Forming a Ladder - A method for forming a ladder including: forming first and second expandable members used in constructing the ladder, the forming of each of the first and second expandable members which includes; expanding a covering to define a cavity; expanding foam in the cavity in an expansion direction to expand the covering into a predetermined shape; and connecting the first and second expandable members together by disposing a plurality of rungs therebetween. | 09-03-2009 |
20090217985 | Temperature Sensitive Valve Having Shape Memory Actuator - A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing. | 09-03-2009 |
20090211648 | FAUCET OUTLET FITTING HAVING A TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE VALVE HAVING SHAPE MEMORY ACTUATOR - A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing. | 08-27-2009 |
20090178285 | High Branch Tree Saw - A saw for cutting an overhead object is provided. The saw including: an elongated pole having a first end held by a user and a second end; a holding mechanism disposed at the second end of the elongated pole, the holding mechanism having an opening for holding the overhead object; and a cutting blade movably disposed on one of the elongated pole or holding mechanism so as to define a cutting stroke within the opening. | 07-16-2009 |
20090160294 | Piezoelectric Generators Having an Inductance Circuit For Munitions Fuzing and the Like - A piezoelectric generator for generating power from an acceleration is provided. The piezoelectric generator including: a piezoelectric member capable of producing an output power; means for applying a force to the piezoelectric member due to the acceleration; means for sustaining a strain in the piezoelectric member resulting from the applied force; and an inductor electrically connected to the piezoelectric member for forming an oscillating circuit. | 06-25-2009 |
20090093344 | GYMNASTICS SAFETY AND TRAINING AID BAR SLEEVES FOR HIGH BAR AND OTHER APPARATUS - An apparatus for use with gymnastics equipment having a bar which is held by a gymnast, the apparatus including: one or more sleeves surrounding at least a portion of the bar and rotating relative to the bar while the gymnast holds an outer portion of the one or more sleeves; at least one harness for securing around at least a portion of a torso of a gymnast; and one or more straps fixed at a first end to the harness and to the one or more sleeves at a second end; wherein the one or more sleeves have one or more slots for accepting the second end of the one or more straps. | 04-09-2009 |
20090022546 | TRAFFIC CONTROL SPEED BUMP - A method for at least slowing a vehicle moving along a surface, the method comprising: providing first and second panels rotatably disposed on the surface and capable of extending above the surface, wherein each of the first and second panels rotate in a different and opposite direction; providing at least one center panel disposed between the first and second panels, the center panel being capable of being deployed into a position extended from the surface; detecting at least one of a vehicle speed, vehicle type, and vehicle weight; and controlling one or more of the first, second, and center panels based on the detecting. | 01-22-2009 |
20090013891 | Electrically Initiated Inertial Igniters for Thermal Batteries and the Like - A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition is provided. The method including: generating electrical power upon a firing acceleration of the munition: powering circuitry on board the munition with the generated electrical power; and electrically determining, at the circuitry, whether an acceleration profile experienced by the munition is an all-fire condition. | 01-15-2009 |
20080304910 | Roadway For Decelerating A Vehicle Including An Aircraft - A method for slowing a vehicle traveling over a movable surface in a direction of travel where the vehicle has a first wheel and at least a second wheel offset from the first wheel in a direction opposite to the direction of travel. The method including: deploying the movable surface to an open position; moving the movable surface to a closed position due to the weight exerted on the movable surface by the first wheel of the vehicle as it travels over the movable surface; locking the movable surface in the closed position to convert at least a portion of a kinetic energy of the vehicle into potential energy to slow the vehicle; and redeploying the movable surface to the open position such that at least the moving can be repeated due to the weight exerted on the movable surface by the second wheel of the vehicle. | 12-11-2008 |