Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kyle Eppele
  • Low cost interference reduction system for GPS receivers
    Patent number: 6590528
    Abstract: A low-cost interference reduction system reduces interfering and jamming signals in a global positioning system receiver for such applications as rotating weapons and hand-held GPS receivers. A pair of antennas having a spin symmetric gain pattern receive global positioning system signals and interfering signals. An antijam electronics function connected to the antennas processes the global positioning system signals and the interfering signals to produce an output signal with reduced interfering signal levels. The global positioning system receiver is connected to the antijam electronics function for processing the global positioning system signals into position solutions and for providing a power detector output and a clock output to the antijam electronics function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas V. DeWulf
  • Interference-aided navigation with temporal beam forming in rotating vehicles
    Patent number: 6587078
    Abstract: An interference-aided signal acquisition and tracking system with temporal beam forming for a rotating vehicle enhances signal to noise ratio using interference or jamming signals. An antenna receives interference signals and desired navigation signals. A RF processing function connected to the antenna processes the received interference signals and the desired navigation signals into IF signals. An A/D converter connected to the RF processing function digitizes the interference signals and desired navigation signals and provides a digitized IF signal. A tracking filter tracks amplitude variations of the interference signals and provides a rotation angle estimate signal of the rotating vehicle. A signal modulation function connected to the tracking filter and the A/D converter varies gain of the IF signal to enhance the signal to noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Doty
  • Multiple virtual machine system with efficient cache memory design
    Patent number: 6587937
    Abstract: A multiple virtual machine system with a microprocessor for executing instructions and issuing memory reads and writes to a current partition of a plurality of partitions. The multiple virtual machine may contain a partition management unit for receiving the memory reads and writes from the microprocessor for the current partition. A current partition cache is selected by the partition management unit for the current partition to receive the current partition memory reads and writes from the partition management unit. The current partition cache resolves memory read hits and misses. A next partition cache is selected by the partition management unit when the next partition becomes active on the microprocessor to receive next partition memory reads and writes from the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Jensen, Steven E. Koenck
  • Multi-function latch device for a module unit
    Patent number: 6579029
    Abstract: A multi-function latch device which includes a latch base and a latch body rotationally connected to the latch base to rotate about a fulcrum between a latched position and unlatched position. The latch body rotates about the fulcrum to form first and second body portions of the latch body extending in opposed directions from the fulcrum. The first body portion includes a latch fixture rotatable with the latch body between the latched position and the unlatched position for selectively securing a module unit in the base unit and ejecting the module unit from the base unit. In the unlatched position, the second body portion forms a lever arm for inserting or removing the module unit relative to the base unit. The module unit is biased toward the base unit in the latched position to provide a desired electrical connection between connector plugs or plug sockets on the module and base units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Sevde, Charles L. Miksch
  • Reduced gate count differentiator
    Patent number: 6581082
    Abstract: A polynomial expansion of the z-transform characterization of an n'th order differentiator component's output is utilized to implement a differentiator having reduced gates. The differentiator component comprises at least one adder and a plurality of latches, both having inputs and outputs. The connection of the inputs and outputs is dependent on a polynomial expansion of the z-transform characterization of the differentiator components output. A method of reducing gates in an Nth order differentiator component includes characterizing the differentiator component's output by a z-transform. A polynomial expansion of the z-transform characterization is used to implement a differentiator. A differentiator that is implemented based on a polynomial expansion utilizes fewer gates to achieve the same mathematical function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Paul L. Opsahl
  • Split PPS/SPS architecture for military aircraft flying in civilian airspace
    Patent number: 6577951
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a navigation system suitable for use in civilian airspace includes a first precise positioning service (PPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver in a first line replaceable unit (LRU). A second standard positioning service (SPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver in either the same line replaceable unit (LRU) or in a second line replaceable unit (LRU) is also included. The second standard positioning service (SPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver is suitable for at least one of certification, upgrade and replacement independent of the first precise positioning service (PPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Johnson, Richard J. Ross
  • Method and apparatus for identification of hazards along an intended travel route
    Patent number: 6577947
    Abstract: Targets proximate to a travel route plan were evaluated to determine hazardousness. Projected geometric representation of a vehicle determines intrusion of hazardous targets along travel route plan. Geometric representation of hazardous targets projected along motion vector to determine intrusion upon travel route plan. Intrusion assessment presented on user display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kronfeld, Mary Beth Lapis, Karen L. Walling, Mathew S. Chackalackal
  • Multi-mode display using an electronically controlled mirror
    Patent number: 6574030
    Abstract: A display includes a light source and a filter positioned to receive light from the light source. An electronically controlled mirror can direct light through the filter in a first mode of operation and not through the filter in a second mode of operation. The display can be utilized in an avionics display system with night vision equipment. The electronically controlled mirror can be a reversible electrochemical mirror (REM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Mosier
  • System and method for optically and mechanically coupling an avionics line replaceable unit with other equipment on an aircraft
    Patent number: 6574020
    Abstract: An avionics system for communication between avionics LRUs in an aircraft cockpit instrument panel in which each avionics LRU includes mounted thereon, an optical transceiver and where the aircraft instrument panel has an optical back plane over which signals are sent between the avionics LRU, thereby reducing the need for wiring harnesses customarily associated with interconnecting various avionics LRUs in an aircraft instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Ovens
  • Unifying slot assignment protocol logical neighborhooding
    Patent number: 6574199
    Abstract: A heuristic logical neighborhooding technique is applied to dynamic wireless networking. Logical neighborhooding, provides for the formation of logical neighborhoods across a plurality of channels when such need arises due to increased network density. The technique utilizes a time division multiple access structure including bootstrap slots, broadcast slots, and traffic slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: C. David Young, James A. Stevens, Roy W. Krueger
  • Restraint apparatus for an electronics module
    Patent number: 6574117
    Abstract: A ruggedized electronics module is disclosed. The ruggedized electronics module includes a housing supporting an electronics sub-system device. A module restraint extends from the housing. The module restraint is configured to mate with a complementary shaped restraint on a mounting adapter. The module restraint is configured to restrain the module from movement in six degrees of freedom. The module restraint includes a first surface extending from and sloping away from the housing. The module restraint also includes a second surface extending from and sloping away from the housing. The first surface intersects the second surface and the first and second surfaces slope away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve I. Lebo
  • Method and apparatus for using a scratch pad in a graphical user interface for avionics equipment
    Patent number: 6573914
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for entering data into an avionics system which uses a large multi-functional display, with a graphical user interface, which is capable of direct data entry into pre-selected fields and further includes a scratch pad for temporarily storing data prior to entry into a later selected data field. The scratch pad is capable of receiving stacked data items as well as automatically distributing compound data items to their appropriate display fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Pauly, Matthew T. Smith
  • Method and apparatus for graphically inserting waypoints for a flight management system
    Patent number: 6571171
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting a waypoint into a preexisting flight plan which includes selecting a waypoint on a graphical display of a portion of the flight plan and automatically generating a proposed changed flight plan based upon inserting the waypoint into the nearest leg of the flight plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Pauly
  • Airport surface operation advisory system
    Patent number: 6571166
    Abstract: A head up display system that incorporates conformal and non-conformal views and associated symbology to provide highly informative and intuitive guidance with respect to all aspects of operating an aircraft or other vehicle in a controlled geographical area, by utilizing calculated views from the pilot seat, aircraft speed, and relevant ground operation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Johnson, Paul J. Keas
  • Satellite navigation receiver designed for compatibility with aircraft automatic landing systems
    Patent number: 6570531
    Abstract: A satellite navigational receiver landing system having retrofit compatibility with integrated landing system (ILS) receivers, in accordance with the invention, includes radio frequency circuitry which converts satellite signals into intermediate signals. A first processing channel coupled to the radio frequency circuitry generates a first position, velocity and time (PVT) solution as a function of the intermediate signals, and provides a PVT data output. A second processing channel coupled to the radio frequency circuitry generates a second PVT solution as a function of the intermediate signals. Monitor circuitry provides monitor output signals as a function of the first and second PVT solutions. Shutdown circuitry provides the first PVT solution to the PVT data output under the control of a shutdown signal from the monitor circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Alexander Stratton, Daryl L. McCall, James M. Wolff
  • Display for a high frequency (HF) radio
    Patent number: 6567395
    Abstract: A radio transceiver includes an alternate channel searching algorithm that reduces alternate channel search times. The alternate channel search algorithm determines the actual availability of alternate channels by receiving squitter messages. The alternate channels are ranked according to signal-to-noise ratios and displayed for selection by an operator. The squitter messages are received while the radio is not communicating on the main channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Miller
  • Method and system for generating a balanced feed for RF circuit
    Patent number: 6567055
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a balanced feed from an unbalanced feed, which uses a pair of vertically aligned microstrip traces on opposing sides of a printed circuit board to act as a balun and an antenna array using a collinear dipole array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Oglesby
  • Terrain awareness system having nuisance alarm filter for use during approach
    Patent number: 6567728
    Abstract: An approach suppressed TAWS system and method for suppressing nuisance alarms based upon a determination that an aircraft is properly aligned for landing based upon location within a safe zone defined by a glideslope component and a localizer component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace E. Kelly, Serdar Uckun
  • Aircraft head up display system
    Patent number: 6567014
    Abstract: An aircraft head up display system that displays a basic mode, an en route mode, or an approach/landing mode. When the aircraft attitude changes to predefined unusual attitude conditions, the display changes to an unusual attitude mode to indicate the unusual attitude condition. The display in the unusual attitude mode removes non-essential symbols and displays the aircraft air speed, altitude and attitude. The attitude display includes an unusual attitude ball display containing a horizon symbol, a series of simulated section lines to indicate an area below the horizon, a pitch ladder, a water line indicator, and a roll indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hansen, Robert B. Wood, Brian Hartman
  • Low cost hybrid video distribution system for aircraft in-flight entertainment systems
    Patent number: RE38142
    Abstract: An aircraft entertainment system employing a hybrid video distribution system that permits distribution of direct broadcast satellite television programming to passengers of the aircraft. The aircraft entertainment system has a video control center 11, a plurality of groups of set display units 40, and a plurality of audio and video processors 20 that control routing of programming to each seat display unit. A plurality of seat junction boxes 30 may be interposed between the audio and video processors 20 and the groups of seat display units 40. An antenna 12 is receives programming from a satellite, and a splitter 13 generates a plurality of channels of programming received by the antenna 12. A decoder 14 decodes the channels to provide video and audio signals, and an RF modulator 16 modulates the decoded audio and video signals for distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Dickie J. Berry, Lawrence E. Girard, Richard E. Sklar