Patents by Inventor Eric C. Sutton

Eric C. Sutton 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: 6023240
    Abstract: A method for calculating the phase reception pattern of an antenna system utilized in attitude determination is disclosed. The antenna system is disposed on a platform (or rate table) that rotates about a single, fixed axis at a constant rate as incoming signals from one or more satellites are received, thereby revolving the antennas about the axis. Information collected from the satellite signals is utilized to calculate a differential phase map (phase measurement error correction map) for the antenna system. The rate of rotation of the table is approximately known, and small variations in the rotation rate may be compensated. The baseline vector connecting two or more antennas is preferably approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the platform. Phase measurement data is collected and may be processed off-line to compute a phase measurement correction map. Attitude calculations may be compensated with the determined differential phase measurement correction map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Sutton