Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Terry J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6308398
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for simultaneously producing a plurality of capacitive electroacoustic transducers. The method comprises forming a plurality of electrically insulative substrates by cutting circular slots to an insulating wafer. Each slot is interrupted by at least two tabs connecting a circular area with the remainder of the wafer. The conductive diaphragms are supported on diaphragm mounting rings disposed upon the substrate, spaced from a first electrode. The mounting rings space the diaphragm from the electrode to define a capacitor operative to convert electrical and acoustical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Bob Ray Beavers
  • Patent number: 6307680
    Abstract: An optical filter for intentionally blurring camera images has a generally transparent material and a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material. Placement of the transparent material longitudinally in the optical path of a camera in front of the aperture stop allows contouring the blur across the image plane. That contour is preferably random, so as to defeat digital methods for image restorations. Additionally, a linear gradient is utilized to even-out the ground resolution on oblique cameras or localized to even-out resolution on cameras that have areas of unwanted high resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Dennis Clark
  • Patent number: 6304559
    Abstract: A method for implementing a timed division multiple access protocol for digital communications between a radio transceiver and a repeater or another radio transceiver has the steps of dividing a radio communication into a plurality of frames having a predetermined length of time; dividing each frame into: a plurality of downlink slots, each downlink slot containing a transmission from the repeater to the transceiver; and a plurality of uplink slots, each uplink slot containing a transmission from the transceiver to the repeater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jacklin, Scott Alan Stratmoen
  • Patent number: 6304466
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for regulating a high voltage DC supply derived from a plurality of unstable high voltage signals. The invention functions to derive a high voltage DC signal from a received unstable high voltage signals. A derived signal is modulated and communicated to a series resonant regulation circuit by varying the operating frequency of the modulation device, while maintaining a fixed pulsed width full duty cycle operation, the output signal is translated in relation to the resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit, causing corresponding variations in the output voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Clem, Robert H. Zawislak, John M. Rein
  • Patent number: 6299122
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an edge adapter for use with a spherically mounted retroreflector device for measuring the location of a measurement point on a first object surface of an object. The object has a second object surface with an edge interposed between the first and second object surfaces. The measurement point is positioned an offset distance from the edge. The retroreflector device has a spherical outer surface. The edge adapter is provided with an adapter body having at least two engagement points. The engagement points and the measurement point are cooperatively sized and configured to define a sphere of substantially the same radius as the spherical outer surface. The edge adapter is further provided with an adapter base attached to the adapter body. The adapter base has a base surface formed to engage the first object surface for supporting the edge adapter thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Northrup Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Michael David Bame
  • Patent number: 6298896
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for constructing a composite structure (112) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a flexible layer (104), which has a working surface (106) and an underside surface (108), coupled to a base (102). At least one support element (302) is coupled to the underside surface (108) of the flexible layer (104), and at least one adjustable element (304) is coupled to the support element (302) for adjusting the position of the flexible layer (104). More specifically, the flexible layer (104) may have internal reinforcing elements (300) for added strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Sherrill, Kendall G. Young
  • Patent number: 6297734
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for randomizing the transmit time in a tag RFID communication system. The CRC calculation is implemented through the use of software stored in the system microprocessor and the calculations vary upon a plurality of dynamic inputs including temperature and motion of the tag. The tag apparatus of the present invention includes temperature and motion monitors for monitoring the environmental conditions of the tag. A microprocessor in communication with the sensor calculates the next pseudo-random transmission based upon the dynamic inputs. A transmitter transmits a signal to the system monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: David Livingstone Richardson, Gabor Elek
  • Patent number: 6291889
    Abstract: A thin-film microcircuit resistant to high temperatures comprises a substrate fabricated of high-purity, densely packed alumina ceramic with a fine grain size, and metallization deposited thereon. The high temperature resistance is further improved by applying a vacuum anneal to the metallization. The present invention allows a glass fusing process to bond adjacent substrate layers together in forming a multi-layer module. The multi-layer modules integrate infrared detector arrays to signal conditioning circuitry. The prior art thin-film microcircuits were susceptible to damage from the glass fusing process, where the melting point of the glass reached 600° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Wei Koh, Wesley J. Louie
  • Patent number: 6292712
    Abstract: The present invention is an interactive multi-media interface system which incorporates text, audio, and video graphics animation and other tools to interface a user with a device in an outside environment, such as a robotic device, machining or other tool. The interface system includes a computer workstation to allow inputs from a user, such as a machine operator, computer memory, and an interface computer program operating on the computer. The computer has a graphical user interface for interfacing the operator with the workstation and to allow interactive operation and control of the machine tool. The operator can provide inputs to the interface system by various input devices such as a keyboard, cursor, mouse, a stylus pointing device or a touch sensitive screen. The interface software shares access to and exchanges data with the computer memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: George Nicholas Bullen
  • Patent number: 6289741
    Abstract: A novel device and method for the injection and molding of a body of elastomeric composition within a mold cavity, around a core member and against the prepared surface of a test substrate, such as a ceramic or metallic disk, at the base of the mold cavity. The molded elastomeric composition is molded as an axial-symmetrical frustro-conical body which tapers down to a uniformly thin layer between the test substrate surface and the flat undersurface of the core member, and the core member supporting the molded elastomeric body bonded to the test substrate are separable from the mold cavity for attachment to a conventional tension test machine for measuring the interfacial bond strength between the elastomer and the prepared surface of the test substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Ghetzler, Michael A. Mast, Neil E. Hodge, Nate Newman, Jeff Browning
  • Patent number: 6284175
    Abstract: A highly conductive thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) gap filler having superior durability and EMI shielding properties. According to the preferred embodiment, the TPE comprises graphite fiber having a nickel-copper-nickel coating formed thereabout that is suspended within an elastomer, which preferably comprises polyvinylchloride (PVC). The TPE of the present invention is particularly well-suited for reducing radio frequency electromagnetic radiation reflected by gaps formed between adjacent panels of a structure, and is particularly well-suited for the maintenance and repair of LO aircraft. The TPE of the present invention may further be modified to include carbon black filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: David Arthur Luippold, Mark David Brown, John Wilbur Tully
  • Patent number: 6282014
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an optical parametric oscillator for down-conversion of coherent light to longer wavelengths. The present invention comprises an optical pump source for providing a pump beam at a primary wavelength. The pump source is coupled into a singly-resonant cavity through an input mirror positioned at the input end of said cavity. The inputed pump beam is directed into a monolithic non-linear optical medium having multiple regions formed on a single substrate. An optical parametric oscillation occurs at each stage of the optical medium; however, the signal (resonated) frequency is identical at each stage of the optical medium. The single frequency produced at each stage of the optical medium results in a sequential gain of the signal, which is resonated by an output mirror which is adapted to reflect and oscillate the signal frequency within the cavity, and allow the idler frequency to pass through the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: William Harrison Long
  • Patent number: 6282324
    Abstract: A system is presented for reconstructing blurred text on a word-by-word basis. The text is scanned and compared with a priori data concerning characteristics of the text, including zone characteristics of each letter of the alphabet. Comparisons are made between the line spacing of an image undergoing test and standard spacing. Such tests can also determine whether the image undergoing test was recorded while maintaining a tilted position. The blurred text is reconstructed on a word-by-word basis and may be displayed on a monitor. If the image undergoing test was photographed at an excessive focal length, the system is capable of detecting this and aborting analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Leib
  • Patent number: 6277313
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a ceramic structure as well as a pre-ceramic preimpregnated composite material incorporating a continuous woven fiber and a discontinuous fiber pre-ceramic matrix for subsequent curing and component construction. The method includes preparation of a mixture of discontinuous fibers, fillers, and a pre-ceramic precursor resin where the precursor resin is present in a quantity sufficient to substantially saturate subsequently adjacent woven fiber lengths, and thereafter introducing the mixture to a situs between an upper length of woven fiber and a lower length of woven fiber in alignment with each other while effectuating linear movement of these woven fiber lengths and moving the lengths toward each other for compression and retention in a sandwich configuration to thereby fabricate a pre-ceramic preimpregnated composite material. The material is cut to size in accord with the configuration of a part to be manufactured, formed into a green-state structure, and cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Strasser, William James Marsh, Robert Allan Schwindler
  • Patent number: 6265078
    Abstract: Structural ceramic matrix composite material to be employed as automotive engine parts and the like is provided with erosion-resistant qualities in several ways. For one, an erosion-resistant material is applied to the surface as by plasma spraying. The erosion-resistant material can also be mixed with the fibers of the material, particularly near the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Donald Atmur, Thomas Edward Strasser
  • Patent number: 6260759
    Abstract: A method for tracking a target having substantially constrained movement utilizes the steps of determining constrains for movement of the target, obtaining information on movement of the target, and predicting that the target will continue to move upon a route segment after the target has begun to move thereupon. The constraints are made up of a plurality of separate alternate route segments. Predicting that the target will continue to move upon the route segment upon which it is previously moving facilitates targeting, intercept and intelligence with a substantial degree of reliability, particularly when continuing information, such as radar returns, is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Quan Bach Nguyen, Herbert Landau
  • Patent number: 6259980
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically controlling operation of a self-propelled vehicle comprises a plurality of operating systems for performing specific functions relating to the operation of the vehicle, each of the operation systems including controller devices for automatically performing a specific function and selectively operable manual components for directly overriding the controller devices and manually performing the specific function. A central processor coordinates operation of the operating systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Alex N. Peck, Edward V. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6258431
    Abstract: A system is provided for filling a gap between adjoining coplanar first and second sheet members mounted on an outer surface of a common substrate and having juxtaposed first and second edge surfaces. A permanent gap filler member of predetermined shape and size intended for eventual permanent reception in the gap is employed for partially filling the gap. A temporary gap filler tool which includes a substitute gap filler element having substantially the same predetermined size and shape of the permanent gap filler member, has an abutting surface for contiguous engagement with the first edge surface of the first sheet member when advanced to an attached position before the permanent gap filler member is mounted in the gap, a minor gap surface facing opposite said abutting surface, and means for releasably attaching the temporary gap filler tool to the first sheet member. A minor gap is thereby defined between the temporary gap filler element and the second edge surface of the second sheet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Andrew Reis, Robert Warner Koon
  • Patent number: 6254317
    Abstract: Methods for forming fastener holes in the construction of fuselage assemblies. The method utilizes a triple gantry drilling system with upper, left and right side gantries, within which are dedicated robotic deployment arms having an automatic tool change system with drill attachment exchangeable with a plurality of tools. Each gantry is capable of translational movement along three different axis, as well as rotational movement about an axis of rotation and axis of pitch, respectively, such that simultaneous drilling about the fuselage can be achieved. The method further includes the incorporation of a vision system with camera to assist mechanics to view the drilling processes and verify structure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Rong-Gan Chang
  • Patent number: 6254927
    Abstract: An improved shimming process and release composition for filling the gap between a releasable composite skin and a supporting body with a liquid shim material, using a novel viscous liquid release composition free of volatile vehicle. The liquid release composition is viscous and easy to apply by brushing or wiping, and enables complete and clean release of the composite skin without delamination. The release composition is easy to clean from the parted surfaces of the cured shim material on the composite skin and the supporting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Haney Samuel Meda, Romeo Racsa Manansala