Patents Assigned to General Dynamics
  • Patent number: 6519336
    Abstract: An interworking unit (14) for providing an interface between a digital communication network (12) and a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (16) includes a de-vocoder (30), a protocol termination unit (32), and a signal combiner (34) for processing signals being transferred from the digital network (12) to the PSTN (16). A digital communication signal received by the interworking unit (14) from the digital network (12) is processed by both the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32). The outputs of the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32) are then combined into a uniquely formatted signal that is then delivered into the PSTN (12). Similar functionality is also provided for processing signals in the reverse direction. The interworking unit 14 is capable of processing signals traversing the interface between the networks (12, 16) without a priori knowledge of the signal type being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Paul Vanden Heuvel, Scott David Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6518911
    Abstract: A non-skid, radar absorbing system 10. The system absorbs and scatters incident microwave and/or millimeter wave radiation so as to decrease retro reflectance. The system includes an absorbing layer (RAM) 14 juxtaposed with a substrate 12. Disposed adjacent the RAM 14 is a non-skid matrix layer 16 for providing a safe foot hold. Optionally, a protective environmental topcoat 18 is applied to the non-skid layer 16. The system has electrical and magnetic characteristics such that radar energy at a discrete or broadband frequencies is at least partially absorbed. The invention also includes methods of making and using the non-skid, radar absorbing system 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Jared Strait, Martin A. Lindell, Richard Norman Johnson
  • Patent number: 6509871
    Abstract: A system and method for beamforming signals received in sparse, irregular sensor arrays has a network of sensors organized into sensor clusters, a signal processing node for each sensor cluster for beamforming the signals received by the sensors in each sensor cluster and an aggregation node for combining the beamformed responses from each sensor cluster to form a composite response characterized by minimized side lobes and grating lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: General Dynamics Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Bevington
  • Patent number: 6499382
    Abstract: A grenade machine gun or other weapon which employs superelevation of the barrel comprises a barrel unit and an aiming system mounted upon a support. The aiming system is mounted to the weapon and the support by a coupling unit. The aiming system comprises an imaging and display unit for displaying an image of a scene including a target, angle encoders for providing a signal representing displacement of the imaging unit in elevation relative to the support, and a control unit, e.g. a computer, for selecting either of two states for the coupling unit. The first state entrains the imaging unit to move with the barrel. The second state secures the imaging unit to the support and allows the barrel to move relative to both, i.e. during superelevation of the barrel. The coupling unit may comprise a first part connected to the weapon for rotation in elevation with the barrel unit and a second part connected to the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: James Hugh Lougheed, David Norman Green, Stephen David Shaw, Thomas Mark Walter Bottomley
  • Publication number: 20020196031
    Abstract: A device for detecting and locating arcs in a set of wires is discussed. The device comprises a probe for discharging controlled current to an exposed portion of a wire in the set of wires. The probe includes a handleable enclosure and an elongated structure which projects from the enclosure for conducting a gas and for enclosing a needle that has a tip. A suitable gas includes gases that have low electron attachment, such as helium. The device further comprises a control unit for communicating control signals as well as the gas to the probe. The control unit includes a controller, a valve being controllable by the controller and being capable of regulating the flow of the gas, and a high-voltage generator being controllable by the controller to generate a high-voltage signal, which can be communicated to the probe by the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: General Dynamics OTS (Aerospace), Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick K. Blades
  • Patent number: 6498843
    Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention intercept and monitor signals of any type associated with a target telephone number in a communications network such that the interception and the monitoring are undetectable. Such methods and systems configure a network by provisioning a route to a collection node in the network, defining a first trigger for intercepting a signal associated with the target telephone number, and by defining a second trigger for routing the intercepted signal on the provisioned route to the collection node. The methods and systems then monitor the signal at the collection node by intercepting the signal based on the first trigger and routing the intercepted signal to the collection node based on the second trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Government Systems Corporation
    Inventor: David L Cox
  • Patent number: 6494743
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly using conventional signal pins is adapted for use with impedance-controlled cables by dividing the body of the connector into one or more separate channels. Each channel is defined by a perimeter providing electrical shielding. A separate impedance-controlled wire or cable can be terminated at conventional signal pins installed in an insert located within a particular channel. A transition region between a connector plug or receptacle and an incoming wire or cable preserves the correct impedance characteristics of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lamatsch, Gerard A. Drewek
  • Patent number: 6490958
    Abstract: A friction restraint and latching assembly for a charge unit storage chamber defined by an elongated casing having an open end, and including a friction restraint bar of a length approximating that of the elongated casing, and supported at the periphery of the casing for axial and radial movement between a retracted position out of contact with charge units in the storage chamber and an engaged position in frictional contact with the charge units in the storage chamber and so that axial movement of the friction restraint bar toward the open end of the casing results in radial movement of the friction restraint bar to the engaged position. The friction restraint bare is biased yieldably to the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Armament & Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig S. Charest, Franklin D. Krol
  • Patent number: 6493238
    Abstract: A method and system of utilizing inexpensively manufactured, electrically conductive and mechanically compliant disks to interconnect an area grid array (“AGA”) chip to a printed wiring board. The conductive disk shaped leads are stamped from a thin sheet of conductive material. To increase solderability and protect the disk surface, the disks can be plated with tin or an equivalent material. Each disk is positioned tangent to the surface of an AGA chip in a specific orientation. One edge of each disk is electrically connected and mechanically secured to a corresponding conductive pad located on the surface of the AGA chip. The opposite edge of each conductive disk is positioned to align with a corresponding conductive surface pad on a printed wiring board (“PWB”). Each opposite edge is electrically connected and mechanically secured to the surface of the PWB, thereby establishing a compliant electrical connection between the AGA chip and the PWB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Deepak K. Pai
  • Patent number: 6493689
    Abstract: Two neural networks are used to control adaptively a vibration and noise-producing plant. The first neural network, the emulator, models the complex, nonlinear output of the plant with respect to certain controls and stimuli applied to the plant. The second neural network, the controller, calculates a control signal which affects the vibration and noise producing characteristics of the plant. By using the emulator model to calculate the nonlinear plant gradient, the controller matrix coefficients can be adapted by backpropagation of the plant gradient to produce a control signal which results in the minimum vibration and noise possible, given the current operating characteristics of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonios N. Kotoulas, Charles Berezin, Michael S. Torok, Peter F. Lorber
  • Patent number: 6486824
    Abstract: A tracking radar receiver as described herein is relatively invulnerable to image frequency jamming. Partial image-rejection down-converters down-convert RF signals to IF signals in each of various sum and difference receiver channels. Image frequency components of the IF signals exhibit a predetermined amplitude and phase relationship relative to corresponding real frequency components for each of the channels. Thus, phase and amplitude tracking between the various channels is achieved even when image frequency signals are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc,
    Inventor: Chester D. Shupe
  • Publication number: 20020171578
    Abstract: A non-skid, radar absorbing system 10. The system absorbs and scatters incident microwave and/or millimeter wave radiation so as to decrease retro reflectance. The system includes an absorbing layer (RAM) 14 juxtaposed with a substrate 12. Disposed adjacent the RAM 14 is a non-skid matrix layer 16 for providing a safe foot hold. Optionally, a protective environmental topcoat 18 is applied to the non-skid layer 16. The system has electrical and magnetic characteristics such that radar energy at a discrete or broadband frequencies is at least partially absorbed. The invention also includes methods of making and using the non-skid, radar absorbing system 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Jared Strait, Martin A. Lindell, Richard Norman Johnson
  • Patent number: 6483323
    Abstract: A projectile fuze detects transitions between target layers by an electronic antenna radiating laterally into the target material and coupled to a pullable oscillator whose frequency shifts as the target material changes while the projectile penetrates. A frequency shift threshold detector relates the observed frequency shifts to a stored target profile to detonate the projectile after the desired layer penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Monty W. Bai, Gerald James Moore, Ralph Eugene Foresman
  • Patent number: 6477769
    Abstract: A method for assembling an impedance controlled connector using conventional connector shells and inserts and corresponding connector pins and sockets. Controlled impedance cables are prepared and physically arranged for termination in a conventional connector shell in a configuration which enhances the impedance control characteristic of the assembled connector. Assembly of the connector is effected using conventional materials and tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lamatsch, Gerard A. Drewek, JoAnn M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6476534
    Abstract: A motor has a rotor for controlling a parameter of an instrumentality, such as a blade or a blade flap. The rotor is positioned about the drive shaft of the instrumentality and rotates at the same average angular velocity of the drive shaft. The instrumentality is controlled by applying to the instrumentality a physical displacement signal that is generated by the phase relationship of the rotor of the motor with respect to the angular position of the drive shaft. A plurality of permanent magnets proximate the periphery of the rotor cooperate with a plurality of stator polepieces and electromagnetic coils. The current flowing through the coils is reversed each time that the rotor advances by the angular space of one permanent magnetic pole. The strength and polarity of the current flowing through the coils controls the direction and displacement of the rotor with respect to a neutral phasing of the rotor with respect to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Edward Vanderbeck, Gregory Weston Terpay, Ka-Shu Lee, George Gustave Zipfel, Victor G. Mishkevich, Thomas Edward Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020161484
    Abstract: An outlet unit for providing a supply voltage to the prongs of a plug comprising a housing having a plurality of electrically conductive plug channels for receiving the prongs of the plug, a shutter rotatably mounted to the housing and operative in one of a first and a second position, the shutter having openings for receiving the prongs of the plug wherein only when in the second position the openings of the shutter and the plug channels are aligned permitting axial displacement of the prongs into the housing, and a strike plate located between the housing and the shutter for preventing the rotation of the shutter to the second position absent axial displacement of the prongs sufficient to engage the strike plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: General Dynamics OTS (Aerospace) Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell T. Hambley, Rory G. Briski
  • Patent number: 6460803
    Abstract: An adaptive controller is used to adaptively generate vibration cancellation signals driving a controlled device which effects an associated vibration and noise-producing plant. The adaptive controller has multiple control paths to generate the control signal. In a vibration attenuation control path(s), an adaptive control signal is generated by plant compensation and adaptive filtering techniques to cancel vibrations. In a position control, saturation prevention path, the available operational extents of the controlled device are monitored and compensation signals are generated which direct the movement of the controlled device in such a manner as to prevent the controlled device from reaching the extents of control. The control signals from the multiple paths are then combined and transmitted to the controlled device which alters in some fashion the noise and vibration being generated or transmitted by the associated vibrating plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Kiss, Michael H. Silverberg
  • Publication number: 20020130668
    Abstract: A system for locating parallel arcing faults in a set of wires is described. The system includes three devices that can be used in combination or alone. A first device applies a current to a wire while grounding the remaining wires of the set of wires so as to cause the parallel arc, the first device being adapted to locate the parallel arcing fault using one or more leading edges of one or more electromagnetic waveforms being conducted on the wire under test. A second device comprises a controller and two or more receivers, each receiver being electrically coupled to the controller for receiving one or more leading edges of one or more electromagnetic waveforms being radiated by the parallel arcing fault. A third device senses one or more leading edges of one or more electromagnetic waveforms as well as the ultrasonic emissions emitted from the parallel arcing fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: General Dynamics OTS (Aerospace), Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick K. Blades
  • Patent number: 6444062
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a propellant composition made from a lacquer, the lacquer comprising: (a) from about 15 to about 70 wt % of an organic solvent; (b) from about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt % of a stabilizer; (c) optionally, from about 0% to about 40 wt % of an energetic plasticizer; (d) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % of a nonenergetic plasticizer; (e) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % water; (f) optionally, from about 0 to about 15 wt % of additional additives; and balance being nitrocellulose; all weight percents based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the lacquer has a viscosity of less than 10 million centipoise when processed. The present invention is also directed to an efficient and safe method of making perforated propellant grains using the above lacquer composition, as well as propellant grains having ellipsoidal cross sections or outwardly extending ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. O'Meara, Jonathon M. Howard, Antonio F. Gonzalez, John J. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6434317
    Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided for housing electronic components in an underwater environment and permitting connection of the components to signal transmission elements of a signal cable. The pressure vessel comprises a hollow steel shell defining an interior chamber adapted to house the electronic components. A layer of thermal-sprayed aluminum covers the shell. The shell has an opening adapted to pass the signal transmission elements into the interior chamber. A seal adapted to sealingly surround the transmission elements is disposed in the opening in the shell so that an outer peripheral surface of the seal contacts an inner peripheral surface of the opening in the shell for preventing moisture penetration into the interior chamber. The seal may be formed of epoxy and the outer peripheral surface have a plurality of compressible o-rings disposed in axially-spaced circumferential grooves for contacting the inner peripheral surface of the opening in the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Paul Dyer, Kenneth Leroy Heybrock, Alan David Tysinger, James Reinhart