Patents by Inventor Patrick D. Pratt

Patrick D. Pratt 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 sensor for short range detection wherein the sun may be in the field of view of the detector
    Patent number: 5093574
    Abstract: An infrared sensor for short range detection of aircraft wherein the sensor is designed to operate with the sun in the field of view yet still be able to track its target. The sensor operates on a spinning platform, wherein the spinning platform has precessional motion. The sensor has a first detector array for detecting the presence of the sun and other background clutter. The sensor further has a second detector array sensitive to radiation in a predetermined frequency band for tracking a specific target. The sensor has an objective lens to focus the radiation on the first and second detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Pratt, Douglas B. Pledger