Patents by Inventor John C. Griffin, III
John C. Griffin, III 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).
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Patent number: 8504223Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting and obtaining flight control information are disclosed. In one embodiment, information corresponding to a vertical motion of the aircraft can be displayed between information corresponding to a lateral motion of the aircraft and information corresponding to an airspeed of the aircraft. The information displayed can include a current mode for controlling the motion of the aircraft, a current target to which the aircraft is being directed and, at least proximate to both the current mode and the current target, a subsequent target to which the aircraft will be directed after attaining the current target.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, William M. Bresley, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 8494691Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for displaying autoflight information and controlling autoflight systems. In one embodiment, a flight deck for an aircraft having an autoflight system includes at least one pilot seat, at least one window positioned forward of the pilot seat, and a forward instrument panel positioned forward of the pilot seat. In one aspect of this embodiment, the forward window provides a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat. In another aspect of this embodiment, the flight deck further includes a display device configured to provide information related to one or more autoflight modes. The display device can be positioned at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window to provide the pilot with autoflight information at least proximate to the forward field of view. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the display device can be configured to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, Peter D. Gunn, John C. Griffin, III
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Patent number: 8364329Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Publication number: 20120179307Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Petter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 8135501Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 8121745Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 8082070Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying assistance messages to aircraft operators are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving an input from an aircraft operator at an aircraft flight deck, comparing a characteristic of the input to at least one target value for the characteristic, and, if the characteristic of the input differs from the at least one target value for the characteristic by at least a threshold amount, displaying an assistance message to the aircraft operator. The assistance message can include a complying input and/or an instruction for creating a complying input. The input and the assistance message can be displayed simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Peter D. Gunn, John C. Griffin, III
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Publication number: 20110295450Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Publication number: 20110224848Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 8005582Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 7970502Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling autoflight systems are disclosed herein. An apparatus for use with an aircraft having an autoflight system can include an autoflight performance selector configured to limit the response of the autoflight system to flight guidance instructions in at least two of the pitch, roll and yaw axes. The autoflight performance selector has at least a first selection and a second selection different than the first selection. Selecting the first selection causes the response of the autoflight system to flight guidance instructions to not exceed a first level in the at least two axes, and selecting the second selection causes the response of the autoflight system to the flight guidance instructions to not exceed a second level in the at least two axes different than the first level.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, Peter D. Gunn, John C. Griffin, III
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Publication number: 20110125347Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for displaying autoflight information and controlling autoflight systems. In one embodiment, a flight deck for an aircraft having an autoflight system includes at least one pilot seat, at least one window positioned forward of the pilot seat, and a forward instrument panel positioned forward of the pilot seat. In one aspect of this embodiment, the forward window provides a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat. In another aspect of this embodiment, the flight deck further includes a display device configured to provide information related to one or more autoflight modes. The display device can be positioned at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window to provide the pilot with autoflight information at least proximate to the forward field of view. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the display device can be configured to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, Peter D. Gunn, John C. Griffin, III
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Patent number: 7945354Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Publication number: 20100262319Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying assistance messages to aircraft operators are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving an input from an aircraft operator at an aircraft flight deck, comparing a characteristic of the input to at least one target value for the characteristic, and, if the characteristic of the input differs from the at least one target value for the characteristic by at least a threshold amount, displaying an assistance message to the aircraft operator. The assistance message can include a complying input and/or an instruction for creating a complying input. The input and the assistance message can be displayed simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Peter D. Gunn, John C. Griffin, III
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Publication number: 20100262358Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 7751947Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying assistance messages to aircraft operators are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving an input from an aircraft operator at an aircraft flight deck, comparing a characteristic of the input to at least one target value for the characteristic, and, if the characteristic of the input differs from the at least one target value for the characteristic by at least a threshold amount, displaying an assistance message to the aircraft operator. The assistance message can include a complying input and/or an instruction for creating a complying input. The input and the assistance message can be displayed simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Peter D. Gunn, John C. Griffin, III
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Patent number: 7751948Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Publication number: 20100076627Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
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Publication number: 20100076628Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for displaying autoflight information and controlling autoflight systems. In one embodiment, a flight deck for an aircraft having an autoflight system includes at least one pilot seat, at least one window positioned forward of the pilot seat, and a forward instrument panel positioned forward of the pilot seat. In one aspect of this embodiment, the forward window provides a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat. In another aspect of this embodiment, the flight deck further includes a display device configured to provide information related to one or more autoflight modes. The display device can be positioned at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window to provide the pilot with autoflight information at least proximate to the forward field of view. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the display device can be configured to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Boorman, Peter D. Gunn, John C. Griffin, III
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Patent number: 7577501Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically tracking information during flight are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes receiving first information corresponding to a proposed aspect of a flight of the aircraft and including at least one target value. The method can further include automatically receiving second information that includes an actual value corresponding to the at least one target value, as the aircraft executes the flight. The at least one target value and the actual value can be provided together in a common computer-based medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William D. Tafs, John C. Griffin, III