Patents Represented by Attorney Louis L. Dachs
  • Patent number: 8246518
    Abstract: The invention is a transmission shifting system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a transmission having a push-pull and rotating member for operating the transmission movable in an H pattern. In detail, the invention includes a first reversible electric motor coupled to the member for moving the member backwards and forwards. A second reversible electric motor is coupled to the member for rotating the member clockwise and counter-clockwise. The second motor coupled to the member by means of a biasing assembly such that a biasing force can be applied to the member when the second motor rotates without the member rotating. A transmission shifter control system is provided for sequencing the operation of the first and second motors so to move the member in the H pattern upon receipt of an actuation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: American Supercars and Prototypes
    Inventors: Christopher Charles Trevino, Gerhard Heinrich Fiedler
  • Patent number: 7834859
    Abstract: The process comprises the steps of: 1) launching the vehicle from the launch site using the first stage booster rocket engine system; 2) separating the at least one upper stage from the first stage booster; 3) terminating operation of the first booster stage rocket engine system; 4) turning the first stage booster back toward the launch site using the aerodynamic flight control system; 5) operating the first stage booster rocket engine system to boost the first stage booster to an altitude sufficient to allow non-powered flight back to the launch side; and 6) landing the first stage booster at the launch site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Barnaby S. Wainfan, Warren W. James, Daniel H. Sokol
  • Patent number: 7634236
    Abstract: The invention is an electronic circuit for testing a receiver. In detail, the circuit includes a RF signal generator providing an RF signal to a first mixer. A first oscillator providing a first signal to the first mixer. The first mixer receives the RF signal and the first signal and provides a first output signal comprising the RF signal plus the first signal and the RF signal minus the first signal. A first filter is coupled to the first mixer for receiving the first output signal and providing a second output signal wherein the RF signal plus the first output signal is removed. A second mixer is coupled to the first filter and is adapted to receive the second output signal and a second input signal from a second oscillator; and provides a third output signal to a second filter. A fourth output signal from the second filter provides a fifth output signal for testing the receiver that is amplitude and temperature insensitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Curtin
  • Patent number: 7627170
    Abstract: The invention is a process for identifying an unknown object. In detail, the process includes the steps of: 1) compiling data on selected features on a plurality of segments of a plurality of known objects; 2) illuminating the unknown object with a laser radar system; 3) dividing the unknown object into a plurality segments corresponding to each of the segments of the known objects; 4) sequentially measuring selected features of each of the plurality of segments of the unknown object; and 5) comparing the sequentially measuring selected features of each of the plurality of segments of the unknown object to the selected features on the plurality of segments of the plurality of known objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Omar Aboutalib, Richard R. Ramroth, Bea Thai
  • Patent number: 7616107
    Abstract: The invention is a combination horn button and gear position indicator system for an automobile, the automobile having wire having a first end terminating at the steering wheel and a second end terminating at least partially down the steering column. In detail, the invention includes a housing movably mounted to the steering wheel, said housing movable from a first position to a second position, with a spring biasing the housing to the first position. horn actuation switch mounted in the housing, which is actuated to a closed position when the housing is moved from the first position to the second position. A gear position indicator is mounted on the housing. Processor circuits for sending the horn actuation switch signal to the horn relay and sending a gear position signal from the transmission to the gear position indicator via the one wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: American Supercars LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Charles Trevino, Gerhard Heinrich Fiedler
  • Patent number: 7608027
    Abstract: A device for holding and organizing items includes an anchor for fastening the device to an object; a strap adapted to secure the items to the device; and a connector, having an upper piece and a lower piece that pivot relative to one another, the upper piece being connected to the anchor and the lower piece being connected to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Armando Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7542135
    Abstract: The invention is a non contact laser inspection self centering device to inspect the counter sink portion of a counter sunk fastener hole on a surface. In detail, the self centering and seating device includes a combination laser transmitter and receiver for transmitting a laser bean across a surface and for receiving the return signal from the surface. A self centering device is attached to the combination laser transmitter and receiver for aligning the laser transmitter with the fastener hole such that the transmitted and received laser beam passes across the center of the counter sink portion of the fastener hole. A computer system is connected to the combination laser transmitter and receiver for analyzing the transmitted and returned laser signal from the surface and determining if the counter sink portion of the hole is within tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Mead, Dennis Bowles
  • Patent number: 7520467
    Abstract: The invention is sensor pod assembly for mounting sensor systems for an aircraft, the aircraft having a fuselage with a longitudinal axis. In detail the sensor pod includes an elongated pod having front and rear ends, the pod removable mountable to the underside of the fuselage of the aircraft aligned with the longitudinal axis. A mounting system is includes to mount at least one container capable of being pressurized in a plurality of locations within the pod along the longitudinal axis, the at least one container including means to mount the sensor systems there within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Anthony Gioffre, James Patrick Healy
  • Patent number: 7485354
    Abstract: The invention is a thermal insulation tile for providing thermal protection of the external surface of a vehicle. In detail, the tile includes a rigid ceramic core having top and bottom surfaces, side surfaces and parallel front and rear surfaces at a 15 to 45 degree angle to said top surface. A cover completely surrounds the core and is bonded thereto. A plurality of rigid rods extends through the core and the cover and are bonded thereto. The rods are at an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees to the top surface of the core, with the angle thereof in an angular direction opposite to the front and rear surfaces of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Arthur Bohner, David Eric Daws
  • Patent number: 7455262
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for paper roll holders in a printer/plotter comprising ring shaped spacers that increase the diameter of the existing end mounted surfaces of the holder such that a larger size paper roll and be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis S. Sava
  • Patent number: 7413764
    Abstract: The invention is a process for repairing a coating having a precise thickness damaged in a specific area. In detail, the process includes the steps of: 1) removing the damaged coating from the specific area; 2) placing a scrim material having a thickness equal to the required thickness of the coating in the specific; and 3) filling the specific area with coating material to the thickness of the scrim material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Mead, Jorge A. Millan
  • Patent number: 7314076
    Abstract: The invention is a device for peeling one or more individual layers of a multilayer shim. In detail the device includes a platform having a surface with a recess. A mechanism is mounted in the recess for mounting the shim and a moving the shim upward such that a portion of the shim is above the surface. A blade assembly is rotatably mounted to the platform, which is rotatable in a plane parallel to the surface. The blade assembly includes a cutting blade mounted thereon, such that said blade is in slidable contact with the surface and movable over the recess. Thus shim can be raised by the mechanism and the portion of the shim requiring removal can be raised above the surface and the blade assembly thereafter can be rotated causing the cutting blade to shear off the portion of the shim above the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Northrup Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Wardell, Tiencheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7278510
    Abstract: The invention is an automatic transmission shifting system for automobile, the automobile having a steering column assembly including a steering wheel at one end and steering column, and an electrical wire having first end terminating at the steering wheel and a second end terminating at least partially down the steering column. The system includes a first shifting actuator mounted to the steering wheel assembly, the first shifting actuator for initiating up shifts in the transmission by movement thereof and providing a first up shift signal to the first end of the wire. A second shifting actuator mounted is on the steering wheel assembly, the second shifting actuator for initiating down shifts in the transmission by movement thereof and providing down shift signals to the first end of the wire. Transmission actuation means is provided for up shifting and down shifting the transmission in response to the first up shifting and the second down shifting signals, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: American Supercars and Prototypes, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur K. Richards
  • Patent number: 7185852
    Abstract: The invention is an actuator assembly for actuating a door or aerodynamic surface of an aircraft. In detail, the invention includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The housing center portion further includes first and second helical slots extending along the longitudinal axis. A cam follower, having first and second ends, is movably mounted in the center portion, the cam follower movable along the longitudinal axis of the housing. An actuator is provided for actuating the cam follower in first and second directions along the longitudinal axis. A bolt assembly, having first and second ends, is mounted through the cam follower with the first and second ends thereof extending into the first and second helical slots. First and second bearings are mounted to the first and second ends of bolt assembly such that the first and second bearings are movably mounted in the first and second helical slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: North Rop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: John Trouy Kannapell
  • Patent number: 7167127
    Abstract: The invention is process for tracking a moving targeted vehicle from a remote sensor platform comprising the steps of 1) tracking the targeted vehicle and periodically recording its radar signature until its identity becomes ambiguous, 2) tracking the target after it has left its ambiguous state and periodically recording its radar signature; and 3) comparing the recorded radar signatures prior to the targeted vehicle becoming ambiguous to the recorded radar signature taken after the targeted vehicle has left its ambiguous state and determining that the targeted vehicle now tracked is the same as the targeted vehicle being tracked prior to becoming ambiguous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Noel Collins, Rick Bottone, Donald R. McMillan
  • Patent number: 7090421
    Abstract: A coating applicator assembly is disclosed for coating fasteners ends protruding from a surface of a structure, the fasteners extending a specific distance above the surface. In detail, the applicator assembly includes a handle. A coating member made from open celled compressible foam having a coating transfer surface in a generally W shape is attached to the handle. Preferably, the central V of the W shaped surface has an included angle of between 40 and 50 degrees and a depth of between 65 and 85 percent of the specific distance and the outer surfaces of the W shaped surface extending outward at an angle of between 40 and 50 degrees and the depth of coating member is at least 4 times the depth of the central notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Mead, Jorge A. Millan
  • Patent number: 7081849
    Abstract: The subject process accepts the data from a kinematic tracker and maps them to fuzzy set conditions. Then using a multitude of defined membership functions and fuzzy logic gates, generates sensor mode control rules. It does this for every track and each sensor. The Rule with the best score becomes a sensor cue, which is used to place the sensor into one of three operating modes. If there are ambiguities do to one or more vehicles coming in to close proximity to each other process compares radar profiles of vehicle to those stored in an “on the fly” data base to eliminate the ambiguities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Noel Collins, Kirk D. Moore, Donald R. McMillan
  • Patent number: 7080504
    Abstract: The invention is a turbojet propulsion system which includes a compressor section, a turbine section coupled by a shaft to the compressor section, a combustion section mounted between the compressor section and the turbine section, and an exhaust duct coupled to the aft end of said turbine section. A fuel delivery system is incorporated for supplying fuel to the combustion section. A laser assembly provides electromagnetic radiation to the combustion section. An electrical generator coupled to the turbine driven shaft powers the laser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Salvatore Pais
  • Patent number: D588519
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Gumman Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Wayne Westra, Roxanne Marie Sato, Douglas Ellwood Shultz, James Franklin Kerswell, Perry Bruce Petersen, Scott Walter Collins
  • Patent number: D588976
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Gumman Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Wayne Westra, Roxanne Marie Sato, Douglas Ellwood Shultz, James Franklin Kerswell, Perry Bruce Petersen, Scott Walter Collins