Patents Represented by Attorney Donna P. Suchy
  • Patent number: 8217957
    Abstract: A system generates continuous texture environment based on mipmapped texture and photographic images such that each mipmapped image has a plurality of mipmap level representations of a particular texture or photographic image. The system can include a delta value dataset configured to store a plurality of delta values for the texture images and photographic images. The system further includes an absolute value dataset configured to store a plurality of absolute values for the photographic images to be displayed in the continuous texture environment. The system yet further includes an environment processor configured to generate the continuous texture environment. The environment processor includes a blending processor configured to blend the photographic imagery and texture images to remove discontinuities using the delta values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Isaacson
  • Patent number: 8217836
    Abstract: A navigation system/solution, suitable for use in a GPS-denied environment, may be implemented via a node, the node being mounted on-board a vehicle, such as a tactical aircraft. The system/solution allows for a single component of the node to obtain/determine a bearing measurement (via an orientation transfer scheme) and a range measurement (via a round trip timing scheme) based upon signals transmitted between the node and a second node, and further allows for the bearing and range measurements to be received and processed by a navigation processor of the node for determining a location of the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Anderson, Patrick Y. Hwang, Joseph M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8218781
    Abstract: The present examples provide for the cancellation, or substantial reduction, of fan noise typically encountered in equipment cooling applications. Local audio nulls may be created by adjusting fan velocity and/or phase to cancel the fan noise near an operator. In a first example, phase and velocity of the fan may be controlled by feedback techniques. This technique utilizes feedback provided by a microphone located in the proximity of the operator to create an area of audio nulling of the fan noise. Local audio nulls may also be created by manipulating fan, phase and velocity by a controller that implements a process to create local audio nulls using the fixed position of equipment and the operator in the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Swanke
  • Patent number: 8217839
    Abstract: A stripline antenna feed network is described. The stripline antenna feed network may comprise a first stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters and one or more matched splitters; and a second stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters. A method of manufacturing a stripline antenna feed network may comprise operably coupling a first stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters and one or more matched splitters to a second stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee M. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8218934
    Abstract: A power amplifying apparatus comprises a base layer hosting a power supply, a core insulating layer, a growth layer, and a high power amplifier layer. The high power amplifier layer hosts a control section, a first drive and amplification section, an electrical (RF) signal to optical signal converter section, a plurality of photolithically defined substrate channels forming embedded optical waveguide structures for optical signal routing, an optical signal to electrical signal converter section, a second drive and amplification section, and at least one high frequency and high breakdown voltage power transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen W. Jones, Don L. Landt
  • Patent number: 8217807
    Abstract: An operational flight phase determination and indication system for an aircraft includes input/output circuitry for receiving an operational flight phase selector output signal and aircraft sensor signals. A processor is coupled to the input/output circuitry. A flight phase data table is coupled to the processor. The flight phase data table includes a list of the defined operational flight phases for the aircraft. A flight phase transition rules set is coupled to the processor. The flight phase transition rules set includes flight rules for defining flight phase transitions. Program memory and working memory are coupled to the processor. The processor uses input from the input/output circuitry, the flight phase data table, the flight phase transition rules set, the program memory and the working memory to provide an operational mode signal indicating the operational mode of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Carrico
  • Patent number: 8213821
    Abstract: A method of synchronizing the timing of a plurality of physically coupled print engines using a small delta time increment. According to the first mode of practice, the second electrophotographic module, designated as E2, is started at a slower operating speed than its normal run speed. The PI control algorithm that controls the motor speed will then allow the speed of E2 to reach its nominal speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Young, David J. Fuest, Ronald W. Stephens, Donald J. Lewandoski
  • Patent number: 8205337
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for fabricating a thermal spreader. The method may include laminating a plurality of layer portions together to fabricate a mechanically flexible substrate. The method may further include providing an internal channel within the mechanically flexible substrate, the internal channel configured for containing an electrically-conductive liquid, the internal channel being further configured to allow for closed-loop flow of the electrically-conductive liquid within the internal channel. The method may further include integrating a pump with the mechanically flexible substrate. The method may further include fabricating a plurality of rigid metal inserts. The method may further include forming a plurality of extension portions on a surface of each rigid metal insert included in the plurality of rigid metal inserts. The method may further include connecting the plurality of rigid metal inserts to the mechanically flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan P. Lower, Ross K. Wilcoxon, James R. Wooldridge, David W. Dlouhy
  • Patent number: 8203480
    Abstract: A method of detecting weather on an aircraft uses a weather radar system. The method adapts the weather radar system in accordance with a time-of-year parameter, a time-of-day parameter, and/or a location parameter to remove ground clutter reflectivity. The method includes determining the particular parameter and automatically adjusting the weather radar system to display the weather in response to the parameter. The system can be implemented in hardware and/or software and can advantageously predict and identify weather and/or weather hazards more precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Roy E. Robertson, Peter A. Olander, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Patent number: 8204411
    Abstract: An electrostatic printing method in which the toning shell and the magnetic core each rotate in a co-current direction with the imaging member such that the portion of the toning shell adjacent to the image development area moves in a process direction, and the magnetic core rotates in the same direction as the toning shell such that a the average developer bulk velocity (ADBV) of the developer on the toning shell is in the same direction and proportional to the photoconductor velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Eric C. Stelter, Joseph E. Guth
  • Patent number: 8199677
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for propagating routing information in a wireless network. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes defining a set of artery nodes to propagate distance vector routing information throughout the wireless network. The set of artery nodes may broadcast distance vector routing information to neighboring network nodes. The method may also include receiving distance vector routing information by the neighboring nodes to modify distance vector routing tables defined within each of the neighboring nodes. The set of artery nodes may then re-broadcast distance vector routing information in order to propagate distance vector routing information throughout the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Amis, James A. Stevens, Charles D. Young
  • Patent number: 8200433
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) view combined with information from navigation charts. The operator of a vehicle is not required to mentally combine separate SVS view and navigation charts, increasing situational awareness and decreasing complexity. A synthetic terrain representation is generated, combined with navigation chart information, and displayed. Additionally, the combination may include an indicator indicating the intended path of the current planned course. The combination may be generated with less detailed navigation chart information when further away or more detailed navigation chart information when close, displaying more detail as landmarks are approached. The combination may include indicators representing one or more navigation aids based on information in the navigation charts. The combination may include text based on navigation chart information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Siniff, Jason D. Marmur
  • Patent number: 8200378
    Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting NOTAM information are disclosed. A plurality of sources may be used for providing navigation data, terrain data, NOTAM data, and object data. After receiving this data, a NOTAM display generating processor may generate a NOTAM image data set as a function of the navigation data, terrain data, NOTAM data, and object data. The NOTAM image data set may be representative of NOTAM information presented in a three-dimensional perspective of a scene outside an aircraft, where NOTAM information may comprise non-textual NOTAM information, textual NOTAM information, or both. After being generated, the NOTAM image data set may be provided to a presentation system where NOTAM information may be presented on at least one tactical display unit such as a head-down display unit and/or a head-up display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Y. Chiew, David A. Frank
  • Patent number: 8199457
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microfabricated RF capacitor. The capacitor includes two signal wirebond pads configured for being connected to an electrical current source. The capacitor further includes two backbone structures which are connected to the wirebond pads and receive electrical current from the electrical current source via the wirebond pads, each backbone structure including a first backbone portion and a second backbone portion. The capacitor further includes a plurality of protrusions which are connected to the backbone portions of the backbone structures. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other. Further, the protrusions are configured for distributing current received by the backbone structures and for promoting structural stability of the capacitor. The capacitor further includes a ground wall structure which may be configured for receiving ground current from a ground current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Palandech, Nathan P. Lower, Mark M. Mulbrook, Nathaniel P. Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 8193948
    Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting runway advisory information are disclosed. A runway reference may be established using data received from a source of navigation reference data, where such data could represent runway information, runway awareness zone information, landing awareness zone information, and/or runway threshold line information. Navigation data representative of at least aircraft location and input factor data may be received from a source. Phase of flight may be determined using input factor data, and a runway advisory data set may be generated as a function of phase of flight and the positional relationship between aircraft location and the runway reference. Runway advisory data set may be representative of advisory information comprised of visual runway advisory information, aural runway advisory information, tactile advisory information, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Shapiro, Alena L. Benson, Matthew J. Carrico, Randy H. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8191824
    Abstract: An integrated load sensing system includes a housing including a coupling pin portion thereof. A bridge circuit includes a set of strain gauges bonded to the coupling pin portion. A bridge circuit excitation, error correction, and amplification (BCEECA) subsystem is operatively connected to the bridge circuit for receiving indications of shear load from the strain gauges, correcting signal error, and amplifying the indications of shear load. The BCEECA subsystem provides amplified output signals. A power conditioning module is operatively connected to the BCEECA subsystem for receiving power from an external power supply and conditioning power to an appropriate state for driving the bridge circuit as well as an appropriate state for error correction and amplification circuitry within the BCEECA subsystem. A logic module compares the amplified output signals to a predetermined signal threshold and provides latching of enunciation in accordance with a selected delay after the threshold is surpassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Milad A. Shaheen, Andrew M. Wright
  • Patent number: 8193981
    Abstract: The present invention is a geolocation system for providing coordinated sensing and precision geolocation of a target emitter. The system may include a Quint Networking Technology (QNT) subsystem which may be configured receiving, detecting and identifying a target emitter signal. The QNT subsystem may be further configured for extracting a carrier phase of the signal. The system may further include a Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS) subsystem for determining a position of the geolocation system relative to a position of a second geolocation system. Further, the system may be configured for communicating with the second geolocation system via a QNT communication data link for: determining a QNT time difference via signal carrier phase differencing for calculating a time difference between the geolocation systems and geolocating the target emitter based on both the relative position information of the geolocation systems and the calculated time difference between the geolocation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Y. Hwang, Gary A. McGraw, Robert J. Frank
  • Patent number: 8195105
    Abstract: The present example provides for adaptive preset gain control. Adaptive Preset gain control may initially utilize calibration look up table values to initially set a power amplifier's gain. Subsequent additional corrections are determined and an adaptation look up table is created and applied to bring operation within tolerance. To maintain the amplifier within tolerance additional corrections may also be determined and added to the Adaptation Look Up table. In an alternative example the Calibration Look Up Table may be omitted, with a first transmission through the power amplifier acting as a training event. The Adaptation Look Up Table, may, by storing the last corrections form a history of prior operation which may be used as built in test to indicate potential system failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan R. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8188972
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing a visual indicator which indicates functions of multi-purpose controls in a current cursor location context. The method includes providing a current cursor location context. The method further includes providing a visual indicator based on the current cursor location context. The visual indicator indicates a function of a multi-purpose control. The multi-purpose control is configured for allowing a user to interact with a cursor at the cursor's current location within the current cursor location context. Further, indicating the function of the multi-purpose control includes, prior to activation of the multi-purpose control, providing information regarding an interaction to take place with the cursor when the multi-purpose control is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Krenz, Pamela K. Hahn, Colin D. Reed, Bryan C. Schultz, David L. Leedom
  • Patent number: 8188783
    Abstract: A power amplifier comprising a distributed signal pre-driver, an AM Modulation Driver and a Switch Power Supply driving optically-powered and optically-switched GaN-based switches which are stacked and operated in a complementary fashion and are amplitude modulated using optically-powered and optically-switched charge pumps to produce the modulated rail voltages which in turn produces the desired AM signal modulation controlled by a high-speed feedback. The optically-coupled, isolated switching elements, OCIS, provide inherent isolation between switching devices and between stacked, switching devices and ground thus enabling true switch behavior of each switching element which is independent of the other elements and independent of the voltage conditions on the switched terminals. In the preferred embodiment most of the devices are formed using Aluminum-Gallium-Nitride/Gallium-Nitride HEMTs on a monolithic microwave integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Don L. Landt, Christopher Kalmar