Patents by Inventor Larry A. Nelson

Larry A. Nelson 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: 8279117
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a spectrally compact modulation of a tracking signal for directional beam scanning systems is presented. The system and method scans a tracking signal to produce a modulation of the tracking signal. When an impairment is anticipated, the system and method modifies the scan path to avoid the impairment and maintains the spectral compactness of the modulation of the tracking signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8094073
    Abstract: A system and method to normalize a tracking control signal in a directional antenna system to reduce interference from an interfering adjacent transponder is presented. The system and method scans for the tracking signal along a scan path to produce a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal, coherently detects an RSSI image from the RSSI signal, and performs a morphologic feature estimation of the RSSI signal image to produce and output a normalized tracking correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Larry A. Nelson, Thomas F. Coon
  • Publication number: 20100207818
    Abstract: A system and method to normalize a tracking control signal in a directional antenna system to reduce interference from an interfering adjacent transponder is presented. The system and method scans for the tracking signal along a scan path to produce a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal, coherently detects an RSSI image from the RSSI signal, and performs a morphologic feature estimation of the RSSI signal image to produce and output a normalized tracking correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Larry A. Nelson, Thomas F. Coon
  • Publication number: 20100127930
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a spectrally compact modulation of a tracking signal for directional beam scanning systems is presented. The system and method scans a tracking signal to produce a modulation of the tracking signal. When an impairment is anticipated, the system and method modifies the scan path to avoid the impairment and maintains the spectral compactness of the modulation of the tracking signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7508342
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning an antenna aperture on a mobile platform in a manner to avoid blockages created by other components/subsystems on the mobile platform between the line of sight of the antenna aperture and a satellite and to avoid interference with other systems that share the mobile platform. In one embodiment, one or more linear support elements are moved by one or more corresponding motors to allow the antenna aperture to be re-positioned between a plurality of different positions. Methods for creating and using a blockage database are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A Nelson
  • Patent number: 7382327
    Abstract: A vibration isolation system for the antenna of a vehicle, such as a maritime vessel. The vibration isolation system has a staged construction that slidably attaches the maritime antenna to a maritime vessel along up to three independent axes of translation. This staged construction is adapted for independently decreasing movement of the antenna along the independent axes of translation. Accordingly, the staged construction prevents the antenna from rotating due to induced translational vibration and thus enhances the pointing performance for the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7250915
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning an antenna aperture on a mobile platform in a manner to avoid blockages created by other components/subsystems on the mobile platform between the line of sight of the antenna aperture and a satellite and to avoid interference with other systems that share the mobile platform. In one embodiment, one or more linear support elements are moved by one or more corresponding motors to allow the antenna aperture to be re-positioned between a plurality of different positions. Methods for creating and using a blockage database are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A Nelson
  • Patent number: 7231881
    Abstract: A dehumidifying radome vent in open communication between a radome and the external environment for passively ventilating and dehumidifying the radome. The dehumidifying radome vent is a duct receiving a water aerosol comprised of air and water. The duct passively decreases a flow rate of the water aerosol so as to remove water from the air and ventilate the radome. To this end, the duct defines two or more cross-sectional flow areas along a predetermined flow path. These cross-sectional flow areas include a first cross-sectional flow area and a second cross-sectional flow area. The second cross-sectional flow area is larger than the first cross-sectional flow area for passively decreasing the flow rate and dehumidifying the aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6842538
    Abstract: Mark detection and position determination are improved by use of directional elongated filters, symmetry, gray scale image processing, structural constraints, and learning. Directional elongated filters are used to pre-process images of registration marks to create masks and enhanced images. Working sequentially, portions of the mark are detected and classified. The input gray scale image of the mark is processed using its structural constraints in conjunction with a mask for the detected mark. A cost function estimation determines mark position and orientation with sub-pixel accuracy. Learning is used to improve specific application performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Shih-Jong J. Lee, Seho Oh, Larry A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20020164077
    Abstract: Mark detection and position determination are improved by use of directional elongated filters, symmetry, gray scale image processing, structural constraints, and learning. Directional elongated filters are used to pre-process images of registration marks to create masks and enhanced images. Working sequentially, portions of the mark are detected and classified. The input gray scale image of the mark is processed using its structural constraints in conjunction with a mask for the detected mark. A cost function estimation determines mark position and orientation with sub-pixel accuracy. Learning is used to improve specific application performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Shih-Jong J. Lee, Seho Oh, Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6400849
    Abstract: An image processing method using memory management and pre-computed look up tables to speed up computations. Application of filters along directions other than image rows is simplified using several structured processing approaches that improve image data cache-ability. Time consuming or repeated computations are pre-computed and stored as look up tables to reduce the time required for image processing and to remove or reduce the need for special purpose image processing hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Shih-Jong J. Lee, Louis R. Piloco, Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6181811
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing biological and cytological specimen screening and diagnosis. A slide review process is recommended for cytological specimen screening to identify abnormal sub-populations for further review and also diagnosis by a human expert. An automated screener processes a cytological specimen. Using a slide score generated by the automated screener, a slide review process using a slide score classification is determined. The recommendation of slide review processes improves overall performance of the screening process as measured by sensitivity to abnormal specimens, and at the same time reduces the work load of a human reviewer. The system also effectively and smoothly integrates the process of initial screening of the specimen with the process of further review of the specimen and final diagnosis of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Neopath, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Chau L. Kuan, Shih-Jong J. Lee, Seho Oh, Larry A. Nelson, Dayle G. Ellison, Florence W. Patten
  • Patent number: 6058533
    Abstract: A bed includes a base, a frame supported on the base for relative movement about a horizontal pivot axis between raised and lowered positions, and a drive assembly for driving movement of the frame. The drive assembly includes a drive box supported on the base for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis parallel to the pivot axis of the frame, a motor supported in the drive box, a pair of laterally spaced sleeves supported in the drive box for rotation about horizontal axes that are perpendicular to the pivot axis of the frame, a pair of transmission elements connected between an output shaft of the motor and the sleeves for rotating the sleeves in unison with one another when the motor is operated, and a pair of screws supported in the sleeves for relative rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Larry A. Nelson
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5933519
    Abstract: The invention detects areas of interest at low magnification, locating possible abnormal cells or other cells of interest using image processing and statistical pattern recognition techniques. Next, at high magnification, the areas identified at low magnification are re-examined. The information from the low magnification and high magnification scans is collated and a determination is made about the slide--whether it is normal, abnormal, contains endocervical component, and so forth. The invention also provides a method and apparatus to train object feature and slide feature classifiers. The invention provides an automated cytology system that can process training slides for use in a feed back classifier development environment. The invention also can classify endocervical groups of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Neo Path, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Jong J. Lee, Paul S. Wilhelm, Michael G. Meyer, Wendy R. Bannister, Chih-Chau L. Kuan, William E. Ortyn, Larry A. Nelson, Keith L. Frost, Jon W. Hayenga
  • Patent number: 5859695
    Abstract: A test method and system for the testing of fiber optic connectors in a fiber optic system while the system is operational without external test equipment. An input signal is applied to one end of a fiber optic path comprising a plurality of connections, which results in an output signal. The input signal has known characteristics (e.g., a training pulse) over the fiber optic path. The output signal, which is generated in response to the input signal, is converted from a time domain expression to a frequency domain expression using, for example, Fourier transform analysis. Then, the frequency domain expression of the output signal is combined with a frequency domain expression of the input signal to provide a waveform from which the location of each connector and its relative level of performance can be determined. Advantageously, the method and system do not require disassembly of the fiber optic path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Nelson, James W. Woods
  • Patent number: 5799101
    Abstract: A computer aided biological specimen screener is responsive to a priori information about biological specimens. An automated slide classifier scans a slide specimen and generates a set of scores. The classification which results from this set of scores depends on a priori information concerning the patient, such as patient age and prior health history and diagnosis. Using the patient information and an appropriate score, the specimen is classified. A normal threshold used for classification is changed over a wide range depending on the specificity appropriate to a particular patient risk category. The sensitivity of the classification is automatically maximized for a predetermined normal specificity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: NeoPath, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Jong J. Lee, Seho Oh, Stanley F. Patten, Alan C. Nelson, Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5751811
    Abstract: A cryptographic method and system based on chaos theory is provided. Unique random 64-bit binary strings generated from an iterative chaotic equation are used as logic and arithmetic operands during encryption/decryption. The random 64-bit binary strings are generated based on 4 initializer values that produce thousands of iterated values from the chaotic equation z.sub.t+1 =Z.sub.t.sup.2 +c, where z and c are complex numbers. The 64-bit random numbers are translated into two 32-bit keys so that each 32 bits of message are encrypted/decrypted, using a bitwise logic operator such as an exclusive-or, with a unique 32-bit key for the length of the message file. For additional security, a combination of logic and arithmetic operators are used on the 32-bit keys and the 32-bit blocks of message text to produce 32N-bit blocks of ciphertext, where N=2.sub.r and r.ltoreq.2. For any set of 4 initializer values, the lifetime, n, is the number of iterations of the equation Z.sub.t+1 =z.sub.t.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Joseph C. Magnotti, Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5661578
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a color liquid crystal display backlight system for daytime and nighttime use. Night vision imaging system retirements are met so that light emissions from the 630 nm to 930 nm range are substantially reduced or eliminated. Separate daytime and nighttime light sources are utilized. The NVIS compatible nighttime source is positioned to be out of sight of a user and produces an appropriately filtered, substantially collimated beam which diffusively reflects from the inside walls and base of the display housing before it illuminates the display surface. Intensities of both daytime and nighttime light sources can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Habing, Armand R. Losinski, Larry A. Nelson, Teddy J. Wood
  • Patent number: 5627908
    Abstract: A cytological system dynamic normalization of a normal threshold. An analysis score from a slide is compared against a threshold to determine whether or not the slide is normal or requires microscopy review. The normal threshold is dynamically adjusted using a three step process. The process is implemented on an automatic cytology system. The first step is initial calibration of the system to determine an initial threshold. The second step is a running adjustment of the normal threshold in response to the presentation of new slides to the automatic cytology system. The third step is the batch certification of every slide. The threshold may be adjusted for an analysis score, a quality control score, or a screening score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: NeoPath, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Jong J. Lee, Alan C. Nelson, Larry A. Nelson, Carl E. Youngmann, Keith L. Frost
  • Patent number: 5600432
    Abstract: A photographic facsimile of a line image at a predetermined orientation is illuminated by a collimated monochromatic light source to produce a diffraction pattern. The diffraction pattern is focussed by a converging lens to image the Fourier transform of the line image on a spatial frequency plane. The image in the spatial frequency plane is applied to a detector for measuring the spatial power distribution as a function of the spatial frequency. The line image is then reoriented in the image plane, and successive measurements made as the image is rotated in the image plane. Resolution is quantified in the spatial frequency plane as the magnitude of a selected signal as a function of displacement (i.e, spatial frequency). By simulating selected imaging components and generating a resultant line image, the resolution of any imaging system component may be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Lengyel, Randy M. Maner, Larry A. Nelson