Visual Source Patents (Class 340/953)
  • Patent number: 11866197
    Abstract: Provided is a target member for accurately guiding a moving body to a target site. A target member 10 is used when performing control for guiding a moving body 20 to a target site, and the target member 10 is formed by using two or more different feature members 11, 12 that are set such that a shape of a target member image 44 that corresponds to the target member 10 captured by an image capturing unit 21 (an image capturing apparatus) that is mounted in the moving body 20 changes according to a measurement distance that indicates a distance between the target member 10 and the moving body 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuo Inoshita
  • Patent number: 11864294
    Abstract: A device is configured to provide assistance during extravehicular activity. The device obtains and operates on first data indicative of one or more objects in a detection space. The device is configured to process the first data for determination of one or more properties for the object(s); evaluate, based on the one or more properties, the object(s) in relation to a set of rules to determine one or more user instructions, and cause an illumination arrangement to provide the one or more user instructions by selective projection of the light in relation to the one or more objects. The device thereby reduces the reliance on cognitive processing by user(s) to take decisions on how to proceed in a situation, and instead the cognitive processing of information about the surroundings in relation to the task at hand is offloaded to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Exner, Hannes Bergkvist
  • Patent number: 11599323
    Abstract: A boom pod with an adaptable user interface automatically reconfigures based on operation phase. Elements of the user interface may also be manually reconfigured based on operator preference. Operator reconfigurations may be recorded for use during similar phases in subsequent operations. A controller automatically records system status during a refueling operation and prepares a digital log entry. Portions of the use interface are dedicated to augmented displays to assist the operator at any given operational phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheyenne Matthews, Caleb Owenby
  • Patent number: 11381059
    Abstract: A process for creating a stabilized diode laser device is disclosed, where the stabilized diode laser device includes a unibody mounting plate and several chambers aligned along a transmission axis. Various optic components are placed in the chambers, and based on a transmission through the chambers, the optic components are aligned and secured within the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Andrew P. Bartko, Ryan W. Daly, Theodore J. Ronningen, Brad Ross, Karen Walczak
  • Patent number: 11260991
    Abstract: A precision approach path indicator (PAPI) employs an LED light source with first and second arrays of LEDs or other efficient light sources, disposed one above the other and emitting their respective color lights along an optic axis to a collimating lens of focal length f. First and (optional) second aperture plates positioned along the optic axis, each being a respective frame with a cut-out defining a horizontally elongated aperture for light passing along the optic axis. Intermediate aperture plate(s) can be positioned between the first and second aperture plates. The first frame is positioned between the light source and the collimating lens at the focal distance f from the lens. The optional second aperture plate is positioned at the collimating lens and covers top, bottom, and side edge portions of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Airfield Lighting Company of NY. Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew B. Ellerton, Ingo Speier, Jeffrey G. Shaw
  • Patent number: 11225762
    Abstract: A modular landing port for use on a top of a building structure. The modular landing port includes a base portion. One or more landing module extend from the base portion. The one or more landing modules have a first end provide proximate the base portion and a second end spaced from the base portion. Each of the one or more landing modules have a landing/take-off zone proximate the second end and at least one loading/unloading zone proximate the first end. The landing/take-off zone and the at least one loading/unloading zone are configured to receive a vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Gannett Fleming Inc.
    Inventors: Harry T. Osborne, Brian J. Smith, Jennifer M. Ganley, Teresa L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11215838
    Abstract: Head-mounted see-through displays and methods are provided which improve helicopter displays and provide more relevant information to the pilot while reducing the information load on the display. Displays comprise a peripheral pilot-scene pitch indication region, indicating scene orientation information according to an orientation of the pilot's head with respect to the scene, a propulsion state indication region, indicating rotor and engines states with respect to their nominal operation states by presenting only deviations of the rotor and engines states from their nominal operation states, a speed indication region, indicating, in association with displayed air speed, a calculated ground speed or a calculated ground speed component in a direction of propagation and a helicopter pitch indication region displaying a pitch ladder which is re-arranged to space close pitch lines and crowd remote pitch lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Elbit Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomer Nahum, Gili Sarna
  • Patent number: 11187555
    Abstract: A system for displaying videos, comprising a processing resource configured to: provide a data repository comprising a plurality of previously captured video segments (PCVSs) captured during previous operations of corresponding platforms, each being associated with metadata indicative of a Line-of-Sight (LoS) of a sensor, carried by the corresponding platform of the platforms used to capture the corresponding PCVS, with respect to a fixed coordinate system established in space, during capturing the corresponding PCVS; obtain an indication of a Region-of-Interest (RoI); identify one or more of the PCVSs that include at least part of the RoI, utilizing the LoSs associated with the PCVSs, giving rise to RoI matching PCVSs; and display at least part of at least one of the RoI matching PCVSs, being displayed RoI matching PCVSs, on a display of an operating platform to an operator of the operating platform during a current operation of the operating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventor: Avraham Zeev Noy
  • Patent number: 10497271
    Abstract: A runway exiting system is configured to determine a suitable exit off of a runway for an aircraft. The runway exiting system includes a housing, and one or more processors within the housing that are configured to determine a current position of the aircraft on the runway, determine a current rate of deceleration of the aircraft on the runway, and determine the suitable exit off of the runway for the aircraft based, at least in part, on the current position of the aircraft on the runway and the current rate of deceleration of the aircraft on the runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Samantha A. Schwartz, Jason W. Clark, Jeffrey L. Williams, Katie M. Reid
  • Patent number: 10197418
    Abstract: Examples include systems and methods for decomposition of error components between angular, forward, and sideways errors in estimated positions of a computing device. One method includes determining an estimation of a current position of the computing device based on a previous position of the computing device, an estimated speed over an elapsed time, and a direction of travel of the computing device, determining a forward, sideways, and orientation change error component of the estimation of the current position of the computing device, determining a weight to apply to the forward, sideways, and orientation change error components based on average observed movement of the computing device, and using the weighted forward, sideways, and orientation change error components as constraints for determination of an updated estimation of the current position of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Etienne Le Grand, Brian Patrick Williams
  • Patent number: 10072817
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes light systems in which the intensity of base color LEDs configured to emit light within a target color region is increased using additional white LEDs and the emitted light is filtered so that a dominant portion of light passing through the filter at a particular viewing angle is within the target color region. The present disclosure also describes methods for forming a printed circuit board with an integral heat sink arrangement by depositing additional solder on solder pads that are not used to connect electronic components so that the additional solder acts as a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SWS WARNING SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Steven A. Sergenese, Jerico Wong, Rainier Chua, Umer Anwer
  • Patent number: 10059445
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided including a protection system against undesired interference, presence, or data collection by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) including unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. In particular, various embodiments of the invention include a system operable to protect entities from harm or risks associated with ROVs as well as sensors carried by ROVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael Meinhart
  • Patent number: 9734729
    Abstract: A method for displaying stop bar information to an aircrew member of an aircraft includes the steps of capturing a light signature emitted from an area surrounding the aircraft, processing the captured light signature to detect a lighted stop bar, and providing information to the aircrew member regarding the detection of the lighted stop bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Tomas Beda, Ondrej Koukol, Ondrej Pokorny
  • Patent number: 9405710
    Abstract: A wireless communications device provides users with opportunities to access interactive media guidance or other applications and to control interactive media guidance applications running on user equipment. The wireless communications device may have a touch-sensitive screen with controls that are coordinated with the features of the interactive media guidance or other applications. The wireless communications device may function as a remote controller for user equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin Lau, Terry Tam, Kay Chiu
  • Patent number: 9258871
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for indicating that an LED flash light for an aircraft such as an anti-collision or beacon or strobe LED light has reached a near-end-of-life status, wherein the LED flash light under normal operational condition within a given time interval generates a predetermined number of normal flashes with the number being one or more than one, e.g. two. The method comprises the steps of determining the actual photometric condition of the LED flash light, and comparing the actual photometric condition to a given condition in a normal flashing mode. If the actual condition deviates from the given condition by more than a predetermined amount, the LED flash light is operated in order to generate within the given time interval one additional near-end-of-life-indicating flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Bernhard Mueller
  • Patent number: 9219542
    Abstract: Control and monitoring of airfield lighting from a control tower and other maintenance/supervisory locations uses double loop self healing fiber optic communications circuits to enhances speed of operation even with large and complex airfield lighting system requirements, and significantly increased reliability and operating lifetime thereof. A plurality of local light control and monitoring groups are used, wherein each group has at least one fiber optic communications concentrator that independently communicates with light controllers within the group and the remote supervisory control and monitoring systems in the control tower and other locations. This allows faster control response of the lamps in each of the airfield light fixtures, and monitoring concentration of operational data within each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Maoz Ohad, Andrei Weintraub
  • Patent number: 9117367
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for generating and annunciating to a flight crew if they are on or approaching a closed runway. The present invention alerts the pilot to operations on closed runways with appropriate and non-misleading information, thus allowing the pilot to make better decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin J Conner, Courtney Ashford, Steve C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9092956
    Abstract: A wearable locating and/or recovery assembly having a body containing a portable battery, an on/off switch communicating the battery with a processor control, and at least one additional switch for actuating, selectively or in combination, at least one overt light and at least one infrared light arranged at discrete locations upon the body. The body exhibits a raised and arcuate central battery supporting portion and first and second opposite extending and tapered wings. An over molded underside gripping surface is applied to facilitate mounting the body upon a hard non-linear surface not limited to a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Tyrone Secord, Keith Stubl
  • Publication number: 20150130644
    Abstract: Lighting systems and methods for landing in a degraded visual environment are disclosed. The lighting systems comprise one or more lighting units mounted to an aircraft operable to hover near a landing zone. Each lighting unit is operable to provide adjustable illumination to the landing zone, and has a radiant power output between a minimum and a maximum. The minimum radiant power output is just sufficient to allow a pilot to distinguish features in the landing zone when below a first altitude wherein the downwash from the aircraft rotors, propellers, or engines begins to raise particulates from the landing zone and continues to be just sufficient to allow the pilot to distinguish features as the pilot descends from the first altitude to termination at the landing zone, and the maximum radiant power output is less than about five times the minimum radiant power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Taylor L. Kiel
  • Patent number: 9016896
    Abstract: An obstruction lighting system includes a disc having a generally planar surface. A plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted to the planar surface of the disc, a central light emitting axis of the light emitting diodes being oriented generally perpendicularly away from the planar surface. A reflector is coupled to the disc, the reflector having an outer surface in the shape of a rotated conic section, the reflector further including a projecting portion. The outer surface of the reflector has an optical axis generally perpendicular to the central light emitting axis of the light emitting diodes. Furthermore, the projecting portion of the reflector blocks light emissions from the light emitting diodes in an upwardly direction from the obstruction lighting system. The disc and a lens retainer may be configured to block light emitted by the light emitting diodes from traveling in a downwardly direction from the obstruction lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hughey & Phillips, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Roudeski
  • Patent number: 9007236
    Abstract: This is an electrical system not an electronic one. The light units should be placed as close to an actual circle as possible. For a helicopter visual landing in rough seas, low visibility and darkness, the approach for landing becomes a hazardous task. Good visibility of the landing area will be possible due to this system effectiveness. The helicopter can now become a truly all-weather vehicle. No new technology is needed. The parts for the system can be purchased off a store shelf, a minor modification of an existing item, or made by relatively minor fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Nathanial Henry Lewis
  • Patent number: 9007227
    Abstract: An optical interrogator system including a broad spectrum light source capable of emitting light having a spectral width spanning at least approximately 20 nm, and at least one optical sensor coupled to the broad spectrum light source by at least one multimode optical fiber, wherein the at least one multimode optical fiber is configured to support a plurality of propagation modes, and a method of using the same are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Carralero, Ty A. Larsen, Priya D. Maratukulam
  • Patent number: 8957791
    Abstract: An aircraft interface apparatus for providing communication between an aircraft system and a device for use on an aircraft comprises a first communication means for providing communication with the aircraft system, and a second communication means for providing communication with the device, wherein the aircraft system uses a first data format and the device uses a second data format, and the apparatus further comprises: —an interface processing resource that is configured to receive data in a first format from the device and, in response, to output data in the second format to the aircraft system and/or to receive data in the second format from the device and, in response, to output data in the first format to the aircraft system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bluebox Avionics Limited
    Inventors: James Macrae, Murray Skelton
  • Patent number: 8952830
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved vehicle safety warning system which enables a warning of a potential or an actual hazard to be transmitted via a signal between two or more vehicles, a device for use in such a system and an improved vehicle rally safety warning and information system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Status Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Stephen James Sims, Wayne David Maxwell, Jason Edward White, Andrew Philip Perkins, Norman George Ballard
  • Publication number: 20150002317
    Abstract: An airfield sign that includes a dynamic display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: JCAI Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery P. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150002316
    Abstract: A display system for an aircraft includes a processing unit configured to determine runway lighting information and lighting status for runway lighting associated with a selected runway and to generate display commands based on the runway lighting information and the lighting status; and a display device coupled the processing unit and configured to receive the display commands and to display symbology representing the runway lighting information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Vijaya Sridhar, Dave Pepitone
  • Patent number: 8917191
    Abstract: A system for controlling an image displayed on a display unit of an aircraft is shown and described. The system includes an enhanced vision system that detects elements of an approach lighting system for display on the display unit. The system also includes a synthetic vision system that uses a database of navigation information and a determined aircraft location to generate synthetic display elements representing the approach lighting system. Display electronics of the system cause the detected elements from the enhanced vision system to be simultaneously displayed on the display unit within a same scene as the generated synthetic display elements from the synthetic vision system. Advantageously, the simultaneous display allows a pilot viewing the display unit to check for whether information provided by the enhanced vision system matches information provided by the synthetic vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo L. Tiana, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Robert B. Wood
  • Patent number: 8884786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light sign (10) for displaying an instruction and/or guidance for ground airplane traffic at an airport, comprising a casing (20) with a transparent display panel (21) for representing an instruction and/or guidance symbol (Z), and a light source arranged inside the casing (20) with at least one luminescent diode (32) for illuminating the display panel (21). A diffusion panel (22) is made for scattering and/or back-scattering incident light, wherein the light source is arranged between the display panel and the diffusion panel. The at least one luminescent diode (32) is aligned on the diffusion panel (22) so that the display panel (21) is not illuminated directly, but indirectly by back-scattering of the light emitted from the at least one luminescent diode by the diffusion panel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ADB BVBA
    Inventors: Martijn Beukema, Pierre Tremouroux
  • Patent number: 8880339
    Abstract: A schematic display for presenting vertical navigation (VNAV) data is disclosed. A planned route such as a flight plan is divided into a series of VNAV legs, and only a VNAV schematic that corresponds to the active VNAV leg is displayed. The VNAV schematic in accordance with the present disclosure is a profile-view schematic for the active VNAV leg, providing a visual representation indicating the locations of the upcoming Top of Climb (TOC) or Top of Descent (TOD). Additional VNAV data may also be presented to provide content context. Since the schematic display in accordance with the present disclosure only displays VNAV data relevant to the active VNAV leg at a given time, the complexities associated with displaying the VNAV schematic is reduced, making the VNAV data easy to read and understand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins Inc.
    Inventors: Seth A. Cooper, David A. Gribble, David L. Leedom, Geoffrey A. Shapiro, Daniel E. Russell, James E. Winfield
  • Patent number: 8816882
    Abstract: A portable landing pad marker includes a base, a light source, a light cover, at least two stacking indents, and at least two raised stacking pins. The portable landing pad marker may also include a collapsible traffic cone in the base of the marker and have a portion of the base removed to form a handle to easily transport the markers. The portable landing pad marker may also include a base that is at least partially visible with night vision equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas W. Boedeker
  • Publication number: 20140197970
    Abstract: An adapter circuit for connecting a switching circuit of an airport visual aid is equipped with an LED as a light source and a secondary-side coil (secondary side) of a supply transformer, wherein at least one switch element is provided for selectively making or breaking the connection and wherein at least one trigger circuit is provided for actuating the switch element when a specified voltage level is exceeded, wherein the switch element is provided between the trigger, circuit and the secondary side of the supply transformer and/or the trigger circuit is connected to the switch contact and to the switching circuit of the LED airport visual aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Bernhard Rupprath, Klaus-Peter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8766820
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a device especially configured for enabling locating an aircraft quickly which due to an accident has fallen in an area where the search for the remains is especially difficult, such as the sea or mountainous areas. It is made up of a container (1) with an automated lock (7) divided internally into two chambers (2 and 3) in which metal sheets (4) and hollow spheres (5) are introduced; an attached beacon (6), a memory circuit (14); and it is operated by means of an automated control. All these elements form an assembly as a result of a protective and waterproof shell (8) joining them together. It also has an anchor (10) joining it to the outer part of the aircraft where it is arranged, which allows automating the release of the device as the result of a signal indicating the imminence of an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Save-Dummy, S.L.
    Inventor: José María Santiago Fontaina
  • Patent number: 8698607
    Abstract: Proposedis a remote control device (100), arranged to control a lighting system(1). The lighting system comprises a plurality of light-modules (10) capable of emitting modulated light comprising light module identification codes (20). The remote controldevice (100) comprises a sensor (110) arranged to switch the light modules (10) from an operational mode (210) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is non-5 modulated to a control mode (230) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is modulated. Advantageously, the invention provides a lighting system with improved energy efficiency and EMC characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Lorenzo Feri
  • Patent number: 8692691
    Abstract: An infrared laser landing marker system provides a capability to mark a boundary line of varying lengths with near infrared lasers, e.g., of the order 8xx nm. This system can be either directly operated or remotely operated via satellite communications and is compatible with currently fielded night vision goggles. Two modules, placed at either end of boundary, self align to each other and then proceed to mark a boundary edge of a landing zone with an infrared laser line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Yau L. Fung, Andrew J. Hill, Paul W. Bachelder, Robert B. Mayer, Blaine C. Froeschl, Alden K. Lum, Miguel P. Snyder, Kim W. D. Larsen
  • Patent number: 8686876
    Abstract: A control system is provided that adopts a communication network using wireless visible light and IR light communications in a galley of an aircraft which is subjected to limitations of aviation regulations regarding wired communications. Insert equipments each having a visible light receiving element and an IR emitting element are disposed in a galley of an aircraft, and a galley controller is disposed within the galley or a circumference area thereof having a visible light emitting panel, an IR receiving element and a display/control panel for controlling the insert equipments. A mutual communication function between the galley controller and the insert equipments and a remote control function for controlling the insert equipments from the galley controller are realized via transmission and reception of visible light communication data and IR communication data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Shiomori, Hiroyuki Hozumi, Mineo Mizukami
  • Patent number: 8686877
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a directionally filtered indicator light, wherein a directional filter is applied to a light source that is controlled to emit light when a condition or series of conditions are met. The directional filter, in turn, regulates the transmission of light from the light source so that a first group of individuals, located within a viewing angle, are the only individuals able to see the transmitted light. In one example, the directionally filtered indicator light of the present disclosure allows an indicator light on the interior of a passenger aircraft to be viewed from outside the aircraft in direct sunlight while substantially eliminating the presence of transmitted light from a passenger seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jagdish T. Madhav
  • Patent number: 8681020
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automated control of aerodrome lighting. An exemplary system includes a communication radio, an aerodrome lighting data source, and a processor. The communication radio is configured to selectively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals. The aerodrome lighting data source is configured to at least selectively supply aerodrome lighting data representative of light control characteristics of aerodrome lighting associated with individual aerodromes. The processor is in operable communication with the aerodrome lighting data source and the communication radio, and is configured to selectively retrieve, from the aerodrome lighting data source, aerodrome lighting data associated with an individual aerodrome, and selectively command the communication radio to transmit RF signals consistent with the light control characteristics associated with the individual aerodrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sabu Mathew, Nithin Ambika, Wesley Peter, Swetha Balasa, Shashidhara Veerabhadraiah
  • Publication number: 20140077974
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a control section controls a lighting circuit on the basis of a luminous intensity ratio table of a set rated current type to have a luminous intensity ratio corresponding to a current value detected by a current detecting circuit. The control section switches, according to a switch signal input from a power supply line, the luminous intensity ratio table to a luminous intensity ratio table of a rated current type corresponding to the switching signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo NIINO
  • Patent number: 8669883
    Abstract: A visual aid for the pilot of an aircraft approaching to land on an aircraft carrier comprises a series of lights (9) embedded along the landing deck and controlled in response to pitch and heave of the vessel so that the light(s) illuminated at any time indicate a visual aim point which is stabilised with respect to a specified glideslope (5) onto the vessel irrespective of such vertical excursions of the vessel. It is used in conjunction with a marker on a head up display or helmet mounted display for example so that registry of the marker with the illuminated light at any time indicates that the aircraft is on the correct glideslope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Justin David Billot Paines
  • Patent number: 8665114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display for traffic control within a region of traffic flow, comprising an array of lights arranged for illumination to indicate to traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a first path of travel the likely movement of traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a second path of travel different from the first, and thus whether said traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said second path of travel has a right of way over traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said first path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Derek Cozens
  • Patent number: 8665138
    Abstract: A system for preventing light pollution includes one or more radar units that monitor for vehicles in a volume surrounding or containing one or more obstructions having one or more obstruction lights. A master radar detection processing unit receives sensed radar detection information from the one or more radar units with associated radar signal processing units and determines whether a vehicle is present within the monitored volume. A plurality of obstruction light controller units are interconnected in a network, such as a wireless network. Each obstruction light controller unit turns on an obstruction light when a vehicle enters the monitored volume or a failure condition exists, and turns off the obstruction light when the vehicle has vacated the monitored volume and no failure condition exists. The one or more radar units can transmit sensed radar detection information to a master radar detection processing unit via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Laufer Wind Group LLC
    Inventor: Eric David Laufer
  • Publication number: 20130342372
    Abstract: A boundary/edge recognition system for on ground vehicular traffic, especially airport runways and taxiways that uses multiple markers, each marker including an elongated tube with a light source in or near the tube for illuminating one or more slits or a plurality of apertures in the tube. Preferred embodiments include spring mounts and/or means for indicating misalignment. Additional options include a defroster/heater and/or bird roost prevention means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Scott P. Stauffer
  • Publication number: 20130300586
    Abstract: An infrared laser landing marker system provides a capability to mark a boundary line of varying lengths with near infrared lasers, e.g., of the order 8xx nm. This system can be either directly operated or remotely operated via satellite communications and is compatible with currently fielded night vision goggles. Two modules, placed at either end of boundary, self align to each other and then proceed to mark a boundary edge of a landing zone with an infrared laser line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: U.S.A., as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Yau L. Fung, Andrew J. Hill, Paul W. Bachelder, Robert B. Mayer, Blaine C. Froeschl, Alden K. Lum, Miguel P. Snyder, Kim W.D Larsen
  • Publication number: 20130234866
    Abstract: This invention presents a method for mixing visible and infrared light from LED sources so light can be projected for use as landing field approach aids, such as Precision Approach Path Indicators. This method relies on the use of linear arrays of LED's and cylindrical optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Alan August Vetter, David Mark Shemwell
  • Patent number: 8487754
    Abstract: A vehicle parking control and enforcement system for a plurality of unmetered parking spaces is provided wherein in-ground vehicle sensors are coupled with a microcontroller or microprocessor to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, determine whether the vehicle is in violation of the parking regulations and communicate a violation to a parking authority. The in-ground vehicle sensors may also include a digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick L. Mitschele
  • Patent number: 8482435
    Abstract: The invention concerns a wind power installation comprising a flight warning light arrangement. In accordance with the invention it is proposed that the flight warning light arrangement is switched on only when a vehicle or craft, preferably an aircraft, approaches the wind power installation to a predetermined spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20130141255
    Abstract: A visual aid for landing helicopters includes a plurality of weighted bases and a plurality of lights designed such that they can identify a helicopter landing zone during nighttime or during the bright sunlight. The components of the visual aid are designed to provide rapid identification of the landing zone, whether the pilot of the helicopter is flying with his unaided eye or with typical night vision goggles. The weighted bases have a large surface area and are coated with a highly visible fluorescent paint. The lights are designed to emit light having wavelengths, intensities and beam patterns which will not overwhelm night vision goggles but which will be acceptably visible to pilots flying without night vision goggles. The lights and weighted bases are color-coded such that they identify both the perimeter of the landing zone and the wind direction within the landing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • Publication number: 20130021172
    Abstract: A portable landing pad marker includes a base, a light source, a light cover, at least two stacking indents, and at least two raised stacking pins. The portable landing pad marker may also include a collapsible traffic cone in the base of the marker and have a portion of the base removed to form a handle to easily transport the markers. The portable landing pad marker may also include a base that is at least partially visible with night vision equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas W. Boedeker
  • Patent number: 8305238
    Abstract: A man-machine interface for assisting a pilot during takeoff or landing of an airborne vehicle in reduced external visibility includes a display which represents a virtual scenario from the perspective of a virtual observer who is himself located behind the airborne vehicle and is in the same flight attitude as the airborne vehicle itself. The virtual scenario includes a base plane which symbolizes an idealized ground surface, calculated from the instantaneous value of the altitude above ground and the instantaneous flight attitude data of the aircraft. The base plane is bounded by an artificial horizon and is continuously updated with the instantaneous flying state data and the instantaneous height above ground. The virtual scenario also includes a symbol which represents the airborne vehicle, and the position of the symbol relative to the base plane represents the current flight attitude and the instantaneous height of the airborne vehicle above ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Wegner, Thomas Muensterer, Patrick Kramper, Peter Kielhorn
  • Patent number: 8284751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a communications system for airport signalling devices. In said system, the series or parallel circuits used for supplying electricity to the signalling devices are used for the communication between a control device, a central communication device and signalling devices. The OFDM method is preferably used to transmit signals and decentralised communications devices, which are assigned to the signalling devices and preferably have elements for preparing the signals, are dynamically configured in an adaptive manner during the active operation of the system by a central communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: ADB BVBA
    Inventor: Klaus Kock