Movable target system in which power is inductively transformed to a target carrier

USRE38540E1 · kind E1 · reissue

Inventor

• Kyle Bateman · Provo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 29, 2004
• Expiry date: Sep 14, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

An improved track-mounted movable target system is disclosed. Power is inductively transferred to a target carrier movable between first and second locations. The transferred power is used to power electrical equipment on board the target carrier. The electrical equipment may include electric motors, lights, solenoids, and control circuitry for the motors and solenoids. Preferred embodiments of the invention are implemented as track-based systems, as the track provides not only stability to the target carrier, but also protection from stray bullets to the conductive cable. For a first embodiment of the invention, power is transferred to a target carrier via a stationary inductor and a movable cable, which also provides motive force to the target carrier. For a second embodiment of the invention, power is transferred to a target carrier via a stationary cable and an inductor movable with the target carrier. For this second embodiment of the invention, electrical equipment on board the target carrier includes a drive motor for moving the carrier bidirectionally along the track. For both embodiments of the invention, communications with the target carrier may be achieved by modulating…