Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Zimmerman

Kenneth A. Zimmerman 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: 7564372
    Abstract: A head-up display (HUD) is disclosed. The HUD is provided on board an aircraft. The HUD comprises a projector and a combiner. The combiner enables viewing of the world outside of the combiner and also allows viewing of information provided from the projector. A computer is coupled to the projector and provides airport runway and taxiway symbols conformally mapped onto the combiner. Also provided on the combiner is a mapping of hold lines onto the combiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Bailey, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Louis J. Bailey, Robert A. Armstrong, John G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7525448
    Abstract: An aircraft optical display system for implementing an enhanced vision system based on weather conditions is described. The display system includes a plurality of imaging sensors configured to receive imaging input data and generate image data, where each imaging sensor is associated with one or more weather conditions. The system further includes a weather conditions input device configured to receive current weather condition information and a weather dependent imaging system configured to receive the current weather conditions information and to select one or more of the plurality of imaging sensors to provide imaging input data in accordance with the current weather conditions information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Wilson, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Dean A. Schwab, Michael J. Oldham, Robert E. Stockwell
  • Patent number: 7499794
    Abstract: A database defining at least one exclusion zone of airport is described. The database includes a computer-implemented memory configured to store and allow retrieval of a plurality of points, the points defining a boundary of an exclusion zone associated with an airport, the area being prohibited for aircraft travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Bailey, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Louis J. Bailey, John G. Wilson, Robert A. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7382284
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system of aircraft surface operations guidance on a head up display. An aircraft surface operations guidance method includes the following steps. At time t1, a taxi guidance cue and a trend vector are displayed on a head up display of an aircraft. The taxi guidance cue represents a desired position of an aircraft control point of the aircraft at time t2. The trend vector represents a predicted path of the aircraft control point from time t1 to time t2 based on a state of the aircraft at time t1. The trend vector includes a tip representing a predicted position of the aircraft control point at time t2. The tip is maintained within the taxi guidance cue so that the aircraft control point may reach the desired position at time t2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Armstrong, John G. Wilson, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Gary C. Bailey, Louis J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7382288
    Abstract: A head-up display (HUD) is disclosed. The HUD is provided on board an aircraft. The HUD comprises a projector and a combiner. The combiner enables viewing of the world outside of the combiner and also allows viewing of information provided from the projector. A computer is coupled to the projector and provides airport runway and taxiway symbols conformally mapped onto the combiner. Also provided on the combiner is a mapping of virtual airport signs onto the combiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Wilson, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Gary C. Bailey, Robert A. Armstrong, Louis J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7355179
    Abstract: A scene imaging system (SIS) integrity monitor for monitoring the required operation of an imaging sensor of an SIS. The SIS is of a type including: i) an imaging sensor, ii) an imaging system processor, and iii) an imaging system display. The SIS integrity monitor includes a signal emitter assembly for receiving emitter drive signals from an imaging system processor and directing a monitoring image into the active field of view of an imaging sensor for sensed image generation. The generated image is provided to the imaging system processor for analysis. The imaging system processor evaluates the location and modulation state of the generated image to determine if faults exist in the image generation or image display paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wood, John G. Wilson, Kenneth A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7342514
    Abstract: A head-up display (HUD) is disclosed. The HUD is provided on board an aircraft. The HUD comprises a projector and a combiner. The combiner enables viewing of the world outside of the combiner and also allows viewing of information provided from the projector. A computer is coupled to the projector and provides airport runway and taxiway symbols conformally mapped onto the combiner. Also provided on the combiner is a mapping of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast advisory information and traffic onto the combiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Bailey, John G. Wilson, Gary C. Bailey, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Robert A. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20080045687
    Abstract: Silicone block copolymers are disclosed containing polyether-amide units, processes to prepare such silicone block copolymers, and their use in various personal care, cosmetic, household care, and healthcare formulations. The silicone block copolymers are also useful as fabric and textile treatments as well as thermoplastic additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Kimmai Nguyen, Lenin Petroff, Maria Pretzer, Michael Starch, Kenneth Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7212920
    Abstract: The speed dependent variable display system for a computer-implemented moving-map vehicle display system includes a data conversion module for converting a vehicle speed input signal to a distance range value; and, an application module for utilizing the distance range value, vehicle position information, vehicle direction of movement information, and input geographical information to provide scaled output geographical information. The scaled output geographical information is utilized to provide a situational awareness display which is optimized in accordance with the vehicle's position, direction of movement and speed. A display apparatus receives the scaled output geographical information to provide an optimized situational awareness display for a moving-map vehicle display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Bailey, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Louis J. Bailey, John G. Wilson, Robert A. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7089092
    Abstract: A method of increasing positional awareness of a pilot of an aircraft during a landing approach of the aircraft. First data from a navigational aid is received. The first data is analyzed to determine a first position of the aircraft at a predetermined time. Second data is received. The second data is independent of the first data. The second data is analyzed to determine a second position of the aircraft at the predetermined time. The first position of the aircraft and the second position of the aircraft are compared, and the pilot is alerted to a difference between the first position of the aircraft and the second position of the aircraft. The second data may be displayed in a form that is convenient for the pilot to view during landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Wood, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Carlo L. Tiana
  • Patent number: 4698785
    Abstract: A digital-based control data processing system detects during system operation the occurrence of data processing errors. Data processing accuracy is verified by receiving output information developed from system input information in accordance with a first operational function, computing a derived version of the system input information in accordance with a second operational function, and comparing the derived version of the system input information to the actual system input information to determine whether they differ by a predetermined operational tolerance. This method for verifying processing accuracy is especially advantageous for detecting latent software errors which are unique to a particular computer program. The processing system includes display apparatus which develops from the output information a set of display symbols that convey the information on a monitor screen to the pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventors: John P. Desmond, Douglas W. Ford, Michael E. Fossey, Michael Stanbro, Kenneth A. Zimmerman