Patents by Inventor Michael S. Spangler

Michael S. Spangler 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).

  • Adaptive electronically steerable array (AESA) system for interceptor RF target engagement and communications
    Patent number: 9541364
    Abstract: An adaptive electronically steerable array (AESA) system comprises a plurality of arrays, each comprising a plurality of radiating elements, each array configured for placement on a forward-facing surface of a different one of a plurality of aerodynamic control surfaces on an interceptor. A plurality of radio frequency (RF) transmissive radome elements, each having an aerodynamic shape complementary to the aerodynamic control surface, are placed over one of the arrays. Control circuitry configures the arrays, independently or in concert, for RF target engagement and communication. Additional arrays may be positioned on side or aft-facing surfaces of the aerodynamic control surfaces for RF communication. The AESA system may be paired with an IR system for dual-mode operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Rodney H. Krebs, Michael S. Bielas, Cody D. Tretschok, Michael S. Spangler, Benjamin Mitchell
  • ADAPTIVE ELECTRONICALLY STEERABLE ARRAY (AESA) SYSTEM FOR INTERCEPTOR RF TARGET ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS
    Publication number: 20160084623
    Abstract: An AESA system comprises a plurality of arrays, each comprising a plurality of radiating elements, each array configured for placement on a forward-facing surface of a different one of a plurality of aerodynamic control surfaces on an interceptor. A plurality of RF transmissive radome elements, each having an aerodynamic shape complementary to the aerodynamic control surface, are placed over one of the arrays. Control circuitry configures the arrays, independently or in concert, for RF target engagement and communication. Additional arrays may be positioned on side or aft-facing surfaces of the aerodynamic control surfaces for RF communication. The AESA system may be paired with an ER system for dual-mode operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Rodney H. Krebs, Michael S. Bielas, Cody D. Tretschok, Michael S. Spangler, Benjamin Mitchell