Abstract:
An integrated accessory mounting and electrical interconnection device are provided which can be embedded or attached to the surface of a ballistic or non-ballistic helmet. The helmet system herein includes a flexible circuit substrate that may be embedded between a ballistic shell and an outer skin or shell. The helmet system and method allow a secure connection of helmet mounted accessories to the helmet without the need to penetrate any one or more layers of the ballistic shell with mounting hardware, fasteners, wiring vias, and so forth.
Abstract:
An improved weapon mount system for night vision system includes a cage-like structure receiving the body of a night vision system, such as a night vision monocular. A mounting shoe is attached to the base and cage halves secure the body of the night vision system. The mounting shoe of the present mount provides a lower profile than an integral mounting member on the night vision system that is used to attach the night vision system to a helmet/head worn mount. In one aspect, by lowering the weapon mounting height of the night vision device, the night vision system can be mounted at an appropriate height for use in front of an optical scope. In another aspect one aspect, lowering the weapon mounting height of the night vision device allows the night vision system to be mounted at an appropriate height for use on a helmet mounting system in a binocular system having a thermal camera or other type of viewing device.
Abstract:
An improved helmet construction and method having a circuit carried within an edge trim member received over the unfinished edge of the helmet shell. A plurality of electrical connectors are provided at different locations on the helmet for providing power, data transmission, and/or signal transmission to one or more accessory devices on the helmet.
Abstract:
A helmet accessory system comprises first and second ear brackets, for attachment to a helmet, having a side shroud housing for securing to the side of the helmet and an extension portion curving toward the rear of the helmet. The extension portions enclose circuitry electrically coupled to first sets of electrical contacts on the ear brackets and second sets of electrical contacts on the extension portion. An electrical hot shoe mounting member disposed on the rear portion of the helmet is configured for electrical communication with a helmet power and data circuit. A hot shoe adapter bridge for detachably and electrically coupling to the electrical hot shoe mounting member is operable to couple first and second ear brackets to the helmet power and data circuit.
Abstract:
A central network controller for a weapon comprises a plurality of computer ports for attaching electronic weapon accessory devices. Each of the computer ports is configured to permit interchangeable use of the electronic weapon accessory devices on a weapon. A processor and an associated electronic memory are operably coupled to the plurality of computer ports. One or more input devices are operably coupled to the processor and are configurable to control operation of an attached one or more of said electronic weapon accessory devices. The central network controller is configured to permit communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices and the processor to permit control of the electronic weapon accessory devices based on input from the one or more input devices. The central network controller is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices by mediating transmission of signals between the electronic weapon accessory devices.
Abstract:
A system and method for connecting a weapon-mounted accessory to a computer comprises a first data and power port configured to provide data and power transmission between the computer and the weapon-mounted accessory. The first data and power port is configured to detachably couple to a slot in a slot rail weapon interface. In a further aspect, one or more additional data and power ports are capable of providing data and power transmission between the computer and one or more additional weapon-mounted accessories. Each of the one or more additional data and power ports is configured to detachably couple to a slot in a slot rail weapon interface. The first data and power port and the one or more additional data and power ports are configured to be operably connected to each other to form a serial chain in a custom configuration of data and power ports.
Abstract:
A weapon sling includes a strap having first and second free ends and defining a main branch between the first and second free ends. The strap member is formed of an elongate hollow flexible, e.g., textile, element. A loop branch attached to the main branch is configured to be looped around a user's body. First and second connector assemblies are secured to the respective first and second free ends. The first connector assembly is for detachable coupling to a weapon connector on the weapon. The second connector assembly is for detachable coupling to a hub connector on a hub worn by the user. A plurality of electrical conductors extend within the elongate hollow flexible element for electrically coupling electrical contacts on the first connector assembly with electrical contacts on the second connector assembly for providing communications between a host computer on the weapon and the hub.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a battery pack adapter comprises a first side configured for coupling to a helmet accessory control unit and a second side opposite the first side configured for detachably coupling to a battery pack. The first side comprises first and second protruding attachment lugs configured to be detachably received within first and second complementary receptacles, respectively, on the helmet accessory control unit. Each of the first and second protruding attachment lugs comprises a magnetic fastener element configured to magnetically engage with an aligned magnetic fastener element in a respective one of the complementary receptacles. Each of the first and second protruding attachment lugs comprise electrical connector elements configured to establish an electrical connection with aligned electrical contacts in a respective one of the complementary receptacles. In further aspects, battery pack system comprising the battery pack adapter are provided.
Abstract:
A junction box for a weapon accessory device is provided for electrically coupling a remote control unit to the weapon accessory device, the remote control unit having one or more manually actuatable switches. The junction box comprises a housing having a mounting face and a connection face, wherein the mounting face is configured to face a complementary mounting surface of the weapon accessory device when the junction box is mounted to the weapon accessory device. The connection face is configured to couple to an electrical cable electrically coupled to the remote control unit. A plurality of electrical conductors are held within the housing and comprise mating contact portions disposed at the mounting face and configured to contact aligned contacts on the weapon accessory device.
Abstract:
A bridge link battery interface for a helmet accessory mounting system includes a housing enclosing a circuit and an electrical and mechanical coupling interface structured and operable to connect to an attachment point on the helmet accessory mounting system. A first battery interface is configured for detachable coupling to a first battery pack and a second battery interface configured for detachable coupling to a second battery pack. First and second electrical connector assemblies are disposed on the housing and electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein the circuit is operable to selectively electrically couple the first and second battery interfaces to the first and second electrical connector assemblies.