Gyroscopically assisted weapon stabilization systems

Abstract

Gyroscopically assisted weapons stabilization systems are provided which include a spring-assisted recoil assembly for mounting a weapon having an elongate axis and a gyroscope assembly having multiple pairs of axially opposed gyroscopes having respective spin axes. The multiple pairs of axially opposed gyroscopes are positioned so that the respective spin axes thereof are in a common plane and are offset relative to one another by an angle α. A mounting assembly dependently mounts the gyroscope assembly to the recoil assembly so as to allow for adjustments of the gyroscope assembly in parallel and perpendicular adjustment planes relative to the elongate axis of the weapon

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A weapon stabilization system comprising:
 a spring-assisted recoil assembly for mounting a weapon having an elongate axis;   a gyroscope assembly comprised of multiple pairs of axially opposed gyroscopes having respective spin axes, wherein   the multiple pairs of axially opposed gyroscopes are positioned so that the respective spin axes thereof are in a common plane and are offset relative to one another by an angle α, and   a mounting assembly to dependently mount the gyroscope assembly to the recoil assembly to allow for adjustments of the gyroscope assembly in parallel and perpendicular adjustment planes relative to the elongate axis of the weapon.   
     
     
         2 . The weapon stabilization system as in  claim 1 , further comprising an elastomeric member positioned between the recoil damper assembly and the gyroscopic stabilizer assembly to allow for relative movement therebetween. 
     
     
         3 . A weapon stabilization system as in  claim 2 , wherein the mounting assembly includes a base plate having a tubular upright sleeve and a support post having an upper end connected to the recoil assembly and a lower end slidably received within the sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . A weapon stabilization system as in  claim 3 , wherein the sleeve and support post have aligned cross-apertures to establish one of a plurality of separation distances of the base plate relative to the recoil assembly, and a retaining pin inserted into the aligned cross-apertures. 
     
     
         5 . The weapon stabilization system as in  claim 1 , wherein the recoil assembly includes a transverse shaft and a universal joint assembly operatively connected to the recoil assembly. 
     
     
         6 . A weapon stabilization system as in  claim 5 , wherein the mounting assembly includes a base plate having a tubular upright sleeve and a support post having a lower end slidably received within the sleeve, and a U-shaped mounting bracket at an upper end thereof, wherein the U-shaped mounting bracket defines a recessed space for receiving the universal joint. 
     
     
         7 . The weapon stabilization system as in  claim 6 , wherein the U-shaped mounting bracket includes fore and aft flanges connected to the recoil assembly, and wherein the mounting assembly further comprises an elastomeric member positioned between the flanges and the recoil damper assembly to allow for relative movement between the recoil damper assembly and the gyroscope assembly. 
     
     
         8 . A weapon stabilization system as in  claim 7 , wherein the recoil damper assembly includes a lower mounting block to which the fore and aft flanges are connection, wherein the elastomeric member is positioned between the flanges and the mounting block. 
     
     
         9 . The weapon stabilization system according to  claim 8 , wherein the recoil damper assembly includes a platform base, a pair of laterally spaced apart mounting rods having ends fixed to the platform base and being slidably received within the mounting block, and compression springs positioned about the mounting rods between the ends thereof and the mounting block to absorb and dampen recoil forces acting on the platform base when the weapon is fired. 
     
     
         10 . The weapon stabilization system as in  claim 9 , wherein the recoil damper assembly includes a quick release base connectable to the weapon to allow the weapon to be dismounted from the platform base. 
     
     
         11 . The weapon stabilization system as in  claim 10 , wherein the quick release base includes a dovetail grooved mount connectable to a conformably shaped rail associated with the weapon. 
     
     
         12 . The weapon stabilization system as in  claim 10 , wherein the platform base includes a cross-apertured U-shaped receiver, and wherein the quick release base includes a forward end received within the U-shaped receiver, and a removable pin positioned in aligned apertures of the U-shaped receiver and the forward end of the quick release base. 
     
     
         13 . The weapon stabilization system of  claim 12 , wherein the quick release base includes a hooked recess formed within a rearward end thereof, and wherein the platform base includes a hook engageable with the recess. 
     
     
         14 . The weapon stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the angle α is about 90°. 
     
     
         15 . The weapon stabilization system of  claim 14 , wherein the mounting assembly mounts the gyroscope assembly to the recoil damper assembly such that the elongate axis of the weapon substantially bisects the angle α. 
     
     
         16 . The weapon stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the multiple pairs of axially opposed gyroscopes are positioned so that the spin axes thereof are offset relative to the elongate axis of the weapon by respective angles α1 and α2. 
     
     
         17 . The weapon stabilization system of  claim 16 , wherein the angles α1 and α2 may be the same or different and are between about 0° to about 90°.