Spartanics

William L Mohan

Samuel P Willits

Thomas E Kleeman

John D Linton

Paul E Ridl

Steven V Pawlowski

Dual positional sensor device

Weapon training simulation system including a computer operated video display scene whereon is projected a plurality of visual targets. The computer controls the display scene and the targets, whether stationary or moving, and processes data of a point of aim sensor apparatus associated with a weapon operated by a trainee. The sensor apparatus is sensitive to non-visible or subliminal modulated areas having a controlled contrast of brightness between the target scene and the targets. The sensor apparatus locates a specific subliminal modulated area and the computer determines the location of a target image on the display scene with respect to the sensor apparatus.

Subliminal image modulation projection and detection system and method

An apparatus for automatically counting stacked sheet-like materials having sheet-to-sheet brightness gradients alternating between positive and negative while simultaneously eliminating problems encountered when the sheet edge reflectance characteristics have combined lambertian and specular reflective natures. Rectification of a pitch matched sensor array's data output combined with a selective disposition of the sensor and illumination optical components relative to the sheet edges to be counted based upon the maximum acceptance angle of the optical system yields the improved count data necessary to achieve accurate counting.

Pitch match detecting and counting system with tilted optical axis

The method and apparatus are utilized for quickly and accurately positioning a workpiece, which is situated on a movable platform and which has at least one indicia mark thereon having a different sensitivity to a sensing means than an adjacent contrast area, to a position where the indicia mark is in registry with a registration axis. The method includes the steps of: effecting a scan of the sensing means transverse to the registration axis in the area on the workpiece through which the registration axis extends with sensing means that are capable of generating electrical signals related to what is sensed; providing in the sensing means a sensor system which can function as one or two sensors, real or pseudo; processing the electrical signals generated by the sensing systems in a manner whereby some of the signals are treated as the scan data of a first sensor, real or pseudo, and the other of the signals are treated as the scan data of a second sensor, real or pseudo; setting the effective width of the sensor system at rest to be no greater than slightly greater than the width of the indicia mark; setting the amplitude of the scan which is effected transversely of the indicia mark when the indicia mark is close to the registration axis to be substantially equal to a real or pseudo single sensor width and about a center axis of the sensing means; and setting the center axis of the sensing means in registration with the registration axis.

Pseudo sensor pitch match cyclic scanning system

A material positioning and registering system for patterned material incorporating a computer with associated memory and software. A material moving system employing a drive roller with associated pressure roller in a novel pinch roller system, moves the material. A motion detecting sensing device driven by the pressure roller and an optical sensor for viewing the patterned material, each provide outputs to a computer which, in turn, provides control of material movement and optical sensor operation and may, provide signals for initiating machining of the patterned material when the pattern is properly located relative to a designated work station.

Strip feeding and control system

An apparatus for automatically counting stacked sheet-like materials having sheet-to-sheet brightness gradients alternating between positive and negative while simultaneously eliminating problems encountered when the sheet edge reflectance characteristics have combined lambertian and specular reflective natures. Rectification of a pitch matched sensor arrays data output combined with a selective disposition of the sensor and illumination optical components relative to the sheet edges to be counted based upon the maximum acceptance angle of the optical system yields the improved count data necessary to achieve accurate counting.

Pitch match detecting and counting system

The method and apparatus are used for operating a magnetic clutch system of the type which includes a magnetic clutch having a clutch magnetizing coil which can be actuated to couple a first rotatable element to a second rotatable element when voltage is applied across the clutch magnetizing coil and which disengages the second rotatable member when voltage is disconnected from, or connected in reverse polarity across, the clutch magnetizing coil and which can include a brake with a brake magnetizing coil. The method includes the steps of and the apparatus includes means for: applying a voltage from a high voltage DC voltage source across an inductor coil, such as a brake magnetizing coil, for a first time period, applying a voltage from the voltage source across the clutch magnetizing coil for a first time period with both of the coils being connected in parallel across the voltage source, providing a unidirectional current path across the coils, simultaneously and momentarily disconnecting the voltage across both coils causing the coils to reverse polarity with the current generated in each coil flowing through the unidirectional current path, reconnecting the clutch magnetizing coil in series with the inductor coil across the voltage source but with the clutch magnetizing coil connected in reverse polarity to the first connection thereof across the voltage source for a second period of time thereby to accelerate a rapid change of magnetic polarity of the clutch magnetizing coil to repel a flywheel coupling disc of the magnetic clutch, and after the second time period, again disconnecting the coils from the voltage source.

Method and apparatus for operating a magnetic clutch

An apparatus for automatically determining the predominant frequency of an unknown signal occurring in a known frequency spectrum that is many times larger than the unknown signal. The system searches the known frequency spectrum, determines and locks on to the one useful frequency that results in closed loop servo operation about the single stable null point which matches the unknown signal frequency. The lock-on occurs when a validation signal is generated based on the vector sum of two time delayed signals that are filtered reconstructions of the unknown signal. When this technique is applied to counting plural stacked objects using the apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,135, it is possible to accomodate large mis-settings of velocity and sensor width.

Frequency determining and lock-on system

An apparatus for counting stacked sheet-like materials having low or ambiguous contrast characteristics associated with their edges. A single non-pitch matched sensor is used to synthesize sensor output data that is the equivalent of that generated by pitch matched single or plural sensors. Automatic correction for errors in pitch match of the sensor and automatic velocity determination are provided. Sensor signal synthesis is accomplished through use of a multiple output tap analog delay line functioning as a discrete time processor.

Pitch matching detecting and counting system

An apparatus for simulating the recoil force of a weapon A recoil force generator is coupled through a linkage to the weapon in such a manner that the recoil force is substantially coaxial with the axis of the weapon over wide variations in weapon aiming positions. The simulated recoil force is also used to provide simulation of weapon recocking, round counting and empty weapon simulation.

Weapon recoil simulator

An apparatus for automatically determining without human intervention the intersection point of the axis of an aimable optical system with a plane. A scanning radiation source is imaged on a radiation sensor array by a movable focusing reflector. The signal output from the sensor array is electronically processed to determine the intersection point of the optical axis of the focusing reflector on a target plane. When the apparatus is used as a weapon training simulator, a shot sound synthesizer imparts additional realism.

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Barrington Hills, IL, United States of America

William L Mohan