Patents by Inventor Richard E. Meyer
Richard E. Meyer 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).
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Patent number: 8714979Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a missile. A simulation program for a weapon using a processor unit is executed in a simulation unit. A number of input signals is received from a control station in a vehicle through an interface system connected to a weapons interface on the vehicle. The interface system is in communications with the processor unit. The control station is capable of operating the weapon connected to the weapons interface. A number of output signals is generated using a simulation of the weapon. The number of output signals is sent through the weapons interface to the control station.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James Victor Leonard, Robert Kastner Menzel, Richard E. Meyer, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, Joshua Ryan Pollema, William J. Ebert, III
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Patent number: 8552836Abstract: An alignment system for coupling a component to a vehicle includes at least one sensor target coupled to the component, and a controller assembly configured to transmit a signal towards the sensor target and receive a reflected signal from the sensor target, wherein the controller assembly is configured to output an orientation dataset for the component relative to the vehicle using the reflected signal. The system also includes a processing device communicatively coupled to the controller assembly, wherein the processing device is programmed to translate the orientation dataset and cause a set of component positioning signals based on the orientation dataset to be displayed at a user interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joshua R. Pollema, James V. Leonard, Richard E. Meyer, John D. Musgraves, Jr., William J. Ebert
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Patent number: 7968831Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that automatically display an optimized aimpoint on a target image in received seeker data. In one embodiment, a method receives missile seeker target data. A seeker mode data is extracted from the received missile seeker target data. The location of a most vulnerable spot on a target is identified based on a comparison of target library data with seeker image data. A marker is generated at the location of the optimized aimpoint and output to a display.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard E. Meyer, William J. Ebert, James V. Leonard
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Patent number: 7869385Abstract: A system and method are provided for testing the bus interface assembly in order to determine if the bus interface assembly is configured to interface with a data bus between an aircraft and a store. If the bus interface assembly is determined not to be properly configured, a troubleshooting routine can be deployed to more specifically identify a malfunction of the bus interface assembly, thereby facilitating the repair of the bus interface assembly. Moreover, the system and method may also program the bus interface assembly. By providing the capability to test and troubleshoot and, in some instances, program the bus interface assembly, the bus interface assembly may be more readily deployed and the performance of the bus interface assembly may be assured, thereby promoting the reliability of the bus interface assembly and the associated communications transferred across the data bus between the aircraft and the store.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, Robert K. Menzel, Richard E. Meyer, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, William J. Ebert
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Publication number: 20100209880Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a missile. A simulation program for a weapon using a processor unit is executed in a simulation unit. A number of input signals is received from a control station in a vehicle through an interface system connected to a weapons interface on the vehicle. The interface system is in communications with the processor unit. The control station is capable of operating the weapon connected to the weapons interface. A number of output signals is generated using a simulation of the weapon. The number of output signals is sent through the weapons interface to the control station.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: James Victor Leonard, Robert Kastner Menzel, Richard E. Meyer, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, William J. Ebert, II, William J. Ebert, III, Joshua Ryan Pollema
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Publication number: 20100097183Abstract: An alignment system for coupling a component to a vehicle includes at least one sensor target coupled to the component, and a controller assembly configured to transmit a signal towards the sensor target and receive a reflected signal from the sensor target, wherein the controller assembly is configured to output an orientation dataset for the component relative to the vehicle using the reflected signal. The system also includes a processing device communicatively coupled to the controller assembly, wherein the processing device is programmed to translate the orientation dataset and cause a set of component positioning signals based on the orientation dataset to be displayed at a user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Joshua R. Pollema, James V. Leonard, Richard E. Meyer, John D. Musgraves, JR., William J. Ebert
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Publication number: 20090109863Abstract: A system and method are provided for testing the bus interface assembly in order to determine if the bus interface assembly is configured to interface with a data bus between an aircraft and a store. If the bus interface assembly is determined not to be properly configured, a troubleshooting routine can be deployed to more specifically identify a malfunction of the bus interface assembly, thereby facilitating the repair of the bus interface assembly. Moreover, the system and method may also program the bus interface assembly. By providing the capability to test and troubleshoot and, in some instances, program the bus interface assembly, the bus interface assembly may be more readily deployed and the performance of the bus interface assembly may be assured, thereby promoting the reliability of the bus interface assembly and the associated communications transferred across the data bus between the aircraft and the store.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, Robert K. Menzel, Richard E. Meyer, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, William J. Ebert
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Publication number: 20090037214Abstract: Building an internal digital library for an organization includes accepting abstracts from members of the organization, the abstracts submitted for publication; performing internal review on the abstracts to approve or deny publication; storing approved abstracts in the internal digital library; and accepting papers corresponding to the abstracts and storing the papers in the internal digital library. The papers are stored regardless of whether they are approved for publication. Building the internal library further includes linking the abstracts to the corresponding papers; and making the abstracts accessible to members of the organization. A paper can be accessed from the internal library by following the link from its corresponding abstract.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James V. Leonard, William J. Ebert, Richard E. Meyer
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Publication number: 20080308670Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that automatically display an optimized aimpoint on a target image received seeker data. In one embodiment, a method receives missile seeker target data. Then, seeker mode data is extracted from the received missile seeker target data. The location of an optimized aimpoint is identified based on a comparison of target library data with seeker image data. A marker is generated at the location of the optimized aimpoint; and output to a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Richard E. Meyer, William J. Ebert, James V. Leonard
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Patent number: 7353090Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring at least one data bus of an aircraft. The system includes an aircraft adapted to control the operation of stores of a second predetermined type (e.g., Harpoon Block I missiles). However, the aircraft is also capable of carrying a store of a first predetermined type (e.g., Harpoon Block II missiles), and capable of communicating with the store across a communication bus (e.g., MK-82 Digital Data Bus). The system also includes a bus monitor assembly capable of capturing data communications transferred across the communication bus between the aircraft and the store, the data communications being captured from the communication bus. The bus monitor assembly is also capable of preparing the data communications, and monitoring the communication bus across which the data communications are transferred, the communication bus being monitored based upon the prepared data communications.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, Robert K. Menzel, Richard E. Meyer
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Patent number: 7255608Abstract: A connector body component for a connector assembly in which the connector body component has a plurality of independent body segments secured together to form a single assembly. The connector body segments are held together within a housing member and may include interlocking structures on wall surfaces thereof. Forming the connector body in independent segments allows one body segment to be replaced in the event of damage to the connector body or one conductive element held in the connector body, thus eliminating the need to replace the entire connector body. This saves significant time and expense when repairing or modifying a connector body having a plurality of independent conductors coupled to it.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Monroe A. Lalumandier, James V Leonard, Richard E Meyer, William J Ebert
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Patent number: 7228261Abstract: Methods and systems for testing and diagnosis of weapon control systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for testing a weapon control system includes an interface unit and a simulator unit. The interface unit is adapted to be operatively coupled to the weapon control system, and the simulator unit is operatively coupled to the interface unit. The simulator unit receives and analyzes a control signal, and transmits at least one of a first type of responsive signal indicative of a properly functioning component, and a second type of responsive signal indicative of a malfunctioning component.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, William J. Ebert, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, Richard E. Meyer, Bobby J. Wilson
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Patent number: 7002336Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the electrical power system of an aircraft uses existing unmodified test equipment not otherwise capable of reliably testing and certifying the aircraft for weapon store launching operations for a particular store type.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, Allan W. Nelson, Patrick F. Dudenhoeffer, Todd J. Palmer, Richard E. Meyer
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Patent number: 6763289Abstract: A system for operating and releasing a store of a first predetermined type includes an aircraft adapted to control the operation of stores of a second predetermined type and a bypass apparatus. The store is releasably secured to the aircraft, and the aircraft is capable of releasing the store. The aircraft is capable of being configured such that a store of the first predetermined type is capable of operating independent of operating instructions. The bypass apparatus is carried by the aircraft and adapted to facilitate operation of the store. The bypass apparatus can store operating instructions and thereafter transmit the operating instructions into the store. As such, after the aircraft releases the store the store is capable of operating according to the operating instructions. Also, the system can include an umbilical cable disposed between the aircraft and the store. The bypass apparatus can, therefore, be disposed within the umbilical cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, Richard E. Meyer, William Joseph Ebert, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040015273Abstract: A system for operating and releasing a store of a first predetermined type includes an aircraft adapted to control the operation of stores of a second predetermined type and a bypass apparatus. The store is releasably secured to the aircraft, and the aircraft is capable of releasing the store. The aircraft is capable of being configured such that a store of the first predetermined type is capable of operating independent of operating instructions. The bypass apparatus is carried by the aircraft and adapted to facilitate operation of the store. The bypass apparatus can store operating instructions and thereafter transmit the operating instructions into the store. As such, after the aircraft releases the store the store is capable of operating according to the operating instructions. Also, the system can include an umbilical cable disposed between the aircraft and the store. The bypass apparatus can, therefore, be disposed within the umbilical cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, Richard E. Meyer, William Joseph Ebert,
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Patent number: 6615116Abstract: A signal conditioning system for translating communications between an aircraft and an associated store includes a store umbilical element that electrically and mechanically couples the aircraft and the store. The system also includes a signal conditioning element having an ASIC and electrically connected between the aircraft the store. The signal conditioning element is capable of being incorporated within the umbilical element and includes a translation element for receiving first predetermined format communications from the aircraft at the first predefined transfer rate and thereafter outputting corresponding second predetermined format communications to the store at at least one second transfer rate. Conversely, the translation element is also capable of receiving second predetermined format communications from the store at the at least one second transfer rate and thereafter outputting corresponding first predetermined format communications to the aircraft at the first predefined bit rate.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William J. Ebert, James V. Leonard, Richard E. Meyer
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Publication number: 20030033059Abstract: A signal conditioning system for translating communications between an aircraft and an associated store includes a store umbilical element that electrically and mechanically couples the aircraft and the store. The system also includes a signal conditioning element comprising an ASIC and electrically connected between the aircraft the store. The signal conditioning element is capable of being incorporated within the umbilical element and includes a translation element for receiving first predetermined format communications from the aircraft at the first predefined transfer rate and thereafter outputting corresponding second predetermined format communications to the store at at least one second transfer rate. Conversely, the translation element is also capable of receiving second predetermined format communications from the store at the at least one second transfer rate and thereafter outputting corresponding first predetermined format communications to the aircraft at the first predefined bit rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William J. Ebert, James V. Leonard, Richard E. Meyer
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Patent number: 6349898Abstract: An interface between an aircraft and a precision-guided missile having automatic target recognition capability receives target image data and target location data from the aircraft, translates the data into formats usable by the missile, and downloads the target data to the missile at any time prior to launch of the missile. The interface includes a mission-planning unit and a terrain and elevation data storage unit enabling the air crew to call up terrain and elevation data on a visual display for planning a missile mission, and to transmit mission parameters to the missile during aircraft flight.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James V. Leonard, Robert K. Menzel, Richard E. Meyer, James A. Simms
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Patent number: 6122569Abstract: A store interface for routing different types of store signal formats to multiple wing stations using pre-existing aircraft wing wiring. The store interface provides an interface between an aircraft and an associated store adapted to bidirectionally communicate with the aircraft according to one of a plurality of predetermined store signal formats. The store interface includes a store identifier that determines the type of the associated store, and an interface that bidirectionally communicates between the aircraft and the store, includinga first and second communication links that communicate with the store using either a first set of store control signals configured in accordance with a first store signal format or a second set of store control signals configured in accordance with a second store signal format.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: McDonnell Douglas CorporationInventors: William J. Ebert, James V. Leonard, Richard E. Meyer
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Patent number: 6098654Abstract: A flow blockage suction interrupt of the present invention reduces the dangerous possibility of bodily suction entrapment of a bather in a swimming, wading, or hydrotherapy pool. The safety valve operates to instantaneously introduce atmosphere into a suction piping system of a pool when a dangerous vacuum condition is detected. The incoming atmosphere breaks the vacuum, freeing entrapped bather. The safety valve includes a dynamic plug and dual spring-loaded actuators, one closing and one opening the valve to atmosphere. The closing actuator is dominant until the opening actuator is triggered by the dangerously high vacuum level that accompanies bodily suction entrapment. The preferred embodiment incorporates a spring-loaded telescopic actuator shaft that is spring-loaded to open fully once triggered, and is triggered by a factory-calibrated diaphragm-actuated suction sensor. Once this safety valve has been tripped, it must be manually reset by the pool operator.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Fail-Safe, LLCInventors: Joseph D. Cohen, Richard E. Meyer