Patent Publication Number: US-10767953-B2

Title: Automatic variable choke punt gun for swarm defense

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Punt guns are extremely large shotguns that were used in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for shooting large numbers of waterfowl during commercial harvesting operations (also called “market hunting”). Punt guns have barrel bore diameters that typically are two inches or greater, and usually fire over a pound of shot at a time. Punt guns were often several feet in length, and weighed a great deal (e.g., 75 pounds or greater) relative to conventional shotguns. Since punt guns were so large, and their recoil was so great, the guns were usually mounted directly on “punt” boats, which is where their name originated. Punt boats were long, flat-bottomed boats that were designed for use in small rivers or other shallow water, and typically were propelled with a long pole. In the U.S., the practice of using punt guns through the 1800s dramatically depleted the stocks of wild waterfowl, and by the 1860s most states had banned their use for waterfowl hunting. A series of federal laws banned the practice of market hunting in the early 1900s. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates basic components of an exemplary automatic variable choke punt gun; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict details of the threading of the inner choke sleeve of the variable choke punt gun of  FIG. 1  into the punt gun barrel; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  depict an example of the threading of interior threads of the outer choke sleeve of the variable choke of the punt gun of  FIG. 1  onto exterior threads of the punt gun&#39;s barrel; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a simplified example of one exemplary mechanism for causing the outer choke sleeve of the variable choke to be threaded or de-threaded on the punt gun&#39;s barrel to increase or decrease choke constriction; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an example of operation of the exemplary mechanism of  FIG. 4  for causing the outer choke sleeve to increase or decrease choke constriction; 
         FIGS. 5B and 5C  illustrate another exemplary mechanism for causing the outer choke sleeve to increase or decrease choke constriction; 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates yet another exemplary mechanism for causing the outer choke sleeve to increase or decrease choke constriction; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a multiple punt gun defense system according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a multiple punt gun defense system according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  show the adjustment of an angle of elevation of the barrel of the variable choke punt gun within a gun elevation aperture of the punt gun assembly; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  show rotation adjustment of the punt gun housing, via rotation of the swiveling support, for changing a point of aim of the punt gun in a horizontal plane; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a system associated with the operation of the automated variable choke punt gun described herein; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram that depicts exemplary device components of a system associated with the operation and control of the automated variable choke punt gun; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  depict examples of the adjustment of the variable choke of the automated variable choke punt gun and the choke adjustment&#39;s effect on the shot pattern; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process for characterizing the shot density as a function of distance at a selected choke position of the variable choke for a particular shot shell having a particular shot type fired from the automated variable choke punt gun; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  depict examples of shot density, upon an exemplary target, as a function of a distance (R) from the center of a shot pattern; 
         FIG. 15  depicts plots of shot density as a function of distance from the center of a shot pattern for several examples of different choke adjustments for the automated variable choke punt gun; 
         FIG. 16  depicts shot patterns, as fired from the automated variable choke punt gun, in a three-dimensional coordinate system; 
         FIG. 17  depicts an example shot cone, and associated shot pattern, associated with a more constricted choke adjustment of the automated variable choke punt gun when targeting multiple flying drones; 
         FIG. 18  depicts an example shot cone, and associated shot pattern, associated with a less constricted choke adjustment of the automated variable choke punt gun when targeting multiple flying drones; 
         FIG. 19  depicts one example of deployment of an automated variable choke punt gun system upon an aircraft carrier for targeting and destroying flying drones in proximity to the aircraft carrier; and 
         FIG. 20  is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process for identifying one or more targets, determining a punt gun point of aim and a variable choke position for optimizing hits upon the one or more targets, and automatically adjusting the variable choke of the punt gun to correspond to the determined choke position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates basic components of an exemplary automatic variable choke punt gun  100 . As shown, variable choke punt gun  100  includes an action  105 , a barrel  110 , and a variable choke mechanism  115 . The action  105  includes the components, contained within a housing, that load, chamber, fire, extract, and eject shot shells. Various different types of existing semi-automatic or automatic actions may be used within punt gun  100  that permit a control system (described in further detail below) to cause punt gun shells to be loaded, fired, and re-loaded. The barrel  110  includes a shotgun barrel having a bore of an appropriate diameter for firing punt gun-sized shells. Barrel  110 , in some implementations, may have a bore diameter of two inches or greater. Additionally, barrel  110 , in some implementations, may have a length of several feet or greater. The variable choke mechanism  115  includes any type of mechanism that permits mechanical adjustment of an amount of constriction (or “choke”) applied to shot balls traveling from action  105  and exiting the muzzle of barrel  110  so as to control the spread pattern of the fired shot balls. 
     The lower portion of  FIG. 1  depicts further details of one exemplary implementation of variable choke mechanism  115  of punt gun  100 . As shown, variable choke mechanism  115  may include an inner choke sleeve  120 , and an outer choke sleeve  125  which, when attached at the muzzle of barrel  110 , can be adjusted by an external control system (not shown) to control the amount of choke constriction applied to shot balls fired from action  105  through barrel  110 . Inner choke sleeve  120  may include an exterior male thread pattern  135  that threads into an interior female thread pattern (not shown) within the muzzle end of barrel  110  of punt gun  100 . Inner choke sleeve  120 , in the exemplary implementation shown in  FIG. 1 , may be threaded into the muzzle end of barrel  110  until none of thread pattern  135  extends beyond the muzzle of barrel  110 . 
     Inner choke sleeve  120  includes a tubular material that further includes the exterior male thread pattern  135  disposed at one end of inner choke sleeve  120 , and multiple elongated constriction fingers  120  disposed at an opposite end of inner choke sleeve  120 . The material of inner choke sleeve  120  may include any material that is sufficiently hard and durable to withstand the forces associated with channeling fired shot balls out of the muzzle of barrel  110 , but which also has sufficient flexibility such that outer choke sleeve  125 , when threaded onto barrel  110 , causes the multiple elongated constriction fingers  120  to flex inwards, imparting choke constriction to fired shot balls. The material of inner choke sleeve  120  may include, for example, a metal (e.g., steel, ballistic aluminum), a metal alloy, or a composite material (e.g., ballistic aluminum infused with ceramic). The elongated constriction fingers of inner choke sleeve  120  are spaced evenly around the muzzle end of inner choke sleeve  120 , with a sufficient gap between each elongated constriction finger to permit a desired amount of flexing and choke constriction, but having a maximum gap between each constriction finger that prevents fired shot balls, channeled through inner choke sleeve  120 , from entering the gaps between the constriction fingers. 
     Outer choke sleeve  125  includes an interior female thread pattern  130  that threads onto an exterior male thread pattern  140  located at the muzzle end, on the exterior surface, of barrel  110 . As described further below, outer choke sleeve  125  may be threaded onto, or off of, the male thread pattern  140  at the muzzle of barrel  110  to increase or decrease the amount of choke constriction applied to inner choke sleeve  120 . Outer choke sleeve  125  may include, for example, a metal, a metal alloy, or a composite material that may be a same material, or a different material, than the material of which inner choke sleeve  120  is composed. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts close-up detail of the threading of inner choke sleeve  120  into barrel  110 . As shown, exterior male threads  135  of inner choke sleeve  120  may be threaded, by rotating inner choke sleeve  120 , into female interior threads  200  located at the muzzle end  205  of barrel  110  on the internal surface of bore  210  of barrel  110 . Inner choke sleeve  120  can be threaded into the female interior threads  200  of barrel  110  until inner choke sleeve  120  reaches a choke sleeve stop position  215 . The direction of rotation of inner choke sleeve  120  to thread sleeve  120  into barrel  110  depends on whether exterior male threads  135  and interior female threads  200  have a right-handed or a left-handed thread pattern. Either right-handed or left-handed thread patterns may be used within variable choke mechanism  115 .  FIG. 2B  depicts inner choke sleeve  120  completely threaded into the muzzle end  205  of barrel  110 , to the choke sleeve stop position  215 , such that only elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120  extend from the bore  210  of barrel  110 . The elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120  provide the constriction of the outgoing shot ball pattern, as described in further detail below. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  depict an example of the threading of the interior threads  130  of outer choke sleeve  125  onto the exterior threads  140  of barrel  110  for increasing the choke constriction that inner choke sleeve  120  applies to shot balls fired out of barrel  110 .  FIG. 3A  depicts outer choke sleeve  125  beginning to be threaded onto barrel  110 . As shown, outer choke sleeve  125  includes a roughly cylindrical choke threading base  300  and a choke nozzle  305 . The interior threads  130  reside on an inner surface of choke threading base  300 . Choke nozzle  305  has an exterior surface shaped as, for example, a conical frustum, and an interior surface  310  also shaped as a conical frustum having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the exterior surface of choke nozzle  305 . Choke nozzle  305  further includes a shot egress outlet  320  from which the fired shot balls exit the choke nozzle  305 . A choke sleeve constrictor  315  may be formed on, or fastened to, the interior surface  310  of choke nozzle  305  adjacent to shot egress outlet  320 . Choke constrictor  315  applies constriction to the elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120  as outer choke sleeve  125  is threaded onto the muzzle end  205  of barrel  110 . Choke constrictor  315  includes a collar, formed on, or fastened to, the interior surface  310  of choke nozzle  305 , having an appropriate thickness for applying a desired amount of constriction to the elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120  as outer choke sleeve  125  is threaded onto barrel  110 . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates the continued threading of outer choke sleeve  125  onto barrel  110 , and the beginning of application of constriction by choke constrictor  315  to the flexible elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120 . As the female interior threads  130  of outer choke sleeve  125  are threaded onto the exterior male threads  140  of barrel  110 , the elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120  come into contact with choke constrictor  315 , which begins forcing the elongated constriction fingers  220  in an inward direction (shown with dashed arrows in  FIG. 3B ) due to a shape of the inner surface of choke constriction  315 . 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates the threading of outer choke sleeve  125  onto barrel  110  to cause a maximum constriction by choke constrictor  315  (referred to herein as “choke constriction”) to the flexible, elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120 . As the female interior threads  130  of outer choke sleeve  125  are continued to be threaded onto the exterior male threads  140  of barrel  110 , the elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120  are caused to increasingly constrict, in an inward direction (shown with dashed arrows in  FIG. 3C ), to achieve a maximum amount of choke constriction of shot balls fired through barrel  110  and out through shot egress outlet  320  to exit choke nozzle  305  of outer choke sleeve  125 . 
     The increasing of the choke constriction depicted in the example of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may be reversed to decrease the choke constriction. Therefore, the interior threads  130  of outer choke sleeve  120  may be de-threaded from the exterior threads  140  of barrel  110 , by rotating outer choke sleeve  120  in an opposite direction to that shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , to cause the elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120  to decrease their constriction, in an outwards direction, to decrease the amount of choke constriction of shot balls fired through barrel  110  and out through shot egress outlet  320  to exit choke nozzle  305  of outer choke sleeve  125 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a simplified example of one exemplary mechanism for causing outer choke sleeve  125  to be threaded or de-threaded on barrel  110  to increase or decrease choke constriction. As shown, the exemplary mechanism may include a gear  400 , attached to a gear shaft  410 , and driven by a motor  420 . Gear  400  further includes gear teeth that engage with corresponding gear teeth notches  430  extending around a perimeter of the external surface of choke threading base  300  of outer choke sleeve  125 . As gear  400  is rotated in a first direction by motor  420  via gear shaft  410 , outer choke sleeve  125  is threaded onto barrel  110  to increase the constriction applied to the elongated constriction fingers  220  (not shown) of inner choke sleeve  120  (not shown). As gear  400  is rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, by motor  420  via gear shaft  410 , outer choke sleeve  125  is de-threaded from barrel  110  to decrease the construction applied to the elongated constriction fingers  220  (not shown) of inner choke sleeve  120  (not shown). 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an example of the operation of the exemplary mechanism of  FIG. 4  for causing outer choke sleeve  125  to increase or decrease choke constriction. Gear shaft  410  is rotated in a first direction by motor  420  (not shown), causing gear  400  to rotate in the same first direction. As gear  400  rotates in the first direction, the gear teeth of the gear  400  engage with gear teeth notches  430  in the external surface of choke threading base  300  of outer choke sleeve  125 , causing outer choke sleeve  125  to rotate in an opposite, second direction to the rotation of gear  400 . As outer choke sleeve  125  rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of gear  400 , the interior female threads  130  are threaded onto the exterior male threads  140  of barrel  110  causing outer choke sleeve  125  to move inwards (the left arrow direction shown in  FIG. 5A ) onto barrel  110 . 
     As gear  400  rotates in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the gear teeth of the gear  400  engage with the gear teeth notches  430  in the external surface of choke threading base  300  of outer choke sleeve  125 , causing outer choke sleeve  125  to rotate in an opposite, first direction to the rotation of gear  400 . As outer choke sleeve  125  rotates in the opposite, first direction to the rotation of gear  400 , the interior female threads  130  are de-threaded from the exterior male threads  140  of barrel  110  causing outer choke sleeve  125  to move outwards (the right arrow direction shown in  FIG. 5A ) from barrel  110 . 
       FIGS. 5B and 5C  illustrate another exemplary mechanism for causing outer choke sleeve  125  to increase or decrease choke constriction. In this exemplary implementation, an electric motor  500  may be attached to outer choke sleeve  125  such that electrical control signals applied to electric motor  500  cause outer choke sleeve  125  to rotate relative to barrel  110  in a precisely controlled fashion. Changing of the electrical control signals causes the electric motor  500  to rotate in two different directions causing outer choke sleeve  125  to rotate in correspondingly different directions so as to thread sleeve  125  onto barrel  110 , or de-thread sleeve  125  off of barrel  110 . A control unit (not shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C ) applies appropriate control signals to motor  500  to cause motor to induce rotation in outer choke sleeve  125  in the two different rotational directions (shown with two different arrows in  FIGS. 5B and 5C ). 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates yet another exemplary mechanism for causing outer choke sleeve  125  to increase or decrease choke constriction. In this exemplary implementation, outer choke sleeve  125  may be connected to a barrel housing  510  that extends along a length of barrel  110 . A motor (not shown) applies a precise amount of rotation to the barrel housing  510  (e.g., at the base of the barrel  110 ), causing outer choke sleeve  125  to also rotate at the muzzle end of barrel  110 . The motor may apply rotation in two different directions to cause the barrel housing  510  and outer choke sleeve  125  to rotate in the two different directions so as to thread sleeve  125  onto barrel  110 , or de-thread sleeve  125  off of barrel  110 , thereby increasing or decreasing the choke constriction. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a multiple punt gun defense system  600  according to a first exemplary embodiment. Punt gun defense system  600  includes a platform  605 , supported by a base structure  610 , in which multiple punt gun assemblies  615 - 1  through  615 - 3  are mounted. As shown, base structure  610  may be rotatable using a motor and control system (not shown) thereby also causing platform  605 , which is mounted upon base structure  610 , to rotate. Each of punt gun assemblies  615 - 1  through  615 - 3  are mounted upon respective swiveling supports  620 - 1  through  620 - 3  which each can rotate a certain amount, using a control system and an independent motor for each swiveling support  620 , as described in further detail below with respect to  FIGS. 9A-9C . 
     Each of punt gun assemblies  615 - 1  through  615 - 3  includes a respective punt gun housing  625 - 1  through  625 - 3 . Punt gun housing  625 - 1  mounts a first punt gun  100 - 1 , the barrel of which extends out of a gun elevation aperture  630 - 1  of the punt gun housing  625 - 1 . Punt gun housing  625 - 2  mounts a second punt gun  100 - 2 , the barrel of which extends out of a gun elevation aperture  630 - 2  of the punt gun housing  625 - 2 . Punt gun housing  625 - 3  mounts a third punt gun  100 - 3 , the barrel of which extends out of a gun elevation aperture  630 - 3  of the punt gun housing  625 - 3 . A control system and an independent motor system may cause each punt gun  100  to change its angle of elevation within its gun elevation aperture  630 , as described in further detail below with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a multiple punt gun defense system  700  according to a second exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, punt gun defense system  700  includes multiple platforms  605 - 1  through  605 - n  (where n is greater than or equal to 2) supported by a base structure  610 . Each of the multiple platforms  605 - 1  through  605 - n  mounts multiple punt gun assemblies  615 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , platform  605 - 1  mounts punt gun assemblies  615 - 1  through  615 - 3 , and platform  605 - n  mounts punt gun assemblies  615 - 4  through  615 - 6 . Base structure  610  of defense system  700  may be rotatable using a motor and control system (not shown) thereby also causing the multiple platforms  605 , which are mounted upon base structure  610  to rotate, as described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show the adjustment of an angle of elevation of barrel  110  of a variable choke punt gun  100  within a gun elevation aperture  630  (not shown) of the punt gun assembly  615 . As depicted in  FIG. 8A , punt gun  100  may have its elevation adjusted upwards, away from the swiveling support  620  to raise the aiming point of punt gun  100  upwards. As further depicted in  FIG. 8B , punt gun  100  may have its elevation adjusted downwards, towards the swiveling support  620 , to lower the aiming point of punt gun  100 . The size of the gun elevation aperture  630  (not shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ), and/or a mechanical limit on the motor and its associated elevation adjustment components, may set an upper and lower limit to the amount of upwards and downwards elevation adjustment of punt gun  100  within punt gun assembly  615 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  show rotational adjustment of punt gun housing  625 , via rotation of swiveling support  620 , for changing a point of aim of punt gun  100  in a horizontal plane.  FIG. 9A  depicts a centerline of punt gun assembly  615  when the aiming point of punt gun  100 , in the horizontal plane, is at the center of its range of adjustment. By using a motor to rotate swiveling support  620  or punt gun housing  625 , the aiming point of punt gun  100  may be adjusted leftwards, or rightwards, relative to the centerline of punt gun assembly  615 .  FIG. 9B  depicts the rotation of swiveling support  620  (or punt gun housing  625 ) to move the aiming point of punt gun  100  in a rightwards direction in the horizontal plane relative to the centerline.  FIG. 9C  further depicts the rotation of swiveling support  620  (or punt gun housing  625 ) to move the aiming point of punt gun  100  in a leftwards direction in the horizontal plane relative to the centerline. A leftwards or rightwards limit may exist on the horizontal plane adjustment of punt gun  100  due to, for example, the proximity of an adjacent punt gun assembly  615 , or the proximity of a structure of platform  605 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a system  1000  associated with the operation of automatic variable choke punt gun  100  described herein. System  1000  depicted in  FIG. 10  represents functional components involved in the operation and control of automatic variable choke punt gun  100 . The functional components of system  100  may, as shown, include a target sensor system  1010 , a target identifier (ID) system  1015 , and a control system  1020 . 
     Target sensor system  1010  may include a radar unit  1025 , an optical unit  1030 , and/or an infrared unit  1035 . Radar unit  1025  includes one or more devices and components for using radio waves to detect targets in a vicinity of radar unit  1025 , and to determine the position, range, velocity, acceleration, size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of those targets. Optical unit  1030  includes one or more devices and components for using, for example, the visible spectrum to visually detect and identify targets, and to assist in determining the position, range, velocity, acceleration, size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of those targets. Infrared unit  1035  includes one or more devices and components for using the infrared spectrum to detect and identify targets and to assist in determining the position, range, velocity, acceleration, size, shape and/or cross-sectional area of those targets. 
     Target ID system  1015  includes a computational system that monitors the target sensor data generated by target sensor system  1010  and identifies the positions, ranges, direction of motion, velocity, and acceleration, of individual targets, and the distribution of targets within a region of space (e.g., the distribution of targets within a three-dimensional region of sky). Target ID system  1015  may further analyze the sensor data generated by target sensor system  1010  to determine a size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of each individual target within the region of space. The computational system of target ID system  1015  may additionally analyze the target sensor data generated by target sensor system  1010  to identify the nature of individual targets, such as whether the individual targets are aerial drones, flying birds, or manned airplanes, and to determine whether the individual targets may or may not represent a threat so as to justify shooting them with an automatic variable choke punt gun  100 . 
     Control system  1020 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , may further include a choke position determination unit  1040 , an auto-choke adjustment unit  1045 , and a punt gun aiming unit  1050 . Choke position determination unit  1040  determines an amount of constriction currently applied by the variable choke mechanism  115  of punt gun  100 . Choke position determination unit  1040  keeps track of the current state (e.g., position, rotation, etc.) of the components of variable choke mechanism  115  used to increase or decrease choke constriction applied to outgoing fired shot. 
     Auto-choke adjustment unit  1045  applies control signals to adjust the amount of constriction applied by the variable choke mechanism  115  of punt gun  100 . Auto-choke adjustment unit  1045 , based on the known amount of constriction currently applied by the variable choke mechanism  115 , as determined by choke position determination unit  1040 , may, in the exemplary implementation of  FIG. 4 , apply a control signal(s) to motor  420  to cause gear shaft  410  to rotate, further causing gear  400  to rotate in either a first direction or a second, opposite direction. As gear  400  is rotated in the first direction by motor  420  via gear shaft  410 , gear teeth of gear  400  engage with corresponding gear teeth notches  430  of the external surface of outer choke sleeve  125  to cause outer choke sleeve  125  to thread onto barrel  110 , thereby increasing the constriction applied to the elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120 . As gear  400  is rotated in the second direction by motor  420  via great shaft  410 , gear teeth of gear  400  engage with corresponding gear teeth notches  430  of the external surface of outer choke sleeve  125  to cause outer choke sleeve  125  to de-thread from barrel  110 , thereby decreasing the construction applied to the elongated constriction fingers  220  of inner choke sleeve  120 . 
     Punt gun aiming unit  1050  applies control signals to mechanical mechanisms that orientate the barrel  110  of punt gun  100  in a specific direction towards a particular aiming point that is based on the positions, ranges, direction of motion, velocity, acceleration, size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of individual targets identified by target ID system  1015 . Examples of the aiming of punt gun  100 , based on control signals generated by punt gun aiming unit  1050 , are depicted in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  (i.e., changing the elevation of the barrel  110  of punt gun  110  relative to a vertical centerline), and  FIGS. 9A-9C  (i.e., traversing the angle of the barrel  110  relative to a horizontal centerline). 
     The configuration of components of system  1000  shown in  FIG. 10  is for illustrative purposes. Other configurations may be implemented. Therefore, system  1000  may include additional, fewer and/or different components, arranged in a different configuration, then depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram that depicts exemplary physical device components of a system  1100  associated with the operation and control of an automatic variable choke punt gun  100  or multiple automatic variable choke punt guns  100 . Target sensor system  1010 , target ID system  1015  and/or control system  1020  may each include components configured similarly to system  1100  shown in  FIG. 11 , possibly with some variations in components and/or configuration. System  1100  may include a bus  1110 , a processing unit  1120 , a main memory  1130 , a read only memory (ROM)  1140 , a storage device  1150 , a sensor interface(s)  1155 , a geo-location device  1160 , an input device  1165 , an output device  1170 , and a transceiver  1175 . 
     Bus  1110  includes a path that permits communication among the components of system  1100 . Processing unit  1120  may include one or more processors or microprocessors which may interpret and execute stored instructions associated with one or more processes, or processing logic that implements the one or more processes. In some implementations, processing unit  1120  may include programmable logic such as, for example, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) or accelerators. Processing unit  1120  may include software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware for executing the process(es) described herein. 
     Main memory  1130  may include a random access memory (RAM), or another type of dynamic storage device, that may store information, and instructions for execution by processing unit  1120 . ROM  1140  may include a ROM device, or another type of static storage device (e.g., Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)), that may store static information and, in some implementations, instructions for use by processing unit  1120 . Storage device  1150  may include a magnetic and/or optical recording medium and its corresponding drive. Main memory  1130 , ROM  1140  and storage device  1150  may each be referred to herein as a “non-transitory computer-readable medium” or a “non-transitory storage medium.” 
     Sensor interface(s)  1155  may include components for electrically interfacing with sensors of target sensor system  1010 , such as, for example, radar unit  1025 , optical unit  1030 , and/or infrared unit  1035 . Sensor interface(s)  1155  receives signals/data from the sensors of target sensor system  1010 , and sends control signals/data to the sensors of target sensor system  1010 . 
     Geo-location device  1160  includes a device that determines a current geographic location of system  1100 . Geo-location device  1160  may, for example, include a digital compass that determines a current heading of system  1100 . Geo-location device  1160  may additionally, or alternatively, include a Global Positioning System (GPS) device that determines, using a GPS satellite system, a current geographic position of system  1100 . The geographic position may be tracked over time to determine a velocity, acceleration, and/or a heading of system  1100 . 
     Input device  1165  may include one or more devices that permit an operator to input information to system  1100 , such as, for example, a keypad or a keyboard, a display with a touch sensitive panel, voice recognition and/or biometric mechanisms, etc. Output device  1170  may include one or more devices that output information to an operator or user, including a display (e.g., with a touch sensitive panel), a speaker, etc. Input device  1165  and output device  1170  may be implemented as a graphical user interface (GUI) (e.g., a touch screen GUI that uses any type of touch screen device) that displays GUI information and which receives user input via the GUI. 
     Transceiver  1175  may include one or more wired or wireless transceivers (e.g., transmitters and/or receivers) that enable system  1100  to communicate with other devices and/or systems via various different types of wired or wireless links, or wired or wireless networks. For example, transceiver  1175  may include one or more transceivers for communicating via a wired or wireless local area network (LAN), a wired or wireless wide area network (WAN), a wired or wireless metropolitan area network (MAN), a wired or wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), an intranet, the Internet, and/or a Mobile Network. The Mobile Network may include, for example, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or a Satellite Network. The PLMN may include, for example, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 2000 PLMN, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) PLMN, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) PLMN (e.g., such as a fourth or fifth-generation (4G or 5G) LTE network), and/or other types of PLMNs. The wireless LAN(s) includes one or more wireless LANs of any type, such as, for example, a Wi-Fi network that operates according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The wireless PAN includes any type of PAN carried over a low power, short range wireless protocol such as, for example, Bluetooth™, Insteon, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), Z-Wave, ZigBee, and/or Body Area Network (BAN). The reach of the wireless PAN may vary from a few meters to tens of meters, depending on the specific short range wireless protocol used and the range needed to reach a closest wireless station. 
     The configuration of components of system  1100  shown in  FIG. 11  is for illustrative purposes. Other configurations may be implemented. Therefore, system  1100  may include additional, fewer and/or different components, arranged in a different configuration, than depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  depict examples of the adjustment of the variable choke of automated variable choke punt gun  100  and the choke adjustment&#39;s effect on shot pattern. As shown in  FIG. 12A , punt gun  100  may have the variable choke adjusted to produce a narrow shot pattern  1200 . When fired with the variable choke adjusted as shown in  FIG. 12A , the shot balls, propelled outwards from the muzzle of punt gun  100 , trace a shot pattern that encompasses a cone having a gradual increase in cross-sectional diameter from the muzzle of punt gun  100  to a target or targets (not shown). The narrow shot pattern  1200 , therefore, concentrates the propelled shot balls in a limited cross-sectional area, thereby increasing the likelihood of multiple hits upon any target(s) within the shot pattern  1200 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 12B , punt gun  100  may have the variable choke adjusted to produce a medium shot pattern  1210 . When fired with the variable choke adjusted as shown in  FIG. 12B , the shot balls, propelled outwards from the muzzle of punt gun  100 , trace a shot pattern that encompasses a cone having a moderate increase in cross-sectional diameter from the muzzle of punt gun  100  to a target or targets (not shown). The medium shot pattern  1210 , therefore, spreads the propelled shot balls over a greater cross-sectional area relative to the narrow shot pattern  1200  of  FIG. 12A . The medium shot pattern  1210  decreases the likelihood of multiple hits upon any target(s) within the shot pattern  1210 , but increases the likelihood of at least a single hit upon multiple targets within the shot pattern  1210 . 
     As additionally shown in  FIG. 12C , punt gun  100  may have the variable choke adjusted to produce a wide shot pattern  1220 . When fired with the variable choke adjusted as shown in  FIG. 12C , the shot balls, propelled outwards from the muzzle of punt gun  100 , trace a shot pattern that encompasses a cone having a large increase in cross-sectional diameter from the muzzle of punt gun  100  to a target or targets (not shown). The wide shot pattern  1220 , therefore, spreads the propelled shot balls over a large cross-sectional area relative to the narrow shot pattern  1200  of  FIG. 12A  or the medium shot pattern  1210  of  FIG. 12B . The wide shot pattern  1220  decreases the likelihood of multiple hits upon any target(s) within the shot pattern  1220 , but increases the likelihood of at least a single hit upon multiple targets that are spaced apart within the shot pattern  1220 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process for characterizing the shot density as a function of distance at a selected choke position of the variable choke, for a particular shot shell having a particular shot ball type, fired from automatic variable choke punt gun  100 . In one embodiment, the exemplary process of  FIG. 13  may be manually implemented. In other implementations, the exemplary process of  FIG. 13  may be implemented by an automatic system that automatically registers shot hits upon a target, and automatically adjusts a distance between the target and a support structure supporting the automatic variable choke punt gun  100 . The exemplary process of  FIG. 13  is described below with reference to  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15 . 
     The exemplary process includes firing a punt gun  100  at a shot distribution target with a particular shot shell having a particular type of shot and using a selected choke position of the variable choke of the punt gun  100  (block  1300 ). The punt gun  100  may be disposed within a support structure (e.g., some type of rest) that is located a specified distance from the shot distribution target. A particular type of shot shell (e.g., with a particular amount and type of propellant) may be selected that is loaded with a particular type and size of shot balls. The type of shot ball may include, for example, a type of material from which the shot balls are made (e.g., steel, lead, a lead alloy, a composite material, etc.), and/or a particular shape and design of each shot ball. The size of the shot ball may include, for example, a diameter of the shot ball. A choke position (e.g., less constricted, more constricted) of the variable choke of the punt gun  100  is selected, the punt gun  100  is aimed at the shot distribution target, and the punt gun  100  is fired at the target. 
     The process further includes determining, based on target measurement, a shot distribution pattern of the fired shot shell and the particular type of shot, from the punt gun  100  at the selected choke position of the variable choke (block  1310 ). If the shot distribution target is part of an automated system, the automated system registers the exact location of the hits of all shot balls impacting the shot distribution target. If the exemplary process is being manually implemented, the location of the hits of all shot balls impacting the shot distribution target may be manually measured and tabulated.  FIG. 14A  depicts an example of a shot distribution pattern of a fired shot shell that has impacted a shot distribution target  1400 . As can be seen, the shot density varies across the target  1400 , with a higher hit density towards the center of the target  1400  (i.e., the aiming point of gun  100 ) and a decreasing hit density as the distance (R) from the center of the target/shot pattern increases. In addition to determining a shot distribution pattern on the target, a speed of the shot balls of the fired shot shell may be measured using, for example, some type of chronograph. 
     The process additionally includes determining a shot density per area (shot density/area) as a function of distance (R) from a center of the shot pattern to generate a shot density per area function for the selected choke position of the variable choke (block  1320 ). The shot distribution target may be divided into multiple different equal areas, with each area having a particular radius from the center of the target, and the shot density (i.e., the number of hits within each area) may be counted to calculate a shot density/area for each area as a function of distance (R) from the center of the target. 
     Referring again to the shot distribution target  1400  of  FIG. 14A , at a particular distance R from the center of the target/shot pattern, a number of shot hits may be counted within multiple different equal areas A  1410 - 1 ,  1410 - 2 ,  1410 - 3 , etc. at the same distance R from the center of the target/shot pattern, to identify the shot density/area. The number of counted hits per area, across the multiple areas A  1410 - 1 ,  1410 - 2 ,  1410 - 3 , etc., may be averaged to determine an average shot density per area at distance R. For example, referring to  FIG. 14A , a first number of shot hits are counted within an area A  1410 - 1  at distance R 1  from the center of the target/shot pattern, a second number of hits are counted within an area A  1410 - 2  at the distance R 1 , and a third number of hits are counted within an area A  1410 - 3  at the distance R 1 . The first number, second number and third number of hits are averaged to determine an average shot density at the distance R 1 . 
     As another example, referring to  FIG. 14B , a first number of shot hits are counted within an area A  1410 - 4  at a distance R 2  from the center of the target/shot pattern, a second number of shot hits are counted within an area A  1410 - 5  at the distance R 2 , and a third number of shot hits are counted within an area A  1410 - 6  at the distance R 2 , where R 2 &lt;R 1 . The first number, second number and third number of hits are averaged to determine an average shot density at the distance R 2 . Numerous area shot hit measurements may be made at each distance R from the center of the target/shot pattern (e.g., at 12 o&#39;clock, 1 o&#39;clock, 2 o&#39;clock, 3 o&#39;clock, 4 o&#39;clock, etc.) to determine an average shot density at that distance R. The entire shot pattern upon the target  1400  may be measured at numerous different distances R from the center of the target/shot pattern to calculate an average shot density/area as a function of distance R from the center of the target/shot pattern at the particular variable choke position and at the distance (D) of the punt gun  100  from the target  1400 . The calculated shot density/area as a function of distance R for the particular shot shell, with the particular size and type of shot balls, is programmed or entered into control system  1020  for use by choke position determination unit  1040 . 
     The process further includes determining, based on the shot density/area function determined in block  1320 , a shot cone that corresponds to the shot distribution pattern for the particular shot shell, type of shot, the selected choke constriction position, and the distance D of the punt gun  100  from the target  1400  (block  1330 ). The outer dimensions of the shot cone for the shot distribution pattern may be determined to be the maximum distance R max , from the center of the target/shot pattern, at which the average shot density equals a minimum threshold number of shot hits/area. Therefore, as the choke constriction of the variable choke of punt gun  100  increases, the outer dimensions of the shot cone for the shot distribution pattern shrink (i.e., the cross-sectional area of the shot cone at a particular distance D from the punt gun  100  decreases with increasing choke constriction), and as the choke constriction of the variable choke of punt gun decreases, the outer dimensions of the shot cone for the shot distribution pattern expand (i.e., the cross-sectional area of the shot cone at a particular distance D from the punt gun  100  increases with decreasing choke constriction). 
     The process further includes adjusting the punt gun  100  variable choke to a selected new choke position (block  1340 ). Choke position determination unit  1040 , based on, for example, external input, determines a new choke position of the variable choke, and sends choke adjustment commands to auto-choke adjustment unit  1045  which, in turn, causes the variable choke mechanism  115  to be mechanically adjusted to the determined choke position. The exemplary process, after selection and adjustment of the new choke position, may return to block  1300  with a repeat of blocks  1300 ,  1310 ,  1320 , and  1330 , to determine a shot density/area function for the selected new choke position of the variable choke of the punt gun  100  at the current distance D of the punt gun  100  from the target  1400 . 
     Blocks  1300 - 1340  may be selectively repeated, with a known distance of the target from the punt gun  100  being varied, so as to determine the average shot density/area at various target distances from punt gun  100  at particular choke positions of the variable choke of the punt gun  100 . The resulting shot density/area measurements, at the various different known target distances, can be used to determine shot distribution patterns that correspond to particular constriction positions of the variable choke, and the size of the shot cones that equate to those shot distribution patterns. Therefore, the various sizes of shot cones, as a function of variable choke position and distance D to the target, may be determined by the shot density/area measurements. 
       FIG. 15  depicts an example of plots of shot hit density, as a function of distance R from a center of a shot pattern, for a sequence of choke positions of punt gun  100  at a distance D of punt gun  100  from a target. They axis of  FIG. 15  is the average shot ball hit density and the x axis is the distance (R) from the center of the shot pattern. Each curve shown in  FIG. 15 , identified by successive numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, represents a different choke position of punt gun  100 , with choke position  1  having the least amount of choke constriction and choke position  6  having the most amount of choke constriction, and increasing amounts of choke constriction being applied to punt gun  100  as the choke positions increase from position  1  to position  6 . In the example of  FIG. 15 , at a distance of R 1  and at a least constrictive choke position  1 , the average shot ball hit density upon the target is calculated to be about 5.5 shot hits/area. Further, in the example of  FIG. 15 , at the distance of R 1  and at the choke position  3 , the average shot ball hit density is calculated to be about 8.5 shot hits/area. Additionally, in the example of  FIG. 15 , at a distance R 3  and the choke position  6 , the average shot ball hit density is calculated to be about 3.2 shot hits/area. 
       FIG. 16  depicts examples of shot cones, as fired from the automatic variable choke punt gun  100 , in a three-dimensional coordinate system. In the three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system shown in  FIG. 16 , the x axis extends left to right from the barrel of punt gun  100 , the y axis extends upwards and downwards from the barrel of punt gun  100 , and the z axis extends outwards (into the figure) and inwards (out of the figure). Punt gun  100  may alter its aiming point (e.g., as previously shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, and 9C ) from a first aiming point that produces a first shot cone  1300 , associated with a first shot pattern, to a second aiming point that produces a second shot cone  1310 , associated with a second shot pattern. Punt gun  100  may alter its aiming point in the x dimension, the v dimension, and/or the z dimension of the cartesian coordinate system shown in  FIG. 16  so as to hit one or more targets. For example,  FIG. 16  depicts punt gun  100  having a first aiming point, and a first shot cone  1300 , along the z axis. The aiming point of punt gun  100  is then changed to a second aiming point, along an axis z′, and having a second shot cone  1310 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts an example of a first shot pattern, fired from the automatic variable choke punt gun  100 , with the variable choke set at a constricted choke position. As shown, a swarm of drones  1710 , distributed in three-dimensional space, are heading towards punt gun  100 , or are located within close proximity to punt gun  100 . Control system  1020 , in conjunction with target ID system  1015 , determines a point of aim, and a first choke position of the variable choke of punt gun  100 , for targeting a subset of the swarm of drones  1710 . To increase the likelihood of hits on the subset of drones  1710  of the swarm of drones, control system  1020  sets a more constricted choke position such that, when fired, punt gun  100  produces a narrow shot cone  1700 , having a more constricted shot pattern, that causes an increased likelihood of one or more hits upon each drone  1710  within the narrow shot cone  1700 . The example shot pattern of  FIG. 17  may be used when more drones are concentrated in a smaller three-dimensional region, or when an increased likelihood of hits upon drones within the shot cone is desired. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a second shot pattern, fired from automatic variable choke punt gun  100 , with the variable choke set at a less constricted choke position. As shown, the swarm of drones  1710 , distributed in three-dimensional space, are heading towards punt gun  100 , or are located within close proximity to punt gun  100 . Control system  1020 , in conjunction with target ID system  1015 , determines a point of aim, and a second choke position of the variable choke of punt gun  100 , for targeting a subset of the swarm of drones  1710 . To attempt to hit a greater number of the drones  1710 , or if the drones  1710  are distributed over a larger three-dimensional region, control system  1020  sets a less constricted choke position such that, when fired, punt gun  100  produces a wide shot cone  1800 , having a less constricted shot pattern relative to the shot pattern shown in  FIG. 17 , that increases the likelihood of hitting a greater number of drones  1710  (e.g., with at least one shot hit) within the wide shot cone  1800 . 
       FIG. 19  depicts one example of the use of multiple automatic variable choke punt guns  100  for protecting a naval vessel, such as, for example, an aircraft carrier  1900 . As shown, the aircraft carrier  1900  may include multiple gun stations  1910 - 1  through  1910 - m  (where m is greater than or equal to two) for establishing fields of fire in proximity to the aircraft carrier. A multiple punt gun defense system  600  or  700  (not shown) may be mounted at each gun station  1910  to establish an array of gun defense systems  600  or  700  that serve as a last line of defense against, for example, a swarm of aerial drones attacking the aircraft carrier  1900 . In the example depicted in  FIG. 19 , first gun station  1910 - 1  and second gun station  1910 - 2  both mount a punt gun defense system  600  or  700  (not shown). First gun station  1910 - 1  may fire shot balls in a first shot cone  1920 - 1  to hit drones in proximity to first gun station  1910 - 1 . Second gun station  1910 - 2  may fire shot balls in a second shot cone  1920 - 2  to hit drones in proximity to second gun station  1910 - 2 . The first shot cone  1920 - 1  of first gun station  1910 - 1  and the second shot cone  1920 - 2  of second gun station  1910 - 2  may intersect with one another so as to provide 100% defensive coverage of the three-dimensional space within a certain proximity to the gun stations  1910 - 1  and  1910 - 2  of the aircraft carrier  1900 . Therefore, when flying drones attack aircraft carrier  1900 , and survive other defensive measures, to come within a certain proximity to aircraft carrier  1900 , the punt gun defense systems  600  or  700  mounted at the gun stations  1910  may be brought into action to disable or destroy the attacking drones. 
       FIG. 20  is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process for identifying one or more targets, determining a punt gun  100  point of aim and a variable choke position for optimizing hits upon the one or more targets, and automatically adjusting the variable choke of the punt gun  100  to correspond to the determined choke position. The exemplary process of  FIG. 20  may be implemented by system  1000 . 
     The exemplary process includes target ID system  1015  identifying a target(s) in a vicinity of the punt gun(s)  100  using radar, optical and/or infrared scanning data from the target sensor system  1010  (block  2000 ). Referring to  FIG. 10 , radar unit  1025  may generate radio wave scanning data of the vicinity of punt gun(s)  100 , optical unit  1030  may generate scanning data in the optical wavelengths of the vicinity of punt gun(s)  100 , and infrared unit  1035  may generate scanning data in the infrared wavelengths of the vicinity of punt gun(s)  100 . Units  1025 ,  1030 , and/or  1035  supply the scanning data to target ID system  1015  which, in turn, performs one or more algorithms for analyzing the scanning data and identifying the existence of, or characteristics of, a target(s) in the scanning data. 
     Target ID system  1015  identifies a current position(s), velocity(ies) and acceleration(s) of the identified target(s) using the radar, optical, and/or infrared scanning data (block  2010 ). Target ID system  1015  performs one or more algorithms for analyzing the scanning data from units  1025 ,  1030 , and/or  1035  to determine a current position of a target(s), and a movement vector(s) (e.g., velocity direction and magnitude, acceleration direction and magnitude) associated with the target(s), relative to the punt gun(s)  100 . The target ID system  1015  may additionally determine a size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of the identified target(s) using the radar, optical, and/or infrared scanning data. 
     Control system  1020  identifies a size of a shot cone(s), and a corresponding point(s) of aim, to hit one or more of the identified targets based on the identified current position(s), velocity(ies), and acceleration(s) of the target(s) (block  2020 ). Based on a position(s) of the one or more targets in three-dimensional space, a known shot ball speed (e.g., measured in block  2020 ), and possibly a size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of each of the one or more targets, control system  1020  determines a point of aim of punt gun  100 , and a size of a shot cone, that should produce a desired number of shot hits upon each of the one or more identified targets that may, or may not, be moving relative to punt gun  100 . 
     Control system  1020  determines a choke constriction position of the variable choke(s) that produces the identified size(s) of shot cone(s) at the point(s) of aim (block  2030 ). Using shot distribution pattern data, shot cone data, and shot density/area functions, as determined in the exemplary process of  FIG. 13 , choke position determination unit  1040  of control system  1020  determines a choke constriction position of the variable choke that produces the size(s) of the shot cone(s) identified in block  2020 . 
     Control system  1020  automatically adjusts the variable choke(s) of punt gun(s)  100  based on the determined choke constriction position (block  2040 ). Auto-choke adjustment unit  1045  of control system  1020  generates control signals to adjust the choke constriction of the variable choke from its current choke position to the determined choke position that produces the identified size(s) of shot cone(s). For example, if variable choke mechanism  115  includes the components of  FIG. 4 , auto-choke adjustment unit  1045  generates and sends control signals to motor  420  to cause gear shaft and gear  400  to rotate a certain direction and a certain distance to adjust the choke constriction via rotation of outer choke sleeve  125 . 
     Control system  1020  aims the barrel(s) of the punt gun(s)  100  to the identified point(s) of aim (block  2050 ). Punt gun aiming and firing unit  1050  of control system  1020  applies control signals to mechanisms that cause the barrel  110  of punt gun  100  to point towards the aiming point determined in block  2020 . Control system  1020  fires the aimed punt gun(s)  100  (block  2060 ). Punt gun aiming and firing unit  1050  applies control signals to mechanisms that cause punt gun  100  to fire the currently chambered shot shell. Subsequent to firing the currently chambered shot shell, reloading mechanisms associated with punt gun  100  automatically eject the spent shot shell, extract a next shot shell from a shell magazine or other type of shell feeding mechanism/structure, and chamber the next shot shell. 
     The exemplary process of  FIG. 20  may be repeated upon each firing and cycling of punt gun(s)  100 . Therefore, upon firing of a punt gun  100  in block  2060 , automatic ejection of the spent shell, and the reloading and chambering of a next shell, blocks  2000 - 2060  may be repeated to fire the next shell. 
     The foregoing description of implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For example, while series of blocks have been described with respect to  FIGS. 13, and 20 , the order of the blocks may be varied in other implementations. Moreover, non-dependent blocks may be performed in parallel. 
     Certain features described above may be implemented as “logic” or a “unit” that performs one or more functions. This logic or unit may include hardware, such as one or more processors, microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits, or field programmable gate arrays, software, or a combination of hardware and software. 
     No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” 
     In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.