Patents by Inventor Don A. Larson

Don A. Larson 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: 11796797
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to systems and methods for wavefront error (WFE) correction of a conformal optical component using a planar lens. The embodiments include a conformal optical component transmissive to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which is propagated through the conformal optical component along a path axis. The conformal optical component is rotationally asymmetric about the path axis. A planar corrector lens is configured to correct a WFE of the conformal optical component. The planar corrector lens defines a lens axis. Accordingly, use of a single planar corrector lens for WFE correction of a conformal optical component reduces bulk and manufacturing complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clara R. Baleine, Patricia S. Sharek, Erwan A. P. Baleine, Johann M. Veras, Don A. Larson, Robert J. McCarty
  • Publication number: 20210278662
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to systems and methods for wavefront error (WFE) correction of a conformal optical component using a planar lens. The embodiments include a conformal optical component transmissive to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which is propagated through the conformal optical component along a path axis. The conformal optical component is rotationally asymmetric about the path axis. A planar corrector lens is configured to correct a WFE of the conformal optical component. The planar corrector lens defines a lens axis. Accordingly, use of a single planar corrector lens for WFE correction of a conformal optical component reduces bulk and manufacturing complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Clara R. Baleine, Patricia S. Sharek, Erwan A. P. Baleine, Johann M. Veras, Don A. Larson, Robert J. McCarty
  • Patent number: 10612898
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to a conformal, sometimes referred to as aerodynamic, nose cone, and in particular to a hollow conformal nose cone that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength, or wavelengths, and that comprises a variable thickness such that the electromagnetic radiation received on an outer surface of the nose cone forms a predetermined beam pattern within the nose cone. Also disclosed are mechanisms for generating such hollow conformal nose cones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. McCarty, Jr., Don A. Larson
  • Patent number: 9534868
    Abstract: An aerodynamic conformal nose cone and scanning mechanism is disclosed. Laser energy, from within a body of a missile, is directed through a solid, optically transparent nose cone. A detector in the body detects reflected laser energy that passes through the solid, optically transparent nose cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Paul Perryman, Bruno J. Evans, Thomas Hiromoto, Don A. Larson
  • Publication number: 20160153756
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to a conformal, sometimes referred to as aerodynamic, nose cone, and in particular to a hollow conformal nose cone that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength, or wavelengths, and that comprises a variable thickness such that the electromagnetic radiation received on an outer surface of the nose cone forms a predetermined beam pattern within the nose cone. Also disclosed are mechanisms for generating such hollow conformal nose cones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. McCarty, JR., Don A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7705290
    Abstract: A multi-beam LADAR apparatus and a method for use in a multi-beam LADAR system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of mission specific optics; a gimbal in which the mission specific optics are mounted; an off-gimbal laser; and a multi-fiber relay optically linking the laser output to the mission specific optics. The method includes gimbaling a plurality of mission specific optics; generating a laser signal off the gimbal; and optically relaying the laser signal to the mission specific optics through a plurality of discreet channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Lionel D. Liebman, Don A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7375804
    Abstract: A LADAR apparatus and a method for use in receiving a LADAR signal are disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical pickup capable of picking up a plurality of optical signals; a timing synchronization reference; a time domain multiplexer capable of multiplexing the optical signals into a multiplexed optical signal relative to the timing synchronization reference; and an optical detector capable of detecting the multiplexed optical signal. The method include time domain multiplexing a plurality of LADAR signals into multiplexed LADAR signal; detecting the multiplexed LADAR signal; and demultiplexing the detected LADAR signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Lionel D. Liebman, Stuart W. Flockencier, Edward M. Flowers, Don A. Larson