US3323800A - Remote target controlling apparatus with hit counting telemetry - Google Patents

Description

L. c. KNIGHT 3,323,800 REMOTE TARGET CONTROLLING APPARATUS WITH HIT June 6, 1967 COUNTING TELEMETRY 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 26, 1964 MQZWQ lb eizmkzi ME 53m 0 m m Rise @2252 c. KNIGHT 3,323,800 REMOTE TARGET CONTROLLING APPARATUS WITH HIT June 6, 1967 COUNTING TELEMETRY 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 26, 1964 Hsmg 2&8 UH A \QN Q 5338 W a wN R @QN A a 1 Q o A L N MR 3 Z 3% SD20 oww .1 V QNN \NSN. N\\ N VA mam mum 3N N r H N. E. 3% ma aw L. C. KNIGHT June 6, 1967 3,323,800 REMOTE TARGET CONTROLLING APPARATUS WITH HIT COUNTING TELEMETRY 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 26, 1964 wE x m IEI o 35 E 22% \R Q I 8 3GB zaom qsfi S u A T A MR R3: I l 7r \Qm EEQQ L am New Q My KEEE h:

L. C. KNIGHT June 6, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 4.

Filed March 26. 1964 HNN L. C. KNIGHT REMOTE TARGET CONTROLLING APPARATUS WITH HIT June 6, 1967 COUNTING TELEMETRY 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 26, 1964 June 6, 1967 Filed March 26; 1964 WHITE LAMP L. REMOTE TARGET CONTROLLING APPARATUS WITH HIT c. KNIGHT 3,323,800

COUNTING TELEMETRY 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 0c INPUT 0 (HIGH LEI/5L) RED LAMP United States Patent M 3,323,800 REMOTE TARGET CGNTROLLING AP?ARATUS \VITH HIT COUNTING TELEMETRY Lindsay Charles Knight, 426 Tarakan Ave., Albury, New South Wales, Australia Filed Mar. 26, 1964, Ser. No. 354,920 Claims priority, application Australia, Mar. 27, 1963, 28,995/63; Jan. 30, 1964, 40,341/64 8 Claims. (Cl. 273 102.2)

This invention relates to target apparatus for use in training troops and/0r others and it refers particularly to improvements in apparatus of the same general type as described in my co-pending US. patent application No. 212,106, now Patent No. 3,233,904.

An object of the invention is to provide target apparatus which may be operated by remote control, as by radio control, and which will be usable for a variety of different training pturposes-as for grouping practice, target identification, firing over diiferent ranges and for combinations of all such purposes.

Another object of this invention is to provide target apparatus which is readily transportable from place to place and which may be used at any desired site without the need for extensive longitudinal and/ or lateral cabling.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided target apparatus for training troops including a plurality of targets each separably movable from an operative to an inoperative position by a plurality of target moving means which are responsive to signals received thereby, target control means communicating with each target moving means, said target control means being manually operative to generate said signals to operate said target moving means, hit detection means on each target which detect a projectile impinging on said target, and hit recording means to record the hits on each target.

The hit detection means preferably includes an inertia switch made so that it actuates the apparatus only at about the peak of the amplitude of the first pulse on the opening of he switch, thereby permiting the target to be raised very rapidly without the switch operating and causing it to be lowered again. That may be done by incorporating in the circuit transistors adapted to operate only at about 80% to 100% of peak voltage. Thus, shock waves striking the target and which do not generate a voltage of over 80% of the peak voltage of the circuit, such as rock showers or sound wave shocks, do not register as hits.

In one particular embodiment, the shock wave of a bullet striking the target travels down the target board and is detected by an inertia switch. As the shock wave is in the form of a damped vibration, that is, having successiveiy decreasing amplitudes, it is necessary to integrate the shock wave amplitude as a time function in order to derive one pulse which has announced bullet impact. This may be done by translating the shock wave to an equivalent electrical signal, and electrically integratin".

The integrated wave has a variable amplitude/time characteristic and, in order to facilitate later functions of the device, this is changed to a wave having constant amplitude by causing the wave to operate a circuit having constant output characteristics regardless of input, provided the input is over a certain amplitude. This output may be used in a flip-flop circuit which gives an indication when the target is struck by a bullet. Instead of an inertia switch there may be provided apparatus to operate due to the electrostatic charge on a bullet, said charge being transferred from the bullet on impact to the target.

As a missile develops an appreciable electrical charge during flight through a medium such as air this charge Patented June 6, 1967 may be detected by causing a discharge through an electric circuit when the missile passes through means such as a target which will accept the electrostatic charge from the missile and cause a change in charge in the target. This change causes a corresponding current which may be detected and used to record the impact of the missile on the target.

The target operating apparatus may be arranged to be controlled by a sub-base or telemetering relay unit. The relay unit itself may be controlled or answerable to a central base point or telecommand control console, and is linked thereto by a two-way radio link. The central base has control over a number of relay units and has apparatus, to be described, which records hits on each indivic'iual target.

Alternatively, the individual target apparatus may be operated from a group control unit via a one-way radio link.

The telecommand console unit is the main control on the target range, and provides remote radio control of a number of targets-say 100, 10 in each of 10 separate rangest'ogether with hit recording facilities and an integral public address system for firing point control.

The telemetry relay unit is answerable via a two-Way radio link to the telecommand console unit for the operation of a group of targets at one range that is for the operation of targets, 10 in each of 10 ranges, 1O telemetry relay units are provided each operating the 10 targets in one range.

This unit is situated adjacent the target it operates and is cable connected laterally to the individual target mechanism units, and distributes commands from the telecommand console unit.

The telemetry relay collects hit information from the target mechanism, via high speed telemetry, and relays this back to the telecommand console unit for registration and recording.

The target mechanism is cable connected to the telemetry relay unit either singly, or in groups, and erects and/ or lowers the target upon command. The target mechanism also stores hit information for collection by the telemetry relay unit, and has the capacity to quickly drop the target when struck by a projectile. It also has the capacity to detonate a simulated retaliatory shot, or larger explosive when commanded.

The group control unit, which is a completely portable control unit, is used for alternative control of a number of targets in target detection, sneaker course, and other battle practice applications.

For direct control of the targets by the group control unit, individual receivers are coupled to the target mechanism, however registration of hits is not possible with such an arrangement.

When used in conjunction with the telemetry relay unit, the group control unit provides on the spot local control of the targets connected to the telemetry relay unit and hits are relayed by the telemetry relay unit direct to the telecommand console unit for registration.

The individual receiver unit is connected to each target mechanism when used in a role apart from the telemetry relay unit. This unit is responsive to commands from either the telecommand console unit or the group control unit, and will relay commands to raise or lower the targets and the fire retaliatory shots.

In another arrangement, the group control unit may operate the target apparatus via the telemetering relay unit.

In order that the invention may be readily understood and conveniently put into practical effect, the operation and construction of different forms of the apparatus will 3 now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a block'schematic diagram of the transmitter, receiver and controls of a telecommand control console;

FIGURE 2 is .a block schematic diagram of the transmitter, receiver and controls of a telemetry relay unit;

FIGURE 3 is a block schematic diagram of the target operation mechanism;

FIGURE 4 is a block schematic diagram of the transmitter and controls of a group control unit;

FIGURES 5a and 5b together are a block schematic diagram of an individual target receiver;

FIGURE 6 is a block schematic diagram of a night shoot control apparatus.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the telecommand control console has four main functions: to receive and process signals from down range, record hits on individual targets, provide overall control of all individual targets and provide speech channel circuitry for audio communication down range.

The signal from a transmitter down range is picked up by the down range antenna 120 and conveyed to the receiver 101 and is detected for modulation content at the detector 102, which is amplified via amplifier 103 and the output of the amplifier 103 appears at the output zero impedance 104, which is suitable to operate the two tone detector filters 105.

Block A, which is a slave scanner which reproduces scanner movements of a telemetry relay unit, hereinafter described, provides outputs which coincide with telemetry relay unit scan inputs, that is, target hits, which are then amplified at counter amplifier 108 and so operates any one of the counters indicated at 110. If ten ranges are being controlled by the console, there must be ten counter amplifiers 108, each operating ten counters 110.

The two tone detector filters 105 convey to the diode matrix 106 the high or low tone pulses transmitted by the telemetry relay unit indicating a hit or miss on the targets. A long pulse detector 109 is provided to detect a long synchronising pulse used by the scanner of a telem- The pushbutton assembly 114 is associated with the oscillators 111 such that upon depression of a range button to select a particular range, two tones are selected, one a common tone and the other a tone corresponding to the range selected. These two tones are simultaneously transmitter down range, the common tone, which is the all down tone, making the targets in the range other than the one selected unresponsive to other commands, while the particular range selected is opened for reception of other commands by the other tone.

After the range button is selected any target button may be operated and a furthervtone is transmitted and so operates the selected target in the opened range.

All targets may be brought up in the selected range by operation of the all up button and if rapid tire is to be counted, that is, without the targets falling after each hit, the hold button is operated and lock up any standing targets in the selected range.

Operation of the all down button makes all targets in all ranges to fall and in so doing drops out range selection and target selection. Operation of any range button drops out any pre-selected range.

Referring to FIGURE 2 of the drawings, the telemetry relay unit is an automatic relay unit which receives signals etry relay unit to nominate the start of a scan and thus 7 ensure correct timing of the counting by the scale counter 107 which operate the diode matrix 106 to indicate to which target a detected high or low pulse relates.

In the up range direction oscillators 111 are operated by a push button assembly 114 consisting of push buttons and timing elements to generate command signal pulses which are mixed and amplified in the amplifier 112 and the output thereof is fed to a RF. transmitter 113 e where the signal is imposed on a lower frequency RF. carrier Wave to be directed down range by the u range antenna 121. This R.F. carrier Wave frequency i the frequency to which all telemetry relay unit receivers are tuned. The transmitter uses twelve audio channels selectable via range buttons. The receiver 101 is tuned to the common transmit frequency of all telemetry relay units. A voice channel 118 may be used to provide a duplex spech channel. A public address amplifier 117 is also provided.

The telecommand console unit derives its electrical power from a power supply indicated at 119.

If desired, a target exposure time control 115 may be provided and may also work in conjunction with an automatic exposure time-down-up control 116.

The arrangement of the pushbutton assembly 114 is such that there is one push button for each range controlled, that is, ten buttons for ten ranges, and a pushbutton for each target at one range, that is, if each range has ten targets, there are ten buttons numbered 1 to 10. Thus 10 buttons control 100 targets, 10 in each of the 10 ranges. There are also provided an all up button, a hold button and an all down button for control of the targets in selected ranges.

from a command source, processes them and applies them to the target mechanisms which operate the targets. The target mechanisms are cable connected to the relay unit and hit information is applied to the hit information memory 201. When a hit is registered, the relevant bistable multi-switch in the memory 201 changes state (from 0 to 1). When this happens to any of the target inputs, a signal is given to scanner start circuit 202 which causes the cycling scan 203 to operate. Scan 203 sequentially scans the. memory 201 in the same invarying order (1 l0) and causes sequential gate 205 to operate so that'one oscillator 204 output is transmitted to output amplifier 207 for every hit registered and the other oscillator 204' output is transmitted to the amplifier 207 for every other register. Thus amplifier 207 receives ten tone bursts regardless of the number of hits but the frequency of each tone burst depends on whether a hit or miss is registered. At each step of the scan 203 cycling reset 206 causes the previously scanned bistable multi-switch to reset to miss thus clearing the memory 201 at each pass of the scan 203 and making each bistable multi-switch available for the next hit pulse.

This scanning system has been devised to transmit information about a constant number of diflerent inputs, where the input information is in one or two state form. The scanning system always starts at the same point and scans all inputs regardless of whether any change of input has occurred or not. The scan therefore run at constant speed.

The first pulse in the scan is a long pulse time which is used to nominate the start of the scan for synchronisation with the scanner of the telecommand console. The system has been set to run with a pulse length of 5 millisec., that is the system transmits 200 hits of informa tion per second, although this time is not critical in the system design.

To obtain short and long pulses, a check pulse running at several times the output frequency is used, diodes and gates are used to obtain the first pulse in the train to be a multiple of the output pulse length (2 10).

The train of ten pulses is then used via a diode matrix to give a stepping scan 1 10. A coincidence gate in conjunction with the stepping scan operates such that a bistable multi-switch with a hit registered will give a signal when the stepping reaches the particular point in the scan where the hit was registered. This signal operates one of the tone generator gates (204, 204) to give an output signal. If a hit was not registered, the other tone generator gate is opened, such that at every step one or other signal is sent to the output.

On the receiving or output end of the scanner, each of the two tones has a separate detector, the outputs of which are added to give a count of one to ten (1 total. Thus, the tone present at any point in the count (1 10) determines whether a hit or a miss was indicated.

In a specific example, if we have, through a count of 1 to 10, points 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, all one tone and points 3, 5, 6, 7, on another tone, and if the first tone is the hit tone then, after transmission of the tones to the telecommand console unit, coincidence gates on the output from a matrix of diodes which give the 1 10 count therein operate so that an output occurs at the right channel to operate counters and so register hits on the counters Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, 9 and 10.

At the end of each scan, the cycling reset 206 resets the whole memory 201 as a group, to ensure clearing of the memory per scan.

The output from amplifier 207 (ten tone bursts) is used to modulate an RF. carrier Wave generated in the transmitter 208, and is transmitted up range via the antenna 223. RP. generator and modulator 208 is only operated when gate 222 is opened which is only done when a range open signal is received at the range selector 213 and stored by memory 214 which then operates gate 222.

The telemetry may be broken into by an audio circuit 221 which enables the transmitter receiver combination to be used as a duplex speech channel up and down range.

The received R.F. carrier wave from the telecommand console via receiver 209 is detected the detector 210 and is fed to a 12 channel audio frequency detector 211 which includes an amplifier with a nominally zero impedance output. A two tone combination of the all down tone and any one channel tone is detected at the range selector 213 and causes tone gate 212 to open to allow any further signals to the target line via amplifiers 217 or 220.

If range selector 213 does not receive two tones then the all down tone alone is detected at detector 215 and causes the all down pulse to be sent to target line via amplifier 216 and to turn oi the telemetry.

Assuming a range has been selected, i.e. tone gate 212 is opened, the all up signal causes gate 218 to operate all target line amplifiers 217 from amplifier 219 together and send an up signal to all targets simultaneously.

If hold signal is received (a continuous tone) amplifier 220 operates and places a hold condition on all upstanding targets.

If range selector has been operated, an up signal on any target number will cause the relevant amplifier 217 to operate and send an up pulse to the particular target.

It will be appreciated that during normal use both directions of telemetry are operating together at the same time.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, up or down signal pulses from the telemetry relay unit are used to operate the memory 301 to one state or another. The up or down signal is used to operate the relevant power amplifier 304 to move the target operating motor 315 in the given direction until the movement is stopped by limit switches 316.

The limit switches 316 are positioned on the target mechanism to break the current to the target operating motor 315 before the limit of the target movement is reached by the rising or falling target. As it is essential for the target to rise and fall quickly, substantial overtravel occurs after the motor current is switched off. This overtravel is terminated when the target reaches its vertical or horizontal position by employing cushioning stops, made of neoprene or other compressible material, so that a sudden stop does not damage the target or its mounting.

The motor 315 is a split field series motor with centre tapped field to armature with a degree of field current shunting employed switched by transistor amplifiers. The separate centre tap .field has the feature that as the motor is loaded the drive to the transistor amplifier is increased such that the higher current demands are adequately met.

If a hit is detected on the raised target a signal is passed through paralyse switch 314 which, at this moment, is inoperative, into gated amplifier 302 and hit information amplifier 303. From the hit information amplifier 303, the signal is passed to the line to operate the memory in a telemetry relay unit and/ or into night shoot attachment (to be described). If the target is being directly operated by a group control unit which has no hit recording facilities, there is no connection to amplifier 303.

From gated amplifier 302 the signal flips the memory 301 to the down position which then causes the target to move to the down position by operation of the relevant power amplifier 304 and motor 315.

When a signal appears at the up signal terminal and a pulse at the Detonator signal terminal, the target is moved to a neutral position and, provided the up signal leaves before the Detonator signal, the detonator procedure circuit 307 operates to pass a composite signal to the amplifier 308 and through the detonator changeover circuit 311 to amplifier 309 which steps switch 310 one space and fires one detonator.

At the same time a signal from the detonator changeover circuit 311 is passed to the paralyse switch 314 which operates so that the detonator blast does not register as a hit due to close proximity of the blast to the target. This paralysis lasts only for the duration of the detonator blast.

Also, at the same time as the detonation takes place, a signal from the detonator changeover circuit 311 is amplified and shaped in the detonator information amplifier 313 and passed to the night shoot attachment (if fitted).

The target mechanism may be operated by local control by operating pushbutton PB. 1 through circuit 306 which provides a pulse of the correct polarity and amplitude to alternately give an up or down signal to the memory 301.

The scanning circuit 305 is provided to ensure that the memory 301 comes to the same position at each switch on of the apparatus.

When used in conjunction with the telemetry relay unit amplifier 309 is discriminated and a signal from the detonator changeover circuit 311 is used whenever a signal appears on the detonator line, through the detonator procedure circuit 307 to operate gated amplifier 302 and prevent hit information from causing memory 301 to operate and lower the target. However, it does not prevent amplifier 303 from transmitting hit information to line. This is then the hold condition. It is evident that the detonator system cannot be used with the telemetry relay unit under the above hold condition. If this is desirable a further received channel may be included in the circuitry.

Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the group control unit comprises target controls and an information transmitter. The group control unit may operate a group of targets through a telemetry relay unit which is cable connected to the targets, or directly through individual target receivers on each target.

The transmitter has a fundamental frequency type crystal 401 associated with an oscillator 402 having sufficient power output to drive a power amplifier 404.

Power amplifier 404 and oscillator 402 are amplitude modulated by the output of transformer 405. The output of amplifier 404 is therefore amplitude modulated radio frequency energy and is applied to an antenna 411 which is tuned% wave. The transformer 405 is driven by modulation amplifier 406 which in turn is fed from either or both oscillators 407 which operate in the audio range.

The actual frequencies at which oscillators 407 operate is dictated by the switched tuning elements 408.

These elements 408 are operated by individual pushbuttons which place in circuit the particular tuned element necessary for target operation and also turn on the power supplies to the transmitter. The pushbuttons so'used are numbered or named in accordance to the function allocated that particular frequency i.e. channel 1, 2, 3, etc. up'down-detonate.

In one operation, for example, detonation by mixture of the circuit, it is necessary first to operate the detonate button. In this case both oscillators 407 are employed. For all other functions, such as raising and lowering the target, only one oscillator 407 is used.

A battery 409 of the rechargeable non-gas nickel cadmium type may be used to power the transmitter.

A battery charger 410 having a constant current characteristic with rising voltage up to the specified battery limit, may be used to charge the battery 409 directly from an A.C. supply line.

Referring to FIGS. a and 5b of the drawings, the individual target receiver which is connected to the individual target mechanism via the same socket used for cable connection to the telemetry relay unit, is used to receive commands from the group control unit and to pass these commands to the target control mechanism to operate the target.

The unit comprises (shown in FIG. 5a) an R.F. receiver with one way telemetry. An R.F. carrier wave is intercepted by an untuned antenna 507, that is, of any convenient length. The longer the antenna, the stronger will be the received signal, or for greater distance reception, a longer antenna can be employed without circuit retuning.

The R.F-. carrier wave is amplified by tuned R.F. amplifier 501 and is passed to a mixer circuit 502. Here the RP. carrier wave is combined with the signal from a local oscillator 503 and a tuned amplifier 504 is employed to select the lower sideband resulting from the mixing of these two frequencies.

The time varying amplitude characteristic of this sideband (IF) is detected by detector 505 which extracts 'the envelope shape of the intermediate frequency which is amplified in amplifier 506.

The output from amplifier 506 then passes to the decoder filter circuit shown in FIG. 5b and is further amplified by amplifier 501 in the filter circuit diagram. This amplifier 501 increases the power level of the audio signal to a level suitable to operate the later filter circuits.

After amplifier 501 a coupling transformer 502 is inserted to provide an impedance change in the circuit such that the output impedance of the transformer 502 is as low as conveniently possible (in the order of 0.1 Q). The effect of this nominally zero impedance source of power is to prevent interaction between the filter circuits 503 From the transformer 502 a signal is passed to filters 503 in parallel line. The filters 503 are frequency conscious in the audio range 400 c./s. 3.4 kc./s., so that an output is obtained from any one of the filters 503 only when the correct frequency ap licable is applied via the transformer 502 When an output is obtained from a filter 503 (tuned series circuit) the output is amplified through amplifier 504 which also converts the signal to a DC step, i.e.

Time

The output from these amplifiers 504 is designated up, down and detonate to indicate the end function to be related to each particular signal. These signals are used to command the target mechanism to perform the various functions.

It will be appreciated that when the individual receiver unit is used hit counting facilities are only avail- 8 able if the target mechanism is also connected to the telemetry relay.

Referring to FIG. 6 of the drawings, the night shoot control apparatus is used for night shooting practice and o erates to indicate by visual and/or audio means, the target position and/ or whether a target has been hit.

From the target mechanism previously described a pulse is transmitted to the night shoot apparatus at the instant a detonator is fired. This pulse is applied to a noise elimination circuit which has the effect of applying a large threshold bias to the input pulse, i.e., the pulse has to overcome a large bias before it can pass into the input circuit 602. The pulse is processed to make it suitable to trigger a 0.5 second monostable multivibrator 601 out of which a pulse 0.5 second long is obtained. This in turn operates a power amplifier 603 which lights a lamp (white) for 0.5 second. The light from this lamp illuminates the upright target to give the impression of a fleeting target. The flash of the detonator may also be used to simulate muzzle flash. A similar operation is carried out from the hit information circuit in the target mechanism previously described except that a red lamp is caused to light for 1.5 seconds, and this causes a red glow to be seen as, in this case, the target is lowered. Two forms of power supply are used viz a low current filtered and stabilized supply 604 for the input circuits and multi-vibrators and a high current unfiltered supply for the lamps. These supplies are derived from the target mechanism battery or from a separate A.C. power supply.

It will be appreciated that the use of the apparatus may vary according to particular requirements. In permanent or semi-permanent installations, all the apparatus may be cable connected, thus eliminating the'need for radio transmitters and receivers in the telecommand console and telemetry relay units. Also, all power supplies may be derived from A.C. mains in these permanent installations. In other embodiments of the invention, a signal representing a command may be sent over a wire used to modulate an R.F. carrier, or a signal may be sent by a light beam or a laser beam or over an acoustic wave. The transmission and reception apparatus of these different mediums may be suitably incorporated in the apparatus hereinabove described. It is thus evident that the invention is not limited to the transmitting medium or the method of application of the information or command to the medium. However, owing to physical limitations of artificial battlefields and the like where the apparatus is used the command given to the target mechanisms are limited to up, down, hold and detonate.

Various applications of the target apparatus are pos sible. One such application is an observation test in which a series of ten targets are placed in selected positions at any distance up to about one mile from an observation point. The targets are controlled by a group control unit and each target, when erected can be commanded to reveal its position by a simulated shot if undetected.

In another application, or introductory shooting practices, up to one hundred targets may be used-at one range connected in groups of ten to telemetry relay units. Each group of ten targets may be individually operated by an instructor using a group control unit and all hits are recorded at the telecommand console unit.

Still another application is in a sneaker or jungle track course where up to ten sneaker courses may be operated in one locality without interference with one another.

The target mechanisms are placed in camouflaged positions progressively alongside the track and the targets are commanded to appear, fire a simulated shot and disappear by an instructor carrying a group control unit. The target mechanisms may be fitted with individual receiver units and will fall when hit. If registration of hits is desired target mechanisms may be cable connected to a telemetry relay unit which will relay hit information to the telecommand console unit.

The number of applications of the target apparatus, with its radio control, ability to represent enemy troops and movement, ability to simulate small arms and artillery fire, is limited only by the imagination of the user.

The targets preferred are a laminate of reinforced rubber, waterproof plywood and light canvas, and the face is painted with a special self etching target paint.

Standard thick waterproof plywood is used and backed with light canvas or calico which prevents excessive splintering of the rear of target by bullet damage and renders the targets repairable by the application of a mixture of special adhesive and sawdust. The plywood target togther with the canvas backing is dipped in a special water repellant compound prior to the application of the rubber face.

Canvas reinforced insert rubber 5 thick is used to face the targets. This has proved superior to plain rubber in exhaustive endurance tests and is highly compatible with the special etching target paint used for face patterns.

The adhesive used for applying the rubber face to the plywood target is a special rubber adhesive and with a special additive, edge adhesion is greatly improved and the development of air bubbles prevented.

Patterns are painted on the rubber face of the target to any desired form. A special target paint has the property of etching to rubber thereby preventing peeling by the passage of bullets therethrough.

It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made in the design and/or construction of the invention. For example further transmitting and receiving channels may be added to the apparatus to increase the amount of control available in any particular application. A further receiving chnnel may be added to the telemetry relay unit to enable the detonator system to be operated whilst the target is in hold position. Any and all such modifications as come within the space of the invention shall be deemed to be within the ambit of the invention as determined from the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Tar et apparatus comprising a plurality of targets, means mounting said targets for movement between operative and inoperative positions, manually operable target control means for selectively transmitting signals to operate said target moving means, first relaying means electrically connected to said target moving means for receiving and relaying the transmitted signals from said target control means to said target moving means, hit detection means on each target for detecting the striking of a target by a projectile, second relaying means, means on each said target moving means for transmitting information from said hit detection means to said second relaying means, said second relaying means including a pick-up scanner operable in response to hit information to detect hit information from each of said target moving means and a transmitter to transmit such hit information to said target control means, and hit counting means associated with said target control means to receive such hit information and to operate counters to record such hit information.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second relaying means includes a master scanner which scans electrical input pulses from said information transmitting means and transmits such information to said target control means, and said hit counting means includes a slave scanner synchronized with said master scanner to scan the inputs transmitted and to operate counters according to the information transmitted.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means on each target moving means for transmitting information further includes means operable in response to said control means to operate said target moving means to move said target to an inoperative position when said target is struck by a projectile.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said target control means selectively transmits a signal to prevent operation of said further means to lock selected targets in an operative position.

5. Target apparatus for training troops comprising a plurality of targets each adapted to be moved between operative and inoperative positions, a plurality of target moving means each having one target mounted thereon, target control means communicating with each target moving means and having manually operated push button control elements which are operative to generate radio signals to be transmitted to said target moving means, first relaying means interposed between said target moving means and said control means to receive such radio signals and convert them to electrical signals for transmission to said target moving means, said first relaying means comprising a receiver for the radio signals from said control means, a decoder device to decode and process said received radio signals, and means to send the process signals to said target moving means to operate said targets, hit detection means on each said target including an impulse switch adapted to produce an impulse when said target is struck by a projectile, second relaying means including a master scanner which scans electrical input pulses from said hit detection means on each target, a two-tone oscillator set driven from said scanner, a transmitter to transmit the output from the two-tone oscillator set to said control means, and hit counting means associated with said control means responsive to the output of said two-tone oscillator to record the hits.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said target control means comprises a radio receiver for receiving radio signals from said second relaying means, such signals corresponding to electrical impulses from said hit detection means on each target, a slave scanner unit for scanning such signals and operating said hit counting means to record the number of hits on each target, a transmitter associated with said manually operated push button control elements for transmitting control signals to said first relaying means, and a duplex speech unit for two-way radio linkage with said relaying means.

7. Target apparatus for training troops comprising a plurality of targets, a plurality of target moving means each having one target mounted thereon and each being adapted to move said target mounted thereon between an operative and an inoperative position, first relaying means electrically connected to said target moving means, target control means communicating with each target moving means via said first relaying means and having manually operated push button control elements which are selectively operated to generate radio signals which are transmitted from said target control means to said first relaying means where such radio signals are converted to electrical signals for transmission to selected target moving means, hit detection means on each target consisting of an impulse switch adapted to operate when said target is struck by a projectile, second relaying means, means on each said target moving means adapted to transmit information from said hit detection means to said second relaying means, said second relaying means comprising a master scanner and transmitter which scans input hit information from each target moving means when any said impulse switch is operated and transmits such hit information to said target control means, and hit counting means associated with said target control means including a slave scanner synchronized with said master scanner to receive such hit information and to operate electrically operable counters to record such hit information.

8. Target apparatus for training troops comprising a plurality of targets each adapted to be moved between operative and inoperative positions, a plurality of target moving means each having one target mounted thereon, target control means communicating with each tEFgEt moving means and having manually operated push button control elements which are operative to generate radio 1 1 signals to be transmitted to said target moving means, first relaying means interposed between said target moving means and said control means to receive such radio signals and convert them to electrical signals for transmission to said target moving means, hit detection means on each said target including an impulse switch adapted to produce an impulse when said target is struck by a projectile, second relaying means including a master scanner for scanning such impulses from said hit detection means, a two-tone oscillator set driven from said scanner to produce unique tones indicating projectile hits and nonhits, a transmitter to transmit the output from said twotone oscillator to said control means, and hit counting means associated With said control means, responsive to the output of said two-tone oscillator to record the hits.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Foster 124-32 Edrich 273-1022 Mason et al.

Cauble 273-1056 Moore 340-483 X Ohlund.

France.

Assistant Examiners.

Claims (1)

1. TARGET APPARATUS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF TARGETS, MEANS MOUNTING SAID TARGETS FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN OPERATIVE AND INOPERATIVE POSITIONS, MANUALLY OPERABLE TARGET CONTROL MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY TRANSMITTING SIGNALS TO OPERATE SAID TARGET MOVING MEANS, FIRST RELAYING MEANS ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO SAID TARGET MOVING MEANS FOR RECEIVING AND RELAYING THE TRANSMITTED SIGNALS FROM SAID TARGET CONTROL MEANS TO SAID TARGET MOVING MEANS, HIT DETECTION MEANS ON EACH TARGET FOR DETECTING THE STRIKING OF A TARGET BY A PROJECTILE, SECOND RELAYING MEANS, MEANS ON EACH SAID TARGET MOVING MEANS FOR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION FROM SAID HIT DETECTION MEANS TO SAID SECOND RELAYING

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