Patents by Inventor Ralph D. Ricks

Ralph D. Ricks 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).

  • System and method for integrating LNAV and VNAV with autopilots for existing aircraft
    Patent number: 6308116
    Abstract: An avionics system for retrofitting a GPS system to work with an existing autopilot by using signal switching and conditioning in an electronic flight display to accomplish the switching without the need for logic controlled relays in the GPS to autopilot interconnect wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Ralph D. Ricks, Geoffrey L. Barrance, Wayne A. Smith, Leo G. LaForge
  • Simplified system for integrating distance information from an additional navigation system into an existing aircraft design
    Patent number: 5941931
    Abstract: A simplified system for integrating a distance measurement derived from an additional navigation system into an existing aircraft design by creation of a Distance integrator function that makes use of existing Distance Measuring Equipment to couple the additional navigation system into the aircraft's display and navigation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Rockwell International
    Inventor: Ralph D. Ricks