Patents by Inventor Jerry W. Vickers

Jerry W. Vickers 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).

  • Attitude determination using two color, dual-sweeping laser system
    Patent number: 4123165
    Abstract: A system is provided for remote determination of the attitude of a vehicle. nboard the vehicle are located two separate arrays of corner cube retroreflectors. Each array of retroreflectors is arranged to form a band around the vehicle at one axial position. The two arrays of reflectors incorporate different optical filters so that each array of reflectors and filters is optimized to provide retroreflection in a particular narrow band of the optical spectrum. Each array's optical spectrum band is different from the band used by the other array of reflectors. The system utilizes a remotely located transmitting-receiving station to provide tracking of the vehicle, continuously sweeping the vehicle with a light source located at the station so that position and attitude of the object, relative to the remote station, are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David B. Brown, Jerry W. Vickers, Kynric M. Pell