Radar Ew (electronic Warfare) Patents (Class 342/13)
  • Patent number: 7425916
    Abstract: A digital missile warning system comprising a distributed pulse doppler radar having a plurality of antennas, each being coupled to a transmit/receive (T/R) module located adjacent to the antenna, and parallel signal processing channels including an A/D converter, FFT processor and a range/velocity track file processor in each channel for each antenna resulting in enhanced detection range, reduced False Alarm Rate (FAR), faster response time, reduced size, weight and installation requirements, improved reliability and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs. An optional optical missile warning system can provide azimuth and elevation data to the track file processors which enables a three (3) dimensional track of a missile, with azimuth and elevation angles provided by the optical system and range, velocity and acceleration data provided by the pulse doppler radar. The combination of Pulse Doppler Radar MWS and the Optical MWS produces close to a zero False Alarm Rate (FAR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Robert R. Stevens, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080218399
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention are directed to generating a scan strategy based on parameters input from a user, without requiring that the user be aware of information such as the specifics of the receiver hardware or the specific signal characteristics of the emitters that are desired to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Kunz, Jerry L. Twoey, Barrett L. Snedaker, Raymond Scheuerman, Paul T. Coyne, David Scheel
  • Patent number: 7423575
    Abstract: An ultra wideband (UWB) jamming system comprises a processor, a memory, a pulse generator, one or more UWB transmitters, and one or more UWB antennas. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the RF signals of a threat transmission or an RF-triggered explosive device (RTED) are evaluated and a set of interference parameters defined for the RF signal of that device. The interference parameters are predetermined to interfere with the reception or transmission of the RF signal. The interference parameters are sent to a pulse generator that drives one or more UWB transmitters to generate a signal has a statistically high probability of jamming or introducing an error in the threatening transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sentel Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Duff, Theodore L. Harwood, II, Arthur Light, John P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080190274
    Abstract: A commercial airliner (100) controls and is flown in formation with a drone aircraft (200) that includes missile detection and diversion equipment (215) capable of protecting the airliner from a man portable missile (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Philip L. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 7411539
    Abstract: A method for passively detecting the presence of radar signal emitters, in which an ESM unit receives radar signals with a number of antennas, each antenna covering a sector of the surrounding terrain. In order to conserve bandwidth, a technique is used, in which receiving channel is slit into a number of sub-bands. Each sub-band is converted to an IF channel. The individual IF channels are combined into a common IF channel in an adder. This process is repeated once more in order to bring the signals down to baseband, where they are digitized and processed to find the direction to and the identity of the emitter source. A number of ESM units are connected to a control center. In the control center the position of the radar emitter is determined by triangulation. In addition, the identity of the emitter is determined by comparison with known emitter signatures stored in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Per Atle Valand
  • Publication number: 20080180309
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to configuring a receiver. In some embodiments, when a receiver is executing a dwell, configuration settings for one or more next possible dwells to be executed by the receiver may be sent to the receiver. In this way, when the receiver completes execution of the current dwell, the receiver need not wait to receive configuration settings for the next dwell to be executed as they may be already loaded into the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Kunz, Walter S. Richter, Jerry L. Twoey, Barrett L. Snedaker, Shawn Halferty, Douglas N. McMartin, Stephen A. Orzechowski
  • Patent number: 7403761
    Abstract: Frequency translation, such as frequency up conversion of a video baseband or intermediate frequency to a desired frequency division broadcast channel, is provided utilizing a single sideband or image reject mixer and filtering having relaxed selectivity requirements. According to a preferred embodiment, a first single sideband mixer accepts an input signal at an intermediate frequency and up converts this signal to a high intermediate frequency. The image rejection provided by the single sideband mixer in combination with simple filtering provide sufficient signal quality to achieve desired levels of desired signal isolation, such as on the order of 40 dB. Preferably, a second single sideband mixer accepts the high intermediate frequency signal and down converts this signal to a desired transmission or broadcast frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.
    Inventors: Kirk B. Ashby, Albert H. Taddiken, S. Vincent Birleson
  • Patent number: 7400287
    Abstract: Missile deflector systems for protecting a vehicle from threats that use an infrared sensor for guidance are disclosed. An exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a radiation source and one or more deployable smart chaff elements. The light source and the one or more deployable smart chaff elements can direct the threat, such as, for example, a missile, away from the vehicle or, in other embodiments, disable the threat. Another exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a smart chaff element with a near-infrared emitter and a plurality of transmitting fibers to transmit the near-infrared radiation out of the smart chaff element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 7397415
    Abstract: A method of classifying radar emitters includes the steps of: (a) receiving pulses from multiple radar emitters; (b) categorizing received pulses based on pulse data descriptors (PDWs); (c) forming clusters of received pulses based on the PDWs; and (d) de-interleaving pulses from the cluster using one of a differential time of arrival (DTOA) histogram technique, a spectrum estimation technique, or a Hough transform technique. Step (a) includes receiving the pulses during a predetermined time interval and storing the received pulses as a snapshot representing the pulses present during the predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Wang, Matthew Orr, Mitchell Sparrow, Martin Apa
  • Patent number: 7391355
    Abstract: A geolocation system and method uses a single platform for determining a Doppler measurement set of a targeted aircraft or signal of interest. The electronic warfare aircraft and the ejected aircraft expendables technology device determine the Doppler measurement set of the targeted aircraft or other signal of interest. The ejected aircraft expendables technology device is initially tuned to an expected frequency of the target of interest. Re-tuning may take place after an initial signal reading and computation has been performed by the electronic warfare aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mortimer
  • Patent number: 7391356
    Abstract: A system and method for suppressing radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions includes a transmitter for transmitting electronic signals that suppresses (e.g., prevents, disrupts, jams, interferes with or otherwise disables) RF transmissions. Some embodiments of the invention include a transmitter that suppresses one or more signals transmitted from a target transmitter in an RF transmission system to a target receiver in a wireless device operating in the RF transmission system to prevent, disrupt, jam, interfere with or otherwise disable an RF transmission between the target transmitter and the target receiver in the wireless device (i.e., target wireless device). These systems and methods may be used to interrupt communication, command and control of non-friendly combatant. These systems and methods may also be used to suppress RF transmissions to prevent the detonation of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Pegasus Global Strategic Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Robert Haywood Brumley, II, Michael J. Reedy, Robert Haywood Brumley, III
  • Publication number: 20080143579
    Abstract: Missile deflector systems for protecting a vehicle from threats that use an infrared sensor for guidance are disclosed. An exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a radiation source and one or more deployable smart chaff elements. The light source and the one or more deployable smart chaff elements can direct the threat, such as, for example, a missile, away from the vehicle or, in other embodiments, disable the threat. Another exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a smart chaff element with a near-infrared emitter and a plurality of transmitting fibers to transmit the near-infrared radiation out of the smart chaff element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 7378626
    Abstract: An agile, high-power, reliable DIRCM system that is easily extended to address sophisticated UV or UV-visible capable multi-band threats includes a missile warner having missile warning receivers (MWRs), one or two-color suitably in the mid-IR range, that detect likely missile launch and pass the threat coordinates to a pointer-tracker having a Roll/Nod gimbal on which the IR laser transmitter is mounted. The pointer-tracker slews the gimbal to initiate tracking based on the threat coordinates and then uses its detector to continue to track and verify the threat. If the threat is verified, the pointer-tracker engages the laser to fire and jam the missile's IR seeker. By slewing the gimbal based on unverified threat coordinates to initiate tracking the system is highly agile and can respond to short and near simultaneous MANPADS shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Donald R. Fetterly
  • Patent number: 7362257
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting and characterizing pulsed threat radar emitters through heavy in-band interference. System includes an advanced digital signal processing method provides spatial and temporal interference cancellation, super-resolution direction-finding, and high resolution spectrum analysis techniques. The system receives the digitized output of a discriminator bank and produces highly accurate threat pulse radio frequency estimates. The invention further provides a two-channel configuration for a DF subsystem, to perform adjacent-beam direction-finding through severe interference environments. The invention provides increased sensitivity, increased frequency accuracy, and up to 40 dB of increased interference look-through capability in ES system but remains transparent to ES system functioning and to ES system operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Radix Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Bruzzone, Robert E. Shanafelt
  • Patent number: 7358887
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. When detecting emitter signals of a particular emitter, the receiver may periodically revisit the portion of the frequency spectrum in which that emitter operates. The revisit time that the receiver uses for a particular emitter may dependent on certain characteristics of the emitter. One of these characteristics is the illumination time of the emitter. Some emitters may present more than one illumination time to a detecting receiver. This may occur, for example, if the emitter sweeps azimuth and changes its elevation angle. Thus, a system and method are provided for computing revisit times for emitters with multi-valued illumination times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
  • Patent number: 7348919
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. Once a scan strategy is computed, it may be desirable to evaluate the scan strategy's intercept performance against a given emitter set under specific altitude, range and receiver load conditions. 2D and 3D emitter scan patterns are modeled and simulated. The receiver scan is also modeled and simulated. Performance statistics from the simulation are collected and analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
  • Patent number: 7345616
    Abstract: A radar-absorbing panel (9) includes a honeycomb core (11) and a lower skin (13), where the lower skin (13) is attached to the bottom of the honeycomb core (11). The honeycomb core (11) is made up of individual cells (15), which may be filled with aerogel. The individual cells (15) are approximately ½ of an inch in size with polygonal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Randy B. Williams
  • Patent number: 7339515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distributed electronic counter measures solution, wherein jamming signals (JA; JB) may be emitted towards threats (X1, X2) from counter measures stations in multiple vehicles (A, B), which are physically separated from one another in order to improve the chances of survival the vehicles (A, B) as well as any other vehicles that are associated with these vehicles (A, B) in a group of vehicles. The vehicles in the group exchange messages (D) over a wireless data link (L), where the messages (D) sent from a particular station specify an availability status (Dres-status) for each electronic warfare resource in the station and a threat status (Dthr-status) registered by the station. A station in the group having a central planning function coordinates any jamming signals (JA; JB) emitted from the electronic warfare resources of the stations in the group, such that the resources are optimally used with respect to all of any registered threats (X1, X2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Niklas Ferm, Thomas Lindvall
  • Patent number: 7336216
    Abstract: A radar decoy having radar reflectors disposed in the interior of the inflated canopy of a descending parachute as a first set of four corner reflectors, and a second set of corner reflectors disposed on the exterior of the canopy integral with the first set of corner reflectors, to form an octahedron of eight corner reflectors. The radar decoy is pliable and folded with the parachute for stowage in the interior of a canister. When loaded on a vehicle flying in a trajectory, the canister may open at a point P on the trajectory, to release the parachute, and thereby deploy the radar decoy to become operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil Weisbrod
  • Patent number: 7333051
    Abstract: A method (for example, machine-implemented, e.g., via a receiver), for determining whether a transmitted pulsed-signal is a linear or non-linear frequency modulated (FM) signal, includes: iteratively determining upper and lower bound slopes associated with frequency components of a pulse of a signal during a time period of the pulse; and comparing each determined upper bound slope to a previous or initial upper bound reference slope and comparing each determined lower bound slope to a previous or initial lower bound reference slope in order to determine the linearity, or non-linearity, of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Moch
  • Patent number: 7327303
    Abstract: A hybrid radar receiver includes an antenna array for receiving an input signal having a radar signal from a signal emitter. Each array element outputs an analog signal on a respective data channel. For each data channel, an activatable A/D converter is provided. A dedicated hardware circuit, which typically includes a detector/log video amplifier that is coupled to a threshold/pulse digitizer, is included to determine when a radar pulse is being received. When the circuit determines that a pulse is being received, the circuit activates each A/D converter to generate a digital signal on each channel. When a pulse is not currently being received, the circuit deactivates each A/D converter and digital signals are not produced. Pulse parameter(s) generated by the hardware circuit and the digital signals on each channel are sent to a software equipped processor which implements a signal emitter identification algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Information Systems Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Doss Halsey, Katsumi Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 7301493
    Abstract: A one-way reflective sensor shield with an increased bandwidth meta-materials coating is provided which substantially reduces or eliminates deleterious electronic signatures and backscattering. The one-way reflective sensor shield with meta-materials coating operates according to surface plasmonic coupling phenomena and achieves a mirror-like one-way reflection of electromagnetic signals. In this arrangement, the meta-materials coating is composed of a dielectric material, and the corrugated metal strips are composed of a metallic conductive material with a negative dielectric constant, to allow surface plasmonic coupling between the plasma in the metal and the incident electromagnetic field. Surface plasmons occur at the interface of a material with a positive dielectric constant, such as dielectric surface, with that of a negative dielectric constant, usually a metal or doped dielectric, such as the metal strips. Sensor devices and sensor shielding systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Peter R. Canales, Hong-Liang Cui, Alexander Raspopin
  • Patent number: 7248203
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. In one embodiment, the scan strategy may be computed to operate in a manner cognizant of on-board active jammers, optimizing the jammer band and intercept band performance. The additional inputs for this task are a jammer band assignment table, and a blanking assignment table. The capability to generate “dry” (no jam) and “wet” (jamming) scan strategies for an emitter set is provided, with separate intercept rules for each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
  • Patent number: 7242346
    Abstract: A portable apparatus and a method for inserting digitized previously recorded or fabricated radio frequency (RF) pulse descriptor word (PDW) data files into an electronic surveillance (ES) system to realistically simulate a complex RF environment. The apparatus includes a personal computer and an electronics unit configured for easy integration into an ES system between the receiver and pulse processor. PDW data files are created on the personal computer and transmitted to the electronics unit as supplied PDW data. In the primary embodiment, real RF pulse data from the receiver is halted in the electronics unit and supplied PDW data and data from the receiver unrelated to PDW data, is passed in a continuous stream to the pulse processor. In a secondary embodiment, an upgrade in the electronics unit multiplexes both real RF pulse data and supplied PDW data for transmission to the pulse processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Barry Slutzky, Paul Martis, Doug Morgan
  • Patent number: 7236364
    Abstract: A case for a portable terminal using a color liquid crystal uses a Peltier device to vary the color of the case by means of electrical heating and cooling the interior of the case. The case includes a temperature control apparatus for emitting electrical heat, when an electrical current is applied thereto, and simultaneously cooling the opposite side; a liquid crystal application agent positioned on the upper portion of the temperature control apparatus and adapted to vary the color by means of the electrical heat; and a cooling unit positioned opposite to an upper portion of the temperature control apparatus to cool heat-generating devices inside the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 7236119
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. Multiple receiver hardware configurations may be available for detecting a set of emitters. A system and method are provided that allow an operator to select the most appropriate configuration for an intercepting dwell, thereby facilitating resolution of conflicting hardware configurations for different emitter modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
  • Patent number: 7221307
    Abstract: An active or passive sensor observes a region, and generates evidence of the type of target or object viewed. The evidence is processed to determine the prior probability that the object is of a particular type. The prior probability so determined is thresholded to produce an indication of the presence of multiple targets or objects in a range bin, suggestive of shadowing of a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Friesel
  • Patent number: 7215275
    Abstract: An apparatus for adaptive camouflage with independent control of both temperature and apparent color. The apparatus has cells or individual pixels behind a transparent outer layer. The temperature of the outer layer is controlled by a heat transfer fluid flowing in a closed circuit in each cell, the fluid being cooled or heated by Pelletier elements located behind the assembly. Color changes can be activated separately at the back of the transparent layer by the rotation of metallic triangles whose sides are covered with various color paints, the triangles being located behind the transparent layer. Radar absorption is obtained by the transparent layer and heat transfer fluid and by the selective orientation of the metallic triangles in various directions. The apparent signature of the assembly can then be varied by adapting the signature of the various cells to current environmental conditions when background conditions alter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian Government
    Inventor: Jean Dumas
  • Patent number: 7215276
    Abstract: A method for detecting radar is provided by the present invention. The invention begins by sweeping a first local oscillator (LO). Once a band has been identified as containing a radar signal, the detector interrupts its normal operation and rechecks the frequency in question for confirmation of CW radar, rather than waiting for the initial sweep to finish. Upon receiving partial information from the initial fast sweep, the detector may repeat this sweep at a slower rate in order to improve sensitivity towards a CW source. If information was from a CW source one can be assured to see the information again when sweeping the same frequency. By contrast, if initial information is from a swept radar detector the information will not be present in the rescan, as the offending radar detector would have moved to a different frequency during the same period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The Whistler Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Batten, Craig R. Autio
  • Patent number: 7212147
    Abstract: A method for reducing radar cross section of an object that has conductive portions and that is expected to be scanned by radar, which includes providing the object with a multiple layer radar cross section reducing structure that reduces or entraps or dissipates radar waves therein so that the size or configuration of the object cannot be correctly detected by radar scanning. The invention also relates to the radar cross section reducing structure alone or associated with an object such as a vehicle that transports personnel or equipment. The structure can be provided on an object that previously has no stealth capability or it can be applied to an object that already has stealth capability for increasing its capability to prevent correct detection by radar scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Al Messano
  • Patent number: 7212148
    Abstract: A countermeasure system for jamming an attack unit is provided. The attack unit receives an infrared carrier signal for detection of a target under attack and is vulnerable to countermeasures from another infrared carrier signal modulated by a predetermined modulating signal. The countermeasure system includes a radio frequency source for generating a radio frequency carrier signal, a modulator for modulating the radio frequency carrier signal using the predetermined modulating signal, and a antenna for transmitting the modulated radio frequency signal towards the attack unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfonso R. Torres
  • Patent number: 7205925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separable radar detector, and more particularly, to a separable radar detector, wherein a horn antenna and a circuit for detection, and a display unit for displaying detected signals thereon are constructed to be moved, separated or rotated with respect to each other. The separable radar detector of the present invention comprises a horn antenna, a signal-processing unit for processing signals received by the horn antenna, an upper case for accommodating the horn antenna and the signal-processing unit, a lower case connected to the upper case to be relatively moved with respect thereto, and a display unit connected to the signal-processing unit and installed in the lower case to inform a user of the received signals processed by the signal-processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: BG T&A Co.
    Inventors: Jae Kyoo Park, Hyun Taek Lee, Dae Hyuk Kwon, Kyong Mi Lee
  • Patent number: 7206707
    Abstract: An IFM receiver includes a hybrid for outputting I and Q signals from a received input signal; a first ADC for digitizing the I signal to produce a first digital signal at a sampling rate of 1/?, and a second ADC for digitizing the Q signal to produce a second digital signal at the same sampling rate. A processor is configured to (a) delay the first and second digital signals by at least one sample time of ?, (b) count the number of samples produced having predetermined phase shifts, and (c) determine the frequency of the received input signal, based on the number of samples having the predetermined phase shifts. The first and second ADCs are each 1-bit analog-to-digital converters. The predetermined phase shifts of 0°, 90°, ?90° and 180° are counted by the processor over a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Y. Tsui, Stuart Mitchell Lopata, Charles Richard Ward
  • Patent number: 7202807
    Abstract: A method and an antenna arrangement are disclosed for reducing the antenna radar cross section for an externally illuminating radar source. A radar pulse is transmitted with the antenna arrangement fully matched to achieve a lowest possible power loss of the pulse. At all other times the antenna will be poorly matched and thereby will act as a low radar cross section. The reduced radar cross section leads to an antenna gain reduction, which most often can be accepted since competing noise is reduced as much as the useful signal. It is further suggested that the range gate of the receiver and the transmitter pulse control the antenna. Thus, the antenna is “fully opened” during the transmitting pulse and may be partly or “trade-off” matched during range gate reception. In the interval of not transmitting or receiving, the antenna will present a low radar cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Lars Josefsson, Björn Thors
  • Patent number: 7196655
    Abstract: An antenna for directional electronic communication, a directional communication system, a method of conducting directional communication, a combat identification system and a method of identifying friendly forces. In one embodiment, the antenna includes: (1) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (2) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (3) a feed horn located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: ATR Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph E. Hayles, Jr., Thomas H. O'Mara
  • Patent number: 7196638
    Abstract: An embedded digitization system enables a military platform to receive, transmit and process a variety of types of information for a variety of purposes. An apparatus and method provides a means to ensure information interoperability between the invention and external sources. The invention provides a development environment that enables a developer to automatically and interactively develop the middleware services and functions that contain the aspects for interoperability with external sources. The invention ensures interoperability through reuse of functions and services known to satisfy requirements for interoperability. When functions and services that satisfy requirements for interoperability are not available, the invention provides a means to develop new functions and services that satisfy requirements for interoperability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Edward Sabatino
  • Patent number: 7193555
    Abstract: A method for receiving at least one signal emitted by at least one emitter includes defining a first dwell associated with a first signal. The first dwell has a frequency range that overlaps at least a portion of a frequency range of a second signal. The method also includes detecting the second signal responsive to the first dwell if the first dwell satisfies at least one criterion for detecting the second signal. The method further includes rejecting the second signal responsive to a characteristic of the second signal if the first dwell fails to satisfy the at least one criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
  • Patent number: 7184724
    Abstract: Frequency translation, such as frequency up conversion of a video baseband or intermediate frequency to a desired frequency division broadcast channel, is provided utilizing a single sideband or image reject mixer and filtering having relaxed selectivity requirements. According to a preferred embodiment, a first single sideband mixer accepts an input signal at an intermediate frequency and up converts this signal to a high intermediate frequency. The image rejection provided by the single sideband mixer in combination with simple filtering provide sufficient signal quality to achieve desired levels of desired signal isolation, such as on the order of 40 dB. Preferably, a second single sideband mixer accepts the high intermediate frequency signal and down converts this signal to a desired transmission or broadcast frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.
    Inventors: Kirk B. Ashby, Albert H. Taddiken, S. Vincent Birleson
  • Patent number: 7176826
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. A rule-based system is provided for determining how emitters should be detected by a detection system. Rules may be used to prioritize certain emitters with respect to other emitters. The rules may also specify parameters for emitter modes, such as probability of intercept, turn-on range, detect-by range, tolerance, tolerance direction, scan periods, and other parameters. The rules may be used to compute the revisit time for the receiver. Multiple sets of rules may be created and a scan strategy may be computed based upon the selected rule set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
  • Patent number: 7170444
    Abstract: A non-linear dispersive pulse generator for producing pulsed radio frequency electrical signals includes a non-linear dispersive electrical circuit (1) incorporating at least one non-linear element (2) made of a material sensitive to low power signals and a means (5) of producing a variable power control signal (6) and applying it to the element (2) to modify the extent of the non linearity of the element (2) and thereby vary the output frequency of the radio frequency electrical signal generated by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bae Systems plc
    Inventors: Nigel Seddon, Christopher R. Spikings
  • Patent number: 7154430
    Abstract: A radar jamming signal generated by equipment carried by a target aircraft, is launched onto the leading end of a towed single wire transmission line so as to travel the length of the line as a nonradiating surface wave. A drogue radiator is attached to the trailing end of the line for radiating the jamming signal transversely of the towed line so as to be received by and cause jamming of tracking and/or fire control radar. The length of the single wire transmission line is selected so that the trailing radiator causes the jamming signal to emanate from a position sufficiently behind the aircraft so as to be outside the destructive radius of weapon fire directed at the apparent source of the jamming signal by fire control radar. A ventriloqual-like deception of the radar is thus achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Walter E. Buehler, Michael J. Lewis, David Lunden
  • Patent number: 7154431
    Abstract: A digital synthesizer includes a digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) for storing phase values and corresponding digital signals. The digital synthesizer includes a digital processing circuit receiving input from the DRFM, the circuit including tapped delay lines and a summer summing the output of the tapped delay lines. The digital synthesizer includes a signal modulator independently synthesizing within each tapped delay line a frequency modulated and gain scaled signal, wherein input to the tapped delay lines are phase values from the DRFM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Phillip E. Pace, Robert E. Surratt, Siew-Yam Yeo
  • Patent number: 7148835
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating whether one or more threat sources is actively tracking an object, such as an aircraft. A tracking system may analyze information regarding signals received from a source and provide a track indication that the source is actively tracking the object without adjusting the dwell arrangement of the scan strategy of the receiver. A track indication may be provided where a sample count of signal intercepts from the source is greater than a track count during a window. A break track indication representing that the source is not actively tracking the object may be provided when a number of signal intercepts from the source is less than a break track count during a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Bricker, Anthony J. Gounalis, James C. Rosswog, Stephen P. Wanchissen
  • Patent number: 7142148
    Abstract: A towed decoy arrangement for a craft with a decoy towed by the craft. Threatening signals are received by the craft and a noise signal is generated which is converted up to a frequency which is rapidly attenuated in air and sent to the towed decoy. In the decoy, the received signal is transformed into the noise signal by shifting it to the frequency of the threatening signal. Then the signal is transmitted from the decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Totalforsvarets Forskningsinstitut
    Inventor: Anders Eneroth
  • Patent number: 7142147
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting, locating, and identifying microwave transmitters and receivers at distant locations are disclosed. First and second electromagnetic beams at first and second frequencies, respectively, are transmitted in first and second directions. The second frequency is offset from the first frequency to define an interference difference frequency. As such, the first and second electromagnetic beams interfere at a far field distance corresponding to an intersection of the first and second electromagnetic beams. In the far field the beams interfere with microwave devices that reradiate a return radiation at the difference frequency. The methods and apparatuses detect the return radiation at the difference frequency, such as by way of a receiver, and locate the interference zone to determine the location of the microwave device, such as by a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sandor Holly
  • Patent number: 7138936
    Abstract: The test results found that the EMI impact depended on the UWB power that fell within the receiver passband. Specifically, EMI occurred when the average power in the receiver passband was approximately equal to the desired signal level of the receiver. One waveform, TW7, did not cause EMI because the average power was too low. Three waveforms, TW1, TW2, and TW6 only caused EMI when the receiver was tuned to the frequency of the UWB spectral component. Three waveforms, TW3, TW4, and TW5, caused EMI at all receiver frequencies. As noted, these tests were performed to determine the susceptibility of various RF receiver (radars and communications systems) devices to UWB signals. The tests were not intended to evaluate the use of UWB signals for jamming purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sentel Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Duff, Theodore L. Harwood, II, Art Light, John P. Smith, Darrel Crapps
  • Patent number: 7136009
    Abstract: A digital cueing radio receiver system embodied using digital memory in lieu of analog delay lines and thereby avoiding delay line implementation difficulties. The cueing receiver system includes a wideband receiver portion providing an output signal employed for tuning a narrowband receiver portion of the system. Signal delay enabling use of the wideband receiver portion output signals for tuning the narrow band receiver portion selection frequency is provided by a digital memory circuit operating on analog-to-digital converted samples of input signal data of the receiver system. Approximated unity value related mathematical multiplication free Kernel function values are employed in the Fourier transformation. Avoidance of analog delay line-elements in embodying the system is a significant practical advantage of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: James B. Y. Tsui, Stephen L. Hary, David M. Lin
  • Patent number: 7129884
    Abstract: A radar detection technique in a WLAN device can include a short pulse detection technique and a long pulse detection technique that can be performed using multiple receive chains. Short pulse detection is particularly effective when the incoming signal includes one or a limited number of main pulses and some residual pulses. In contrast, long pulse detection is particularly effective when the incoming signal is longer, thereby allowing various characteristics of the incoming signal to be accurately measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Atheros Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ardavan Maleki Tehrani, Xiaoru Zhang, Paul J. Husted, Jeffrey M. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7123181
    Abstract: An inexpensive, small, low-power consumption, wide-band, high resolution spectrum analyzer is provided as a listening device for throw-away applications such as surveillance that involve deployment of large numbers of battery-powered spectrum analyzer modules to detect a signal source such as two-way radio traffic. Power requirements are minimized by the utilization of only one chirp generator to elongate battery life while providing a high resolution result. In order to minimize power drain the spectrum analyzer includes a single compound-chirp Fourier Transform generator. The compound chirp generator is used in one embodiment with a surface acoustic wave, SAW, dispersive delay line in conjunction with a surface electromagnetic wave, SEW dispensive delay line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Apostolos
  • Patent number: 7109909
    Abstract: A system in accordance with the present invention determines signal attenuation for an electronic support measure receiver. The system includes a detection module for receiving electromagnetic signals from a surrounding environment and a processing module for chronologically segregating the electromagnetic signals into a plurality of dwells. The processing module controls the processing of the plurality of dwells. The processing module determines an analysis dwell from the plurality of dwells. The processing module computes a coarse attenuation for the analysis dwell. The processing module further computes a fine attenuation from the coarse attenuation and an offset table value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gounalis