Patents Assigned to Calspan Corporation
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Publication number: 20090222148Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for converting a man-rated fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft into a remote controlled unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV). The FBW aircraft includes a FBW flight control system (FBW-FCS) configured to control aircraft control surfaces disposed on the aircraft. The system includes a controller coupled to the FBW aircraft. The controller is configured to generate substantially real-time pilot control data from at least one aircraft maneuver command. The real-time pilot control data is generated in accordance with a predetermined control law. The at least one aircraft maneuver command is derived from at least one command telemetry signal received from a remote control system not disposed on the FBW aircraft or from a pre-programmed trajectory. An FBW-FCS interface system is coupled to the controller. The FBW-FCS interface system is configured to convert the substantially real-time pilot control data into substantially real-time simulated FBW-FCS pilot control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: Calspan CorporationInventors: Louis H. Knotts, Eric E. Ohmit
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Patent number: 7579966Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computerized system that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) having a display and a data input device. The computerized system performs a method including the step of providing a plurality of aircraft parameters. At least one vertical g-force value is calculated in real time based on the plurality of aircraft parameters. A lateral g-force value is calculated in real time based on the plurality of aircraft parameters. The at least one vertical g-force value is displayed relative to at least one predetermined vertical reference value. The lateral g-force value is displayed relative to at least one predetermined lateral reference value.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: James Priest
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Patent number: 7551989Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for use on a fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft. The system includes a controller coupled to the FBW aircraft. The controller is configured to generate a plurality of simulated pilot control signals from at least one aircraft maneuver command. The plurality of simulated pilot control signals are generated in accordance with a predetermined control law. The at least one aircraft maneuver command is derived from at least one command telemetry signal received from a remote control system not disposed on the FBW aircraft. The plurality of simulated pilot control signals are configured to direct the FBW aircraft to perform an aircraft maneuver in accordance with the at least one aircraft maneuver command.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: Louis H. Knotts, Eric E. Ohmit
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Publication number: 20090012657Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for use on a fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft. The system includes a controller coupled to the FBW aircraft. The controller is configured to generate a plurality of simulated pilot control signals from at least one aircraft maneuver command. The plurality of simulated pilot control signals are generated in accordance with a predetermined control law. The at least one aircraft maneuver command is derived from at least one command telemetry signal received from a remote control system not disposed on the FBW aircraft. The plurality of simulated pilot control signals are configured to direct the FBW aircraft to perform an aircraft maneuver in accordance with the at least one aircraft maneuver command.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: CALSPAN CORPORATIONInventors: Louis H. Knotts, Eric E. Ohmit
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Publication number: 20070279253Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computerized system that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) having a display and a data input device. The computerized system performs a method including the step of providing a plurality of aircraft parameters. At least one vertical g-force value is calculated in real time based on the plurality of aircraft parameters. A lateral g-force value is calculated in real time based on the plurality of aircraft parameters. The at least one vertical g-force value is displayed relative to at least one predetermined vertical reference value. The lateral g-force value is displayed relative to at least one predetermined lateral reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: CALSPAN CORPORATIONInventor: James Priest
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Patent number: 5926555Abstract: A fingerprint identification system from a gray scale image of the fingerprint includes the steps of converting fingerprint image into a digitized gray scale image, enhancing gray scale to provide uniform contrast over entire fingerprint image, down-sampling the contrast enhanced image to limit the number of pixels analyzed, generating a gradient map of the fingerprint image, defining a calculation kernel over which ridge angle determination is made by reference to gradient map, causing the calculation kernel to traverse over gradient map in a predetermined increment over pixels comprising the fingerprint image, smoothing the ridge angle map using the process of Fourier filtering, and smoothing the image quality map using the process of erosion and dilation. The ridge angle map and image quality maps are recorded.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: James R. Ort, Douglas L. Lange, Frederick W. Kiefer, Raymond J. Dennison
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Patent number: 5799098Abstract: In a method for comparing one fingerprint to another, there is recorded for each fingerprint the location and angle of minutiae along with a quality measure of each minutiae, and the core and delta location along with the local average image. An image state map defining high quality image areas with and without minutiae and areas of low image quality is also recorded. In matching fingerprints, ridge angle maps are used to align fingerprint images, then state maps are compared, followed by a comparison of minutiae locations.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: James R. Ort, Douglas L. Lange, Frederick W. Kiefer, Raymond J. Dennison
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Patent number: 5659626Abstract: A method for locating minutia in a gray scale image of a fingerprint using a pair of filters, called "Gabor" and "Minutia" filters, includes determining direction and spacing of ridges at regularly spaced pixels, aligning filters by ridge direction, determining outputs of filters where Gabor Filter has high level output when in parallel ridge flow and, due to phase discontinuity at a minutia, low level output when in neighborhood of a minutia. The Minutia filter exhibits opposite phenomenon, having low level output in parallel ridge flow and high output in neighborhood of a minutia. A method for creating a state map of a fingerprint includes determining image quality, identifying minutia locations, determining areas of good quality where minutia are present, areas of good quality where no minutia are present and areas where quality is below a predetermined value to reliably determine presence or absence of minutia.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1994Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: James R. Ort, Douglas L. Lange, Frederick W. Kiefer, Raymond J. Dennison
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Patent number: 5381156Abstract: The present invention is a Multiple Target Doppler Tracker which tracks a plurality of components, including debris and submunitions of a munition burst apart above the ground. A plurality of transmitters transmits constant frequency (CW) signals towards the burst event of the munition and a plurality of receivers receive the signals reflected from the components. The signals received by the receivers are processed into frequency spectra. The spectra are analyzed to determine the path of a selected number of components. Using the path information the selected components are tracked with tracking devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: Ditmar H. Bock, Marjorie A. Rude, Frederick W. Kiefer
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Patent number: 5353370Abstract: Apparatus for producing a non-uniform temperature profile in a short duration wind tunnel includes a plurality of nested cylindrical elements each having an inlet end and an outlet end, a plurality of heater element extending axially along the surface of each of the cylindrical elements. The length and thermal mass of the cylindrical elements permits the temperature of test gasses to be raised to the desired level while the gasses are passing over those elements. A plurality of honeycomb elements occupy the space between each of the cylindrical elements to distribute the heating effects smoothly both radially and circumferentially. Each heater is controlled individually by a control circuit in order to establish the desired temperature profile at the outlet end of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1993Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: Jungho Kim, Michael G. Dunn, Charles W. Haldeman
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Patent number: 5104885Abstract: Improvement in the treatment of malaria has been demonstrated with 5-[(aryl)alkoxy] primaquine compounds and 5[(heterocycle)alkoxy] primaquine compounds. These primaquine related compounds are effective in malarial chemotherapy. The 5-arylalkoxy primaquine compounds of the invention are at least as effective in malarial treatment as the prior are 5-alkoxy primaquine compounds, but are not as toxic as the 5-alkoxy compounds at higher dosage ranges. The 5[(heterocycle)alkoxy] primaquine compounds show less toxicity than primaquine in blood schizonticidal studies and are comparable to the 5-arylalkoxy primaquine compounds in efficacy.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: Edward A. Nodiff
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Patent number: 5080681Abstract: A mechanical hand comprising a housing with a first sliding actuation member and second sliding actuation member, at least two elongate, bendable members comprising a proximal phalanx and a distal phalanx, a relatively stationary member attached to the housing, a primary tension member projecting through the housing and at least through the second sliding actuation member, and a set of primary tendons and a set of secondary tendons. The primary tendons have first and second ends, with the primary tendon first end secured to the first slidable actuation member, and with the primary tendons extending through the bendable members. The primary tendon second end is secured to the distal phalanx. Each secondary tendon has first and second ends. The secondary tendon first end is secured to the second slidable actuation member. The secondary tendons extend through the bendable members. The secondary tendon second end is secured to the proximal phalanx.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1990Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: Robert A. Erb
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Patent number: 5074196Abstract: The present invention provides a compliant molded diaphragm which includes an operable surface area for forming a flexiblle barrier to prevent fluid flow between opposing sides of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is formed as a sandwich structure having first and second elastomeric layers and a third gas impermeable layer located between the first and second layers. The third layer may be provided as a thin layer of metal which is vapor deposited between the two elastomeric layers or may be a thin gas impermeable polymer film. The impermeable layer is preferably formed as a grid pattern in the operable surface area of the diaphragm such that portions of the first and second layers are exposed to each other whereby the first and second layers may be bonded to each other to prevent separation of the layers of the diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1990Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: John G. Michalovic, Franklin A. Vassallo
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Patent number: 5044766Abstract: The thermal time constant of fine metal wire segments, such as those used to initiate explosive reactions, is measured by passing a variable frequency source of current through the wire. The magnitudes of the sine and cosine components of the third harmonic of the voltage developed across the wire are detected and compared to each other to provide a control signal which is applied to the frequency source to change the its frequency in a direction which tends to make those components equal in magnitude. The magnitude of the control signal, when the third harmonic sine and cosine components are equal, is displayed as a function of the thermal time constant of the wire segment.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1990Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: James G. Stuart
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Patent number: 5020546Abstract: A litter bag is provided for isolating a casualty from a contaminated environment. The litter bag includes a collapsible access chamber mounted over an aperture in the bag whereby personnel may have immediate and direct access to the casualty. The access chamber is formed with tubular passages which may be filled with a gas to expand the chamber from a collapsed position to form a semi-rigid structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1990Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: Anthony L. Russo
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Patent number: 4980360Abstract: Improvement in the treatment of malaria has been demonstrated with 5-arylalkoxy primaquine compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 represents H or methyl, R represents an alkylene group having from about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms, R' represents a substituted or non-substituted aryl moiety, such as phenyl and napthyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the salt forming acid may be organic or inorganic in nature. These primaquine related compounds are effective in malarial chemotherapy, by exerting plasmodicidal activity on malarial parasites present in both the blood and formed tissues of the mammalian host. The 5-arylalkoxy primaquine compounds of the invention are at least as effective in malarial treatment as the prior art 5-alkoxy primaquine compounds, but are not as toxic as the 5-alkoxy compounds at higher dosage ranges.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1990Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: Edward A. Nodiff
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Patent number: 4932541Abstract: The invention is directed to a stablilized cargo-handling system using means for stabilizing suspended cargo in all six degrees of freedom using six individually controlled cable in tension in a unique kinematic arrangement. Inertial and distance sensors, coupled with high-performance cable drives, provide the means to control the multi-cabled crane automatically. The distance sensors are used to track the target container or lighter during the pickup and setdown modes of operation; the inertial sensors are used to prevent pendulation during transfer of the cargo from the seagoing cargo ship to the vicinity of the receiving lighter. The complete stabilized shipboard crane system permits safe and efficient operations in relatively high sea states.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: Charles A. Belsterling
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Patent number: 4884076Abstract: A device for reflecting electromagnetic energy comprises a solidified foam mass which has reflector agents embedded therein for reflecting at least one frequency of electromagnetic energy. The frequency or frequencies of electromagnetic energy reflected are within the region of the electromagnetic spectrum utilized for radar signaling, the infrared region, the visual region or within any combination of those regions. A variety of dyes are used for reflecting frequencies within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and a variety of phosphorous compounds are utilized for reflecting frequencies within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radar energy is reflected by a multitude of discreet electrically conducting elements or dipoles of a length approximately equal to one-half (1/2) the wave length of the radar energy to be reflected which dipoles are distributed in an approximately uniform manner throughout the mass during the formation of the foam mass.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1982Date of Patent: November 28, 1989Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: Richard F. Schneeberger, Charles K. Akers
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Patent number: 4752226Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a chemical warfare attack includes the use of a radiant energy transmitting device for radiating energy in a pattern which simulates different types and forms of chemical agents. In its simplest embodiment, a signal strength above a predetermined level may represent a lethal dosage of the selected agent. Protective devices, such as gas masks, protective clothing, or structures, are provided with sensors for determining whether the protective device is properly employed. A receiver associated with each individual detects the presence and character of the radiated signal, and circuit means responsive to both the sensor and the output of the receiver provides an output indicating whether the individual has properly employed the protective device in a timely manner after a simulated chemical attack has been initiated.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1987Date of Patent: June 21, 1988Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventors: Charles K. Akers, Roland J. Pilie, Clayton J. Schneider, Jr.
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Patent number: 4723314Abstract: A heterodyne laser detection system includes a local oscillator laser, an infrared light detector positioned to receive light transmitted through a receiving window and also from the local oscillator laser and to generate heterodyne signals in response thereto. An oscillator controller repeatedly sweeps the frequency of the local oscillator laser to ensure that the laser signal being sought generates heterodyne signals within the limited passband of an intermediate frequency amplifier. Upon detecting heterodyne signals amplified by the intermediate frequency amplifier above a defined threshold, the oscillator control switches to control the local oscillator laser to track the detected laser signal such that the heterodyne signals remain within the passband of the intermediate frequency amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1985Date of Patent: February 2, 1988Assignee: Calspan CorporationInventor: Richard F. Schneeberger