Looks like I should have simply added to my XYBR shares yesterday, instead of cashing out Friday. Nice news today...
Xybernaut Granted Patent for Smart Weapon System
Tuesday November 12, 9:17 am ET
Patent Identifies Weapons With Integrated Computing Capabilities
FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2002--Xybernaut® Corporation (Nasdaq:XYBR - News), today announced that the company has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office related to a smart weapon system with integrated computing capabilities.
This patent, U.S. 6,449,892, covers a broad array of potential military, law enforcement and recreational applications and a wide variety of existing and potential weapons and weapon systems.
Called "Smart Weapon," the patent essentially describes a weapon system whereby the weapon itself can serve as an "enclosure" for a computer core. The computer core, which can be permanent or inserted/removed from the weapon, provides the weapon operator with many unique options.
For example, the computer core, which can serve as a communications device as well as a computer, could be contained within the weapon thus reducing the need for the operator to carry multiple or additional computer/communications devices.
Selected features of weapon systems covered in the Claims associated with this patent include:
Capable of being a shoulder mountable (i.e. gun stock) weapon system -- with shoulder mount stock enclosing and in electrical contact with a transferable core computer
Capable of incorporating a GPS receiver/transmitter integral to the weapon
Capable of including laser rangefinder capabilities integral to the weapon
This patent covers weapon systems that are operational both with and without the core computer including weapon groups such as rifles, handguns, grenade launchers, rocket launchers and/or combinations thereof.
Additionally, the patent recognizes that the core computer
Could be operational in enclosures other than the smart weapon system or
Could be designed and configured to be completely non-operational when not in connection with the smart weapon system or another suitable enclosure
These features translate into greater flexibility and adaptability in strategic and tactical applications. Weapon systems covered under this patent have the potential of being programmed with generic data (such as safety instructions or maintenance procedures) or programmed with mission-specific information that is tailored to each operator.
In military, intelligence or law enforcement situations, this mission-specific information can be an integral aspect of operator "awareness" during tactical operations. Access to timely and pertinent information can reduce errors in the field and increase operator effectiveness.
"This patent builds on our heritage of service to the U.S. armed forces and law enforcement communities and is indicative of the depth and breadth of our expertise as a leading developer of wearable computing technologies and related intellectual property," said Edward G. Newman, chairman, president and CEO of Xybernaut. "We believe that many advanced warrior projects could benefit greatly from this intellectual property and we look forward to expanding our efforts with many industry-leading technology integrators and manufacturers to jointly provide smart weapon systems to military, law enforcement and recreational users."
Xybernaut continues to cultivate, maintain and expand a strong patent position creating competitive advantages in the dynamic mobile/wearable computing market.
Xybernaut also continues to successfully attract a growing base of industry-leading equipment manufacturers, resellers and solutions integrators and these newly patented technologies represent attractive options for licensee or collaborative companies as well as customers in a wide variety of applications related to field force automation.
About Xybernaut
Xybernaut Corporation is the leading provider of wearable/mobile computing hardware, software and services, bringing communications and full-function computing power in a hands-free design to people when and where they need it. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, Xybernaut has offices and subsidiaries in Europe (Germany) and Asia (Japan). Visit Xybernaut's Web site at www.xybernaut.com. |
