Patents by Inventor Michael A. Leenhouts

Michael A. Leenhouts 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).

  • System and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems
    Patent number: 6484381
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems includes determining a first coordinate in the first coordinate system from a first reflector using a first coordinate positioning device, and determining second and third coordinates in the second coordinate system from second and third reflectors, respectively, using a second coordinate positioning device. The second and third reflectors are disposed at predetermined distances from the first reflector. The system aligns the first and second coordinate systems based on the first, second, and third coordinates and the predetermined distances using a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton D. Cunningham, James P. Koesters, Michael A. Leenhouts, Eric D. Moore
  • System and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems
    Publication number: 20020066192
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems includes determining a first coordinate in the first coordinate system from a first reflector using a first coordinate positioning device, and determining second and third coordinates in the second coordinate system from second and third reflectors, respectively, using a second coordinate positioning device. The second and third reflectors are disposed at predetermined distances from the first reflector. The system aligns the first and second coordinate systems based on the first, second, and third coordinates and the predetermined distances using a processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Northrop Grumman Corporation a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Clifton D. Cunningham, James P. Koesters, Michael A. Leenhouts, Eric D. Moore
  • System and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems
    Patent number: 6317954
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems includes determining a first coordinate in the first coordinate system from a first reflector using a first coordinate positioning device, and determining second and third coordinates in the second coordinate system from second and third reflectors, respectively, using a second coordinate positioning device. The second and third reflectors are disposed at predetermined distances from the first reflector. The system aligns the first and second coordinate systems based on the first, second, and third coordinates and the predetermined distances using a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton D. Cunningham, James P. Koesters, Michael A. Leenhouts, Eric D. Moore
  • System and method for assembling an aircraft
    Patent number: 6230382
    Abstract: A method for assembling an aircraft includes determining a three-dimensional representation of a first aircraft structure and a second aircraft structure using an optical positioning device. A predicted mate of the first aircraft structure and the second aircraft structure is generated from the three-dimensional representation of the first and second aircraft structures using a processor. The method further includes adjusting the predicted mate of the first and second aircraft structures to enhance performance characteristics of the aircraft using the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton D. Cunningham, James P. Koesters, Michael A. Leenhouts, Thomas H Mann, II, Eric D. Moore, James J. Howard, Alan D. Schreck