US20070119328A1 - Cartridge ejection and data acquisition system - Google Patents
Cartridge ejection and data acquisition system Download PDFInfo
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- US20070119328A1 US20070119328A1 US11/281,300 US28130005A US2007119328A1 US 20070119328 A1 US20070119328 A1 US 20070119328A1 US 28130005 A US28130005 A US 28130005A US 2007119328 A1 US2007119328 A1 US 2007119328A1
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
- F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
- F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
- F42B12/46—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances
- F42B12/48—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances smoke-producing, e.g. infrared clouds
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B79/00—Methods for working soil
- A01B79/005—Precision agriculture
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C23/00—Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
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- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
- Feeding And Guiding Record Carriers (AREA)
Abstract
An ejection system includes a frame; a controller unit coupled to the frame and adapted to receive a command input; a cartridge ejection unit coupled to the frame and adapted to eject a cartridge in response to the received command input; and a recording unit coupled to the controller unit and adapted to record data when the cartridge is ejected.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The principles of several embodiments of the present invention generally related to an electromechanical system, and more specifically to an electromechanical cartridge ejection and data acquisition system.
- 2. Discussion of the Related Art
- When applying agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc., to a target area (e.g., a predetermined agricultural field) via aerial application, it is generally desirable to maximize the amount of agricultural chemical that reaches the target while minimizing the amount of chemical that is applied to non-target areas (e.g., neighboring agricultural fields, schools, residential areas, business areas, etc.). As all aerially applied agricultural chemicals are capable of drifting, it is important to take practice aerial application techniques that help to minimize or prevent drift over non-target areas. Indeed, companies and individuals in the agricultural chemical application industry face the increasing possibility of litigation due to chemical drift as schools, residential areas, and the like, continue to encroach upon agricultural fields.
- Without accurate information related to meteorological conditions existing at different altitudes over and within the vicinity of the target area (i.e., localized meteorological conditions) such as humidity, temperature, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, an aerial applicator cannot be sure whether it is safe to apply agricultural chemicals. For example, it is generally ineffective, and often illegal, to aerially apply agricultural chemicals in the presence of wind speeds that are greater than 10 MPH as the agricultural chemicals drift excessively outside the target area. Additionally, agricultural chemicals may drift excessively as aerosols in an atmosphere having a low humidity or high temperature, rather than condense into droplets that precipitate more readily in an atmosphere having a high humidity or low temperature.
- In the past, smoke has been used to indicate localized meteorological conditions such as wind direction and speed, wherein the smoke is generated by placing a tire in the target area, dousing the tire with kerosene, and burning the tire. Such a solution, however, generates toxic fumes that are often as environmentally unfriendly as the agricultural chemicals are when applied to non-target areas. To avoid burning tires, it has been proposed to equip aircraft with instrumentation that generates navigational information (e.g., information indicating latitude and longitude of the aircraft) and that determines the meteorological conditions within the vicinity of the aircraft. Meteorological conditions vary at different altitudes over the ground. Accordingly, solutions relying solely on aircraft mounted instrumentation cannot determine meteorological conditions existing between the flight path of the aircraft and the surface of the target area (i.e., localized surface meteorological conditions).
- Without the knowledge of meteorological conditions as they exist at all altitudes over and within the vicinity of the target area, however, aerial applicator pilots essentially estimate the probability that agricultural chemicals will excessively drift onto non-target areas if released from the aircraft at particular altitudes and adjust their flight path to compensate for the probability of drift. Aerial applicator pilots, however, may sometimes estimate incorrectly, resulting in contamination or destruction of crops and significant health risks to people in non-target areas. It was recognition of these and other facts that created the impetus for the development of principles associated with several embodiments of the present invention.
- Several embodiments of the invention advantageously address the needs above as well as other needs by providing a cartridge, a cartridge ejection unit, and an ejection system and related methods. In one embodiment, an end cap of a smoke cartridge includes a nozzle adapted to be coupled to the end of a smoke cartridge; an aperture defined within a first surface of the nozzle; and a channel extending tortuously through the nozzle, the channel being in fluid communication with the aperture and the interior of the smoke cartridge.
- In another embodiment, a smoke cartridge includes a first tube; a nozzle coupled to the first tube, the nozzle having a channel extending tortuously therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the channel; a pressure-sensitive activation unit fixed inside the first tube and coaxially aligned with the aperture; and a smoke capsule inside the first tube and in fluid communication with the channel.
- In another embodiment, a cartridge ejection unit includes a magazine housing adapted to contain a plurality of cartridges; an actuator unit coupled to the magazine housing and adapted to exert a force on a cartridge contained within the magazine housing and eject the cartridge from the magazine housing; a cartridge moving unit coupled to the magazine housing and adapted to align the plurality of cartridges with the actuator unit; and an alignment block coupled to an end portion of the magazine housing and adapted to orient a cartridge aligned with the actuator unit.
- In another embodiment, an ejection system includes a frame; a controller unit coupled to the frame and adapted to receive a command input; a cartridge ejection unit coupled to the frame and adapted to eject a cartridge in response to the received command input; and a recording unit coupled to the controller unit and adapted to record data when the cartridge is ejected.
- The above and other aspects, features and advantages of several embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a cartridge ejection and data acquisition system according to several embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message structure employed in accordance with principles of several embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of a controller subsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of a remote interface module subsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram of a cartridge subsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a functional block diagram of a meteorological subsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a functional block diagram of a recording subsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram of a digital video recording unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a functional block diagram of a video overlay unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a functional block diagram of a power subsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a pre-flight diagnostic according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an in-flight ejection protocol according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an in-flight recording protocol according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a post-flight upload protocol according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 illustrates a piping and instrument diagram of a cartridge ejection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an exterior perspective view of a pod according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 17A illustrates a first interior perspective view of the pod shown inFIG. 16 including a cooling assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 17B illustrates an interior perspective view of the pod shown inFIG. 16 including a cooling assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 illustrates a second interior perspective view of the pod shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge retainment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of the cartridge retainment unit shown inFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown inFIG. 21 along line I-I′. -
FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate an ignition assistor in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.
- The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.
- According to principles of several embodiments of the present invention, a cartridge ejection and data acquisition system facilitates the collection of information related to localized surface meteorological conditions and recordation of navigational data and other meteorological data.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a cartridge ejection and data acquisition system according to several embodiments of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the cartridge ejection and data acquisition system 100 (herein referred to as the “system”) includes acontroller subsystem 110, aremote interface subsystem 120, acartridge subsystem 130, anavigation subsystem 140, ameteorological subsystem 150, arecording subsystem 160, apower subsystem 170, and, optionally, one or moreauxiliary subsystems 180. Theremote interface subsystem 120 includes auser display 122 coupled to thecontroller subsystem 110 via auser display interface 124. Thecartridge subsystem 130 includes acartridge ejection unit 132 comprised of anactuator unit 134 coupled to acartridge retainment unit 136. Therecording subsystem 160 is further coupled to a video source 101 (e.g., a digital video camera) and, as will be discussed in greater detail below, includes a digital video recording (DVR)unit 162 coupled to a video overlay (VOB)unit 164. - In embodiments where the
system 100 is implemented in conjunction with an aerial agricultural chemical applicator (e.g., spray device 103), aspray subsystem 190 can be coupled to thecontroller subsystem 110. - As illustrated, each of the
aforementioned subsystems 120 to 190 are coupled to thecontroller unit 110 such that the subsystems can transmit messages to each other via an instrumentation bus 105 (e.g., wired, wireless, or a combination thereof). Moreover, thepower subsystem 170 is coupled to the controller, cartridge, navigation, meteorological, recording, andauxiliary subsystems instrumentation power bus 107. - The
controller subsystem 110 controls and coordinates the operations of the other subsystems. Theremote interface subsystem 120 provides an interface enabling a user to command thesystem 100 to perform various actions as well as provides a means for displaying the status of thesystem 100 and various subsystems. Thecartridge subsystem 130 provides an interface that controls the ejection of cartridges from thecartridge ejection unit 132, monitors the status of theactuator unit 134, and determines how many cartridges remain within thecartridge retainment unit 136. Thenavigation subsystem 140 collects navigational telemetry data associated with thesystem 100 such as latitude, longitude, current time, current date, horizontal speed, and, optionally, vertical speed and/or altitude and transmits the aforementioned navigational telemetry data (e.g., every 1000 milliseconds) to thecontroller subsystem 110. Themeteorological subsystem 150 collects meteorological telemetry data associated with local meteorological conditions within the vicinity of thesystem 100 such as air temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and, optionally, air speed and transmits the aforementioned meteorological telemetry data (e.g., every 1000 milliseconds) to thecontroller subsystem 110. In one embodiment, thecontroller subsystem 110 acquires the collected navigational and meteorological telemetry data (collectively referred to herein simply as “telemetry data”). Therecording subsystem 160 records video data associated with video segments generated by avideo source 101 and telemetry data acquired by thecontroller subsystem 110 and is adapted to transmit the recorded video and telemetry data. In one embodiment, therecording subsystem 160 is adapted to overlay video data with the telemetry data acquired by thecontroller subsystem 110. Thepower subsystem 170 provides power voltages necessary to operate the variousaforementioned subsystems 110 to 160 and 180. One or moreauxiliary subsystems 180 can be provided to add functionality not otherwise provided by thesystem 100. - In embodiments where the
system 100 is implemented in conjunction with an aerial agricultural chemical applicator thespray subsystem 190 transmits status information regarding thespray device 103 to thecontroller unit 110. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message structure employed in accordance with principles of several embodiments of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , messages transmitted over theinstrumentation bus 105 contain framing and addressing information, source and destination addresses, message length, payload, and integrity check data. As shown, each message includes, for example, start of header (SOH)data 202 and a check byte (CHK) 204 that, together provide message framing, a source address (Src) 206 identifying the subsystem sending the message, a destination address (Dst) 208 identifying subsystem to which the message is intended (i.e., the recipient subsystem), a message length identifier (Len) 210 identifying the length of the payload, apayload portion 212 containing the information to be acted upon by the recipient subsystem, and integrity check portion (CRC) 214. In one embodiment, each recipient subsystem responds to the transmitted message within a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment, a recipient subsystem responds by transmitting reply message indicating: 1) that the transmitted message was received properly and can be acted upon; 2) that the transmitted message was not received properly and should be retransmitted; or 3) the transmitted message was properly received but the payload is invalid. - The
controller subsystem 110 is adapted to transmit messages to theremote interface subsystem 120, thecartridge subsystem 130, therecording subsystem 160, and anyauxiliary subsystems 180 via theinstrumentation bus 105. As will be discussed in greater detail below, thecontroller subsystem 110 is further adapted to receive messages transmitted by the aforementioned remote interface, cartridge, navigation, meteorological, recording, andauxiliary subsystems instrumentation bus 105. - In one embodiment, the
controller subsystem 110 transmits Reset Request messages to any of the aforementioned subsystems, requesting that the recipient subsystem reset itself. - In one embodiment, the
controller subsystem 110 transmits Status Request messages to any of the aforementioned subsystems, requesting that the recipient subsystem transmit a Status Reply message indicating the health of the recipient subsystem. In one embodiment, Status Request messages are periodically transmitted to the remote interface subsystem 120 (e.g., every 100 milliseconds) and to the cartridge andrecording subsystems 130 and 160 (e.g., every 1000 milliseconds). - In one embodiment, messages transmitted by the
controller subsystem 110 to theremote interface subsystem 120 include remote interface display messages, instructing theuser display interface 124 drive theuser display 122 to display information associated with a predetermined button according a predefined attribute. Accordingly, remote interface display messages indicate the resolution to which the information is to be displayed, the size with which the information is to be displayed (e.g., small or large), a blink rate with which the information is to be displayed (e.g., none, 1 second, ¼ second, etc.), a color which the predetermined button is to be backlit with (e.g., green, orange, red, etc.), and the particular button with which the information to be displayed is associated (e.g., video button, drop button, system button, etc.). - In one embodiment, messages transmitted by the
controller subsystem 110 to thecartridge subsystem 130 include an eject command message instructing theactuator unit 134 to eject a cartridge from a predeterminedcartridge retainment unit 136. In one embodiment, the eject command message is transmitted upon receiving a drop request message from theremote interface subsystem 120. - In one embodiment, messages transmitted by the
controller subsystem 110 to the digital video recording unit (DVR) 162 includes a DVR Start Video message, instructing theDVR unit 162 to begin recording video data; a DVR Start Telemetry message, instructing theDVR unit 162 to begin recording telemetry data; a DVR Stop Telemetry message, instructing theDVR unit 162 to stop recording telemetry data; a DVR Shutdown message, instructing theDVR unit 162 to shut down; and a Telemetry message containing telemetry data acquired by thecontroller subsystem 110. In one embodiment, the Telemetry message is periodically transmitted to the DVR andVOB units 162 and 164 (e.g., every 1000 milliseconds). In one embodiment, the DVR Start Video and DVR Start Telemetry message are transmitted upon receiving a video request message from theremote interface subsystem 120. - Telemetry data contained within the Telemetry message includes, for example, system status/information flag (e.g., video data recording, cartridge ejected, sprayer on, altitude calculated from GPS, auxiliary I/O status, GPS altitude is negative, vertical speed is negative, south latitude, east longitude, etc.), current time (e.g., transmitted as SSMMHH), current date (e.g., transmitted as MMDDYY), longitude, fractional longitude, latitude, fractional latitude, GPS lock status (e.g., none, 2D, 3D, etc.), vertical speed in meters/second (e.g., transmitted as binary value XXXX with an implied decimal point between third and fourth digits), horizontal speed in knots (e.g., transmitted as binary value XXXX with an implied decimal point between third and fourth digits), course (e.g., transmitted as binary value XXXX with an implied decimal point between third and fourth digits), barometric pressure in millibars (e.g., transmitted as binary value XXXXX with an implied decimal point between fourth and fifth digits), temperature in degrees Centigrade (e.g., transmitted as binary value XXXX with an implied decimal point between third and fourth digits), external voltage in tenths of volts (e.g., transmitted as binary value XX with an implied decimal point between the digits), horizontal dilution of precision in tenths (e.g., transmitted as binary value XXX with an implied decimal point between second and third digits), horizontal dilution of precision in tenths (e.g., transmitted as binary value XXX with an implied decimal point between second and third digits), GPS quality indication (e.g., no lock, non-differential GPS lock, differential GPS lock, estimated GPS lock, etc.), GPS altitude in tenths of meters, humidity in tenths of percent, and altitude.
- In one embodiment, the Telemetry message further contains attribute information instructing the
VOB unit 164 to overlay the aforementioned telemetry data with the video data in accordance with predetermined row, column, color, and display attributes. For example, the attribute information instructs the overlay unit 164 to overlay data representing latitude in a manner such that it is displayed as XXXYY.ZZZZZA (where XXX is degrees, YY is minutes, ZZZZZ is fractional minute, and A is the N/S indication), data representing longitude in a manner such that it is displayed as XXXYY.ZZZZZA (where XXX is degrees, YY is minutes, ZZZZZ is fractional minute, and A is the E/W indication), data representing current time in a manner such that it is displayed as HHMMSS (where HH is hour, MM is minute, and SS is second), data representing current date in a manner such that it is displayed as MMDDYY (where MM is month, DD is day, and YY is year), data representing horizontal speed in a manner such that it is displayed as XXX.X knots, data representing air speed in a manner such that it is displayed as XXX mph, data representing altitude in a manner such that it is displayed as XXXXX feet in normal video if altitude is computed from barometric pressure or as XXXXX feet in reverse video if altitude is obtained via the navigational subsystem 140, data representing lock type in a manner such that it is displayed as XX (where XX is NO, 2D, 3D, or ??—representing no lock, 2D, 3D, or unknown, respectively), data representing humidity in a manner such that it is displayed as XXX % (where XXX is the relative humidity in percent). In another embodiment, the overlay messages instruct theoverlay unit 164 to overlay data representing a video file indicator in a manner such that it is displayed as XX or blank (where XX indicates that the video recording is in progress and blank indicates that video recording is not in progress) and data representing a cartridge event tag in a manner such that it is displayed as XX in normal video or blank if a cartridge was successfully ejected and displayed as XX in reverse video if a cartridge was unsuccessfully ejected (where XX indicates the cartridge number). - In one embodiment, messages transmitted by the
remote interface subsystem 120 to thecontroller subsystem 110 include the aforementioned video request and drop request messages in addition to system request message. - The
cartridge subsystem 130 is adapted respond to the eject command message by ejecting a cartridge and transmitting reply message indicating that a cartridge was executed (e.g., because a next available cartridge was ejected from within a particularcartridge retainment unit 136 or because a cartridge ejected from within a particularcartridge retainment unit 136 was not the next available cartridge), that a cartridge was not ejected (e.g., because nocartridge retainment unit 136 contains cartridges), or that a cartridge was not ejected due to insufficient power applied to theactuator unit 134 or becausecartridge ejection unit 132 is otherwise prevented from ejecting cartridges. - As mentioned above, the
controller subsystem 110 is adapted to coordinate operations of the aforementioned remote interface, cartridge, recording, navigation, meteorological, andauxiliary subsystems - Accordingly, and with reference to
FIG. 3 , thecontroller subsystem 110 includes one or more embedded processing units (MPU) 302, anexternal flash memory 304, a global positioning system (GPS)unit 306, anetwork interface 308, a plurality of (e.g., three)digital expansion connectors 310, ananalog expansion connector 312, a digital I/O port 320, at least oneconfiguration port 322, and asubsystem interface 324. - In one embodiment, the
MPU 302 is based on various PC-104 standards and has 128 Kbytes of main memory, 3840 bytes SRAM, and 1024 bytes EEROM, 2 hardware URTs, and a plurality of (e.g., 52) I/O lines. In one embodiment, theexternal flash memory 304 is provided as to Atmel AT41DB041 4 mbit Data Flash Memories for a total of 1 mbytes of non-volatile memory. In one embodiment, thenavigational subsystem 140 is physically embodied as the GPS unit 306 (e.g., provided as a Garmin GPS-15 module, GPSFlight GPSF-UBLOX GPS module, or the like, or combinations thereof). In another embodiment, however, thenavigational subsystem 140 is physically embodied as any suitable device or array of devices that are electrically connected to the controller subsystem 110 (e.g., from within an aircraft). In one embodiment, thenetwork interface 308 is provided as a radio modem capable of communicating over a desired network (e.g., BlueTooth, HomeRF, IEEE 802.11x, 802.20, and its successors or cellular wireless networks, etc.). In one embodiment,digital expansion connectors 310 are used to support any digital sensors within the navigational ormeteorological subsystems analog expansion connectors 312 are used to support any analog sensors within the navigational ormeteorological subsystems - In one embodiment, the
configuration port 322 is provided as a shared RS-232 port. In another embodiment, commands received via theconfiguration port 322 to configure thenetwork interface 308 and theGPS unit 306. In another embodiment, thecontroller subsystem 110 communicates directly with theDVR unit 162 via theconfiguration port 322. - In one embodiment, the
subsystem interface 324 is provided as a multidrop RS-485 link. In another embodiment, the remote interface andcartridge subsystems VOB unit 164, communicate with thecontroller subsystem 110 via thepower subsystem 170 using thesubsystem interface 324. - As mentioned above, the
remote interface subsystem 120 provides a user interface for thesystem 100 and includes auser display 122 coupled to auser display interface 124. In one embodiment, and with reference toFIG. 4 , theremote interface subsystem 120 includes theaforementioned user display 122 anduser display interface 124 provided within anenclosure 402. In one embodiment, theuser display 122 includes video, drop, andsystem buttons user display interface 124 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 410 supporting aprocessor 412 and acontroller interface component 414 that facilitates communication between theprocessor 412 and thecontroller unit 110 via theaforementioned subsystem interface 324. - When actuated by a user, the video, drop, and
system buttons user display interface 124 that is configured to transmit the aforementioned video, drop, and system request messages, respectively, to thecontroller subsystem 110. In one embodiment, the video, drop, andsystem buttons user display interface 124 is adapted to drive the video, drop, andsystem buttons controller subsystem 110. The LCDs of the video, drop, andsystem buttons processor 412 to display information associated with results of any of the aforementioned video, drop, and system request messages, respectively. Further, each LCD can be backlit in a plurality of colors including, for example, red, green and, optionally, orange (e.g., by multiplexing red and green rapidly) depending on the status of a particular subsystem associated with the button. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
video button 404 is backlit in green to indicate that theDVR unit 162 is operational but not recording, backlit in red to indicate that theDVR unit 162 is recording, or backlit in flashing red to indicate that there is a fault within therecording subsystem 160. In one embodiment, when backlit in flashing red, thevideo button 404 displays a “FAULT” message indicating that a fault inDVR unit 162 has been detected, a “NO CAM” message indicating that no video source is detected by theVOB unit 164, and a “NO VIDEO” message indicating that no video source is detected by theDVR unit 162. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
drop button 406 is backlight in green to indicate that thecartridge ejection unit 132 is disarmed and, therefore, cannot eject a cartridge, backlit in red to indicate that thecartridge ejection unit 132 is armed and, therefore, can eject a cartridge, and backlit in flashing red to indicate that there is a fault within thecartridge subsystem 130. In one embodiment, when backlit in flashing red, thedrop button 406 displays a “FAULT” message indicating that a fault in thecartridge subsystem 130 has been detected, a “MAG EMPTY” message indicating that magazines of all cartridge retainment units are empty, a “NO A INDEX” message indicating that a first magazine (e.g., magazine “A”) failed to index to the next cartridge, a “NO B INDEX” message indicating that a second magazine (e.g., magazine “B”) failed to index to the next cartridge. In another embodiment, when backlit in green, thedrop button 406 displays the number of cartridges remaining within thecartridge retainment unit 136. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
system button 408 is backlit in green to indicate that thesystem 100 is operational, all subsystems are operational, theGPS unit 206 has a 3D lock, and the user has calibrated (e.g., zeroed) the barometric pressure, is backlit in orange to indicate that theCPS unit 206 has a 2D lock, is backlit in red to indicate that theCPS unit 206 has no lock or the that the barometric pressure has not been calibrated. In another embodiment, thesystem button 408 displays the air temperature and relative humidity when backlight in green and orange. In another embodiment, when backlit in red, thesystem button 408 displays a “ZERO BP?” message when the barometric pressure can be calibrated and displays a “NO LOCK” message when the barometric pressure has been calibrated and theGPS unit 206 does not have a lock. In another embodiment, when backlit in flashing red, thesystem button 408 displays a “FAN SPEED” message indicating the fan speed within the system is below minimum, a “FAULT” message indicating a fault has been detected within thesystem 100, a “INVAL HUM” message indicating an invalid humidity reading, a “LOW VOLT” message indicating the system voltage is below a minimum, a “NO DVR” message indicating theDVR unit 162 is inoperative, a “NO MAG” message indicating cartridge retainment unit is present, a “NO PRESS” message indicating theactuator system 132 is not pressurized, a “NO AIRSPD” message indicating that a sensor withinmeteorological subsystem 150 is not sensing air speed, a “NO BAROM” message indicating that a sensor withinmeteorological subsystem 150 is not sensing barometric pressure, a “NO HUM” message indicating that a sensor withinmeteorological subsystem 150 is not sensing humidity, a “NO BTEMP” message indicating inability to sense temperature from barometric pressure sensor, a “NO HTEMP” message indicating inability to sense temperature from humidity sensor, a “OVER TEMP” message indicating a high temperature from themeteorological subsystem 150, in addition to any of the displayed messages associated with the video and drop buttons. - As mentioned above, the
cartridge subsystem 130 provides an interface that controls the ejection of cartridges from thecartridge ejection unit 132, monitors the status of theactuator unit 134, and determines how many cartridges remain within a particularcartridge retainment unit 136. Accordingly, and in one embodiment exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 5 , thecartridge subsystem 130 includes aprocessor PCB 502 and at least onesensor PCB 504. In an exemplary embodiment, theprocessor PCB 502 supports aprocessor 506,controller interface component 508 adapted to communicate to thecontroller unit 110 via theaforementioned subsystem interface 324, and at least onesensor interface component 510 adapted to facilitate communication between theprocessor 506 and acorresponding sensor PCB 504. In an exemplary embodiment, eachsensor PCB 504 supportssensor circuitry 518 adapted to detect characteristics associated with acartridge retainment unit 136 operably proximate thereto within thecartridge ejection unit 132 and transmit messages corresponding the detected characteristics to theprocessor 506 via a correspondingsensor interface component 510. - In embodiments where the
actuator unit 134 is implemented as a pneumatically operated actuator unit, theprocessor PCB 502 supports components adapted to receive, as an input, a message indicating that the air pressure within theactuator unit 134 is OK (e.g., via a voltage from a pressure switch sensed through a first optical isolation circuit 512). In embodiments where theactuator unit 134 is implemented as an electrically controlled, pneumatically operated actuator unit, theprocessor PCB 502 further supports components adapted to output actuation power (e.g., 12 VDC) to operate theactuator unit 134. - In embodiments where the
system 100 is implemented in conjunction with the aerial agricultural chemical applicator, theprocessor PCB 502 supports components adapted to receive, as inputs, a message indicating that the aircraft ignition switch is on (e.g., via a voltage from an aircraft ignition switch sensed through a second optical isolation circuit 514) and that thespray device 103 is on (e.g., via a voltage from a spray system switch sensed through a third optical isolation circuit 516). - In another embodiment the
processor PCB 502 may also support components adapted to receive, as inputs, data representing a fan tachometer and differential air pressure to compute air speed (e.g., via a voltage from a dynamic pressure sensor 520). - In one embodiment, the
sensor circuitry 518 supported by asensor PCB 504 includes Hall Effect sensors adapted to detect magnetic fluctuations within acartridge retainment unit 136 adjacent thereto that indicate, for example, the number of cartridges remaining therein, whether the remaining cartridges are properly indexed after an ejection event, etc. - As mentioned above, the
meteorological subsystem 150 collects meteorological telemetry data associated with meteorological conditions within the vicinity of thesystem 100 such as air temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and, optionally, air speed. Referring toFIG. 6 , themeteorological subsystem 150 is physically embodied as asensor array 600 including, for example, anair temperature sensor 602, abarometric pressure sensor 604, ahumidity sensor 606, and anairspeed sensor 608. In one embodiment any of the aforementioned sensors may be digital or analog. Where the sensors are analog the aforementionedanalog expansion connector 312 is connected between the analog sensor and thecontroller subsystem 110. In one embodiment, the analog expansion connector includes amultiplexer 610 coupled to the analog sensor(s) and an analog-to-digital (A/D)converter 612 coupled between the multiplexer and the embeddedprocessing unit 302 of thecontroller subsystem 110. The sampling rates of themultiplexer 610 and A/D converter 612 may be optimized to allow for collection of sufficient digital information without exceeding the processing capabilities and/or storage capacities of the embeddedprocessing unit 302 of thecontroller subsystem 110. - As mentioned above, the
recording subsystem 160 records video data associated with video segments generated by avideo source 101, recording telemetry data acquired by thecontroller subsystem 110, transmitting the recorded video and telemetry data, and overlaying the video data with the telemetry data acquired by thecontroller subsystem 110. Accordingly, and with reference toFIG. 7 , therecording subsystem 160 includes a digital video recording unit (DVR) 162 and a video overlay (VOB)unit 164, wherein theDVR unit 162 coupled to the input of thevideo source 101 and wherein theVOB unit 164 is coupled to the output of thevideo source 101. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , theDVR unit 162 includes a DVRmain board portion 810, aframe grabber portion 820, and anetwork portion 830. In one embodiment, the DVRmain board portion 810 and theframe grabber portion 820 communicate to each other via a PC-104 interface 802 as do theframe grabber portion 820 and thenetwork portion 830. - The DVR
main board portion 810 includes aprocessor 812, a first (e.g., serial) I/O link 814 to thecontroller subsystem 110 coupled to theprocessor 812, a second (e.g., digital) I/O link 815 coupled to an input of thevideo source 101 and theprocessor 812, and astorage device interface 816 coupled between a storage device 817 (e.g., an IDE storage device) and theprocessor 812. In one embodiment, theprocessor 812 is adapted to output a video source command signal (e.g., a TTL signal) turning thevideo source 101 on in response to a DVR Start Video message transmitted by thecontroller subsystem 110 and received via the first I/O link 812. - The
frame grabber portion 820 is adapted to receive a composite video signal from the VOB unit 164 (e.g., an NTSC video signal generated by thevideo source 101 and overlaid with data contained within the Telemetry message) and forward the received composite video signal to the DVRmain board portion 810. In one embodiment, theprocessor 812 is adapted to receive data contained within the Telemetry message transmitted by thecontroller subsystem 110 via the first I/O link 812, in addition to data within a composite video signal stream provided by theframe grabber portion 820 via the PC-104 interface 802, and store the received data in the storage device 817 (e.g., in an MPEG4 format) via thestorage interface 816. In one embodiment, data is stored within thestorage device 817 for until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from receipt of the DVR Start Video message. In another embodiment, data within a single composite video stream is stored as a separate file within thestorage device 817. - The
network portion 830 is provided as a network card (e.g., an IEEE 802.11b network card) adapted to transmit data stored within thestorage device 817 to a base station (not shown) via, for example, an FTP protocol over a wireless link. In one embodiment, thenetwork portion 830 transmits the stored data to the base station periodically or when one or more predetermined conditions are met. Once the data is transmitted, thestorage device 817 may be purged of data and be prepared to store new data sets. - In one embodiment, the base station includes a processor (e.g., a Windows-based PC), a serial Modem enabling communication over standard phone lines, and a network access point (e.g., Ethernet WiFi). Due to certain federal regulations, the
DVR subsystem 160 is configured to transmit the system data only when, for example, theDVR subsystem 160 is on the ground. Accordingly, theDVR subsystem 160 can be configured to automatically transmit the system data when a value of a portion of the sensor data (e.g., altitude, barometric pressure, groundspeed, air temperature, or the like, or combinations thereof) is greater than or less than a predetermined value or through a user-initiated command via thecontroller subsystem 110. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , theVOB unit 164 includes aPCB 902 supporting aprocessor 904, a basic overlay board (BOB) 906, and support components including, for example, avideo input 908, avideo output 910, and acontroller interface component 912. In one embodiment, theBOB 906 is adapted to accept video signals (e.g., NTSC) from thevideo source 101 having been turned on by the video source command signal output by the DVRmain board portion 810, insert data contained within the Telemetry message transmitted by thecontroller subsystem 110 in a textual format specified by the Overlay Attribute message also transmitted by thecontroller 110, thereby forming a composite video signal, and output the composite video signal to theframe grabber portion 820. - As mentioned above, the
power subsystem 170 provides power to thesystem 100. In one embodiment, the power provided by thepower subsystem 170 is distributed to the cartridge, navigation, meteorological, andrecording subsystems controller subsystem 110. Accordingly, and with reference toFIG. 10 , thepower subsystem 170 includes a first voltage regulator (VR1) 1002 coupled to an external power source, aninternal battery 1004 coupled to thefirst VR 1002, second and third VRs 1006 and 1008, respectively, coupled to theinternal battery 1004, avoltage divider 1010 coupled between theinternal battery 1004 and thecontroller subsystem 110, arelay 1012 coupled between theinternal battery 1004, thecontroller subsystem 110, and fourth, fifth andsixth VRs - The
first VR 1002 receives an input power having a first voltage (e.g., 28 VDC), steps down the input power to a second voltage sufficient to charge the internal battery 1004 (e.g., 13.8 VDC), and outputs the second voltage to theinternal battery 1004. In one embodiment, the second voltage is selected using a 3 to 5 A with the GND terminal floated above ground using a resistor having a predetermined value. - The second and third VRs 1006 and 1008 receive the second voltage from the
internal battery 1004 and output third and fourth voltages (e.g., 12 VDC and 5 VDC, respectively) to theinstrumentation power bus 107 circuit and thecontroller subsystem 110, respectively. Thecontroller subsystem 110 monitors the voltage of theinternal battery 1004 via an external voltage (Vext) output byvoltage divider 1010. In one embodiment, the voltage divider includes 90.9 Kohm and 60.4 Kohm resistors and provides a monitoring voltage range of 0 to 15.3 volts. - The
relay 1012 includes a FET circuit and switches the second voltage to the fourth tosixth VRs 1014 to 1018. Upon receipt of the switched second voltage, the fourth and fifth VRs 1014 and 1016 output fourth and fifth voltages (e.g., 5 VDC and 12 VDC) to theDVR unit 162 and thesixth VR 1018 outputs a sixth voltage (e.g., 12 VDC) to theinstrumentation power bus 107. - Having described the functional characteristics of, and interrelationships between the various aforementioned subsystems, a discussion of their cooperative operation will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.
- In embodiments where the
system 100 is implemented in conjunction with an aerial agricultural chemical applicator (e.g., spray device 103), thesystem 100 undergoes a pre-flight diagnostic 1100 described with respect toFIG. 11 , wherein thesystem 100 receives its operating power via the power system of the aircraft (step 1102). Upon receiving the operating power, thecontroller subsystem 110 outputs a message instructing thepower subsystem 170 to provide power to theDVR unit 162 and the instrumentation power bus 107 (step 1104). When thecontroller subsystem 110 determines that the aircraft's ignition is on, thecontroller subsystem 110 transmits a message to theDVR unit 162, instructing it to disable the network portion 830 (step 1106). - The
controller subsystem 110 then transmits Status Request messages and acquires Status Reply messages from, for example, the cartridge andrecording subsystems 130 and 160 (step 1108). If any of the aforementioned subsystems report the presence of a fault, theremote interface subsystem 120 displays, via the aforementioned video, drop, andsystem buttons recording subsystems system button 408, for example, is driven to indicate that the barometric pressure can be calibrated (step 1114). Thus, when a user presses thesystem button 408, thecontroller subsystem 110 instructs abarometric pressure sensor 604 to undergo a calibration process. In one embodiment, theGPS unit 306 automatically attempts to acquire satellites via a 2D or 3D lock (step 1116). Accordingly, thesystem button 408 is driven accordingly during satellite acquisition. Subsequently, thesystem 100 is ready for in-flight operation (step 1118). - According to principles of several embodiments of the present invention, cartridges can be ejected onto a target area during flight according to an
ejection protocol 1200 described with respect toFIG. 12 . In one embodiment, the cartridge is provided as a smoke cartridge that indicates localized surface meteorological conditions (e.g., wind direction across the target area surface) that, when ejected, enables a pilot to adjust flight paths in a manner that maximizes spraying over the target area and minimizes spraying or drift in non-target areas. - Upon approach to the target area, the
drop button 406 is backlit in green, indicating that thecartridge ejection unit 132 is disarmed (step 1202). Prior to applying any agricultural chemical to the target area, the user presses thedrop button 406 once to arm thecartridge ejection unit 132, thereby changing the backlight color of thedrop button 406 from green to red (step 1204). In one embodiment, if the user does not press thedrop button 406 within a predetermined amount of time during which it stays backlit in red, thecartridge ejection unit 132 becomes disarmed and thedrop button 406 is backlit in green (step 1206). If the user presses thedrop button 406 within the predetermined amount of time, the smoke cartridge will be ejected (step 1208). When a smoke cartridge is ejected successfully, thedrop button 406 is backlit in green and the number of cartridges remaining within thecartridge ejection unit 132 is displayed. If a smoke cartridge is unsuccessfully rejected (e.g., because theactuator unit 134 is not sufficiently pressurized, the next cartridge is not properly indexed, etc.), thedrop button 406 is backlit in flashing red and a fault message is displayed. - Once successfully ejected onto the target area, the smoke cartridge generates a smoke plume that can be recognized by a
video source 101 during flight according to arecording protocol 1300 described with respect toFIG. 13 . Accordingly, and prior to applying the agricultural chemical, thevideo button 404 is backlit in green, indicating that theDVR unit 162 is operational but not recording (step 1302). Upon approaching the target area, just prior to applying any agricultural chemical to the target area, the user presses thevideo button 404 once to initiate recording by theDVR unit 162, thereby changing the backlight color of thevideo button 404 from green to red while the recording is in process (step 1304). In one embodiment, recording is initiated when thecontroller subsystem 110 transmits the DVR Start Video message and the DVR Start Telemetry message to therecording subsystem 160. TheDVR unit 162 terminates recording video automatically after a predetermined amount of time (see step 1306) after which thecontroller subsystem 110 transmits the DVR Stop Telemetry message to stop recording telemetry data (step 1308). In one embodiment, thevideo button 404 displays the name of the video file being recorded. If, for example, thestorage device 817 is full, thevideo button 404 is backlit in flashing red and a fault message is displayed. - As mentioned above, the
spray subsystem 190 of an aerial applicator can be coupled to thecontroller subsystem 110 wherein thespray subsystem 190 is adapted to transmit a spray status message to thecontroller subsystem 110 indicating when thespray device 103 is activated. In one embodiment, data contained within the spray status message is included within the Telemetry message that is overlaid with the video signal generated by thevideo source 101 by theVOB unit 164 and provides a record of the location in which the agricultural chemical was applied. - After the data is recorded and stored within the
storage device 817, it can be transmitted to a base station via thenetwork portion 830 according to atransmission protocol 1400 described with respect toFIG. 14 . The process begins atstep 1402. In one embodiment, the recorded data is transmitted when one or more predetermined conditions are met (step 1404). For example, the recorded data is transmitted when thecontroller unit 110 determines that the aircraft ignition is off. In another example, the recorded data is transmitted when conditions sensed by the navigational and/ormeteorological subsystems 140 and/or 150 (e.g., air temperature, barometric pressure, altitude, air speed, etc.) indicates the aircraft is on the ground. - To transmit the recorded data, the
controller subsystem 110 instructs theDVR unit 162 to activate thenetwork portion 830 and initiate uploading the recorded data to the base station (step 1406). In one embodiment, thecontroller subsystem 110 transmits a Status Request message to theDVR unit 162 at predetermined intervals to determine whether the uploading is complete (step 1408). When the upload operation is complete, thecontroller subsystem 110 transmits a DVR Shutdown message to the DVR unit 162 (step 1410). In one embodiment, thecontroller subsystem 110 transmits a Status Request message to theDVR unit 162 at predetermined intervals to determine whether theDVR unit 162 has shut down (step 1412). After the shutdown has been completed (i.e., when theDVR unit 162 ceases to transmit Status Reply messages) for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1 minute), thecontroller subsystem 110 disables the instrumentation power bus 107 (step 1414). - In one embodiment, if the
controller subsystem 110 determines the external voltage Vext to be below a predetermined level, thecontroller subsystem 110 transmits the aforementioned DVR Shutdown message to theDVR unit 162, regardless of the status of the uploading. If theDVR unit 162 cannot shut down in response to the DVR Shutdown message, it responds with a CANCEL response. Accordingly, thecontroller subsystem 110 periodically transmits the DVR Shutdown message to theDVR unit 162 until theDVR unit 162 ceases to respond. - Having described the general functional characteristics of, and interrelationships between the various aforementioned subsystems, and various methods that can be implemented using the same, a detailed discussion will now be provided with respect to physically manifested embodiments of the
system 100 and various other subsystems. -
FIG. 15 illustrates acartridge ejection unit 132 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the diagram, electrical interconnections are shown in solid lines while pneumatic interconnections are shown in cross-hatched lines. - Referring to
FIG. 15 , thecartridge ejection unit 132 includes anactuator unit 134 and acartridge retainment unit 136. - In one embodiment, the
cartridge retainment unit 136 containscartridges 1502 which can be individually ejected during operation of theactuator unit 134. As will be discussed in greater detail below, thecartridges 1502 contain systems adapted to perform substantially any process. Additionally, thecartridges 1502 can be advanced (i.e., indexed) within thecartridge retainment unit 136 along the direction of the arrow to enable sequential ejection of thecartridges 1502. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
aforementioned sensor circuitry 518 is arranged proximate to thecartridge retainment unit 136 to detect magnetic fluctuations within thecartridge retainment unit 136 that indicate, for example, the number of cartridges remaining therein, whether the remaining cartridges are properly indexed after an ejection event, etc. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
actuator unit 134 includes anair compressor 1504 a, anair pressure switch 1506, anair reservoir tank 1504 b, and acylinder assembly 1507 including asolenoid 1508, and acylinder 1510. Thecylinder 1510 includes a single actingspring return mechanism 1512 coupled to aninternal piston 1514 which, in turn, is coupled to astriking rod 1516. Although only onecylinder assembly 1507 and onecartridge retainment unit 136 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that the actuator can include any number ofcylinder assemblies 1507 and a corresponding number ofcartridge retainment units 136. For example, theactuator unit 134 may include two (or four)cylinder assemblies 1507 and two (or four)cartridge retainment units 136. - The
air compressor 1504 a provides a primary source of pressurized air which is stored in theair reservoir tank 1504 b and used to supply pressurized air to thecylinder 1510. Theair pressure switch 1506 activates theair compressor 1504 a when the air pressure within theactuator unit 134 falls below a first predetermined pressure value and deactivates theair compressor 1504 a when the air pressure within theactuator unit 134 rises above a second predetermined pressure value. Thesolenoid 1508 selectively opens and closes thecylinder 1510 to pressurized air provided by theair compressor 1504 a in response to a signal generated upon a user pressing theaforementioned drop button 406. - According to principles of several embodiments of the present invention, the
striking rod 1516 is provided with atip 1518 configured to contact a pressure-sensitive activation unit (see, for example, 2211 inFIG. 22 ) of acartridge 1502 provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and aligned therewith. Air admitted into thecylinder 1510 via thesolenoid 1508forces piston 1514 andstriking rod 1516 toward acartridge 1502 aligned therewith in thecartridge retainment unit 136. In one embodiment, thetip 1518 of thestriking rod 1516 contacts the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 of thecartridge 1502 with sufficient force to simultaneously eject thecartridge 1502 from thecartridge retainment unit 136 and to initiate a process (e.g., a chemical reaction) within the cartridge 1502 (i.e., activate the cartridge 1502). After onecartridge 1502 is ejected from thecartridge retainment unit 136, another cartridge is automatically aligned with thetip 1518 of thestriking rod 1516. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an exterior perspective view of a pod according to one embodiment of the present invention. - According to several embodiments of the present invention, and with general reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, the
aforementioned subsystems pod 1600. In one embodiment, theremote interface subsystem 120 is located externally to thepod 1600 where it is accessible to the user (e.g., in a cockpit of an aircraft). In another embodiment, thepod 1600 is configured to be mounted onto a surface (e.g., a hard point of an aircraft) such that thecartridges 1502 can be ejected in, for example, a downward direction. Notwithstanding the discussion provided here, it will be appreciated that thepod 1600 can also be mounted onto substantially any desired a surface (e.g., a hard point of a ground vehicle, a stationary structure, etc.). - Referring to
FIG. 16 , thepod 1600 includes aframe 1601 formed of a material such as aluminum and having at least one ejectionunit support portion 1602 and aninterface support portion 1603. Twoports 1604 are included within the ejectionunit support portion 1602. In one embodiment, eachport 1604 is defined by upper (e.g., first) and lower (e.g., second)bracket portions ports 1604 further include longitudinal sidewall portion (see, for example, 1703 inFIG. 17A ), and a terminal frontwall portion (see, for example, 1808 inFIG. 18 ). Also illustrated is a firstretainment pin opening 1607 formed within thecartridge retainment unit 136, aretainment pin 1608 received within the firstretainment pin opening 1607, and aconstant force spring 1610 implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As also illustrated, thepod 1600 includes first to third cover units 1612 a to 1612 c, respectively, forming acovering structure 1611 that defines an interior space where theaforementioned subsystems interface support portions frame 1601. - In one embodiment, the first and
third cover units 1612 a and 1612 c, respectively, are formed of a material such as plastic while thesecond cover unit 1612 b is formed of a material such as aluminum. In another embodiment, thesecond cover unit 1612 b serves as a structural member of thepod 1600, wherein thepod 1600 is mounted to the desired surface via thesecond cover unit 1612 b. - In one embodiment, the
air circulation openings 1614 b allow air cleaned by a cooling unit (see, for example, 1710 inFIG. 17A orFIG. 17B ) to circulate through, and exit the interior space defined by thecovering structure 1611, thereby cooling theaforementioned subsystems 110 and 140-170. - In one embodiment, the
port 1604 of each cartridge ejection unit is adapted to receive and secure acartridge retainment unit 136. In another embodiment, the number ofcartridge retainment units 136 that can be received and secured by the ejectionunit support portion 1602 corresponds to (e.g., is equal to) thenumber cylinder assemblies 1507 included within theactuator unit 134. For example, theactuator unit 134 includes twocylinder assemblies 1507 and the ejectionunit support portion 1602 includes twoports 1604. - As will be discussed in greater detail below, the
cartridge retainment unit 136 is secured within arespective port 1604 upon inserting aretainment pin 1608 into a firstretainment pin opening 1607 and a second retainment pin opening (see, for example, 1804 inFIG. 18 ). -
FIG. 17A illustrates a first interior perspective view of the pod shown inFIG. 16 including a cooling assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 17A , the ejectionunit support portion 1602 includes acylinder assembly opening 1701, adischarge opening 1702, and the aforementionedlongitudinal sidewall portion 1703. As illustrated, thepod 1600 further includes aprocessing unit 1704, a heat-sink 1706, theaforementioned cooling unit 1710, a plurality of port guides 1720, and acartridge containment unit 1730. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling and filtering assembly includes mountingelements 1711, afan 1712, anair intake 1713, aninlet prefilter 1714, anair filter 1715, anair box 1716, and anair box lid 1717. Also in the illustrated embodiment, thecartridge containment unit 1730 includes asolenoid 1731, aplunger 1732, aspring 1733, aconnection rod 1734 having first and second terminal ends 1735 a and 1735 b, ahorn 1736, agate 1737, and apad 1738. Further, theactuator unit 134 is shown to further include compressorair supply lines 1722 and cylinderair supply lines 1724. - As shown, the
aforementioned actuator unit 134 is coupled to an external (e.g., upper) surface of theupper bracket portion 1605 and is concealed, for example, by the second and/orthird cover units 1612 b and/or 1612 c, respectively. Thecylinder assembly opening 1701 is defined within theupper bracket portion 1605 to receive thetip 1518 ofstriking rod 1516 and allow, as will be discussed in greater detail below, acartridge 1502 to be ejected from thecartridge retainment unit 136. The discharge opening 1709 is defined within thelower bracket portion 1606 to receive acartridge 1502 that has been ejected from thecartridge retainment unit 136 and allow the ejectedcartridge 1502 to exit thepod 1600. - The
aforementioned subsystems 110 and 140-170 (e.g., included within processing unit 1704), in addition to theaforementioned sensor assembly 600, are coupled to theinterface support portion 1602 of theframe 1601 that is concealed, for example, by the first cover unit 1612 a. In one embodiment, thebattery 1004 is coupled to the ejectionunit support portion 1602. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat-sink 1706 is coupled to theprocessing unit 1704 to transfer heat away from the electrical components included therein. - As shown, the
aforementioned sensor circuitry 518 can be coupled to thelongitudinal sidewall portion 1703 such that it is operably proximate to acartridge retainment unit 136 received within theport 1604. - In one embodiment, the compressor and cylinder
air supply lines FIG. 15 . Thus, the compressorair supply lines 1722 connect theair compressor 1504 a and theair reservoir tank 1504 b (e.g., via suitable fittings) while each cylinderair supply line 1724 connects theair compressor 1504 a with a respective cylinder assembly 1507 (e.g., via suitable fittings). - According to principles of several embodiments of the present invention, the
aforementioned subsystems 110 and 140-170 are air cooled via thecooling unit 1710. In one embodiment, thecooling unit 1710 is provided as an integral unit and may be mounted to the first cover unit 1612 a via mountingelements 1711 such that theair intake 1713 is aligned with theair intake opening 1614 a defined within the first cover unit 1612 a. Thefan 1712 is in fluid communication with theair intake 1713 and pulls air from outside thecovering structure 1611, through thefirst opening 1614 a, into theair intake 1713, and into the inlet prefilter 1714 (e.g., a centrifugal filter) where heavy particles (e.g., dirt, oil, aerosols, etc.) are removed from the pulled air. The pre-filtered air then flows through theair box 1716 to theair filter 1715 where fine particles are removed from the air stream and is finally directed through an exhaust opening of theair box lid 1717 where the cleaned air flows around and cools theaforementioned subsystems 110 and 140-170 which are, for example. The flow path described above is exemplarily shown inFIG. 17 at the dashedline 1718. - In another embodiment, and as exemplarily shown in
FIG. 17B , thecooling unit 1710 may consist solely of theaforementioned fan 1712. In this embodiment, thefan 1712 is mounted to, for example, a region of theinterface support portion 1603 between theprocessing unit 1704 and theair intake opening 1614 a defined within the first cover unit 1612 a. In the illustrated embodiment, theaforementioned sensor array 600 may be coupled to a region of theinterface support portion 1603 location immediately downstream of theair intake opening 1614 a. As also illustrated inFIG. 17B , thebattery 1004 may be coupled to a region of theinterface support portion 1603 location between theprocessing unit 1704 and thesensor array 600. - Referring back to
FIG. 17A , and in accordance with principles of several embodiments of the present invention, thecartridge retainment unit 136 is substantially prevented from experiencing traverse, longitudinal, or axial movement once received and secured within theport 1604. In one embodiment, a plurality of cartridge retainment unit port guides 1720 are coupled to internal surfaces of theport 1604 and are dimensioned such that, when coupled to the internal surfaces of aport 1604, conform to exterior dimensions of thecartridge retainment unit 136 to substantially prevent transverse or longitudinal movement of thecartridge retainment unit 136 withinport 1604. By substantially preventing transverse, longitudinal, and axial movement of thecartridge retainment unit 136 within theport 1604,cartridges 1502 can be reliably and consistently ejected and activated by theactuator unit 134. In another embodiment, the cartridge retainment unit port guides 1720 are formed of a polymeric material such as an acetal to reduce friction and wear between theframe 1601 and thecartridge retainment unit 136. - According to principles of several embodiments of the present invention,
cartridges 1502 can be substantially prevented from accidentally falling out of the within acartridge retainment unit 136. In one embodiment, thecartridge containment unit 1730 is coupled to a region of theframe 1601 constituting an external surface of thelower bracket portion 1606 and can substantially prevent acartridge 1502 from accidentally falling out of thepod 1600. Thesolenoid 1731 may be provided as a pull type solenoid, magnetically coupled toplunger 1732.Spring 1733 is coupled between thesolenoid 1731 and a terminal end of theplunger 1732. A firstterminal end 1735 a of theconnection rod 1734 is coupled (e.g., rotatably) to a terminal end of theplunger 1732 while a secondterminal end 1735 b of theconnection rod 1734 is coupled (e.g., rotatably) tohorn 1736. Thehorn 1736 is fixedly connected to a first (e.g., external) surface of thegate 1737 and thegate 1737 is connected (e.g., hingedly) to the region of theframe 1601 constituting the external surface of thelower bracket portion 1606. Apad 1738 is coupled to a second (e.g., internal) surface of thegate 1737 and protrudes from the internal surface of thegate 1737 such that thepad 1738 is proximate to, or contacts, a portion of acartridge 1502 that has been indexed for ejection. - When the
solenoid 1731 is deactivated,spring 1733 naturally biases theplunger 1732, and thus theconnection rod 1734 in an extended position, resulting in thegate 1737 at least partially closing the discharge opening 1709. When thesolenoid 1731 is activated, thespring 1733 is compressed and theplunger 1732 is magnetically and linearly biased into a retracted position. The rotatable connection between theconnection rod 1734 and thehorn 1736 translates the linear retracting motion into a rotating motion of thegate 1737, resulting in thegate 1737 rotating to open the discharge opening 1709 about its hinged connection to the region of theframe 1601 constituting the external surface of thelower bracket portion 1606. Accordingly, thegate 1737 acts as a trap door to at least partially overlap the discharge opening 1709 and theejection opening 1918. As a result, cartridges are prevented from inadvertently falling out of thepod 1600 when no ejection event has occurred. In one embodiment, thesolenoid 1731 is activated either immediately before or substantially when thesolenoid 1508 of acorresponding cylinder assembly 1507 is activated to eject acartridge 1502. In one embodiment, a cover (e.g., formed of a polymeric material) (not shown) is attached to theframe 1601 to cover eachcartridge containment units 1730. -
FIG. 18 illustrates a second interior perspective view of the pod shown inFIG. 16 . - Referring to
FIG. 18 , aretainment pin guide 1802 can be provided with the aforementioned secondretainment pin opening 1804 defined therein. In the illustrated embodiment, acatch 1806 is attached to a portion of theframe 1601 constitutingterminal frontwall portion 1808 ofport 1604. - In one embodiment, the
retainment pin guide 1802 is attached to region of theinterior sidewall surface 1704 within theport 1604 such that the secondretainment pin opening 1804 becomes substantially aligned with the firstretainment pin opening 1607 when thecartridge retainment unit 136 is properly inserted intoport 1604. Aretainment pin 1608 can be inserted into the aligned first and secondretainment pin openings cartridge retainment unit 136 along the length ofport 1604. - In one embodiment, the
catch 1806 is adapted to mate with strike included within the cartridge retainment unit 136 (see, for example, 1915 inFIG. 19 ). Thecatch 1806 may, for example, be provided as a three-way spring ball tension catch having, for example, an 8.5 lb release load (e.g., applied by a user pulling onhandle 1914 to remove thecartridge retainment unit 136 from its respective port). Once thecatch 1806 is mated to a respective strike, axial movement of thecartridge retainment unit 136 along the length ofport 1604 is substantially prevented. -
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge retainment unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 19 , acartridge retainment unit 136 according to principles of several embodiments of the present invention includes amagazine assembly 1910 and acartridge moving unit 1920. Themagazine assembly 1910 includes amagazine housing 1911, analignment block 1912, amagazine end cap 1913, and, optionally, ahandle 1914. Thealignment block 1912 includes theaforementioned strike 1915 and acatch mechanism 1917. A first opening 1916 (e.g., a rod opening) is formed through a first portion of themagazine housing 1911 and a second opening 1918 (e.g., an ejection opening) is formed through a second portion of themagazine housing 1911, opposite to thefirst opening 1916. Thecartridge moving unit 1920 includes aram 1922, aplastic glide 1924, and asensor target 1926. - In one embodiment, the
alignment block 1912 is coupled to a first end portion of themagazine housing 1911, themagazine end cap 1913 is coupled to a second end portion of themagazine housing 1911, and, optionally, thehandle 1914 is coupled to an external surface of themagazine end cap 1913. Accordingly, themagazine housing 1911,alignment block 1912, andmagazine end cap 1913 provide amagazine assembly 1910 defining at least a semi-closed interior space within which thecartridge moving unit 1920 andcartridges 1502 are disposed. - In one embodiment, the
magazine housing 1911 defines the exterior dimensions to which the interior dimensions of theport 1604 substantially conform. In another embodiment, a first opposing pair of first interior surfaces of the magazine housing 1911 (e.g., top and bottom oriented interior surfaces of themagazine housing 1911 as shown inFIG. 19 ) and a second opposing pair of interior surfaces of the magazine housing 1911 (e.g., left and right oriented interior surfaces of themagazine housing 1911 as shown inFIG. 19 ) conform substantially to the length and width (e.g., diameter), respectively, of thecartridges 1502 disposed therein to minimize movement of thecartridges 1502 in all directions except along the length of themagazine housing 1911. - In one embodiment, the
first opening 1916 is formed through one of the first pair of opposing interior surfaces and is adapted to receive thetip 1518 ofstriking rod 1516. In one embodiment, thesecond opening 1918 is formed through the other of the first pair of opposing interior surfaces and is configured so as to allow acartridge 1502 to be ejected from themagazine 1910 when thetip 1518 contacts thecartridge 1502. In yet another embodiment, thecatch mechanism 1917 is arranged between the first andsecond openings - According to principles of various embodiments, the
cartridge moving unit 1920 applies a substantially constant force to thecartridges 1502 regardless of the number ofcartridges 1502 contained within themagazine assembly 1910. In one embodiment, thecartridge moving unit 1920 includes aram 1922 coupled to a rear interior surface of themagazine housing 1911 via the aforementioned constant force spring 1610 (see, for example,FIG. 16 ). Accordingly, thecartridge moving unit 1920 pushes against the remainingcartridges 1502 when acartridge 1502 is ejected. As a result, a consecutively disposedcartridge 1502 is indexed for a subsequent ejection event. In one embodiment, thecartridge moving unit 1920 further includes a means for reducing a force hindering motion of theram 1922 between the first and/or second pair of opposing interior surfaces (e.g., aplastic glide 1926 around edge portions of theram 1922. In a further embodiment, thecartridge moving unit 1920 further includes a sensor target 1926 (e.g., a magnet) for theaforementioned sensor circuitry 518 to detect and generate signals based on results of the detection. - In one embodiment, the
catch mechanism 1917 is adapted to partially overlap a portion of thecartridge 1502 between the first andsecond openings catch mechanism 1917 retains thecartridge 1502 within themagazine housing 1911 until the force generated by thetip 1518 ofstriking rod 1516 exceeds both the force applied by theram 1922 and a frictional force between thecatch mechanism 1917 and thecartridge 1502. In another embodiment, thecatch mechanism 1917 is configured so as to deflect thecartridge 1502 away from thestandoff elements standoff elements cartridge 1502. -
FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of the cartridge retainment unit shown inFIG. 19 . - As shown in
FIG. 20 , thealignment block 1912 includes first andsecond standoff elements contact surface catch mechanism 1917. In one embodiment, thecatch mechanism 1917 includes anejection roller 2006. - In one embodiment, the
standoff elements cartridge 1502 between the first andsecond openings magazine assembly 1910 such that thecartridges 1502 can be reliably and consistently ejected and activated by theactuator unit 134. Accordingly, the contact surfaces 2002 a and 2004 a of the first andsecond standoff elements cartridge 1502 indexed between the first andsecond openings cartridge 1502. In one embodiment, the first andsecond standoff elements cartridge 1502. - As illustrated, the
catch mechanism 1917 includes anejection roller 2006 that is adapted to facilitate movement of thecartridge 1502 as it is being ejected from themagazine housing 1911. In one embodiment is theejection roller 2006 is provided as a bearing, a bushing, or the like, and may be rotatably coupled between thestandoff elements - As discussed above, the
cartridge retainment unit 136 facilitates the ejection ofcartridges 1502 and is magnetically coupled tosensor circuitry 518 mounted withinport 1604. In accordance with several alternate embodiments, however, thecartridge retainment unit 136 may be replaced with a similarly dimensioned component (e.g., an auxiliary subsystem 180) containing any desired active and/or passive system and thesensor circuitry 518 may be configured to electrically communicate with theauxiliary subsystem 180. Accordingly, it is possible to add functionality to the cartridge ejection anddata acquisition system 100 as desired. - According to several embodiments of the present invention, the
cartridge retainment unit 136 can retain acartridge 1502 adapted to perform substantially any process or combination of processes. Moreover, thecartridge retainment unit 136 can retain a plurality ofcartridges 1502 adapted to perform identical or different processes. For purposes of discussion, the term “process” encompasses both active and passive processes employed in electrical systems, chemical systems, nuclear systems, biological systems, and the like, or combinations thereof. Exemplary processes include, for example, sensory processes, data storage processes, communications processes, descent-assistance processes, discharge processes, timing processes, and the like, and combinations thereof. Accordingly, and withincartridges 1502 adapted to perform a combination of processes, systems adapted to perform each process can be coupled together directly (e.g., via a suitable electrical, chemical, mechanical connection, etc.) or via a controller adapted to synchronize initiation of the various processes. The aforementioned processes can be initiated either dependently or independently of the ejection event itself. In one embodiment, the sensory, data storage, communications, descent-assistance, and discharge processes can be initiated by an electronic signal. In another embodiment, initiation of sensory, data storage, communications, descent-assistance, and discharge processes can be delayed in accordance with a timing process. In such an embodiment, initiation of the timing process is dependent upon the ejection event itself while initiation of the sensory, data storage, communications, descent-assistance, and/or discharge processes is dependent upon the timing process. Systems within cartridges adapted to perform timing processes include a timing device such as a clock, a fuse, or the like, or combinations thereof. - Systems within cartridges adapted to perform sensory processes include, for example, weather/environmental sensors, electromagnetic sensors, acoustic/vibration sensors, navigational sensors, and the like.
- In one embodiment, weather/environmental sensors generate data characterizing weather/meteorological conditions (e.g., humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, air temperature, rain levels, etc.) in the environment surrounding an ejected cartridge, the presence of certain gases (e.g., propane, cyanide, ozone, etc.), biological materials, chemical materials, nuclear materials, etc., present in the environment surrounding an ejected cartridge (e.g., as the ejected cartridge descends and/or after the ejected cartridge has reached its target area), and the like.
- In one embodiment, electromagnetic sensors generate data characterizing substantially any wavelength. (or range of wavelengths) of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radiowave, microwave, infra-red, ultra-violet, X-ray, visible, low-light, etc.) sensed in the environment surrounding an ejected cartridge (e.g., as the ejected cartridge descends and/or after the ejected cartridge has reached its target area). Such electromagnetic sensors may, for example, be provided as radio or microwave antennae, a camera (e.g., video, still-picture, or a combination thereof), and the like. In one embodiment, a camera can be provided as a pan/tilt camera system mounted within, on a side of the cartridge, or on the nose (i.e., downwardly facing portion) of the cartridge. Such a camera system can be coupled to a system adapted to perform a communications process and can, therefore, be remotely controlled by a user.
- In one embodiment, acoustic/vibration sensors generate data characterizing sound or other vibrations sensed in the environment surrounding an ejected cartridge (e.g., as the ejected cartridge descends and/or after the ejected cartridge has reached its target area). In one embodiment, the acoustic sensors provided can generate data characterizing sound having frequencies audible to humans (i.e., sounds having a frequency between 20 hertz and 20,000 hertz), infrasound (i.e., sounds having a frequency between 10 hertz to 0.001 hertz), and ultrasound (i.e., sounds having a frequency above 20,000 hertz).
- In one embodiment, navigational sensors generate data characterizing, the latitude, longitude, altitude, etc., of an ejected cartridge (e.g., as the ejected cartridge descends and/or after the ejected cartridge has reached its target area). In one embodiment, the navigational sensors may be provided as devices such as global positioning systems (GPS) and the like.
- Systems within cartridges adapted to perform data storage processes include, for example, any suitable electronic and/or chemical data storage system.
- Systems within cartridges adapted to perform communications processes include communications devices such as radio or microwave transmitters that transmit data generated by the aforementioned systems adapted to perform sensory processes (e.g., either in real-time or after it has been stored as a result of a data storage process), radio or microwave receivers that receive instructions to initiate processes, transceivers, beacons, and the like. In one embodiment, the transmitters transmit data to a receiver located, for example, within the
pod 1600, somewhere on the structure to which thepod 1600 is mounted, or at some location remote to thepod 1600 and the structure to which thepod 1600 is mounted (e.g., within a remotely located vehicle, within a hand-held device, etc.). In another embodiment, beacons are provided as radio beacons, strobed or continuous infra-red or visible light emitting lamps (e.g., halogen, LED, etc.), chemical flares, sound-emitting beacons (e.g., for use in navigation applications, etc.) and the like. - Systems within cartridges adapted to perform descent- assistance processes include, for example, deployable parachutes or other descent-assistance devices that can slow the speed of an ejected cartridge as it descends through the air. In one embodiment, the descent-assistance device may be provided as a servo of a piezoelectric driven fin, nose, etc. that can help to steer the
cartridge 1502 toward a target as it descends through its environment (e.g., air or water). - Systems within cartridges adapted to perform discharge processes can discharge, for example, pesticide (e.g., to kill unwanted pests such as rodents, insects, etc.), tear gas, radar countermeasures (e.g., chaff), dye (e.g., phosphorescent, colored, etc), smoke, heat (e.g., via chemical flare), and the like. In one embodiment, the cartridge may, for example, be provided as a bomb, a mine, a flash grenade, or other similar device containing an explosive material. An exemplary cartridge, containing a system adapted to discharge a plume of smoke concurrently with an ejection event, will now be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 21 to 24.
- As shown in
FIG. 21 , acartridge 1502 includes a system implemented to discharge a plume of smoke. Such acartridge 1502 can include a first (e.g., exterior)tube 2102, a first (e.g., activation)end cap 2110 coupled to a first end of theexterior tube 2102, and second (e.g., cartridge base)end cap 2120 coupled to a second end of theexterior tube 2102, wherein theexterior tube 2102 is contains a smoke generating material (not shown). Thecartridge 1502 may, for example, be about 6.47 inches in length. Theactivation end cap 2110 includes anozzle 2112 formed of complementary first andsecond nozzle sections aperture 2114 is defined within thenozzle 2112 through which smoke exits thecartridge 1502. - In one embodiment, the
exterior tube 2102 is formed of a material such as spiral wrapped paper. Theexterior tube 2102 may, for example, be about 5.94 inches in length and have an outer diameter of about 1.97 inches and an inner diameter of about 1.65 inches. - Referring to
FIG. 22 , thecartridge 1502 further comprises a process capsule 2230 (e.g., a smoke generating capsule) disposed within theexterior tube 2102. In the illustrated embodiment, thesmoke capsule 2230 includes a second (e.g., interior)tube 2232 containing asmoke generating material 2234 capable of generating smoke upon being ignited and sealed at one end thereof with acapsule base cap 2236. As illustrated, theactivation end cap 2110 further includes the aforementioned pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 (e.g., pressure-sensitive detonation unit such as a shotgun primer) fixed within thenozzle 2112. In the illustrated embodiment, each nozzle section ofnozzle 2112 includes amain body 2213, alip 2215 protruding away from themain body 2213 and configured to overlap the first end of theexterior tube 2102, adebris trap 2217 defined within themain body 2213, and anactivation unit stage 2219 defined within themain body 2213. As illustrated, the cartridgebase end cap 2120 includesmain body 2221 and alip 2223 protruding from themain body 2221, acavity 2225 formed within themain body 2221, and a ballast material 2227 (e.g., a clay puck) disposed within thecavity 2225. In one embodiment, theballast material 2227 ensures that theactivation end cap 2110 is oriented in an upward direction when thecartridge 1502 is ejected over a target area that may include water (e.g., in a cranberry field). Also illustrated is a thermally insulative material 2240 (e.g., air) arranged between the interior surface of theexterior tube 2102 and the exterior surface of theinterior tube 2232. - In one embodiment, the
interior tube 2232 may, for example, be about 4 inches in length and have an outer diameter of about 1.63 inches and an inner diameter of about 1.25 inches. - In one embodiment, the
capsule base cap 2236 is sealed to an end of theinterior tube 2232 via a friction fit. In another embodiment, thecapsule base cap 2236 is provided as a paper cap. - In one embodiment, the
smoke generating material 2234 comprises a mixture of about 50% sugar (e.g., sucrose) and about 50% KNO3. In other embodiments, thesmoke generating material 2234 may comprise a mixture of about 48% KNO3, about 46% sulfur (S), about 3% sucrose, and about 3% charcoal or a mixture of about 50% pigment, about 30% potassium chlorate (KClO3), and about 20% sugar (e.g., lactose). In one embodiment of the present invention, thesmoke capsule 2230 contains enoughsmoke generating material 2234 to generate between about 1½ to about 2½ minutes worth of smoke. For example, thesmoke capsule 2230 may contain about 80 grams ofsmoke generating material 2234. It will be appreciated that the amount ofsmoke generating material 2234 within thesmoke capsule 2230 may be varied as desired. Although not explicitly shown, a first end of theinterior tube 2232 may be sealed using a rupturable sealing material (or structure) capable of being ruptured upon activation of the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211. - In one embodiment, each
nozzle section main body 2213 configured to be inserted into and extend beyond theexterior tube 2102 and to abut against a first end of thesmoke capsule 2230. Further, eachnozzle section sensitive activation unit 2211, upon igniting the ignition-assisting film, and upon igniting thesmoke generating material 2234 while also being resistant to mechanical deformation due from the physical impacts during ejection from thepod 1600 and upon collision with the target area (e.g., an agricultural field). Accordingly, thenozzle sections base end cap 2120, can be formed from a thermoset or a thermoplastic (e.g., Nylon 66) via any suitable process such as injection molding or the like. - In one embodiment, the
debris trap 2217 is provided as a channel formed in themain body 2213 that extends tortuously through the thickness of thereof such that thedebris trap 2217 is in fluid communication with the smoke generating capsule and with the environment external to the nozzle section. In one embodiment, thedebris trap 2217 is hollow. In another embodiment, thedebris trap 2217 is not filled with a choke material. By providing thedebris trap 2217 as a tortuous channel, exhaust material (i.e., hot particulate material, heavier than the smoke generate) is prevented from exiting thecartridge 1502, thereby helping to minimize the risk that the activatedcartridge 1502 is a fire hazard within the target area. - In one embodiment, the
activation unit stage 2219 of each nozzle section includes a recess pattern formed within themain body 2213 that is substantially conformal to exterior dimensions of the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 and receives the edge of the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211. - Thus, to form the
activation end cap 2110, a first portion of the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 is inserted into theactivation unit stage 2219 of one of the first andsecond nozzle sections activation unit stage 2219 of the other of the first andsecond nozzle sections sensitive activation unit 2211, thereby coupling thefirst nozzle section 2112 a with thesecond nozzle section 2112 b and forming thenozzle 2112. Moreover, upon coupling the first andsecond nozzle sections debris trap 2217 arranged above the activation unit stage are substantially aligned to form a taperedaperture 2114 that is coaxially aligned with, and completely exposes the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 to thetip 1518 of thestriking rod 1516. - In one embodiment, the
main body 2221 is configured to be inserted into and extend beyond theexterior tube 2102 and to abut against a second end of thesmoke capsule 2230. In another embodiment, thelip 2223 is configured to overlap the second end of theexterior tube 2102 and, optionally, be overlapped by theaforementioned ejection guide 2004. -
FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate an ignition assistor in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 23 and 24 , an ignition-assistor may be provided between theactivation end cap 2211 and thesmoke generating material 2234 to increase the efficiency with which smoke is generated by thesmoke generating capsule 2230. - Referring to the embodiment exemplarily illustrated in
FIG. 23 , the ignition-assistor includes an ignition-assistingmaterial 2302 sandwiched between tworupturable films 2304. In one embodiment, therupturable films 2304 are formed from a material such as MYLAR, saran, etc., and have thickness enabling them to rupture when pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 is ignited. In one embodiment, the ignition-assistingmaterial 2302 has a higher volatility thansmoke generating material 2234 contained within thesmoke capsule 2230. For example, the ignition-assistingmaterial 2302 may be provided as about 3 grams of a mixture of about 50% black powder and about 50% potassium nitrate (KNO3). - Referring to another embodiment exemplarily illustrated in
FIG. 24 , the ignition assistor includes anignitable compound 2402 disposed on, for example, thesmoke generating material 2234. In one embodiment, the ignitable compound has a higher volatility than thesmoke generating material 2234. For example, the ignitable compound can be formed by mixing black powder mixed with a solvent such as lacquer thinner to form a paste. The lacquer thinner evaporates, leaving a solid form of black powder. In another embodiment the ignitable compound includes a dry chemical mixture that is pressed firmly into theinterior tube 2232 and compacted to the point that it holds its within theinterior tube 2232. - Having described the structure of an
exemplary cartridge 1502 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 24, an exemplary method of assembling the aforementioned cartridge components will now be provided. Initially, thenozzle 2112 is inserted into theexterior tube 2102. Upon inserting thenozzle 2112, the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 is positionally fixed within the recess patterns of the combined activation unit stages 2219, thereby allowing thetip 1518 of thestriking rod 1516 to reliably and consistently contact the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211 with sufficient force to eject thecartridge 1502 from thecartridge retainment unit 136 and to activate (e.g., detonate) the pressure-sensitive activation unit 2211. Thesmoke capsule 2230 is inserted into theexterior tube 2102 in such a manner as to abut against theactivation end cap 2110. Any of the aforementioned ignition assistors exemplarily discussed with respect toFIGS. 23 and 24 are provided between theactivation end cap 2110 and thesmoke generating material 2234. Subsequently, the cartridgebase end cap 2120 is coupled to the second end of the exterior tube 2102 (e.g., with theballast material 2227 arranged within cavity 2225). According to principles of several embodiments, the activation and cartridgebase end caps exterior tube 2102 via any known means (e.g., glue, pins driven through theexterior tube 2102 and into themain bodies 2113 and 2221, etc.). - Upon detonating the pressure-
sensitive activation unit 2211 of thecartridge 1502 constructed as discussed above, the aforementioned ignition assistor ignites and serves as a means for igniting thesmoke generating material 2234 within thesmoke capsule 2230 and causing thesmoke generating material 2234 to generate smoke, wherein the generated flows through the combineddebris traps 2215 through theaperture 2114 and emerges outside thecartridge 1502 as a plume of smoke. In one embodiment, the combined effects of theactivation end cap 2110 and thethermally insulative material 2240 enables thecartridge 1502 shown inFIGS. 21 and 22 to not burn skin or other materials that come into contact with exterior surfaces thereof, even when the skin or other material is directly over theaperture 2114 or in direct contact with the exterior surface of theexterior tube 2102. - In light of the various embodiments described above, it will be appreciated that the
system 100 may be adapted for use in a multitude of applications other than determining localized meteorological conditions to facilitate aerial agricultural pesticide spraying. For example, thecartridge 1502 discussed above can be used in determining localized meteorological conditions to facilitate aerial pesticide spraying in “Rights of Way” such as railroads, gas transmission pipelines, high voltage transmission lines, etc. Moreover, thecartridge 1502 discussed above can be used to mark agricultural fields having mature crops ready for harvest, to mark agricultural fields in need of pesticide spraying, etc. - Apart from agricultural use, it is appreciated that the embodiments described may be readily extended to applications involving cartridge placement in a target area that is either hazardous or difficult to reach, monitoring processes, detection, tracking processes, rescue operations, crowd/riot control, forest/brushland maintenance, and the like.
- For example, cartridges can be used as a marker. The marking cartridge can include an infra-red or visible light emitting beacon, flare, dye, smoke, etc. Such a marker cartridge can, for example, be ejected from the
cartridge retainment unit 136 to facilitate helicopter extraction landing zone. Similar cartridges may also be used in rescue applications to identify the location of a person in need of rescue, or mark the location of a leak (e.g., oil, chemical, water, etc.). Similar cartridges may also be used by a port control authority/harbor commission working with port captains and pilots to help guide ships in inclement weather while bringing ships to berth. Cartridges containing a dye and that break upon impact with the ground may be used to mark areas of interest (e.g., the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Army Corp of Engineers can mark weak areas in a levee system, or the Department of Forestry can mark trees and brush to be removed.) - Cartridges provided with, for example, chemical flares can be ejected over target areas where controlled burning of brush is required.
- Suitably equipped cartridges may be used to outline the border of an oil spill, or contaminated area. Such cartridge systems may include, for example, a GPS or other navigational system and radio transmitter that relays its position to a receiver. In use, several of these cartridges can be ejected along the edge of the contaminated area to produce a real time plot of the growth of the contamination.
- Suitably equipped cartridges may be used in security applications by ejecting cartridges from the
cartridge retainment unit 136 around an area that needs to be secure. Such cartridges may include, for example, acoustic/vibration and/or motion sensors and/or a video camera and a radio transmitter. Fitted as described above, the cartridge notifies the receiver if an intruder is breaching the security line. - Cartridges equipped, for example, with a descent-assistance device (e.g. parachute) and a tear gas discharge system may be employed in crowd-control applications.
- Cartridges equipped with any combination of suitable weather/environmental sensors, navigational sensors, a radio transmitter, and, optionally, a descent-assistance device (e.g. parachute) can be used to monitor storm conditions within the atmosphere as the cartridge descends.
- Cartridges equipped with any combination of suitable video camera and/or still-picture camera can photograph or video objects above or below it during descent and/or while on the ground.
- Cartridges can be equipped to generate data characterizing the presence of standing water. After being dropped in a dry area, the cartridge will remain dormant until the presences of water is detected. The cartridge then becomes active and transmits its location to a receiver. Such data can then be used by city governments to monitor possible flood locations and also set priorities for implementing mosquito control programs.
- A cartridge can be adapted for being ejected into the water and contain sensors, such as, sonar for underwater mapping. Sonar cartridges could also be used as a listening device to detect sea life, seismic activity (e.g. underwater volcanoes), and man-made vessels.
- Cartridges equipped with any combination of chemical, biological, and/or radiological sensors and a transmitter can be used as detection devices. When ejected from the
cartridge retainment unit 136 over a target area (e.g., a hazardous area), such a cartridge detects the presence of a known substance and relays, to the receiver, the detectable levels of substance present in the target area. Use of such cartridges would be benefited by Homeland Security, military, and EPA applications. Such cartridges may also be equipped with a descent-assistance device (e.g. a parachute), enabling the cartridge to detect levels of a substance through different altitudes in the atmosphere. - In light of the various embodiments described above, it will be appreciated that the
pod 1600 may be mounted to structures or vehicles other than aerial applicators. For example, thepod 1600 may be mounted to commercial aircraft (e.g., passenger airplanes, cargo airplanes, etc.), reconnaissance blimps, unmanned aerial vehicles, watercraft (e.g., boats, buoys, submersible watercraft, etc.), platforms located within a target area, and the like. - Although it has been described above that one cartridge is ejected in response to an eject command transmitted from the
controller subsystem 110 to theactuator unit 134, it will be appreciated that a series of cartridges (equipped, for example, with a smoke discharge system) may be ejected automatically in one of two modes. For example, in a “rapid fire” mode, a predetermined number, or all cartridges within thecartridge retainment unit 136 are immediately ejected upon being indexed. In a “slow fire” mode wherein a predetermined number or all cartridges within thecartridge retainment unit 136 are ejected after having been indexed for a predetermined amount of time) in response to an eject command transmitted from thecontroller subsystem 110 to theactuator unit 134. - In one embodiment, a plurality of
pods 1600 are used by one or more users in one or more locations (e.g., zip codes, cities, counties, states, countries, geographic regions, climatic regions, etc.), and data generated by the cartridges ejected therefrom is transmitted to a host system where the data is compiled, categorized according to the type of information the data characterizes, and made available as a composite information source. Accordingly, the composite information source enables comprehensive monitoring of environmental patterns (both natural and man-made) such as global warming, pollution, urban growth, storm damage, pesticide use, weather patterns, and the like, in locations where thesystem 100 described above is used. In one embodiment, the composite information source is provided as a time-lapse composite image of the categorized data overlaid onto map specific to a location selected by a user of the composite information source. - While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, examples and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
Claims (41)
1. An end cap of a smoke cartridge, comprising:
a nozzle adapted to be coupled to the end of a smoke cartridge;
an aperture defined within a first surface of the nozzle; and
a channel extending tortuously through the nozzle, the channel being in fluid communication with the aperture and the interior of the smoke cartridge.
2. The end cap of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle includes thermoplastic material.
3. The end cap of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle includes thermoset material.
4. The end cap of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle includes unitary sections.
5. The end cap of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure-sensitive activation unit fixed within the nozzle.
6. The end cap of claim 5 , wherein the pressure-sensitive activation unit and the aperture are coaxially aligned.
7. The end cap of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is tapered.
8. A smoke cartridge, comprising:
a first tube;
a nozzle coupled to the first tube, the nozzle having a channel extending tortuously therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the channel;
a pressure-sensitive activation unit fixed inside the first tube and coaxially aligned with the aperture; and
a smoke capsule inside the first tube and in fluid communication with the channel.
9. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the aperture and the first tube are coaxially aligned.
10. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the pressure-sensitive activation unit is fixed within the nozzle.
11. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the smoke capsule includes:
a second tube; and
a smoke generating material within the second tube.
12. The smoke cartridge of claim 11 , further comprising an ignition assistor between the pressure-sensitive activation unit and the smoke generating material.
13. The smoke cartridge of claim 12 , wherein the ignition assistor includes an ignition-assisting material sandwiched between to rupturable films.
14. The smoke cartridge of claim 12 , wherein the ignition assistor includes an ignitable compound.
15. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , further comprising insulating material between the smoke capsule and the interior surface of the first tube.
16. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , further comprising:
a base cap coupled to the first tube; and
ballast material between the base cap and the smoke capsule.
17. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the smoke generating material includes potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sugar.
18. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the smoke generating material includes potassium nitrate (KNO3), sulfur (S), sugar, and charcoal.
19. The smoke cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the smoke generating material includes potassium chlorate (KClO3), sugar, and pigment.
20. A cartridge ejection unit, comprising:
a magazine housing adapted to contain a plurality of cartridges;
an actuator unit coupled to the magazine housing and adapted to exert a force on a cartridge contained within the magazine housing and eject the cartridge from the magazine housing;
a cartridge moving unit coupled to the magazine housing and adapted to align the plurality of cartridges with the actuator unit; and
an alignment block coupled to an end portion of the magazine housing and adapted to orient a cartridge aligned with the actuator unit.
21. The cartridge ejection unit of claim 20 , wherein the cartridge moving unit includes:
a ram disposed within the magazine housing; and
a constant force spring connected between the magazine housing and the ram.
22. The cartridge ejection unit of claim 20 , wherein the alignment block includes a standoff element having a contact surface that contacts a cartridge aligned with the actuator unit.
23. The cartridge ejection unit of claim 22 , further including a catch mechanism coupled to the standoff element and adapted to partially overlap a cartridge aligned with the actuator unit, wherein the aligned cartridge is between the actuator unit and the catch mechanism.
24. The cartridge ejection unit of claim 23 , wherein the catch mechanism includes an ejection roller coupled to the standoff element.
25. An ejection system, comprising:
a frame;
a controller unit coupled to the frame and adapted to receive a command input; and
a cartridge ejection unit coupled to the frame and adapted to eject a cartridge in response to the received command input.
26. The ejection system of claim 25 , further comprising a recording unit coupled to the controller unit and adapted to record data when the cartridge is ejected.
27. The ejection system of claim 25 , wherein the cartridge includes a weather/environmental sensor.
28. The ejection system of claim 25 , wherein the cartridge includes a data storage system.
29. The ejection system of claim 25 , wherein the cartridge includes a communications device.
30. The ejection system of claim 25 , wherein the cartridge includes a descent-assistance device.
31. The ejection system of claim 25 , wherein the cartridge includes a discharge system.
32. The ejection system of claim 25 , wherein the cartridge ejection unit is adapted to initiate a process within a cartridge upon ejecting the cartridge.
33. The ejection system of claim 26 , wherein the recording unit is adapted to record video data representing a video segment generated by a video camera.
34. The ejection system of claim 33 , wherein the video camera is adapted to be operated by a user.
35. The ejection system of claim 26 , wherein the recording unit is adapted to record navigational data.
36. The ejection system of claim 26 , wherein the recording unit is adapted to record meteorological data.
37. The ejection system of claim 25 , further comprising a cooling assembly coupled to the frame, the cooling assembly adapted to cool the controller unit.
38. The ejection system of claim 25 , wherein the cartridge ejection unit includes:
a cartridge retainment unit adapted to contain a plurality of cartridges, the cartridge retainment unit including an ejection opening defined therein through which the cartridges are ejectable; and
an actuator unit coupled to the cartridge retainment unit and adapted to eject cartridges through the ejection opening.
39. The ejection system of claim 38 , wherein the cartridge retainment unit is detachably coupled to the frame.
40. The ejection system of claim 38 , further comprising circuitry coupled to the frame, the circuitry adapted to communicatively couple the cartridge retainment unit with the controller unit.
41. The ejection system of claim 38 , further comprising a gate moveably coupled to the frame and adapted to selectively overlap with the ejection opening.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/281,300 US20070119328A1 (en) | 2005-11-16 | 2005-11-16 | Cartridge ejection and data acquisition system |
PCT/US2006/061008 WO2007076186A2 (en) | 2005-11-16 | 2006-11-16 | Cartridge ejection and data acquisition system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/281,300 US20070119328A1 (en) | 2005-11-16 | 2005-11-16 | Cartridge ejection and data acquisition system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070119328A1 true US20070119328A1 (en) | 2007-05-31 |
Family
ID=38086170
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/281,300 Abandoned US20070119328A1 (en) | 2005-11-16 | 2005-11-16 | Cartridge ejection and data acquisition system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070119328A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007076186A2 (en) |
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US20060171363A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-03 | Judite Xavier | Wireless Transfer of Digital Video Data |
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US9032878B1 (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2015-05-19 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Obscurant generating, ground-based, networked munition |
US9836096B1 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2017-12-05 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Alignment members |
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CN113367411A (en) * | 2014-03-12 | 2021-09-10 | Rai策略控股有限公司 | Aerosol delivery system and related methods, apparatus and computer program products for providing control information to an aerosol delivery device via a cartridge |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007076186A2 (en) | 2007-07-05 |
WO2007076186A3 (en) | 2008-07-31 |
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