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US 9,074,847 B1Granted
Stabilized weapon platform with active sense and adaptive motion control
AssigneeFlex Force Enterprises Inc.
InventorsJacob Ryan Sullivan, John Holbrook Vance, II, Daniel J. Hyman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A stabilized platform is provided with active sense and adaptive control is provided that allows an operator, during operation, to switch between an electrically assisted operational mode to a manual operational mode. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.
Claims24
An apparatus comprising:
- a stabilization assembly comprising one or more gimbals configured to be moved in one or more directions relative to a host platform;
- a payload cradle mounted to the assembly and configured to secure a payload mounted thereon;
- two or more electrical motion control actuators;
- one or more motion sensors sensing motion of the assembly in one or more inertial degrees of freedom;
- a control processor electrically interfaced with the two or more electrical motion control actuators and the one or more motion sensors;
- and
- an interface selector control that enables selective switching between first and second operating modes during operation,
- wherein:
- in the first operating mode, the control processor automatically commands the two or more electrical motion control actuators based on motion data provided by the one or more motion sensors to stabilize an aim point of the payload by correcting for changes in payload aim caused by motion,
- in the second operating mode, the control processor automatically commands at least one of the two or more motion control actuators to disengage such that the payload and its assembly may be freely slewed by an operator.
7 more elements
A method comprising:
- initiating operation of stabilized platform in a first operating mode, the stabilization platform comprising:
- a stabilization assembly comprising one or more gimbals configured to be moved in one or more directions relative to a host platform;
- a payload cradle mounted to the assembly and configured to secure a payload mounted thereon;
- two or more electrical motion control actuators;
- one or more motion sensors sensing motion of the assembly in one or more inertial degrees of freedom;
- a control processor electrically interfaced with the two or more electrical motion control actuators and the one or more motion sensors;
- and
- an interface selector control that enables selective switching between first and second operating modes during operation,
- receiving, by the interface selector, a signal or input switching to the second operating mode;
- and
- initiating operation of the stabilized platform in the second operating mode;
- wherein:
- in the first operating mode, the control processor automatically commands the two or more electrical motion control actuators based on motion data provided by the one or more motion sensors to stabilize an aim point of the payload by correcting for changes in payload aim caused by motion,
- in the second operating mode, the control processor automatically commands at least one of the two or more motion control actuators to disengage such that the payload and its assembly may be freely slewed by an operator.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.