Patents by Inventor Julio A. Navarro

Julio A. Navarro 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: 12074364
    Abstract: A sensor waveguide system includes a sensor waveguide and a plurality of sensors. The sensor waveguide includes a main body defining a peak, a base, an axis of rotation, and a plurality of waveguide channels. The main body converges from the base to the peak to create a predetermined tapered profile. The plurality of waveguide channels are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the sensor waveguide and each waveguide channel defines an exit disposed at the base of the main body. A sensor is disposed at the exit of each of the plurality of waveguide channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Julio A. Navarro
  • Patent number: 11978954
    Abstract: An efficient, low-profile, lightweight fixed-beam (constant angle of departure) aperture antenna. The aperture antenna includes an array of horn radiators coupled to a waveguide diplexer by means of a stripline distribution network. The stripline distribution network is embedded in a printed wiring board (PWB), which PWB is sandwiched between a radiator plate (incorporating the horn radiators) and a diplexer plate. The aperture antenna may further include a backside ground plane made of metal. The diplexer plate and backside cover plate are configured to form the waveguide diplexer. Each horn radiator has a respective circular opening at one end adjacent to the PWB. The diplexer plate includes an array of circular waveguide backshorts which are congruent and respectively aligned with the circular openings of the horn radiators. The radiator plate further includes a rectangular waveguide backshort which is congruent and aligned with a rectangular port of the diplexer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Julio A. Navarro
  • Publication number: 20220399637
    Abstract: A sensor waveguide system includes a sensor waveguide and a plurality of sensors. The sensor waveguide includes a main body defining a peak, a base, an axis of rotation, and a plurality of waveguide channels. The main body converges from the base to the peak to create a predetermined tapered profile. The plurality of waveguide channels are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the sensor waveguide and each waveguide channel defines an exit disposed at the base of the main body. A sensor is disposed at the exit of each of the plurality of waveguide channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventor: Julio A. Navarro
  • Publication number: 20220393359
    Abstract: An efficient, low-profile, lightweight fixed-beam (constant angle of departure) aperture antenna. The aperture antenna includes an array of horn radiators coupled to a waveguide diplexer by means of a stripline distribution network. The stripline distribution network is embedded in a printed wiring board (PWB), which PWB is sandwiched between a radiator plate (incorporating the horn radiators) and a diplexer plate. The aperture antenna may further include a backside ground plane made of metal. The diplexer plate and backside cover plate are configured to form the waveguide diplexer. Each horn radiator has a respective circular opening at one end adjacent to the PWB. The diplexer plate includes an array of circular waveguide backshorts which are congruent and respectively aligned with the circular openings of the horn radiators. The radiator plate further includes a rectangular waveguide backshort which is congruent and aligned with a rectangular port of the diplexer plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Julio A. Navarro
  • Patent number: 11493620
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes a monopulse radar antenna array of monopulse radar antenna segments mounted to a vehicle with respective fixed fields of view. Each monopulse radar antenna segment comprises a comparator network configured to form a sum signal representing a summation of return signals and a first difference signal representing a first difference of the return signals. The system further includes a user interface configured to present information in a form perceptible to a person operating the vehicle and a radar antenna array controller configured to calculate a range of the object and a first (azimuth) angle of arrival of the return signal from the object. The comparator network is further configured to form a second difference signal which the radar antenna array controller uses to calculate a second (elevation) angle of arrival.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary A. Ray, Julio A. Navarro
  • Patent number: 11289807
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to 3D phased array-antenna systems and devices. A system may include a 3D structure with its center located at an origin of a reference coordinate system that includes an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis extending from the origin of the reference coordinate system. The system may also include antenna arrays that have antenna elements configured to operate via electronic steering. The antenna arrays can be coupled to the 3D structure such that electronically steering antenna elements of the antenna arrays enables the antenna elements to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals simultaneously in numerous directions relative to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system. The system may be used in various applications, including data transmission and reception, radar, and broadband signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Julio A. Navarro
  • Publication number: 20210305693
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to 3D phased array-antenna systems and devices. A system may include a 3D structure with its center located at an origin of a reference coordinate system that includes an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis extending from the origin of the reference coordinate system. The system may also include antenna arrays that have antenna elements configured to operate via electronic steering. The antenna arrays can be coupled to the 3D structure such that electronically steering antenna elements of the antenna arrays enables the antenna elements to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals simultaneously in numerous directions relative to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system. The system may be used in various applications, including data transmission and reception, radar, and broadband signaling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Julio A. Navarro
  • Publication number: 20210263139
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes a monopulse radar antenna array of monopulse radar antenna segments mounted to a vehicle with respective fixed fields of view. Each monopulse radar antenna segment comprises a comparator network configured to form a sum signal representing a summation of return signals and a first difference signal representing a first difference of the return signals. The system further includes a user interface configured to present information in a form perceptible to a person operating the vehicle and a radar antenna array controller configured to calculate a range of the object and a first (azimuth) angle of arrival of the return signal from the object. The comparator network is further configured to form a second difference signal which the radar antenna array controller uses to calculate a second (elevation) angle of arrival.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary A. Ray, Julio A. Navarro
  • Patent number: 10897090
    Abstract: In examples, systems and methods for waveguide antenna arrays with integrated filters are described. An example waveguide antenna array element a waveguide section has a first end and second end. The waveguide section is configured to propagate electromagnetic energy. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a feed configured to launch an electromagnetic wave into the first end of the waveguide section. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a waveguide filter having at least one waveguide cavity coupled to the second end of the waveguide section. The waveguide filter is configured to pass a first set of electromagnetic frequencies and reject a second set of electromagnetic frequencies. Yet further, the waveguide antenna array element includes an antenna coupled to the waveguide filter configured to radiate a portion of the electromagnetic energy passed by the waveguide filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Julio A. Navarro, Paul C. Werntz, Philip R. Grajek, Paul J. Tatomir, James M. Barker, Xu Luo
  • Publication number: 20200266548
    Abstract: In examples, systems and methods for waveguide antenna arrays with integrated filters are described. An example waveguide antenna array element a waveguide section has a first end and second end. The waveguide section is configured to propagate electromagnetic energy. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a feed configured to launch an electromagnetic wave into the first end of the waveguide section. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a waveguide filter having at least one waveguide cavity coupled to the second end of the waveguide section. The waveguide filter is configured to pass a first set of electromagnetic frequencies and reject a second set of electromagnetic frequencies. Yet further, the waveguide antenna array element includes an antenna coupled to the waveguide filter configured to radiate a portion of the electromagnetic energy passed by the waveguide filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Julio A. Navarro, Paul C. Werntz, Philip R. Grajek, Paul J. Tatomir, James M. Barker, Xu Luo
  • Patent number: 10074900
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a scalable planar phased array antenna subarray tile assembly. A scalable phased array antenna subarray tile assembly is implemented as a printed wiring board (PWB) with antenna elements coupled to the PWB. In one example, a PWB includes integrated circuit die attached directly to a first surface of the PWB and couple to antenna elements coupled on a second surface of the PWB. First conductive vias extend through a first subset of PWB layers and couple to the integrated circuit die. Second conductive vias, larger than the first, extend through a second subset of PWB layers and couple to the antenna elements. A conductive trace couples the first and second conductive vias on a PWB layer. The second conductive vias are offset from the first to provide a thermal mechanical stress relief to the integrated circuit die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Julio A. Navarro, Douglas A. Pietila
  • Patent number: 9977122
    Abstract: A multi-function radio frequency (RF) system may include a shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals and communications signals. The system may also include an integrated electronics package configured for controlling operation of the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The integrated electronics package may include a modulator/demodulator subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may include a radar module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals. The radar module is configured to transmit and receive radar signals through the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may also include a communications module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving communications signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marty Allen Pitts, Julio A. Navarro, Lixin Cai
  • Publication number: 20170229775
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a scalable planar phased array antenna subarray tile assembly. A scalable phased array antenna subarray tile assembly is implemented as a printed wiring board (PWB) with antenna elements coupled to the PWB. In one example, a PWB includes integrated circuit die attached directly to a first surface of the PWB and couple to antenna elements coupled on a second surface of the PWB. First conductive vias extend through a first subset of PWB layers and couple to the integrated circuit die. Second conductive vias, larger than the first, extend through a second subset of PWB layers and couple to the antenna elements. A conductive trace couples the first and second conductive vias on a PWB layer. The second conductive vias are offset from the first to provide a thermal mechanical stress relief to the integrated circuit die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Julio A. Navarro, Douglas A. Pietila
  • Patent number: 9595757
    Abstract: An integral phased array module may include a substrate and a radio frequency (RF) element provided in relation to the substrate. The RF element being configured to at least one of transmit and receive RF signals. The RF element includes a footprint of a particular size and shape with respect to the substrate and the substrate is sized to accommodate the footprint of the RF element. The integral phased array module may also include an optical function element configured to perform an optical function. The optical function element is located relative to the RF element on the substrate for integrating multi-band functionality into a single aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Martin Saint Clair, Julio A. Navarro
  • Publication number: 20160282462
    Abstract: A multi-function radio frequency (RF) system may include a shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals and communications signals. The system may also include an integrated electronics package configured for controlling operation of the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The integrated electronics package may include a modulator/demodulator subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may include a radar module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals. The radar module is configured to transmit and receive radar signals through the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may also include a communications module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving communications signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Marty Allen Pitts, Julio A. Navarro, Lixin Cai
  • Publication number: 20150180122
    Abstract: An integral phased array module may include a substrate and a radio frequency (RF) element provided in relation to the substrate. The RF element being configured to at least one of transmit and receive RF signals. The RF element includes a footprint of a particular size and shape with respect to the substrate and the substrate is sized to accommodate the footprint of the RF element. The integral phased array module may also include an optical function element configured to perform an optical function. The optical function element is located relative to the RF element on the substrate for integrating multi-band functionality into a single aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Martin Saint Clair, Julio A. Navarro
  • Patent number: 8188932
    Abstract: Structure and method for an aperture plate for use in a phased array antenna is disclosed. The aperture plate includes a plurality of waveguide transitions, each with a radiating end, a coupling end and a body portion extending from the radiating end to the coupling end. The waveguide transitions are spaced apart from each other wherein at least a pair of waveguide transitions are spaced apart closer to each other at the radiating end than at the coupling end. The method of manufacturing an aperture plate for a phased array antenna includes sizing a plurality of waveguide transitions based upon certain operating requirements, determining a radiating lattice spacing and configuration based upon the operating requirements, determining a coupling lattice spacing and configuration based upon antenna electronics packaging, optimizing an aperture plate thickness to achieve the radiating lattice and the coupling lattice spacing and configuration, and forming the aperture plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Worl, Julio A. Navarro, Richard N. Bostwick, Peter T. Heisen
  • Patent number: 7982684
    Abstract: Method and structure for a microwave antenna module is provided. The method includes, creating a laminate structure by laminating a plurality of conductive layers and dielectric layers; creating a plurality of layers within the laminate structure to interconnect the plurality of conductive layers and dielectric layers; laminating a base plate to a bottom of the laminate structure; wherein the baseplate operates as a heat sink; and laminating a seal ring to a top periphery of the laminate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John B. O'Connell, Peter T. Heisen, Stephen L. Fahley, Richard N. Bostwick, Julio A. Navarro
  • Patent number: 7948443
    Abstract: A structural phased array antenna and method for manufacturing are disclosed. An integrated structural antenna aperture can be used to reduce net weight, cost, and volume where an array of antenna elements are incorporated into a structural member, e.g. in a spacecraft. A structural material layer, such as a structural foam, may be used with the array of individual antenna element cavities machined into the layer. The antenna element cavities are lined with a conductive material, such as plated aluminum. Facesheets may be bonded to the front and/or backside of the structural material layer in order to increase strength and/or stiffness using an RF transparent material. The array of antenna elements may be coupled to filters at the back side of structural material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Bullock, Kenneth H. Griess, Thomas F. Klein, III, Otis F. Layton, Julio A. Navarro, Manny S. Urcia
  • Patent number: 7889135
    Abstract: An antenna array core comprising a plurality of microwave modules, a control layer, a mounting layer, and a signal distribution layer. The control layer is capable of distributing control signals to the plurality of microwave modules. The plurality of microwave modules are attached to an upper surface of the mounting layer and the mounting layer is made from a heat conductive material capable of cooling the plurality of microwave modules. The signal distribution layer is located below the mounting layer, wherein the signal distribution layer is capable of transmitting microwave signals to the plurality of microwave modules and wherein the arrangement of the plurality of microwave modules on the mounting layer, the control layer, and the wave distribution network form a layered architecture for the antenna core. The architecture is a balance between, size, thermal control, manufacturability, cost, and performance so as to be a unique solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bruce Larry Blaser, Peter Timothy Heisen, Richard N. Bostwick, John B. O'Connell, Stephen Lee Fahley, Julio A. Navarro, Mark Richard Davis, Harold Peter Soares, Jr., Scott A. Raby, Jimmy S. Takeuchi