US4711152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for transmititng data to a projectile positioned within a gun tube
Assignee: Aerojet Rocketdyne Inc
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Filing: 1986-10-30
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Granted: 1987-12-08
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Expires: 2006-10-30
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for transmitting data from the exterior of a gun tube to a projectile positioned within the gun tube utilizes at least two electromagnetic-acoustic transduction devices, one such device positioned on or near the exterior periphery of the gun tube and one such device positioned on or near the interior periphery of the gun tube within the bore. Such data may be used to update target or trajectory information used by a projectile. Transmission of such data, at high data rates, just prior to firing the projectile from the gun tube, enhances the probabiity of target kill or damage. High data rates, compatible with SMART projectile requirements, are made possible by ultrasonic signal frequencies in the range of about 500 Khz to about 2,500 Khz. Phase-shift-keyed modulation may be employed to impart data onto the ultrasonic signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Chris M. Fortunko
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:47
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42C; F42C17/00; F42C17/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for transmitting data to a projectile positioned within the bore of a gun tube; the apparatus comprising: at least two ultrasonic transducers, a first such transducer positioned adjacent the inner surface of said gun tube within said bore, and a second such transducer positioned adjacent the outer surface of said gun tube; means for applying a data modulated radio frequency electromagnetic signal to said second transducer for transmitting a corresponding ultrasonic signal from said second transducer to said first transducer through said gun tube; and means connected to said first transducer for demodulating said corresponding ultrasonic signal for use of said data in said projectile.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for transmitting data to a projectile positioned within the bore of a gun tube; the apparatus comprising: at least two ultrasonic transducers, a first such transducer positioned adjacent the inner surface of said gun tube within said bore, and a second such transducer positioned adjacent the outer surface of said gun tube; means for applying a data modulated radio frequency electromagnetic signal to said second transducer for transmitting a corresponding ultrasonic signal from said second transducer to said first transducer through said gun tube; and means connected to said first transducer for demodulating said corresponding ultrasonic signal for use of said data in said projectile.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein each said transducer is an EMAT transducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said transducers is separated from said gun tube by an air gap.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said first transducer is positioned on the exterior surface of said projectile.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of additional ultrasonic transducers which, in combination with said second transducer, are spaced about the exterior surface of said gun tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second transducers are positioned on a radial line which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of said gun tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said frequency is in the range of 500 Khz to 2,500 Khz.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic signal is modulated by phase shifting in accordance with the content of said data.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said means for demodulating comprises means for ignoring second reflections of said ultrasonic signal within said gun tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said means for applying comprises means for gating said electromagnetic signal on and off for preselected time intervals.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
106 words
An apparatus for updating the target and trajectory parameters of a projectile in a gun tube just prior to firing; the apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter transducer located adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of said gun tube; an ultrasonic receiver transducer located adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of said gun tube; means for driving said transmitter transducer with a data modulated radio frequency electromagnetic signal for transmitting a corresponding ultrasonic signal through said gun tube to said receiver transmitter; and means in electrical communication with said ultrasonic receiver transducer for extracting said data from said ultrasonic signal and applying said data to said projectile.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
106 words
An apparatus for updating the target and trajectory parameters of a projectile in a gun tube just prior to firing; the apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter transducer located adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of said gun tube; an ultrasonic receiver transducer located adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of said gun tube; means for driving said transmitter transducer with a data modulated radio frequency electromagnetic signal for transmitting a corresponding ultrasonic signal through said gun tube to said receiver transmitter; and means in electrical communication with said ultrasonic receiver transducer for extracting said data from said ultrasonic signal and applying said data to said projectile.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein each said transducer is an EMAT transducer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein at least one of said transducers is separated from said gun tube by an air gap.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said transmitter transducer is positioned in close proximity to the outer peripheral surface of said gun tube.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11, further comprising a plurality of additional ultrasonic transducers which, in combination with said transmitter transducer, are spaced about the outer peripheral surface of said gun tube.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said transmitter and receiver transducers are positioned on a radial line which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of said gun tube.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said frequency is in the range of 500 Khz to 2,500 Khz.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said electromagnetic signal is modulated by phase shifting in accordance with the content of said data.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said means for extracting comprises means for ignoring secondary reflections of said ultrasonic signal within said gun tube.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said means for driving comprises means for gating said electromagnetic signal on and off for preselected time intervals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-12-07 | 1991-06-08 | 1991-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-12-07 | 1995-06-08 | 1995-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-12-07 | 1999-06-08 | 1999-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |