Patent Application
20230349670
The present disclosure generally relates to ballistic weaponry and projectiles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to guided ballistic weaponry and projectiles. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a guidance kit that includes a guidance protocol for suppressing a targeted point of interest (POI) without indicating the launch location.
Aerial rockets and missiles which include guidance systems have been commonly used in the combat and military conflicts. In one specific instance, existing laser-guidance kits provide technology in guiding aerial rockets and missiles at a desired target via an independent light source (e.g., a laser or similar light source of the like) that is used to paint the target. As such, the independent light source is indexed and/or pointed at the desired target to guide the rocket to the desired target. An example of a guidance kit is the APKWS® laser-guidance kit that is generally equipped to a Hydra 70 rocket and/or a standard 2.75-inch “dummy” rocket for guiding the standard 2.75-inch rocket to the target.
Generally, rockets equipped with these laser-guidance kits may be launched from any suitable launch vehicle based on a specific mission, including ground launch vehicles configured for land or sea, fixed-wing air vehicles, rotary-wing air vehicles, and other suitable launchers capable of launching a rocket equipped with the laser-guidance kit. As such, these rockets equipped with these laser-guidance kits may be launched from a variety of launch vehicles where the launch vehicles are equipped with an independent light source for guiding the missiles with assistance from these laser-guidance kits.
Since these rockets equipped with the laser-guidance kit are guided by independent light sources, targeted points-of-interests (POIs) are able to detect and/or identify these independent light sources guiding these rockets. In other words, the targeted POIs may be placed on alert of these incoming rockets and prepare for such attacks. Moreover, the targeted POIs may be able to discover the location of the launch vehicle and/or the location of the light source guiding these rockets once the light source is detected. As such, these current laser-guidance kits create certain detriments for specific military operations in specific environments.
The presently disclosed guidance protocol is operatively in communication with the guidance kit on a rocket or projectile and guides and/or controls the flight of the projectile without using external, independent light sources easily detectable by targeted POIs. The presently disclosed guidance protocol operatively in communication with the guidance kit also leverages current on-board devices and components of the guidance kit and the rocket motor by biasing the projectile towards a targeted location at a distance away from the targeted POI without an independent light source. The presently disclosed guidance protocol operatively in communication with the guidance kit also conceals and/or suppresses the location of the launch vehicle from the targeted POI, which may create confusion and misperception upon the targeted POI as to where these projectiles are being launched. As such, the guidance protocol disclosed herein addresses some of the inadequacies of previously known techniques and uses of guidance kits on a rocket or projectile.
In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a guidance kit for a projectile. The guidance kit includes at least one processor in the guidance kit. The guidance kit also includes a guidance protocol operatively in communication with the guidance kit and the at least one processor and having a set of angular offset modes. The guidance protocol of the guidance kit is configured to guide the projectile to at least one location relative to a desired point-of-interest (POI) upon or in response to activation of at least one angular offset mode of the set of angular offset modes.
This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least one gyroscope operatively connected with the at least one processor; and at least one accelerometer operatively connected with the at least one processor; wherein the at least one gyroscope and the at least one accelerometer are configured to determine a down acceleration direction of the projectile at a predetermined time subsequent to launching the projectile from a launch vehicle. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a set of first codes provided with the guidance kit; and a first angular offset mode of the set of angular offset modes operatively in communication with the set of first codes; wherein the first angular offset mode is configured to activate the guidance protocol between an ON state and an OFF state. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least one code of the set of first codes designates the first angular offset mode to activate the guidance protocol to the ON state. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least another code of the set of first codes designates the first angular offset mode to deactivate the guidance protocol to the OFF state. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a set of second codes provided with the guidance kit; and a second angular offset mode the set of angular offset modes operatively in communication with the set of second codes; wherein the second angular offset mode is configured to bias the projectile between a first lateral position relative to the POI and a second lateral position relative to the POI; and wherein the first lateral position and the second lateral position are opposite to one another relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least one range of codes of the set of second codes designates the second angular offset mode to bias the projectile to the first lateral position relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least another range of codes of the set of second codes designates the second angular offset mode to bias the projectile to the second lateral position relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a set of third codes provided with the guidance kit; and a third angular offset mode the set of angular offset modes operatively in communication with the set of second codes; wherein the third angular offset mode is configured to bias the projectile between a first longitudinal position relative to the POI and a second longitudinal position relative to the POI; and wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are opposite to one another relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least one range of codes of the set of third codes designates the third angular offset mode to bias the projectile to the first longitudinal position relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least another range of codes of the set of second codes designates the third angular offset mode to bias the projectile to the second longitudinal position relative to the POI.
In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of suppressing a point-of-interest (POI) at a desired location relative to the POI. The method comprises steps of providing a guidance protocol that is operatively in communication with a guidance kit of a projectile; determining the desired location to launch the projectile relative to the POI; selecting the guidance protocol between an ON state and an OFF state via a first angular offset of a set of angular offsets of the guidance protocol; launching the projectile, via a launch vehicle, at the desired location; determining a down acceleration direction asserted on the projectile, via one or both of at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer of the guidance kit, at a predetermined time subsequent to launching the projectile; and suppressing the POI, via the projectile, at the desired location relative to the POI.
This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of activating the guidance protocol to the ON state via at least one code of a set of first codes of the guidance kit. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of deactivating the guidance protocol to the OFF state via at least another code of the set of first codes of the guidance kit. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of selecting the guidance protocol to bias the projectile, via a second angular offset of the set of angular offsets of the guidance protocol, between a first lateral position relative to the POI and a second lateral position relative to the POI; wherein the first lateral position and the second lateral position are opposite to one another relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of biasing the projectile, via at least one range of codes of a set of second codes designating the second angular offset mode, to the first lateral position relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of biasing the projectile, via at least another range of codes of the set of second codes designating the second angular offset mode, to the second lateral position relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of selecting the guidance protocol to bias the projectile, via a third angular offset of the set of angular offsets of the guidance protocol, between a first longitudinal position relative to the POI and a second longitudinal position relative to the POI; wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are opposite to one another relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of biasing the projectile, via at least one range of codes of a set of third codes designating the third angular offset mode, to the first longitudinal position relative to the POI. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a step of biasing the projectile, via at least another range of codes of the set of third codes designating the second angular offset mode, to the second longitudinal position relative to the POI.
Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
It should be understood that any use of the terms “suppress,” “suppressed,” “suppression,” and other synonymous and/or derivative terms may relate to any use of force that degrades the performance of a threat or enemy force below the level needed to fulfill the mission and/or operation. Additionally, any use of the terms “suppress,” “suppressed,” “suppression,” and other synonymous and/or derivative terms may also relate to hiding and/or concealing force on a threat or an enemy without said threat or enemy knowing or discovering the initial launch location of the force.
It will be understood that the illustrated launch vehicle 1 is exemplary only and any type of launch vehicle is contemplated to be represented by the illustrated device. In one exemplary embodiment, the launch vehicle 1 may be represented as hand-held launcher, a launcher fixed to a ground transporting vehicle, a launcher fixed to a naval vehicle, or other suitable launchers for launching projectiles and other similar devices from land or sea and striking targets on land or sea. In another exemplary embodiment, the launch vehicle 1 may be also represented with an air vehicle (e.g., fixed-wing launch platforms, rotary-wing launch platforms) that is capable of launching projectiles and other similar payloads from air and striking targets in air, on land, or at sea.
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In the illustrated embodiment, the rocket motor 4 of the projectile 2 is a standard 2.75-inch rocket motor (e.g., liquid-fueled rocket motors, solid-fueled rocket motors, or other suitable rocket motors of the like). In other exemplary embodiments, any suitable rocket motor may be equipped for a projectile based on the mission and/or objective.
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The guidance kit 6 also includes sets of codes logically provide with the process 14 to provide guidance commands and/or instructions to the projectile 2. Referring to
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It should be understood that the second angular offset mode 42B provided in the guidance protocol 40 is dependent upon the first angular offset mode 42A. In other words, the second angular offset mode 42B is only activated when the first angular offset mode 42A is activated to the ON state by an operator of the projectile 2. As such, the second angular offset mode 42B is only performed by the processor 14 when the operator selects the predetermined numerical value of the set of first codes 22A of the first switch 20A to activate the first angular offset mode 42A to the ON state. In other exemplary embodiments, an operator may logically operate a second angular offset mode input via a remote electronic device operatively connected with a guidance kit without using any switch of a set of switches provided in the guidance kit.
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It should be understood that the third angular offset mode 42C provided in the guidance protocol 40 is dependent upon the first angular offset mode 42A. In other words, the third angular offset mode 42C is only activated when the first angular offset mode 42A is activated to the ON state by an operator of the projectile 2. As such, the third angular offset mode 42C is only performed by the processor 14 when the operator selects the predetermined numerical value of the set of first codes 22A of the first switch 20A to activate the first angular offset mode 42A to the ON state. In other exemplary embodiments, an operator may logically operate a third angular offset mode input via a remote electronic device operatively connected with a guidance kit without using any switch of a set of switches provided in the guidance kit.
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It should be understood that the fourth angular offset mode 42D provided in the guidance protocol 40 may be dependent upon the first angular offset mode 42A. In other words, the fourth angular offset mode 42D may only be activated when the first angular offset mode 42A is activated to the ON state by an operator of the projectile 2. As such, the fourth angular offset mode 42D is only performed by the processor 14 when the operator selects the predetermined numerical value of the set of first codes 22A of the first switch 20A to activate the first angular offset mode 42A to the ON state. It should also be understood that the fourth angular offset mode 42D may enable an auxiliary feature that overrides and/or takes priority over the first angular offset mode 42A even though the first angular offset mode 42A is activated to the ON state; such exemplary auxiliary features are described in more detail below. In other exemplary embodiments, an operator may logically operate a fourth angular offset mode input via a remote electronic device operatively connected with a guidance kit without using any switch of a set of switches provided in the guidance kit.
Having now described the component and devices of the projectile 2 that includes the guidance protocol 40, a method of using the projectile 2 with the guidance protocol 40 is described in more detail below.
Prior to launching the projectile 2, the guidance protocol 40 is logically provided into the guidance kit 6 in which the processor 12 of the guidance kit 6 may utilize said guidance protocol 40 for suppression operations and tasks. Such inputting of the guidance protocol 40 into the guidance kit 6 may take place prior to the projectile 2 being used for a mission and/or operation.
Prior to launching the projectile, an operator may also determine the location of a POI; the POI is generally referred to numerical reference 50 in
Once the POI 50 has been determined by the operator or has been communicated to the operator, the operator may then provide the set of switches 20 in at least one predefined combination, via the set of codes 22, to enable the guidance protocol 40 for the guidance kit 6. Such combination of the set of switches 20 as selected by the operator may be made based on various considerations, including natural obstructions that protect and/or surround the POI 50 (see examples above), size and layout of the POI 50, orientation of the launch vehicle 1 relative to the POI 50, the number of projectiles 2 being launched from at least one launch vehicle, and other considerations of the like when selecting a desired combination for the set of switches 20. In one exemplary embodiment, an operator may set the angular offset modes 42 of the guidance protocol 40 to any suitable position via a remote electronic device operatively connected with a guidance kit without using any switch of a set of switches provided in the guidance kit.
Once the guidance protocol 40 has been determined by the operator or has been communicated to be performed by the operator, the operator may then select a predetermined position to provide one of the first, second, third, or fourth switches 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D to authorize and/or initiate the guidance protocol 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the first switch 20A is logically mapped to the first angular offset mode 42A from the set of angular offset modes 42 to activate the guidance protocol 40 to the ON state. Additionally, the operator may be given or have knowledge of a first predetermined position to position the first switch 20A relative to the first indicator 8G1 on the body 8 to activate the guidance protocol to the ON state. In this embodiment, the first predetermined position to activate the guidance protocol to the ON state will be an available numerical value labeled in the set of first codes 22A provided with the first switch 20A. Once the operator has knowledge of the first predetermined position, the operator will then turn the first switch 20A, either clockwise or counterclockwise, until the numerical valve labeled in the set of first codes 22A that activates the guidance protocol 40 aligns with the first indicator 8G1 on the body 8. Once aligned, the guidance protocol 40 has been activated to the ON state in the processor 14.
Upon activation of the guidance protocol 40, the operator may bias the projectile 2 in any suitable direction depending on the considerations previously listed above. As described above, the second and third suppressions modes 42B, 42C of the set of angular offset modes 42 are only available when the guidance protocol 40 is activated to the ON state. As such, the following embodiments provide various combinations of the set of switches to bias the projectile 2 to at least one desired target 52 at a distance away from the POI 50.
In one instance, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, the first predetermined position to enable the projectile 2 to be biased laterally relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 will be an available numerical value labeled in the set of second codes 22B provided with the second switch 20B. Once the operator has knowledge of the second predetermined position, the operator will then turn the second switch 20B, either clockwise or counterclockwise, until the numerical valve labeled in the set of second codes 22B that enables the projectile 2 to be biased to the first lateral target 52A relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 aligns with the second indicator 8G2 on the body 8. Once aligned, the projectile 2 will be biased to the first lateral target 52A relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6.
When the first and second switches 20A, 20B are set to the desired combination, the projectile 2 is set to be launched from the launch vehicle 1. Once launched, the projectile 2 will travel in a linear direction away from the launch vehicle 1 for a predetermined dwell time to determine the down acceleration direction relative to the projectile 2 (i.e., gravity asserted on the projectile 2) via the guidance protocol 40. Such determination of the down acceleration direction of the projectile 2 is determined by the accelerometer 16 and the gyroscope 18 provided with the guidance kit 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the guidance kit 6 is configured to determine the down acceleration direction at about five seconds subsequent to launching the projectile 2.
Upon determination of the down acceleration direction of the projectile 2, the processor 14 is enabled, via the guidance protocol 40, to bias the projectile 2 towards the first lateral target 52A that is a distance away from the POI 50. As described previously, the processor 14 sends commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the first lateral target 52A. The processor 14 continues to send commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the first lateral target 52A until the projectile 2 reaches the first lateral target 52A and/or once the payload 30 detonates.
In another instance, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, the second predetermined position to enable the projectile 2 to be biased to the second lateral target 52B relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 will be an available numerical value labeled in the set of second codes 22B provided with the second switch 20B. Once the operator has knowledge of the second predetermined position, the operator will then turn the second switch 20B, either clockwise or counterclockwise, until the numerical valve labeled in the set of second codes 22B that enables the projectile 2 to be biased to the second lateral target 52B relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 aligns with the second indicator 8G2 on the body 8. Once aligned, the projectile 2 will be biased to the second lateral target 52B relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6.
Upon determination of the down acceleration direction of the projectile 2 by the accelerometer 16 and the gyroscope 18 (as described above), the processor 14 is enabled, via the guidance protocol 40, to bias the projectile 2 towards the second lateral target 52A that is a distance away from the POI 50. As described previously, the processor 14 sends commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the second lateral target 52B. The processor 14 continues to send commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the second lateral target 52B until the projectile 2 reaches the second lateral target 52B and/or once the payload 30 detonates.
In yet another instance, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, the first predetermined position to enable the projectile 2 to be biased to the first longitudinal target 52C relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 will be an available numerical value labeled in the set of third codes 22C provided with the third switch 20C. Once the operator has knowledge of the first predetermined position, the operator will then turn the third switch 20C, either clockwise or counterclockwise, until the numerical valve labeled in the set of third codes 22C that enables the projectile 2 to be biased to the first longitudinal target 52C relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 aligns with the third indicator 8G3 on the body 8. Once aligned, the projectile 2 will be biased to the first longitudinal target 52C relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6.
Upon determination of the down acceleration direction of the projectile 2 by the accelerometer 16 and the gyroscope 18 (as described above), the processor 14 is enabled, via the guidance protocol 40, to bias the projectile 2 towards the first longitudinal target 52C that is a distance away from the POI 50. As described previously, the processor 14 sends commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the first longitudinal target 52C. The processor 14 continues to send commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the first longitudinal target 52C until the projectile 2 reaches the first longitudinal target 52C and/or once the payload 30 detonates.
In yet another instance, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, the second predetermined position to enable the projectile 2 to be biased to the second longitudinal target 52D relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 will be an available numerical value labeled in the set of third codes 22C provided with the third switch 20C. Once the operator has knowledge of the second predetermined position, the operator will then turn the third switch 20C, either clockwise or counterclockwise, until the numerical valve labeled in the set of third codes 22C that enables the projectile 2 to be biased to the second longitudinal target 52D relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6 aligns with the third indicator 8G3 on the body 8. Once aligned, the projectile 2 will be biased to the second longitudinal target 52D relative to the POI 50 via commands sent from the processor 14 to the rocket motor 4 and the guidance kit 6.
Upon determination of the down acceleration direction of the projectile 2 by the accelerometer 16 and the gyroscope 18 (as described above), the processor 14 is enabled, via the guidance protocol 40, to bias the projectile 2 towards the second longitudinal target 52D that is a distance away from the POI 50. As described previously, the processor 14 sends commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the second longitudinal target 52D. The processor 14 continues to send commands to one or both of the rocket motor 4 and the set of retractable wings 10 of the guidance kit 6 to bias and/or guide the projectile 2 towards the second longitudinal target 52D until the projectile 2 reaches the second longitudinal target 52D and/or once the payload 30 detonates.
While not illustrated herein, an operator may set and/or be instructed to set a desired combination of the switches 20B, 20C, 20D for laterally and longitudinally biasing at least one projectile 2 to a desired target at a distance away from the POI 50. In one example, an operator may set a first combination for the switches 20B, 20C, 20D of at least one projectile 2 where the at least one projectile 2 is biased towards a left or first lateral position relative to the POI 50 and biased in a first longitudinal position relative to the POI 50. In another example, an operator may set a second combination for the switches 20B, 20C, 20D of at least one projectile 2 where the at least one projectile 2 is biased in a left or first lateral position relative to the POI 50 and biased towards a second longitudinal position relative to the POI 50; in this example, the at least one projectile 2 has a greater flight time to reach the second longitudinal position in comparison to the flight time of the first longitudinal position in the previous example. In yet another example, an operator may set a third combination for the switches 20B, 20C, 20D of at least one projectile 2 where the at least one projectile 2 is biased in a right or second lateral position relative to the POI 50 and biased towards a first longitudinal position relative to the POI 50; in this example, the second lateral position is opposite to the first lateral position in the previous examples. In yet another example, an operator may set a fourth combination for the switches 20B, 20C, 20D of at least one projectile 2 where the at least one projectile 2 is biased in a right or second lateral position relative to the POI 50 and biased towards a second longitudinal position relative to the POI 50; in this example, the second lateral position is opposite to the first lateral position in the previous examples; in this example, the at least one projectile 2 has a greater flight time to reach the second longitudinal position in comparison to the flight time of the first longitudinal position in the previous examples.
While not illustrated herein, the launch vehicle 1 may also be positioned in a direction facing away from the POI 50 as compared to the launch vehicle 1 being positioned in a direction facing towards and/or at the POI 50 in
While not illustrated herein, at least one projectile (such as projectile 2) may be biased to a first targeted position relative to the POI 50 and at least another projectile (such as projectile 2) may be biased to a second targeted position relative to the POI 50. In one example, a first projectile may be biased to a first targeted position relative to the POI 50 and a second projectile (such as projectile 2) may be biased to a second targeted position relative to the POI 50; the first targeted position and the second targeted position are different and are set at distances away from the POI 50. In another example, a first set of projectiles may be biased to a first targeted position relative to the POI 50 and a second set of projectiles (such as projectile 2) may be biased to a second targeted position relative to the POI 50; the first targeted position and the second targeted position are different and are set at distances away from the POI 50.
While not illustrated herein, the operator may desire to actuate and/or use the fourth angular offset mode 42D of the set of angular offset modes 42 to enable auxiliary capabilities and/or features that enhance or deter features of the guidance protocol 40. In this instance, the fourth switch 20D may be logically mapped or logically assigned with the fourth angular offset mode 42D from the set of angular offset modes 42 to enable the projectile 2 to enable auxiliary capabilities and/or features that enhance or deter features of the guidance protocol 40. Additionally, the operator will be given or have knowledge of at least one predetermined position to actuate the fourth switch 20D relative to the fourth indicator 8G4 on the body 8 to enable auxiliary capabilities and/or features that enhance or deter features of the guidance protocol 40. In one exemplary embodiment, an operator may provide the fourth switch in a first predetermined positioned aligned with the fourth indicator 8G1 to enable use of the optic devices 12 provided with the guidance kit 6; in this exemplary embodiment, the fourth angular offset mode 42D may override the guidance function provided by the accelerometer 14 and the gyroscope 16 and follow an external guidance source (e.g., a laser).
Such biasing of at least one projectile via the guidance protocol 40, as described and illustrated herein, is considered advantageous at least because targeting areas and/or locations surrounding the POI 50 may cause confusion and misperception to the POI 50 since no external guiding source is used with the projectile 2. Additionally, biasing the projectile 2, via the guidance protocol 40, may target randomized areas and/or locations surrounding the POI 50 to create confusion and misperception to the POI 50 since no external guiding source is used with the projectile 2.
In other exemplary embodiments, method 100 may include additional or optional steps. An optional step may include activating the guidance protocol to the ON state via at least one code of a set of first codes of the guidance kit. An optional step may include deactivating the guidance protocol to the OFF state via at least another code of the set of first codes of the guidance kit. An optional step may include selecting the guidance protocol to bias the projectile, via a second angular offset of the set of angular offsets of the guidance protocol, between a first lateral position relative to the POI and a second lateral position relative to the POI; wherein the first lateral position and the second lateral position are opposite to one another relative to the POI. An optional step may include biasing the projectile, via at least one range of codes of a set of second codes designating the second angular offset mode, to the first lateral position relative to the POI. An optional step may include biasing the projectile, via at least another range of codes of the set of second codes designating the second angular offset mode, to the second lateral position relative to the POI. An optional step may include selecting the guidance protocol to bias the projectile, via a third angular offset of the set of angular offsets of the guidance protocol, between a first longitudinal position relative to the POI and a second longitudinal position relative to the POI; wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are opposite to one another relative to the POI. An optional step may include biasing the projectile, via at least one range of codes of a set of third codes designating the third angular offset mode, to the first longitudinal position relative to the POI. An optional step may include biasing the projectile, via at least another range of codes of the set of third codes designating the second angular offset mode, to the second longitudinal position relative to the POI.
As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other similar secondary components and/or systems therein. The present disclosure is therefore contemplated and will be understood to include any necessary operational components thereof. For example, electrical components will be understood to include any suitable and necessary wiring, fuses, or the like for normal operation thereof. Similarly, any pneumatic systems provided may include any secondary or peripheral components such as air hoses, compressors, valves, meters, or the like. It will be further understood that any connections between various components not explicitly described herein may be made through any suitable means including mechanical fasteners, or more permanent attachment means, such as welding or the like. Alternatively, where feasible and/or desirable, various components of the present disclosure may be integrally formed as a single unit.
Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, embodiments of technology disclosed herein may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code or instructions can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. Furthermore, the instructions or software code can be stored in at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium.
Also, a computer or smartphone utilized to execute the software code or instructions via its processors may have one or more input and output devices. These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include printers or display screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that can be used for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices, such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, a computer may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible format.
Such computers or smartphones may be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network, and intelligent network (IN) or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to any suitable protocol and may include wireless networks, wired networks or fiber optic networks.
The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software/instructions that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and/or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.
In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, USB flash drives, SD cards, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other non-transitory medium or tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement the various embodiments of the disclosure discussed above. The computer readable medium or media can be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure as discussed above.
The terms “program” or “software” or “instructions” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects of embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present disclosure need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure.
Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.
Also, data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may be shown to have fields that are related through location in the data structure. Such relationships may likewise be achieved by assigning storage for the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium that convey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish a relationship between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other mechanisms that establish relationship between data elements.
All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
“Logic”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another logic, method, and/or system. For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic like a processor (e.g., microprocessor), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, an electric device having a memory, or the like. Logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. Where multiple logics are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic. Similarly, where a single logic is described, it may be possible to distribute that single logic between multiple physical logics.
Furthermore, the logic(s) presented herein for accomplishing various methods of this system may be directed towards improvements in existing computer-centric or internet-centric technology that may not have previous analog versions. The logic(s) may provide specific functionality directly related to structure that addresses and resolves some problems identified herein. The logic(s) may also provide significantly more advantages to solve these problems by providing an exemplary inventive concept as specific logic structure and concordant functionality of the method and system. Furthermore, the logic(s) may also provide specific computer implemented rules that improve on existing technological processes. The logic(s) provided herein extends beyond merely gathering data, analyzing the information, and displaying the results. Further, portions or all of the present disclosure may rely on underlying equations that are derived from the specific arrangement of the equipment or components as recited herein. Thus, portions of the present disclosure as it relates to the specific arrangement of the components are not directed to abstract ideas. Furthermore, the present disclosure and the appended claims present teachings that involve more than performance of well-understood, routine, and conventional activities previously known to the industry. In some of the method or process of the present disclosure, which may incorporate some aspects of natural phenomenon, the process or method steps are additional features that are new and useful.
The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “effecting” or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term “effecting” should be understood to mean to cause something to happen or to bring something about. For example, effecting an event to occur may be caused by actions of a first party even though a second party actually performed the event or had the event occur to the second party. Stated otherwise, effecting refers to one party giving another party the tools, objects, or resources to cause an event to occur. Thus, in this example a claim element of “effecting an event to occur” would mean that a first party is giving a second party the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, however the affirmative single action is the responsibility of the first party to provide the tools or resources to cause said event to occur.
When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.
Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
