Patents by Inventor Robert L. Grant
Robert L. Grant 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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Publication number: 20240134244Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus for displaying an image comprising: a first optical substrate comprising at least one waveguide layer configured to propagate light in a first direction, wherein the at least one waveguide layer of the first optical substrate comprises at least one grating lamina configured to extract the light from the first substrate along the first direction; and a second optical substrate comprising at least one waveguide layer configured to propagate the light in a second direction, wherein the at least one waveguide layer of the second optical substrate comprises at least one grating lamina configured to extract light from the second substrate along the second direction; wherein the at least one grating lamina of at least one of the first and second optical substrates comprises an SBG in a passive mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Robert D. Brown, Alastair John Grant, Wyatt L. Hendrick, Milan Momcilo Popovich, James H. Stanley, Jonathan David Waldern
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Patent number: 7552256Abstract: A communications system and method are provided for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. Network device interfaces associated with different data channels can coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Publication number: 20080172506Abstract: A communications system and method are provided for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. Network device interfaces associated with different data channels can coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Patent number: 7277970Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. In some embodiments, network device interfaces associated with different data channels coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Patent number: 7219589Abstract: An assembly for indicating when a transient electronic event has occurred on a mobile platform is provided. The assembly includes a housing and a flash-producing device that communicates with the mobile platform and produces a flash approximately when the event occurs. The housing couples to the body of the mobile platform and contains the flash-producing device in such a manner that the flash is observable. Preferentially, the assembly also includes a faceplate that couples to the housing and maintains an aerodynamic profile associated with a surface of the body when the assembly is coupled to the mobile platform. In another preferred embodiment, the assembly is adapted for use with an inert JDAM weapon and the event is the fuze command of the weapon.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark W. Gibson, Robert L. Grant, Jill J. Powers, Donald G. Gerard, Joseph J. Molinari, Gary F. Throm, Tom Dellamano, Fred G. Filsinger
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Patent number: 7099965Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. In one embodiment, the bus controller transmits messages to the network device interface containing a plurality of bits having a value defined by a transition between first and second states in the bits. The network device interface determines timing of the data sequence of the message and uses the determined timing to communicate with the bus controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Patent number: 7096285Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is then converted by the network device interface into digital signals and transmitted back to the controller. In one advantageous embodiment, the network device interface is a state machine, such as an ASIC, that operates independent of a processor in communicating with the bus controller and data channels.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Patent number: 7058737Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is then converted into digital signals and transmitted back to the controller. In one embodiment, the bus controller sends commands and data a defined bit rate, and the network device interface senses this bit rate and sends data back to the bus controller using the defined bit rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Patent number: 6938106Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is then converted by the network device interface into digital signals and transmitted back to the controller. In one advantageous embodiment, the network device interface uses a specialized protocol for communicating across the network bus that uses a low-level instruction set and has low overhead for data communication.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Publication number: 20040133728Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. In one embodiment, the bus controller transmits messages to the network device interface containing a plurality of bits having a value defined by a transition between first and second states in the bits. The network device interface determines timing of the data sequence of the message and uses the determined timing to communicate with the bus controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Danield W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Publication number: 20040128423Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is then converted into digital signals and transmitted back to the controller. In one embodiment, the bus controller sends commands and data a defined bit rate, and the network device interface senses this bit rate and sends data back to the bus controller using the defined bit rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Publication number: 20040128415Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is then converted by the network device interface into digital signals and transmitted back to the controller. In one advantageous embodiment, the network device interface uses a specialized protocol for communicating across the network bus that uses a low-level instruction set and has low overhead for data communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Publication number: 20040123012Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is then converted by the network device interface into digital signals and transmitted back to the controller. In one advantageous embodiment, the network device interface is a state machine, such as an ASIC, that operates independent of a processor in communicating with the bus controller and data channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Publication number: 20040111536Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. In some embodiments, network device interfaces associated with different data channels coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Patent number: 6708239Abstract: The present invention provides a network device interface and method for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is then converted by the network device interface into digital signals and transmitted back to the controller. In one advantageous embodiment, the network device interface uses a specialized protocol for communicating across the network bus that uses a low-level instruction set and has low overhead for data communication.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
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Patent number: 5030099Abstract: There is disclosed a new teaching aid and support device for use with a windsurfer rig, which rig usually includes a mast, a boom, a sail, and a universal joint. The teaching aid and support device comprises a stationary base member for supporting the windsurfer rig. The stationary base member is in the form of a shallow, inverted receptacle having a top planar surface and depending side walls which are arranged and constructed so that when the bottom edges of the sidewalls of the base member are placed on the ground the base member is securely and non-rotatably supported from the ground. The top planar surface of the base member has a suitable mast receiver opening whose vertical center line is near the geometrical center of the base member. The device also includes an arrangement for securing the mast to the base member.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1989Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventors: John E. Empie, Robert L. Grant
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Patent number: 4207594Abstract: A system and method of using a bore scope with an attached video system, the true field of view is measured, cross hair lines are generated on the video monitor and measured for extremes of field and again bracketing the object, a ratio is formed and is used as a multiplier of the true field of view. The result is the actual dimension of the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1977Date of Patent: June 10, 1980Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: John R. Morris, Robert L. Grant