Patents by Inventor William R. Checcia

William R. Checcia 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).

  • Streamlined method and apparatus for aligning a sensor to an aircraft
    Patent number: 6653650
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing mis-alignment between an aircraft inertial reference frame and a reference frame of an attached sensor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first laser mounted on the sensor and in the center of and normal to a first measuring surface; and, a second laser also mounted on the sensor perpendicular to the first laser and in the center of and normal to a second measuring surface. A first reflector is mounted to and aligned with the inertial reference frame of the aircraft and is disposed for reflecting a beam of light from the first laser, whereby misalignment in roll and yaw between the sensor and the aircraft is reflected on the first measuring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. McMillan, Gregory Foroglou, Scott E. Hoffman, Joaquin E. Carvajal, William R. Checcia
  • Streamlined method and apparatus for aligning a sensor to an aircraft
    Publication number: 20030098972
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing mis-alignment between an aircraft inertial reference frame and a reference frame of an attached sensor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first laser mounted on the sensor and in the center of and normal to a first measuring surface; and, a second laser also mounted on the sensor perpendicular to the first laser and in the center of and normal to a second measuring surface. A first reflector is mounted to and aligned with the inertial reference frame of the aircraft and is disposed for reflecting a beam of light from the first laser, whereby misalignment in roll and yaw between the sensor and the aircraft is reflected on the first measuring surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. McMillan, Gregory Foroglou, Scott E. Hoffman, Joaquin E. Carvajal, William R. Checcia