Patents by Inventor Robert H. Goebel

Robert H. Goebel 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).

  • Patent number: 6664917
    Abstract: A surface imaging radar system for an airborne platform, the system comprises a transmitter for generating a radar signal. The system also comprises an antenna configured to transmit a radar signal generated by the transmitter and receive radar return information from one or more directions directly below the airborne platform to an angular direction of approximately 30 degrees greater than straight down. The system also includes a processor configured to generate surface information based on the received radar return information and an image processor for generating an image based on the surface information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Goebel, David C. Toretta, Stacie K. Corrubia
  • Publication number: 20030132875
    Abstract: A surface imaging radar system for an airborne platform, the system comprises a transmitter for generating a radar signal. The system also comprises an antenna configured to transmit a radar signal generated by the transmitter and receive radar return information from one or more directions directly below the airborne platform to an angular direction of approximately 30 degrees greater than straight down. The system also includes a processor configured to generate surface information based on the received radar return information and an image processor for generating an image based on the surface information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Robert H. Goebel, David C. Toretta, Stacie K. Corrubia
  • Patent number: 6362775
    Abstract: An apparatus to determine the three-dimensional location of an airborne platform relative to a target area using two separate antenna assemblies positioned on the airborne platform. The first antenna assembly is adapted to transmit energy downward toward a surface location directly beneath the airborne platform, while the second antenna assembly is adapted to transmit energy forward towards the target area remote from the surface location. A single transmitter is associated with both of the antenna assemblies for transmitting signals toward the surface location and the target area. A receiver coupled to the antenna assemblies receives and detects the signals corresponding to the transmitted energy as reflected by the target area and the surface location. A radar processor is coupled to the receiver and is adapted to determine the range between the airborne platform and the surface location and determine the three-dimensional height of the target area from the detected signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Goebel, Stacie K. Corrubia
  • Patent number: 6218980
    Abstract: A terrain correlation system for use in conjunction with an inertial navigation system of a vehicle is provided which can update position information and which is both independent of altitude and compatible with varying course paths. In the preferred embodiment, reference terrain altitude maps are converted to reference map transformation values. The reference map transformation values are used in conjunction with a terrain correlation process to establish vehicle position. The system also is able to select reference map scenes to the left, right, front or rear of present vehicle position so that curved travel paths can be updated in a manner similar to more conventional straight line vehicle paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Goebel, Dale A. Fogle, David C. Torretta, Philip Panagos, Patrick A. Heffern
  • Patent number: 5867119
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the height and cross-track offset of a surface location from a moving platform is defined. First and second antennas positioned on an underside of the platform are directed downwardly toward the surface. A transmitter associated with one of the antennas transmits a signal toward the surface. A first coherent detector associated with the first antenna detects a received signal corresponding to the transmitted signal as reflected by the surface and generates in-phase and quadrature components of the detected signal relative to the transmitted signal. A second coherent detector associated with the second antenna detects a received signal corresponding to the transmitted signal as reflected by the surface and generates a second set of in-phase and quadrature components of the detected signal relative to the transmitted signal. An analog to digital (A/D) converter converts the in-phase and quadrature components into digital information stored in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Stacie K. Corrubia, Dale A. Fogle, Robert H. Goebel
  • Patent number: 4758839
    Abstract: Stable measurement of terrain-height variations is provided by this radar system which employs a very low power spread spectrum transmitted signal which, after reception, is processed digitally for extremely stable and predictable performance. The system also includes an automatic power control circuit to maintain the transmitted power at the minimum required level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Goebel, Dale A. Fogle
  • Patent number: 4170008
    Abstract: A clutter discriminating fuze apparatus for preventing prefires and duds which may result through the use of electronic countermeasure techniques by the enemy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1979
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Robert H. Goebel, Dale A. Fogle