Takeoff Indicator Patents (Class 340/959)
  • Patent number: 10895948
    Abstract: A display device for displaying information relative to a flight by an aircraft is provided. The information includes information relative to an energy variation of the aircraft, the energy variation being expressed by a variable representative of that energy variation. The display device is configured to show, on a viewing screen, an energy variation symbol representative of a current value of the variable. The display device is configured to further show at least one energy variation bound symbol representative of a threshold value of the variable, the threshold value corresponding to an authorized acceleration bound for the aircraft to keep or bring the speed of the aircraft in or toward a predefined usage speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: DASSAULT AVIATION
    Inventors: Sébastien Lepage, Hasna Nadfaoui
  • Patent number: 10868906
    Abstract: A portable device includes one or more memories and travel mode control circuitry coupled to the one or more memories. The travel mode control circuitry, in operation, monitors motion data and detects a first travel state of the device based on the monitored motion data and an acceleration profile. When the first travel state of the device is detected, motion data and pressure data are monitored to detect a transition from the first travel state to a second travel state of the device. When the transition to the second travel state of the device is detected, one or more control signals are generated to cause the device to enter a first travel mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mahaveer Jain, Mahesh Chowdhary
  • Patent number: 10708413
    Abstract: A portable device includes one or more memories and travel mode control circuitry coupled to the one or more memories. The travel mode control circuitry, in operation, monitors motion data and temperature data to detect a first travel state of the device. When the first travel state of the device is detected, motion data and pressure data are monitored to detect a transition from the first travel state to a second travel state of the device. When the transition to the second travel state of the device is detected, one or more control signals are generated to cause the device to enter a first travel mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mahaveer Jain, Mahesh Chowdhary
  • Patent number: 10518897
    Abstract: A method and device for displaying a symbology for assisting the piloting of an aircraft during a landing phase. The display device allows a crew to anticipate or avoid emission of a runway overrun warning, able to be emitted by a piloting assistance unit. The display device includes a display unit to display a symbology, a module for determining characteristics of the runway and an end of runway margin, a module for determining a run distance necessary for the aircraft to attain a run speed, when the piloting assistance unit operates in a first mode, a transmission module configured for transmitting a set of signals making it possible for the display unit to display a symbol representative of the run distance, at least one symbols representative of the characteristics of the runway and a symbol representative of the end of runway margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Christine Charbonnier, Rodolphe Bonet, Laetitia Thenault
  • Patent number: 10315778
    Abstract: A flight deck display that represents the overall health of the airplane by combining energy state, system state and configuration state into one integrated representation that is triggered by the on-board engine indication and crew alerting system. The computer system for controlling the display unit is configured to display an airplane status indicator in the form of a symbolic representation of the airplane that persists across displays. The status indicator shows the energy state of the airplane and how energy is being added or subtracted from it in terms of altitude, airspeed, thrust, wind, etc. As the airplane gains energy, there is a projection of excess energy shown in front of the airplane. As the airplane loses energy, an alerting indicator will appear around the airplane symbol if the performance of the airplane becomes is too low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: The Beoing Company
    Inventor: Barbara E. Holder
  • Patent number: 10214300
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that improve upon existing aircraft display systems by generating and updating an overrun image that may be overlaid on a variety of panoramic and landscape images on a display device. The overrun image displays stopping locations for all relevant available stopping devices, as determined from the far end of the selected runway. In addition, the aircraft display system determines an advisory zone on the selected runway and presents limited symbols and images in and near the advisory zone that indicate distances and relevant information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Thea L Feyereisen, Mark Giddings, Gang He, Steve Johnson
  • Patent number: 9738400
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes a portable electronic device; and an application executable on the portable electronic device, the application including computer program code that (a) monitors acceleration data during a flight of an airplane; and (b) displays a representation of the acceleration data in relation to a threshold acceleration of the airplane. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
  • Patent number: 9588521
    Abstract: The guidance device of the aircraft includes a unit for constructing a flight trajectory of the aircraft, which adapts the height of the flight trajectory to a downstream relief so as to allow the aircraft to clear this downstream relief by implementing a rectilinear climb at maximum rate of climb of the aircraft, along a rectilinear lateral direction corresponding to the direction of the aircraft at the moment of the triggering of the maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Boris Kozlow, Yohann Roux, Julien Nico
  • Patent number: 9529010
    Abstract: Embodiments of a flight deck display system deployed onboard an aircraft are provided, as are embodiments of a method carried-out by a flight deck display system. In one embodiment, the flight deck display system includes a cockpit display device and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) establish the speed trend of the aircraft over a predetermined time period; (ii) generate a primary flight display on the cockpit display device including a speed trend vector graphic representative of the established speed trend; and (iii) alter the appearance of the speed trend vector graphic in a first predetermined manner if a low speed change condition is detected during at least one of aircraft takeoff and landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Steve Johnson, Yasuo Ishihara, Kevin J Conner
  • Patent number: 9196166
    Abstract: Disclosed is a runway alerting method and system for an aircraft during a take-off maneuver. The method includes determining stopping positions for the aircraft along the runway using aircraft energy state, deceleration and braking information and displaying the stopping positions on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Horne, Thomas Landers, John Mayo
  • Patent number: 9132912
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an avionics system on-board an aircraft are provided. In one embodiment, data associated with a take off roll is received, one or more v-speeds of the aircraft associated with the take off roll are calculated, and during the take off roll, the aircraft is controlled based on the one or more calculated v-speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scot Griffith, Kent Stange
  • Patent number: 9058742
    Abstract: Methods of illustrating aircraft situational information on a flight display in a cockpit of an aircraft, include determining a location of the aircraft, displaying on the flight display a forward looking graphical representation of the runway from the determined location of the aircraft, displaying situational awareness information on the graphical representation, and updating the location determination, graphical representation and the situational awareness information as the aircraft moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Jacob Conrardy, Christian Drake Meigs
  • Patent number: 9041560
    Abstract: A system and method are described for receiving a NOTAM and storing information relating to the distance of a temporarily displaced threshold for a runway. When that runway is selected for approach and landing, the temporarily displaced threshold and new aiming point are automatically displayed. The change made to the display using NOTAM data can be indicated to the pilot by distinct symbology or particular color, or by using an icon or an annunciation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Sadguni Venkataswamy, Prashant Prabhu, Ravindra Jayaprakash, Anil Kumar Songa, Mallikarjuna Narala
  • Patent number: 9037321
    Abstract: A taxiway approach advisory system. The system may include a computer-readable memory containing runway information and a processor in data communication with the memory. The processor may include a component for ascertaining the altitude of an aircraft, a component for ascertaining the location of the aircraft, a component for accessing runway information from the memory and determining if the aircraft is within a pre-determined runway envelope based on the altitude and location, and a component for issuing an indication if the aircraft is not within the pre-determined runway envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin J Conner, Ratan Khatwa
  • Patent number: 9035802
    Abstract: A power safety system is configured to provide power information in an aircraft. The power safety system includes a power safety instrument having a power required indicator and a power available indicator, each being located on a display. A position of the power required indicator and the power available indicator represent the power available and power required to perform a hover flight maneuver. The power safety system may be operated in a flight planning mode or in a current flight mode. The power safety system uses at least one sensor to measure variables having an effect on the power required and the power available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: James M. McCollough, Erik Oltheten, Nicholas Lappos
  • Patent number: 9000951
    Abstract: An aeronautical safety device which seeks to improve landing and take-off operations of aircraft, having a simple device which, by means of light means and push buttons or actuators indicating the instructions received, allow reflecting the instructions received from the control tower on a panel or in any other enabled point or by the senior cabin crew members themselves. The device has a casing on which at least two display indicators are arranged. One of them would serve for indicating that permission for takeoff or landing has been received, while the other light indicator would exclusively serve to indicate that the cabin is secure. The display indicators indicating that the instruction to initiate takeoff or landing has been received can range from light indicators to simple hinged flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Ramon Garcia-Gavito Morillas
  • Publication number: 20140375478
    Abstract: Disclosed is a runway alerting method and system for an aircraft during a take-off maneuver. The method includes determining stopping positions for the aircraft along the runway using aircraft energy state, deceleration and braking information and displaying the stopping positions on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Horne, Thomas Landers, John Mayo
  • Patent number: 8862364
    Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating a performance anomaly within one or more line replaceable units (LRUs) on a gas turbine engine by monitoring the start up transient are presented. The system comprises a set of sensors, an anomaly detector and a fault isolation reasoner. Each sensor of the set monitors at least one operating parameter of at least one engine component. The anomaly detector is configured to detect an anomaly in a component by comparing a particular value of an operating parameter to a base line value of that parameter. The specific cause of the startup anomaly is isolated utilizing a set of component reasoners that is based on the nature of the detected anomaly. The key events during the engine startup are identified by the combination of monitoring physically relevant phases of a startup and monitoring the engine control schedule. The values at these key events are used for comparing at the anomaly detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kyusung Kim
  • Patent number: 8773288
    Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial methods for presenting traffic information are disclosed. In a first method, data representative of ownship position, first traffic, and second traffic are received by a traffic symbology generator (“TSG”). The traffic is divided into zones and a correlation between the targets of the traffic is determined. A traffic symbology data set is generated by the TSG based upon the results of the correlation(s). In a second method, data representative of ownship position and first traffic, runway references, and a selectable display range are received by the TSG. The traffic is divided into zones, and a traffic symbology data set is generated by the TSG thereafter. In a third method, data representative of ownship position and first traffic are received by the TSG. The traffic is divided into zones, and a traffic symbology data set is generated by the TSG thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Carrico, Felix B. Turcios, Sarah Barber, Kirschen A. Seah, Randy H. Jacobson, Patrick D. McCusker, Christopher H. Glass, Arnold Oldach
  • Publication number: 20140184429
    Abstract: System and methods are provided alerting an aircraft crew member of a runway assignment for an aircraft takeoff sequence from a runway of an airport having a plurality of runways. In an embodiment, the method includes transmitting data comprising data relating to the runway assignment and data relating to an open status or a closed status for each airport runway to an aircraft data receiver, and transmitting an audio signal indicating the runway assignment to an aircraft audio receiver. In another embodiment, the method includes receiving an audio signal indicating the runway assignment from a control tower audio transmitter, receiving data comprising data relating to the runway assignment and data relating to an open status or a closed status of each of the airport runways from a control tower data transmitter, processing the received data, and displaying the received data relating to the runway assignment on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Billy J. Durham, Brian J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140132428
    Abstract: An aeronautical safety device having a casing with a first light indicator (1) to indicate landing or take off permission, with a second light indicator (2) to indicate if the cabin is ready, with first light indicator operating/repositioning means (3) associated with the first light indicator (1), with second light indicator operating/repositioning means (4) associated with the second light indicator (2), with a battery (5) inside the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Ramon Garcia-Gavito Morillas
  • Patent number: 8441376
    Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting surface symbology on an aircraft display unit are disclosed. Symbology image data representative of an image depicting takeoff distance symbology is generated by a symbology generator based upon flight management data and navigation reference data provided by a flight management data source and the navigation reference data source, respectively. The takeoff distance symbology comprises a far end and a near end, where the location of the far end corresponds to a location of the end of the assigned runway, and the location of the near end is dependent upon the location of the far end, the direction of the runway opposite of the assigned runway, and the takeoff distance. The takeoff distance symbology may be presented as a superimposition against an image of the assigned runway presented on the screen of the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung-i B. Tsai, Benjamin J. Helppi, Raymond P. Roland
  • Patent number: 8384563
    Abstract: A device for confirming the engine thrust of an aircraft is disclosed. The device, via an operating logic unit (14) of each engine processing different information, including a warning indicator (15) connected to the unit (14) delivers or not thrust confirmation information at the level of the cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventor: Brice Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8350726
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selecting a touchdown point for a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The eye movements of a user are tracked relative to an image being rendered on a display screen. An updated touchdown point location is determined from the tracked eye movements, and an updated touchdown point is rendered at the updated touchdown point location on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Santosh Mathan, Patricia May Ververs
  • Patent number: 8339284
    Abstract: A visual display system is provided, and includes a visual display element configured to display a visual display with three-dimensional, conformal background information at a first perspective; and a processor coupled to the visual display. The processor can be configured to evaluate flight path information and to adjust the visual display into a second perspective if the flight path information cannot be accurately displayed at the first perspective relative to the background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Gang He
  • Publication number: 20120277934
    Abstract: The taking-off and landing target instrument 2 to be used in an automatic taking-off and landing system, comprising a target 37 having as many light emitting elements 44 as required for displaying patterns and a target control unit 38 for controlling light emission of the light emitting elements, wherein the light emitting elements are provided on a taking-off and landing surface of the target and are arranged so that a target mark 43 having the center of pattern under all turned-on status is formed, and wherein the target control unit controls a light emission so as to display firstly all turned-on patterns where all of the light emitting elements are turned on, and next, so as to display the light emitting elements in a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kazuki Osaragi, Hitoshi Otani
  • Patent number: 8115655
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for monitoring the temperature of an aircraft, in which at least one camera connected to a first processing unit, for imaging detection of at least one region of the substantially upwardly-pointing outer surface of the aircraft, detects an images once, several times, or at regular intervals and transmits this to the first processing unit, wherein the light spectrum which may be detected by the camera lies substantially in the infrared range and the first processing unit determines the temperatures of substantially all the pictorially detected locations or has these determined by a downstream signal-processing device, in each case compares the temperature for individual locations with a predetermined maximum design temperature for the relevant location, and if the maximum design temperature is exceeded, generates a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pautsch, Wolfgang Wohlers
  • Patent number: 8046120
    Abstract: A method for automatically selecting a take-off thrust setting for an engine of a jet powered mobile platform that has a flight management computer (FMC) that makes use of a configuration code. The configuration code is provided from a first set of information relating to operational parameters of the mobile platform. A database in communication with the FMC stores information pertaining to different locations from which a take-off operation can be performed. The FMC accesses the configuration code and the database to determine a take-off thrust setting to apply during the take-off operation at a specified one of the locations. The FMC also determines if an operator has overridden an automatic selection of the take-off thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roy S. Alcantara, Bradley J. Fischer, Raymond P. Craig
  • Publication number: 20100302073
    Abstract: A device for confirming the engine thrust of an aircraft is disclosed. The device, via an operating logic unit (14) of each engine processing different information, including a warning indicator (15) connected to the unit (14) delivers or not thrust confirmation information at the level of the cockpit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventor: Brice Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7818100
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for optimizing runway exiting. Prior to landing, the pilot may choose to input one or more new landing parameters. Then, based on current landing parameters (e.g., any new landing parameter(s) and remaining default landing parameters) and the aircraft performance parameters, predicted landing performance can be updated and indicia of the updated predicted landing performance can be displayed to the pilot on an updated airport map and display. The updated predicted landing performance can include, among other things, a display of AUTOBRAKE landing performance. When no further changes to the current landing parameters are desired, the automatic braking system can be set to provide dynamic braking to slow the aircraft to a selected velocity at a selected position on a particular runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William L. Goodman, Thomas Imrich
  • Patent number: 7783393
    Abstract: A vertical situation display system for use in a vehicle such as, for example, an aircraft, is provided. A side view of an intended route of flight may be shown with altitude restrictions, airspace and instrument approach information, a projected flight path and range to airspeed symbol. The system may show terrain, weather, and traffic information along the intended route of flight. The system may be used in conjunction with a navigational display to enhance situational awareness. The system includes a computer, an electronic display device, an electronic entry device, a memory and a database. The database may contain terrain, airspace and flight planning data and may be updatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Tucker, Sherwin S. Chen, John Wiedemann, Jason L. Hammack
  • Patent number: 7761193
    Abstract: Method and device for ensuring the safety of a low-altitude flight of an aircraft. A device (1) for ensuring the safety of a low-altitude flight comprises information sources (5) able to determine current flight conditions, a monitoring unit (6) for realizing, with the aid of said current flight conditions, a function for global and autonomous monitoring of said low-altitude flight of the aircraft, making it possible to preserve the integrity of said aircraft during said flight, and means (13) for presenting the results of the monitoring function realized by said monitoring unit (6) to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Franck Artini, Jean-Pierre Demortier, Christophe Bouchet, Jacques Espinasse, Edward Strongman
  • Patent number: 7751951
    Abstract: A method for checking takeoff or landing parameters of an aircraft including a step of determining takeoff or landing parameters on the basis of a series of input conditions. The method includes steps of calculating regulatory data on the basis of determined takeoff or landing parameters; and of comparing the calculated regulatory data with predefined threshold values, with a view to establishing whether the determined takeoff or landing parameters are valid or invalid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: AIRBUS France
    Inventors: Fabien Pitard, Jean-Pierre Demortier, Serge Laporte, Serge Boyer, Bernard Deret, Laurent Fonteneau
  • Patent number: 7633411
    Abstract: The device relates to the signaling, to the pilot of a craft, of the risks that it incurs due to obstacles placed in its zone of deployment. This device determines, on the zone of deployment of the craft, the contours of several types of risk region as well as the contours of two lateral regions of tight deployment tied to the craft and produces alarms as a function of the types of zones at risk found in the lateral regions of tight deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Elias Bitar, Nicolas Marty
  • Patent number: 7626514
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling activation of a look-ahead function of a terrain alert and warning system. The system receives rate of climb and aircraft speed information, compares the rate of climb and aircraft speed information to a predefined threshold, and deactivates a look-ahead function based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Ishihara, Charles D. Bateman
  • Patent number: 7590484
    Abstract: A Safe Runway Aircraft Arrival and Departure System Using Split Runway Design comprising a linear runway divided into separate landing strip and takeoff strip portions. Arriving aircraft land on the designated landing strip portion of the runway, while departing aircraft take off from the designated takeoff strip portion of the runway. The landing and takeoff portions may be separated by a defined buffer zone utilized by aircraft for taxiing to and from a terminal. Existing runways may be readily converted into two designated portions for arriving and departing aircraft, thereby significantly increasing the number of aircraft arrival and departure sequences, reducing the likelihood of aircraft runway incursions, eliminating dangerous intersection takeoffs, and conserving jet fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel G. Gellert
  • Patent number: 7467030
    Abstract: A flight control indicator for an aircraft includes a central unit that determines a change of vertical or lateral trajectory. A display, which may present a first indicator of a next vertical change and a second indicator of a next lateral change, presents the one of the first and second indicators indicating the change of trajectory which is closest from the current position of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: AIRBUS France
    Inventors: Franck Artini, Jean-Pierre Demortier, Christophe Bouchet, François Barre
  • Patent number: 7274308
    Abstract: A processor, software code, and a method for generating warning indicating that flaps are not suitably in a take-off position. A first component is configured to receive a first signal indicative of one of a group of flaps positions, the group including a take-off position. A second component is configured to receive a second signal indicative of an aircraft position. A third component is configured to compare the aircraft position to the contents of a database and to, by the comparison, determine whether the aircraft position is within a runway perimeter. A fourth component is configured to generate an alarm when the aircraft is within the runway perimeter and the flaps position is not the take-off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Donald Bateman, David Bryan Alexander Fleming
  • Patent number: 7158052
    Abstract: A system, method and display for monitoring the performance of an aircraft during the take-off maneuver that includes the steps of monitoring the progress of the take-off maneuver by acquiring data representative of the aircraft's motion at a plurality of points during the maneuver, generating a function that best fits the acquired data, and using the generated function to predict future progress of the maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Cranfield University
    Inventors: David Zammit-Mangion, Martin Ewart Eshelby
  • Patent number: 7014146
    Abstract: The system (1) includes braking means (2) for braking the aircraft, a braking unit (3) controlling the braking means (2) on the basis of deceleration orders, a computing unit (5) for computing deceleration orders, which determines a plurality of distance/speed pairs relating to the movement of the aircraft over a landing runway, each of said pairs indicating the speed of movement at the associated distance defined relative to the runway threshold of the landing runway, and an interface element (7) that includes means (14) displaying on a screen (15) a representation (16) of the landing runway, showing the exits, and indications illustrating the distance/speed pairs, aiding an operator in choosing one of the exits, and means (17) enabling an operator to select the chosen exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Fabrice Villaume, Mikaël Maas
  • Patent number: 6982655
    Abstract: Method and indicator for displaying information showing the airspeed tolerance margins for an aircraft. The indicator comprises a central processing unit which selects, from a plurality of longitudinal scales, the longitudinal scale representative of the current aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft and a display means which presents on a display screen the selected longitudinal scale, which is mobile in the longitudinal direction, and whose position on the display screen depends on the current angle of attack of the aircraft, shown by a characteristic marker in a fixed position on the display screen across the longitudinal scale, the latter scrolling up and down relative to the characteristic marker as a function of the current angle of attack of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Pascal Vialleton, Martin Delporte, Jean-Christophe Reinmuth, Jacques Rosay
  • Patent number: 6927701
    Abstract: Techniques are described for monitoring runway occupancy and providing an indication of occupancy of a runway to an airplane on final approach the runway. A system, for example, defines and monitors one or more zones on the runway to determine whether the runway is occupied. Such a system includes sensors, such as inductive loop sensors, that may be located proximate to or on the runway, and the system may monitor ingress and egress of objects, such as airplanes or other vehicles on the ground, into and out of the zone in order to determine whether the zone is activated. The sensors may be located at points of entry and exit for the zone. The zones may be located at take-off hold areas of the runway and intersections of the runway with taxiways. A ground-based approach light array of the system may provide the indication of runway occupancy to the airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Architecture Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Noel E Schmidt, Kirk J Swanson, Eric R Chartier
  • Patent number: 6915188
    Abstract: A signal is received from an off limits facility and it is determined from the signal whether an aircraft is within a distance of the off limits facility. The course and/or flight of the aircraft is changed if the aircraft is within the distance of the off limits facility. A signal is received from an airport and it is determined from the signal whether an aircraft will be allowed to take off from the airport. The aircraft is prevented from taking off if the signal from the airport indicates that the aircraft should be prevented from taking off. A signal is received from a satellite and it is determined from the signal whether an aircraft is within a distance of an off limits facility. The course and/or flight of the aircraft if the aircraft is changed if the aircraft is within the distance of the off limits facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6894611
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting engine control data to or from the engine control unit of an engine. The system includes a local communication unit capable of establishing a wireless communication link with a remote communication unit and a link for transferring data between the local communication unit and the engine control unit. In operation, a wireless communication link is established between the local communication unit and the remote communication unit. Engine control data is transferred between the local communication unit and the engine control unit and transmitted between the local communication unit and the remote communication unit via the wireless communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Gerard Butz, Richard Francis Schuster, Kimberly Anne DePew
  • Patent number: 6867710
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to improve a flight warning light arrangement of wind power installations and in particular to make the operation thereof as effect as possible. Disclosed is a flight warning light arrangement for a wind power installation, comprising at least one light means which is mounted on the wind power installation, wherein there is provided a device for detecting the brightness value, for example a twilight switch which detects the level of daytime brightness in the area around the wind power installation, and the device for detecting the brightness value is connected to a switching device which evaluates the measured data and switches on the flight warning light arrangement when the brightness value falls below a given value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20040260434
    Abstract: A system method and display for monitoring the performance of an aircraft during the take-off maneuver that includes the steps of monitoring the progress of the take-off maneuver by acquiring data representative of the aircraft's motion at a plurality of points during the maneuver generating a function that best fits the acquired data, and using the generated function to predict future progress of the maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: David Zammit-Mangion, Martin Ewart Eshelby
  • Publication number: 20040193335
    Abstract: A signal is received from an off limits facility and it is determined from the signal whether an aircraft is within a distance of the off limits facility. The course and/or flight of the aircraft is changed if the aircraft is within the distance of the off limits facility. A signal is received from an airport and it is determined from the signal whether an aircraft will be allowed to take off from the airport. The aircraft is prevented from taking off if the signal from the airport indicates that the aircraft should be prevented from taking off. A signal is received from a satellite and it is determined from the signal whether an aircraft is within a distance of an off limits facility. The course and/or flight of the aircraft if the aircraft is changed if the aircraft is within the distance of the off limits facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik
  • Publication number: 20040145499
    Abstract: Techniques are described for monitoring runway occupancy and providing an indication of occupancy of a runway to an airplane on final approach the runway. A system, for example, defines and monitors one or more zones on the runway to determine whether the runway is occupied. Such a system includes sensors, such as inductive loop sensors, that may be located proximate to or on the runway, and the system may monitor ingress and egress of objects, such as airplanes or other vehicles on the ground, into and out of the zone in order to determine whether the zone is activated. The sensors may be located at points of entry and exit for the zone. The zones may be located at take-off hold areas of the runway and intersections of the runway with taxiways. A ground-based approach light array of the system may provide the indication of runway occupancy to the airplane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Noel E. Schmidt, Kirk J. Swanson, Eric R. Chartier
  • Patent number: 6614397
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically alerting a flight crew of an airplane when takeoff is attempted on a wrong runway. Identification data for an origin runway from which takeoff of an airplane is desired is entered via an operator interface. Stored position data for the origin runway is retrieved. Sensed position data for the airplane is input from a plurality of sensors. The stored position data for the origin runway is compared with the sensed position data for the airplane. A determination is made whether the sensed position of the airplane is within a predetermined position difference from the stored position of the origin runway, and a determination is made whether takeoff is attempted. An indication of wrong runway is provided when takeoff is attempted and the sensed position of the airplane is greater than the predetermined position difference away from the stored position of the origin runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Pullen, Henry V. VonJouanne, Andrew W. Houck
  • Patent number: 6571167
    Abstract: An airport control system including a sensing mechanism for sensing a plurality of target conditions, a processing mechanism electronically connected to the sensing mechanism for calculating an optimum time to initiate a takeoff sequence based upon the target conditions, a status indicator for providing runway status information, and a control mechanism in electronic communication with the calculating mechanism and the status indicator for controlling the operation of the status indicator in response to receiving the optimum time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: AeroAnalysis, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry P Schmidt