Patents by Inventor Mark C. Erwin

Mark C. Erwin 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: 7684820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a ground station for air-ground communications are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a communications device operable to maintain bi-directional communications between an aircraft and a selected ground station, and a communications processor coupled to the device that is configured to select the ground station by executing a logical rule that is based upon a signal strength value of the ground station and at least one of an aircraft altitude and an occupancy value of the frequency channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. McGuffin, Willard R. True, Michael D. Holder, Mark C. Erwin
  • Patent number: 7359703
    Abstract: System and method for the adaptive control of VHF communications in aircraft. In one embodiment, the invention includes an adaptive communications system for an aircraft having a communications processor that accesses a communications switching model to select a preferred ground communications station. In another embodiment, a method of communication between an aircraft and a ground station includes receiving a communications switching model and determining a flight parameter for the aircraft as the aircraft navigates along a flight route and selecting a ground station based upon the determined flight parameter. The aircraft then communicates with the selected ground station. In still another embodiment, a method for compiling a communications switching model includes receiving signals from a ground station and measuring a signal strength. A preferred ground station is selected based upon the measured signal strength value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. McGuffin, Willard R. True, Michael D. Holder, Mark C. Erwin