Patents by Inventor Douglas B. Pledger

Douglas B. Pledger 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).

  • Wide field of view sensor with diffractive optic corrector
    Patent number: 5837894
    Abstract: A three-axis attitude orientation system for a spacecraft is described. The single sensor provides roll and pitch information by locating the centroid of the earth and using this as a reference point. The system determines yaw by tracking the position of stars which appear in the field of view around the earth. Three-axis attitude is determined through ultraviolet imaging of the earth's limb and adjacent stars. A diffractive optics sensor and intensified CCD array are utilized for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa A. Fritz, James C. Lee, Douglas B. Pledger
  • Method for determining 3-axis spacecraft attitude
    Patent number: 5319969
    Abstract: A three axis attitude orientation system for a spacecraft in orbit which employs a single UV sensor. The single sensor provides roll and pitch information by locating the centroid of the earth and using this as a reference point. The system determines yaw by tracking the position of stars which appear in the field of view around the earth. Three axis attitude is determined through ultraviolet imaging of the earth's limb and adjacent stars. A non-conventional wide angle optics assembly and intensified CCD array are utilized for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Billing-Ross, Douglas B. Pledger
  • Apparatus for determining 3-axis space craft attitude
    Patent number: 5319968
    Abstract: A three axis attitude orientation system for a spacecraft in orbit which employs a single UV sensor. The single sensor provides roll and pitch information by locating the centroid of the earth and using this as a reference point. The system determines yaw by tracking the position of stars which appear in the field of view around the earth. three axis attitude is determined through ultraviolet imaging of the earth's limb and adjacent stars. A non-conventional wide angle optics assembly and intensified CCD array are utilized for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Billing-Ross, Douglas B. Pledger, Teresa A. Fritz
  • Infrared sensor for short range detection wherein the sun may be in the field of view of the detector
    Patent number: 5093574
    Abstract: An infrared sensor for short range detection of aircraft wherein the sensor is designed to operate with the sun in the field of view yet still be able to track its target. The sensor operates on a spinning platform, wherein the spinning platform has precessional motion. The sensor has a first detector array for detecting the presence of the sun and other background clutter. The sensor further has a second detector array sensitive to radiation in a predetermined frequency band for tracking a specific target. The sensor has an objective lens to focus the radiation on the first and second detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Pratt, Douglas B. Pledger