Patents by Inventor Donald A. Shaner

Donald A. Shaner 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).

  • Four-dimensional route planner
    Publication number: 20030093219
    Abstract: A route planner uses a recursive algorithm to determine a lateral path, and an adaptive algorithm to determine a vertical path. The vertical path is adjusted based on hazard areas represented by horizontal polygons having top and bottom altitudes. The route planner attempts to find a route which meets a required time of arrival window. A route may be broken into multiple starting and ending points, with desired arrival times specified for each ending point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Schultz, Donald A. Shaner, Stephen Gregory Pratt
  • Multi-dimensional route optimizer
    Patent number: 6266610
    Abstract: A system and method of optimizing a multi-dimensional route, such as an aircraft flight path, using a lateral path optimizer and a vertical path optimizer. The lateral path is determined by searching for a path among nodes that minimizes a cost function. The vertical path is determined by reference to pre-determined data generated as a function of aircraft parameters and wind speed. The optimized route is filtered as it is being generated. The optimized route is not limited by pre-determined waypoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Schultz, Donald A. Shaner