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).

  • Publication number: 20240134244
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Robert D. Brown, Alastair John Grant, Wyatt L. Hendrick, Milan Momcilo Popovich, James H. Stanley, Jonathan David Waldern
  • Patent number: 7552256
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20080172506
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 7277970
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 7219589
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark W. Gibson, Robert L. Grant, Jill J. Powers, Donald G. Gerard, Joseph J. Molinari, Gary F. Throm, Tom Dellamano, Fred G. Filsinger
  • Patent number: 7099965
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 7096285
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 7058737
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 6938106
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20040133728
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Danield W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20040128423
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20040128415
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20040123012
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20040111536
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 6708239
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Ellerbrock, Robert L. Grant, Daniel W. Konz, Joseph P. Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 5030099
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventors: John E. Empie, Robert L. Grant
  • Patent number: 4207594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: John R. Morris, Robert L. Grant