Patents Assigned to Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Electro-optic crystal, diffraction-based, beam-steering element
    Patent number: 7557979
    Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Cicchiello, Curtis J. Harkrider, Kenneth E. Kreischer, David A. Gallagher
  • Information fusion predictor
    Patent number: 7558772
    Abstract: A method of data fusion comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of decisions and associated confidences; determining probabilities of a set of the decisions; if the probabilities are not zero, then choosing the decision having a highest likelihood from the plurality of decisions; and if the probabilities are zero, then selecting an algorithm to be used for choosing one of the decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Omar Aboutalib
  • Angle calibration of long baseline antennas
    Patent number: 7558688
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor mounted on an aircraft includes the steps of: using an optical device to create reference points which define a reference line that is parallel to both horizontal and vertical planes of the sensor, and using the reference line to calibrate the sensor with respect to a reference coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Schering, Wayne John Gordon, Donald Richard McMillan, David Curtis Lennon, Marc S. Adams
  • Apparatus and method for providing flight operations integrated planning and analysis tools
    Patent number: 7558654
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide flight operations integrated planning and analysis tools (FOIPAT) to perform integrated planning and analysis tasks for autonomous (unmanned) systems operations. The FOIPAT may be used for space launch and satellite early orbit analysis. The FOIPAT improves the efficiency and accuracy of space launch and satellite operations pre- and post-launch tasks performed by, for example, the US Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and their support contractors. The FOIPAT provides greater functionality than existing software tools, reduces risk of errors, enhances quality control and data reliability, and reduces launch and flight operations planning cycle time. The FOIPAT may provide methodology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as well as terrestrial and seagoing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Chatfield, Robert W. Garneau, David A. Foy, J. Eugene Farr
  • Systems and methods for use in detecting harmful aerosol particles
    Patent number: 7554663
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for detecting aerosols. The systems and methods can be used to detect harmful aerosols, such as, bio-aerosols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Peter P. Hairston, Carl B. Freidhoff
  • Target acquisition and tracking system
    Patent number: 7555383
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying one or more targets of interest, and scheduling the tracking of at least one such target of interest employing one or more remote sensing/tracking systems. A target finder finds, describes, and provides a report concerning targets of potential interest. A target selector selects at least one target of interest from a plurality of identified targets. A plurality of remote sensing/tracking systems are operative to track the at least one target of interest. A tracking control system schedules at least one of the remote sensing/tracking systems to track the at least one target of interest based on at least one tracking parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Gilbert Siegel
  • System and method for improving linearity of a DAC
    Patent number: 7554471
    Abstract: A system and method for improving the linearity of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a digital waveform generator that generates a digital sequence associated with a desired analog waveform and a pseudo-random noise component that provides a pulse shaped band limited pseudo-random noise sequence. The system further includes a combiner configured to combine the digital sequence and the pulse shaped band limited pseudo-random noise sequence and provide the combined sequence to the DAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Kung-Juh Tsai, John Chan Phan
  • Sensor system with modular optical transceivers
    Patent number: 7554076
    Abstract: An optical sensor system and method includes a plurality of optical transceiver modules arranged across the surface of the optical sensor in a predetermined pattern. A given optical transceiver module includes an optical transmitter that produces at least one light beam and an optical receiver that detects reflected light from the at least one light beam. The optical transceiver module further includes housing for housing the optical transmitter and the optical receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Yaujen Wang, Brendan J. D. Irwin, Raj K. Shori
  • Multi-platform precision passive location of continuous wave emitters
    Patent number: 7551139
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first sensor mounted on a first platform for sampling a first portion of a continuous waveform occurring in a time window and for producing a first signal sample, a second sensor mounted on a second platform for sampling a second portion of the continuous waveform occurring in the time window for producing a second signal sample, and a processor for determining time difference of arrival measurements and for applying a maximum likelihood estimation process to combine multiple time difference of arrival measurements between multiple pairs of platforms, to estimate the location of an emitter of the continuous waveform. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David Keith Mesecher
  • Using radar targets of opportunity to build a monopulse calibration table
    Patent number: 7548189
    Abstract: In a radar system, a monopulse calibration table is constructed from live targets of opportunity. A center of gravity or weighted average of normalized signals ?V received at SUM and DIFF channels from a live target are used to determine the target's actual azimuth. Off bore sight angles (OBA) of the target are then determined from the target's actual azimuth. Normalized received signal values of ?V are converted to nearest-valued integers. The OBA s that correspond to each integer-valued normalized received signal are averaged and can then be plotted as a function of normalized received signal value ?V. Different tables or plots can be constructed for elevation angles. An equation of a best-fit line the matches or at least closely approximates the plotted data is determined to smooth the actual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Yair Alon, Mark Jacobs
  • MULTI-PLATFORM PRECISION PASSIVE LOCATION OF CONTINUOUS WAVE EMITTERS
    Publication number: 20090146881
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first sensor mounted on a first platform for sampling a first portion of a continuous waveform occurring in a time window and for producing a first signal sample, a second sensor mounted on a second platform for sampling a second portion of the continuous waveform occurring in the time window for producing a second signal sample, and a processor for determining time difference of arrival measurements and for applying a maximum likelihood estimation process to combine multiple time difference of arrival measurements between multiple pairs of platforms, to estimate the location of an emitter of the continuous waveform. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David Keith Mesecher
  • Systems and methods for signal conversion
    Patent number: 7542505
    Abstract: Systems and methods for signal conversion are provided. Signals are spread in a continuous spectrum by a spread spectrum signal, such as a direct sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) signal. The signals are then processed, which may include but is not limited to analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, frequency conversion, clipping, filtering or a plurality of processes. The processed signal is then despread using substantially the same spreading signal that was used to spread the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Robinson, Frank Winter
  • Device for inspecting countersunk holes
    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
  • Multi-octave differential upconverter
    Patent number: 7542735
    Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a differential amplifier and a differential mixer. The differential amplifier is configured to receive a multi-octave differential input signal and output an amplified multi-octave differential output signal. The differential amplifier is also configured to substantially reduce second order harmonic distortion of the amplified multi-octave differential output signal through common mode rejection. The differential mixer configured to multiply the amplified multi-octave differential output signal with a local oscillator input signal and output an up-converted sub-octave differential output signal. The multi-octave differential input signal and the up-converted sub-octave differential output signal comprise a substantially same bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Kintis, Flavia S. Fong, Alan Cherrette, Edward V. Koretzky, Juan Rivera, Gregory H. Rowan, Derrick M. Yamauchi
  • Infrared laser illuminated imaging systems and methods
    Patent number: 7541588
    Abstract: Systems and methods for long range recognition and identification of objects and targets, and, more particularly, to long range imaging systems that include the use of mid-wave infrared laser illumination technology are provided. In particular, mid-wave infrared laser illuminated imaging systems and methods are disclosed for addressing, among other things, the problems associated with long range, day or night observations of targets through various obscurants (e.g., fog, haze, rain, smoke). Such systems may be configured to operate in either a single, active illumination mode or in a dual, active/passive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Anna M. Tabirian, Douglas P. Stanley, David E. Roberts, Carl S. King, Arthur B. Thompson
  • Scalable zig-zag laser amplifier
    Patent number: 7539224
    Abstract: A high power laser system is provided having a master oscillator for generating a reference laser beam of desired beam quality, means for dividing the reference beam into multiple sub-beams, a multi-slab gain module positioned to receive the multiple sub-beams as input beams, and means for adjusting the sub-beams in phase to allow the output sub-beams to be coherently combined as a single composite output beam. Optionally, additional multi-slab gain modules similar to the first multi-slab gain module may be positioned to receive amplified output sub-beams from the first multi-slab gain module. The additional multi-slab gain modules generate further amplified output sub-beams of high aggregate power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua E. Rothenberg
  • Adhesive fillets and method for making same
    Patent number: 7534319
    Abstract: Methods of forming shaped adhesive fillets are disclosed. The adhesive fillets may be made by stacking multiple layers of adhesive sheets, consolidating the stacked layers, cutting strips from the consolidated layers, and forming the strips into adhesive fillets having desired cross sectional shapes. The fillets may be formed by feeding the strips through an apparatus comprising opposing rollers and a catcher, which facilitates release of the adhesive fillets from the rollers. The formed adhesive fillets are useful for applications such as stiffened panels for aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Mead, John Potter
  • Open system architecture for surveillance systems with efficient bandwidth management
    Patent number: 7536057
    Abstract: A signal processing method comprises the steps of: receiving an image frame including a plurality of rows of pixel data words, wherein each of the rows includes a start pixel data word and a plurality of successive pixel data words; processing each row by subtracting each successive pixel data word in the row from the start pixel data word in the row to produce a plurality of difference pixel data words; and storing and/or transmitting the difference pixel data words. An apparatus that performs the method is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Akarmann
  • Lamination press pad
    Patent number: 7534320
    Abstract: A press pad for bonding substrates into a radio-frequency and/or intermediate-frequency module. The module has a plurality of channels, each of which has an adhesive film for bonding the substrate. The press pad has a pad body conformal to the substrate and pairs of lateral protrusions extending from central axes of opposing surfaces of the pad body. The protrusions are in the forms of semicircular bumps or fins extending perpendicular to the opposing surfaces. Therefore, the lateral extent of the press pad within the channel is minimized, such that the misalignment and inclination of the press pad is minimized. Further, the lateral protrusions are fabricated from material operative to resist lateral pressure, such that deformation of the press pad caused by lateral pressure is also prevented. Therefore, pressure gradient and pressure loss are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Maher
  • Hybrid architecture for acquisition, recognition, and fusion
    Patent number: 7536365
    Abstract: A method comprises the steps of: producing one or more signals representative of a feature of a target or area of interest, statistically processing the signals to produce one or more first hypotheses of the target or area of interest, comparing the first hypotheses to one or more templates in a template library to produce one or more second hypotheses, and comparing the second hypotheses to one or more models in a model library to produce a target decision. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Omar Aboutalib