Abstract:
Muzzle flash simulators that combine visual, audio, and thermal signals synchronized to the firing of a rifleman&#39;s weapon to obscure his position by producing the illusion that the shot came from a location other than the rifleman&#39;s actual location. The system may be deployed by placement with a removable ground penetrating spike, by use upon a tripod mounting system, by a hanger or by launching upon a projectile. The simulator is remotely operated. The simulator can be deployed as a single unit or as a set of units operating in coordination.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    U.S. provisional application No. 61/716,440 dated Oct. 19, 2012 entitled “Muzzle Flash Simulators” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to Muzzle Flash Simulators for soldiers or other light infantry in combat. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates particularly to soldiers in ground combat operations. One of the largest risks for a soldier firing in both day and night time operations is that muzzle flash can be used by enemy combatants to locate the soldier. If the soldier was able to deploy a device at a location remote from his actual position that emitted a muzzle flash signal which was synchronized with his weapon and which simulates his fire by emission of visible light, an infrared heat signature, and sound from a remote location, this would confuse enemy combatants as to the true location of the soldier. 
         [0004]    The intent with the present invention is to address risks associated with muzzle flash in combat operations. 
       RELEVANT ART REFERENCES 
       [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,822 issued to Hirschberg discloses a method and apparatus for detecting weapon fire. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,689 issued to Sugita discloses a device for detecting an object including a light-sensitive detect array. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,868 issued to Busch discloses an apparatus and method for infrared emission detection. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,162 issued to Busch discloses an apparatus and method for infrared emission detection of a gas. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,676 issued to Plimpton discloses a dual channel multi-spectrum infrared optical fire and explosion detection system. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,889 issued to Hillis discloses infrared sniper detection enhancement. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    An object of the present invention is to provide a highly visible synchronous muzzle flash simulator. 
         [0012]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator may be remotely controlled. 
         [0013]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator has an antenna for radio frequency remote control by a console on the weapon. 
         [0014]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator may operate on numerous radio frequencies for the purpose of triggering the simulated flash. 
         [0015]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator may operate on numerous wavelengths of light for the purpose of triggering the simulated flash. 
         [0016]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator may simulate a single shot, burst shots, or automatic firing. 
         [0017]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator is equipped with a Bluetooth or mini USB connector that enables the weapon console to operate secondary devices such as a trip wire or motion sensor. The muzzle flash simulator is able to react directly to signals from the detection device or send a signal to a soldier who may remotely operate the muzzle flash simulator. 
         [0018]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator may be deployed with more than one muzzle flash simulator. 
         [0019]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where a soldier can mount the simulator directly into the ground with a hardened body. 
         [0020]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where a soldier can mount the simulator directly into the ground with a corkscrew tap that further has a hole in the base for a stick or self-contained rod can be inserted and used for leverage to screw the invention into the ground. 
         [0021]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the hardened body can be removed and three legs can be used as a tripod to support the muzzle flash simulator off of the ground. 
         [0022]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the hardened body can be anchored using magnets, adhesive tape, zip tie, cords, or wire anchors. 
         [0023]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the hardened body can be removed and one or more wires can be used to mount the muzzle flash simulator onto objects off of the ground such as in a tree or in a bush. 
         [0024]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the hardened body can float with an optional anchor line used to mount the muzzle flash simulator in maritime action. 
         [0025]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the hardened body can have base adapted to swap out various anchoring methods. 
         [0026]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator may be deployed by launching from a grenade launcher or similar device to put a distance between a soldier and the muzzle flash simulator. 
         [0027]    Yet another object for this invention is to provide a system where the muzzle flash simulator can self destruct or otherwise render itself non-functional. 
         [0028]    Yet another object for this invention is the ability to produce sound utilizing energy from pyrotechnic, thermal, and energetic gas release. 
         [0029]    The present invention achieves its objects by providing a muzzle flash simulator and antenna in a hardened body that can receive instructions and be controlled by a soldier from a remote location. The muzzle flash simulator can be fixed to the ground or other surfaces and directionally aimed towards an enemy combatant&#39;s location. A soldier can remotely control the muzzle flash simulator from tens or hundreds of yards away to obscure the soldier&#39;s location. 
         [0030]    The manner in which the invention achieves its objects and other objects which are inherent in the invention will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment where an AR-15 is disposed with a control unit mounted upon the rifle rail. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the muzzle flash simulator device. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a top down view of a preferred embodiment of the muzzle flash simulator device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is an unexploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in spike mode. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a top down view of a preferred embodiment of the simulator knob. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in the ground and concealed. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing the legs. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is an unexploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in tripod mode. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention hanging from a tree. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is an unexploded view of a preferred embodiment of the muzzle flash simulator in travel mode. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a preferred embodiment with a cork screw design for ground penetration. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the muzzle flash simulator designed for flotation in water. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, a first embodiment of the invention is a muzzle flash simulator illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a muzzle flash simulator  10 , which depicts the control unit  11  portion of the invention mounted upon the rail of an AR-15. The control unit  11  contains a radio frequency (RF) transmitter that communicates with the simulator portion of the device and an optical sensor to detect when the weapon is fired. The radio transmitter may operate on a single RF or on multiple RFs. The optical sensor may detect numerous wavelengths of light to use in determining that a round has been fired. In other embodiments the control unit  11  could be designed for attachment to any military caliber rifle or fit a utility belt. The control unit  11  may also be disposed with a blue tooth or mini usb connector that enables the control unit  11  to operate secondary devices such as a motion detector located around the rifleman&#39;s actual position. 
         [0044]    A second embodiment of the invention is a muzzle flash simulator illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a muzzle flash simulator  20 , where a cylindrical tube of 150-300 millimeters (mm) in length and 25 to 120 mm in diameter constitutes the housing for the simulator portion of muzzle flash simulator  20 . The housing has an apical end  21  and a basal end  22 . The housing or other components of muzzle flash simulator  20  contain an integrated antenna for receiving RF signals from the control unit  11 . The light source for the flash on muzzle flash simulator  20  is provided by a Light Emitting Diode (LED)  23 . The LED lamp  23  may be one or several LEDs organized in an array or other pattern  FIG. 3 . The LED lamps  23  may operate at 2-6V, DC, may consume 0.25 to 4 Watts during operation, and may have an output of 100-600 lumens. In this embodiment the light source  23  is an LED, but in other embodiments the light source may be a more traditional flash device. The light source  23  emits light that resembles the appearance of a conventional small arms muzzle flash. The emitted light is white, containing all the wavelengths of light between 380-800 nm, and it is also enriched in yellow, orange and red, containing light at wavelengths between 580-650 nm. The duration of the flash may be between 1-200 milliseconds (ms), but 10-30 ms is preferred. muzzle flash simulator  20  is also disposed with a sound generator,  FIG. 2 , provided by a speaker system  24 . The decibel level of the sound generator  24  may be between 100-170 db and in a preferred embodiment is 140-160 dB. The duration of the sound may be 1-200 ms and 10-30 ms is preferred. The speaker system  24  emits a sound that resembles the signature of a 30 caliber to 50 caliber small arms round. This sonic signal contains an initial large amplitude emission followed by emission that simulates the travel of the bullet through the air. muzzle flash simulator  20  is further equipped with a heat source that is provided by a near infrared emitter (not shown). The near infrared emitter may be operated in pulse or steady state mode for the duration of the simulated flash, approximately 10-30 ms. The emitter produces a signal that resembles the signal emitted during a small caliber arms round discharge. This heat signature contains the initial explosion of bullet followed by emptying of the contents of the cartridge out the end of the gun barrel. So an initial steady state burst that lasts for a few ms, followed by a pulse phase for several additional ms where the duration of emission in each pulse is very short, and randomized. In this embodiment the infrared emitter may be made from a tungsten filament but in other embodiments may be made from other materials. It may have an internal parabolic reflector. The power requirements for the near infrared emitter have a voltage range between 6-18v, current at 0.5-5 amps, and peak power is 2-20 watts. The preferable frequency of the near infrared emitter is 3-5 um which is the frequency that commercially available small arms fire detectors track. Muzzle flash simulator  20  is disposed with a battery power source  25  and with a capacitor having a capacitance 0.001-1.0 Farad. Muzzle flash simulator  20  is further disposed with a microprocessor for the purpose of coordinating the light, sound and heat signals. 
         [0045]    A third embodiment of the invention is a muzzle flash simulator illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a muzzle flash simulator  30 . At the top of the housing  31  is a control dial  36  for manually setting the shot mode on the device. The shot mode can be manually set to single shot, three round burst or automatic fire modes  FIG. 5 . In other embodiments the shot mode can be set remotely by the control unit  11 . At the bottom of the housing,  FIG. 4 ,  37 , are means for positioning muzzle flash simulator  30  in the field by use of a ground penetrating spike  37 . Muzzle flash simulator  30  can be deployed by pushing the spike into the ground at a concealed location so that while the device remains hidden the light, sound and heat flash simulation will be highly visible,  FIG. 6 . 
         [0046]    A fourth embodiment of the invention is a muzzle flash simulator illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a muzzle flash simulator  40 . Here the spike  47  located at the basal end of muzzle flash simulator  40  can be extended downward to expose flexible feet members  48  that can be used to mount muzzle flash simulator  40  in other configurations. Muzzle flash simulator  40  may be positioned by standing upon a tripod of flexible feet members  48 ,  FIG. 8 . Muzzle flash simulator  40  may also be positioned by attaching the feet members  48  to nearby trees, foliage, or structures,  FIG. 9 . In this embodiment muzzle flash simulator  40  has only three flexible feet  48  that are approximately 100-250 mm in length, but in other embodiments may have more or fewer feet and they may be longer or shorter. The flexible feet of muzzle flash simulator  40  are made from flexible materials embedded inside a soft, flexible covering. In yet another embodiment muzzle flash simulator  40  can be stored in a compact state for convenience during travel,  FIG. 10 . 
         [0047]    In a fifth embodiment of the invention, a muzzle flash simulator, the simulator may be deployed by launching from a grenade launcher so that the soldier may be located a relatively large distance from the simulator. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a muzzle flash simulator, the simulator may be instructed to self destruct either by letting the power source be depleted or by erasing the volatile memory in the device. In a seventh embodiment of the invention, a muzzle flash simulator, multiple simulator units can be deployed as a system of units. Within the system each unit can still be controlled independently, or can be operated in a synchronized fashion. In an eighth embodiment, a muzzle flash simulator  80  has a cork screw shaped base portion with a hole disposed across the cork screw shaped base, the hole capable of receiving a stick or rod  81  that can be used to drive the base into hard ground. 
         [0048]    In a ninth embodiment of the invention, a muzzle flash simulator  90 , the simulator is capable of floating in water. For example, the body is sealed and capable of floating in water. Alternatively, an accessory is adapted to fir over the base of the simulator to provide buoyancy. The muzzle flash simulator  90  may also comprise weighted rod  91  to ensure that the orientation of the device keeps the LED or light source above the water line. The muzzle flash simulator  90  further has a hole or loop disposed somewhere on the body or weighted rod for an optional anchor line that can be placed into ground covered by water. 
         [0049]    In any of the above disclosed embodiments it is possible to create a base portion for the simulator adapted to receive various anchoring means as disclosed herein. The base portion could utilize threaded female adaptor for a threaded male anchoring portion. This would allow for a kit of various anchoring portions that could be quickly adapted for use in the field under varied conditions. Other means of attachment are well known, from latches, clips, loop and hook (Velcro™), frictional fit, snap fit, etc. Additionally, any of the above described embodiments can use various energy sources to create sound, for example, pyrotechnic, thermal, and energetic gas release. 
         [0050]    It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, various devices are contemplated as well as various types of construction materials. Also, various modifications may be made in the configuration of the parts and their interaction. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the invention, but merely as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. Those of skill in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.