Patents by Inventor Jeffery A. Finley

Jeffery A. Finley 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: 11933890
    Abstract: An aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. The aircraft hazard warning system can utilize processing electronics coupled to an antenna. The processing electronics can determine an inferred presence of a weather condition in response to lightning sensor data, radar reflectivity data, turbulence data, geographic location data, vertical structure analysis data, and/or temperature data. The system can include a display for showing the weather condition and its location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Jeffery A. Finley, Gregory J. Koenigs, John G. Conkling
  • Publication number: 20240027575
    Abstract: A radar system performs a plurality of horizontal scans; from the horizontal scans, the radar system identifies several cells. Based on the horizontal scans, the radar system produces a first vertical profile that is applied to the identified cells. The radar system performs one or more vertical scans of one of the identified cells to get measured reflectivity values in elevation. The measured reflectivity values are used to create a second vertical profile. The second vertical profile is used to refine the first vertical profile at the location of the identified cell and also to proximal weather. The data used to create the first and second vertical profiles can be combined into a data packet and stored within the radar or transmitted to a remote device. The remote device can reproduce a third vertical profile from the information in the data packet at any point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Venkata A. Sishtla, Divesh Lakhi, Mark Fersdahl, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Publication number: 20230341515
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a self-diagnostic test on an electronically scanned array is disclosed. The system includes an array of emitter antenna and receiver antenna elements, a controller configured to control the modulation of transmitting and received signals, and a monitoring processor configured to receive a signal quality input based on the transmitting and received signal, generate a control profile based on the signal quality input, compare at least one control profile to at least one of a predicted result signal or to control profiles from at least two other sets of control profiles, and determine a faulty set of individually addressable components that includes at least one faulty individually addressable component. The controller is configured to enhance one or more individually addressable components to compensate for the faulty addressable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Brandon E. Wilson, Carlo L. Tiana, Jeffery A. Finley, Brian O. Helfrecht
  • Patent number: 11705974
    Abstract: A system and method for real-time in-situ calibration of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) utilizes an S-parameter matrix-based EM transfer function between an end fire, unobtrusive, near field probe radiating element to minimize AESA look angle blockage. A sniffer probe is integrated in the AESA aperture of mechanical mounting frame or embedded with the AESA aperture structure. Hadamard orthogonal coding is utilized to simultaneously energize AESA elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. West, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Publication number: 20230134507
    Abstract: A radar system executes an ice crystal detection method where filtered radar power returns with atmospheric ice concentration from a single beam are correlated. Filtered power returns from a typical radar pulse sequence are compared to detect high-altitude ice crystals. Induvial, filtered pulses are correlated by bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Venkata A. Sishtla
  • Publication number: 20230133643
    Abstract: A radar system identifies the presence of moderate intensity icing based on a single pulse reflectivity versus ice water content relationship. The radar then identifies convective cores in proximity to the aircraft and records features of those convective cores. Convection information, including storm tops, temperature, and cell topology, is used to indicate the presence of severe icing. A trained neural network may relate the various data to make a high intensity icing determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Venkata A. Sishtla
  • Publication number: 20230003879
    Abstract: A system and method for ice crystal detection and qualification are disclosed. The system for ice crystal detection may include an aircraft weather radar and processing circuitry. The aircraft weather radar may perform scans at one or more elevations at successive times. The processing circuitry may calculate power and reflectivity values based on the scans. The processing circuitry may further compare the power and reflectivity values to threshold values to determine the presence of ice water content. The processing circuitry may display different colors on a display for areas in which the power and reflectivity values are lower than the threshold values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Venkata A. Sishtla, Xingming Wang, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Patent number: 11402498
    Abstract: The hazard warning system includes processing system for detecting an HVB condition. The aircraft warning system can use at least two types of radar returns and can measure decorrelation time to detect the HVB condition. Warnings of HVB conditions can allow an aircraft to avoid threats posed by such conditions including damage to aircraft equipment and engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Dana, James B. West, Kevin M. Kronfeld, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Publication number: 20220075060
    Abstract: An aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. The aircraft hazard warning system can utilize processing electronics coupled to an antenna. The processing electronics can determine an inferred presence of a weather condition in response to lightning sensor data, radar reflectivity data, turbulence data, geographic location data, vertical structure analysis data, and/or temperature data. The system can include a display for showing the weather condition and its location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Jeffery A. Finley, Gregory J. Koenigs, John G. Conkling
  • Publication number: 20210376938
    Abstract: A system and method for real-time in-situ calibration of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) utilizes an S-parameter matrix-based EM transfer function between an end fire, unobtrusive, near field probe radiating element to minimize AESA look angle blockage. A sniffer probe is integrated in the AESA aperture of mechanical mounting frame or embedded with the AESA aperture structure. Hadamard orthogonal coding is utilized to simultaneously energize AESA elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. West, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Patent number: 11131771
    Abstract: An aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. The aircraft hazard warning system can utilize processing electronics coupled to an antenna. The processing electronics can determine an inferred presence of a weather condition in response to lightning sensor data, radar reflectivity data, turbulence data, geographic location data, vertical structure analysis data, and/or temperature data. The system can include a display for showing the weather condition and its location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Jeffery A. Finley, Gregory J. Koenigs, John G. Conkling
  • Patent number: 10928510
    Abstract: An apparatus is for use with an aircraft radar system having a radar antenna. The apparatus includes processing electronics configured to cause the radar antenna to emit radar pulses having a pulse width less than 6 microseconds and configured to receive radar data associated with signals associated with the radar antenna. The radar data is processed to identify centroids associated with indications of the runway lights for a runway in the radar data. A best fit analysis of the centroids is used to identify a runway centerline associated with the runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Carlo L. Tiana, Jeffery A. Finley, Gregg A. Walt, Irina R. Sandu
  • Patent number: 10809375
    Abstract: The hazard warning system includes processing system for detecting an HVB condition. The aircraft warning system can use at least two types of radar returns and can measure decorrelation time to detect the HVB condition. Warnings of HVB conditions can allow an aircraft to avoid threats posed by such conditions including damage to aircraft equipment and engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Dana, James B. West, Kevin M. Kronfeld, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Patent number: 10685469
    Abstract: A method for indicating a weather threat to an aircraft is provided. The method includes inferring a weather threat to an aircraft and causing an image to be displayed on an aviation display in response to a determination by aircraft processing electronics that the inferred weather threat to the aircraft is greater than a measured weather threat to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Roy E. Robertson, Hubert C. Dyche, Gregory J. Koenigs, Charles J. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 10494108
    Abstract: A hazard warning system can be utilized in an aircraft. The hazard warning system can include a processing system configured to determine an icing condition. The icing condition can be annunciated and/or displayed. An avionic display can be used to display the icing condition in response to a sum of icing concentration factors along a radial or flight path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Jean-Philippe Wasselin
  • Patent number: 10302761
    Abstract: An aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. The aircraft hazard warning system can utilize processing electronics coupled to an antenna. The processing electronics can determine an inferred presence of turbulence in response to lightning sensor data, radar reflectivity data, turbulence data, geographic location data, vertical structure analysis data, and/or temperature data. The system can include a display for showing the turbulence hazard and its location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Jeffery A. Finley, Gregory J. Koenigs, John G. Conkling
  • Patent number: 9978168
    Abstract: A method for indicating a weather threat to an aircraft is provided. The method includes inferring a weather threat to an aircraft and causing an image to be displayed on an aviation display in response to a determination by aircraft processing electronics that the inferred weather threat to the aircraft is greater than a measured weather threat to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Roy E. Robertson, Hubert C. Dyche, Gregory J. Koenigs, Charles J. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 9864055
    Abstract: The hazard warning system that included processing system for detecting a high altitude ice crystal (HAIC) or HAIC cloud (HAIC2) condition. The aircraft warning system can use an inferred detected process or a non-inferred detection process. Warnings of high altitude ice crystal conditions can allow an aircraft to avoid threats posed by HAIC or HAIC2 conditions including damage to aircraft equipment and engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkata A. Sishtla, Roy E. Robertson, Roger A. Dana, Kevin M. Kronfeld, Gregory J. Koenigs, Jeffery A. Finley
  • Patent number: 9846230
    Abstract: A hazard warning or weather radar system or method can be utilized to determine a location of ice. The system and method can be used in an aircraft. The aircraft weather radar system can include a radar antenna and an electronic processor. The radar antenna receives radar returns. The processor determines levels of icing conditions and causes the levels to be displayed on an electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Kevin M. Kronfeld, Gregory J. Koenigs, Roy E. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9823347
    Abstract: A hazard warning system can be utilized in an aircraft. The hazard warning system can include a processing system for determining a high altitude ice crystal (HAIC) condition and causing a warning of the HAIC condition to be displayed. An avionic display can be used to display the warning of the HAIC condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Koenigs, Jeffery A. Finley