Velocity, internal ballistics and external ballistics detection and control for projectile devices and a reduction in device related pollution

• US 7,926,408 B1
• Filed: 11/28/2006
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Metadigm LLC
• Original Assignee: Metadigm LLC
• Inventors: Kley, Victor B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson; Stephen M
• Assistant Examiner(s): Troy; Daniel J
• Application Number:
  US11/564,133
• Time in Patent Office: 1,603 Days
• Field of Search: 434/20, 434/21, 124/73, 235/411, 235/412, 235/413, 42/84, 89/411.7, 89/411.6
• US Class Current: 89/41.17
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 33/02 Light- or radiation-emitting guns ; Light- or radiation-sensitive guns; Cartridges carrying light emitting sources, e.g. laser
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 11/62 with pressure supplied by a gas cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 1/02 Foresights
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/40 with combustion of a slow-burning charge, e.g. fumers, base-bleed projectiles
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/02 characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/72 characterised by the material heat treatment for explosive shells C21D9/16
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 14/00 Projectiles or missiles characterised by arrangements for guiding or sealing them inside barrels, or for lubricating or cleaning barrels
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 6/10 Air gun pellets ; Ammunition for air guns, e.g. propellant-gas containers

Abstract

Improvements to projectile devices (particularly air guns) include techniques for measuring and controlling the velocity of projectiles in the barrel and after leaving the barrel, allowing the use of non-toxic projectiles. Tracking of a projectile'"'"'s flight by its unique sound and/or its unique electromagnetic signal or signal modulation are also provided, along with after-barrel guidance that can be used to improve accuracy. Control for discriminating between authorized and unauthorized users is also provided. A projectile device can also be used for inexpensive and harmless practice using optical and/or acoustic information gathered by targeting and imaging systems built into the device.

Claims

1. An optical system for a projectile launching device, said optical system including:

a first optical element adapted to receive light and having an optical axis, the first optical element being mountable on a barrel of a projectile launching device such that the optical axis of the first optical element is disposed coaxially with, or parallel with an axis that is coaxial with, an axis of the barrel of the projectile launching device; and

an imaging system adapted to generate image data based on light received by the first optical element;

wherein the first optical element is formed with an aperture surrounding the axis of the barrel and sized to allow passage of a projectile being launched by the projectile launching device.

2. The optical system of claim 1 further comprising:

a second optical element disposed in a region away from a path of a projectile launched by the projectile launching device,

wherein the first optical element comprises a mirror that reflects light to the second optical element.

3. The optical system of claim 1 wherein the imaging system is adapted to generate a single set of image data based on multiple images provided by the first optical element during rotation thereof.

4. The optical system of claim 1 further comprising:

a directional microphone adapted to detect a sound emitted from the projectile and to generate acoustic data,

wherein the imaging system is further adapted to use the acoustic data in combination with the light received by the first optical element to construct a compound acoustic record.

5. The optical system of claim 1 wherein the optical axis of the first optical element is substantially coaxial with the axis of the barrel.

6. The optical system of claim 1 wherein the optical axis of the first optical element is displaced from, but parallel with, the axis of the barrel.

7. The optical system of claim 6 wherein the first optical element is formed with an additional aperture surrounding the optical axis.

8. The optical system of claim 1 further comprising an optical source for providing a beam that travels down the barrel and through the aperture.

9. An optical system for a projectile launching device, said optical system including:

a first optical element adapted to receive light and having an optical axis, the first optical element being mountable on a barrel of a projectile launching device such that the optical axis of the first optical element is disposed coaxially with, or parallel with an axis that is coaxial

with, an axis of the barrel of the projectile launching device;

an imaging system adapted to generate image data based on light received by the first optical element;

wherein the first optical element is non circular and is rotatable relative to the barrel about an axis defining a path of a projectile through the projectile launching device; and

wherein the first optical element is formed with an aperture surrounding the axis of the barrel and sized to allow passage of a projectile being launched by the projectile launching device.

10. The optical system of claim 9 wherein the imaging system is adapted to generate a single set of image data based on multiple images provided by the first optical element during rotation thereof.

11. The optical system of claim 9 further comprising:

a second optical element disposed in a region away from a path of a projectile launched by the projectile launching device,

wherein the first optical element comprises a mirror that reflects light to the second optical element.

12. The optical system of claim 9 further comprising:

a directional microphone adapted to detect a sound emitted from the projectile and to generate acoustic data,

wherein the imaging system is further adapted to use the acoustic data in combination with the light received by the first optical element to construct a compound acoustic record.

13. The optical system of claim 9 wherein the optical axis of the first optical element is substantially coaxial with the axis of the barrel.

14. The optical system of claim 9 wherein the optical axis of the first optical element is displaced from, but parallel with, the axis of the barrel.

15. The optical system of claim 14 wherein the first optical element is formed with an additional aperture surrounding the optical axis.

16. The optical system of claim 9 further comprising an optical source for providing a beam that travels down the barrel and through the aperture.