A ball joint gimbal (BJG) seeker assembly is provided and includes a back shell, a retaining system disposed to urge the seeker ball toward the back shell and a piezoelectric ultrasonic motor and sensor system arrayed between the seeker ball and the back shell. The piezoelectric ultrasonic motor and sensor system is pre-loaded by the retaining system and configured to controllably drive an angular orientation of the seeker ball.

A ball joint gimbal (BJG) seeker assembly is provided and includes a back shell, a retaining system disposed to urge the seeker ball toward the back shell and a piezoelectric ultrasonic motor and sensor system arrayed between the seeker ball and the back shell. The piezoelectric ultrasonic motor and sensor system is pre-loaded by the retaining system and configured to controllably drive an angular orientation of the seeker ball.

An archery projectile facility comprises an elongated body. The elongated body includes at least one accelerometer. The at least one accelerometer is operable to generate three-dimensional acceleration information. The archery projectile facility comprises a body processor. The body processor is operably connected to the at least one accelerometer. The body processor is adapted to process the three-dimensional acceleration information to generate sampled information. The archery projectile facility comprises a transmitter. The transmitter is operably connected to the body processor to broadcast the sampled information. The archery projectile facility comprises a receiver. The receiver includes a receiver processor. The receiver processor is adapted to generate resulting information based on the sampled information. The resulting information is based on a determination of a stabilization point.

An archery projectile facility comprises an elongated body. The elongated body includes at least one accelerometer. The at least one accelerometer is operable to generate three-dimensional acceleration information. The archery projectile facility comprises a body processor. The body processor is operably connected to the at least one accelerometer. The body processor is adapted to process the three-dimensional acceleration information to generate sampled information. The archery projectile facility comprises a transmitter. The transmitter is operably connected to the body processor to broadcast the sampled information. The archery projectile facility comprises a receiver. The receiver includes a receiver processor. The receiver processor is adapted to generate resulting information based on the sampled information. The resulting information is based on a determination of a stabilization point.

The present disclosure describes a signal relay node that is physically displaceable by a delivery system to move the signal relay node to a different location, to enable the signal relay node to overcome physical obstructions to signal propagation. A delivery system, such as a launching system, can launch the signal relay node encased within a housing unit, such as a projectile cap. Upon launch into the air, an additional aloft package may provide an aerostat, parachute, and/or a propeller and motor system to keep the signal relay node aloft in the air for a longer period of time.

The present invention relates to projectiles and munitions, and more specifically to such in flight. More particularly the present invention relates to projectiles and munitions in flight equipped with one or more image sensors adapted for acquiring image data of the environment surrounding the projection or munition in flight. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for correcting or stabilizing motion effects and artifacts present in the image data related to the movement or motion of the projectile or munition in flight, including spin or rotation of the projectile or munition.

Devices and methods for detection of evidence of life or ore bodies on or near the surface of extraterrestrial bodies (e.g., Mars) are described. In particular, a ground penetrating probe capable of s conducting life detection or other experiments and transmitting the data from the experiments to a satellite relay is described. Methods of use for such devices and apparatus are described.

An orb or body deployable from a launch tube serves as a countermeasures system. Where used, a tow rocket may be used to tow the orb or body to a desired location generally in front of an oncoming threat, and the tow rocket is released. Multiple line tow rockets are then launched from the orb in every direction, each extending a line connected to the orb to define a spherical volume within which the orb and lines operate. Each line may include at least one of sensors for sensing acoustic, magnetic or other disturbances, countermeasures systems including explosives, antenna, and radiating countermeasures transducers. Explosives or transducers may also be mounted in or to the orb. Magnetic, acoustic or electrical signals or the like may be emitted to confuse a threat, and explosives may be triggered when the threat enters the spherical volume defined by the extended lines.

An apparatus for determining a roll posture of a projectile includes: at least one thermopile sensor sensing a temperature of a side of the projectile; and a signal processor determining a roll posture of the projectile by using an output signal output as a result of the sensing by the at least one thermopile sensor.

An apparatus for determining a roll posture of a projectile includes: at least one thermopile sensor sensing a temperature of a side of the projectile; and a signal processor determining a roll posture of the projectile by using an output signal output as a result of the sensing by the at least one thermopile sensor.