Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kyle Eppele
  • Scheduling techniques for receiver directed broadcast applications
    Patent number: 6781967
    Abstract: Scheduling techniques for communication applications using receiver directed broadcast schemes are disclosed. The invention includes techniques for the implicit reservation of receive slots and techniques for the optimization of receiver directed broadcast schedules. The implicit reservation scheme includes the mechanics of implicit reservation. Implicitly reserved slots can be reclaimed by their owners. Further, simultaneous implicit reservations can be identified and resolved. Procedures are also provided for determining the number of channels and slots required to optimize a receiver directed broadcast schedule for a neighborhood of a given number of nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: C. David Young
  • System software architecture for a passenger entertainment system, method and article of manufacture
    Patent number: 6782392
    Abstract: A passenger entertainment system is configured and operated using system software to route and process passenger transactions from requesting computer processors and dispatch appropriate resources to fulfill the transactions. To achieve this, passenger transactions are transmitted to a message processor, which decodes them and generates a request in a predetermined format. The request is transmitted to a transaction dispatcher that routes the request to a passenger entertainment service manager. The passenger entertainment service manager generates a response to the request message by querying files in a database. Appropriate resources are dispatched to service the passenger transactions that are defined in the response to the query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Weinberger, Douglas C. Infiesto, Mark Ackland
  • Enhanced time-shared data correlator architecture and method
    Patent number: 6779009
    Abstract: An enhanced architecture time-shared data correlator for performing a predetermined number of correlation processes. A data shift register receives input data and loads the input data. A reference shift register receives reference data and loads and circulates the reference data. A pulse correlator connected to the shift register and the reference shift register correlates the input data with the corresponding reference data and provides a pulse correlator output. An accumulator connected to the pulse correlator receives and adds the pulse correlator outputs from the correlation processes to produce a correlator output corresponding to the predetermined number of correlation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Eric O. Zuber
  • Data communication techniques for real time data transmission
    Patent number: 6771626
    Abstract: An communication scheme is disclosed. A collection of data samples is gathered and stored. One or more communication slot opportunities for the participant are identified in the time division communication scheme. Gathered data can be retrieved by an agent at a time just prior to communication. The agent can retrieve data according to a priority scheme. The retrieved data can then be loaded into a packet and transmitted in the communication slot opportunity to which its agent is related. The agents can be queued instead of the actual data to be communicated. Further, agents can be queued such that each level in the queue relates to a different communication slot opportunity. In addition, a plurality of agents can be activated to gather data to be communicated in a single communication slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Golubiewski, C. David Young
  • Dual mode satellite terminal for emergency operation
    Patent number: 6771977
    Abstract: A multi-channel mobile satellite communication system for normal operation within spotbeams and during emergency operation, beyond the normal limit of a spotbeam. The system involves terminating non-emergency calls, then increasing the transmission power on the one channel to carry the emergency call, to a level above the normally acceptable transmission power levels, thereby permitting an extended range for emergency calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Campbell
  • Block decision directed equalization method and apparatus
    Patent number: 6763064
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving data over a dispersive media is disclosed. The received signal is composed of an unknown data segment preceded and followed by known data segments. A replica of each known data segment is generated by the communication apparatus. Channel characteristics existing at the time of transmission of the known data segments are estimated by comparing the known data segments with the replica. Using estimations of the channel characteristics, symbols of the unknown data segment can be determined. Decisions can be made on the various unknown symbols as they are analyzed. Channel characteristics can be re-estimated after determining each symbol, each pair of symbols or each group of symbols. Two solutions of the unknown symbols can be combined in various ways to arrive at a final determination of the unknown transmitted symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Joseph T. Graf, Thomas L. Tapp
  • Block decision feedback equalization method and apparatus
    Patent number: 6760374
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving data over a dispersive media is disclosed. The received signal is composed of an unknown data segment preceded and followed by known data segments. The communication apparatus generates a replica of the known data segments. Channel characteristics existing at the time of transmission of the known data segments are estimated by comparing the known data segments with the replica. The symbols of the unknown data segment are then determined via application of a QR factorization. Factorization can be accomplished via Householder transformation, Givens rotation or fast Givens rotation. Decisions can be made on the various unknown symbols as they are analyzed and then fed back via back substitution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Tapp, Joseph T. Graf
  • Synthetic pressure altitude determining system and method of integrity monitoring from a pressure sensor
    Patent number: 6757624
    Abstract: A method of generating a synthetic pressure altitude is disclosed. The method includes providing a static air temperature to a data processing device. The method also includes receiving a geometric altitude from a geometric altitude sensing device and performing a numerical integration based on the static air temperature and the geometric altitude resulting in a synthetic pressure altitude. The method further includes receiving a pressure altitude from a pressure altitude sensing device, comparing the pressure altitude and the synthetic pressure altitude and generating an average of the pressure altitude and the synthetic pressure altitude. The method still further includes providing selectively, based on the comparing step, the average as output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Patrick Y. Hwang, Gary A. McGraw
  • Electronic module restraint apparatus
    Patent number: 6747866
    Abstract: A ruggedized electronics module is disclosed. The ruggedized electronics module includes a housing supporting an electronic subsystem device. The housing is environmentally sealed. The ruggedized electronics module also includes a module restraint extending from the housing the 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Steve I. Lebo, Scott J. Sellner
  • Enhancements for GPS based bi-static radar
    Patent number: 6744408
    Abstract: A bi-static radar system is disclosed. The bi-static radar system comprises a system of positioning signal transmitters transmitting positioning signals, at least one of the positioning system signal transmitters being carried on a pseudolite. The bi-static radar system also comprises a receiving platform, the receiving platform having at least two antennas, a first antenna receiving positioning signals from the positioning signal transmitters, and a second antenna receiving reflected positioning signals from a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Michael H. Stockmaster
  • Method and apparatus for guiding an aircraft through a cluster of hazardous areas
    Patent number: 6744382
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying weather and other hazard information to a pilot with additional content which helps a pilot avoid no-fly-zones and to prepare a new flight path through a group of widely scattered thunderstorms. The display shows a no-fly-zone around the storm and the no-fly-zone is depicted differently, depending upon variables, such as distance from the aircraft, velocity of the storm being tracked and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Mary Beth Lapis, Karen L. Walling, Kevin M. Kronfeld
  • Modular electronics system chassis
    Patent number: 6741466
    Abstract: A chassis for a ruggedized modular electronics system is disclosed. The chassis includes an open support structure that is configured to support ruggedized electronics modules. The open support structure allows ambient airflow around the exterior of the ruggedized electronics modules. A first electrical connector is supported by the support structure and a second electrical connector is supported by the support structure. The second electrical connector is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Steve I. Lebo
  • Adaptive radar thresholds system and method
    Patent number: 6741203
    Abstract: A system and method for adapting weather radar gain is disclosed. The system and method includes estimating a freezing altitude. The system and method also includes determining, based on the freezing-altitude estimate, the altitude of more than one atmospheric layer. The system and method further includes determining the proportion of a radar beam sample in each atmospheric layer and adjusting the radar gain, based on the proportion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Daniel L. Woodell
  • Dual receiver for a on-board entertainment system
    Patent number: 6741841
    Abstract: A communication system is provided for use with a mobile platform. The communication system can be configured to store video data on-board to allow pseudo-live or live broadcasts to be played as the mobile platform traverses a number of broadcasts regions. The mobile platforms can be automobiles, aircraft, boats, ships, trains, or other vehicles. The communication system allows Internet access, movies, and other entertainment and business functions to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: James P. Mitchell
  • Dual-mode switched aperture/weather radar antenna array feed
    Patent number: 6741208
    Abstract: A weather radar antenna for radiating a desired beam formed by feeding quadrants of the antenna uses a dual-mode switched aperture antenna feed. The dual-mode switched antenna feed has an input divider that splits the input signal. A left switch switches the split input signal using a left first diode and a left second diode to top left and bottom right quadrants of the antenna. A right switch switches the split input signal using a right first diode and a right second diode to top right and bottom left quadrants of the antenna. The diodes are forward and reverse biased as required to feed top, bottom, left and right portions of the antenna to obtain the desired beam. When all the diodes are reversed biased the split signal is fed to all quadrants of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: James B. West, Kenneth R. Stinson
  • Vector extended range correlation tracking of global positioning system (GPS) signals
    Patent number: 6738015
    Abstract: A vector extended range correlation (ERC) apparatus and method tracks signals transmitted from satellites in a GPS network in extremely low signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) environments. A GPS receiver antenna receives the signals transmitted from the satellite, and the signals are converted into digital input signals for each satellite on individual channels. A pseudorange error measurement is generated for each individual channel, and the pseudorange error measurements for all of the individual channels are operated on to generate line-of-sight (LOS) signal tracking commands for each individual channel that are based on the pseudorange error measurements for all of the individual channels. Timing and frequency states for each individual channel are updated based on the LOS signal tracking commands for the respective individual channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Paul D. Linhart, Gary A. Mc Graw, Bernard A. Schnaufer
  • Anti-reversal end cap for universal passenger control unit
    Patent number: 6735309
    Abstract: An anti-reversal end cap with tab to prevent improper stowage of a handset into its cradle. The end cap is formed by joining two members together to route a cable from an in-flight entertainment system to the handset. The end cap has a protruding tab which interferes with the cradle if the handset is improperly stowed. The end cap can be taken apart to free the cable from the handset such that the cable does not need to be re-terminated. The tab on the end cap has a generally wedged shape to prevent binding with the cradle and to ensure smooth ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lemanski, David M. Whitmer, Joel D. Royer
  • Flexible heating system having high transmissivity
    Patent number: 6727468
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes an LCD panel providing a surface. A flexible heating system of the invention includes a substantially transparent flexible sheet substrate disposed adjacent the surface of the LCD panel and a substantially transparent resistive heating element formed on the flexible sheet substrate. One or more serpentine shaped thermal sensors are formed in the resistive heating element. Control circuitry coupled to the serpentine shaped thermal sensors and to the substantially transparent resistive heating element and other heaters controls the heating element and other heaters based resistances of the serpentine shaped thermal sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Paul R. Nemeth
  • Detection of signals transmitted by frequency-shift keying modulation techniques
    Patent number: 6724836
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting signals transmitted via frequency-shift keying techniques. An observation window encompassing a frequency band is defined and searched for received tones, the frequency spacing between received tones is calculated and compared to known FSK modulation techniques to determine whether at least part of a transmission is potentially present. The transmission may be an automatic link establishment signal. A histogram can store data on received tones. The observation window can be shifted to center a potential FSK transmission for parallel modem processing that will attempt to demodulate and decode it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Joseph T. Graf, James C. Gregory
  • Computational enhancements for space-frequency adaptive processing (SFAP).
    Patent number: 6724344
    Abstract: A signal processing system is disclosed. The signal processing system comprises an antenna receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal. The signal processing system also comprises radio frequency circuitry coupled to the RF antenna, an analog to digital converter coupled to the RF circuitry and converting an analog signal from the RF circuitry to a digital signal. The signal processing further comprises a processing device generating a fast Fourier transform including N bins and an adaptive weight calculator calculating no more than (N/2)+1 weights based on information from at least (N/2)−1 bins, the no more than (N/2)+1 weights being applied to the output of the N bins in a weighted summation. Further, the signal processing system comprises an inverse fast Fourier transform calculator producing an inverse fast Fourier transform using the weighted summation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Michael H. Stockmaster, Charles E. Mc Dowell