Patents by Inventor Brian J. Herting

Brian J. Herting has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11374636
    Abstract: An antenna system may include an antenna array configured to receive one or more signals. In embodiments, the antenna system further includes one or more signal processors configured to: determine a beamforming weight vector (Wbf) for the antenna array; determine a first seeding weight vector (Wseed1) for the antenna array, wherein the first seeding weight vector (Wseed1) comprises a first nulling weight vector (Wnul1) or a second beamforming weight vector (Wbf); determine a first nullforming adjustment factor (?1) for the antenna array; calculate a first nullforming weight vector (Wnf1) based on at least the beamforming weight vector (Wbf), the first seeding weight vector (Wseed1) and the first nullforming adjustment factor (?1); and form a first antenna pattern based on the first nullforming weight vector (Wnf1) to generate a first antenna electronics (AE) output signal, wherein the first antenna pattern generates a first set of one or more nulls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Cho Lai, Jeffrey B. Bishop, Brian J. Herting, Michael H. Stockmaster
  • Publication number: 20210211170
    Abstract: An antenna system may include an antenna array configured to receive one or more signals. In embodiments, the antenna system further includes one or more signal processors configured to: determine a beamforming weight vector (Wbf) for the antenna array; determine a first seeding weight vector (Wseed1) for the antenna array, wherein the first seeding weight vector (Wseed1) comprises a first nulling weight vector (Wnul1) or a second beamforming weight vector (Wbf); determine a first nullforming adjustment factor (n1) for the antenna array; calculate a first nullforming weight vector (Wnf1) based on at least the beamforming weight vector (Wbf), the first seeding weight vector (Wseed1) and the first nullforming adjustment factor (n1); and form a first antenna pattern based on the first nullforming weight vector (Wnf1) to generate a first antenna electronics (AE) output signal, wherein the first antenna pattern generates a first set of one or more nulls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Ying Cho Lai, Jeffrey B. Bishop, Brian J. Herting, Michael H. Stockmaster
  • Patent number: 9638502
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pulse error correction are disclosed. The apparatus may include a spinning vehicle having a plurality of antennas for generating pulse signals indicative of the rotational orientation of the spinning vehicle. The apparatus may utilize anti-jamming to detect and nullify a jamming signal. The apparatus may apply pulse error correction to correct inaccuracies in the pulse signals indicative of the rotational orientation of the spinning vehicle. More specifically, positional information of a source of the jamming signal relative to the spinning vehicle and positional information of a satellite relative to the spinning vehicle may be determined and utilized to calculate a rotational orientation correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Herting, Jonathan M. Sebast, Benjamin K. Oliver, James R. Kottman, Michael J. Cook
  • Patent number: 9568602
    Abstract: A radar system and a method can utilize a radar antenna, such as, an active electronically scanned array antenna. The radar system can include a processor configured to scan a volume of space via the radar antenna to detect aircraft threats and to detect weather threats. The processing system can utilize a first pattern to detect the aircraft threats or obstacles and a second pattern to detect the weather threats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Stadelmann, Jeffrey B. Bishop, Brian J. Herting, Stephen G. Carlson, John R. Moore, Bryan N. Wesner
  • Patent number: 9091745
    Abstract: A two panel radar system is disclosed. The radar system may include a pair of AESA panels respectively positioned on either side of a central axis, wherein a pointing direction of the first AESA panel is offset by a predetermined angle in a clockwise direction with respect to the central axis and a pointing direction of the second AESA panel is offset by the predetermined angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the central axis. A controller may be configured for selectively activating at least one of: the first AESA panel for providing a first coverage area in a first direction offset from the central axis, the second AESA panel for providing a second coverage area in a second direction offset from the central axis, or the pair of AESA panels jointly for providing a third coverage area between the first coverage area and the second coverage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, James B. West, Lee M. Paulsen, Michael J. Buckley, Brian J. Herting
  • Patent number: 8976071
    Abstract: An integrated antenna system is disclosed which may include a first antenna sub-system. The integrated antenna system may further include a second antenna sub-system. The first antenna sub-system may be a Ku-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be one of: an L-band antenna sub-system or a C-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be tightly/seamlessly integrated with the first antenna sub-system, thereby providing a system with integrated antenna bands which provides omni-directional coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Doane, Brian J. Herting, Lee M. Paulsen, Jeremiah D. Wolf, Wajih A. ElSallal
  • Patent number: 8878728
    Abstract: The present invention includes a substrate; a central monopole element configured to radiate electromagnetic energy, the central monopole element disposed within a central monopole element through-hole of the substrate and extending from the first to the second surface of the substrate, the central monopole element formed by plating the central monopole element through-hole; a plurality of parasitic elements surrounding the central monopole element, each of the parasitic elements disposed within a parasitic element through-hole of the substrate and extending from the first to the second surface of the substrate, each of the plurality of parasitic elements formed by plating a parasitic element through-hole; a ground plane disposed on the second surface of the substrate; and a plurality of load circuits, each load circuit being connected to a parasitic element of the plurality of parasitic elements, each load circuit further being connected to the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Matilda G. Livadaru, Lee M. Paulsen, Brian J. Herting, James B. West
  • Patent number: 8872713
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiating element assembly including radiating element integrated with a radome. The radiating element assembly may be dual-polarized. Further, the radiating element assembly may operate over a frequency band of 10.9 GHz-14.5 GHz and may be configured for minimizing polarization cross-talk at Array Normal Scan of well below ?30 decibels over the entire frequency band. Still further, the radiating element assembly may provide return loss at Array Normal Scan of less than or equal to ?10 dB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buckley, Brian J. Herting, John C. Mather, Wajih A. El Sallal
  • Patent number: 8830131
    Abstract: The present invention is an integrated antenna assembly which allows for integration of a first radio system and a second radio system with the integrated antenna assembly. The integrated antenna assembly may include a coupler for providing sufficient isolation between the first radio system (ex.—a vertical polarization system) and the second radio system (ex.—a horizontal polarization system). The integrated antenna assembly may further include a common mode choke connected between a first antenna element and a second antenna element of the integrated antenna assembly. The coupler may produce a common mode based on signals received from the vertical polarization system and may also produce a differential mode based on signals received from the horizontal polarization system. The common mode choke may be configured for: preventing transmission of common mode currents from the first antenna element to the second antenna element; and being transparent to differential mode current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Doane, Mark M. Mulbrook, Brian J. Herting
  • Patent number: 8576023
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interface for connecting a waveguide manifold of a transition to a stripline manifold of the transition. The interface may include a plurality of metamaterial layers, each including a metamaterial(s). The interface may further include a ground plane layer which may be connected to both the plurality of metamaterial layers and to the stripline manifold. Further, the interface may include a plurality of ground vias which may form channels through each of the layers of the interface and through the stripline manifold for providing a ground structure for the interface. The interface is further configured for forming a resonant structure which provides a low-loss, broadband conversion between a stripline mode and a waveguide mode for electromagnetic energy traversing through the interface between the waveguide manifold and the stripline manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buckley, Wajih A. El Sallal, Brian J. Herting, John C. Mather
  • Publication number: 20130214972
    Abstract: A two panel radar system is disclosed. The radar system may include a pair of AESA panels respectively positioned on either side of a central axis, wherein a pointing direction of the first AESA panel is offset by a predetermined angle in a clockwise direction with respect to the central axis and a pointing direction of the second AESA panel is offset by the predetermined angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the central axis. A controller may be configured for selectively activating at least one of: the first AESA panel for providing a first coverage area in a first direction offset from the central axis, the second AESA panel for providing a second coverage area in a second direction offset from the central axis, or the pair of AESA panels jointly for providing a third coverage area between the first coverage area and the second coverage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, James B. West, Lee M. Paulsen, Michael J. Buckley, Brian J. Herting
  • Patent number: 8514032
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a matched load. The matched load may include a stripline section and multiple resist material sections. The multiple resist material sections may be connected to the stripline section and may each include a resist material. The resist material may be a metal alloy film. Further, the load may be configured for operating over a frequency band ranging from 9 GHz to 18 GHz. Still further, the load may be configured for providing a return loss of less than ?25 dB at each operating frequency included in the 9 GHz to 18 GHz frequency band. Still further, the load is compact, such that multiple loads may fit into a dual polarized radiating element cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buckley, Jeremiah D. Wolf, Brian J. Herting, John C. Mather
  • Patent number: 8497809
    Abstract: An aperture of an antenna for a radar system comprises a first waveguide comprising a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each protrusion extending longitudinally along one side of the first waveguide. The aperture further comprises a second waveguide comprising a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, each protrusion extending longitudinally along one side of the second waveguide. The first and third protrusions and second and fourth protrusions adjoin to form a radio frequency choke at least partially suppressing cross polarization of radio frequencies between the first and second waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Herting, James B. West, Wajih A. ElSallal, John C. Mather, Bret W. Spars, Daniel L. Woodell
  • Patent number: 8466843
    Abstract: An integrated antenna system is disclosed which may include a first antenna sub-system. The integrated antenna system may further include a second antenna sub-system. The first antenna sub-system may be a Ku-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be one of: an L-band antenna sub-system or a C-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be tightly/seamlessly integrated with the first antenna sub-system, thereby providing a system with integrated antenna bands which provides omni-directional coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Doane, Brian J. Herting, Lee M. Paulsen, Jeremiah D. Wolf, Wajih A. El Sallal
  • Patent number: 8098197
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which includes an antenna and circuitry. The antenna may receive a circularly-polarized signal as first and second linearly-polarized signals. The circuitry is connected to the antenna and is configured for combining the first and second linearly-polarized signals to produce at least two reception patterns. The reception patterns are created by summing the first and second linearly-polarized signals via phase shifting. The reception patterns are optimized for at least two substantially different directional orientations. Further, the antenna may simultaneously allow/provide spec-compliant Global Positioning System operation and spec compliant Height of Burst operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Herting, Lee M. Paulsen, James H. Doty, James B. West, Nathan P. Lower
  • Patent number: 8098189
    Abstract: An antenna system for a weather radar system includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The polarization of the first transceiver is orthogonal to the polarization of the second transceiver. The first transceiver and the second transceiver are interlaced to occupy the same volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, James B. West, Wajih A. ElSallal, John C. Mather, Brian J. Herting
  • Patent number: 8098207
    Abstract: An aperture of an antenna for a radar system comprises a first waveguide comprising a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each protrusion extending longitudinally along one side of the first waveguide. The aperture further comprises a second waveguide comprising a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, each protrusion extending longitudinally along one side of the second waveguide. The first and third protrusions and second and fourth protrusions adjoin to form a radio frequency choke at least partially suppressing cross polarization of radio frequencies between the first and second waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Herting, James B. West, Wajih A. ElSallal, John C. Mather, Bret W. Spars, Daniel L. Woodell
  • Patent number: 7916082
    Abstract: A method may include cycling a first beam steering control antenna element of an electronically scanned antenna (ESA) array through a first portion of beam steering control states for the first beam steering control antenna element. The first beam steering control antenna element is probed while cycling the first beam steering control antenna element through the first portion of beam steering control states. A first amplitude and a first phase for energy coupled from the ESA array to a probe are recorded for each one of the first portion of beam steering control states. The recorded first amplitude and the recorded first phase are separated into a first component and a second component. The phase of the first beam steering control antenna element is determined utilizing the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Herting
  • Patent number: 7859482
    Abstract: A waveguide switch is shown. The waveguide switch includes a frequency selective surface and a biasing diode configured to selectively provide a short between an outer metal loop and an inner metal loop to place the frequency selective surface into either a non-reflective state or a reflective state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Herting
  • Patent number: 7639197
    Abstract: A dual-band stacked electromagnetic band gap (EBG) electronically scanned array (ESA) has a first aperture with a waveguide element spacing of less than ?/2 and a length to provide about 360° of upper frequency phase shift. A second aperture is stacked on the first aperture and has an element spacing of less than ?/2 at a lower frequency and a length such that when summed with the first aperture length about 360° of lower-frequency phase shift is provided. The second aperture comprises metal slats perpendicular to EBG slats to form an equivalent waveguide element with a broadwall dimension to support a TE10 mode at the upper frequency. The second aperture may also comprise metal slats and alternating frequency selective surface (FSS) slats with perpendicular EBG slats lengthening the broadwall at the upper frequency. The EBG slats provide lower-frequency phase shifting in both embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Herting