Actuating metal shooting targets

Abstract

Aspects of the invention extend to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for actuating metal shooting targets. A fluidic control system is used to raise or lower a metal plate from behind a shield made of armor plate metal. At a shooting range, a metal (e.g., steel) plate can be transitioned to an “up” position and presented to a shooter. The shooter can discharge a firearm aimed at the metal plate in an attempt to hit the metal plate with a bullet. If the shooter successfully hits the metal plate with a bullet (and the impact is sufficiently powerful), the metal plate transitions (e.g., falls over) into a “down” position (e.g., hinging at a hinge included in the connecting rod / hinge assembly). The fluidic control system can then transition the metal plate can be to the “up” position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 671,411, entitled “Actuating Metal Shooting Targets”, filed Jul. 15, 2024 which is incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND1. Background and Relevant Art

[0002] Shooting at a gun range typically involves placing a target at a distance from the shooter, and the shooter proceeds to attempt to hit the target with bullets. This process is similar at all gun ranges, whether for recreational or competitive shooters at a commercial gun range, or law enforcement or military personnel at a training facility.

[0003] Many targets used for range shooting are constructed of paper medium, such as construction paper or cardboard. These targets have a wide variety of printed graphics including the traditional circular bullseye, human silhouettes, grids, animals, aliens, zombies, and so forth. Regardless of the printed graphics, all of these targets register “hits” in the form of bullet holes in the medium itself. Some paper targets feature two layers paper; a sub layer that has a brightly colored ink, and the top layer that has a printed targets graphics. Hits on this type of paper target results in the bullet holes highlighted by the brightly colored ink, thereby aiding visibility by the shooter or a scoring official.

[0004] Regardless of the type of paper target, hits are determined by detecting bullet holes in the medium. The single major benefit of paper targets is its ability to record the precise location of hits relative to an aim point, such as the bullseye. After a shooting session, a paper target can be retrieved and analyzed for accuracy, such as the diameter of a group of hits.

[0005] Other targets used for range shooting are constructed from steel. Steel targets are usually geometric shapes, such as, circles, squares and hexagons of varying dimensions. Steel targets provide immediate feedback of a “hit” with a distinctive ping and some steel targets are reactive in that they swing, fall over or otherwise move in response to the bullet impact.SUMMARY

[0006] Examples extend to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for actuating metal shooting targets

[0007] A target assembly includes a target and a target back mount. The target back mount further includes a first pivot hinge pin hole, a second pivot hinge pin hole, a target manipulation tab including a target manipulation tab pin hole. The target assembly includes a front protective shield, a first side protective shield, and a second side protective shield. The front protective shield includes a target base mount support shelf. The first side protective shield is mechanically connected to one side of the front protecting shield and includes a third pivot hinge pin hole. The second side protective shield is mechanically connected to another side of the front protecting shield and includes a fourth pivot hinge pin hole. A target base mount rests on target base mount support shelf and includes a target back mount support element, a fifth pivot hinge pin hole, and a sixth pivot hinge pin hole.

[0008] The target assembly includes a multi-state piston cylinder. The multi-state-piston cylinder includes a piston, a shaft, a shaft fork, a first connection receptacle, and a second connection receptacle. One end of the shaft is mechanically connected to the piston and another end of the shaft is mechanically connected to the shaft fork. The first connection receptacle is configured to receive a first connection to a fluid source. The second connection receptacle configured to receive a second connection to the fluid source. Receiving fluid through the first connection raises the shaft and receiving fluid through the second connection lowers the shaft. The shaft fork includes a first shaft fork pin hole and a second shaft fork pin hole.

[0009] A pivot hinge pin is inserted through and spans the first pivot hinge pin hole, the second pivot hinge pin hole, the third pivot hinge pin hole, the fourth pivot hinge pin hole, the fifth pivot hinge pin hole, and the sixth pivot hinge pin hole. A target manipulation pin is inserted through and spans the first shaft fork pin hole, the target manipulation tab pin hole, and the second shaft fork pin hole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure is better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like-referenced numerals may designate to corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates different views of an example articulable target system.

[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of another example articulable target system.

[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates a view of an additional example articulable target system.

[0014] FIG. 2D illustrates a view of a further example articulable target system.

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates an example side view of another articulable target system.

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates an example expanded view of the components of the other articulable target system of FIG. 3A

[0017] FIG. 3C illustrates an example back view of the other articulable target system of FIG. 3A.

[0018] FIG. 3D illustrates an example back view of the target and target back mount of FIG. 3A.

[0019] FIG. 3E illustrates an example back view of the target base mount of FIG. 3A.

[0020] FIG. 3F illustrates an example alternate expanded view of the components of the other articulable target system of FIG. 3A

[0021] FIG. 3G illustrates an example view of the piston cylinder of FIG. 3A.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an example valve health monitor system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Examples extend to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for actuating metal shooting targets.

[0024] In general, a system for articulating a steel target can include a fluidic (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic) control system, a fluidic manifold, a fluidic cylinder containing a piston, a connecting rod / hinge assembly, and a (e.g., geometrically shaped) metal (e.g., steel) plate. One end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the piston and the other end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the metal plate. The fluidic manifold can be connected to a compressed fluid, such as, gas (e.g., air) or liquid, source by an appropriate fluid line.

[0025] The fluidic manifold can also include an electrically controlled “up” valve and an electrically controlled “down” valve. Each of the up valve and down valve can be connected to the fluidic cylinder by a corresponding fluid line respectively.

[0026] The fluidic control system is electrically connected to both the up valve and the down valve. In general, the fluidic control system can send electrical signals to the fluidic manifold to: open the up valve, close the up valve, open the down valve, or closed the down valve via the corresponding electrical connections.

[0027] When the up valve is opened (and the down valve closed), fluid (e.g., compressed air) from a fluidic (e.g., compressed air) source enters into the fluidic cylinder raising the piston vertically. Through the connecting rod / hinge assembly, the raising piston in turn transitions the steel plate to an “up” position. The fluidic control system may subsequently close the up valve when the steel plate is in the “up” position.

[0028] At a shooting range, metal (e.g., steel) plate can be transitioned to an “up” position and presented to a shooter. The shooter can discharge a firearm aimed at the metal plate in an attempt to hit the metal plate with a bullet. If the shooter successfully hits the metal plate with a bullet (and the impact is sufficiently powerful), the metal plate transitions (e.g., falls over) into a “down” position (e.g., hinging at a hinge included in the connecting rod / hinge assembly).

[0029] When appropriate, the fluid control system can open the down valve (and close the up valve) releasing fluid from the fluid cylinder. Releasing fluid from the fluidic cylinder lowers the piston vertically. Through the connecting rod / hinge assembly, the lowering piston in turn transitions the metal plate to the “down” position.

[0030] Even after a bullet impact causes the steel target to transition into the “down” position, the fluidic control system may open the down valve to lower the piston and reset the position of the connecting rod / hinge assembly. Resetting the position of connecting rod / hinge assembly can allow the metal plate to appropriately transition back into the“up” position when the up valve is opened and the piston raises.

[0031] The fluidic control system can subsequently open the up valve and close the down valve to again transition into the steel plate into the “up” position.

[0032] In one aspect, the fluidic control system is used to raise or lower the metal plate from behind a shield made of armor plate steel (e.g., similar to the steel used to construct the metal plate).

[0033] Some varieties of steel targets are referred to as “poppers” or “boppers”. These varieties of steel targets include an articulating mechanism used to “pop up” and present to a shooter, for example, on command. FIG. 1 illustrates different views of an example articulable target system 100. As depicted, articulable target system 100, includes (e.g., metal plate) target 101. Generally, through articulation (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, manual, etc.), target 101 can be transitioned into an “up” position.

[0034] In an “up” position, target 101 may be visible to and / or become visible to a shooter, for example, down range from articulable target system 100. The shooter can discharge a firearm aimed at target 101 in an attempt to hit the target 101 with a bullet. If the shooter successfully hits target 101 with a bullet (and the impact is sufficiently powerful), target 101 can transition (e.g., falls over) into a “down” position (e.g., hinging at a hinge included in a connecting rod / hinge assembly).

[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of another example articulable target system 200. As depicted, articulable target system 200 includes target 201, protective shield 202, base 203, hinge (pivot) 204, piston cylinder 206, shaft 207, mounting rod 208, mounting plate 209, fluid connection 231, and fluid connection 232. Target 201 can be a metal, for example, steel, target.

[0036] One end of mounting rod 208 can mechanically coupled / secured to the bottom of piston cylinder 206 and another end of mounting rod 208 can mechanically coupled / secured to mounting plate 209. Mechanical coupling / securement of mounting rod 208 to piston cylinder 206 and / or to mounting plate 209 can include pins, nuts and bolts, welding, etc. In one aspect, mounting rod 208 is an integrated part of piston cylinder 206 and is secured internally within piston cylinder 206. Mounting plate 209 can in turn be mechanically coupled / secured to protective shield 202. Mechanical coupling / securement of mounting plate 209 to protective shield 202 can include pins, nuts and bolts, welding, etc. In one aspect, mounting plate 209 is secured to a side of protective shield 202 that is not directly exposed to incoming bullets.

[0037] As such, protective shield 202 protects hinge (pivot) 204, piston cylinder 206, shaft 207, mounting rod 208, mounting plate 209, fluid connection 231, and fluid connection 232 from bullet impacts. Material utilized in protective shield 202 can be selected / configured to protect hinge (pivot) 204, piston cylinder 206, shaft 207, mounting rod 208, mounting plate 209, fluid connection 231, and fluid connection 232 as well as other components in view of (e.g., the largest) caliber (.22, .380 ACP, 9 mm, etc.) and type (e.g., frangible, etc.) of ammunition being fired at target 201. In one aspect, protective shield 202, and potentially also base 203, is constructed of metal (e.g., steel) that can endure / withstand repeated bullet impacts without significant deformity, without significant loss / degradation of integrity, etc.

[0038] Generally, piston cylinder 206 contain a piston (not shown). Shaft 207 can be mechanically connected / secured to the piston. As such, the piston can be used to raise shaft 207 and lower shaft 207. Fluid connection 232 can be fluidically connected to a chamber on one side of (e.g., below) the piston. Fluid connection 231 can be fluidically connected to another chamber on another side of (e.g., above) the piston. Fluid connections 231 and 232 can be connected to a fluid source, such as, a pneumatic (gas, for example, air) fluid source or a hydraulic (liquid) fluid source. The fluid source can be connected to fluid connection 232 allowing fluid to enter the chamber (e.g., below the piston) pushing the piston up and raising shaft 207. The fluid source can be connected to fluid connection 231 allowing fluid to enter the other chamber (e.g., above the piston) pushing the piston down and lowering shaft 207.

[0039] As depicted in FIG. 2A, target 201 is in an “up” position, for example, presented to a down range shooter. As depicted in FIG. 2B, target 201 is in a “down” position, for example, as the result of a bullet impact on target 201. When target 201 is in the “down” position, fluid can be cycled through the appropriate fluid connections and chambers of piston cylinder 206 to transition target 201 back to the “up” position. In one aspect, fluid connection connectivity to a fluid source is manually controlled.

[0040] In some environments, a fluidic control system is an open-ended system. In an open-ended system, the fluidic control system can command the piston to raise or lower and corresponding transition the steel plate into the “up” position or “down” position respectively. However, the fluidic control system receives no feedback indicative of whether the steel target is, in fact, in an expected position. When commanded to raise or lower the piston, the fluidic control system energizes the appropriate fluidic valve for a set (e.g., fixed) amount of time and then de-energizes that valve. Given the lack of position feedback, there is no assurance that the steel plate actually transitioned into the expected position.

[0041] Furthermore, an open-ended system does not enable a bobber to determine whether the shooter hit and knocked over the target.

[0042] “Bobber” steel target systems may be prone to wear-and-tear given their function as a shooting target. As such, the actuating mechanism may become damaged or out of calibration resulting in ineffectually transitioning the steel into the “up” position and / or the “down” position when commanded. Other issues such as low pressure in the fluidic lines can result in the piston partially actuating, for example, raising only part-way, such that the metal plate is not fully in the “up” position.

[0043] Furthermore, these bobber target systems lack mechanisms to determine whether a shooter has hit the steel plate when it has been raised to the “up” position and presented to the shooter. For example, if a command to transition the metal plate to the “up” position is quickly followed by a command to transition the metal plate to the “down” position, the metal plate may be presented to a shooter for a limited amount of time. The bobber system has no way of knowing whether the shooter hit the metal plate while in the “up” position. When used at a shooting range, either the shooters themselves, or other people at the range, determine by manual, visual observation whether the metal plate was hit by a bullet while in the “up” position.

[0044] As such, in other aspects, fluid connectivity is handled by an electronically controlled manifold. Turning to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C illustrates a view of an additional example articulable target system 250, an example of an open-ended system. As depicted, articulable target system 250 further includes manifold 247 and electrical controls 211. Manifold 247 further includes valves 233 and 234 and is fluidically connected to fluid (e.g., air or liquid) source 237 by fluid line 217. Valve 233 is fluidically connected to fluid connection 231 by fluid line 216. Similarly, valve 234 is fluidically connected to fluid connection 232 by fluid line 214. Valve 233 is electrically connected to electrical controls 211 by electrical wire 213. Similarly, valve 234 is electrically connected to electrical controls 211 by electrical wire 212.

[0045] Electrical controls 211 can send appropriate electrical signals to open and close valves 233 and 234 respectively. For example, electrical controls 211 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 213 to open valve 233. When valve 233 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 233, through fluid line 216, through fluid connection 231 and into a chamber (e.g., above) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 233 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston down, lowering shaft 207.

[0046] On the other hand, electrical controls 211 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 213 to close valve 233. When valve 233 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 216 and fluid connection 231.

[0047] Likewise, electrical controls 211 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 212 to open valve 234. When valve 234 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 234, through fluid line 214, through fluid connection 232 and into a chamber (e.g., below) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 234 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston up, raising shaft 207. Raising shaft 207 can cause target 201 to pivot around hinge (pivot) 204 transitioning target 201 into the “up” position.

[0048] On the other hand, electrical controls 211 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 212 to close valve 234. When valve 234 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 214 and fluid connection 232. When target 201 was previously transitioned into the “up” position, target 201 can remain in the “up” position after valve 234 is closed. However, target 201 can be more easily knocked over by a bullet as there is limited, if any, upward fluidic pressure on shaft 207.

[0049] Different combinations of opening and closing valves 233 and / or 234 can be implemented to transition target 201 from a “down” position (e.g., resulting from a bullet impact) to an “up” position (e.g., for presentation to a shooter). In one aspect, a human both observes target 201 and manages electrical controls 211. Upon observing target 201 being knocked over by a bullet, the human can cause electrical controls 211 to send a cycle of valve opening and closing signals to valves 233 and / or 234 to raise target 201.

[0050] In other environments, the fluidic (feedback) control system is a closed-loop system. In a closed-loop system, piston position and / or movement sensors can be used to sense the position of the piston. Position and / or movement data sensed by the piston position sensors can be sent to the fluidic control system via additional electrical connections. Thus, the fluidic control system can include electrical (and possibly digital) connections to both piston position sensors and up and down valves. The fluidic control system can include a position sensor module and a piston control module. The piston control module can consider the piston position and / or movement data when determining when and / or how to open or close the up and down valves. The fluidic (feedback) control system can also make various determinations about the operation of target system components based on the piston position and / or movement data.

[0051] For example, the closed-loop system facilitates essentially real-time determination of piston (and thus metal plate) position at any time, independent of what was commanded by piston controls. The closed-loop system facilitates essentially real-time determination of when the position of the metal plate goes from “up” to “down”, for example, when the target is hit by a bullet. The closed-loop system can determine shooter reaction time with a higher degree of precision relative to an open-ended system. Reaction time can correspond to the time from when a metal plate is commanded into the “up” position to the time the metal plate is hit with a bullet and goes into the “down” position.

[0052] The closed-loop system can determine that the metal plate reaches the commanded position of “up” or “down”. Further, the closed-loop system can help ensure the metal plate achieves a commanded position by keeping the appropriate fluidic valve energized until such time as the position sensor reads back that the metal plate is in the commanded position. Such a mechanism can be used to compensate for low pressure or other degradation in fluidic lines. If a position and / or movement sensor fails to read-back the expected position of the metal plate after the appropriate control valve has been energized for a certain / specified time period, the fluidic control system can derive that at least one component (e.g., in FIG. 2D) is not operating as intended.

[0053] The closed-loop system can determine whether the UP, DOWN or both the UP and DOWN functions of actuating the metal plate are functioning properly. The closed-loop system can determine with a specified precision, for example, 1 ms, the duration of time from when a control valve is energized to when the metal plate transitioned to an expected position, UP or DOWN.

[0054] As such, in other aspects, a feedback control system is used to monitor and control transitions of target 201. Turning to FIG. 2D, FIG. 2D illustrates a view of an additional example articulable target system 260 an example, of a closed-loop system. As depicted, articulable target system 260 further includes sensor 218, sensor 219, and feedback control system 227. Feedback control system 227 includes sensor input receiver 226 and piston controls 228. Sensor 218 is electrically (e.g., digitally) connected to sensor input receiver 226 by electrical wire 223. Similarly, sensor 219 is electrically (e.g., digitally) connected to sensor input receiver 226 by electrical wire 224. Wireless sensor configures are also contemplated. For example, sensors 218 and 219 can be connected to sensor input receiver 226 via wireless communication mechanisms, such as, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. Sensors 218 and 219 and sensor input receiver 226 can include appropriate hardware and software to facilitate wireless communication.

[0055] Sensors 218 and 219 can sense position and movement of piston cylinder 206. Sensor 218 (from its perspective) can send data indicative of sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 206 to sensor input receiver 226 via electrical wire 223 (or via wireless communication). Similarly, sensor 219 (from its perspective) can send data indicative of sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 206 to sensor input receiver 226 via electrical wire 224 (or via wireless communication). Sensor input receiver 226 can fuse, modify, combine, or otherwise translate received position and movement data from sensors 218 and 219 into formatted data processable by feedback control system 227.

[0056] Generally, feedback control system 227 can process formatted data indicating sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 206. From the formatted data, feedback control system 227 can derive if target 201 is in an “up” position or a “down” position. From the formatted data, feedback control system 227 can also detect if a bullet has impacted target 201. Based on a derived position and / or a detected impact, feedback control system 227 can cause piston controls 228 to send electrical signals opening and / or closing valves 233 and / or 234 as appropriate so as to manipulate / transition target 201 into a next appropriate position.

[0057] Piston controls 228 is connected to valve 233 by electrical wires 222. Similarly, piston controls 228 is connected to valve 234 by electrical wires 221. Generally, piston controls 228 can send electrical signals (similar to those sent from electrical controls 211) over electrical wires 222 and 221 to open and close valves 233 and 234 respectively.

[0058] For example, piston controls 228 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 222 to open valve 233. When valve 233 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 233, through fluid line 216, through fluid connection 231 and into a chamber (e.g., above) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 233 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston down, lowering shaft 207.

[0059] On the other hand, piston controls 228 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 222 to close valve 233. When valve 233 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 216 and fluid connection 231.

[0060] Likewise, piston controls 228 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 221 to open valve 234. When valve 234 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 234, through fluid line 214, through fluid connection 232 and into a chamber (e.g., below) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 234 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston up, raising shaft 207. Raising shaft 207 can cause target 201 to pivot around hinge (pivot) 204 transitioning target 201 into the “up” position.

[0061] On the other hand, piston controls 228 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 221 to close valve 234. When valve 234 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 214 and fluid connection 232. When target 201 was previously transitioned into the “up” position, target 201 can remain in the “up” position after valve 234 is closed. However, target 201 can be more easily knocked over by a bullet as there is limited, if any, upward fluidic pressure on shaft 207.

[0062] None the less, it may be that a projectile (e.g., a bb, a pellet, a .22 bullet, another smaller caliber (e.g., frangible) bullet, etc.) lacks sufficient force to knock over target 201. In one aspect, feedback control system 227 derives (from sensor data) that a projective has impacted target 201 and, subsequent to the impact, target 201 remained in an “up” position or has transitioned to a not fully “down” position. In response, feedback control system 227 can cause piston controls 228 to send a series of valve opening and / or closing signals to valves 233 and / or 234 to lower target 201 into a fully “down” position. The processing and transition of target 201 to a fully “down” position can occur with minimal delay (e.g., within milliseconds) so as to be essentially imperceptible to a shooter or other observers.

[0063] Subsequent to target 201 transitioning to a “down” position from impact, valve manipulations to lower target 201, or a combination thereof, feedback control system 227 can cause piston controls 228 to send a series of valve opening and / or closing signals to valves 233 and / or 234 to raise target 201 into an “up” position.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A illustrates an example side view of another articulable target system 300. As depicted, FIG. 3A includes target 301, front protective shield 302, target base mount 303, pivot hinge pin 304, piston cylinder 306, piston shaft 307, connecting pin 308 (e.g., a clevis pin), and target back mount 309. Generally, and similar to piston cylinder 206, piston cylinder 306 can be a fluidic (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic) piston cylinder including fluidic connections, that when connected to a fluidic source (e.g., gas or liquid), can be utilized to raise or lower piston shaft 207. Raising or lowering piston shaft 307 can in turn raise or lower target 301.

[0065] Piston cylinder 306 can be connected to a fluidic manifold (not shown), for example, similar to manifold 247. Fluidic connections (not shown) at piston cylinder 306 can be connected to valves of the manifold by corresponding fluid lines (not shown), for example, similar to fluid lines 214 and 216. The manifold can in in turn be connected to a fluid source (e.g., similar to fluid source 237) by a further fluid line (e.g., similar to fluid line 217). Values of the manifold can be connected to electrical controls (e.g., similar to electrical controls 211) or a feedback control system including piston controls (e.g., similar to feedback control system 227 and piston controls 228).

[0066] In one aspect, one or more sensors similar to sensors 218 and 219 monitor position and / or movement of piston cylinder 306. Each sensor (from its perspective) can send data indicative of sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 306 to a sensor input receiver (e.g., similar to sensor input receiver 226) via corresponding electrical wires (or via wireless communication). The sensor input receiver can fuse, modify, combine, or otherwise translate received position and movement data from the one or more sensors into formatted data processable by a feedback control system.

[0067] Generally, the feedback control system can process formatted data indicating sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 306. From the formatted data, the feedback control system can derive if target 301 is in an “up” position or a “down” position. From the formatted data, the feedback control system can also detect if a bullet has impacted target 301. Based on a derived position and / or a detected impact, the feedback control system can cause the piston controls to send electrical signals opening and / or closing manifold valves as appropriate so as to manipulate / transition target 301 into a next appropriate position.

[0068] Thus, in some aspects, articulable target system 300 is used in place of articulable target system 200. As such, articulable target system 300 can be used in combination with a manifold and one or more of: (a) electrical controls and / or (b) a feedback control system including a sensor input receiver and piston controls.

[0069] As such, target 301 can be manipulated / articulated similarly to target 201 in articulable target systems 250 and 260, including transitioning target 301 to a fully “down” position when a projectile impacts target301 but the impact lacks sufficient force to knock over target 301

[0070] FIG. 3B illustrates an example expanded view of the components of articulable target system 300. As depicted, FIG. 3B includes target 301, front protective shield 302, target base mount 303, pivot hinge pin 304, piston cylinder 306, piston shaft 307, connecting pin 308, target back mount 309, side protective shield 312, side protective shield 313, and cotter pin 316.

[0071] Front protective shield 302 further includes shelf 314. When articulable target system 300 is assembled, shelf 314 provides support for target base mount 303. Target base mount 303 further includes hole 333 and hole 334. Piston shaft 307 further includes fork 341, connector 338, fluid connection 351, and fluid connection 352. Fluid connections 351 and 352 can be connected to a fluid source and / or fluid manifold with (e.g., electrically) controllable valves. Fork 341 includes hole 342 and hold 343. Target back mount 309 further includes hole 336, hole 337, tab 344. Tab 344 includes hole 346. Side protective shield 312 includes hole 33. Side protective shield 313 includes hole 332.

[0072] When assembled, holes 332, 334, 336, 337, 333, and 331 are aligned. Pivot hinge pin 304 is inserted into and spans holes 332, 334, 336, 337, 333, and 331. As such, pivot hinge pin 304 is used to mechanically couple side protective wall 312, target base mount 303, target back mount 309, and side protective wall 313. With pivot hinge pin 304 inserted, target 301 is free to pivot around pivot hinge pin 304. In one aspect, target 301 can pivot (e.g., in a range of approximately 90 degrees) between a “down” position (e.g., essentially horizontal or parallel to the ground) and an “up” position (e.g., essentially vertical or perpendiculars to the ground).

[0073] Also when assembled, holes 343, 346, and 342 are aligned. Connecting pin 308 is inserted into and spans holes 343, 346, and 342. As such, connecting pin 308 is used to mechanically couple tab 344 (and thus also target back mount 309 and target 301) to fork 341 (and thus also to shaft 307). One end of connecting pin 308 can include a hole for receiving cotter pin 316. When installed, cotter pin 316 secures connecting pin 308 in place. Thus, with connecting pin 308 installed, target 301 is rigidly attached to shaft 307. As such, raising shaft 307 correspondingly raises target 301. Likewise, lowering shaft 307 correspondingly lowers target 301.

[0074] Connector 338 can be mechanically and rigidly secured / attached to one or more of: front protective shield 302, side protective shield 312, or side protective shield 313. Rigid attachment / securement of connector 338 (and thus also piston cylinder 306) to one or more protective shields holds piston cylinder 306 in place when shaft 307 is fluidically raised or lowered.

[0075] In one aspect, protective shield 302, side protective shield 312, or side protective shield 313 are mechanically (e.g., rigidly) connected / secured to one another along their respective edges, for example, by welding, nuts and bolts, etc. As such, protective shield 302, side protective shield 312, or side protective shield 313 can form a protective cage around other components of articulable target system 300.

[0076] FIG. 3C illustrates an example back view of articulable target system of 300. As depicted, pivot hinge pin 304 is inserted into and spans holes 332, 334, 336, 337, 333, and 331. Also as depicted, connecting pin 308 is inserted into and spans holes 343, 346, and 342. Cotter pin 316 is inserted into a hole in connecting pin 308 to secure connecting pin 308 in place.

[0077] Further, connector 338 is secured to pin 353. Pin 353 in turn is mechanically secured (e.g., with nuts) between side protective shield 312 and side protective shield 313. As such, the connection between connector 338 and pin 353 provides support for and holds piston cylinder 306 in place when shaft 307 is raised and lowered. Pin 353 can pass through and span additional holes in side protective shield 312 and side protective shield 313.

[0078] FIG. 3D illustrates an example back view of target 301 and target back mount 309.

[0079] FIG. 3E illustrates an example back view of target base mount 303.

[0080] FIG. 3F illustrates an example alternate expanded view of the components of articulable target system 300.

[0081] FIG. 3G illustrates an example view of piston cylinder 306.

[0082] Hybrid and / or combination articulable target systems are also contemplated. Hybrid and / or combination articulable target systems can include one or components of articulable target system 200 and one or more components of articulable target system 300, possibly along with a fluid manifold and / or electrical controls and / or a feedback control system (including a sensor input receiver and piston controls).

[0083] Aspects of the invention can also include a valve health monitoring system. For example, the health of values on a manifold, such as, manifold 247, can be monitored. Timestamps can be captured for each valve activation. A delay between a valve command and confirmed actuation can be measured. Timings can be compared to a learned or fixed baselines. Deviations exceeding a tolerance can be flagged. A value health status of nominal, warning, or critical can be assigned to each valve. Valve health status can be reported via a user interface and or cloud interface.

[0084] As such, an actuation system, using rolling average baselines logic, can adapt to gradual wear, pressure shifts, or hardware replacements without manual intervention. Temperature-compensated analysis can be performed. Fluid (e.g., air and liquid pressure is affected by temperature. Temperature-compensated analysis helps ensure reliable diagnostics across weather conditions.

[0085] Faulty valves can be auto disabled. If a valve is classified Critical, it's restricted to test mode only—preventing live session disruption. A time-to-maintenance (TTM) can be estimated. wear data can be utilized to forecast when a valve is likely to require service and schedules it before failure. Severity scores can be visualized. Maintenance teams can prioritize servicing based on urgency, not just first-come-first-serve. Local and remote valve health related outputs can be provided. Alerts can be seen on-site or streamed to a remote maintenance team.

[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates an example valve health monitor system 400. Valve health monitor system 400 can record activation and timestamps (401). Valve health monitor system 400 can measure valve actuation duration (402). Valve health monitor system 400 can establish baseline valve actuation times (403). Valve health monitor system 400 can compare timing to baseline (404). Valve health monitor system 400 can detect significant deviation between recorded and baselines times (405). Valve health monitor system 400 can classify valve health, for example, based on deviation (406). Valve health monitor system 400 can report valve health status (407).

[0087] In some aspects, components of an articulable target system, such as, articulable target system 200, articulable target system 300, or valve health monitoring system 400, are connected to and / or implemented at digital systems, including computer and network systems. For example, the functionality of any of: electrical controls 211, sensor input receiver 226, feedback control system 227, or piston controls 228 can be implemented at a computer system and / or networked computer systems.

[0088] Accordingly, implementations can comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more computer and / or hardware processors (including any of Central Processing Units (CPUs), and / or Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), general-purpose GPUs (GPGPUs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs)) and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Implementations also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, implementations can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

[0089] Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, Solid State Drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., RAM-based or Flash-based), Shingled Magnetic Recording (“SMR”) devices, Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

[0090] In one aspect, one or more processors are configured to execute instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions, computer-executable instructions, etc.) to perform any of a plurality of described operations. The one or more processors can access information from system memory and / or store information in system memory. The one or more processors can (e.g., automatically) transform information between different formats.

[0091] System memory can be coupled to the one or more processors and can store instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions, computer-executable instructions, etc.) executed by the one or more processors. The system memory can also be configured to store any of a plurality of other types of data generated and / or transformed by the described components.

[0092] A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and / or data links which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0093] Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (devices) (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and / or to less volatile computer storage media (devices) at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media (devices) can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0094] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, in response to execution at a processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described aspects may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, wearable devices, multicore processor systems, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, routers, switches, and the like. The described aspects may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0096] Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performed in one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components can be specifically tailor-designed for a higher speed detection or artificial intelligence that can enable signal processing. In another example, computer code is configured for execution in one or more processors, and may include hardware logic / electrical circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices are provided herein purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in further types of devices.

[0097] The described aspects can also be implemented in cloud computing environments. In this description and the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. For example, cloud computing can be employed in the marketplace to offer ubiquitous and convenient on-demand access to the shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., compute resources, networking resources, and storage resources). The shared pool of configurable computing resources can be provisioned via virtualization and released with low effort or service provider interaction, and then scaled accordingly.

[0098] A cloud computing model can be composed of various characteristics such as, for example, on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service, and so forth. A cloud computing model can also expose various service models, such as, for example, Software as a Service (“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), and Infrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”). A cloud computing model can also be deployed using different deployment models such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so forth. In this description and in the following claims, a “cloud computing environment” is an environment in which cloud computing is employed.

[0099] Components of the invention can be connected to (or be part of) a network, such as, for example, a system bus, a Local Area Network (“LAN”), a Wide Area Network (“WAN”), and even the Internet. Accordingly, computer systems, mobile phones, projectors, (articulator) controllers, articulators, steel targets, impact detectors, wireless relays, wearable shot detectors, game controllers, smart hearing protectors, smart safety glasses, cameras, websites, live scoring displays, management consoles, etc. as well as components thereof and any other connected computer systems and their components can create and exchange data (e.g., Internet Protocol (“IP”) datagrams and other higher layer protocols that utilize IP datagrams, such as, Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (“SMTP”), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), etc. or using other non-datagram protocols) over the network.

[0100] The present described aspects may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described aspects are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]Examples extend to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for actuating metal shooting targets.

[0024]In general, a system for articulating a steel target can include a fluidic (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic) control system, a fluidic manifold, a fluidic cylinder containing a piston, a connecting rod / hinge assembly, and a (e.g., geometrically shaped) metal (e.g., steel) plate. One end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the piston and the other end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the metal plate. The fluidic manifold can be connected to a compressed fluid, such as, gas (e.g., air) or liquid, source by an appropriate fluid line.

[0025]The fluidic manifold can also include an electrically controlled “up” valve and an electrically controlled “down” valve. Each of the up valve and down valve can be connected to the fluidic cylinder by a corresponding fluid line respectively.

[0026]The fluidic control system is electrically conn...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 671,411, entitled “Actuating Metal Shooting Targets”, filed Jul. 15, 2024 which is incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND1. Background and Relevant Art

[0002] Shooting at a gun range typically involves placing a target at a distance from the shooter, and the shooter proceeds to attempt to hit the target with bullets. This process is similar at all gun ranges, whether for recreational or competitive shooters at a commercial gun range, or law enforcement or military personnel at a training facility.

[0003] Many targets used for range shooting are constructed of paper medium, such as construction paper or cardboard. These targets have a wide variety of printed graphics including the traditional circular bullseye, human silhouettes, grids, animals, aliens, zombies, and so forth. Regardless of the printed graphics, all of these targets register “hits” in the form of bullet holes in the medium itself. Some paper targets feature two layers paper; a sub layer that has a brightly colored ink, and the top layer that has a printed targets graphics. Hits on this type of paper target results in the bullet holes highlighted by the brightly colored ink, thereby aiding visibility by the shooter or a scoring official.

[0004] Regardless of the type of paper target, hits are determined by detecting bullet holes in the medium. The single major benefit of paper targets is its ability to record the precise location of hits relative to an aim point, such as the bullseye. After a shooting session, a paper target can be retrieved and analyzed for accuracy, such as the diameter of a group of hits.

[0005] Other targets used for range shooting are constructed from steel. Steel targets are usually geometric shapes, such as, circles, squares and hexagons of varying dimensions. Steel targets provide immediate feedback of a “hit” with a distinctive ping and some steel targets are reactive in that they swing, fall over or otherwise move in response to the bullet impact.SUMMARY

[0006] Examples extend to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for actuating metal shooting targets

[0007] A target assembly includes a target and a target back mount. The target back mount further includes a first pivot hinge pin hole, a second pivot hinge pin hole, a target manipulation tab including a target manipulation tab pin hole. The target assembly includes a front protective shield, a first side protective shield, and a second side protective shield. The front protective shield includes a target base mount support shelf. The first side protective shield is mechanically connected to one side of the front protecting shield and includes a third pivot hinge pin hole. The second side protective shield is mechanically connected to another side of the front protecting shield and includes a fourth pivot hinge pin hole. A target base mount rests on target base mount support shelf and includes a target back mount support element, a fifth pivot hinge pin hole, and a sixth pivot hinge pin hole.

[0008] The target assembly includes a multi-state piston cylinder. The multi-state-piston cylinder includes a piston, a shaft, a shaft fork, a first connection receptacle, and a second connection receptacle. One end of the shaft is mechanically connected to the piston and another end of the shaft is mechanically connected to the shaft fork. The first connection receptacle is configured to receive a first connection to a fluid source. The second connection receptacle configured to receive a second connection to the fluid source. Receiving fluid through the first connection raises the shaft and receiving fluid through the second connection lowers the shaft. The shaft fork includes a first shaft fork pin hole and a second shaft fork pin hole.

[0009] A pivot hinge pin is inserted through and spans the first pivot hinge pin hole, the second pivot hinge pin hole, the third pivot hinge pin hole, the fourth pivot hinge pin hole, the fifth pivot hinge pin hole, and the sixth pivot hinge pin hole. A target manipulation pin is inserted through and spans the first shaft fork pin hole, the target manipulation tab pin hole, and the second shaft fork pin hole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure is better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like-referenced numerals may designate to corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates different views of an example articulable target system.

[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of another example articulable target system.

[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates a view of an additional example articulable target system.

[0014] FIG. 2D illustrates a view of a further example articulable target system.

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates an example side view of another articulable target system.

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates an example expanded view of the components of the other articulable target system of FIG. 3A

[0017] FIG. 3C illustrates an example back view of the other articulable target system of FIG. 3A.

[0018] FIG. 3D illustrates an example back view of the target and target back mount of FIG. 3A.

[0019] FIG. 3E illustrates an example back view of the target base mount of FIG. 3A.

[0020] FIG. 3F illustrates an example alternate expanded view of the components of the other articulable target system of FIG. 3A

[0021] FIG. 3G illustrates an example view of the piston cylinder of FIG. 3A.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an example valve health monitor system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Examples extend to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for actuating metal shooting targets.

[0024] In general, a system for articulating a steel target can include a fluidic (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic) control system, a fluidic manifold, a fluidic cylinder containing a piston, a connecting rod / hinge assembly, and a (e.g., geometrically shaped) metal (e.g., steel) plate. One end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the piston and the other end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the metal plate. The fluidic manifold can be connected to a compressed fluid, such as, gas (e.g., air) or liquid, source by an appropriate fluid line.

[0025] The fluidic manifold can also include an electrically controlled “up” valve and an electrically controlled “down” valve. Each of the up valve and down valve can be connected to the fluidic cylinder by a corresponding fluid line respectively.

[0026] The fluidic control system is electrically connected to both the up valve and the down valve. In general, the fluidic control system can send electrical signals to the fluidic manifold to: open the up valve, close the up valve, open the down valve, or closed the down valve via the corresponding electrical connections.

[0027] When the up valve is opened (and the down valve closed), fluid (e.g., compressed air) from a fluidic (e.g., compressed air) source enters into the fluidic cylinder raising the piston vertically. Through the connecting rod / hinge assembly, the raising piston in turn transitions the steel plate to an “up” position. The fluidic control system may subsequently close the up valve when the steel plate is in the “up” position.

[0028] At a shooting range, metal (e.g., steel) plate can be transitioned to an “up” position and presented to a shooter. The shooter can discharge a firearm aimed at the metal plate in an attempt to hit the metal plate with a bullet. If the shooter successfully hits the metal plate with a bullet (and the impact is sufficiently powerful), the metal plate transitions (e.g., falls over) into a “down” position (e.g., hinging at a hinge included in the connecting rod / hinge assembly).

[0029] When appropriate, the fluid control system can open the down valve (and close the up valve) releasing fluid from the fluid cylinder. Releasing fluid from the fluidic cylinder lowers the piston vertically. Through the connecting rod / hinge assembly, the lowering piston in turn transitions the metal plate to the “down” position.

[0030] Even after a bullet impact causes the steel target to transition into the “down” position, the fluidic control system may open the down valve to lower the piston and reset the position of the connecting rod / hinge assembly. Resetting the position of connecting rod / hinge assembly can allow the metal plate to appropriately transition back into the“up” position when the up valve is opened and the piston raises.

[0031] The fluidic control system can subsequently open the up valve and close the down valve to again transition into the steel plate into the “up” position.

[0032] In one aspect, the fluidic control system is used to raise or lower the metal plate from behind a shield made of armor plate steel (e.g., similar to the steel used to construct the metal plate).

[0033] Some varieties of steel targets are referred to as “poppers” or “boppers”. These varieties of steel targets include an articulating mechanism used to “pop up” and present to a shooter, for example, on command. FIG. 1 illustrates different views of an example articulable target system 100. As depicted, articulable target system 100, includes (e.g., metal plate) target 101. Generally, through articulation (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, manual, etc.), target 101 can be transitioned into an “up” position.

[0034] In an “up” position, target 101 may be visible to and / or become visible to a shooter, for example, down range from articulable target system 100. The shooter can discharge a firearm aimed at target 101 in an attempt to hit the target 101 with a bullet. If the shooter successfully hits target 101 with a bullet (and the impact is sufficiently powerful), target 101 can transition (e.g., falls over) into a “down” position (e.g., hinging at a hinge included in a connecting rod / hinge assembly).

[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of another example articulable target system 200. As depicted, articulable target system 200 includes target 201, protective shield 202, base 203, hinge (pivot) 204, piston cylinder 206, shaft 207, mounting rod 208, mounting plate 209, fluid connection 231, and fluid connection 232. Target 201 can be a metal, for example, steel, target.

[0036] One end of mounting rod 208 can mechanically coupled / secured to the bottom of piston cylinder 206 and another end of mounting rod 208 can mechanically coupled / secured to mounting plate 209. Mechanical coupling / securement of mounting rod 208 to piston cylinder 206 and / or to mounting plate 209 can include pins, nuts and bolts, welding, etc. In one aspect, mounting rod 208 is an integrated part of piston cylinder 206 and is secured internally within piston cylinder 206. Mounting plate 209 can in turn be mechanically coupled / secured to protective shield 202. Mechanical coupling / securement of mounting plate 209 to protective shield 202 can include pins, nuts and bolts, welding, etc. In one aspect, mounting plate 209 is secured to a side of protective shield 202 that is not directly exposed to incoming bullets.

[0037] As such, protective shield 202 protects hinge (pivot) 204, piston cylinder 206, shaft 207, mounting rod 208, mounting plate 209, fluid connection 231, and fluid connection 232 from bullet impacts. Material utilized in protective shield 202 can be selected / configured to protect hinge (pivot) 204, piston cylinder 206, shaft 207, mounting rod 208, mounting plate 209, fluid connection 231, and fluid connection 232 as well as other components in view of (e.g., the largest) caliber (.22, .380 ACP, 9 mm, etc.) and type (e.g., frangible, etc.) of ammunition being fired at target 201. In one aspect, protective shield 202, and potentially also base 203, is constructed of metal (e.g., steel) that can endure / withstand repeated bullet impacts without significant deformity, without significant loss / degradation of integrity, etc.

[0038] Generally, piston cylinder 206 contain a piston (not shown). Shaft 207 can be mechanically connected / secured to the piston. As such, the piston can be used to raise shaft 207 and lower shaft 207. Fluid connection 232 can be fluidically connected to a chamber on one side of (e.g., below) the piston. Fluid connection 231 can be fluidically connected to another chamber on another side of (e.g., above) the piston. Fluid connections 231 and 232 can be connected to a fluid source, such as, a pneumatic (gas, for example, air) fluid source or a hydraulic (liquid) fluid source. The fluid source can be connected to fluid connection 232 allowing fluid to enter the chamber (e.g., below the piston) pushing the piston up and raising shaft 207. The fluid source can be connected to fluid connection 231 allowing fluid to enter the other chamber (e.g., above the piston) pushing the piston down and lowering shaft 207.

[0039] As depicted in FIG. 2A, target 201 is in an “up” position, for example, presented to a down range shooter. As depicted in FIG. 2B, target 201 is in a “down” position, for example, as the result of a bullet impact on target 201. When target 201 is in the “down” position, fluid can be cycled through the appropriate fluid connections and chambers of piston cylinder 206 to transition target 201 back to the “up” position. In one aspect, fluid connection connectivity to a fluid source is manually controlled.

[0040] In some environments, a fluidic control system is an open-ended system. In an open-ended system, the fluidic control system can command the piston to raise or lower and corresponding transition the steel plate into the “up” position or “down” position respectively. However, the fluidic control system receives no feedback indicative of whether the steel target is, in fact, in an expected position. When commanded to raise or lower the piston, the fluidic control system energizes the appropriate fluidic valve for a set (e.g., fixed) amount of time and then de-energizes that valve. Given the lack of position feedback, there is no assurance that the steel plate actually transitioned into the expected position.

[0041] Furthermore, an open-ended system does not enable a bobber to determine whether the shooter hit and knocked over the target.

[0042] “Bobber” steel target systems may be prone to wear-and-tear given their function as a shooting target. As such, the actuating mechanism may become damaged or out of calibration resulting in ineffectually transitioning the steel into the “up” position and / or the “down” position when commanded. Other issues such as low pressure in the fluidic lines can result in the piston partially actuating, for example, raising only part-way, such that the metal plate is not fully in the “up” position.

[0043] Furthermore, these bobber target systems lack mechanisms to determine whether a shooter has hit the steel plate when it has been raised to the “up” position and presented to the shooter. For example, if a command to transition the metal plate to the “up” position is quickly followed by a command to transition the metal plate to the “down” position, the metal plate may be presented to a shooter for a limited amount of time. The bobber system has no way of knowing whether the shooter hit the metal plate while in the “up” position. When used at a shooting range, either the shooters themselves, or other people at the range, determine by manual, visual observation whether the metal plate was hit by a bullet while in the “up” position.

[0044] As such, in other aspects, fluid connectivity is handled by an electronically controlled manifold. Turning to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C illustrates a view of an additional example articulable target system 250, an example of an open-ended system. As depicted, articulable target system 250 further includes manifold 247 and electrical controls 211. Manifold 247 further includes valves 233 and 234 and is fluidically connected to fluid (e.g., air or liquid) source 237 by fluid line 217. Valve 233 is fluidically connected to fluid connection 231 by fluid line 216. Similarly, valve 234 is fluidically connected to fluid connection 232 by fluid line 214. Valve 233 is electrically connected to electrical controls 211 by electrical wire 213. Similarly, valve 234 is electrically connected to electrical controls 211 by electrical wire 212.

[0045] Electrical controls 211 can send appropriate electrical signals to open and close valves 233 and 234 respectively. For example, electrical controls 211 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 213 to open valve 233. When valve 233 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 233, through fluid line 216, through fluid connection 231 and into a chamber (e.g., above) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 233 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston down, lowering shaft 207.

[0046] On the other hand, electrical controls 211 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 213 to close valve 233. When valve 233 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 216 and fluid connection 231.

[0047] Likewise, electrical controls 211 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 212 to open valve 234. When valve 234 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 234, through fluid line 214, through fluid connection 232 and into a chamber (e.g., below) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 234 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston up, raising shaft 207. Raising shaft 207 can cause target 201 to pivot around hinge (pivot) 204 transitioning target 201 into the “up” position.

[0048] On the other hand, electrical controls 211 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 212 to close valve 234. When valve 234 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 214 and fluid connection 232. When target 201 was previously transitioned into the “up” position, target 201 can remain in the “up” position after valve 234 is closed. However, target 201 can be more easily knocked over by a bullet as there is limited, if any, upward fluidic pressure on shaft 207.

[0049] Different combinations of opening and closing valves 233 and / or 234 can be implemented to transition target 201 from a “down” position (e.g., resulting from a bullet impact) to an “up” position (e.g., for presentation to a shooter). In one aspect, a human both observes target 201 and manages electrical controls 211. Upon observing target 201 being knocked over by a bullet, the human can cause electrical controls 211 to send a cycle of valve opening and closing signals to valves 233 and / or 234 to raise target 201.

[0050] In other environments, the fluidic (feedback) control system is a closed-loop system. In a closed-loop system, piston position and / or movement sensors can be used to sense the position of the piston. Position and / or movement data sensed by the piston position sensors can be sent to the fluidic control system via additional electrical connections. Thus, the fluidic control system can include electrical (and possibly digital) connections to both piston position sensors and up and down valves. The fluidic control system can include a position sensor module and a piston control module. The piston control module can consider the piston position and / or movement data when determining when and / or how to open or close the up and down valves. The fluidic (feedback) control system can also make various determinations about the operation of target system components based on the piston position and / or movement data.

[0051] For example, the closed-loop system facilitates essentially real-time determination of piston (and thus metal plate) position at any time, independent of what was commanded by piston controls. The closed-loop system facilitates essentially real-time determination of when the position of the metal plate goes from “up” to “down”, for example, when the target is hit by a bullet. The closed-loop system can determine shooter reaction time with a higher degree of precision relative to an open-ended system. Reaction time can correspond to the time from when a metal plate is commanded into the “up” position to the time the metal plate is hit with a bullet and goes into the “down” position.

[0052] The closed-loop system can determine that the metal plate reaches the commanded position of “up” or “down”. Further, the closed-loop system can help ensure the metal plate achieves a commanded position by keeping the appropriate fluidic valve energized until such time as the position sensor reads back that the metal plate is in the commanded position. Such a mechanism can be used to compensate for low pressure or other degradation in fluidic lines. If a position and / or movement sensor fails to read-back the expected position of the metal plate after the appropriate control valve has been energized for a certain / specified time period, the fluidic control system can derive that at least one component (e.g., in FIG. 2D) is not operating as intended.

[0053] The closed-loop system can determine whether the UP, DOWN or both the UP and DOWN functions of actuating the metal plate are functioning properly. The closed-loop system can determine with a specified precision, for example, 1 ms, the duration of time from when a control valve is energized to when the metal plate transitioned to an expected position, UP or DOWN.

[0054] As such, in other aspects, a feedback control system is used to monitor and control transitions of target 201. Turning to FIG. 2D, FIG. 2D illustrates a view of an additional example articulable target system 260 an example, of a closed-loop system. As depicted, articulable target system 260 further includes sensor 218, sensor 219, and feedback control system 227. Feedback control system 227 includes sensor input receiver 226 and piston controls 228. Sensor 218 is electrically (e.g., digitally) connected to sensor input receiver 226 by electrical wire 223. Similarly, sensor 219 is electrically (e.g., digitally) connected to sensor input receiver 226 by electrical wire 224. Wireless sensor configures are also contemplated. For example, sensors 218 and 219 can be connected to sensor input receiver 226 via wireless communication mechanisms, such as, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. Sensors 218 and 219 and sensor input receiver 226 can include appropriate hardware and software to facilitate wireless communication.

[0055] Sensors 218 and 219 can sense position and movement of piston cylinder 206. Sensor 218 (from its perspective) can send data indicative of sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 206 to sensor input receiver 226 via electrical wire 223 (or via wireless communication). Similarly, sensor 219 (from its perspective) can send data indicative of sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 206 to sensor input receiver 226 via electrical wire 224 (or via wireless communication). Sensor input receiver 226 can fuse, modify, combine, or otherwise translate received position and movement data from sensors 218 and 219 into formatted data processable by feedback control system 227.

[0056] Generally, feedback control system 227 can process formatted data indicating sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 206. From the formatted data, feedback control system 227 can derive if target 201 is in an “up” position or a “down” position. From the formatted data, feedback control system 227 can also detect if a bullet has impacted target 201. Based on a derived position and / or a detected impact, feedback control system 227 can cause piston controls 228 to send electrical signals opening and / or closing valves 233 and / or 234 as appropriate so as to manipulate / transition target 201 into a next appropriate position.

[0057] Piston controls 228 is connected to valve 233 by electrical wires 222. Similarly, piston controls 228 is connected to valve 234 by electrical wires 221. Generally, piston controls 228 can send electrical signals (similar to those sent from electrical controls 211) over electrical wires 222 and 221 to open and close valves 233 and 234 respectively.

[0058] For example, piston controls 228 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 222 to open valve 233. When valve 233 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 233, through fluid line 216, through fluid connection 231 and into a chamber (e.g., above) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 233 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston down, lowering shaft 207.

[0059] On the other hand, piston controls 228 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 222 to close valve 233. When valve 233 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 216 and fluid connection 231.

[0060] Likewise, piston controls 228 can send an “open” electrical signal over electrical wires 221 to open valve 234. When valve 234 is open, fluid can flow from fluid source 237 through fluid line 217 into manifold 247, from manifold 247 through valve 234, through fluid line 214, through fluid connection 232 and into a chamber (e.g., below) the piston in piston cylinder 206. Thus, when valve 234 is open, fluid from fluid source 237 pushes the piston up, raising shaft 207. Raising shaft 207 can cause target 201 to pivot around hinge (pivot) 204 transitioning target 201 into the “up” position.

[0061] On the other hand, piston controls 228 can send a “close” electrical signal over electrical wires 221 to close valve 234. When valve 234 is closed, fluid from fluid source 237 is prevented from flowing through fluid line 214 and fluid connection 232. When target 201 was previously transitioned into the “up” position, target 201 can remain in the “up” position after valve 234 is closed. However, target 201 can be more easily knocked over by a bullet as there is limited, if any, upward fluidic pressure on shaft 207.

[0062] None the less, it may be that a projectile (e.g., a bb, a pellet, a .22 bullet, another smaller caliber (e.g., frangible) bullet, etc.) lacks sufficient force to knock over target 201. In one aspect, feedback control system 227 derives (from sensor data) that a projective has impacted target 201 and, subsequent to the impact, target 201 remained in an “up” position or has transitioned to a not fully “down” position. In response, feedback control system 227 can cause piston controls 228 to send a series of valve opening and / or closing signals to valves 233 and / or 234 to lower target 201 into a fully “down” position. The processing and transition of target 201 to a fully “down” position can occur with minimal delay (e.g., within milliseconds) so as to be essentially imperceptible to a shooter or other observers.

[0063] Subsequent to target 201 transitioning to a “down” position from impact, valve manipulations to lower target 201, or a combination thereof, feedback control system 227 can cause piston controls 228 to send a series of valve opening and / or closing signals to valves 233 and / or 234 to raise target 201 into an “up” position.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A illustrates an example side view of another articulable target system 300. As depicted, FIG. 3A includes target 301, front protective shield 302, target base mount 303, pivot hinge pin 304, piston cylinder 306, piston shaft 307, connecting pin 308 (e.g., a clevis pin), and target back mount 309. Generally, and similar to piston cylinder 206, piston cylinder 306 can be a fluidic (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic) piston cylinder including fluidic connections, that when connected to a fluidic source (e.g., gas or liquid), can be utilized to raise or lower piston shaft 207. Raising or lowering piston shaft 307 can in turn raise or lower target 301.

[0065] Piston cylinder 306 can be connected to a fluidic manifold (not shown), for example, similar to manifold 247. Fluidic connections (not shown) at piston cylinder 306 can be connected to valves of the manifold by corresponding fluid lines (not shown), for example, similar to fluid lines 214 and 216. The manifold can in in turn be connected to a fluid source (e.g., similar to fluid source 237) by a further fluid line (e.g., similar to fluid line 217). Values of the manifold can be connected to electrical controls (e.g., similar to electrical controls 211) or a feedback control system including piston controls (e.g., similar to feedback control system 227 and piston controls 228).

[0066] In one aspect, one or more sensors similar to sensors 218 and 219 monitor position and / or movement of piston cylinder 306. Each sensor (from its perspective) can send data indicative of sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 306 to a sensor input receiver (e.g., similar to sensor input receiver 226) via corresponding electrical wires (or via wireless communication). The sensor input receiver can fuse, modify, combine, or otherwise translate received position and movement data from the one or more sensors into formatted data processable by a feedback control system.

[0067] Generally, the feedback control system can process formatted data indicating sensed positions and movements of piston cylinder 306. From the formatted data, the feedback control system can derive if target 301 is in an “up” position or a “down” position. From the formatted data, the feedback control system can also detect if a bullet has impacted target 301. Based on a derived position and / or a detected impact, the feedback control system can cause the piston controls to send electrical signals opening and / or closing manifold valves as appropriate so as to manipulate / transition target 301 into a next appropriate position.

[0068] Thus, in some aspects, articulable target system 300 is used in place of articulable target system 200. As such, articulable target system 300 can be used in combination with a manifold and one or more of: (a) electrical controls and / or (b) a feedback control system including a sensor input receiver and piston controls.

[0069] As such, target 301 can be manipulated / articulated similarly to target 201 in articulable target systems 250 and 260, including transitioning target 301 to a fully “down” position when a projectile impacts target301 but the impact lacks sufficient force to knock over target 301

[0070] FIG. 3B illustrates an example expanded view of the components of articulable target system 300. As depicted, FIG. 3B includes target 301, front protective shield 302, target base mount 303, pivot hinge pin 304, piston cylinder 306, piston shaft 307, connecting pin 308, target back mount 309, side protective shield 312, side protective shield 313, and cotter pin 316.

[0071] Front protective shield 302 further includes shelf 314. When articulable target system 300 is assembled, shelf 314 provides support for target base mount 303. Target base mount 303 further includes hole 333 and hole 334. Piston shaft 307 further includes fork 341, connector 338, fluid connection 351, and fluid connection 352. Fluid connections 351 and 352 can be connected to a fluid source and / or fluid manifold with (e.g., electrically) controllable valves. Fork 341 includes hole 342 and hold 343. Target back mount 309 further includes hole 336, hole 337, tab 344. Tab 344 includes hole 346. Side protective shield 312 includes hole 33. Side protective shield 313 includes hole 332.

[0072] When assembled, holes 332, 334, 336, 337, 333, and 331 are aligned. Pivot hinge pin 304 is inserted into and spans holes 332, 334, 336, 337, 333, and 331. As such, pivot hinge pin 304 is used to mechanically couple side protective wall 312, target base mount 303, target back mount 309, and side protective wall 313. With pivot hinge pin 304 inserted, target 301 is free to pivot around pivot hinge pin 304. In one aspect, target 301 can pivot (e.g., in a range of approximately 90 degrees) between a “down” position (e.g., essentially horizontal or parallel to the ground) and an “up” position (e.g., essentially vertical or perpendiculars to the ground).

[0073] Also when assembled, holes 343, 346, and 342 are aligned. Connecting pin 308 is inserted into and spans holes 343, 346, and 342. As such, connecting pin 308 is used to mechanically couple tab 344 (and thus also target back mount 309 and target 301) to fork 341 (and thus also to shaft 307). One end of connecting pin 308 can include a hole for receiving cotter pin 316. When installed, cotter pin 316 secures connecting pin 308 in place. Thus, with connecting pin 308 installed, target 301 is rigidly attached to shaft 307. As such, raising shaft 307 correspondingly raises target 301. Likewise, lowering shaft 307 correspondingly lowers target 301.

[0074] Connector 338 can be mechanically and rigidly secured / attached to one or more of: front protective shield 302, side protective shield 312, or side protective shield 313. Rigid attachment / securement of connector 338 (and thus also piston cylinder 306) to one or more protective shields holds piston cylinder 306 in place when shaft 307 is fluidically raised or lowered.

[0075] In one aspect, protective shield 302, side protective shield 312, or side protective shield 313 are mechanically (e.g., rigidly) connected / secured to one another along their respective edges, for example, by welding, nuts and bolts, etc. As such, protective shield 302, side protective shield 312, or side protective shield 313 can form a protective cage around other components of articulable target system 300.

[0076] FIG. 3C illustrates an example back view of articulable target system of 300. As depicted, pivot hinge pin 304 is inserted into and spans holes 332, 334, 336, 337, 333, and 331. Also as depicted, connecting pin 308 is inserted into and spans holes 343, 346, and 342. Cotter pin 316 is inserted into a hole in connecting pin 308 to secure connecting pin 308 in place.

[0077] Further, connector 338 is secured to pin 353. Pin 353 in turn is mechanically secured (e.g., with nuts) between side protective shield 312 and side protective shield 313. As such, the connection between connector 338 and pin 353 provides support for and holds piston cylinder 306 in place when shaft 307 is raised and lowered. Pin 353 can pass through and span additional holes in side protective shield 312 and side protective shield 313.

[0078] FIG. 3D illustrates an example back view of target 301 and target back mount 309.

[0079] FIG. 3E illustrates an example back view of target base mount 303.

[0080] FIG. 3F illustrates an example alternate expanded view of the components of articulable target system 300.

[0081] FIG. 3G illustrates an example view of piston cylinder 306.

[0082] Hybrid and / or combination articulable target systems are also contemplated. Hybrid and / or combination articulable target systems can include one or components of articulable target system 200 and one or more components of articulable target system 300, possibly along with a fluid manifold and / or electrical controls and / or a feedback control system (including a sensor input receiver and piston controls).

[0083] Aspects of the invention can also include a valve health monitoring system. For example, the health of values on a manifold, such as, manifold 247, can be monitored. Timestamps can be captured for each valve activation. A delay between a valve command and confirmed actuation can be measured. Timings can be compared to a learned or fixed baselines. Deviations exceeding a tolerance can be flagged. A value health status of nominal, warning, or critical can be assigned to each valve. Valve health status can be reported via a user interface and or cloud interface.

[0084] As such, an actuation system, using rolling average baselines logic, can adapt to gradual wear, pressure shifts, or hardware replacements without manual intervention. Temperature-compensated analysis can be performed. Fluid (e.g., air and liquid pressure is affected by temperature. Temperature-compensated analysis helps ensure reliable diagnostics across weather conditions.

[0085] Faulty valves can be auto disabled. If a valve is classified Critical, it's restricted to test mode only—preventing live session disruption. A time-to-maintenance (TTM) can be estimated. wear data can be utilized to forecast when a valve is likely to require service and schedules it before failure. Severity scores can be visualized. Maintenance teams can prioritize servicing based on urgency, not just first-come-first-serve. Local and remote valve health related outputs can be provided. Alerts can be seen on-site or streamed to a remote maintenance team.

[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates an example valve health monitor system 400. Valve health monitor system 400 can record activation and timestamps (401). Valve health monitor system 400 can measure valve actuation duration (402). Valve health monitor system 400 can establish baseline valve actuation times (403). Valve health monitor system 400 can compare timing to baseline (404). Valve health monitor system 400 can detect significant deviation between recorded and baselines times (405). Valve health monitor system 400 can classify valve health, for example, based on deviation (406). Valve health monitor system 400 can report valve health status (407).

[0087] In some aspects, components of an articulable target system, such as, articulable target system 200, articulable target system 300, or valve health monitoring system 400, are connected to and / or implemented at digital systems, including computer and network systems. For example, the functionality of any of: electrical controls 211, sensor input receiver 226, feedback control system 227, or piston controls 228 can be implemented at a computer system and / or networked computer systems.

[0088] Accordingly, implementations can comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more computer and / or hardware processors (including any of Central Processing Units (CPUs), and / or Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), general-purpose GPUs (GPGPUs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs)) and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Implementations also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, implementations can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

[0089] Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, Solid State Drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., RAM-based or Flash-based), Shingled Magnetic Recording (“SMR”) devices, Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

[0090] In one aspect, one or more processors are configured to execute instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions, computer-executable instructions, etc.) to perform any of a plurality of described operations. The one or more processors can access information from system memory and / or store information in system memory. The one or more processors can (e.g., automatically) transform information between different formats.

[0091] System memory can be coupled to the one or more processors and can store instructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions, computer-executable instructions, etc.) executed by the one or more processors. The system memory can also be configured to store any of a plurality of other types of data generated and / or transformed by the described components.

[0092] A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and / or data links which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0093] Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (devices) (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and / or to less volatile computer storage media (devices) at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media (devices) can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0094] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, in response to execution at a processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described aspects may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, wearable devices, multicore processor systems, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, routers, switches, and the like. The described aspects may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0096] Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performed in one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) can be programmed to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components can be specifically tailor-designed for a higher speed detection or artificial intelligence that can enable signal processing. In another example, computer code is configured for execution in one or more processors, and may include hardware logic / electrical circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices are provided herein purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in further types of devices.

[0097] The described aspects can also be implemented in cloud computing environments. In this description and the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. For example, cloud computing can be employed in the marketplace to offer ubiquitous and convenient on-demand access to the shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., compute resources, networking resources, and storage resources). The shared pool of configurable computing resources can be provisioned via virtualization and released with low effort or service provider interaction, and then scaled accordingly.

[0098] A cloud computing model can be composed of various characteristics such as, for example, on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service, and so forth. A cloud computing model can also expose various service models, such as, for example, Software as a Service (“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), and Infrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”). A cloud computing model can also be deployed using different deployment models such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so forth. In this description and in the following claims, a “cloud computing environment” is an environment in which cloud computing is employed.

[0099] Components of the invention can be connected to (or be part of) a network, such as, for example, a system bus, a Local Area Network (“LAN”), a Wide Area Network (“WAN”), and even the Internet. Accordingly, computer systems, mobile phones, projectors, (articulator) controllers, articulators, steel targets, impact detectors, wireless relays, wearable shot detectors, game controllers, smart hearing protectors, smart safety glasses, cameras, websites, live scoring displays, management consoles, etc. as well as components thereof and any other connected computer systems and their components can create and exchange data (e.g., Internet Protocol (“IP”) datagrams and other higher layer protocols that utilize IP datagrams, such as, Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (“SMTP”), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), etc. or using other non-datagram protocols) over the network.

[0100] The present described aspects may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described aspects are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]Examples extend to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for actuating metal shooting targets.

[0024]In general, a system for articulating a steel target can include a fluidic (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic) control system, a fluidic manifold, a fluidic cylinder containing a piston, a connecting rod / hinge assembly, and a (e.g., geometrically shaped) metal (e.g., steel) plate. One end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the piston and the other end of the connecting rod / hinge assembly is connected to the metal plate. The fluidic manifold can be connected to a compressed fluid, such as, gas (e.g., air) or liquid, source by an appropriate fluid line.

[0025]The fluidic manifold can also include an electrically controlled “up” valve and an electrically controlled “down” valve. Each of the up valve and down valve can be connected to the fluidic cylinder by a corresponding fluid line respectively.

[0026]The fluidic control system is electrically conn...

Claims

1. A target actuation system, comprisinga target assembly, including:a target; anda target back mount, including:a first pivot hinge pin hole;a second pivot hinge pin hole; anda target manipulation tab including a target manipulation tab pin hole;a front protective shield including a target base mount support shelf;a first side protective shield mechanically connected to one side of the front protecting shield and including a third pivot hinge pin hole;a second side protective shield mechanically connected to another side of the front protecting shield and including a fourth pivot hinge pin hole;a target base mount resting on target base mount support shelf and including a target back mount support element, a fifth pivot hinge pin hole, and a sixth pivot hinge pin holea multi-state piston cylinder including a piston, a shaft, a shaft fork, a lower chamber below the piston, and an upper chamber above the piston, one end of the shaft mechanically connected to the piston and another end of the shaft mechanically connected to the shaft fork, the lower chamber configured to raise the piston when filled with fluid, the upper chamber configured to lower the piston when filled with fluid, wherein the shaft fork includes a first shaft fork pin hole and a second shaft fork pin hole;a pivot hinge pin inserted through and spanning the first pivot hinge pin hole, the second pivot hinge pin hole, the third pivot hinge pin hole, the fourth pivot hinge pin hole, the fifth pivot hinge pin hole, and the sixth pivot hinge pin hole; anda target manipulation pin inserted through and spanning the first shaft fork pin hole, the target manipulation tab pin hole, and the second shaft fork pin hole.

2. The target actuation system of claim 1, wherein the multi-state piston cylinder is a pneumatic piston cylinder.

3. The target actuation system of claim 1, wherein the multi-state piston cylinder further includes a first fluid port connected to the lower fluid chamber and a second fluid port connected to the upper fluid chamber; andfurther comprising:a manifold connected to a fluid source, the manifold including a first valve and a second valve;a first fluid connection between the first fluid port and the first valve; anda second fluid connection between the second fluid port and the second valve.

4. The target actuation system of claim 3, further comprising:electrical controls;a first electrical connection between the electrical controls and the first valve;a second electrical connection between the electrical controls and the second valve; andwherein the electrical controls utilize the first electrical connection to control transitioning the first valve between a first valve open state and a first valve closed state, the first valve open state permitting fluid from the fluid source to exit the manifold through the first valve, the first valve closed state preventing fluid from the fluid source from exiting the manifold through the first valve; andwherein the electrical controls utilize the second electrical connection to control transitioning the second valve between a second valve open state and a second valve closed state, the second valve open state permitting fluid from the fluid source to exit the manifold through the second valve, the second valve closed state preventing fluid from the fluid source from exiting the manifold through the second.

5. The target actuation system of claim 3, further comprising:a first position and movement sensor; anda second position and movement sensor.

6. The target actuation system of claim 5, wherein the multi-state piston cylinder further includes a first fluid port connected to the lower fluid chamber and a second fluid port connected to the upper fluid chamber; andfurther comprising:a manifold connected to a fluid source, the manifold including a first valve and a second valve;a first fluid connection between the first fluid port and the first valve; anda second fluid connection between the second fluid port and the second valve.

7. The target actuation system of claim 6, further comprising:a feedback control system including a sensor input receiver and piston controls;a first digital connection between the sensor input receiver and the first position and movement sensor;a second digital connection between the sensor input receiver and the second position and movement sensor;a first electrical connection between the piston controls and the first valve; anda second electrical connection between the piston controls and the second valve.

8. The target actuation system of claim 6, wherein first position and movement sensor senses the position and movement of the piston cylinder from a first location and sends first position and movement data indicative of the position and movement of the piston cylinder sensed at the first location to the input receiver;wherein second position and movement sensor senses the position and movement of the piston cylinder from a second different location and sends second position and movement data indicative of the position and movement of the piston cylinder sensed at the second location to the input receiver;wherein the feedback control system determines how to transition the piston into a next position based on the first position and movement data and the second position and movement data; andwherein the piston controls send electrical signals over one or more of the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection to control the first and second valves into a configuration causing the piston to transition into the next position.

9. The target actuation system of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical connection mechanically connecting the piston cylinder between the first side protective shield and the second side protective shield.

10. A target actuation system, comprisinga target assembly, including:a target; anda target back mount, including:a first pivot hinge pin hole;a second pivot hinge pin hole; anda target manipulation tab including a target manipulation tab pin hole;a target base mount including a target back mount support element, a third pivot hinge pin hole and a fourth pivot hinge pin holea multi-state piston cylinder including a piston, a shaft, a shaft fork, a lower chamber below the piston, and an upper chamber above the piston, one end of the shaft mechanically connected to the piston and another end of the shaft mechanically connected to the shaft fork, the lower chamber configured to raise the piston when filled with fluid, the lower chamber configured to lower the piston when filled with fluid, wherein the shaft fork includes a first shaft fork pin hole and a second shaft fork pin hole;a pivot hinge pin inserted through and spanning the first pivot hinge pin hole, the second pivot hinge pin hole, the third pivot hinge pin hole, and the fourth pivot hinge pin hole; anda target manipulation pin inserted through and spanning the first shaft fork pin hole, the target manipulation tab pin hole, and the second shaft fork pin hole.

11. The target actuation system of claim 10, wherein the multi-state piston cylinder is a pneumatic piston cylinder.

12. The target actuation system of claim 10, wherein the multi-state piston cylinder further includes a first fluid port connected to the lower fluid chamber and a second fluid port connected to the upper fluid chamber; andfurther comprising:a manifold connected to a fluid source, the manifold including a first valve and a second valve;a first fluid connection between the first fluid port and the first valve; anda second fluid connection between the second fluid port and the second valve.

13. The target actuation system of claim 11, wherein the target manipulation pin includes a hole; andfurther comprising a cotter pin inserted into the hole.

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