With Aircraft Patents (Class 343/705)
  • Patent number: 12134466
    Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles including wing capture devices and related methods are disclosed. An example unmanned aerial vehicle includes a fuselage and a wing assembly, the wing assembly including a shoulder coupled to the fuselage, the shoulder including a joint, the joint distal to the fuselage, a wing coupled to the joint, and a hook, the hook coupled to the shoulder, the hook including a groove to receive a cable to arrest flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Insitu, Inc.
    Inventors: Rolf Rysdyk, Kelsey Nichole Underwood, Dustin Honea Volentine
  • Patent number: 12136957
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: CSignum Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Peter Hyland
  • Patent number: 12132554
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A first wireless device may receive, from a second wireless device and over a plurality of different beams, a set of reference signals as part of a beam management procedure. The first wireless device may select one or more bit values for indicating to the second wireless device a corresponding one or more individual beams of the plurality of different beams for communications between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, the one or more bit values selected based on a distribution of probabilities for switching between the plurality of different beams for the communications between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The first wireless device may transmit control signaling indicating a ranking of the one or more individual beams for the communications between the first wireless device and the second wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Igor Gutman, Hua Wang, Tao Luo, Junyi Li
  • Patent number: 12126080
    Abstract: An antenna module is provided. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna module attached to a support surface provided in a vehicle radar sensor to transmit and receive radio waves may include an antenna body in which one surface is stacked on the support surface; a through path formed inside the antenna body and extending in one direction; at least one slot formed through the through path toward the other surface of the antenna body and extending in the one direction; and a first radio wave absorbing member extending in the one direction and disposed parallel to opposite sides of the through path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: HL KLEMOVE CORP.
    Inventors: Hyunseok Lee, Sung Joon Heo
  • Patent number: 12100900
    Abstract: An integrated compact radio antenna system for receiving and transmitting 5G signals and receiving GNSS signals is described. The system comprises a high-precision GNSS antenna and a MIMO 5G multi-element antenna system. All the antennas within the proposed compact system are integrated with a shielded housing that enables electronic components of GNSS receiver and 5G modem to be arranged inside. The proposed integrated system has the following advantages: 1) compactness, 2) high efficiency of MIMO 5G antenna system, 3) a high degree of decoupling between 5G antennas, 4) a high degree of decoupling between 5G and GNSS antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasiliy Valerievich Surikov, Dmitry Vitalievich Tatarnikov, Stanislav Borisovich Glybovski
  • Patent number: 12095136
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus is provided that allows cooling with a high heat dissipation effect even when the antenna apparatus is reduced in height. The antenna apparatus includes an antenna element, a mount on which the antenna element is provided, a radome to accommodate the antenna element, and a skirt provided on the mount. The mount on which the antenna element is provided has a side surface including a surface to which an inner circumferential surface of the radome is attached. A skirt provided on the mount has an outer circumferential surface on which a heat dissipation fin to dissipate heat to outside is formed. The heat is transmitted from the antenna element through the mount to the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taro Ueda
  • Patent number: 12038526
    Abstract: A radar device includes a radar base and a radar module. The radar module is mounted at the radar base and configured to rotate relative to the radar base around a rotation axis. The radar module includes an antenna assembly, a signal processing circuit board, and a rotation installation base. The antenna assembly and the signal processing circuit board are arranged oppositely at an interval and jointly enclose to form an accommodation space. The rotation installation base is connected to the antenna assembly and the signal processing circuit board and is located in the accommodation space. The radar base is at least partially located in the accommodation space and arranged opposite to the rotation installation base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wanren Zhou, Chunming Wang, Di Gao, Wenkang Zhang
  • Patent number: 12000684
    Abstract: There is disclosed a missile comprising an outer skin, an electronics unit, and a thermal link between the electronics unit and the outer skin. The thermal link comprises a jumping drop vapour chamber arranged such that, when the outer skin is at an elevated temperature relative to the electronics unit, the electronics unit is thermally insulated from the outer skin; and such that, when the outer skin is at a lower temperature relative to the electronics unit, the electronics unit is thermally linked to the outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: MBDA UK LIMITED
    Inventors: David John Richard Hayes, Richard William Cronk
  • Patent number: 11996627
    Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a plurality of active antenna elements disposed in a first linear array along a reference line and equidistant from each adjacent antenna element by a first linear distance, and a plurality of passive antenna elements disposed in a second linear array extending parallel to the reference line such that each passive antenna element is a second linear distance away from a corresponding one of the active antenna elements. The antenna assembly includes or is operably coupled to a phase control module configured to apply selected phase fronts to selected ones of the antenna elements to generate constructive and destructive interference patterns to define a directive beam in a desired direction in a range between about 0 and 180 degrees relative to the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: SMARTSKY NETWORKS LLC
    Inventors: Gerard James Hayes, Koichiro Takamizawa, James O. Legvold, Elbert Stanford Eskridge, Jr., Mike Barts, John Swartz
  • Patent number: 11982732
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for processing a radar signal by correcting a phase distortion. The method includes generating radar data based on a radar transmission signal transmitted through an array antenna of a radar sensor based on a frequency modulation model and a radar reception signal received through the array antenna as the radar transmission signal is reflected by a target, correcting the radar data using a correction vector for correcting a feedline error occurring due to a feedline delay difference between channels of the array antenna, and estimating a direction of arrival corresponding to the corrected radar data using a direction matrix reflecting a phase shift of the corrected radar data according to frequency modulation characteristics of the frequency modulation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sungdo Choi, Seung Tae Khang
  • Patent number: 11975838
    Abstract: A filter component for an aircraft insert can include a non-conductive body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface can be configured to be hidden from view when installed on the insert. The filter component can include a surface filter disposed on the inner surface such that when the non-conductive body is installed on the insert the surface filter is not visible. The surface filter can be configured to filter out one or more predetermined filter frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Hans Huijsing
  • Patent number: 11974171
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a network adaptor that communicates with a communication network, a communication interface that communicates with multiple vehicles via multiple satellites, each vehicle comprising an antenna system for coupling to the satellites. The vehicle communication system is configured receive route data of the vehicles, and, for each vehicle, determine a future position of the vehicle based on the route data; identify a satellite available for communications with the vehicle at the future position; predict whether an antenna blockage event will occur between the identified satellite and the antenna system of the vehicle at the future position; designate the identified satellite as having the antenna blockage event; and transmit instructions to the vehicle to not use the identified satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pawel Pastuszak, Janet Lee King
  • Patent number: 11953953
    Abstract: An avionics unit assembly for an aircraft can include an avionics unit (e.g., an underwater locator device, “ULD”), and a battery to power the avionics unit. The avionics unit assembly can further include a housing that encases the avionics unit and the battery. The housing includes a vent port for exhausting an emission from the housing during a failure of the avionics unit. The avionics unit assembly can further include one or more of a suppressor that filters the emission, a shield element that is resistant to chemical and/or thermal effects of the emission, and a bracket for mounting the avionics unit to a surface. A method integrating the avionics unit assembly onto a forward aircraft bulkhead at a mount location under an aircraft radome and for manufacturing the avionics unit, and an aircraft including the avionics unit are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Ramon L. Cuenca, Shellini P. Dowell, Thomas A. Jessett, Fadl I. Khalil, Warren S. Ng, Scott B. Vacknitz, Collis M. Walker, Archibald A. Gray, James C. Russell, Charles O. Adler
  • Patent number: 11912440
    Abstract: A solar array structure, such as for a spacecraft, uses thin solar array panels that, when in a stowed configuration, are stiffened by being bent or curved in one direction to be shaped like a section of a cylinder and placed within a rigid structural frame. As a curved solar panel is not as efficient as a flat panel directly facing the sun, the solar array panels are curved in their stowed configuration for launch only, but flatten after deployment by use of a partially flexible structural frame, where a rectangular frame is made of two opposing rigid sides and two opposing flexible sides, with a thin flexible solar panel attached to rigid sides only. The rigid sides are compressed during stowage to curve the panel before hold-down tensioning. The structure and panels return to their flat free state configuration after release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Maxar Space LLC
    Inventor: Varouj Baghdasarian
  • Patent number: 11873073
    Abstract: Phased array antennas, such as a multi-function aperture, are limited in performance and reliability by traditional air-cooled thermal management systems. A fuel-cooled multi-function aperture passes engine fuel through heat exchangers that surround the multi-function aperture to provide better heat transfer than can be achieved through air cooling systems. The increased heat transfer and thermal management results in a multi-function aperture with improved performance and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: William E. Rhoden, Anders Walker, David Cripe, Ross Keith Wilcoxon, Jeremiah Wolf
  • Patent number: 11876590
    Abstract: A beam search method using an active phased array antenna, in which the beam search method uses a single tile-type phased array antenna including a plurality of radiating elements arranged in a matrix form, and the phased array antenna includes a plurality of sub-arrays including the plurality of radiating elements and arranged in one direction, includes: calculating a beam coefficient application vector for each of the sub-arrays by using a received signal for each of the sub-arrays and a beam coefficient for each of the sub-arrays; determining, as an initial value, a beam coefficient of an effective sub-array corresponding to a maximum value from among absolute values of beam coefficient application vectors for each of the sub-arrays; and performing a monopulse algorithm based on the initial value, to obtain an extended beamwidth greater than a reference beamwidth, which is a range of a beam detected by the phased array antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Chanho Hwang, Taehwan Joo, Kichul Kim, Kilsoo Jeong, Daehoon Kwon, Jongwoo Seo, Jaesoo Jeong, Youngdam Kim
  • Patent number: 11804660
    Abstract: The disclosed systems, structures, and methods are directed to antennas for integration with a display structure which has a plurality of pixels arranged in pixel rows with an inter-pixel spacing, and a feeding line located in the inter-pixel spacing. The display structure also has an antenna which comprises a slotted waveguide and a substrate. The slotted waveguide is located in the inter-pixel spacing and defines a plurality of slots configured to radiate electromagnetic waves. The substrate is attached to the slotted waveguide and is located between the feeding line and the slotted waveguide. The antenna may also include a plurality of slotted waveguides superposing on different feeding lines of the display structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huanhuan Gu, Morris Repeta
  • Patent number: 11794928
    Abstract: A satellite dispenser and method of using same are disclosed. In various embodiments, a satellite dispenser as disclosed herein includes a dispenser body defining an interior cavity to accommodate a payload; and a plurality of externally adjustable restraints positioned within the interior cavity and configured to be extended further into the interior cavity by actuation of a manual interface external to the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rocket Lab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Beck, Peter Barlow, David Yoon, Ben Malcolm
  • Patent number: 11754706
    Abstract: A system and method for applying an adaptive adjustment or taper to an electronically scanned array (ESA) weather radar based on feedback from the weather radar. To minimize ground clutter and enable the ESA to display hazardous weather phenomena, the system adaptively adjusts amplitude and phase of ESA elements to adjust the far field pattern shape and sidelobes to maintain a desirable signal to clutter ratio. The system identifies ground clutter as a strong ground return over several azimuths depending on the radar beamwidth. Once the system IDs the ground clutter, it adaptively adjusts on receive for for the upcoming azimuths. The system selectively suppresses sidelobe echoes while maintaining the signal to noise (SNR) for weather targets. The system adaptively adjusts in real time as well as adjusting using precomputed historically accurate tapers stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkata A. Sishtla, James B. West, Jiwon L Moran
  • Patent number: 11745437
    Abstract: A method for inspecting a joining surface (14) of a substrate, wherein a component is to be adhered to the joining surface of the substrate by means of an adhesive material (27), wherein the method comprises the following steps: •—providing at least one planar test textile (20), which has a fiber material (21) and an adhesive primer (22), •—applying the planar test textile to at least one part of the joining surface of the substrate to which the component is to be adhered so that the adhesive primer of the planar test textile contacts the joining surface of the substrate, •—at least partially curing the adhesive primer of the planar test textile in order to integrally bond the planar test textile to the substrate by means of the adhesive primer, •—pulling off the planar test textile after at least partially curing the adhesive primer and inspecting the joining surface by means of a qualitative evaluation of the fracture pattern between the cured adhesive primer and the planar test textile and/or by means of a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT E.V.
    Inventor: Lennert Heilmann
  • Patent number: 11735825
    Abstract: An antenna that comprises a dielectric body and a feed arrangement. The dielectric body includes a first portion operable as a dielectric lens and a second portion operable as a dielectric resonator. The feed arrangement is operably coupled with the dielectric body for operating the antenna as a dielectric lens antenna and a dielectric resonator antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok Wa Leung, Zhen-Xing Xia, Pengfei Gu
  • Patent number: 11735812
    Abstract: An aircraft comprising a skin, a multiplicity of antenna arrangements, each of which is arranged in a different region of a corresponding multiplicity of mutually spaced regions of the skin and comprises an antenna element that is arranged and configured to emit radio waves into a surrounding area of the aircraft, and a multiplicity of visual indicators, each of which is assigned to a different antenna arrangement of the antenna arrangements. Each of the visual indicators is arranged on the skin or on the antenna arrangement in the region of the skin in which the assigned antenna arrangement is situated in such a manner that it is visible from outside the aircraft and emits light during operation in an on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Thielker, Christian Schaupmann
  • Patent number: 11737203
    Abstract: A heatsink shield with thermal-contact dimples can improve thermal-energy distribution in a radar assembly. The radar assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB), the heatsink shield, a radome, and a housing. The PCB can include integrated circuits and other components, along with a thermally-conductive material that covers at least a portion of the PCB surfaces. The heatsink shield includes multiple dimples that thermally contact the thermally-conductive material. The heatsink shield is configured to distribute thermal energy produced at least in part by the PCB components to the housing. In this way, the described techniques and systems permit the radar assembly to better distribute thermal energy away from the PCB components to the rest of the PCB and through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Scott Brandenburg, David Wayne Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11716665
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are presented. The method computer program products, and systems can include, for instance: examining one or more parameter characterizing a prospective connection of the mobile airborne article to first through Nth base stations, the one or more parameter including a Doppler shift; determining based on the examining that a criterion is satisfied, the criterion having one or more factor; and initiating handoff of the mobile airborne article to one of the first through Nth base stations based on the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Peraton Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony A. Triolo, Achilles Kogiantis, Kiran M. Rege
  • Patent number: 11688935
    Abstract: An electronic device which includes a radome, a bottom cover connected to the radome, and a printed circuit board disposed between the radome and the bottom cover. The radome includes a top shell, an insulating member and at least one fastening members. The insulating member is made of expanded polystyrene and has at least one recess. The fastening member is embedded in the insulating member. The top shell covers the insulating member and includes polycarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: MICROELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Wen-Huang Chang, Cheng-Chia Chou, Yu-Hui Huang, Tung-Hua Yang
  • Patent number: 11658406
    Abstract: In examples, systems and methods for direction finding of electromagnetic signals are described. The device includes a first antenna configured to receive electromagnetic energy. The device also includes a second antenna configured to separately receive the same electromagnetic energy. The device further includes a radome located in a receiving pathway of the first antenna, where the radome is configured to cause a predetermined phase shift that varies based on an angular position of the receiving pathway. The device includes 1 or more radio receivers to receive the signals independently from the antennas. Additionally, the direction finding device includes a processor configured to determine an angle of arrival of the electromagnetic energy based on a comparison of a phase of the electromagnetic energy received by the first antenna to a phase of the electromagnetic energy received by the second antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ronald O. Lavin, Michael M. LoRe, Andy H. Lee, Michael B. Carr
  • Patent number: 11643182
    Abstract: An aircraft with an aircraft structure that comprises a radome cover opening kinematic and a radome cover shell that is adapted to enclose equipment in a nose region of the aircraft in a closed position. The radome cover opening kinematic may enable movements of the radome cover shell between the closed position and an opened position and vice versa. The radome cover opening kinematic may include a guiding rail that is attached to the radome cover shell, and at least three rollers that are attached to the aircraft structure, wherein a first and a second roller are arranged on opposing sides of the guiding rail, and wherein the second and a third roller are arranged on the same side of the guiding rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Jan Boehme, Yann Le Cadet, Martin Lazak
  • Patent number: 11600903
    Abstract: In the present invention a guide or carrier is used to assemble and position multiple AiPs (or Integrated Circuit packages) on a substrate and maintain spacing therebetween. In some examples, this reduces package size and maintains desired tolerances. The carrier or guard is to be thin and flexible so as to allow some movement but maintain tolerances at specific locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: METAWAVE Corporation
    Inventors: Soren Shams, Ricky Donald Heckler, Raul Inocencio Alidio, Taha Shahvirdi Dizaj Yekan
  • Patent number: 11539118
    Abstract: A system of high-frequency (HF) antennas is disposed on various aircraft body panels. The antennas are configured for orthogonal polarization such that NVIS may be operable no matter the state of the ionosphere. The antennas are disposed on substantially perpendicular body panels so that, when operated in concert, the resulting signals have opposite polarization and at least one signal will bounce off the ionosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Graf, James B. West
  • Patent number: 11498655
    Abstract: A pressure bulkhead for the pressure-tight axial closure of a pressurized fuselage of an aircraft or spacecraft that can be put under an internal pressure, comprises a pressure dome, which is designed with a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface; inspection hatches, which each form an aperture in the pressure dome from the inner surface to the outer surface; and pressure covers for pressure-tight closure of the inspection hatches, wherein the pressure covers each have a cover and a pressure seal, wherein the cover is designed for the repeatedly releasable fixing of the pressure cover on the concave inner surface over the inspection hatch and wherein the pressure seal is formed at the edge of the cover for the pressure-tight closure of the cover with the pressure dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Premium Aerotec GmbH
    Inventors: Sergej Zeeb, Sergiu Irimie
  • Patent number: 11446860
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus configured to produce a component layer by layer. The manufacturing apparatus includes a support structure, a stage that is positioned opposite the support structure. The stage is configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of a resin. The apparatus also includes one or more actuators operable to move the stage away from the support structure, and a radiant energy apparatus is positioned opposite the stage such that the support structure is positioned between the radiant energy apparatus and the stage. The radiant energy apparatus is operable to generate and project radiant energy through the support structure on the resin in a predetermined pattern. a foil separation device that includes at least one holddown device is configured such that the foil contacts the at least one holddown device as the stage is moved away from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mary Kathryn Thompson, Meredith Elissa Dubelman, Christopher Barnhill, Xi Yang
  • Patent number: 11404777
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus comprising at least one antenna array configured to produce a beam to facilitate wireless communication with at least one other antenna apparatus is described, in which the beam can be electronically steered in an associated beamforming plane by beamforming circuitry. The at least one antenna array has an associated antenna array plane, and an antenna array rotation mechanism is configured to rotate each antenna array in its associated antenna array plane to cause its beamforming plane to rotate. Methods for operating such an antenna apparatus, and for deploying an antenna apparatus in a wireless communication network, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: AIRSPAN HOLDCO LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Logothetis, Marlon Peter Persaud, David Charles Brokenshire
  • Patent number: 11367954
    Abstract: An antenna system and method includes or uses a set of M antenna structures and a cross bar beam former. The analog (or digital) cross bar beam former includes a set of M N to 1 (M(N×1)) interfaces, each of the M N to 1 interfaces having a first line coupled to a respective one of the set of the M antenna structures. The cross bar beam former also includes a set of N 1 to M (N(1×M)) interfaces, each of the N 1 to M interfaces having a set of M second lines, each of the M second lines being coupled to a respective one of the M N to 1 interfaces. Each of the N 1 to M interfaces includes a third line for a respective one of N independent beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. West, Jiwon L. Moran
  • Patent number: 11364988
    Abstract: An aircraft multi-purpose shoulder panel system having a shoulder panel insert is disclosed. The system features a circumferential base connected to the shoulder panel insert, an antenna compartment positioned on top of the circumferential base, and a removable antenna mounting plate positioned above, and connected to, the antenna compartment. The system also features an overall structure that provides unprecedented ruggedness, and enables aircraft antennae/sensor versatility, adaptability and reversibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: R4 Integration Inc.
    Inventors: John Parsley, David Felker
  • Patent number: 11362417
    Abstract: An end cover includes an end cover plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a radome and passes through a connection part of the end cover and the radome. Outlines of a cross section of the end cover includes a first spline curve between a first end point and a first intermediate point having at least one first curvature, and a second spline curve between a second intermediate point and a third intermediate point having at least one second curvature. The first intermediate point and the second intermediate point are not in the end cover plane. A distance between the first intermediate point and the end cover plane and a distance between the second intermediate point and the end cover plane are equal and not less than a distance between any point on the cross section of the end cover and the end cover plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignees: ROSENBERGER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD., ROSENBERGER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Dongfeng Ding, Junhao Shi
  • Patent number: 11355862
    Abstract: An antenna includes at least one antenna element mounted on a substrate and extending normally thereto. The at least one antenna element is constructed from a plurality of antenna components, one of which is an upper antenna component that is furthest from the substrate. A support material surrounds the at least one antenna element and is disposed between the antenna components. A material layer is disposed on the upper antenna component and the support material. Heating elements may be interposed between the upper antenna component and the material layer, and an additional material layer, such as an ablative layer, may be disposed on the material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. Niemczyk, Robert Korey Shaw
  • Patent number: 11356159
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide wireless devices, apparatuses, methods, processing systems, and computer readable mediums for adapting inter-antenna element spacings. An example method generally includes activating a first subset of antenna elements from within a set of antenna elements, communicating with at least a second wireless device with the first subset of antenna elements activated, receiving feedback from at least the second wireless device, and activating a second subset of antenna elements from within the set of antenna elements, based on the feedback, wherein the second subset of antenna elements has at least one different inter-antenna element spacing than the first subset of antenna elements in at least one dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Vasanthan Raghavan, Mohammad Ali Tassoudji, Tao Luo, Junyi Li
  • Patent number: 11316260
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement for an aircraft for fastening to an outer side of an exterior skin of the aircraft has a body and side wall sections and a connecting section. The body is U-shaped or H-shaped if viewed from a predefined direction and can be flowed through with a low aerodynamic drag by a flow along the predefined direction. The antenna arrangement has one or more antennas in the form of a printed circuit board and of which each is fastened to the body and is fastenable directly to the outer side of the aircraft exterior skin at two first edges of the side wall sections which form two free ends of the U-shape or H-shape on a first side of the connecting section or, for the U-shape, on the connecting section and/or regions of the side wall sections, which regions adjoin the connecting section directly as the predefined direction is parallel to the flow direction during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Schaupmann, Markus Altmann
  • Patent number: 11283178
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle includes a body and an antenna assembly mounted to the body. The antenna assembly includes a fairing component comprising a hollow body, a conductive coating formed on at least an inner surface of the fairing component, a plurality of antenna elements formed in the conductive coating, each antenna element including a first slot line defining a first transmission line and a second slot line defining a second transmission line, an insulator sleeve disposed within the fairing component, wherein an outer surface of the insulator sleeve at least substantially matches an inner surface of the fairing component, and a plurality of cable assemblies operably coupled to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein each cable assembly is coupled to a respective antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Russell Goldberg, Harold Kregg Hunsberger, Helen J. Mills
  • Patent number: 11220358
    Abstract: A hypersonic harmonic exciter system to enable hypersonic speed, including a hypersonic harmonic exciter body having a plurality angled sides forming exciter body hollow structure with an access aperture, vibration inducing wave apparatus configured to produce and project vibration harmonic waves that converge on a convergence harmonic point forward of the hypersonic harmonic exciter body, the vibration inducing wave apparatus having vibration apparatus hollow structure with a series of exterior concentrically positioned vibration inducing bands, the vibration inducing wave apparatus inserted in the exciter body hollow structure, and harmonic sound projecting apparatus configured to produce and project harmonic sound waves that converge on the convergence harmonic point forward of the hypersonic harmonic exciter body, the harmonic sound projecting apparatus having sound apparatus hollow structure with a series of exterior concentrically positioned sound emitter bands, the harmonic sound projecting apparatus i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Brandon West
  • Patent number: 11223387
    Abstract: A small cell base station antenna includes a first backplane, a first linear array of radiating elements extending forwardly from the first backplane, a second backplane that is opposite the first backplane and a second linear array of radiating elements extending forwardly from the second backplane. The first backplane is inclined at a first oblique angle with respect to a vertical axis and the second backplane is inclined at a second oblique angle with respect to the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: John C. Chamberlain, Michael R. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 11199610
    Abstract: An onboard sensor cover includes a cover body that includes front and rear bases and a decorative layer. The front base is made of a transparent plastic material that permits passage of an infrared ray and a millimeter wave and includes a rear surface in the transmission directions of the infrared ray and the millimeter wave that is configured by a first uneven surface. The rear base is made of a plastic material that permits passage of the infrared ray and the millimeter wave and includes a front surface in the transmission directions that is configured by a second uneven surface. The decorative layer is made of a material that reflects visible light and permits passage of the infrared ray and the millimeter wave and is in contact with the first and second uneven surfaces. The front and rear bases are made of the same type of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Takahashi, Masashi Otoyo, Akihiro Misawa, Hitoshi Uchida, Yasushi Nimi, Shintaro Okawa
  • Patent number: 11165167
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a first antenna element has a substantially vertical axis. An array of second antenna elements is configured to radiate or receive an aggregate radially polarized electromagnetic signal component. The array defines a substantially horizontal plane that is generally orthogonal to the substantially vertical axis of the first antenna element. The aggregate radially polarized electromagnetic signal is derived from radially polarized electromagnetic signal components associated with corresponding ones of the second antenna elements. The aggregate radially polarized electromagnetic signal is derived from radially polarized electromagnetic signal components associated with corresponding ones of the second antenna elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Mark L. Rentz
  • Patent number: 11092689
    Abstract: A system for detecting a vehicle includes a light source configured to emit a light signal. The system also includes a receiver sensor configured to receive a reflected light signal based at least in part on the light signal reflected from a plurality of reflectors. The system also includes a controller, the controller configured to identify an arrangement pattern of the plurality of reflectors based at least in part on the reflected light signal and determine that plurality of reflectors are coupled to another vehicle based at least in part on an identification of the arrangement pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Micah P. Kalscheur
  • Patent number: 11089595
    Abstract: An interface matrix arrangement for multi-beam, multi-port antenna is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Everest Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Frigon, Van Hoang Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11072431
    Abstract: A device for launching an object is described. The device comprises a frame affixed to the launch pad, a push element for pushing an object detached from the launch pad, and a flexible force storing element for turning the push element in relation to the frame. The device has a casing fixed to the frame at a fixing point for holding the object in place against the push element. The device has a lock element for locking the casing in standby position. The frame and the push element are superposed and connected to each other at one edge of the device. The frame and the push element are substantially parallel. Force stored in the force storing element is releasable for displacing the push element at a moment of launch. The force storing element may be at least one spring or elastic band or an extension spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SkyCat Oy
    Inventor: Henri Hiisilä
  • Patent number: 11067665
    Abstract: An aircraft radar assembly (200) comprising: a radome (202); a radar antenna (100) housed within the radome (202), the radar antenna (100) having a surface for transmitting and/or receiving radar waves; and rotation means (204) configured to rotate the radar antenna (100) within the radome (202) about an axis of rotation (206); wherein the surface is oblique to the axis of rotation (206).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Paul Edward William Marshall
  • Patent number: 11069939
    Abstract: An avionics unit assembly for an aircraft includes an avionics unit such as an underwater locator device (ULD) having a transmitter configured to output a radio frequency pulse and a battery configured to power the device. The avionics unit assembly can further include a housing that encases the transmitter and the battery and includes a vent port for exhausting an emission from the housing during a failure of the avionics unit. The avionics unit assembly can further include one or more of a suppressor that filters the emission, a shield element that is resistant to chemical and/or thermal effects of the emission, and a bracket for mounting the avionics unit assembly to a surface. The suppressor can include a plurality of channels, where each channel includes at least one blind alley that can capture/filter a particulate component and/or a liquid component from the emission and/or break up the particulate component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: James C. Russell
  • Patent number: 11011836
    Abstract: A system for mitigating radio frequency interference includes a multiple patch antenna array including a multiplicity of patch antenna elements. The multiple patch antenna array is positioned relative to an interfering antenna such that signals from the interfering antenna cause interference with the multiple patch antenna array. The system also includes an auxiliary antenna positioned relative to the multiple patch antenna array. The system additionally includes a device to generate a spatial null in a direction to the interfering antenna from the multiple patch antenna array in response to a first signal from the auxiliary antenna and a second signal from the multiple patch antenna array. The first signal and the second signal are generated in response to a transmitted signal being received by the auxiliary antenna and the multiple patch antenna array. The spatial null permits simultaneous operation of the multiple patch antenna array and the interfering antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Postetter, William Preston Geren, Hwai-Kee Tsiang, Timothy Allen Murphy
  • Patent number: 10998623
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna assembly is described. The antenna assembly includes an antenna and an antenna positioner coupled to the antenna. The antenna positioner includes a single drive interface and a plurality of gears. The plurality rotate in a first manner in response to a first drive direction applied through the single drive interface, and rotate in a second manner in response to a second drive applied through the single drive interface. The antenna positioner also includes a threaded rod that moves in a first rod direction and a second rod direction in response to rotation of the plurality of gears in the first manner and the second manner respectively. The antenna positioner also includes a tilt plate contacting the threaded rod. The tilt plate tilts about a pivot line in response to movement of the threaded rod to move a beam of the antenna in a spiral pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Edward Mitchell Blalock