Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02587709 2007-05-25
TITLE OF THE lNVENT!ON
A method of projecting zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and
zero-convergence laser aiming system.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present ir,vention relates to aiming systems and more particularly to
method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-
convergence laser aiming system. The invention is mainly applicable to the
field
of disrupters but not limited to, for the explosive ordnance disposal industry
in
which the laser aiming systems are used to create one or more aiming beams. !t
may also be used as a range finder with the proper visual aids.
BACKGROUND OF THE !N'JENT!ON
!n the prior art, disrupters are used in various forms to neutralize a
potentially explosive package so that the package does not detonate in its
intended and harmful .tifay. High speed water jets or other projectiles have
been
used to break apart the package.
The water acts in a way as to knock out the fuse, powers supply, etc.
before the potential explosive can initiate and create a damaging impact.
!n certain instances, a human, robot or unmanned device positions the
disrupter in a desired !ocation, and controls the displacement of the tube as
well.
An aiming system is attached to a disrupter and projects a!aser beam on
the target. Currently, the aiming system is a!aser system appearing at least
one
dot beam on the target where the water jet will hit.
While the use of now existing disrupters is effective in neutralizing a target
package, the aiming operation of the disrupter is not without problems. !n
many
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instances the disrupter should be moved closer or further from the potentially
explosive package and it is difficult to aim the barrel in a quick and exact
manner
at a given distance.
There are different devices directed to avoid these aiming problems and
some of ther~ are described bvlovr.
V.S. Patent No. 5,118,1816 issued to Schraetzenstaller J. et al. on Feb. 09,
1990, disclosed a method and apparatus for adjusting an aiming telescope and a
laser range finder with a weapon system in which a reference reticle or an
aiming
graticule of the aiming telescope are aligned with the laser beam images in
the
collimator.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No.US20050278964 declared by
Minica Stuart et a!. published on June 17, 2004 disclosed a laser targeting
system projecting on the target laser spot where an arrow wi!l hit once
released.
Even as some of the above mentioned systems are practical, all of them
suffer from the same principle defect related to a distance change, in that
they
need to be additionally calibrated during the disrupter's preparation at the
scene.
This is especially problematic when using a robotic platFor rr~ since the
distance
that the robotic platform wi!l be from the target when it arrives at the said
target
cannot be easily predicted from the operator's point of view. This specified
defect
makes them unusable for quick secured operations.
Accordingly, a need exists for improved techniques for aiming disrupter
devices when neutralizing packages. The present invention solves this need by
providing a method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target
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and a zero-convergence laser aiming system which allows to easily, quickly and
accurately aim the disrupter in a desired location.
x!!!e have developed a method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming
beam on a target and a!aser aiming system, integrating and incorporating
diverse known and new technologies to deliver state of the art, practical and
reliable aiming solutions, which makes this system much more versatile and
effective than most.
The system can assist aiming of a disrupter, firearms, weapor, system, etc.
It is also adaptable to be customized to existing Laser Tag guns (Toy),
Paintball
guns and/nr to be used as a new aiming system to better suit the user needs.
It
may also be used as an alignment instrument or range finder with the proper
visual aids.
Thus, there is a need to develop a method of projecting a zero-
convergence aiming beam on a target and a laser aiming system, which can be
effectively pre-calibrated one time and out of dangerous zones or prior to
usage
and is effective in a!l conditions.
Still further features and advantages wiil become apparent from the
ensuing description and drawings.
~i;uECTS OF TNE iNVENTI.~,N
Traditional laser sighting or aiming systems that are positioned at a certain
distance away from the axis line (usually directly above or below the axis
line)
project a dot or, the axis line at one giver, distance since the laser module
is
angled to do so. As soon as the laser module or system moves forward, the
projected laser dot moves away from the axis line in the direction with
respect to
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the location that the laser module is mounted and vice-versa if moved back. By
doing so, alignment is lost and the laser module angle must be increased /
decreased to correct and return the projected dot to the axis line. If the
distance
that the laser module moves is unknown, alignment is impossible without the
use
of another laser module exactly on the axis line (typically a bore laser)
which will
project a dot on the said axis line or by the use of trigonometry and or a
range
finder.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved
method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-
convergence laser aiming system that obviates the above-mentioned
disadvantages.
A principle object of the present invention is to provide a method of
projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence
!aser aiming system, which is always pointing at a tubes line of sight or axis
line.
' S Next object of the present invention is to present a method of projecting
a
zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence laser aiming
system which is easily pre-calibrated one time and out of dangero:,'s zones or
prior to usage.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of projecting
a zero=convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero=convergenc e laser
aiming system which does not require adjustment in the dangerous zone or
during use.
.~~ne more object of the present invention is to provide a method of
projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence
laser aiming system having a self aligning cross hair.
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Sti!l another object of the present invention is to provide a method of
projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence
laser aiming system that is adaptable for different style disrupters,
firearms,
weapon systems, laser Tags (Toys), Paintball guns, etc...
A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of
projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence
laser aiming system, which is compact in design.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of
projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence
laser aiming system, which is lightweight.
Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be
obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be
described or wiil be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages
not referred to herein wi!l occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of
the
invention in practice.
SUMMARY OF TyE ;NVENTION
The present invention provides a method of projecting a zero-convergence
aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence laser aiming system.
According to a first embodiment of the present invention, it is describing a
method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target by a zero-
convergence laser aiming system having at least two laser modules, The laser
modules are adjustably fixed to a tube and aligned with the axis line of said
tube.
The method comprises the steps of sending a first linear beam from a first
laser
module on the target; sending a second linear beam from a second laser module
on the target. The first and second linear beams being mutually oriented in a
non-
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parallel manner to create on the target the aiming beam projection as an "X"
intersection to ensure accurate and convenient shooting, aiming or aligning
regardiess of the distance to the target and the skill or experience of an
operator.
According to another aspect of the present invention, it is describing a
method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target by a zero-
convergence laser aiming system having at least two laser modules. The laser
modules are adjustably fixed to a tube and aligned with the axis line of said
tube.
The method comprises the steps of sending a first linear beam from a first
laser
module on the target, the first linear beam being oriented in the vertical
proximity;
sending a second linear beam from a second laser module on the target, the
second linear beam is oriented in the horizontal proximity. The first and
second
linear beams are mutually oriented in right angled manner to create on the
target
the aiming beam projection as a cross-hair to ensure accurate and convenient
shooting, aiming or aligning regardless of the distance to the target and the
skill
or experience of an operator.
A zero-convergence iaser aiming system is adjustably fixed to a tube and
a!igned with the axis line of said tube. The system comprises a first laser
module
sending a first linear beam on the target and a second laser module sending a
second linear beam on the target. The first and second linear beams are
mutually
oriented in a non-parallel manner to create on the target the aiming beam
projection as an "X" intersection to ensure accurate and convenient shooting,
aiming or aligning regardless of the distance to the target and the skill or
experience of an operator;
The first and second linear beams could be mutually oriented in right
angled manner to create on the target the aiming beam projection as a cross-
hair
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to ensure accurate and convenient shooting, aiming or aligning regardless of
the
distance to the target and the skill or experience of an operator.
The invention accordingly comprises the furthers of construction,
combination of elements, arrangement of parts of the method of projecting a
zero-convergence aiming beam on a target and a zero-convergence laser aiming
system, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth,
and the
scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention,
reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in
connection
with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 a illustrates a method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming
beam on a target and a zero-convergence laser aiming system according to the
present invention, in which the aiming beam is a non right angled "X"
intersection;
Figure 1 b illustrates a front view of Fig. 1 a;
Figure 2a illustrates a method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming
beam on a target and a zero-convergence laser aiming system according to the
present invention, in which the aiming beam is a right angled cross-hair;
Figure 2b illustrates a front view of Fig. 2a;
Figure 2c illustrates a side view of Fig. 2a;
Figure 2d illustrates a top view of Fig. 2a;
Figure 3 illustrates a method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming
beam on a target and a zero-convergence laser aiming system according to the
present invention, in which the aiming beam is as cross-hair on a target
located
at a short-distance;
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Figure 4 illustrates a method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming
beam on a target and a zero-convergence laser aiming system according to the
present invention, in which the aiming beam is as cross-hair on a target
located
at a long-distance;
Figure 5 illustrates an assembled view of the laser aiming system,
according to the present invention;
and
Figure 6 illustrates one example of the unlimited position combinations that
the zero-convergence aiming beam and zero-convergence laser aiming system
can have in space, according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the annexed drawings, the preferred embodiments of the
present invention will be herein described for indicative purposes and by no
means as of limitation.
As best shown in Figs. 1 through 6, the present invention relates to a
method of projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target, object,
etc...
by a zero-convergence laser aiming system 10. The system 10 has at least two
laser modules. Figures 1 to 6 show the system 10 which includes two laser
modules 11 and 12 being adjustably fixed to a tube, barrel, Weaver dovetail /
Picatinny rail mount or any other mount, firearm, weapon system, toy,
Paintball
gun, alignment tool, etc... 17 (see Fig. 5) and aligned with the axis line 14
of said
tube.
The axis line is not limited to the centroid of the said tube; the laser
system
can align itself to any imaginary or set axis line outside of the boundary of
the
tube or system it is attached to. In fact, the laser modules can be located at
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different positions in space with different laser fan angles to create the
system 10
(see Fig. 6) or 10a as described below.
Referring to Figs. 1a and 1 b, a first embodiment of the method comprises
the steps of sending a first linear beam 15 from a first laser module 11 on
the
target, object, etc...; sending a second linear beam 16 from a second laser
module 12 on the target, object, etc.,.. The first 15 and second 16 linear
beams
are mutually oriented in a non-parallel manner. It allows to create on the
target,
object, etc... the aiming beam projection 18 as an "X" intersection ensuring
accurate and convenient shooting, aiming or aligning regardless of the
distance
to the target, object, etc... and the skill or experience of an operator.
Referring to Figs. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3 and 4, a second embodiment 10a of the
method comprises the steps of sending a first linear beam 15 from a first
laser
module 11 on the target, object, etc...; sending a second linear beam 16 from
a
second laser module 12 on the target, object, etc.... The first 15 and second
16
linear beams are mutually oriented in a right angled manner to create on the
target, object, etc... the aiming beam projection as a cross-hair to ensure
accurate and convenient shooting, aiming or aligning regardless of the
distance
to the target, object, etc... and the skill or experience of an operator.
The zero-convergence laser aiming system 10 of the first embodiment is
adjustably fixed, attached, etc... to a tube 17 and aligned with the axis line
14 of
said tube. The system 10 comprises a first laser module 11 sending a first
linear
beam 15 on the target, object, etc...; a second laser module 12 sending a
second
linear beam 16 on the target, object, etc.... The first and second linear
beams 15
and 16 are mutually oriented in a non-parallel manner to create on the target,
object, etc... the aiming beam projection 18 as an "X" intersection to ensure
CA 02587709 2007-05-25
accurate and convenient shooting, aiming or aligning regardless of the
distance
to the target, object, etc... and the skill or expertence of an operator.
The zero-convergence laser aiming system 10a of the second
embodiment is adjustably fixed, attached, etc... to a tube 17 and aligned with
an
axis line 14 of said tube. The system 10a comprises a first laser module 11
sending a first linear beam 15 on the target, object, etc...; a second laser
module
12 sending a second linear beam 16 on the target, object, etc.... The first 15
and
second 16 linear beams are mutually oriented in a right angled manner to
create
on the target, object, etc... the aiming beam projection as a cross-hair 18a
to
ensure accurate and convenient shooting, aiming or aligning regardless of the
distance to the target, object, etc... and the skill or experience of an
operator.
The zero-convergence laser aiming system 10 or 1 Qa wouid be easily
adjusted for user specific needs. Our laser aiming system 10 or 10a does need
to
be calibrated once attached to the tube 17. Even if the laser aiming system 10
or
10a is removed and then reattached to the tube 17 it does not need to be
recalibrated, it creates on the target, object, etc... an "X" intersection 18
or cross-
hair 18a which is always intersecting at the axis line 14 of the tube 17 even
if the
distance to the target, object, etc... changes (shown on Figs. 3 and 4).
It is in contrast to now existing aiming systems where it is difficult to aim
the barrel of a disrupter, Firearm, toy, Paintball Gun, etc... in a quick and
exact
manner at a given distance when the disrupter, Firearm, toy, Paintbatl Gun,
etc...
is moved closer or further from a potentially explosive package, target,
object,
etc....
The aiming system according to the present invention may also be used
as a range finder with the proper visual aids. Since the aiming beam projected
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changes in length depending on the distance (Shown on Figs. 3 and 4) from a
target, object, etc... it can be measured with the aid of a measuring tool
similar to
a transparent ruler from the relative location of the aiming system. The above
mentioned aiming system may be attached to the tube 17 in various ways but not
limited to the following examples: for instance it could be attached to the
tube by
a Velcro strap, magnets, self adjusting clamps, screws, rings, or any other
adjustable means, etc...
Referring to Fig.5 which is showing an example of the zero-convergence
aiming system 10 (or 10a with changes made to the attachment configuration),
the laser modules 11 and 12, tube 17, axis line 14, linear beams 15 and 16,
"X"
intersection 18 (or 18a with changes made to the attachment configuration) for
a
better understanding.
The system 10 or 10a can be factory calibrated to fit on a diverse style of
disrupters (or firearms, weapon systems, toys, Paintball guns, alignment tool,
etc..) without future adjustments to disarm or render a "suspicious package"
safe
(or aim, align, etc...) The system 10 or 10a can also be field calibrated to
fit on a
diverse style of disrupters or any other type of tube, barrel, firearm, weapon
system, toy, Paintball gun, alignment tool, etc... 17 without future
adjustments to
disarm or render a "suspicious package" safe (or aim, align, etc...). It
always
points or intersects at the tubes line of sight or axis line. VVhen necessary,
our
system can be easily pre-calibrated one time and out of dangerous zones or
prior
to usage.
The system is attachable on the outside of the tube, barrel, firearm,
weapon system, toy, Paintball gun, alignment tool, etc... and does not
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interfere/restrict with the axis tine of the tube or any projectile, beam,
etc...
coming out of the said tube, etc...
Our advanced system is designed to create an exact identification of the
tube's line of sight or axis line on the target, object, etc... at any
distance without
the need to recalibrate with a change of distance.
The aiming system according to the present invention can also host a
number of special applications to take advantage of its unique capabilities.
The drawings and the description attached to it are only intended to
illustrate the idea of the invention. As to the details, the invention may
vary within
the scope of the claims. So, the shape, size or other parameters of the method
of
projecting a zero-convergence aiming beam on a target, object, etc... by a
zero-
convergence laser aiming system may be formed as desired, considering the
needs and specifics of users' needs.
Although the present methods of projecting a zero-convergence aiming
beam on a target, object, etc... by a zero-convergence laser aiming system
have
been described with a certain degree of particularity it is to be understood
that the
disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention
is not timited to the features of the embodiment(s) described and illustrated
herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and
spirit of
the invention as hereinafter claimed.
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