US4750423A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for dispensing sub-units to achieve a selected target impact pattern
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems Inc
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Filing: 1987-03-12
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Granted: 1988-06-14
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Expires: 2007-03-12
Abstract
Abstract An airborne system (10) and method of dispensing a plurality of sub-units (22) such that the ground plane impact pattern of the plurality of sub-units (22) substantially corresponds to a particular geometric target area. An onboard control module (150) including a microprocessor (130) which receives flight data (138) and a selected target data (140) also has a program store of sub-unit ejection sequences (132) and a logic selection of sub-unit ejection velocities (134). The microprocessor (130) selects an appropriate sub-unit ejection sequence and individual sub-unit ejection velocity in accordance with the flight and selected target data and effects a release of the plurality of sub-units in a manner such that they disperse and impact in the pattern of the selected target.
Inventors
- 👤 Bellur L. Nagabhushan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:07
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41B; F41B3/00; F41B3/04; F41G; F41G9/00; F41G9/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of dispensing a plurality of sub-units from an airborne carrier in a manner to achieve a desired impact pattern over a particular geometric ground plane target area comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of sub-units in a balanced arrangement about a longitudinal axis of the carrier; providing an onboard microprocessor having a program store of particular sub-unit ejection sequences and a logic selection of sub-unit ejection velocities; providing ejection means for each sub-unit adapted to provide a particular ejection velocity in accordance with a selected signal from the microprocessor; providing carrier flight data and a selected target data to the microprocessor such that a particular sub-unit ejection sequence is selected from the program store which results in an ejection and dispersion of sub-units substantially corresponding to the particular target geometry; and explosively ejecting the plurality of sub-units from the carrier in accordance with the microprocessor selected ejection sequence.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of dispensing a plurality of sub-units from an airborne carrier in a manner to achieve a desired impact pattern over a particular geometric ground plane target area comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of sub-units in a balanced arrangement about a longitudinal axis of the carrier; providing an onboard microprocessor having a program store of particular sub-unit ejection sequences and a logic selection of sub-unit ejection velocities; providing ejection means for each sub-unit adapted to provide a particular ejection velocity in accordance with a selected signal from the microprocessor; providing carrier flight data and a selected target data to the microprocessor such that a particular sub-unit ejection sequence is selected from the program store which results in an ejection and dispersion of sub-units substantially corresponding to the particular target geometry; and explosively ejecting the plurality of sub-units from the carrier in accordance with the microprocessor selected ejection sequence.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the selected target data is provided by preprogramming the microprocessor with such selected target data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein providing selected target data is accomplished by collecting real-time target data as the carrier approaches the target area.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein providing selected target data is accomplished by obtaining such data from a soure remote to the carrier via a data link.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of rotating the payload of sub-units to an indexed position and ejecting opposite pairs of sub-units about the longitudinal axis from the indexed position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-06-14 | 1991-12-14 | 1992-06-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-06-14 | 1995-12-14 | 1996-06-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-06-14 | 1999-12-14 | 2000-06-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |