Patents by Inventor James L. Peirce

James L. Peirce has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Variable frequency microwave tropopause sensor system and method
    Patent number: 5724043
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the properties of the tropopause includes a variable frequency microwave radiometer operating over a range of from about 118.0 to about 119.0 GHz. The radiometer receives as an input a frequency selector signal and produces as an output a measured power level at a measurement frequency corresponding to the input frequency selector signal. The apparatus further includes a feedback controller having as an input the measured power level and producing as an output the frequency selector signal. The feedback controller varies the frequency selector signal to a target frequency so as to produce a minimum value in the measured power level. The tropopause equivalent altitude is determined from the target frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Savage, James L. Peirce