Patents by Inventor Ward H. Zimmerman

Ward H. Zimmerman 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: 5136841
    Abstract: Integration of engine functions and data communications between an aircraft propulsion module and an airframe is enabled by the use of fiber optic links which multiplex information and control functions without risk of an electrical failure in one portion of the aircraft electronics system propagating to other portions of the aircraft electronic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Ward H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5044155
    Abstract: Integration of engine functions and data communications between an aircraft propulsion module and an airframe is enabled by the use of fiber optic links which multiplex information and control functions without risk of an electrical failure in one portion of the aircraft electronics system propagating to other portions of the aircraft electronic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ward H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5001638
    Abstract: An integrated air data system for use on an aircraft. Airframe air data units (18) are connected to receive a plurality of redundant total pressure sensor inputs (20,22,24), a plurality of redundant static pressure sensor inputs (26,28,30), and a total temperature sensor input (32). Similar redundant sensor inputs are provided a first and second channel in each of two electronic engine controls (34,36). Bidirectional data buses (16) connect the airframe air data system to the electronic engine control system, so that the same sensor signals are available for each of the systems. The airframe air data unit and the primary electronic engine control channel having priority to control each engine are independently operative to select a preferred total pressure, static pressure, and total temperature value according to a common programmed logic scheme. The selection logic gives priority to the use of the same value for common parameters in each of the systems, where possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ward H. Zimmerman, Melville D. W. McIntyre