Patents by Inventor Robert S. Brinkerhoff

Robert S. Brinkerhoff 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).

  • Patent number: 8757486
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for firing a projectile in response to a threat according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a computer coupled to a launch system for the projectile. The computer may be configured to select the projectile from multiple available projectiles and calculate a fire control solution according to a characteristic of the selected projectile. Calculating the fire control solution may comprise deriving the fire control solution from a look-up table according to a predicted intercept point. The computer may initiate a launch of the selected projectile and provide the fire control solution to the selected projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James M. Cook, Robert S. Brinkerhoff, Michael J. Mahnken
  • Publication number: 20120211562
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for firing a projectile in response to a threat according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a computer coupled to a launch system for the projectile. The computer may be configured to select the projectile from multiple available projectiles and calculate a fire control solution according to a characteristic of the selected projectile. Calculating the fire control solution may comprise deriving the fire control solution from a look-up table according to a predicted intercept point. The computer may initiate a launch of the selected projectile and provide the fire control solution to the selected projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: James M. Cook, Robert S. Brinkerhoff, Michael J. Mahnken
  • Patent number: 7989743
    Abstract: A reliable and inexpensive attitude control system uses a plurality of pitch-over thrusters to perform rapid and precise attitude maneuvers for a flight vehicle. The pitch-over thrusters create rotational moments that directly pitch and yaw the flight vehicle. The use of very simple thrusters and control techniques provides for a reliable and cost effective solution. The ability to perform overlapping pitch and yaw maneuvers with single-shot fixed-impulse thrusters provides for high-speed maneuverability. Although this approach is applicable to provide attitude control for any flight vehicle including all types of missiles, kill-vehicles and space craft, it is particularly applicable for smaller highly maneuverable cost-constrained missile systems. One such system is an “Active Protection System” or APS in which a missile system is integrated with a vehicle such as a HumVee or armored personnel carrier to provide defensive counter-measures against possible attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Brinkerhoff, Michael J. Mahnken, Richard D. Loehr, James M. Cook
  • Publication number: 20100327106
    Abstract: A reliable and inexpensive attitude control system uses a plurality of pitch-over thrusters to perform rapid and precise attitude maneuvers for a flight vehicle. The pitch-over thrusters create rotational moments that directly pitch and yaw the flight vehicle. The use of very simple thrusters and control techniques provides for a reliable and cost effective solution. The ability to perform overlapping pitch and yaw maneuvers with single-shot fixed-impulse thrusters provides for high-speed maneuverability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Robert S. Brinkerhoff, Michael J. Mahnken, Richard D. Loehr, James M. Cook
  • Patent number: 7851732
    Abstract: A reliable and inexpensive attitude control system uses a plurality of pitch-over thrusters to perform rapid and precise attitude maneuvers for a flight vehicle. The pitch-over thrusters create rotational moments that directly pitch and yaw the flight vehicle. The use of very simple thrusters and control techniques provides for a reliable and cost effective solution. The ability to perform overlapping pitch and yaw maneuvers with single-shot fixed-impulse thrusters provides for high-speed maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Brinkerhoff, Michael J. Mahnken, Richard D. Loehr, James M Cook