Patents by Inventor Michael C. Winterhalter

Michael C. Winterhalter 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: 8165730
    Abstract: A flight recorder includes an enclosure having a notch formed on one side or corner of the enclosure. An electronic interface is disposed within the enclosure. The electronic interface is coupled for receiving flight data, video data, and audio data. A memory unit is disposed within the enclosure and electrically connected to the electronic interface for storing the data. The memory unit contains a non-volatile memory device. A reserve power supply is physically disposed within the notch of the enclosure. The reserve power supply contains a rechargeable battery. A clamp secures the reserve power supply to the enclosure to make the reserve power supply removable from the enclosure. The reserve power supply has an electrical connector coupled to the enclosure for providing an operating voltage to the electronic interface and memory unit. The reserve power supply and electrical connector physically reside within a form factor of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Winterhalter, Glenn C. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100063654
    Abstract: A flight data recorder includes an enclosure and electronic interface within the enclosure. The electronic interface is coupled for receiving data. A crash survivable memory unit is disposed within the enclosure. The crash survivable memory unit includes a memory module electrically coupled to the electronic interface for storing the data. A locator beacon is disposed within the enclosure or within the crash survivable memory unit. The locator beacon is an acoustic resonator which emits ultrasonic pulses. A battery is disposed within the enclosure or within the crash survivable memory unit for providing operating power to the locator beacon. The battery is rechargeable. The battery status is stored in the memory module. A beacon control circuit is disposed within the enclosure or within the crash survivable memory unit for monitoring the battery. A beacon activation device detects a crash event and notifies the beacon control circuit to activate the locator beacon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Winterhalter, Endre Berecz
  • Publication number: 20090319102
    Abstract: A flight recorder includes an enclosure having a notch formed on one side or corner of the enclosure. An electronic interface is disposed within the enclosure. The electronic interface is coupled for receiving flight data, video data, and audio data. A memory unit is disposed within the enclosure and electrically connected to the electronic interface for storing the data. The memory unit contains a non-volatile memory device. A reserve power supply is physically disposed within the notch of the enclosure. The reserve power supply contains a rechargeable battery. A clamp secures the reserve power supply to the enclosure to make the reserve power supply removable from the enclosure. The reserve power supply has an electrical connector coupled to the enclosure for providing an operating voltage to the electronic interface and memory unit. The reserve power supply and electrical connector physically reside within a form factor of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Winterhalter, Glenn C. Wilson