Return Signal Controls External Device Patents (Class 342/61)
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Patent number: 8384586Abstract: A Mixer structure (210) for Doppler radar applications and a Doppler radar sensor (30) having an oscillator input port (LO) for output signals from an electric oscillator (32), having a radio frequency input port (RF) for output signals from receiving means (34), having an output port (IF) for an overall output intermediate signal produced in the mixer structure (210) and having two mixer branches (12a, 12b) each with a diode (18a, 18b). The mixer branches (12a, 12b) are connected to the oscillator input port (LO) and to the radio frequency input port (RF) in such a manner that intermediate signals (IF1, IF2), which are produced in these mixer branches (12a, 12b) and correspond to a Doppler shift between the oscillator signal and the radio frequency signal, are processed to the overall output signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: BEA SAInventor: Yves Borlez
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Patent number: 8373590Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing an image sensed by an image sensor on board an aircraft fitted with an obstacle-locator system, in which the position and the extent of a zone in the sensed image, referred to as the zone of interest, is determined as a function of obstacle location data delivered by the obstacle-locator system, after which at least one parameter for modifying the brightness of points/pixels in said zone of interest is determined to enable the contrast to be increased in said zone of interest, and as a function of said modification parameter, the brightness of at least a portion of the image is modified.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: EurocopterInventor: Richard Edgard Claude Piré
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Patent number: 8368586Abstract: A system includes a multi-system approach to detecting concealed weapons and person borne improvised explosive devices (PBIED). A first and second radar system operate at different center frequencies to provide, respectively, isolation of a target of interest from clutter and fine detail information on the target, such as whether the target is a living person, whether a concealed object may be present, material composition of the object, and shape, size, and position of the target relative to the system. Circular polarized radar beam may be used to distinguish a suspect object from within a crowd of people. Radar image of the object may be overlaid on visual image of a person carrying the object. Radar tracking of the object is coordinated with visual tracking of the target provided by a camera system, with visual display and tracking of the target overlaid with the radar information.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Tialinx, Inc.Inventors: Farrokh Mohamadi, Mikko Oijala, Mohsen Zolghadri, Paul Strauch
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Patent number: 8358238Abstract: A hostile missile is identified as being of a type which maneuvers aerodynamically within the atmosphere when it performs an exoatmospheric maneuver which significantly changes its specific energy. When the determination is made that the hostile missile is an atmospheric maneuvering missile, the hostile missile is engaged with an interceptor which is guided toward a predicted intercept point (PIP) assuming horizontal hostile missile flight at an altitude above a specified minimum altitude.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Daniel L. Friedman
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Patent number: 8321070Abstract: In order to target and intercept a desired object within a number of objects detected in an environment, detection data is received from two different sensors, where the detection data includes spatial coordinates. A set of four-point subsets (tetrahedra) are selected from each set of spatial coordinates. A number of correlation maps are determined between the first set of spatial coordinates and the second set of spatial coordinates based on the plurality of four-point subsets. The mean sphericity for each corresponding plurality of four-point subsets in the plurality of correlation maps is determined, and a threat object map based on the correlation map having the greatest mean sphericity is created. The desired object is targeted based on the correlation map.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Steven J. Manson
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Patent number: 8288697Abstract: A method for commanding an attitude change of a boosting missile to tend to maintain good communication link quality includes the step of precalculating attenuation of a link between the boosting missile and a ground station in the presence and absence of multiple missile plumes. If the actual link attenuation is less than the precalculated attenuation in the absence of multiple missile plumes, no attitude change is commanded. If the actual link attenuation exceeds the precalculated value, the actual link attenuation is compared with the calculated attenuation in the presence of multiple missile plumes. If the calculated multiple plume RF attenuation is less than the actual link attenuation, the attenuation is deemed to be caused by some factor other than multiple plume attenuation, and produces a flag for commanding a change in attitude.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: David E. Wolf
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Patent number: 8288696Abstract: A method for engaging a target missile includes sensing the position of the target and of an interceptor missile, and determining time-to-go to intercept and direction of thrust of the interceptor. A one-step intercept solution is determined based on position estimates of the target and the interceptor and is used to iteratively estimate at least two components of a three-dimensional unit thrust vector, and apply updated guidance commands to the interceptor. A system for thrust vector control of an interceptor against a target missile includes a processor for receiving sensed target signals, determining a one-step initial solution to produce time-to-go and current direction of thrust of the interceptor, iteratively estimating at least two components of a three-dimensional unit thrust vector, and producing a guidance vector for application to the interceptor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Jeffrey B. Boka, Purusottam Mookerjee, Naresh R. Patel
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Patent number: 8279108Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of viewing systems of the synthetic vision type SVS, for a first aircraft, the said system comprising at least one cartographic database of a terrain, position sensors, for the said aircraft, an air traffic detection system calculating the position and the danger rating of at least one second aircraft exhibiting a risk of collision with the said first aircraft on the basis of data originating from sensors or systems such as TCAS or ADS-B, an electronic computer, a man-machine interface means and a display screen, the computer comprising means for processing the various items of information originating from the database, sensors and interface means, the said processing means arranged so as to provide the display screen with a synthetic image of the terrain comprising a representation of the said second aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Christian Nouvel, Corinne Bacabara, Jean-Noel Perbet
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Patent number: 8258999Abstract: A method for onboard determination of a roll angle of a projectile.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLCInventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Carlos M. Pereira
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Patent number: 8244424Abstract: The invention relates to a database and a method of generating a database containing topographical information on obstacles distributed over a geographic area subdivided into cells. The method includes reading topographical data obtained from heterogeneous sources. Topographical data are generated which relate to pointlike obstacles from the information collected from the topographical data. Topographical data are generated which relate to linear obstacles from the information collected from the topographical data. The obstacle database is created. Each cell contains a link to the obstacles whose coordinates in the geographic area covered by the cell are recorded with an uncertainty value. In particular, the invention applies to the generation of a database on board an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Michel Subelet, Sylvain Fontaine
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Patent number: 8237607Abstract: A method and system for coordinating air-to-air tracking and air-to-ground tracking for an airborne tracked target that is landing or performing an airdrop. Air-to-air tracking data is analyzed to detect if the tracked target is landing, and a predicted landing location is computed. An air-to-ground sensor is activated, via a separate air-to-ground tracking module or via a mode change, and the air-to-ground tracking is initiated at the predicted landing location of a detected target. Both automated and manually-assisted air-to-ground activation are supported.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Elta Systems Ltd.Inventor: Yahali Merhav
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Patent number: 8232909Abstract: A motion detector system includes the ability to detect motion through the use of a Doppler radar sensor or a combination of PIR sensors and a Doppler radar sensor. The system includes an outdoor light fixture having one or more lamps and a housing coupled to the outdoor light fixture. The housing includes a Doppler radar sensor and a microprocessor for analyzing the signals received by the Doppler radar sensor. Alternatively, the housing includes a combination of PIR sensors and a Doppler radar sensor and a microprocessor for analyzing the signals received from these sensors. The lamps in the light fixture are activated when either the PIR sensor or the Doppler radar sensor generates a signal indicating motion within the monitored area. Alternatively, the lamps can be activated when either the PIR sensor or the Doppler radar sensor senses predetermined number of motion activities over a limited time period.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Scott Kroeger, George Michael Drake, Ryan Crist, Tyler Fleig, Milton Dallas, Norm Siegel, Charlie Ketelhohn
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Patent number: 8212714Abstract: A yaw angle error of a motion measurement system carried on an aircraft for navigation is estimated from Doppler radar images captured using the aircraft. At least two radar pulses aimed at respectively different physical locations in a targeted area are transmitted from a radar antenna carried on the aircraft. At least two Doppler radar images that respectively correspond to the at least two transmitted radar pulses are produced. These images are used to produce an estimate of the yaw angle error.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Armin W. Doerry, Jay D. Jordan, Theodore J. Kim
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Patent number: 8188905Abstract: Embodiments of a target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the directed energy system includes a target tracking system to track one or more track points on a moving target, and a beam transmission unit to maintain a directed energy beam on a selected one of the track points in response to tracking control signals provided by the target tracking system. The track points may be smaller than a spot size of the directed energy beam maintained on the target.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: James R. Gallivan
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Patent number: 8184041Abstract: Radar beams for searching a volume are selected by determining the central angle and azimuth and elevation extents to define an acquisition face. The number of beams NMBA required to cover the acquisition face is determined by N MBA = ( 2 ? n + 1 ) ? ( m + 1 2 ) + ( - 1 ) n + m 2 ( 2 ) The number of beams NMBA is multiplied by the dwell per beam to determine the total search time, which is compared with a maximum time; (a) if the total search time is greater than the permissible time, the acquisition face is partitioned, and (b) if the total search time is less, the acquisition face information is applied to a radar processor for filling the unextended acquisition face with the number NMBA of beams in a particular pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Mark A. Friesel
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Patent number: 8173945Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and a method for guidance of a projectile. The method for guidance of a projectile, includes emission from the launching position of the projectile of beams pointing to the vertexes of a regular polygon, emission from the launching position of a beam encompassing the preceding beams, determination of position of the projectile relative to the beams, the determined position enabling to correct the projectile trajectory to maintain the projectile the closer to the center of the polygon formed by the beams.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Thales Nederland B.V.Inventor: Henk Mentink
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Patent number: 8164308Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for capturing cosmic background radiation and for converting cosmic background radiation into electricity. An antenna is configured so as to capture cosmic background radiation. An electrostatic electron multiplier is connected to the antenna. A high voltage power supply is connected to the electrostatic electron multiplier whereby cosmic background radiation is converted to electricity.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Stefan Juchnowycz
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Patent number: 8153943Abstract: A tornado disarming network includes a command center, tornado detection systems, and tornado busting missile launch sites in communications with the command center. Tornado busting missiles are at the tornado busting missile launch sites. Each tornado busting missile includes a radar, a guidance system and a solid rocket motor for propelling the missile toward the tornado. A thruster control system causes the tornado busting missile to travel upward within the tornado upon reaching the tornado. An explosive discharge system explodes within the tornado to generate heat for causing the air within the tornado to expand, thereby weakening the tornado.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Riley H. Nelson
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Patent number: 8154438Abstract: The present invention can find the exact location anywhere in the nautical world (latitude/longitude coordinates) by correlating or matching radar returns with maps produced by a digital nautical chart called a Chart Server, because each pixel location on the Chart Server maps can be traced back to a latitude/longitude coordinate. An obstacle avoidance module called a Chart Server provides digital nautical charts to create a map of the world. To determine the current world location of a vehicle, the invention combines the Chart Server maps with a radar return, which also appears to display prominent features such as coastlines, buoys, piers and the like. These return features from the radar are correlated or matched with features found in the Chart Server maps. The radar then reports its current location inside of its local map, which when translated to the Chart Server map, correlates to a latitude/longitude registration location.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Jacoby Larson, Michael Bruch
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Publication number: 20120068876Abstract: A computer or entertainment system is configured to respond to data received from a micro impulse radar configured to detect movement, physiology, posture, presence, and/or absence of a person in one or more regions near the computer or entertainment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Searete LLCInventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
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Patent number: 8134103Abstract: A system senses the presence of a boosting missile or target and processes the information by comparison of the data with a plurality of predetermined templates of nominal missile characteristics, in order to determine the state of the missile. The processing includes estimation of burnout time and of early thrust termination. Both are determined by generating current stage state estimates including position, velocity, time index error into the thrust template, and motor scale factor error. The change in motor scale factor is compared with a threshold to determine if early thrust termination has occurred. The estimated burnout time of the current stage is calculated from the burnout times of the current and the previous stage processed with the estimated motor scale factor and with state estimates from a filter.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Thu-Van T. Luu, Jeffrey B. Boka, Michael J. Harcourt, Purusottam Mookerjee
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Patent number: 8130137Abstract: A method and a system for sensing a boosting target missile, estimate position and velocity and boost acceleration parameters of the target missile, and control an interceptor missile to the target missile. A boost-phase missile target state estimator estimates at least acceleration, velocity, and position using an acceleration template for the target vehicle. The nominal template is incorporated into an extended Kalman filter which corrects the nominal template acceleration with the filter states to predict future thrust acceleration, velocity and position. The correction can compensate for motor burn variations and missile energy management (lofted/depressed trajectory).Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Thu-Van Luu, Jeffrey B. Boka, Purusottam Mookerjee, Michael J. Harcourt
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Patent number: 8119957Abstract: A submunition is formulated for destroying a target in a target area. Accommodated in a casing are a signal processing unit connected to a radar antenna and/or an infrared sensor and/or another target-detecting sensor. The submunition further has target recognition software and a charge provided with a covering. To increase the versatility of use and to simultaneously improve detection and decision certainty and reliability, the target recognition software has a software interface for the transfer of at least one parameter specific to the target area.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Harald Wich
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Patent number: 8115148Abstract: Current targeting approaches involve guiding to a spatially derived guidepoint of a group of objects likely to be the preferred object. This method may not allow the intercepting missile to contain the preferred, or other probable object(s), within its divert capability. The guidepoint is shifted closer to the preferred object using specific energy and angular momentum, constants of orbital motion, which describe properties of an object's trajectory. Guiding to the specific energy derived guidepoint does not offer significant benefit over guiding to the spatially derived guidance point. However, computing the spatial rate of change of specific energy within the plane formed by the guidance objects establishes a vector pointing close to the preferred object. This is the direction to shift the guidepoint in order to contain the preferred object within the interceptor's divert capability.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Jonathan Alan Boardman, Naresh Raman Patel, Jeffrey Bruce Boka
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Patent number: 8106340Abstract: A method for guiding a multistage interceptor missile toward a target missile that may transition from a boost mode to a ballistic mode during the engagement. The method comprises the steps of tracking the position of the target missile with a sensor, generating a predicted intercept point and time, and loading the predicted intercept point and time into the interceptor missile guidance system. The interceptor missile is launched and transition is made to the second stage of propulsion of the interceptor missile. Second-stage midcourse guidance acceleration commands are generated in response to an elevated predicted intercept point generated using the Runge-Kutta integration method working on predicted target missile position, velocity, and acceleration. During third stage propulsion said interceptor missile is guided toward an updated predicted intercept point of the target missile. During fourth stage, the kinetic warhead effects a hit-to-kill intercept of the target missile.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Frederick U. Diaz, Jeffrey B. Boka
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Patent number: 8102307Abstract: A Mixer structure (210) for Doppler radar applications and a Doppler radar sensor (30) having an oscillator input port (LO) for output signals from an electric oscillator (32), having an radio frequency input port (RF) for output signals from receiving means (34), having an output port (IF) for an overall output intermediate signal produced in the mixer structure (210) and having two mixer branches (12a, 12b) each with a diode (18a, 18b). The mixer branches (12a, 12b) are connected to the oscillator input port (LO) and to the radio frequency input port (RF) in such a manner that intermediate signals (IF1, IF2), which are produced in these mixer branches (12a, 12b) and correspond to a Doppler shift between the oscillator signal and the radio frequency signal, are processed to the overall output signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: BEA S.A.Inventor: Yves Borlez
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Patent number: 8098191Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against incoming projectiles comprising transmitting two radar waveforms, the first waveform comprising a pulsed continuous wave waveform, and the second waveform comprising a pulsed linear chirp waveform over a bandwidth, and based on returned radar data, causing deployment of a defense mechanism to intercept a detected incoming projectile.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Albert N. Pergande, Lloyd Dan Griffin, Jr., Steven G. Gray, Hung Q. Le, Steve T. Nicholas
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Patent number: 8084724Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of either a short-band imaging sensor and headlamp or a MWIR sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact. An implicit divert and attitude control system (DACS) using tow or more divert thrusters performs KV divert and attitude maneuvers to respond to the command guidance pre-handover and to maintain track on the aimpoint to terminal intercept post-handover.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: R. Glenn Brosch, Darin S. Williams, Kent P. Pflibsen, Thomas M. Crawford
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Patent number: 8085188Abstract: A method of determining a deviation of a path of a projectile from a predetermined path. The method uses an image of a target area in which the desired path or direction is pointed out. Subsequently, the real direction or path is determined and the deviation determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Trackman A/SInventor: Fredrik Tuxen
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Patent number: 8076621Abstract: A method for guiding a moving object to a target. The method comprising: transmitting a signal from one or more illuminating sources defined in a reference coordinate system; receiving the signal at three or more cavity waveguides disposed on the moving object; using one or more forward observers to determine the position of the target; fixing the one or more illuminating sources to the one or more forward observers; determining a position and/or orientation of the object in the reference coordinate system based on a strength of the signal received in the three or more cavity waveguides; and guiding the moving object to the target based on the determined position and/or orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLCInventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
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Patent number: 8063347Abstract: A method for engaging a target uses sensors to generate target track(s). The tracks are projected forward in time and associated with a track quality measure. The maximum seeker look angle and beamwidth, acceleration, and net radar sensitivity characteristics are listed for each type of interceptor. A plurality of target intercept times are generated for each interceptor type. The probability that the interceptor can acquire the target is determined from the projected target tracks, the quality measure, and the characteristics. The probability of hitting the target is determined from the probability of acquisition and acceleration of the interceptor type. The probabilities of acquisition and of hitting the target are aggregated, and the type of interceptor to use is the type having (a) an extreme value of the aggregation or (b) the earliest intercept time from among the interceptors having an aggregation value above a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Leonardo F. Urbano, Gregory F. Bock, Ivy T. Moffett
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Patent number: 8035547Abstract: A system and method of providing aerial navigation. Techniques are described for receiving global positioning system data, receiving local positioning system data such as instrument landing system data, generating a virtual target flight path using the global positioning system data and the local positioning system data, and presenting a virtual target flight path indicator corresponding to the virtual target flight path. In one implementation, the system includes a user interface, a global positioning component, a local positioning component, and a processing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbHInventors: Daniel Keegan Flanigan, Jay R. Flatland, Merlin R. James, Eric D. Schlef
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Publication number: 20110241926Abstract: A system for preventing light pollution includes one or more radar units that monitor for vehicles in a volume surrounding or containing one or more obstructions having one or more obstruction lights. A master radar detection processing unit receives sensed radar detection information from the one or more radar units with associated radar signal processing units and determines whether a vehicle is present within the monitored volume. A plurality of obstruction light controller units are interconnected in a network, such as a wireless network. Each obstruction light controller unit turns on an obstruction light when a vehicle enters the monitored volume or a failure condition exists, and turns off the obstruction light when the vehicle has vacated the monitored volume and no failure condition exists. The one or more radar units can transmit sensed radar detection information to a master radar detection processing unit via the network.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: Eric David Laufer
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Patent number: 7999726Abstract: A system for estimating an antenna boresight direction. The novel system includes a first circuit for receiving a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement corresponding with the Doppler measurement, and a processor adapted to search for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a Doppler error between the Doppler measurement and a calculated Doppler calculated from the estimated boresight direction and the line-of-sight direction measurement. The line-of-sight direction measurement is measured relative to the true antenna boresight, and the calculated Doppler is the Doppler calculated for a direction found by applying the line-of-sight direction measurement to the estimated boresight direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first circuit receives a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement from each of a plurality of pixels, and the processor searches for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a sum of squares of Doppler errors for each of the pixels.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Ralph Guertin, David Faulkner, John Treece, Donald Bruyere
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Patent number: 7999212Abstract: A guidance system for actively guiding a projectile, such as a bullet after it has been fired from a gun. The guidance system includes a radar unit that includes a plurality of receiver arrays. An optical scope is also mounted to the gun for optically sighting a target. An inertial measurement unit provided on the gun locks onto the target after it has been sighted by the scope, and provides a reference location at the center of the receiver arrays from which the bullet can be directed. The receiver arrays receive radar monopulse beacon signals from the bullet. The signals from the bullet are used to identify the position of the bullet and the roll of the bullet. The signals sent to the bullet provide flight correction information that is processed on the bullet, and used to control actuators that move steering devices on the bullet.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: EMAG Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Thiesen, Karl F. Brakora
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Patent number: 7982659Abstract: A system for preventing light pollution includes one or more radar units that monitor for vehicles in a volume surrounding or containing one or more obstructions having one or more obstruction lights. A master radar detection processing unit receives sensed radar detection information from the one or more radar units with associated radar signal processing units and determines whether a vehicle is present within the monitored volume. A plurality of obstruction light controller units are interconnected in a network, such as a wireless network. Each obstruction light controller unit turns on an obstruction light when a vehicle enters the monitored volume or a failure condition exists, and turns off the obstruction light when the vehicle has vacated the monitored volume and no failure condition exists. The one or more radar units can transmit sensed radar detection information to a master radar detection processing unit via the network.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Laufer Wind Group LLCInventor: Eric David Laufer
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Patent number: 7977614Abstract: An interception system for intercepting incoming missiles and/or rockets including a launch facility, a missile configured to be launched by the launch facility, the missile having a fragmentation warhead, a ground-based missile guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one early stage of missile flight and a missile-based guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one later stage of missile flight, the missile-based guidance system being operative to direct the missile in a last stage of missile flight in a head-on direction vis-a-vis an incoming missile or rocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: E.C.S. Engineering Consulting Services-Aerospace Ltd.Inventor: Dov Raviv
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Patent number: 7953524Abstract: A method of navigating a mobile platform. A reflectable electronic signal is transmitted. A reflection of the reflectable signal is received. A position of the mobile platform is determined based upon the reflection of the reflectable signal. A platform position signal is transmitted to the mobile platform. The platform position signal provides the mobile platform the determined position of the mobile platform. The mobile platform is navigated based upon the platform position signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Brian R. Roggendorf
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Patent number: 7947936Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: James Bobinchak, Gary Hewer
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Publication number: 20110109491Abstract: A system for preventing light pollution includes one or more radar units that monitor for vehicles in a volume surrounding or containing one or more obstructions having one or more obstruction lights. A master radar detection processing unit receives sensed radar detection information from the one or more radar units with associated radar signal processing units and determines whether a vehicle is present within the monitored volume. A plurality of obstruction light controller units are interconnected in a network, such as a wireless network. Each obstruction light controller unit turns on an obstruction light when a vehicle enters the monitored volume or a failure condition exists, and turns off the obstruction light when the vehicle has vacated the monitored volume and no failure condition exists. The one or more radar units can transmit sensed radar detection information to a master radar detection processing unit via the network.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventor: Eric David Laufer
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Patent number: 7875837Abstract: A method for engaging a hostile missile with an interceptor missile includes mathematically dividing an estimated target trajectory into portions, the junction of each portion with the next defining a possible intercept point. The engagement for each possible intercept point is modeled, to generate a probability of lethal object discrimination which is processed to generate a probability of intercept for each of the possible intercept points. The intercept point having the largest probability of intercept defines a selected intercept point from which intercept missile launch time is calculated, interceptor missile guidance is initialized, and the interceptor is launched at the calculated launch time and under the control of the interceptor missile guidance. Also, a method for estimating discrimination performance of a system of sensors includes generating sensor data signal-to-noise ratio and an aspect angle between the sensor and a lethal object.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Renee Szabo, Christian E. Pedersen, Wade E. Cooper
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Patent number: 7876260Abstract: A system for preventing light pollution includes one or more radar units that monitor for vehicles in a volume surrounding or containing one or more obstructions having one or more obstruction lights. A master radar detection processing unit receives sensed radar detection information from the one or more radar units with associated radar signal processing units and determines whether a vehicle is present within the monitored volume. A plurality of obstruction light controller units are interconnected in a network, such as a wireless network. Each obstruction light controller unit turns on an obstruction light when a vehicle enters the monitored volume or a failure condition exists, and turns off the obstruction light when the vehicle has vacated the monitored volume and no failure condition exists. The one or more radar units can transmit sensed radar detection information to a master radar detection processing unit via the network.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: Eric David Laufer
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Patent number: 7864096Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a collision avoidance system for a host aircraft comprising a plurality of sensors for providing data about other aircraft that may be employed to determine one or more parameters to calculate future positions of the other aircraft, a processor to determine whether any combinations of the calculated future positions of the other aircraft are correlated or uncorrelated, and a collision avoidance module that uses the correlated or uncorrelated calculated future positions to provide a signal instructing the performance of a collision avoidance maneuver when a collision threat exists between the host aircraft and at least one of the other aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems LLCInventors: Gregory T. Stayton, Mark D. Smith, Michael F. Tremose
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Patent number: 7858910Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely sensing the content in a field of view are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a coherent optical signal into a field of view; receiving and detecting a reflection of the optical signal from a portion of the field of view bounded by the platform's boresight; correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the platform's boresight. The apparatus comprises a radome; an optical signal generator; an optical transmission channel; an optical receiver channel; and a plurality of electronics capable of receiving the representative signal and: correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the boresight from the corrected first instance of the reflection.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Brett A Williams
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Patent number: 7843380Abstract: A system and method for sensing elevation terrain using an airborne weather radar. Method techniques include sampling first and second radar returns from a weather radar at two portions of an antenna. First radar returns are removed from second radar returns to generate third radar returns for a third portion of the antenna. The third portion of the antenna is included in the second portion but not the first portion. Changes in the third radar return are analyzed to sense elevation of the terrain.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Woodell
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Patent number: 7839322Abstract: A method of detecting obstacles on board an aircraft while in the vicinity (44) of a touchdown point (27, 42), includes the following operations: selecting/determining a path (41) to be followed by the aircraft overflying the touchdown point; the aircraft overflying the touchdown point following the overflight path, and during the overflight recording signals/data delivered by an on-board rangefinder observing a portion of space extending below the aircraft; analyzing the rangefinder data to detect the presence of obstacles and to determine their positions in a terrestrial frame of reference, where appropriate to determine their dimensions; and recording the detected obstacle position data, and dimensions, if any, in a memory.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: EurocopterInventors: François-Xavier Filias, Jean Sequeira
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Patent number: 7825853Abstract: The present invention is a man-portable counter-mortar radar (MCMR) radar system that detects and tracks enemy mortar projectiles in flight and calculates their point of origin (launch point) to enable and direct countermeasures against the mortar and its personnel. In addition, MCMR may also perform air defense surveillance by detecting and tracking aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles. MCMR is a man-portable radar system that can be disassembled for transport, then quickly assembled in the field, and provides 360-degree coverage against an enemy mortar attack.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Syracuse Research CorporationInventors: Steven E. Bruce, Thomas A. Wilson
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Patent number: 7817080Abstract: A ranging and communication multifunction system including a transmission unit and a receiving unit, and integrates two functions of ranging and communication in which the transmission unit includes a transmission circuit, a carrier wave modification device, and a transmission antenna. The receiving unit includes a receiving circuit, a wave detector, a low noise amplifier, and a receiving antenna, and a data modulation performed in the transmission circuit uses a PPM system. Thus, the receiving circuit provides a ranging circuit and a communication separately, so that the demodulation processing of ranging and communication can be performed in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Aoyagi, Kazutaka Kamimura
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Patent number: 7791529Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining an estimated speed of an aircraft relative to ground being overflown by the aircraft, in which use is made of the sum of an acceleration measurement of the aircraft plus a difference value, the difference value being obtained from observation data or signals relating to a region of the ground.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: EurocopterInventors: François Xavier Filias, Jean-Paul Petillon, Richard Pire
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Patent number: 7791006Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a kill-vehicle to be used in an exo-atmospheric anti-missile interceptor aimed at hitting a target, the kill-vehicle having a main body and comprising: an electronic box; a sensor unit coupled to the electronic box and including at least one sensor for tracking the target at a certain field of view; an inertial measurement unit coupled to the sensor unit; and a divert system controlled by the electronic box for providing the kill-vehicle with thrust at a desired direction; said divert system and electronic box constituting said main body, wherein the kill-vehicle further comprises at least one gimbals unit coupled to the main body and to the sensor unit for controllably changing an angle between the sensor unit and the main body, and wherein said electronic box is configured to synchronically operate said divert system and gimbals unit such that the target remains in the field of view of said at least one sensor and the thrust is provided iType: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventors: Joseph Hasson, Galya Goldner