With Aircraft, Satellite, Or Projectile Patents (Class 455/98)
  • Patent number: 7356336
    Abstract: A system is provided that comprises a vehicle (e.g., aircraft) including a plurality of modules (e.g., line-replaceable units—LRU's) capable of communicating over a plurality of buses (e.g., Mil-Std-1553 buses). The system also includes an advanced wireless open data controller (AWOC) capable of receiving data output onto the buses of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle, such as during flight of an aircraft. The AWOC is also capable of comparing the output data to a database of known events of the modules. Then, when the output data matches a known event for at least one module, the AWOC is capable of identifying an event. The AWOC can package event data including the identified event. A data unit, also included within the system, is capable of transmitting the packaged event data external to the vehicle at least partially over a wireless communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ralph S. Perez, Luigi P. Righi, Joseph F. Sunio, Mark A. Talbot
  • Publication number: 20080070517
    Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transferring content to and from a vehicle, in particular, an aircraft. The content includes, for example, data, voice, video and multimedia, that can be wirelessly exchanged over a wireless communication link between an aircraft and a ground station while the aircraft is at or near a parking gate, or between aircraft. In an example, the system employs long distance metropolitan area technology, such as IEEE Standard 802.16 wireless technology, to increase transfer range. The parameter of the wireless communication link can be adjusted based on, for example, the location of the link. The content can further be provided between the vehicle and ground station based on priorities, such as the available link speed, importance of the information, and/or anticipated connection time between the vehicle and ground station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Dan Reed, Bradley Foreman
  • Publication number: 20080047450
    Abstract: A munition includes a winding the configuration of which is changed as the munition detonates. The coil is seeded with a current and as the configuration of the winding changes a large em pulse is generated. Detection of the pulse can indicate whether or not the explosion is satisfactory and that the target is this destroyed. This avoids having to unnecessarily attack the target again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Lockhart
  • Patent number: 7331887
    Abstract: A game finder which facilitates finding of an arrow after it is shot is disclosed. The game finder includes an arrow and at least one transmitting module provided on the arrow for emitting a recovery signal when the arrow strikes game or a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Lee Dunn
  • Patent number: 7328011
    Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems manage a mobile network. A mobile network node is managed when the node is connected to the network. However, an alarm is not necessarily generated when the node is not connected to the network. A status message is periodically generated and transmitted from the mobile network node to a network control facility. The status message may include any status information regarding the mobile network node as desired. When the status message is indicative of a predetermined condition, an alarm is automatically generated. When no status message is received from the mobile network node, a determination is made whether connectivity exists between the mobile network node and the network. If connectivity does not exist between the mobile network node and the network, then no alarm is generated. If connectivity does exist between the mobile network node and the network, then an alarm is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: C. L. Fagan, Tri M. Phan, Michael A. D'Annunzio, Ben C. Forbes
  • Patent number: 7327989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, device and method for two-way satellite communication using a dual channel communication configuration to make better use of limited bandwidth. The two channels include a dedicated Unicast channel for each remote VSAT terminal and a dedicated Multicast channel that is a shared resource for all the VSAT terminals in the network. Each VSAT terminal is provided with two separate tuners, one for Unicast information and one for Multicast information. The system thus provides Unicast information through the Unicast channel to the Unicast receiver in the VSAT terminal to individual destination VSAT terminals, and sends Multicast information to all VSAT terminals via the Unicast channel and the Unicast receivers in each VSAT terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Gilat Satellite Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Amiram Levinberg
  • Patent number: 7319854
    Abstract: During a system reconfiguration, a selected column or column of wireless units, such as associated with airplane seats, are powered up. The first unit in the column detects a ground and begins a wireless identification process with an access point which allows the system to determine a corresponding physical location for each node's logical address. The first unit then closes a switch, which connects the ground to the next unit. As the next unit detects the ground on the line, such as a token line, the second unit communicates with the AP. This process continues sequentially down the column until the last unit is assigned a physical location/address. The next column of units can then be powered up and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roger C. vonDoenhoff, Sudhakar S. Shetty
  • Patent number: 7313416
    Abstract: A power amplifier for a dual antenna is disclosed. The power amplifier comprises at least four controlled amplifier loops receiving a signal to be transmitted. The power amplifier also comprises a first combining structure combining at least two of the amplifier loops and a second combining structure combining at least two of the amplifier loops. The power amplifier also comprises a ninety degree hybrid receiving output from the first and second combining structures and providing output to a first antenna output and a second antenna output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Harmon, Allen W. Jones, Russell W. Barta, James L. Barlett
  • Patent number: 7300367
    Abstract: An assembly for tracking an animal which has been shot by an arrow. A shank portion of an arrow is received in a bushing which in turn receives a housing for a transmitter. The housing is retained on the bushing during arrow flight by an elastomeric ring. Upon impact of the arrow with the animal, the elastomeric ring is dislodged, releasing the housing from the bushing. Associated with the housing are members which penetrate the animal to attach the housing to the animal. A hand-held direction finding receiver receives signals from the transmitter so that direction to the animal is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignees: General Welding and Fabricating, Inc., Balboa Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Andol, Edwin G. Pierrot, James R. Pierrot, Robert R. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7245909
    Abstract: A communications system having a plurality of radio communication modes with an audio component, the audio component of the radio communication modes being controlled through an audio panel, and a radiotelephony mode with an audio component being controlled by a radiotelephony device, the audio component of the radiotelephony mode having an audio input for supplying audio to the radiotelephony device. The radiotelephony audio component is integrated with the audio panel, by providing an interface between the audio panel and the radiotelephony device, coupling the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the audio panel, and directing the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the interface, the interface coupling the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the radiotelephony device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Goldberg, Ken L. Snodgrass, Joe Reyes
  • Patent number: 7190946
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for providing local time to a mobile vehicle. A time information message is received at an in-vehicle telematics unit, which monitors for a time-update trigger event. A time-update message is sent from the telematics unit to a vehicle bus in response to the time-update trigger event. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed to provide local time to a mobile vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Mazzara, Jr., Timothy D. Lenane
  • Patent number: 7184762
    Abstract: A communication satellite facility and a satellite communication system adapted to respond flexibly to development and change of communication technologies occurring on the ground even after satellites have been launched. The system includes a first satellite having an antenna function, a second satellite having a modem function and a third satellite having a server function all of which are launched into one and same slot of geosynchronous orbit and connected one to another by wideband intersatellite communication. A ground station connected to a ground network communicates with the first satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Communications Research Laboratory Independent Administrative Institution
    Inventors: Nozomu Nishinaga, Yasuo Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7142854
    Abstract: An in-flight communications system and method suitable for discrete use by, e.g., an Air Marshal, includes a personal digital assistant (PDA) device having wireless communications capabilities, an aircraft cabin wireless local area network (LAN) within which the PDA device can operate, a communications management unit (CMU) associated with the wireless LAN and operable to send and receive data via ACARS, and an operations center operable to receive data that is generated by the PDA, transmitted over the wireless LAN and passed to the operations center via ACARS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Kauffman, Edward Scott Anderson
  • Patent number: 7103324
    Abstract: An apparatus for communication with a wireless network is provided. A video display unit is mounted on a seat back. The video display unit includes a processor, a video display electrically coupled to the processor, a component configured for wireless communication with the processor, and a receiver electrically coupled to the processor. A user interface is mounted on an armrest. The user interface includes a user input interface and a transmitter electrically coupled to the user input interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William C. Sanford, Daniel J. Diessner
  • Patent number: 7068615
    Abstract: A communication system for mobile platforms includes mobile platforms with transceivers identified by Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A satellite relays a forward link from a ground station to the mobile platforms. The forward link contains IP packet data that is modulated by variable length orthogonal (VLO) spreading codes and that has different information data rates. The VLO spreading code for each IP packet is selected to optimize a desired link margin of the IP packet that is received by the addressed transceiver. The IP packets can also be modulated using a pseudonoise (PN) spreading code. Forward error correction (FEC) may also be applied. The transceivers include a feedback circuit that generates an Eb/No estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joseph W. Niesen
  • Patent number: 7039367
    Abstract: A communications system and method utilizes an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) capable of collecting data about an environment in which the USV resides. At least one micro-aerial vehicle (MAV), equipped for unmanned flight after a launch thereof, is mounted on the USV. Each MAV has onboard radio frequency (RF) communications. Each MAV launched into the air transmits the data collected by the USV using the MAV's RF communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Daniel Kucik
  • Patent number: 6990319
    Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Wright, James J. Ziarno
  • Patent number: 6959173
    Abstract: A server downloads data to a mobile station mounted in a vehicle through a roadside device using dedicated short range communication (DSRC). The server is capable of computing downloading transmission rate from the roadside device to the mobile station and maximum speed of the vehicle that enables completion of the downloading of the data to the mobile station. The maximum speed is computed based on the computed downloading transmission rate, a communication area of the roadside device, and size of the data. The server is further capable of notifying the maximum speed to the mobile station. By contrast, the mobile station is capable of transmitting information relating to the data to the server, receiving the data to be downloaded in the communication area of the roadside device, and notifying the maximum speed received from the server to a crew of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takeo Kawai
  • Patent number: 6924838
    Abstract: A grenade cam is provided and is designed as a surveillance camera projectile. It is manually thrown or propelled by means of a grenade launcher into a visually restricted area or location of surveillance. Once the grenade cam lands in the desired position, four legs automatically spring open and stand the primary housing portion upright. This is achieved by a leg release motor assisted by spring and worm-drive devices. This occurs in unison with the deployment of the camera through the top end of the primary housing. The grenade cam then transmits a video signal along with an audio signal to a remote portable receiver monitored by the user. The internal components include of a camera housing, a 360 degree rotation motor, a camera tilt motor, leg release pins, a circuit board, a spring, a worm drive guide, video/audio receiver and transmitter, battery, timer and leg release motor. The camera housing can be fully or partially transparent for the camera view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Charlton Nieves
  • Patent number: 6814678
    Abstract: A detachable nock for use with a bow hunting arrow, said arrow having a locating device associated with and transported by it. The detachable nock engages with the target animal and separates the locating device from the arrow as the arrow passes through the target animal, thereby retaining the locating device with the animal to permit tracking. The detachable nock may be constructed with various fixed or movable retention components to accommodate the needs of a wide range of hunters. The design of the detachable nock minimizes its impact on the flight of the arrow and allows the bow hunter to use any style of hollow-shaft arrow, broadhead, and fletching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Talon Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Maurice Cyr, Jon Simms
  • Patent number: 6813493
    Abstract: A cellular mobile telephone system which can be used on board a vehicle enables conventional mobile telephones to be used on board an aircraft, for example. It includes a first transceiver on board the vehicle and connected to an antenna on the outside of the aircraft to set up an external radio link with a terrestrial mobile telephone network via a satellite. It further includes a second transceiver having an antenna inside the aircraft and connected to a base station controller. The second station and the base station controller have functions similar to those of a base station system in a conventional mobile telephone network, for example a GSM network. The base station controller is connected to the first transceiver. To prevent long signaling link set-up times, the base station controller includes software for setting up a signaling link between the aircraft and the terrestrial mobile telephone network in advance, as soon as at least one mobile telephone is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Jean-François Criqui, Francis Argouarch, Gérard Auvray
  • Patent number: 6801764
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a broadband data communication system onboard a mobile platform during an emergency response situation wherein an onboard emergency response apparatus uses the broadband communication system to transmit and receive broadband communications between the emergency response apparatus and an emergency response center. The broadband communication system has multiple users onboard the mobile platform and allows broadband communication between the multiple onboard users and a ground station. During an emergency response situation, the inbound and outbound data streams between the broadband communication system and the ground station are allocated so that the emergency response apparatus can engage in broadband communication with the emergency response center without being delayed by other users of the broadband communication system while still allowing the other users to use the broadband communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William J. Purpura
  • Patent number: 6764420
    Abstract: A detachable nock for use with a bow hunting arrow carrying a locating device within its hollow shaft. The detachable nock engages with the target animal and removes the locating device from the arrow shaft as the arrow passes through the target animal, thereby retaining the locating device with the animal to permit tracking. The detachable nock may be constructed with various fixed or movable retention components to accommodate the needs of a wide range of hunters. The design of the detachable nock minimizes its impact on the flight of the arrow and allows the bow hunter to use any style of hollow-shaft arrow, broadhead, and fletching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Talon Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Maurice Cyr, Jon Simms
  • Publication number: 20040082298
    Abstract: A structure for preventing intermodulation interference in satellite transmission is characterized in that a frequency subtraction is executed at a first mixer and a local oscillator on one of the received satellite vertical and horizontal polarized signals to obtain a first mid-band, while a frequency subtraction is executed at a second mixer and a first-stage local oscillator on the other received signal to obtain a reverse-phase signal thereof, and a frequency addition is executed at a third mixer and a second-stage local oscillator on the reverse-phase signal to obtain a second mid-band, and that second and third harmonic differences between a frequency obtained by subtracting the oscillating frequency of the second-stage local oscillator from the oscillating frequency of the first-stage local oscillator and the oscillating frequency of the local oscillators do not fall in the first and the second mid-bands, respectively, and an intermodulation interference is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Prime Electronics & Statellitcs, Inc.
    Inventor: Mao-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 6725013
    Abstract: A communications system (10) and method of operating the communications system includes a high altitude communication device (12) that communicates with a plurality of user terminals and a gateway station (30). The gateway station (30) couples the users to terrestrial networks (32) and other users. The high altitude communication device (16) has a controller that generates a second beam having the first frequency to a service (26). The stratospheric platform (12) does not generate the second beam within a blocking area. User terminals within the service area outside the blocking area are configured to receive the first beam and the second beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. D. Chang, Weizheng Wang, Ying Feria, Ming U. Chang, Harold A. Rosen, Wah L. Lim
  • Patent number: 6697631
    Abstract: A receiver is rapidly and accurately tuning a broadcast frequency and selecting a broadcast program by simple operation and also for clearly informing the user of receivable broadcast frequencies. Besides a number of broadcast programs, information indicating the transmission site position for the broadcast RF, the station name broadcasting that RF, the program name, and information showing whether or not the multiplexed program is a regional program matching a designated region, is also multiplexed on the digital audio broadcast and RF received and demodulated in a receiver section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6679179
    Abstract: A non-lethal active body which is equipped with a detonation-operated electrical pulse generator, and which is especially deployable as an article of submunition. The pulse generator is a piezo-generator having a detonation-operated inductive current amplifier and a capacitive pulse shaper connected to the output thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Bohl, Tilo Ehlen
  • Publication number: 20030171130
    Abstract: Information is transmitted between a transmitter, on board of an aircraft for example, having a PTT-key and a receiver, at an air traffic ground control station for example, by generating an AF signal at the transmitter with speech data from a speech transducer. The AF signal is converted into an RF signal and the transmission of the RF signal is initiated by activating the PTT-key. Additional data for transmission from the transmitter to the receiver is combined with speech data by suppressing a predetermined portion of an AF speech spectrum of the AF signal and embedding the additional data in the suppressed portion of the AF speech spectrum. The RF signal is demodulated at the receiver and used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Frequentis Nachrichtentechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Miodrag Sajatovic
  • Patent number: 6484641
    Abstract: A cruise missile, such as the Tomahawk cruise missile, is adapted to deploy decoys in an area as the missile progresses along its preprogrammed course. Each decoy is shaped to be compatible with and ejected from the Tomahawk and has a preprogrammed control unit operating a transmitter connected to an extendible antenna. False beacon signals and/or false message signals are transmitted from each of the decoys to deceive and confuse defensive forces, such as enemy searchers looking for a downed airman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul J. Carreiro
  • Publication number: 20020132593
    Abstract: A system for providing a mobile telephone service on board a vehicle is connected to a public land mobile network via a satellite and can set up at least one transport connection between the vehicle and the public land mobile network before receiving a call request and then use the transport connection for a call as soon as a request to set up a call is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Gerard Auvray, Jean Charpentier
  • Patent number: 6417780
    Abstract: A radio control device is provided that has the D/R function wherein the rate can be switched by a simple operation without impairing the operability of a stick. The adjustment value (rate) determining a relationship between stick operation amount and servo motor operation amount is switched at the changeover point arbitrarily set within a range of stick operation amounts. The rate 1 is 100% while the rate 2 is 60%. The point 1 is set to the position corresponding to about 65% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the right direction (or down direction). The point 2 is set to the position corresponding to about 85% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the left direction (or up direction). In the rate 2, the rudder does not effectively work over the range where the operation amount of the stick is relatively small. When the adjustment value exceeds the point, the mode enters the rate 1, so that the rudder works effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Futaba Corporation
    Inventors: Giichi Naruke, Youichi Konno, Masahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6409617
    Abstract: A hunting arrow tracking system for tracking location of a game animal which was shot with an arrow. The hunting arrow tracking system includes an arrowhead member including a tubular member having a side wall, an open front end, a closed back end, and a bore being disposed in the tubular member through the open front end; and also includes a piston member being movably disposed in the bore of the tubular member; and further includes a transmitter being removably disposed in the bore of the tubular member and being adapted to send out signals; and also includes a receiver unit including a housing member and being adapted to receive signals from the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Ricky A. Armold
  • Patent number: 6353734
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides a record of the performance of an aircraft engine. A plurality of sensors sense engine conditions and generate engine data. A ground data link unit is positioned within the aircraft and receives the engine data. A wideband spread spectrum transmitter that can be part of a transceiver downloads the engine data to a ground based spread spectrum receiver that can be part of a transceiver, and receives the wideband spread spectrum communication signal from the aircraft. It demodulates the wideband spread spectrum communication signal to obtain the engine data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Wright, James J. Ziarno
  • Publication number: 20010055948
    Abstract: Receiving apparatus for receiving satellite broadcasting electric wave to be mounted mobile vehicle being realized at low cost and not influence by the weather etc. The apparatus is provided with an antenna of which directivity pattern can be varied, and by a geomagnetism sensor mechanically coupled with said antenna to detect present orientation of the antenna, and comprising antenna controlling means by which the directivity pattern of the antenna is directed towards objective broadcasting satellite based on said detected orientation output. When an electric wave from a gap-filler station is to be received, the antenna is controlled to become non-directivity pattern automatically. For the antenna, a microstrip patch antenna having a plurality of conductive patches arranged in a plane is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Ikeda, Noriaki Sato, Toshihisa Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20010052521
    Abstract: In a clamshell housing, such as is used for portable devices, engaging elements other than screws or hooks are employed to prevent the two halves of a clamshell housing from having significant slippage between them along the interface at which they meet when the clamshell is subjected to bending and/or torsional moments. Such engaging elements may include slip preventing elements at the clamshell halves interface, e.g., various forms of interlocking teeth, elements that increase friction, or the like, which are added to, or molded into, each half of the housing. By restricting relative motion along the plane of the interface, the propensity to separate along the direction perpendicular to the interface plane is reduced. This is achieved because the restriction of the relative motion increases the bending and torsional rigidities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: SURESH GOYAL, PRATOD VISHWESHWAR KASEBEKAR, DHIRENDRA MANUBHAI PATEL, SANJAY SUDHAKER UPASANI
  • Patent number: 6326885
    Abstract: A keyless security system which has eliminated the need for providing a vehicle-mounted receiver with an electric field detector, thereby achieving a simpler construction with resultant lower cost. The keyless security system is equipped with a portable transmitter for transmitting a remote control signal for locking and unlocking a vehicular door lock mechanism and a vehicle-mounted receiver which has a signal receiver for receiving the remote control signal, a signal processing unit for processing the remote control signal, and a control unit for monitoring each section of the vehicle and also for controlling the entire system. The control unit and the signal receiver are placed periodically in an activated condition and a standby condition. When the control unit detects the electric field of a received remote control signal, the control unit and the signal receiver are placed in a continuously activated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Togashi
  • Patent number: 6324380
    Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide a dual mode mobile satellite communication unit, which requires low communication cost and very little battery power, does not require always carrying a large unit frame and does not always provide great weight burden on the user. A terrestrial communication portable unit is detachably mounted in the mobile satellite communication unit. The mobile satellite communication unit as base unit does not include a key operating section, a display section and a speech transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker, and utilizes those mechanically assembled on the portable unit side for keying and other operations. In an interlocked relation to the removal of the portable unit, the stand-by state of the base unit is turned off. It is thus possible to avoid wasteful battery power consumption on the base unit side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Kiuchi, Yuzuru Masuda, Hideto Ookita, Kazuo Nagamachi, Yoshio Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5995497
    Abstract: In a code division switch in a satellite communication system each of a plurality of uplink CDMA modulated RF beams, each including a plurality of uplink traffic channels, are down converted to IF and overspread with a new orthogonal code having a spreading rate N times that of the spreading code of the uplink CDMA modulated RF beam. All of the overspread beams are combined into a single combined IF stream. The individual traffic channels are extracted from the combined IF stream by de-overspreading the stream with orthogonal codes and despreading with beam and traffic channel specific orthogonal codes. All traffic channels are respread with downlink beam codes and downlink orthogonal traffic channel codes and joined onto selected ones of downlink CDMA modulated IF beams having common destinations with the included traffic channels. Downlink CDMA modulated IF beams are up converted to RF frequency and transmitted to selected destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Diakoumis Parissis Gerakoulis
  • Patent number: 5862454
    Abstract: An automated transceiver is adapted to monitor a frequency of interest. In response to receiving some predetermined protocol, it becomes activated and records the next transmission on the frequency. The transceiver then rebroadcasts the recorded transmission. In this way, a radio operator can be assured that the transceiver is operating when the rebroadcasted transmission is received. If the transmission from the device is an acceptable quality, there is an assurance that the transceiver is operating properly since, to receive the rebroadcasted transmission, both the transmitter portion must operate to transmit the message to the inventive radio check device, and the receiver portion of the transmitter must be operational to receive the rebroadcasted message from the system. The remote operator need not rely on the subjective determination of another. Further, the participation of another person is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Potomac Aviation Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Gary B. Simon, David Wartofsky
  • Patent number: 5859765
    Abstract: Device for recording flight data in a data recorder located in a spherical metal housing with thermal insulation on the interior surface and with connecting lines between the data recorder and data sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Dornier GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Grewe
  • Patent number: 5654698
    Abstract: An interface circuit which receives a PCM telemetry data stream comprising waveform divided into 100 words including a three word frame sync signal. The PCM data stream is supplied to a comparator which converts input telemetry signal to a TTL compatible signal. When the PCM data is unencrypted, the PCM data stream is supplied to a de-randomizer circuit which de-randomizes the randomized data. A bit sync circuit which also receives the PCM data stream generates a 320 kHz clock signal which is synchronized to the incoming PCM data stream. The de-randomized PCM telemetry data stream which is in a serial format and the 320 kHz clock signal pass through a digital multiplexer to a universal synchronous asynchronous receiver transmitter. When the receiver transmitter detects a PCM frame sync signal for a frame of PCM data, it interrupts a master microprocessor which then retrieves each word of PCM data from the frame. The master microprocessor writes the frame of PCM data into one bank of a dual Port RAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Andrew H. Snelgrove, Guy R. Buchwitz, Paul H. Sailer
  • Patent number: 5566359
    Abstract: Simultaneous transmitter operation in a radio network is prevented by monitoring the signal received at the control position from the transmitter of the apparatus, this signal being delayed by the passage down land lines connecting the control position to its transmission antenna and the receiver to its control position. If a signal is received within a known time period from the time of commencement of a transmit action then it is assumed to be a signal from a remote transmitter and the operation of the local transmitter is aborted to prevent interference. The system is particularly useful where land lines and consequent time delays are present between the control position and the transmitter and the receiver and the control position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Nigel Corrigan
  • Patent number: 5490076
    Abstract: A system of making satellite-to-ground range measurements, carrying out communications between a ground station and a constellation of autonavigating satellites, and using these range measurements to improve navigation accuracy is disclosed. The system comprises an anchor that is in a fixed position relative to the earth. The anchor implements a filtering algorithm to arrive at solutions for the satellites' positions based on measured satellite positions and predicted satellite positions. Each time a new measurement is received by the anchor an update is generated. In this manner the system is capable of updating satellite positions at a greater rate than similar prior art systems, thereby, decreasing the transient response associated with satellite delta-v maneuvers and decreasing the quantity of data that must be exchanged by the anchor and the satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Harris C. Rawicz, Laurence J. Doyle, Peter M. Brodie
  • Patent number: 5453746
    Abstract: A jettisonable means comprises means with a travelling-wave tube for emitting electromagnetic waves. It forms part of an assembly having external power supply means for supplying the filament of the travelling-wave tube. The external power supply means temporarily supplies the filament of the travelling-wave tube to heat it to its nominal temperature before jettisoning, whilst, at the moment of jettisoning, the external power supply means are disconnected. This enables a temperature appropriate to the operation of the travelling-wave tube to be provided temporarily, after the jettisoning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Dassault Electronique
    Inventor: Jean Morand
  • Patent number: 5450614
    Abstract: A new and improved arrow tracking apparatus includes a radio transmitter assembly, attached to an arrow, for transmitting radio waves associated with the arrow. The radio transmitter assembly is in the form of a jacket that jackets a shaft of the arrow. A battery-powered hand-held receiver assembly is carried by a person for receiving radio waves from the radio transmitter assembly. The components of the radio transmitter assembly are distributed along the jacket, such that the arrow, equipped with the radio transmitter assembly, is well balanced so that the arrow does not wobble in its flight path. The jacket includes a substantially smooth surface, such that the arrow has both good dynamic flight characteristics and good aerodynamic characteristics. The radio transmitter assembly includes a transmitter unit and an antenna assembly, and the antenna assembly may include antennas in the form of barbs. The jacket includes a first jacket sub-unit and a second jacket sub-unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Richard A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5381445
    Abstract: A munitions cartridge transmitter capable of emitting an electromagnetic signal after discharge from a cartridge propelling device comprises a signal generator, an electromagnetic signal transmitter coupled to the generator, an antenna coupled to the transmitter, and a hollow cartridge for housing the generator, the transmitter, and the antenna. The transmitter is energized after discharge of the cartridge propelling device by a power source contained in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John E. Hershey, Menahem Lowy, Lionel M. Levinson, Amer A. Hassan, Richard L. Frey, Kenneth B. Welles, II, Michael Gdula, Robert J. Wojnarowski
  • Patent number: 5301362
    Abstract: Generation of a high power rf pulse is achieved in a simple transmitting device that uses permanent magnet material(s) to store energy. Such energy is released through the thermal quenching of the magnetic material(s). Thermal quenching is accomplished, e.g., through an explosion. Such thermal quenching is facilitated in one embodiment by using a magnetic composite material comprising both magnetic particles and explosive particles. The rf pulse thus generated may be used for any desired purpose, e.g., tracking or research. The transmitting device includes a permanent magnet for establishing a constant magnetic flux for so long as the magnet retains its normal magnetic properties. The magnetic flux passes through a coil. Upon the thermal quenching of the magnetic material(s), the magnetic properties rapidly change, causing the magnetic flux to also rapidly change, thus inducing a high power electrical pulse in the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventor: Tihiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 5251907
    Abstract: A sonic archery beacon (10) is disclosed which employs a circuit (21) carried by an arrow (1) which includes an audible signal generator being configured to mimic the sound of a naturally occurring insect, bird or the like. Circuit (21) is activated by an inertia switch (22) which is responsive to a drastic change in acceleration such as that experienced when an arrow impacts with an object, animal or the ground. The audible signal generator implements an oscillator (23) in combination with a miniature speaker or piezo electric transducer (24) having an output which mimics a cricket. Magnetic/mechanical inertia switch (22) has a magnet (32) slidably positioned within a tube (26) having ferromagnetic objects (34 and 35) at both ends of tube (26). When the magnet (32) is positioned at one end of the tube against the pair of and will close in response to the magnetic field of magnet (25) when the magnet is positioned at that end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel D. Ady
  • Patent number: 5192827
    Abstract: A high power microwave/radio frequency radiating projectile that stores electrical energy in a Pulse Forming Line network. Electrical energy is converted to high power microwave/radio frequency energy by a subnanosecond switch either in a single pulse mode or a repetition rate mode.The high power microwave/ratio frequency energy is then radiated by an antenna built into the projectile. The heavy power supply required for providing the high voltage necessary for charging the pulse forming line network is not part of the projectile but is contained in the launching gun, or as ancillary equipment to the launching gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Louis J. Jasper, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5181025
    Abstract: A conformal telemetry package comprises a complete system including sensors, data acquisition components, a controller, RF transmitter, antenna and battery. The package is approximate 0.1 inch thick and is flexible and capable of conformable mounting to a curved surface. This package includes a printed circuit antenna such as a microstrip patch antenna. The bottom of the package is coated with an adhesive permitting the system to be mounted on surfaces such as the leading edge of an air foil. The package is kept thin and flexible by using multiple layers of flexible dielectric such as Teflon and extremely high levels of circuit integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Dennis D. Ferguson, Gary D. Havey