Time to intercept measuring apparatus
OwnerJames C. Harrisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus mounted in an intercept or seeker missile for computing during the flight of the intercept missile toward a target, such as another or target missile, a continuous estimate of the "time to go" to the point of closest approach of the intercept missile to the target and producing a control signal which varies in accordance with the "time to go" and which may be used for such purposes as arming a warhead of the intercept missile, controlling the navigational system of the intercept missile, and the like.
Claims20
An apparatus for providing an output signal which varies in accordance with the time period from an instant position of a first body to the point of closest approach of the first body to a second body moving in paths to approach one another;
- said apparatus including:
- sensor means on said first body for detecting radiation coming from the second body and providing a first signal which varies in accordance with a predetermined characteristic of the detected radiation;
- and
- first means responsive to said first signal for providing a second signal which varies in accordance with the ratio of the instantaneous value of said first signal to the average value of said first signal, from an initial instant of time when said values are substantially equal, during the movement of said bodies toward one another as the distance between said bodies decreases during their movement toward one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.