Patents by Inventor William Mark Nichols

William Mark Nichols 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).

  • Automatic contingency generator
    Patent number: 7512462
    Abstract: An autonomous air vehicle comprises a flight control system and an automatic contingency generator for automatically determining a contingent air vehicle route for use by the flight control system in response to contingencies experienced by the air vehicle. A method of automatically determining the contingent air vehicle route is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Jack Houchard
  • Method and apparatus for imaging a target using cloud obscuration prediction and detection
    Patent number: 7414706
    Abstract: A method is provided for imaging targets using an unmanned air vehicle. The method comprises the steps of making a determination of cloud obscuration of a target, selecting an imaging sensor based on the cloud obscuration determination, and using the selected imaging sensor to produce an image of the target. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Randolph Gregory Farmer, Gerard Michael LaColla
  • Method and apparatus for collaborative aggregate situation awareness
    Patent number: 7123169
    Abstract: A surveillance method comprises the steps of: sending information requests to one or more of a plurality of unmanned airborne platforms, each carrying one or more sensors for gathering information; coordinating processing of the requests among the plurality of airborne platforms; and transmitting responses to the requests to one or more requesters. A surveillance system that can be used to perform the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph Gregory Farmer, William Mark Nichols
  • Automatic taxi manager
    Patent number: 7050909
    Abstract: A method for moving a vehicle to a predetermined location comprises the steps of producing a real time image of a potential taxi route, comparing the real time image with a stored image to determine if the potential taxi route is clear between the location of the vehicle and a predetermined waypoint, and taxiing the vehicle to the waypoint if the potential taxi route is clear. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Randolph Gregory Farmer
  • Automatic collection manager
    Patent number: 7024340
    Abstract: A method for the automatic collection of surveillance information by an unmanned air vehicle comprises the steps of receiving an automatic collection requirements message, determining a route for gathering requested information about a target in accordance with a collection policy, and controlling operation of an air vehicle to follow the route and gather the requested information. An automatic collection management system for an unmanned air vehicle that performs the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Nichols, Roderic Murufas