Search Patents
  • Wave attenuation
    Patent number: 5420588
    Abstract: A radar cross-section reduction system utilizes a charging device for creating a high positive DC static potential on an object such as an aircraft. The charging system is mounted to the object so that this DC potential would be applied to the outer skin or surface of the object. The charging system includes Van de Graaf generators located in housings attached to the object. Each Van de Graaf generator has two pulleys about which a belt is rotated. One of the pulleys and the belt are nonconductors, while the other pulley is a conductor. This results in a buildup of positive charges at one end of the belt and negative charges at the other end. The negative charges are picked off and applied to a ground section. The positive charges are picked off and applied to a collector. The collector is in electrical continuity with the outer structure of the object. Negative dissipators attached to the ground section dissipate the excess negative charges during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Power transfer apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5514926
    Abstract: A method for transferring power employs moving a magnetic field past a nonmagnetic electrical conductor surface. In one instance, a magnet is mounted on a rotational axis, with the periphery of the magnet in close proximity to the object. The object may also be on a rotational axis. Rotating of the magnet causes rotation of the object. In another instance, an aluminized layer is placed on a conveyor belt. The rotating magnet is positioned closed to the conveyor belt layer to cause the conveyor belt to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Metal detection system and process using a high voltage to produce a visible electrical discharge
    Patent number: 5982180
    Abstract: The apparatus includes an electrical circuit for producing a high voltage at a high frequency with very little current and an elongated and electrically insulated electrical conductive member coupled to the circuit for producing an electrical discharge when in close proximity to a metal object in the ground. The electrical circuit is capable of producing 50,000 volts and higher. In using the apparatus, the electrical conductive member may be moved to scan the ground over a metal object to obtain an image of the shape of the metal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Thermally energized electrical power source
    Patent number: 5637946
    Abstract: An electrical device functions as a thermally energized DC power source. The device has a base plate of conductive metal. A number of electrode points protrude upward from the base plate, terminating in a sharp edge. A collection plate of conductive metal is positioned above the sharp upper edges of the electrode points. The gap between the electrode points and between the collection plate and the electrode points is electrically insulated. An electrical potential exists between the base plate and the upper collection plate while the device is at and above room temperature. The potential difference increases as the temperature increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Towed target
    Patent number: 5497156
    Abstract: A towed target or decoy serves to avoid heat-seeking and radar missile attacks on a jet aircraft. The decoy has a body with a nose and a sidewall. A ring surrounds the body and the spaced from it. The interior of the ring and the exterior of the body have reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces reflect heat energy from the exhaust in various directions. This creates a greater heat signal than from the aircraft itself, attracting heat-seeking missiles. The decoys nest within one another and are deployed from an ejection housing mounted to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • System and method for electromagnetic propulsion fan
    Patent number: 6606578
    Abstract: An electromagnetic propulsion fan includes a hub and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the hub. The electromagnetic propulsion fan also includes a rim coupled to the fan blades such that rotating the rim causes the fan blades to rotate. The rim includes a plurality of magnets coupled thereto. The electromagnetic propulsion fan further includes a plurality of electromagnets in proximity to the rim, the electromagnets controllable to generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic fields of the magnets to cause the rim to rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: J. Kirston Henderson, Boyd B. Bushman
  • Method and apparatus for detecting emitted radiation from interrupted electrons
    Patent number: 6028434
    Abstract: A system for evaluating defects and determining unknown parameters is provided which includes an AC source (10) coupled to a device under test (36). A radiation detector (16) detects radiation emitted from interrupted electrons flowing in the surface of the device under test (36). An analyzer (18) is coupled to the detector (16) for analyzing the output of the detector (16). A processor and memory system (38) is coupled to the analyzer (18) to assist in making determination as to defects or unknown properties of the device under test (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Fort Worth Company
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Detection system
    Patent number: 5504486
    Abstract: A detection system will detect targets against a fixed background if the target is of a type emitting a gaseous plume. The detection system directs electromagnetic energy, preferably radio frequency signals, toward the fixed background in an area of suspected target activity. The detection system has a receiver which detects reflected electromagnetic energy from the fixed background. The system will identify anomalous variations in range. The variations occur as a result of refraction of the electromagnetic energy wave passing through the gaseous exhaust stream. This indicates a probable target which is creating exhaust plume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Apparatus powered using laser supplied energy
    Patent number: 5542247
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are providing for converting energy into thrust, and directing the thrust to move an object. The apparatus includes a chamber having air disposed therein, a pulsed laser for converting an energy source into light pulses, and a lens for receiving the light pulses and directing the light pulses toward a focal point within the chamber. Each light pulse converges in a region which is proximate to the focal point and causes molecules within the air which are at the region to disassociate. Disassociation of the molecules generates pressure waves which provide thrust for powering the object to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Thrust producing apparatus
    Patent number: 5511044
    Abstract: A device for producing thrust has a variety of uses, such as pumping liquid, compressing or blowing air, or powering an aircraft. The device has a chamber with a sound driver located therein. The sound driver creates a compression standing wave in the chamber which will have at least one low pressure node and at least two high pressure peaks. An intake port extends through the chamber and is located adjacent the low pressure node for drawing in a fluid into the chamber. A discharge port extends through the chamber and is located adjacent the high pressure peak for discharging fluid from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Object detector
    Patent number: 5404225
    Abstract: A device will assist in detecting man-made objects by using a liquid crystal retarder and a stationary polarizer. The liquid crystal retarder shifts impinging light 90 degrees between a nonrotated and a rotated mode. In the nonrotated mode, the retarder is essentially transparent, with the light passing through the retarder and through the polarizer. In the rotated mode, the impinging light will be rotated 90 degrees. An observer viewing the light passing through the polarizer will detect a difference or a flashing, with the rate depending upon the speed of oscillation between the rotated and nonrotated modes. The system can be employed with visible light optical systems such as binoculars, or with an infrared detector or video camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Object detection system
    Patent number: 5430448
    Abstract: A detection system will detect and identify self-propelled objects, such as missiles, which create a hot exhaust plume. The exhaust plume has radiation which flickers with a frequency range of interest. This frequency range can be detected with various detectors, such as an ultraviolet detector or radio frequency detector. A warning signal will indicate if frequencies are encountered within the frequency range of interest. The detecting system will also detect light and radio frequency radiation from pressure waves created by supersonic components of the flying object. This radiation has low frequency components which can be filtered and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Position identification device using an accelerometer
    Patent number: 5492010
    Abstract: A device for determining position uses three voltage dividers. Each voltage divider is a metal conductor having a head on one end and two legs on an opposite end. The tips of the legs of each of the bodies are located in planes which are perpendicular to the other bodies. A DC voltage is applied to the head of each of the bodies to create first and second electron flow paths. The voltage across each flow path is monitored. A difference in voltage of flow path relative to the other indicates a change in velocity in a direction wherein one leg leads the other leg. The voltage change correlates to acceleration. By timing the duration, velocity and distance travelled are computed. When mounted aboard a plane, vehicle, ship or spacecraft the unit displays a continous "present location".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Object detector
    Patent number: 5543917
    Abstract: A method for detecting objects while eliminating unwanted background utilizes polarizing contrasts. A lens systems focuses light from the field of view through a beam splitter. One beam passes to a digitizer through a polarizer which polarizes the beam at one angle. The other beam is reflected to another polarizer, which is located at a 90.degree. angle relative to the first polarizer. The pixels from the polarized images are digitized. A processor compares the corresponding pixels, subtracting one from the other to find a polarizing contrast. A range that can be varied will display only those pixels which have polarizing contrasts within the selected range. The selection of the range will either include or eliminate the background while displaying man-made targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Radiation communication system
    Patent number: 5680135
    Abstract: An aircraft has an exhaust flame or plume which can be modulated to communicate. A sound emitter is mounted to the aircraft for emitting acoustic waves into the exhaust plume. An encoder will control the emitter at selected digital sequence to provide a digital message. The flame or plume will radiate at a frequency range of interest depending on the type of aircraft. The sound waves cause the frequencies to change from a continuous spectrum to a spectrum which has a much lower amplitude. A detector remotely located from the aircraft will detect radiation. It filters frequencies outside of the frequency range of interest. It will discriminate between the modulated pattern and the continuous pattern. This output provides the digital code that was encoded by the encoder. A decoder will decode the message for the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Heat radiation detection system
    Patent number: 5428221
    Abstract: A detection system will detect and identify self-propelled objects, such as missiles, which create a hot exhaust plume. The exhaust plume has radiation which modulates with a frequency range of interest. This frequency range can be detected with various detectors, such as an infrared detector, an ultraviolet detector, or even a radio frequency detector. Guided missiles have radiation frequencies which are much higher than the radiation frequencies of jet aircraft and of reciprocating engines. A filter will filter the output signals from the detector, and discard those outside of the frequency range of interest. A warning signal will indicate if frequencies are encountered within the frequency range of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Object detection system
    Patent number: 5264916
    Abstract: A device will detect man-made objects by using a polarizer. The polarizer rotates about an axis in front of a lens array. The rotation of the polarizer alternately polarizes light received in proportion to the speed of rotation. This produces flashing in intensity for detecting the object as well as background rejection due to its lack of polarization. A man-made object having both horizontal and vertical surfaces of a type that will reflect light that can be polarized will provide flashing through the lens array as the polarizer passes through horizontal and vertical position. On the other hand, backgrounds don't have polarized components and won't flash. Attention is drawn to the man-made target. The background can also be electronically eliminated from the observed scene, permitting precise lock-on to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Variable ratio angled magnetic drive
    Patent number: 6411001
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses an angled magnetic drive that includes a motor for generating rotary motion about a first axis. This angled magnetic drive also includes a driving member coupled to the motor and rotated by it. The driving member includes a plurality of magnets coupled to one of its faces. This magnetic drive additionally includes a driven member that is mounted to rotate about a second axis, which is oriented at an angle to the first axis. At least part of a face of the driven member is located in proximity to the face of the driving member such that the driven member is magnetically coupled to the driving member when the motor rotates the driving member thereby causing the driving member to rotate, the rotation of the driving member producing rotation of the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: J. Kirston Henderson, Boyd B. Bushman
  • Object locator
    Patent number: 5452089
    Abstract: A search light employs variable polarization angles to enhance target identification. The search light shines a beam of light which may be directed across terrain. The beam of light is alternated in polarization angles at a rate of about five to twelve cycles per second. The alternating contrast in polarization angles produces flashing to an observer viewing certain targets struck by the beam of light. The flashing appears when striking man-made objects which tend to have a differential in polarized light between horizontal and vertical polarization. Natural objects do not appear to provide the flashing to the observer. The rotating polarization angles are accomplished in one instance by using a stationary polarizer and a liquid crystal retarder mounted in front of a light source. In another instance, the change in polarization angles is accomplished by rotating a polarizer in front of a light source. The light source may be infrared, visible or ultraviolet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
  • Object discriminator
    Patent number: 5345308
    Abstract: A device will detect man-made objects by using a polarizer mounted to a video camera. The polarizer rotates about an axis in front of a lens array of the video camera. The rotation of the polarizer alternately polarizes light received in proportion to the speed of rotation. This produces flashing in intensity for detecting the object as well as background rejection due to its lack of polarization. A man-made object having both horizontal and vertical surfaces of a type that will reflect light that can be polarized will provide flashing through the lens array as the polarizer passes through horizontal and vertical position. On the other hand, backgrounds don't have polarized components and won't flash. Attention is drawn to the man-made target. A high pass filter between the video signal processor and the monitor reduces background from the observed scene, permitting precise lock-on to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman
Narrow Results

Filter by US Classification