Patents by Inventor Michael R. Willingham

Michael R. Willingham 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: 7870816
    Abstract: In a first aspect, an automated method for engaging a target comprises: slewing a weapon to an estimated target state; and aligning the weapon's boresight with the actual target state. Aligning the weapon's boresight with the actual target state includes designating the target to obtain the actual target state; and zeroing an offset between the actual target state and the estimated target state. In a second aspect, an apparatus, comprises: means for slewing a weapon to an estimated target state; and means aligning the weapon's boresight with the actual target state. The aligning means includes designating the target to obtain the actual target state; and zeroing an offset between the actual target state and the estimated target state. In a third aspect, a weapon system comprises: a targeting sensor capable of designating a target; a weapon; and an alignment sensor associated with the weapon, and capable of receiving the designation and aligning the weapon's boresight with the designated target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Willingham, Robert J. McCarty, Jr.