Patents by Inventor Michael D. Ernest

Michael D. Ernest 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).

  • Infrared imaging system
    Patent number: 9225914
    Abstract: An infrared imaging sensor compatible with 2nd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI) B-Kit based sensors. In one example, the infrared imaging sensor includes a set of refractive opto-mechanical modules, including an afocal optical module, a receiver assembly, and backward- and forward-compatible electronics modules. The afocal optical module is configured to provide a plurality of different fields of view for the infrared imaging sensor. In one example, the sensor is configured for MWIR and LWIR imagery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederic W. Kingdon, Michael G. Foley, Michael D. Ernest, George T. Strother, David J. Markason, Richard C. Juergens
  • Weapon station and associated method
    Patent number: 8646374
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a weapon station comprises a weapon mounting apparatus and a sight mounting apparatus. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to rotate, using a first rotational drive mechanism, about an azimuth axis. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to receive one or more weapons for attachment at a position offset from the azimuth axis. The sight mounting apparatus is coupled to the weapon mounting apparatus and is adapted to receive for attachment a sighting device. The sighting device comprises one or more sensors and is adapted to rotate, using a second rotational drive mechanism, the one or more sensors about the azimuth axis independently of rotational movement of the weapon mounting apparatus about the azimuth axis. The azimuth axis about which the weapon mounting apparatus and the one or more sensors rotate is a common azimuth axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frank L. Shacklee, Robert J. Bennett, Michael D. Ernest
  • INFRARED IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140002665
    Abstract: An infrared imaging sensor compatible with 2nd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI) B-Kit based sensors. In one example, the infrared imaging sensor includes a set of refractive opto-mechanical modules, including an afocal optical module, a receiver assembly, and backward- and forward-compatible electronics modules. The afocal optical module is configured to provide a plurality of different fields of view for the infrared imaging sensor. In one example, the sensor is configured for MWIR and LWIR imagery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederic W. Kingdon, Michael G. Foley, Michael D. Ernest, George T. Strother, David J. Markason, Richard C. Juergens
  • Weapon Station and Associated Method
    Publication number: 20120024143
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a weapon station comprises a weapon mounting apparatus and a sight mounting apparatus. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to rotate, using a first rotational drive mechanism, about an azimuth axis. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to receive one or more weapons for attachment at a position offset from the azimuth axis. The sight mounting apparatus is coupled to the weapon mounting apparatus and is adapted to receive for attachment a sighting device. The sighting device comprises one or more sensors and is adapted to rotate, using a second rotational drive mechanism, the one or more sensors about the azimuth axis independently of rotational movement of the weapon mounting apparatus about the azimuth axis. The azimuth axis about which the weapon mounting apparatus and the one or more sensors rotate is a common azimuth axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frank L. Shacklee, Robert J. Bennett, Michael D. Ernest