Patents by Inventor Joseph E. Gepner

Joseph E. Gepner 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).

  • Publication number: 20200340827
    Abstract: Aircraft indication systems and processes for calculating an engine-out return altitude for an aircraft are described. In implementations, an aircraft indication system comprises a memory operable to store one or more modules and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is operable to execute the one or more modules to cause the processor to: identify a takeoff event associated with the aircraft; access dynamic aircraft performance data including at least a current altitude of the aircraft; calculate an engine-out return altitude for the aircraft; and provide a return altitude indication to a pilot of the aircraft using the calculated engine-out return altitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph E. Gepner
  • Patent number: 9696163
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device utilizes indicators on a display screen, such as tick marks positioned around the perimeter of the display, to point to the bearing of a desired location such as a nearest airport when GPS is enabled. The electronic device may be implemented as an aviation watch that comprises a display device having a screen including a plurality of indicators arranged proximal to a perimeter of the screen. The aviation watch determines a direction of an airport that is nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch and activates a subset of the plurality of indicators of the screen, the subset of the plurality of indicators providing a directional bearing to the airport determined to be nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Joseph E. Gepner, Thomas I. Loschen, Matthew C. Burch
  • Publication number: 20160169682
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device utilizes indicators on a display screen, such as tick marks positioned around the perimeter of the display, to point to the bearing of a desired location such as a nearest airport when GPS is enabled. The electronic device may be implemented as an aviation watch that comprises a display device having a screen including a plurality of indicators arranged proximal to a perimeter of the screen. The aviation watch determines a direction of an airport that is nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch and activates a subset of the plurality of indicators of the screen, the subset of the plurality of indicators providing a directional bearing to the airport determined to be nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph E. Gepner, Thomas I. Loschen, Matthew C. Burch
  • Patent number: 9297661
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device utilizes indicators on a display screen, such as tick marks positioned around the perimeter of the display, to point to the bearing of a desired location such as a nearest airport when GPS is enabled. The electronic device may be implemented as an aviation watch that comprises a display device having a screen including a plurality of indicators arranged proximal to a perimeter of the screen. The aviation watch determines a direction of an airport that is nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch and activates a subset of the plurality of indicators of the screen, the subset of the plurality of indicators providing a directional bearing to the airport determined to be nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Joseph E. Gepner, Thomas I. Loschen, Matthew C. Burch
  • Patent number: 9210524
    Abstract: An aircraft audio panel includes a plurality of audio inputs each configured for receiving audio communications from an audio source; a plurality of audio outputs each configured for outputting the audio communications to audio equipment in the aircraft; selecting circuitry for selecting the audio communications between the audio inputs and the audio outputs; a single selector for permitting selection of one of the audio inputs or audio outputs for adjustment; and a single audio controller for permitting adjustment of an audio characteristic of the selected audio input or audio output. The audio panel may also include an audio characteristic indicator for indicating an audio characteristic of the selected audio input or audio output. The selecting circuitry may also implement a routing mode in which a user may first initiate the routing mode, then select one of the audio inputs for routing, and then select any one of the audio outputs for receiving audio communications from the selected audio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Gregory Sherwood, Luke E. Bogner, Joseph E. Gepner, Tyler O. Vrooman, Timothy W. James
  • Publication number: 20150094951
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device utilizes indicators on a display screen, such as tick marks positioned around the perimeter of the display, to point to the bearing of a desired location such as a nearest airport when GPS is enabled. The electronic device may be implemented as an aviation watch that comprises a display device having a screen including a plurality of indicators arranged proximal to a perimeter of the screen. The aviation watch determines a direction of an airport that is nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch and activates a subset of the plurality of indicators of the screen, the subset of the plurality of indicators providing a directional bearing to the airport determined to be nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph E. Gepner, Thomas I. Loschen, Matthew C. Burch
  • Patent number: 8626360
    Abstract: An avionics control and display unit (CDU) in an integrated avionics system includes a display unit having a touch screen configured to detect touch input. The CDU is configured to have a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation. When the first mode of operation is selected, the display unit is configured to display control indicia to facilitate the control of one or more functions associated with the avionics system. When the second mode of operation is selected, the display unit is configured to enable a cursor control area to facilitate manipulation of indicia displayed by a display device such as a primary flight display (PFD) or a multifunction display (MFD), and so forth, via touch input to the touch screen over the cursor control area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Komer, Joseph E. Gepner, Ryan K. Hogan, Ted D. Mabie
  • Patent number: 8570192
    Abstract: A multi-product avionics control and display unit (CDU). In implementations, the CDU may include a display and a processor coupled with the display. The processor is configurable to operate in a first mode to cause the display to present standby primary flight information associated with the aircraft and a second mode to control and display operation of one or more aircraft systems associated with the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. McLoughlin, Steven B. Willhoite, Walter J. Rolston, Joseph E. Gepner, Kevin C. Parmenter, Cory N. Douthat, Ryan C. Stark
  • Publication number: 20130261851
    Abstract: An avionics control and display unit (CDU) in an integrated avionics system includes a display unit having a touch screen configured to detect touch input. The CDU is configured to have a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation. When the first mode of operation is selected, the display unit is configured to display control indicia to facilitate the control of one or more functions associated with the avionics system. When the second mode of operation is selected, the display unit is configured to enable a cursor control area to facilitate manipulation of indicia displayed by a display device such as a primary flight display (PFD) or a multifunction display (MFD), and so forth, via touch input to the touch screen over the cursor control area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Komer, Joseph E. Gepner, Ryan K. Hogan, Ted D. Mabie
  • Publication number: 20130076540
    Abstract: A multi-product avionics control and display unit (CDU). In implementations, the CDU may include a display and a processor coupled with the display. The processor is configurable to operate in a first mode to cause the display to present standby primary flight information associated with the aircraft and a second mode to control and display operation of one or more aircraft systems associated with the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. McLoughlin, Steven B. Willhoite, Walter J. Rolston, Joseph E. Gepner, Kevin C. Parmenter, Cory N. Douthat, Ryan C. Stark
  • Patent number: 8373679
    Abstract: Touchscreen electronics for detecting touches on a display screen broadly comprises a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of receivers, and a controller. Each transmitter may transmit at least one beam across the display screen, wherein the beam may be switched on and off in a repeated pattern. The receivers may detect the beams from the transmitters, and each receiver may generate an “on” value that corresponds to the beam being switched on and an “off” value that corresponds to the beam being switched off. The controller communicates with the transmitters and the receivers and may be configured to determine that a touch has occurred when the “on” value generated by one of the receivers transitions in a sequence from greater than an upper level to less than a lower level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Gepner, David M. Dixon, Joseph L. Komer
  • Patent number: 8264376
    Abstract: A multi-product avionics control and display unit (CDU). In implementations, the CDU may include a display and a processor coupled with the display. The processor is configurable to operate in a first mode to cause the display to present standby primary flight information associated with the aircraft and a second mode to control and display operation of one or more aircraft systems associated with the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. McLoughlin, Steven B. Willhoite, Walter J. Rolston, Joseph E. Gepner
  • Publication number: 20120140934
    Abstract: An aircraft audio panel includes a plurality of audio inputs each configured for receiving audio communications from an audio source; a plurality of audio outputs each configured for outputting the audio communications to audio equipment in the aircraft; selecting circuitry for selecting the audio communications between the audio inputs and the audio outputs; a single selector for permitting selection of one of the audio inputs or audio outputs for adjustment; and a single audio controller for permitting adjustment of an audio characteristic of the selected audio input or audio output. The audio panel may also include an audio characteristic indicator for indicating an audio characteristic of the selected audio input or audio output. The selecting circuitry may also implement a routing mode in which a user may first initiate the routing mode, then select one of the audio inputs for routing, and then select any one of the audio outputs for receiving audio communications from the selected audio input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Gregory Sherwood, Luke E. Bogner, Joseph E. Gepner, Tyler O. Vrooman, Timothy W. James
  • Publication number: 20120140933
    Abstract: An aircraft audio panel includes a plurality of audio inputs each configured for receiving audio communications from an audio source; a plurality of audio outputs each configured for outputting the audio communications to audio equipment in the aircraft; selecting circuitry for selecting the audio communications between the audio inputs and the audio outputs; a single selector for permitting selection of one of the audio inputs or audio outputs for adjustment; and a single audio controller for permitting adjustment of an audio characteristic of the selected audio input or audio output. The audio panel may also include an audio characteristic indicator for indicating an audio characteristic of the selected audio input or audio output. The selecting circuitry may also implement a routing mode in which a user may first initiate the routing mode, then select one of the audio inputs for routing, and then select any one of the audio outputs for receiving audio communications from the selected audio input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Gregory Sherwood, Luke E. Bogner, Joseph E. Gepner, Tyler O. Vrooman, Timothy W. James
  • Publication number: 20110084939
    Abstract: Touchscreen electronics for detecting touches on a display screen broadly comprises a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of receivers, and a controller. Each transmitter may transmit at least one beam across the display screen, wherein the beam may be switched on and off in a repeated pattern. The receivers may detect the beams from the transmitters, and each receiver may generate an “on” value that corresponds to the beam being switched on and an “off” value that corresponds to the beam being switched off. The controller communicates with the transmitters and the receivers and may be configured to determine that a touch has occurred when the “on” value generated by one of the receivers transitions in a sequence from greater than an upper level to less than a lower level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Gepner, David M. Dixon, Joseph L. Komer
  • Patent number: 7912592
    Abstract: A system and method which implement automatic speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) programs to permit pilots, co-pilots, and other persons to more quickly and easily perform control and monitoring tasks on aircraft. The system may be used to automatically change the frequency of an aircraft radio when a pilot or co-pilot is instructed to do so by ATC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Komer, Joseph E. Gepner, Charles Gregory Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7881832
    Abstract: A system and method which implement automatic speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) programs to permit pilots, co-pilots, and other persons to more quickly and easily perform control and monitoring tasks on aircraft. The system may be used to automatically change the frequency of an aircraft radio when a pilot or co-pilot is instructed to do so by ATC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Komer, Joseph E. Gepner, Charles Gregory Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20100030400
    Abstract: A system and method which implement automatic speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) programs to permit pilots, co-pilots, and other persons to more quickly and easily perform control and monitoring tasks on aircraft. The system may be used to automatically change the frequency of an aircraft radio when a pilot or co-pilot is instructed to do so by ATC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Komer, Joseph E. Gepner, Charles Gregory Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7415326
    Abstract: A system and method which implement automatic speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) programs to permit pilots, co-pilots, and other persons to more quickly and easily perform control and monitoring tasks on aircraft. The system may be used to automatically change the frequency of an aircraft radio when a pilot or co-pilot is instructed to do so by ATC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Komer, Joseph E. Gepner, Charles Gregory Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20070288129
    Abstract: A system and method which implement automatic speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) programs to permit pilots, co-pilots, and other persons to more quickly and easily perform control and monitoring tasks on aircraft. The system may be used to automatically change the frequency of an aircraft radio when a pilot or co-pilot is instructed to do so by ATC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Komer, Joseph E. Gepner, Charles Gregory Sherwood