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| 1 | 10866065 | Drone-assisted systems and methods of calculating a ballistic solution for a projectile | A drone-assisted ballistic system is provided. The ballistic system may include a plurality of mobile devices, a ballistic computer, and a data interface. Each mobile device may be operable to gather wind data along or adjacent to a flight path of a projectile to a target, each mobile device measuring at least wind speed and wind direction. The ballistic system may include at least one static device operable to gather wind data at or near a launch or firing position. The ballistic computer may be in data communication with the plurality of mobile devices to receive the wind data. The ballistic computer may be configured to calculate a wind compensation value for the projectile based on the wind data. The data interface may be in data communication with the ballistic computer to output the wind compensation value to a user in real-time. | Daniel Baumgartner (Beverly Hills, CA) | --- | 2020-03-18 | 2020-12-15 | F41G3/08, B64C39/02, F41G3/00 | 16/822925 |
| 2 | 10773381 | Secure distributed system using blockchain for self-policing of autonomous agents | A device includes communication circuitry configured to receive a message indicating an observation of an agent device. The device further includes a processor coupled to the communication circuitry and a memory. The memory stores instructions that are executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include accessing a blockchain data structure. The blockchain data structure includes one or more blocks including data descriptive of observations of a plurality of agent devices, where the plurality of agent devices including the agent device. The operations also include determining, based on one or more blocks of the blockchain data structure, a behavior of the agent device. The operations also include determine whether the behavior satisfies a behavior criterion associated with the agent device. | Syed Mohammad Amir Husain (Georgetown, TX), Syed Mohammad Ali (Austin, TX), Taylor Schmidt (Austin, TX) | Skygrid, Llc (Austin, TX) | 2017-11-30 | 2020-09-15 | B25J9/16, H04L9/06, G06F16/22, H04L9/32 | 15/827904 |
| 3 | 10703506 | Systems and devices for remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicle report-suppressing launcher with portable RF transparent launch tube | An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube that comprises at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate disposed about a right parallelepiped aperture, at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate disposed about the right parallelepiped aperture, and one or more structural panels disposed between the at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate and the at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube that comprises a tethered sabot configured to engage a UAV within a launcher volume defined by an inner wall, the tethered sabot dimensioned to provide a pressure seal at the inner wall and tethered to the inner wall, and wherein the tethered sabot is hollow having an open end oriented toward a high pressure volume and a tether attached within a hollow of the sabot and attached to the inner wall retaining the high pressure volume or attach to the inner base wall. A system comprising a communication node and a launcher comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a pre-launch state configured to receive and respond to command inputs from the communication node. | Carlos Thomas Miralles (Burbank, CA), Guan H Su (Rowland Heights, CA), Alexander Andryukov (Simi Valley, CA), John McNeil (Tujunga, CA) | Aerovironment, Inc. (Simi Valley, CA) | 2019-09-18 | 2020-07-07 | B64F1/04, F41F3/042, F42B39/14, B64C39/02, F41F1/00, B64F1/06, F41A21/02 | 16/574344 |
| 4 | 10643346 | Target tracking method performed by a drone, related computer program, electronic system and drone | The invention relates to a method (34) for tracking a target (10) , using an electronic target tracking system (14) on board a drone (12) , the method (34) comprising at least determining (40) a movement trajectory of the drone (12) , the trajectory comprising a plurality of successive orbits respectively centered on a plurality of successive positions (C) of the target (10) , the orbit radius being able to vary, from one successive orbit to another, based on at least one element belonging to the group comprising: at least one datum (50) associated with the movement performance of the drone (12) , the current position of the target (10) , a predetermined elevation angle (.zeta.) of the drone relative to the target (10) , the current altitude of the drone (12) relative to the target (10) . | Clement Victor Huber (Toulouse, FR), Michel Roger (Toulouse, FR) | Thales (Courbevoie, FR) | 2018-04-13 | 2020-05-05 | G06T7/70, G06T7/20, G05D1/00, B64C39/02 | 15/952312 |
| 5 | 10589859 | Apparatus and method for aerial recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle | An apparatus and method for aerial recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. The apparatus includes a rigid base having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is securely mounted to a floor of an aircraft. The apparatus further includes a servicing platform moveably mounted to the base and configured to move along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft such that in an extended position, the servicing platform at least partially protrudes from a rear cargo door of the aircraft, wherein the servicing platform comprises a capturing mechanism configured to capture the UAV in the extended position. | Chi Hui Frederic Foo (Singapore, SG), Han Lin Hsi (Singapore, SG) | St Engineering Aerospace Ltd. (Singapore, SG), Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (Singapore SG) | 2017-01-06 | 2020-03-17 | B64C39/02, B64C39/10 | 15/400796 |
| 6 | 10518877 | Inter-vehicle communication for hazard handling for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for inter-vehicle communication for hazard handling with an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) . for certain example embodiments, at least one machine may: (i) receive one or more flight attributes from a remote UFV, with the one or more flight attributes indicative of one or more flight characteristics of the remote UFV, or (ii) adjust a flight path of a UFV based at least partially on one or more flight attributes received from a remote UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-19 | 2019-12-31 | G05D1/10, G08G5/00, B64C39/02 | 13/720694 |
| 7 | 10494093 | Multimode unmanned aerial vehicle | A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to transition from a terminal homing mode to a target search mode, responsive to an uplink signal and/or an autonomous determination of scene change. | Carlos Thomas Miralles (Burbank, CA) | Aerovironment, Inc. (Simi Valley, CA) | 2018-08-31 | 2019-12-03 | B64C15/00, B64C39/00 | 16/119872 |
| 8 | 10458766 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2018-02-06 | 2019-10-29 | F42B12/04, F42B12/44, F42B12/36, F42C15/20 | 15/890045 |
| 9 | 10429514 | Unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location assurance | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location assurance. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a UFV, may: (i) obtain one or more satellite positioning system (SPS) coordinates corresponding to at least an apparent location of at least one UFV, or (ii) perform at least one analysis that uses at least one or more SPS coordinates and at least one assurance token. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Federal Way, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2017-10-11 | 2019-10-01 | G01S19/21, H04L29/06, G08G5/00, B64C39/02, G01C21/00, G01S19/14, G01S19/39, G05D1/10, F41H11/02, B64C33/00, G01D1/10 | 15/730629 |
| 10 | 10384796 | Aerospace plane system | An aerospace plane having an elongate body supporting a pair of wings each having at least two angled, trailing edge portions. The pair of wings are adapted to extend away from the elongated body in opposing directions. A landing gear assembly is operatively associated with the elongated body to be moveable from a retracted position where the landing gear assembly is substantially locatable within the elongated body and an extended position where the landing gear assembly extends at least partially away from the elongated body. At least one engine adapted to generate thrust. At least one stabilizer adapted to assist with movement of the aerospace plane during flight. The at least one engine is located at least partially within an intake housing adapted to direct air into said at least one engine. The intake housing having at least one inlet door adapted to move from a fully open position, which allows air to pass into the engine, to a sealingly closed position which prevents air from flowing into the engine, when the engine is shut down during flight. | Nick Alexander (Bondi Junction, AU) | Commercial Aerospace Plane Pty Limited (Double Bay, AU) | 2016-02-05 | 2019-08-20 | B64C1/26, B64C3/10, B64C3/32, B64D27/18, B64C30/00, B64D31/00, B64D37/34, B64C39/12, B64D33/02, B64C15/02 | 15/017462 |
| 11 | 10345078 | Method and system for using enhanced location-based information to guide munitions | An ordnance munition is included in an intelligent ordnance projectile delivery system and equipped with targeting and guidance systems that allow the ordnance munition to collaborate with other devices to intelligently select targets and/or to guide the ordnance munition to its selected target. The ordnance munition may be configured to generate first location information based on its determined approximate location, send the generated first location information to a wireless transceiver in proximity to the first ordnance munition, and receive location information from the wireless transceiver in response. The ordnance munition may determine its more precise location based on the received location information, and generating second location information based on the more precise location. The ordnance munition may change or adjust its flight path or trajectory based on the generated second location information. | Clint Smith (Warwick, NY) | Rivada Research, Llc (Colorado Springs, CO) | 2017-05-10 | 2019-07-09 | F41G3/02, G01S5/02, G05D1/10, F41G7/36, F41G7/34, F41G7/30, F41G3/04, F41G7/22, G01S5/00, G01S11/02, G05D1/12 | 15/591811 |
| 12 | 10337835 | Method and system for using enhanced location-based information to guide munitions | An ordnance munition is included in an intelligent ordnance projectile delivery system and equipped with targeting and guidance systems that allow the ordnance munition to collaborate with other devices to intelligently select targets and/or to guide the ordnance munition to its selected target. The ordnance munition may determine its approximate current location, form a communication group with a wireless transceiver that is in close proximity, and send the approximate current location to the wireless transceiver and/or other devices in the communication group. In response, the ordnance munition may receive location information from the wireless transceiver and/or other devices that are in the communication group. The ordnance munition may determine its more precise location based on the information received from the wireless transceiver, and alter its flight path based in the updated and more precise location. | Clint Smith (Warwick, NY) | Rivada Research Llc (Colorado Springs, CO) | 2017-05-10 | 2019-07-02 | F41G3/00, G05D1/10, F41G7/22, G01S5/02, G01S11/02, G05D1/12, F41G7/30, F41G7/34, G01S11/00, G01S5/00, F41G7/36, F41G7/00, F42B15/00, F41G9/00, F41G3/02, F41G3/04 | 15/591681 |
| 13 | 10332405 | Unmanned aircraft systems traffic management | The present invention provides a traffic management system for managing unmanned aerial systems (UASs) operating at low-altitude. The system includes surveillance for locating and tracking UASs in uncontrolled airspace, for example, in airspace below 10,000 feet MSL. The system also includes flight rules for safe operation of UASs in uncontrolled airspace. The system further includes computers for processing said surveillance and for applying the flight rules to UASs. The traffic management system may be portable, persistent, or a hybrid thereof. | Parimal Kopardekar (Cupertino, CA) | The United States of America As Represented By The Administrator of Nasa (Washington, DC) | 2014-12-19 | 2019-06-25 | G08G5/00 | 14/577272 |
| 14 | 10322820 | Stackable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system and portable hangar system therefor | An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system comprises a hangar structure configurable to mount on a host platform. The hangar structure comprises electrical circuits comprising a charging circuit and a communications circuit. The UAV system further comprises a plurality of stackable UAVs. The plurality of stackable UAVs comprise respective batteries and control circuits. The plurality of stackable UAVs are configured to cooperate with the charging circuit to charge the batteries and to cooperate with the communications circuit to communicate with the control circuits while the plurality of stackable UAVs are in a stacked configuration within the hangar structure. | Syed Mohammad Amir Husain (Georgetown, TX), John Rutherford Allen (Alexandria, VA) | Sparkcognition, Inc. (Austin, TX) | 2017-09-14 | 2019-06-18 | B64F1/22, B64C39/02 | 15/704908 |
| 15 | 10279906 | Automated hazard handling routine engagement | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for automated hazard handling routine engagement. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) , may: (i) detect at least one motivation to engage at least one automated hazard handling routine of the UFV, or (ii) engage at least one automated hazard handling routine of a UFV based at least partially on at least one motivation. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-31 | 2019-05-07 | G05D1/00, G08G5/00, B64C39/02 | 13/731363 |
| 16 | 10267889 | Laser source location system | A system for detecting a direction of a source of a laser beam includes a pixelated sensor that is sensitive to the laser beam. A mask is disposed between the source of a laser beam and the pixelated sensor. The mask includes an opaque portion that is opaque to the laser beam and a window portion that is at least translucent to the laser beam. When the laser impinges upon the mask an image of the window portion is projected onto the pixelated sensor. A processor determines an angle of incidence of the laser beam with respect to the mask by determining a number of pixels that the image of the window is offset from where the image of the window would be if the laser beam had been normal to the mask. | Jurgen R. Ihns (Gulf Breeze, FL) | Avalex Technologies Corporation (Gulf Breeze, FL) | 2017-11-15 | 2019-04-23 | G06F3/042, G01B11/28, G01S3/781, G01S3/783, G01S3/785 | 15/814016 |
| 17 | 10228692 | Aircraft flight envelope protection and recovery autopilot | Systems and aircraft are provided. An avionics system for an aircraft includes: a trajectory selection module configured to select a potential aircraft path relative to a current aircraft flight condition, a trajectory flight condition module configured to estimate a modeled flight condition of the aircraft along the potential aircraft path, a limit comparison module configured to determine whether the modeled flight condition violates aircraft limits, and a violation indicator module configured to generate an indication of impending violation. | Kevin Prosser (Savannah, GA) | Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Savannah, GA) | 2017-03-27 | 2019-03-12 | B64C13/16, G05D1/00, B64D45/00, B64C13/18, G08G5/00 | 15/470776 |
| 18 | 10222177 | Multimode unmanned aerial vehicle | A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to transition from a terminal homing mode to a target search mode, responsive to an uplink signal and/or an autonomous determination of scene change. | Carlos Thomas Miralles (Burbank, CA) | Aerovironment, Inc. (Monrovia, CA) | 2015-08-21 | 2019-03-05 | G05D1/00, F41G7/00, F41G9/00, G08G5/00, B64C39/02, G05D1/12, F41G7/22 | 14/832688 |
| 19 | 10207816 | Aerially dispersible massively distributed sensorlet system | A distributed sensor module system comprises a plurality of sensor modules configured to be aerially deployable from a deployment device, the deployment device including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or an aeronautically deployable unitized container, the plurality of sensor modules configured to communicate with each other. A first sensor module comprises a first sensor configured to obtain first sensor information from a first environment proximate to the first sensor, a processor coupled to the first sensor, the processor configured to process the first sensor information to obtain locally processed first sensor information, and a communication transceiver coupled to the processor, the communication transceiver configured to communicate the locally processed first sensor information to a second sensor module, the first sensor module and the second sensor module configured to be aerially deployable. | Syed Mohammad Amir Husain (Georgetown, TX), John Rutherford Allen (Alexandria, VA) | Sparkcognition, Inc. (Austin, TX) | 2017-09-14 | 2019-02-19 | B64D45/00, G01M17/00, G07C5/08 | 15/704991 |
| 20 | 10203691 | Imaging method and apparatus | Disclosed is an imaging method for imaging terrain using a sensor on an unmanned aircraft. The method comprises: acquiring a range of motion of the sensor, acquiring positional information of the terrain, acquiring parameter values relating to aircraft maneuverability, using the acquired information, determining a procedure, performing, by the aircraft, the procedure and simultaneously capturing, by the sensor, a set of images of only parts of the terrain. The procedure comprises the aircraft moving with respect to the area of terrain and the sensor moving with respect to the aircraft such that each point in the area of terrain is coincident with a footprint of the sensor on the ground for at least some time. Also, every point in the area of terrain is present within at least one of the captured images. | Andrew Christopher Tebay (Warton, GB) | Bae Systems Plc (London, GB) | 2014-12-04 | 2019-02-12 | G05D1/00, B64C39/02, G08G5/00 | 15/100528 |
| 21 | 10137985 | Stealth aerial vehicle | An aerial vehicle having a low radar signature includes a first side on which turbine openings, and payload bays or landing gear bays are disposed. A second side of the aerial vehicle is designed to have a smaller radar signature than the first side. | Jochen Dornwald (Munich, DE), Bartholomaeus Bichler (Raubling, DE) | Airbus Defence and Space Gmbh (Taufkirchen, DE) | 2016-06-14 | 2018-11-27 | B64C39/02, B64D1/06, B64C39/10, B64D7/00, B64C25/10, B64C25/16, B64D27/14, B64D7/06, B64D7/02, B64D27/10 | 15/182074 |
| 22 | 10099785 | Drone with ring assembly | Disclosed is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a pre-defined shape to deploy one or more items. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a power unit. The upper housing includes plurality of rotors to lift and propel the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) . Further the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes various electronic components such as plurality of electronic cards, a processing unit, a Global Positioning System (GPS) , a communication unit, an electronic gyroscope, a barometer, engines and flight control system, video camera, a forward looking infrared (FLIR) device, a microphone, and a laser telemeter/designator/range finder. The power unit powers the aforementioned electronic components. The lower housing includes plurality of storage units to stores one or more items. The lower housing is removably attached with the upper housing in a way to deploy the items at a predetermined location through plurality of openings. | Oswaldo Gonzalez (Tamarac, FL) | --- | 2017-07-25 | 2018-10-16 | B64C39/02, B64D47/08, B64D7/00 | 15/659563 |
| 23 | 10065718 | Anti-aircraft autonomous undersea system (AUS) with machine vision target acquisition | A submersible vessel comprises a hull. The hull contains a plurality of subsystems. The subsystems comprise a sensor subsystem configured to sense potential target information regarding a potential target, a database subsystem configured to store target characterization information, a processing subsystem coupled to the sensing subsystem and to the database subsystem, and an ordnance subsystem. The processing subsystem is configured to process the potential target information according to the target characterization information to confirm the potential target as being a confirmed target. The ordnance subsystem comprises an ordnance magazine configured to store ordnance. The ordnance is deployable against the confirmed target, wherein the confirmed target is an aircraft. | Syed Mohammad Amir Husain (Georgetown, TX), John Rutherford Allen (Alexandria, VA) | Sparkcognition, Inc. (Austin, TX) | 2017-09-14 | 2018-09-04 | B63G8/00, B63G8/08, B63G8/30, B63G8/28, F42B19/00, F41H11/02, B64C39/02, G05D1/12 | 15/704949 |
| 24 | 10065717 | Autonomous vessel for unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) carrier operations | An autonomous vessel comprises a hull. The hull contains a plurality of subsystems. The subsystems comprise a sensor subsystem configured to sense potential target information regarding a potential target, a database subsystem configured to store target characterization information, a processing subsystem coupled to the sensing subsystem and to the database subsystem, and an ordnance subsystem. The processing subsystem is configured to process the potential target information according to the target characterization information to confirm the potential target as being a confirmed target. The ordnance subsystem comprises an ordnance magazine configured to store ordnance, the ordnance deliverable by an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) . The ordnance is deployable against the confirmed target. | Syed Mohammad Amir Husain (Georgetown, TX), John Rutherford Allen (Alexandria, VA) | Sparkcognition, Inc. (Austin, TX) | 2017-09-14 | 2018-09-04 | B63G8/00, B63G8/28, F42B19/10, B64C39/02, F41F3/07 | 15/704855 |
| 25 | 10051178 | Imaging method and appartus | An imaging method for capturing images using a sensor mounted on an unmanned aircraft comprises: acquiring a range of motion of the sensor relative to the aircraft, acquiring a specification of a linear path along the ground, acquiring parameter values relating to aircraft maneuverability, using the acquired information determining a procedure, performing, by the aircraft, the procedure and simultaneously capturing, by the sensor, a set of images. The procedure comprises the aircraft moving with respect to the path and the sensor moving with respect to the aircraft such that at some time each point along the path is coincident with a footprint of the sensor. Also, each point along the path is present within at least one of the captured images. | Andrew Christopher Tebay (Warton, GB) | Bae Systems Plc (London, GB) | 2014-12-04 | 2018-08-14 | H04N5/232, G08G5/00, G05D1/00, G06T7/246, B64C39/02 | 15/100469 |
| 26 | 10029791 | Weapon interface system and delivery platform employing the same | A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX), Joseph Edward Tepera (Muenster, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2017-01-23 | 2018-07-24 | F41F3/06, B64D1/06, B64D7/00 | 15/412118 |
| 27 | 9983581 | Artificial intelligence augmented reality command, control and communications system | A method and system comprises a plurality of electronically controlled distributed devices and a supervisory node. The supervisory node comprises a communications interface, a processor, and a display. The supervisory node is configured to communicate with the plurality of electronically controlled distributed devices via the communications interface. The supervisory node is adapted to receive sensor information, to receive functionality information and device status information, to determine useful life prognostics from the functionality information, to obtain human defined policy and strategy directives, to assess the useful life prognostics and device status information based on the human defined policy and strategy directives to provide device assessments, to construct device commands for the plurality of electronically controlled distributed devices based on the device assessments using the processor, and to communicate the device commands to the plurality of electronically controlled distributed via the communications interface. | Syed Mohammad Amir Husain (Georgetown, TX), John Rutherford Allen (Alexandria, VA) | Sparkcognition, Inc. (Austin, TX) | 2017-09-14 | 2018-05-29 | G05D1/00, B64C39/02, H04N7/18 | 15/705027 |
| 28 | 9944383 | Pneumatic yaw control effector for aircraft | An apparatus and method for controlling a yaw moment of a flight vehicle, such as an aircraft. A wing structure of the flight vehicle has a first opening or actuator positioned by a first apex section of a first side of the wing, and has a second opening or actuator positioned away from or at a distance from a second apex section of a second side of the wing. The first side and the second side can each be positioned or located opposite a centerline of the wing or wing structure. A pressure source or other pressure supply device is in communication with the first opening or actuator and the second opening or actuator to which a pressurized fluid, such as air, is controlled and delivered to control or vary the yaw moment of the flight vehicle. | David R. Williams (Chicago, IL), Jurgen Seidel (Denver, CO) | Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, IL) | 2016-02-24 | 2018-04-17 | B64C15/14, B64D33/00, B64C39/02 | 15/052558 |
| 29 | 9933780 | Systems and methods for remote distributed control of unmanned aircraft | Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for providing control of an unmanned aircraft (UA) . A server may receive an indication from a UA that a transition from autonomous flight to pilot controlled flight is required while the UA is in autonomous flight. The server may select a pilot station for providing pilot controlled flight of the UA. Selecting a pilot station for providing pilot controlled flight of the UA may be based on a pilot criterion associated with the pilot station. A UA may detect a condition that requires a transition from autonomous flight to pilot controlled flight and establish a pilot criterion for pilot controlled flight based on the detected condition. The UA may send a request for a pilot that includes the pilot criterion and information about the condition. | Kiet Tuan Chau (San Diego, CA), Michael-David Nakayoshi Canoy (San Diego, CA), Michael Orlando DeVico (San Diego, CA) | Qualcomm Incorporated (San Diego, CA) | 2015-06-17 | 2018-04-03 | G05D1/00 | 14/741888 |
| 30 | 9915505 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2016-10-31 | 2018-03-13 | F41G7/22, F42B12/36, F42B12/04, F42B10/64, F41G7/26, F42B12/44, F41G7/00, F42C15/20, F42C15/00, F42B25/00 | 15/339493 |
| 31 | 9897417 | Payload delivery | Disclosed is a method for delivering a load on-board an aircraft to a target. The method comprises: acquiring a position of the target, acquiring parameter values relating to aircraft maneuverability, acquiring load properties, acquiring parameter values relating to environmental conditions, using the acquired information, determining a position and a velocity value, performing, by the aircraft, the procedure, and, at a point in the procedure that the aircraft has the determined position and its travelling at a velocity equal to the determined velocity value, releasing the load. The determined position and velocity value are such that, were the aircraft to release the load while having the determined position and velocity, the load would travel to be within a predetermined distance of the target. The procedure is such that the aircraft would have the determined position and velocity at some time-step. | Andrew Christopher Tebay (Warton, GB) | Bae Systems Plc (London, GB) | 2014-12-04 | 2018-02-20 | G05D1/00, F41G3/08, G05D1/12, G06K9/00, B64D1/02, G06Q10/04, F41G3/22, G06Q50/32, G06Q10/00, F41G7/00, F41G9/00, G05D1/10, B64C39/02, G06T7/73, H04N5/232, G08G5/00 | 15/100453 |
| 32 | 9810789 | Unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location assurance | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location assurance. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a UFV, may: (i) obtain one or more satellite positioning system (SPS) coordinates corresponding to at least an apparent location of at least one UFV, or (ii) perform at least one analysis that uses at least one or more SPS coordinates and at least one assurance token. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2013-09-30 | 2017-11-07 | G01S19/42, G08G5/00, G05D1/00, G01C21/00, G01S19/21, B64C39/02, G01S19/14, G01S19/39, G05D1/10, H04L29/06, B64C33/00, F41H11/02 | 14/042302 |
| 33 | 9809450 | CMOS-MEMS integration using metal silicide formation | A method and system for forming a MEMS device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises providing a conductive material over at least a portion of a top metal layer of a base substrate, patterning the conductive material and the at least a portion of the top metal layer, and bonding the conductive material with a device layer of a MEMS substrate via metal silicide formation. In a second aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS substrate, wherein the MEMS substrate includes a handle layer, a device layer, and an insulating layer in between. The MEMS device further comprises a base substrate, wherein the base substrate includes a top metal layer and a conductive material over at least a portion of the top metal layer, wherein the conductive material is bonded with the device layer via metal silicide formation. | Jong Il Shin (San Jose, CA), Peter Smeys (San Jose, CA), Jongwoo Shin (Pleasanton, CA) | Invensense, Inc. (San Jose, CA) | 2015-08-27 | 2017-11-07 | B81C1/00, B81B7/00 | 14/838237 |
| 34 | 9784543 | Weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon system including a weapon, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a guidance section in a front section of the weapon, and a signal cartridge assembly behind the front section and including a signal cartridge configured to provide a signal indicating a location of impact for the weapon. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2015-06-23 | 2017-10-10 | F42B12/40, F42B12/48, F42B7/02, F42B8/22, F42B8/20, F42B10/60, F42B4/02 | 14/747089 |
| 35 | 9776716 | Unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) inter-vehicle communication for hazard handling | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) inter-vehicle communication for hazard handling. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine may: (i) receive one or more flight attributes from a remote UFV, with the one or more flight attributes indicative of one or more flight capabilities of the remote UFV, or (ii) adjust a flight path of a UFV based at least partially on one or more flight attributes received from a remote UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwah Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-20 | 2017-10-03 | G06F17/10, B64C39/02, G05D1/10, G08G1/16, G06G7/78 | 13/722874 |
| 36 | 9747809 | Automated hazard handling routine activation | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for automated hazard handling routine activation. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) , may: (i) detect at least one motivation to activate at least one automated hazard handling routine of the UFV, or (ii) activate at least one automated hazard handling routine of the UFV based at least partially on at least one motivation. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-31 | 2017-08-29 | G06F17/10, G08G5/04, G08G1/16, G06G7/78, G05D1/00, B64C39/02 | 13/731407 |
| 37 | 9691359 | Vehicle display system with transparent display layer | The invention pertains to display method, a computer program for performing the steps of the display method and a display system (1) , the display system having for example: at least one display unit (13, 16) arranged to present at least one display image, at least one memory unit (12, 15) comprising information related to for example descriptions of a set of default graphics display objects (W1-W3) and configuration data. The configuration data is arranged to define: at least one transparent display layer (L1-L3) , at least one transparent display container (CO0-CO2) associated to the at least one transparent display layer and at least one display mode. Each of said at least one display mode comprising a predetermined selection of one or more of said at least one transparent display container of one or more of said at least one display layer. | Torkel Danielsson (Linkoeping, SE), Anders Gripsborn (Ljungsbro, SE), Jan Hakegard (Linkoeping, SE), Joergen Larsson (Linkoeping, SE) | Saab Ab (Linkoeping, SE) | 2012-10-15 | 2017-06-27 | G09G5/14, G05G5/02, G06F3/14, G06F3/0481, G09G5/02, G01C23/00, G06F3/048, G06T5/00 | 14/435360 |
| 38 | 9669926 | Unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location confirmance | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location confirmance. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a UFV, may: (i) obtain at least one indication of at least one location of a UFV, or (ii) attempt to counter at least one attack against a location determination for the UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2013-08-30 | 2017-06-06 | B64D45/00, G08G5/00, G01C21/00, B64C39/02, H04L29/06 | 14/015669 |
| 39 | 9567074 | Base station control for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for base station control for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) . for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a base station, may: (i) obtain at least one indicator of at least one flight attribute corresponding to a first UFV, or (ii) transmit to a second UFV at least one indicator of at least one flight attribute corresponding to a first UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-28 | 2017-02-14 | B64C39/02, G08G5/00 | 13/730202 |
| 40 | 9555899 | Mobile arresting system | A system for arresting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) . In an illustrative embodiment, a crane has an arrestment receiver that can pivot around the crane. A UAV has a hook on one of its wings that can latch onto the arrestment receiver during flight. After latching onto the arrestment receiver, the UAV pivots around the end of the crane until the UAV comes to rest. The UAV and the arrestment receiver each include optical alignment systems that facilitate the connection between the hook and the arrestment receiver. | Gerald Miller (Bedford, IN) | The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of The Navy (Washington, DC) | 2014-03-27 | 2017-01-31 | B64C39/02, B64F1/02, B66C23/18 | 14/227007 |
| 41 | 9550568 | Weapon interface system and delivery platform employing the same | A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX), Joseph Edward Tepera (Muenster, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2013-08-26 | 2017-01-24 | B64D1/04, B64D1/06, F41F3/06, F41F3/065, F41F5/00 | 13/975609 |
| 42 | 9540102 | Base station multi-vehicle coordination | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for base station multi-vehicle coordination. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a base station, may: (i) effectuate one or more communications with at least a first UFV and a second UFV, or (ii) transmit to a first UFV at least one command based at least partially on one or more communications with at least a first UFV and a second UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2013-03-13 | 2017-01-10 | B64C39/02, G05D1/00, G08G5/00 | 13/800391 |
| 43 | 9527587 | Unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) coordination | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) coordination. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a UFV, may: (i) obtain one or more theater characteristics, or (ii) coordinate at least one behavior of at least one UFV based, at least partially, on one or more theater characteristics. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2013-04-19 | 2016-12-27 | B64C39/02, G05D1/10, G08G5/00 | 13/866743 |
| 44 | 9527586 | Inter-vehicle flight attribute communication for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for inter-vehicle flight attribute communication for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) . for certain example embodiments, at least one machine may: (i) obtain at least one indication related to imparting at least one flight attribute corresponding to a UFV, or (ii) transmit to a remote UFV at least one indicator of at least one flight attribute corresponding to a UFV based at least partially on at least one indication related to imparting at least one flight attribute. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-27 | 2016-12-27 | B64C39/02, G05D1/10 | 13/728642 |
| 45 | 9482490 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2015-06-23 | 2016-11-01 | F41G7/22, F42B12/44, F42B25/00, F42C15/00, F42C15/20, F41G7/00, F42B10/64, F42B12/04, F42B12/36, F41G7/26 | 14/747152 |
| 46 | 9480163 | Digitizing sensors coupled to a structure | Systems and methods of coupling digitizing sensors to a structure are disclosed. A particular system includes a digitizing sensor node. The system further includes a bus including a plurality of conductive elements applied to a substrate. A first conductive element of the bus is coupled to the digitizing sensor node using a direct-write technique. | Seth S. Kessler (Newtown, MA), Jeong-Beom Ihn (Bellevue, WA), Christopher T. Dunn (Salem, MA), Jeffrey Lynn Duce (Milton, WA), Michael G. Borgen (Wilmington, MA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2014-04-30 | 2016-10-25 | B23P19/00, G08C19/16, H05K1/18, G06F3/05, H05K1/02 | 14/266745 |
| 47 | 9465104 | ADS-B radar | The reliability and safety of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) are improved by using the signals transmitted from an ADS-B unit as a radar transmitter with a receiver used to receive reflections. | Jed Margolin (VC Highlands, NV) | --- | 2014-01-02 | 2016-10-11 | G01S13/00, G01S13/93, G01S13/42 | 14/146202 |
| 48 | 9405296 | Collision targeting for hazard handling | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for collision targeting for hazard handling. for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a base station, may: (i) ascertain at least one target for at least one collision to include an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) , or (ii) transmit at least one command to execute at least one maneuver to divert a UFV at least toward at least one target to induce at least one collision to include the UFV and the at least one target. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwah Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-31 | 2016-08-02 | G05D1/12, B64C39/02, F41G7/00 | 13/731721 |
| 49 | 9387930 | Stealth aerial vehicle | An aerial vehicle having a low radar signature includes a first side on which turbine openings, and payload bays or landing gear bays are disposed. A second side of the aerial vehicle is designed to have a smaller radar signature than the first side. | Jochen Dornwald (Munich, DE), Bartholomaeus Bichler (Raubling, DE) | Airbus Defence and Space Gmbh (Ottobrunn, DE) | 2012-06-07 | 2016-07-12 | G01S13/88, B64C39/10, B64C39/02, B64D7/00, B64D7/06, B64D1/06, B64D27/14, B64C25/10 | 13/490593 |
| 50 | 9383740 | Control of safety critical operations | A system wherein control of a safety-critical system operation is effected by sending a plurality of keywords via a low integrity communication path. | Simon Grant Bennett (Walderslade Woods, GB), Nicholas Andrew Belcher (Whitstable, GB), David Parker (Sittingbourne, GB), Kevin Challis (Rainham, GB), David Christopher Watkins (Gillingham, GB), Gary Robert Watkins (Sheerness, GB) | Bae Systems Plc (London, GB) | 2011-02-14 | 2016-07-05 | G05D1/00, G05B19/042 | 13/578747 |
| 51 | 9235218 | Collision targeting for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) | Disclosed herein are example embodiments for collision targeting for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) . for certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a UFV, may: (i) ascertain at least one target for at least one collision to include a UFV, or (ii) execute at least one maneuver to divert a UFV at least toward at least one target to induce at least one collision to include the UFV and the at least one target. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth. | Royce A. Levien (Lexington, MA), Robert W. Lord (Seattle, WA), Richard T. Lord (Tacoma, WA), Mark A. Malamud (Seattle, WA), John D. Rinaldo, Jr. (Bellevue, WA), Lowell L. Wood, Jr. (Bellevue, WA) | Elwha Llc (Bellevue, WA) | 2012-12-31 | 2016-01-12 | G05D1/12, F41G9/00, F41G7/22, B64C39/02 | 13/731450 |
| 52 | 9199725 | Control computer for an unmanned vehicle | A control computer for an unmanned vehicle, including: a sensor interface for receiving sensor data from sensors of the vehicle, the sensor data including data values associated with movement of the vehicle, an actuator control interface for sending actuator data to control actuators of the vehicle, the actuators controlling parts of the vehicle associated with controlling movement of the vehicle, and a system management component for executing a state machine having states corresponding to one or more phases of the movement and for determining a transition between current one of the states and another of the states based on at least one condition associated with the transition, at least one condition being determined based on at least one of the sensor data, the actuator data and status of the computer. | Bradford Scott Yelland (Belgrave, AU), Glen Eric Logan (Mt. Evelyn, AU), Paul Riseborough (Hoppers Crossing, AU) | Bae Systems Australia (Edinburugh S.A., AU) | 2012-02-14 | 2015-12-01 | G06F7/00, B64C13/18, B64C13/20, G05D1/00 | 14/002066 |
| 53 | 9127908 | Multimode unmanned aerial vehicle | A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to transition from a terminal homing mode to a target search mode, responsive to an uplink signal and/or an autonomous determination of scene change. | Carlos Thomas Miralles (Burbank, CA) | Aero Vironment, Inc. (Monrovia, CA) | 2010-02-02 | 2015-09-08 | G05D1/00, F41G7/22, F41G9/00, G08G5/00, F41G7/00 | 12/698995 |
| 54 | 9122005 | Electrowetting retroreflector devices, systems, and methods | Switchable retroreflector devices that are modulated via electrowetting. The devices include an electrically-conductive polar fluid and a non-polar fluid that is immiscible with the polar fluid. The polar and the non-polar fluids differ in at least one optical property. The fluids are contained in a fluid vessel, or an array of fluid vessels. The fluids are at least partially viewable. A voltage source is configured to selectively apply an electromechanical force to the polar fluid causing repositioning and/or geometrical change of the fluids such that retroreflection in created, or suppressed, by optical refraction or by optical attenuation. | Jason Heikenfeld (Cincinnati, OH), Murali Kilaru (Cincinnati, OH), Phillip Schultz (Taylor Mill, KY), Daniel J. O'Neill (Montgomery, OH) | University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) | 2009-03-17 | 2015-09-01 | H04B10/00, G02B5/128, G02B5/124, G02B26/00 | 12/405821 |
| 55 | 9107325 | Systems and methods of coupling sensors to a structure | Systems and methods of coupling sensors to a structure are disclosed. A particular method includes applying one or more communication traces to the structure. At least one of the one or more communication traces is formed using at least one direct-write technique. The method also includes coupling the one or more communication traces to at least one sensor. | Jeong-Beom Ihn (Bellevue, WA), Jeffrey Lynn Duce (Milton, WA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2010-08-05 | 2015-08-11 | H05K1/00, H05K1/18 | 12/851375 |
| 56 | 9068803 | Weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon system including a weapon, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a guidance section in a front section of the weapon, and a signal cartridge assembly behind the front section and including a signal cartridge configured to provide a signal indicating a location of impact for the weapon. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2012-04-19 | 2015-06-30 | F42B4/02, F42B8/20, F42B12/40, F42B12/48, F42B10/60, F42B8/22 | 13/451404 |
| 57 | 9068796 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2013-09-18 | 2015-06-30 | F42B15/01, F42B12/36, F42C15/00, F41G7/22, G02B3/08, F42B10/64, F42B12/04, F42B12/44, G05D1/12, G02B3/02, F42B25/00, F41G7/00, F42C15/20 | 14/030254 |
| 58 | 9006628 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2010-04-05 | 2015-04-14 | F42B15/01, F42C15/40, F42C15/20 | 12/754390 |
| 59 | 8888038 | Driven aircraft, in particular an aircraft designed as a flying wing and/or having a low radar signature | An aircraft is provided includes at least one drive flow passage, which runs from an air inlet directed forward on the body surface via a jet engine through the body to a jet nozzle that opens towards the rear on the body surface. At least a part of the jet engine is arranged upstream of the air inlet seen in the flight direction of the aircraft and the drive flow passage has curvature sections embodied and arranged for this in a suitable manner. | Bartholomaeus Bichler (Raubling, DE), Jochen Dornwald (Munich, DE), Gerhard Wedekind (Immenstaad, DE) | Eads Deutschland Gmbh (Ottobrunn, DE) | 2011-06-14 | 2014-11-18 | B64D33/02 | 13/704545 |
| 60 | 8838289 | System and method for safely flying unmanned aerial vehicles in civilian airspace | A system and method for safely flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) , or remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) in civilian airspace uses a remotely located pilot to control the aircraft using a synthetic vision system during at least selected phases of the flight such as during take-offs and landings. | Jed Margolin (VC Highlands, NV) | --- | 2007-04-17 | 2014-09-16 | G06F19/00 | 11/736356 |
| 61 | 8793198 | Autonomous semantic software agents and design method therefor, and online simulation apparatus using an inference engine | A semantic software agent and methods for designing and implementing the software agent and multi-agent systems, where the semantic software agent includes an interface adapter configured to receive instances of data collected and queries from an external source, a semantic repository configured to receive the instances and queries from the interface adapter, and an inference engine configured to receive the instance data from the semantic repository and to generate semantic inferences on the instances based on an ontology and semantic rules. An online simulation apparatus is also provided to generate actions and events for a simulation environment in real-time. | James Alan Thomas (King George, VA) | The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of The Navy (Washington, DC) | 2011-11-16 | 2014-07-29 | G06F15/18 | 13/373746 |
| 62 | 8745864 | Method of coupling digitizing sensors to a structure | Systems and methods of coupling digitizing sensors to a structure are disclosed. A particular method includes applying one or more communication traces and one or more power traces to a structure using at least one direct-write technique. The method may also include coupling the one or more communication traces to at least one digitizing sensor. The method may also include coupling the one or more power traces to the at least one digitizing sensor. | Seth S. Kessler (Newton, MA), Jeong-Beom Ihn (Bellevue, WA), Christopher T. Dunn (Salem, MA), Jeffrey Lynn Duce (Milton, WA), Michael G. Borgen (Wilmington, MA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2010-08-05 | 2014-06-10 | H01R43/00, H05K13/00 | 12/851424 |
| 63 | 8700306 | Autonomous collision avoidance system for unmanned aerial vehicles | Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision. | Davis S. Duggan (Lewisville, TX), David A. Felio (Flower Mound, TX), Craig S. Askew (Highland Village, TX) | L-3 Unmanned Systems Inc. (Carrollton, TX) | 2013-01-04 | 2014-04-15 | G08G5/04 | 13/734341 |
| 64 | 8643534 | System for sensing aircraft and other objects | A system for sensing aircraft and other objects uses bistatic radar with spread-spectrum signals transmitted from remotely located sources such as aircraft flying at very high altitudes or from a satellite constellation. A bistatic spread spectrum radar system using a satellite constellation can be integrated with a communications system and/or with a system using long baseline radar interferometry to validate the digital terrain elevation database. The reliability and safety of TCAS and ADS-B are improved by using the signals transmitted from a TCAS or ADS-B unit as a radar transmitter with a receiver used to receive reflections. Aircraft and other objects using spread spectrum radar are detected by using two separate receiving systems. Cross-Correlation between the outputs of the two receiving systems reveals whether a noise signal is produced by the receiving systems themselves or is coming from the outside. | Jed Margolin (VC Highlands, NV) | --- | 2012-08-25 | 2014-02-04 | G01S13/93, G01S13/75 | 13/594815 |
| 65 | 8541724 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2010-08-04 | 2013-09-24 | F42B15/01, G02B3/02, G05D1/12, F41G7/22, G02B3/08 | 12/850421 |
| 66 | 8516938 | Weapon interface system and delivery platform employing the same | A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX), Joseph Edward Tepera (Muenster, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2012-02-17 | 2013-08-27 | F41F3/06 | 13/399873 |
| 67 | 8513951 | Method and apparatus for fast fault detection | A method and apparatus are provided for detecting a fault condition on a power system. By rectifying power system phase voltages to produce a rectified waveform, and filtering the rectified waveform or a representation of the rectified waveform through a finite gain synchronous band pass filter to generate a synchronous band pass filter output waveform that indicates the magnitude of a predefined harmonic frequency component, a fault condition on a power system can be identified. | Scott Wunderlich (Linthicum, MD), Gerald Andrew Garland (Kingsville, MD) | Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (Los Angeles, CA) | 2008-07-30 | 2013-08-20 | G01R31/00 | 12/182341 |
| 68 | 8510244 | Apparatus comprising artificial neuronal assembly | An artificial synapse array and virtual neural space are disclosed. More specifically, a cognitive sensor system and method are disclosed comprising a massively parallel convolution processor capable of, for instance, situationally dependent identification of salient features in a scene of interest by emulating the cortical hierarchy found in the human retina and visual cortex. | John C. Carson (Corona del Mar, CA), Volkan Ozguz (Aliso Viejo, CA) | Isc8 Inc. (Costa Mesa, CA) | 2010-03-18 | 2013-08-13 | G06E1/00, G06E3/00, G06F15/18, G06G7/00 | 12/661537 |
| 69 | 8463464 | Method and apparatus for generating at least one voted flight trajectory of a vehicle | A method for generating a voted trajectory of a vehicle in a first vehicle. First trajectory data is received from at least one second vehicle in a receiver in the first vehicle. Trajectory data is calculated in a trajectory calculator in the first vehicle. The calculated trajectory data and the received first trajectory data concern a determined vehicle. The determined vehicle is determined from a group including the first and the second vehicles. The voted trajectory of the determined vehicle by a voting process based on the calculated trajectory data and the received first trajectory data. | Daniel Gustafsson (Norrkoping, SE) | Saab Ab (Linkoping, SE) | 2008-10-15 | 2013-06-11 | G05D1/08, G08G5/04 | 12/251649 |
| 70 | 8443727 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a target sensor configured to guide the weapon to a target. The target sensor includes a front lens configured to provide a cover to protect the target sensor from an environment and a fast fresnel lens behind the front lens to provide a multi-lens focusing system for the target sensor. In a related embodiment, the weapon includes an aft section including a tail fin having a modifiable control surface area thereby changing an aspect ratio thereof. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), Joseph Edward Tepera (Muenster, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Addison, TX) | 2011-02-24 | 2013-05-21 | F42C15/40, G02B13/08, G02B3/08, F42B15/01, F41G7/26, F42B10/64 | 13/034333 |
| 71 | 8380425 | Autonomous collision avoidance system for unmanned aerial vehicles | Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision. | David S. Duggan (Aubrey, TX), David A. Felio (Highland Village, TX), Craig S. Askew (Highland Village, TX) | L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc. (Carrollton, TX) | 2010-09-13 | 2013-02-19 | G08G5/04 | 12/880292 |
| 72 | 8373591 | System for sensing aircraft and other objects | A system for sensing aircraft and other objects uses bistatic radar with spread-spectrum signals transmitted from remotely located sources such as aircraft flying at very high altitudes or from a satellite constellation. A bistatic spread spectrum radar system using a satellite constellation can be integrated with a communications system and/or with a system using long baseline radar interferometry to validate the digital terrain elevation database. The reliability and safety of TCAS and ADS-B are improved by using the signals transmitted from a TCAS or ADS-B unit as a radar transmitter with a receiver used to receive reflections. Aircraft and other objects using spread spectrum radar are detected by using two separate receiving systems. Cross-Correlation between the outputs of the two receiving systems reveals whether a noise signal is produced by the receiving systems themselves or is coming from the outside. | Jed Margolin (VC Highlands, NV) | --- | 2010-10-22 | 2013-02-12 | G01S13/48, G01S13/93 | 12/910779 |
| 73 | 8328130 | Vertical take off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle airframe structure | An unmanned aerial vehicle selectively formed of high strength composite structural part portions and lightweight aerodynamic foam portions to provide a low-cost and lightweight UAV that comports with export, civil airspace, and safety regulations. To further to reduce an overall weight of the UAV, mechanical elements are designed to provide multiple functionalities. Structural elements may be manufactured in same or similar non-specialized processes, and non-structural elements manufactured in same or similar non-specialized processes, reducing overall manufacturing costs. Materials and bonding elements are selected to provide frangibility and yet maintain normal flight structural integrity. | Emray Goossen (Albuquerque, NM) | Honeywell International Inc. (Morristown, NJ) | 2009-07-20 | 2012-12-11 | B64C29/00 | 12/506052 |
| 74 | 8224501 | Store management system and method of operating the same | A method for controlling an unmanned platform from a manned station is provided. The method includes transmitting a master arm control message from the manned station to the unmanned platform via a first control path, transmitting a first critical control message from the manned station to the unmanned platform via a second control path that is independent of the first control path, and transmitting a second critical control message from the manned station to the unmanned platform via a third control path that is different than the first control path and the second control path. | Stefano Angelo Mario Lassini (Lowell, MI), Eric Daniel Buehler (Grand Rapids, MI) | General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY) | 2008-09-30 | 2012-07-17 | G01C23/00 | 12/241997 |
| 75 | 8220749 | System and method for a fuel bladder assembly with spiral tubing | Systems and methods provide for a flexible fuel bladder assembly disposed to store fuel and supply the fuel to a vehicle. The flexible fuel bladder assembly may include: a fuel bladder including a fuel-resistant film disposed to store the fuel and supply the fuel therefrom at a manifold assembly connected thereto, and a spiral tubing disposed within the fuel bladder and disposed to prevent collapsing of any two or more sides of the fuel bladder upon each other and permit a substantial portion of the fuel to be supplied from the fuel bladder to the manifold assembly in an uninterrupted fashion until the substantial portion of fuel is removed from the fuel bladder. The flexible fuel bladder may be used in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , which may be any one of: an organic air vehicle (OAV) , a micro air vehicle (MAV) , an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) or an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) . | Michael Pastelak (New Freedom, PA), Bonnie Lee Pastelak, legal representative (New Freedom, PA) | Aai Corporation (Hunt Valley, MD) | 2009-11-19 | 2012-07-17 | B64D37/02 | 12/622177 |
| 76 | 8220748 | System and method for a fuel bladder assembly with embossed film | Systems and methods provide for a flexible fuel bladder assembly disposed to store fuel and supply the fuel to a vehicle. The flexible fuel bladder assembly may include: a fuel bladder including a fuel-resistant film disposed to store the fuel and supply the fuel therefrom at a manifold assembly connected thereto. The fuel bladder may include an embossed pattern disposed to prevent a vacuum being formed by the collapsing of any two or more sides of the fuel bladder upon each other and permit a substantial portion of the fuel to be supplied from the fuel bladder to the manifold assembly in an uninterrupted fashion until the substantial portion of fuel is removed from the fuel bladder. The flexible fuel bladder may be used in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , which may be any one of: an organic air vehicle (OAV) , a micro air vehicle (MAV) , an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) or an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) . | Stephen John Fenton (Caledonia, CA) | Aai Corporation (Hunt Valley, MD) | 2009-11-19 | 2012-07-17 | B64D37/02 | 12/622159 |
| 77 | 8220747 | System and method for a fuel bladder assembly with internal netting | Systems and methods provide for a flexible fuel bladder assembly disposed to store fuel and supply the fuel to a vehicle. The flexible fuel bladder assembly may include: a fuel bladder including a fuel-resistant film disposed to store the fuel and supply the fuel therefrom at a manifold assembly connected thereto, and a netting disposed within the fuel bladder and disposed to prevent collapsing of any two or more sides of the fuel bladder upon each other and permit a substantial portion of the fuel to be supplied from the fuel bladder to the manifold assembly in an uninterrupted fashion until the substantial portion of fuel is removed from the fuel bladder. The flexible fuel bladder may be used in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , which may be any one of: an organic air vehicle (OAV) , a micro air vehicle (MAV) , an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) or an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) . | Michael Pastelak (New Freedom, PA), Bonnie Lee Pastelak, legal representative (New Freedom, PA) | Aai Corporation (Hunt Valley, MD) | 2009-11-19 | 2012-07-17 | B64D37/02 | 12/622137 |
| 78 | 8170326 | Multi parallax exploitation for omni-directional imaging electronic eye | Techniques and systems are disclosed for electronic target recognition. In particular, techniques and systems are disclosed for performing electronic surveillance and target recognition using a multiple parallax exploitation (MPEX) electronic eye platform. Among other things, a MPEX system can include an imaging unit that includes multiple image capture devices spaced from one another to form an array to provide overlapping fields-of-view and to capture multiple overlapping stereo images of a scene. The MPEX system can also include a processing unit connected to the imaging unit to receive and process data representing the captured multiple overlapping stereo images from the imaging unit to characterize one or more objects of interest in the scene. | Sandeep Gulati (La Canada, CA), Thomas George (La Canada, CA) | Vialogy Corp. (Altadena, CA) | 2008-01-03 | 2012-05-01 | G06K9/46, H04N13/00 | 11/969203 |
| 79 | 8162262 | Reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods | A reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods. In one embodiment the reconfigurable aircraft comprises a plurality of payload retainers. The payload retainers are configured to receive and retain payloads, including fuel, armaments and sensors. The aircraft is configured to cooperate in flight with an airborne supply vehicle to receive the payloads from the supply vehicle. | Aaron J. Kutzmann (Long Beach, CA), Kevin R. Lutke (Huntington Beach, CA), Richard P. Ouellette (Lakewood, CA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2007-07-31 | 2012-04-24 | B64D9/00 | 11/831806 |
| 80 | 8117955 | Weapon interface system and delivery platform employing the same | A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX), Joseph Edward Tepera (Muenster, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Plano, TX) | 2007-10-26 | 2012-02-21 | F41F3/06 | 11/925471 |
| 81 | 8103398 | Unmanned aerial vehicle control systems | Unmanned aerial vehicle control systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle includes transmitting an indication of a take-off or landing location to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle is launched. A control mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle is switched from an autonomous mode to a manual mode. The control mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle is switched from the manual mode to another autonomous mode, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed at the landing location. | David S. Duggan (Aubrey, TX), David A. Felio (Highland Village, TX), Billy B. Pate (Houston, TX), Vince R. Longhi (Dallas, TX), Jerry L. Petersen (Southlake, TX), Mark J. Bergee (Dallas, TX) | L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc. (Carrollton, TX) | 2010-11-30 | 2012-01-24 | G01C22/00 | 12/956735 |
| 82 | 8082074 | Vehicle control system including related methods and components | An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a control mode interface that provides a plurality of selectable control modes for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein one of the plurality of selectable control modes comprises a target tracking mode. Also included is a target editor interface provided in response to a selection of the target tracking mode, wherein the target editor interface facilitates receipt of an input indicative of a ground based moving target. The system also includes a communications component that transmits a command to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the command is based at least in part on the input indicative of a target. | David S. Duggan (Aubrey, TX), David A. Felio (Highland Village, TX), Billy B. Pate (Houston, TX), Vince R. Longhi (Dallas, TX), Jerry L. Petersen (Southlake, TX), Mark J. Bergee (Dallas, TX) | L-3 Unmanned Systems Inc. (Carrollton, TX) | 2010-02-25 | 2011-12-20 | G01C22/00 | 12/712548 |
| 83 | 8068950 | Unmanned aerial vehicle take-off and landing systems | Unmanned aerial vehicle take-off and landing systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of landing an unmanned aerial vehicle includes programming a landing location for the unmanned aerial vehicle utilizing a user input device. The unmanned aerial vehicle is launched. Communications between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the user input device are interrupted, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed at the landing location based on the programmed landing location and not based on any real-time communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the user input device. | David S. Duggan (Aubrey, TX), David A. Felio (Highland Village, TX), Billy B. Pate (Houston, TX), Vince R. Longhi (Dallas, TX), Jerry L. Petersen (Southlake, TX), Mark J. Bergee (Dallas, TX) | L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc. (Carrollton, TX) | 2010-11-30 | 2011-11-29 | G01C22/00 | 12/956722 |
| 84 | 8068949 | Vehicle control system including related methods and components | An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a control mode interface that provides a plurality of selectable control modes for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein one of the plurality of selectable control modes comprises an autonomous landing mode. Also included is a route editing interface that, following a selection of the autonomous landing mode, facilitates a receipt of an input indicative of a landing location. The system also includes a communications component that transmits a command to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the command is based at least in part on the input indicative of the landing location. | David S. Duggan (Aubrey, TX), David A. Felio (Highland Village, TX), Billy B. Pate (Houston, TX), Vince R. Longhi (Dallas, TX), Jerry L. Petersen (Southlake, TX), Mark J. Bergee (Dallas, TX) | L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc. (Carrollton, TX) | 2010-02-25 | 2011-11-29 | G01C22/00 | 12/712581 |
| 85 | 8005257 | Gesture recognition apparatus and method | A method of identifying a human gesture using a machine includes providing a time sequence of data related to the human gesture, transforming the time sequence of data into waveforms, extracting features from the waveforms, and identifying the human gesture based on the extracted features. | Larry Venetsky (Mount Laurel, NJ), Jeffrey W. Tieman (Leonardtown, MD) | The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of The Navy (Washington, DC) | 2008-07-23 | 2011-08-23 | G06K9/00 | 12/177913 |
| 86 | 7958810 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Plano, TX) | 2010-04-05 | 2011-06-14 | F42C15/40, B64D1/04 | 12/754345 |
| 87 | 7920071 | Augmented reality-based system and method providing status and control of unmanned vehicles | An augmented reality system identifies and controls a vehicle located within an environment. A tracking system obtains viewpoint information corresponding to a real-time view of the environment. A processing system receives information from one or more sensors. Information includes sensor location information and status information about the vehicle. Processing system generates graphics using said sensor location information and said viewpoint information. Graphics include visual representations of said status information and controls. A display displays the generated graphics such that the graphics are superimposed on the real-time view. The graphics appear attached to the vehicle. An interaction device activates a displayed control. | Yohann Baillot (Reston, VA) | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (Wilmington, DE) | 2007-03-08 | 2011-04-05 | G08G1/017 | 11/715339 |
| 88 | 7895946 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a target sensor configured to guide the weapon to a target. The target sensor includes a front lens configured to provide a cover to protect the target sensor from an environment and a fast fresnel lens behind the front lens to provide a multi-lens focusing system for the target sensor. In a related embodiment, the weapon includes an aft section including a tail fin having a modifiable control surface area thereby changing an aspect ratio thereof. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), Joseph Edward Tepera (Muenster, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Plano, TX) | 2007-02-15 | 2011-03-01 | F42C15/40, B64D1/04, F42B15/01, F42B10/64, F41G7/26, G02B3/08, G02B13/08 | 11/706489 |
| 89 | 7819361 | Active stabilization of a refueling drogue | A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The drogue may include an active stabilization system adapted to effectively stabilize the refueling drogue via control surfaces on the refueling drogue when the refueling drogue is placed in an airstream. | Frank Saggio, III (Grand Rapids, MI), William B. Ribbens (Ann Arbor, MI), Kean K. Ooi (Yorba Linda, CA) | General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY) | 2008-01-03 | 2010-10-26 | B64D39/00 | 11/969108 |
| 90 | 7789343 | Morphing aircraft with telescopic lifting and control surfaces | A morphing aircraft includes a lifting body and a telescopic lifting or control surface, such as a wing, coupled to the lifting body. The lifting surface is deployable between extended and retracted positions relative to the lifting body and configured such that, when disposed in the extended position, the flight characteristics of the aircraft correspond to those of a low-speed, high-lift aircraft, and when disposed in the retracted position, the flight characteristics of the air-craft correspond to those of a high-speed, low-lift aircraft, the lifting surface is disposed entirely within the lifting body, and an outboard end surface of the lifting surface blends continuously into an outer mold line surface of the lifting body. | Branko Sarh (Huntington Beach, CA), David J. File (Lawrence, KS) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2007-07-24 | 2010-09-07 | B64C3/38 | 11/782456 |
| 91 | 7770454 | Laser system and method for non-destructive bond detection and evaluation | A system for evaluating the integrity of a bonded joint in an article includes a laser configured in a laser shock processing arrangement to perform a laser shock processing treatment on the article. A beam delivery system employs an articulated arm assembly to communicate the radiant energy emitted by the laser to a process head proximate the article. The laser shock processing treatment causes the formation of shockwaves that propagate through the article, inducing internal stress wave activity that characteristically interacts with the bonded joint. A sensor detects a stress wave signature emanating from the article, which is indicative of the integrity of the bond. A detector such as a non-contact electromagnetic acoustic transducer provides a measure of the stress wave signature in the form of surface motion measurements. | David W. Sokol (Dublin, OH), Craig T. Walters (Powell, OH), Jeff L. Dulaney (Delaware, OH), Steven M. Toller (Dublin, OH) | Lsp Technologies, Inc. (Dublin, OH) | 2004-09-27 | 2010-08-10 | G01N29/04 | 10/950865 |
| 92 | 7739867 | Compact, low pressure-drop shock-driven combustor | A system for efficiently creating cyclic detonations is provided. The system includes at least a first initiator chamber configured to generate an initial wave, at least one main chamber coupled to the first initiator chamber. The main chamber is configured to generate a main wave and to output products of supersonic combustion. The products are generated within the main chamber. The main chamber is configured to enable the main wave to travel upstream and downstream within the main chamber when the first initiator chamber is located outside the main chamber. The system further includes an initial connection section located between the first initiator chamber and the main chamber that enhances a combustion process via shock focusing and shock reflection. | Ross Hartley Kenyon (Cincinnati, OH), Venkat Eswarlu Tangirala (Niskayuna, NY), Kevin Michael Hinckley (Saratoga Springs, NY), Anthony John Dean (Scotia, NY), Stephen Daniel Myers (Cincinnati, OH) | General Electric Company (Niskayuna, NY) | 2006-02-03 | 2010-06-22 | F02K5/02, F02K7/00 | 11/346714 |
| 93 | 7703327 | Apparatus and method for area limited-access through transmission ultrasonic inspection | An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include receiving probes and area transducers disposed proximate opposite surfaces of a structure under inspection. An area transducer uniformly emits ultrasonic signals over an area which may be scanned by a receiving probe without corresponding movement of the area transducer. An area transducer may be moved over the surface of the structure or repositioned to provide additional inspection area for the receiving probe to scan, including to provide for continuous inspection. Multiple area transducers may be used in sequence to provide for continuous inspection. Multiple receiving probes may be used, independently or collectively as an array, to increase inspection of a structure, taking advantage of the large area of ultrasonic signals emitted by one or more area transducers. | Gary E. Georgeson (Federal Way, WA), Michael D. Fogarty (Auburn, WA), Richard Bossi (Renton, WA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2004-09-16 | 2010-04-27 | G01N29/00, A61B8/00 | 10/943068 |
| 94 | 7690304 | Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same | A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target. | Steven D. Roemerman (Highland Village, TX), John P. Volpi (Garland, TX) | Lone Star Ip Holdings, Lp (Plano, TX) | 2006-09-29 | 2010-04-06 | F42C15/40, B64D1/04 | 11/541207 |
| 95 | 7669406 | Compact, low pressure-drop shock-driven combustor and rocket booster, pulse detonation based supersonic propulsion system employing the same | A supersonic propulsion system is provided. The supersonic propulsion system includes a plurality of systems for efficiently creating cyclic detonations and at least one rocket booster device. Each of the systems include at least a first initiator chamber configured to generate an initial wave, at least one main chamber coupled to the first initiator chamber. The main chamber is configured to generate a main wave and to output products of supersonic combustion. The products are generated within the main chamber. The main chamber is configured to enable the main wave to travel upstream and downstream within the main chamber when the first initiator chamber is located outside the main chamber. The system further includes an initial connection section located between the first initiator chamber and the main chamber that enhances a combustion process via shock focusing and shock reflection. | Venkat Eswarlu Tangirala (Niskayuna, NY), Jonathan Sebastian Janssen (Troy, NY), Anthony John Dean (Scotia, NY) | General Electric Company (Niskayuna, NY) | 2006-10-31 | 2010-03-02 | F02K5/02, F02K7/00 | 11/554897 |
| 96 | 7628356 | Yaw control device for a nozzle having a rectangular outlet section | The invention relates to a yaw control device for an aircraft fitted with a supersonic nozzle having a rectangular or flat section comprising a supersonic throat extended by a diverging portion in which supersonic flow occurs. In order to enable the aircraft to be controlled in yaw in the absence of a vertical fin, the device of the invention makes use of jet control surfaces in the form of airfoils disposed in the diverging portion of the nozzle. The control surfaces are movable about respective pivot axes in order to generate a lateral force when in a deflected position, so as to enable the aircraft to turn about its yaw axis. | Francois Buffenoir (Pessac, FR), Andre Lafond (St Medard En Jalles, FR) | Snecma Propulsion Solide (Le Haillan, FR) | 2006-06-28 | 2009-12-08 | B64C9/38, F02K1/12 | 11/476310 |
| 97 | 7610841 | System and method for enhancing the payload capacity, carriage efficiency, and adaptive flexibility of external stores mounted on an aerial vehicle | A system and method for the conversion of fuel tanks, detachably mountable on the exterior of an aerial vehicle, into high volume, high capacity, diverse functionality and aerodynamically efficient airborne stores is disclosed. A conventional external fuel drop tank is modified such that the exterior shape of the tank is substantially retained while the interior of the tank is suitable restructured to allow for the introduction of diverse airborne stores, associated airborne store mounting means, control and monitoring means and support means therein, which replace the fuel store. The airborne store is suitably interfaced to the stores control and management system of the aerial vehicle. The airborne store is integrated into a new external stores configuration The enhanced airborne store will have aerodynamic characteristics substantially similar to the original external fuel tank while its payload capacity is substantially improved. | Nir Padan (Sade Yitzhak, IL) | Nir Padan (Moshav Sade Ithak, IL) | 2002-11-21 | 2009-11-03 | F41F3/065 | 10/514757 |
| 98 | 7606411 | Robotic gesture recognition system | A gesture recognition system enabling control of a robotic device through gesture command by a user is provided, comprising a robotic unit, a video or infrared camera affixed to the robotic unit, computing means, and high and low level of control gesture recognition application code capable of enabling the system to locate points of left hand, right hand, upper torso and lower torso of the user in the video imagery and convert it to waveform data, correlate the waveform data to user command data, and form corresponding control voltage command (s) for production of electric current voltage (s) to drive one or more of the electric motors or actuators of the robotic device to thereby control same. In addition, a computer software program is provided for use in the gesture recognition system described above. | Larry Venetsky (Mount Laurel, NJ), Jeffrey W. Tieman (Leonardtown, MD) | The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of The Navy (Washington, DC) | 2006-10-05 | 2009-10-20 | G06K9/00 | 11/586750 |
| 99 | 7596951 | Exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine | An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle casing having top and bottom walls and side walls. A liner is provided within the nozzle casing to define a cooling passage. The top and bottom walls each include mutually inclined planar wall portions which meet at respective creases. The creases increase the rigidity of the top and bottom walls. In addition, the inclined wall portions cause the cooling passage to taper in the direction outwardly from the creases, so assisting in the cooling air distribution over the liner. | Ian A Mitchell (Newport, GB), Michael J Westlake (Gloucestershire, GB) | Rolls-Royce Plc (London, GB) | 2006-07-17 | 2009-10-06 | F02K1/00 | 11/487436 |
| 100 | 7587764 | Cryptic information and behavior generation for competitive environments | An invention was developed to improve the performance and survivability of units in a competitive environment. Cryptic Command, Control, and Planning, and Management increases to apparent randomness of a plan from an opponent's perspective without increasing the randomness that is apparent to friendly parties. Friendly systems each carry a keyed pseudo-random or chaotic number generating process and a known method for mapping the numbers to behavioral modifications. Since the opponent does not know the key, the sequence, or the mapping, the result from his point of view is increased randomness and degraded predictive capability. Since friendly systems know each other's key, sequence, and mapping, they can predict each other's behavior or generate compatible controls or plans. This improves coordination of friendly units while forcing the opponent to revert to reactive responses rather than maintaining predictive responses. The process is less sensitive to communications degradation than are standard methods of maintaining coordination. This is because communications are only required when elements of the situation change and when these changes are not sensed by all the parties being coordinated. | Chadwick James Cox (Chattanooga, TN) | --- | 2005-02-28 | 2009-09-08 | G06F12/14, H04L9/00 | 11/067353 |
| 101 | 7564455 | Global visualization process for personal computer platforms (GVP+) | A system and process that incorporates hardware and software as elements to be combined with procedures and processes to obtain, format, store, combine, control, display, record, and visualize dynamic scenarios by interacting with accurate, realistic models and actual events within, on, and above a three-dimensional surface to be observed or modeled. The present invention software and process is capable of displaying extremely high resolution terrain models and imagery in real time over the entire surface of the planet, as well as a large number of moving entities and their associated graphical models. These features, combined with a network application programming interface (API) , make the present invention suitable for flight simulation out-the-window displays, command and control scenarios, and mission review or rehearsal. | Walter P. Gatewood, Jr. (Lexington Park, MD), Ingi A. Ford (Great Mills, MD), Bryan M. Vandrovec (Great Mills, MD), Donald G. Mielcarek (Lexington Park, MD), David A. Kirkpatrick (Solomons, MD) | The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of The Navy (Washington, DC) | 2005-12-06 | 2009-07-21 | G06T15/00, G06F3/00, G06T17/00, G09G5/00 | 11/296723 |
| 102 | 7520466 | Gyro-stabilized air vehicle | A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air vehicle disclosed. The air vehicle can be manned or unmanned. In one embodiment, the air vehicle includes two shrouded propellers, a fuselage and a gyroscopic stabilization disk installed in the fuselage. The gyroscopic stabilization disk can be configured to provide sufficient angular momentum, by sufficient mass and/or sufficient angular velocity, such that the air vehicle is gyroscopically stabilized during various phases of flight. In one embodiment the fuselage is fixedly attached to the shrouded propellers. In another embodiment, the shrouded propellers are pivotably mounted to the fuselage. | Nicolae Bostan (Ontario, CA) | --- | 2006-03-17 | 2009-04-21 | B64C17/00 | 11/384167 |
| 103 | 7449858 | Variable-Structure diagnostics approach achieving optimized low-frequency data sampling for EMA motoring subsystem | The present invention provides a diagnostics methodology and embedded electronic system that allows optimized low-frequency data sampling for EMA motoring subsystems in an operating vehicle. Each of the EMA motoring subsystems includes: an EMA, at least one motor for driving the EMA, and power controls for operating the motor, wherein the power controls includes a DSP controller for sampling and processing data at low-frequency sampling rates. The diagnostic methodology includes a method that has the steps of: determining an operational mode of the EMA motoring subsystem, selecting a sampling rate optimized for the determined operational mode, acquiring and processing data at the selected sampling rate, and analyzing the processed data to identify and classify a fault of the EMA motoring subsystem. | Jie Chang (Newbury Park, CA), Kirby Keller (Chesterfield, MO), Anhua Wang (Thousand Oaks, CA), Jiajia Zhang (Los Angeles, CA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2006-06-05 | 2008-11-11 | G05B21/02, G05B23/02 | 11/422287 |
| 104 | 7418343 | Relative navigation for precision rendezvous and station keeping using datalink signals | A follower aircraft is guided to a lead aircraft using a datalink that determines range between the two. The lead aircraft has an antenna array and processing system for determining azimuth/elevation of the follower aircraft. The lead aircraft transmits a ranging message to the follower aircraft and stores a lead aircraft time of transmit (TOT) time. The ranging message is received at the follower aircraft and a follower aircraft time of reception (TOR) time is stored. A second ranging message is transmitted from the follower aircraft to the lead aircraft and a follower aircraft TOT time is stored. The second ranging message is received at the lead aircraft and a lead aircraft TOR is stored. A message is sent from the follower aircraft when follower aircraft TOT and TOR. The range and time offset is determined by the lead aircraft using follower aircraft TOT/TOR and stored lead aircraft TOT/TOR. | Gary A. McGraw (Cedar Rapids, IA), Robert J. Frank (Cedar Rapids, IA), Kenneth M. Peterson (Marion, IA), Richard S. Haendel (Iowa City, IA), Scott J. F. Zogg (Cedar Rapids, IA) | Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Cedar Rapids, IA) | 2004-05-19 | 2008-08-26 | G01S1/08 | 10/848708 |
| 105 | 7404530 | Control of a drogue body | A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The refueling drogue may include an active control system, wherein, in an exemplary embodiment, the active control system is adapted to regulate the position of the drogue to maintain a substantially fixed orientation relative to a refueling aircraft. | Frank Saggio, III (Grand Rapids, MI), William B. Ribbens (Annearbour, MI), Kean K. Ooi (Yorba Linda, CA) | Smiths Aerospace Llc (N/A) | 2007-10-01 | 2008-07-29 | B64D37/00 | 11/905479 |
| 106 | 7395714 | Magnetically attracted inspecting apparatus and method using a ball bearing | An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate the opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes include ball bearings such as ball and socket bearings for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. A fluid, such as water or pressurized air, may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the structure. A water column skirt may be used to with a probe employing ball bearings for support. | Gary E. Georgeson (Federal Way, WA), Michael D. Fogarty (Auburn, WA), Daniel J. Wright (Mercer Island, WA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2004-09-16 | 2008-07-08 | G01N9/24 | 10/943088 |
| 107 | 7395657 | Flade gas turbine engine with fixed geometry inlet | An aircraft propulsion system includes a gas turbine engine having a fan section, at least one row of FLADE fan blades disposed radially outwardly of and drivingly connected to the fan section, the row of FLADE fan blades radially extending across a FLADE duct circumscribing the fan section, an engine inlet including a fan inlet to the fan section and an annular FLADE inlet to the FLADE duct. A fixed geometry inlet duct is in direct flow communication with the engine inlet. The fan section may include only a single direction of rotation fan or alternatively axially spaced apart first and second counter-rotatable fans in which the FLADE fan blades are drivingly connected to one of the first and second counter-rotatable fans. The row of FLADE fan blades may be disposed between rows of variable first and second FLADE vanes. | James Edward Johnson (Hamilton, OH) | General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY) | 2003-10-20 | 2008-07-08 | F02K3/00, F02K3/072 | 10/689289 |
| 108 | 7377468 | Active stabilization of a refueling drogue | A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The drogue may include an active stabilization system adapted to effectively stabilize the refueling drogue via control surfaces on the refueling drogue when the refueling drogue is placed in an airstream. | Frank Saggio, III (Grand Rapids, MI), William B. Ribbens (Ann Arbor, MI), Kean K. Ooi (Yorba Linda, CA) | Smiths Aerospace Llc (Grand Rapids, MI) | 2004-05-21 | 2008-05-27 | B64D39/00 | 10/849927 |
| 109 | 7333050 | Radio frequency signature augmentation system | Systems and methods are provided for simulating a target platform. An incoming radar signal is transmitted from a radar source and is received at a first platform. Time of the received radar signal is modulated to generate first and second range extent signals. The first range extent signal is vector modulated, and the second range extent signal is divided into a plurality of divided second range extent signals. A first of the plurality of divided second range extent signals is phase modulated. A second of the plurality of divided second range extent signals is amplitude modulated. The modulated signals are transmitted from the first platform. | Kosal Svy (Covington, WA), George A. Eastman (Renton, WA), James D. Lee (Bonney Lake, WA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2005-03-01 | 2008-02-19 | G01S7/40 | 11/070690 |
| 110 | 7320249 | Magnetically attracted inspecting apparatus and method using a fluid bearing | An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes may include a fluid bearing, such as a water bearing or an air bearing, for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. The fluid of a fluid bearing may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and a structure. A flow moderating skirt may be used to with a probe employing a fluid bearing for support. | Gary E. Georgeson (Federal Way, WA), Michael D. Fogarty (Auburn, WA), Stanley W. Richardson (Lake Stevens, WA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2004-09-16 | 2008-01-22 | G01N9/24 | 10/943135 |
| 111 | 7304607 | Microwave self-phasing antenna arrays for secure data transmission and satellite network crosslinks | A high-directivity transponder system uses a dual system of a retrodirective array transmitting a data signal peak toward an interrogator source, and a self-null-steering array transmitting a null toward the interrogator source and a jamming signal elsewhere, resulting in high S/N reception at the interrogator source and avoidance of interception. Integrating modulators would allow each array to transmit different data while the spectra of the transmitted signals are identical, thus disabling interception. The system enables secure point-to-point communications and can be used for short-distance wireless data transmission systems such as wireless LAN and RFID servers. One mobile may send a broadcast interrogator signal, causing the other mobile devices to send a reply signal back to the interrogating mobile device only in the direction of the interrogating mobile device, such that each of the other mobile devices identifies its position to only the interrogating mobile device in response to its broadcast interrogator signal. As another aspect, self-steering signal transmission is employed for randomly oriented satellites using circularly polarized, two-dimensional retrodirective arrays. Quadruple subharmonic mixing is used as an effective means of achieving phase conjugation when a high-frequency LO is not feasible or inapplicable. These features may be used for small-satellite communications, secure tactical communications, search and rescue, enemy location fixing and tracking, UAV command and control, forest fire detection, marine-based tracking, and many other applications requiring secure communications with high signal directivity. | Ryan Y. Miyamoto (Honolulu, HI), Wayne A. Shiroma (Kaneohe, HI), Grant S. Shiroma (Hilo, HI), Blaine T. Murakami (Mililani, HI), Aaron Ohta (Honolulu, HI), Michael Tamamoto (Mililani, HI) | University of Hawai'i (Honolulu, HI) | 2005-12-06 | 2007-12-04 | H01Q1/00, G01S3/02, G01S7/36, H04K3/00 | 11/296240 |
| 112 | 7275718 | Active control of a drogue body | A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The refueling drogue may include an active control system, wherein, in an exemplary embodiment, the active control system is adapted to regulate the position of the drogue to maintain a substantially fixed orientation relative to a refueling aircraft. | Frank Saggio, III (Grand Rapids, MI), William B. Ribbens (Ann Arbor, MI), Kean K. Ooi (Yorba Linda, CA) | Smiths Aerospace Llc (Grand Rapids, MI) | 2004-07-15 | 2007-10-02 | B64D39/00 | 10/891510 |
| 113 | 7239311 | Global visualization process (GVP) and system for implementing a GVP | A system and process that incorporates hardware and software as elements to be combined with procedures and processes to obtain, format, store, combine, control, display, record, and visualize dynamic scenarios by interacting with accurate, realistic models and actual events within, on, and above a three-dimensional surface to be observed or modeled. One application provides a user-manipulated large-scale dynamic display of systems testing in a real world environment for real time visualization by test personnel. The Global Visualization Process (GVP) system is an integrated software solution for high-performance visualization. GVP software and process is capable of displaying extremely high resolution terrain models and imagery in real time over the entire surface of the planet, as well as a large number of moving entities and their associated graphical models. The system can display imagery at 2 cm/pixel, and infinitely detailed terrain in real time over the whole surface of a planet. All displayed data is referenced to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84) ellipsoid for true round-earth effects, and can be rendered in correct asymmetric stereo. These features, combined with a network application progamming interface (API) , make GVP suitable for flight simulation out-the-window displays, command and control scenarios, and mission review or rehearsal. | Richard S. Dunn (Hollywood, MD), Walter P. Gatewood, Jr. (Lexington Park, MD), Wayne Erchak (San Mateo, CA), Donald Jackson (Lexington Park, MD), Christopher S. Allport (Lexington Park, MD), Joseph A. Hamilton (Friendswood, TX) | The United States Government As Represented By The Secretary of The Navy (Washington, DC) | 2002-09-26 | 2007-07-03 | G06T15/00, G06T17/00 | 10/255413 |
| 114 | 7228741 | Alignment compensator for magnetically attracted inspecting apparatus and method | An apparatus and method aligning magnetically coupled inspection probes are provided. In this regard, a tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. An alignment compensator for magnetically coupled inspection probes offsets misalignments between a driven probe and a tracking probe. Misalignments between magnetically coupled probes may be caused by gravity, friction, and movement of the probes. An alignment compensator may use one or more magnets, or electromagnets, to improve the alignment of the probes. An alignment compensator may include a control system for adjusting the power to an electromagnet or repositioning a magnet to offset misalignment of probes. | Gary E. Georgeson (Federal Way, WA), Michael D. Fogarty (Auburn, WA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2004-09-16 | 2007-06-12 | G01N9/24 | 10/943170 |
| 115 | 7228227 | Bezier curve flightpath guidance using moving waypoints | A flightpath guidance system and method is disclosed for using moving waypoints for a curved route plan such as a Bezier curve. The actual location of a vehicle and a leading target point along the path are used to provide commanded guidance of the vehicle along the path and to correct for disturbances from the intended route. Waypoints along the path may be moving with respect to the reference frame in which the vehicle is measured. Curved flightpath guidance using moving waypoints may be used for aerial rendezvous and refueling, multiple vehicle applications such as formation flying and battlefield formation grouping, and carrier landing. Further application includes air traffic control and commercial flight guidance systems. | Thomas E. Speer (Des Moines, WA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2004-07-07 | 2007-06-05 | G01C21/00 | 10/885809 |
| 116 | 7211982 | Variable-structure diagnostics approach achieving optimized low-frequency data sampling for EMA motoring subsystem | The present invention provides a diagnostics methodology and embedded electronic system that allows optimized low-frequency data sampling for EMA motoring subsystems in an operating vehicle. Each of the EMA motoring subsystems includes: an EMA, at least one motor for driving the EMA, and power controls for operating the motor, wherein the power controls includes a DSP controller for sampling and processing data at low-frequency sampling rates. The diagnostic methodology includes a method that has the steps of: determining an operational mode of the EMA motoring subsystem, selecting a sampling rate optimized for the determined operational mode, acquiring and processing data at the selected sampling rate, and analyzing the processed data to identify and classify a fault of the EMA motoring subsystem. | Jie Chang (Newbury Park, CA), Kirby Keller (Chesterfield, MO), Anhua Wang (Thousand Oaks, CA), Jiajia Zhang (Los Angeles, CA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2006-06-05 | 2007-05-01 | G05B21/02 | 11/422271 |
| 117 | 7081729 | Variable-structure diagnostics approach achieving optimized low-frequency data sampling for EMA motoring subsystem | The present invention provides a diagnostics methodology and embedded electronic system that allows optimized low-frequency data sampling for EMA motoring subsystems in an operating vehicle. Each of the EMA motoring subsystems includes: an EMA, at least one motor for driving the EMA, and power controls for operating the motor, wherein the power controls includes a DSP controller for sampling and processing data at low-frequency sampling rates. The diagnostic methodology includes a method that has the steps of: determining an operational mode of the EMA motoring subsystem, selecting a sampling rate optimized for the determined operational mode, acquiring and processing data at the selected sampling rate, and analyzing the processed data to identify and classify a fault of the EMA motoring subsystem. | Jie Chang (Newbury Park, CA), Kirby Keller (Chesterfield, MO), Anhua Wang (Thousand Oaks, CA), Jiajia Zhang (Los Angeles, CA) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2004-03-23 | 2006-07-25 | G05B23/02 | 10/807645 |
| 118 | 7055541 | Method and mechanism for producing suction and periodic excitation flow | A method and mechanism of producing a suction and periodic excitation flow. The method includes providing fluid flow from jet port with diameter dl at a controlled input pressure (Pin) , directing the flow to a conduit with diameter d2, >,d1, allowing additional fluid to join the flow through suction slot (s) to create an amplified flow in the conduit, further directing the amplified flow in a first direction by applying a transverse pressure differential, further redirecting the amplified flow in another direction by modifying an angle by which the transverse pressure differential is applied and iteratively repeating the further directing and further redirecting so that the amplified flow oscillates between the directions. The suction and periodic excitation flows may be employed, for example, to effectively control boundary layer separation. A mechanism for automated performance of the method is also disclosed. | Avraham Seifert (Tel Aviv, IL), Shlomo Pastuer (Haifa, IL) | Ramot At Tel-Aviv University Ltd. (Tel Aviv, IL) | 2004-09-07 | 2006-06-06 | F17D1/18, F15C1/08 | 10/934434 |
| 119 | 7006039 | Microwave self-phasing antenna arrays for secure data transmission & satellite network crosslinks | A high-directivity transponder system uses a dual system of a retrodirective array transmitting a data signal peak toward an interrogator source, and a self-null-steering array transmitting a null toward the interrogator source and a jamming signal elsewhere, resulting in high S/N reception at the interrogator source and avoidance of interception. Integrating modulators would allow each array to transmit different data while the spectra of the transmitted signals are identical, thus disabling interception. The system enables secure point-to-point communications and can be used for short-distance wireless data transmission systems such as wireless LAN and RFID servers. As another aspect, self-steering signal transmission is employed for randomly oriented satellites using circularly polarized, two-dimensional retrodirective arrays. Quadruple subharmonic mixing is used as an effective means of achieving phase conjugation when a high-frequency LO is not feasible or inapplicable. These features may be used for small-satellite communications, secure tactical communications, search and rescue, enemy location fixing and tracking, UAV command and control, forest fire detection, marine-based tracking, and many other applications requiring secure communications with high signal directivity. | Ryan Y. Miyamoto (Honolulu, HI), Wayne A. Shiroma (Kaneohe, HI), Grant S. Shiroma (Hilo, HI), Blaine T. Murakami (Mililani, HI), Aaron Ohta (Honolulu, HI), Michael Tamamoto (Mililani, HI) | University of Hawaii (Honolulu, HI) | 2004-08-04 | 2006-02-28 | G01S3/16, H01Q1/00 | 10/911928 |
| 120 | 6994294 | Stabilization of a drogue body | A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The drogue may include a rotatable mass adapted to effectively stabilize the refueling drogue via a gyroscopic effect of the rotating mass on the refueling drogue when the refueling drogue is placed in an airstream. | Frank Saggio, III (Grand Rapids, MI), William B. Ribbens (Ann Arbor, MI), Kean K. Ooi (Yorba Linda, CA) | Smiths Aerospace, Inc. (Grand Rapids, MI) | 2003-10-31 | 2006-02-07 | B64D39/00 | 10/697564 |
| 121 | 6961171 | Phase conjugate relay mirror apparatus for high energy laser system and method | A system for directing electromagnetic energy. The inventive system includes a first subsystem mounted on a first platform for transmitting a beam of the electromagnetic energy through a medium and a second subsystem mounted on a second platform for redirecting the beam. In accordance with the invention, the second platform is mobile relative to the first platform. In the illustrative embodiment, the beam is a high-energy laser beam. The first subsystem includes a phase conjugate mirror in optical alignment with a laser amplifier. The first subsystem further includes a beam director in optical alignment with the amplifier and a platform track sensor coupled thereto. In the illustrative embodiment, the second subsystem includes a co-aligned master oscillator, outcoupler, and target track sensor which are fixedly mounted to a stabilized platform, a beam director, and a platform track sensor. In the best mode, the stable platform is mounted for independent articulation relative to the beam director. A first alternative embodiment of the second subsystem includes first and second beam directors. The first beam director is adapted to receive the transmitted beam and the second beam director is adapted to redirect the received beam. In accordance with a second alternative embodiment, an optical fiber is provided for coupling the beam between the first platform and the second platform. | Robert W. Byren (Manhattan Beach, CA), David Filgas (Newbury Park, CA) | Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA) | 2002-10-17 | 2005-11-01 | H01S3/00, H01S003/00 | 10/272778 |
| 122 | 6961070 | Method to graphically represent weapon effectiveness footprint | The invention is a method for augmenting images with the predicted effectiveness of ordinance deployed or dropped at a specific aim point. The method uses JMEM data to calculate the predicted effectiveness of a selected weapon over an area surrounding the aimpoint and calculates the parameters for a graphical representation of the numerical results. Predicted effectiveness is displayed onto an overhead or perspective view image by overlaying with a series of ellipses, a variable color area, a variable transparency area, or some combination of the three. | Richard Wade Madison (Mission Viejo, CA), John Franklin Ebersole, Jr. (Bedford, NH), John Franklin Ebersole (Bedford, NH) | Information Decision Technologies, Llc (Bedford, NH) | 2002-04-16 | 2005-11-01 | A63B67/00, F41J9/00, F41J9/14, G09G5/00, G09G005/00, A63B067/00, F41J009/14 | 10/123316 |
| 123 | 6889123 | System and method for target tracking and navigation to a target | A system, method and computer program product for performing automatic navigation of a first aircraft to a second aircraft is provided. The system includes a radar system, a processor, memory, and a flight control system. The radar system generates a one-dimensional radar profile of the second aircraft. The processor determines flight information of the second aircraft based on the generated one-dimensional radar profile and one-dimensional radar profiles stored in the memory. The flight control system automatically directs the first aircraft based on the determined flight information of the second aircraft. In one embodiment, the first aircraft is an unmanned airborne vehicle and the second aircraft is a tanker aircraft. In another embodiment, the radar system may include a high-range resolution radar. | Peter S. Wittenberg (Creve Coeur, MO) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2003-08-08 | 2005-05-03 | G05D1/00, G06F17/00, G05D001/00 | 10/638146 |
| 124 | 6871123 | System and method allowing for an integrated flight loads balancing process | A system allowing for an integrated flight loads balancing process at one or more time instances of a flight maneuver of an aircraft includes a processor and a plurality of resources. Additionally, the system includes a resource integration program that is executable by the processor. Upon execution by the processor, the resource integration program operates to integrate the plurality of resources so that the integrated resources are accessible to the system while balancing the flight loads at the one or more time instances. | Bruce Shimel (O'Fallon, MO) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2004-01-20 | 2005-03-22 | B64C13/00, B64C13/16, G06F007/00, B64C011/34 | 10/761102 |
| 125 | 6806821 | Apparatus and method for rapid detection of objects with time domain impulsive signals | A method and system are disclosed for detecting objects of interest in a target area using ultra wide band (UWB) RF signals. A transmitter and antenna array generate ultra wide band RF impulsive signals that are used to probe a target area that may include an object of interest. An antenna and a signal processor receive return signals from the target area and process the return signal to generate a set of coordinates. The coordinates of the processed return signals are compared to coordinates of known objects in a pre-existing database to determine whether there is a match between the return signal and a known object. When there is an indication of a match, the existence of the known object is displayed to an operator of the system. | Donald P. McLemore (Albuquerque, NM) | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (Wilmington, DE) | 2003-03-12 | 2004-10-19 | G01S13/00, G01S7/02, G01S7/41, G01S13/02, G01S13/04, G01S013/04, G01S013/88 | 10/385629 |
| 126 | 6804607 | Collision avoidance system and method utilizing variable surveillance envelope | A collision avoidance sense and avoid capability for an aircraft or other vehicle that monitors a sphere or other safety zone/cocoon about the vehicle. A light-detecting camera or other sensor receives a signal return if any object enters the safety cocoon. Once an object is detected in the cocoon, a signal is sent to the onboard sense and avoid computer and corrective action is taken. The system is capable of autonomous operation, and is self-contained and does not require additional hardware installations on target vehicles. The size and shape of the safety cocoon monitored by the sensors adjusts according to the speed and motion vectors of the aircraft or other vehicle, so as to maximize efficient use of sensor capabilities and minimize the size, cost and power requirements of the system. | Derek Wood (Woodinville, WA) | --- | 2002-04-17 | 2004-10-12 | G01S17/93, G01S3/784, G01S17/02, G01S3/78, G01S17/00, G01S7/00, G01S001/00 | 10/125918 |
| 127 | 6784838 | Beamformer for multi-beam receive antenna | A phased array antenna system that is operative to simultaneously form multiple beams without requiring an undue amount of hardware. The system collects propagating energy with a number of antenna elements to form multiple beams, encodes the beams as the energy is collected, combines the encoded beams, and then decodes the combined signal to separate the beams. In this way, the beams can be formed with a single set of antenna hardware instead of requiring a multiplicity of antenna hardware, one for each beam. Frequency coding may be implemented by repeatedly applying a Doppler phase shift to each beam, and then using a Doppler filter to separate the beams. Alternatively, a code division multiplexing technique may be implemented by using a CDMA code generator to apply a code to each beam, and then using a CDMA filter to separate the beams. | James M. Howell (Woodstock, GA) | Ems Technologies, Inc. (Norcross, GA) | 2002-11-08 | 2004-08-31 | H01Q25/00, H04B7/08, H01Q003/00 | 10/290996 |
| 128 | 6754566 | System and method allowing for an integrated flight loads balancing process | A system allowing for an integrated flight loads balancing process at one or more time instances of a flight maneuver of an aircraft includes a processor and a plurality of resources. Additionally, the system includes a resource integration program that is executable by the processor. Upon execution by the processor, the resource integration program operates to integrate the plurality of resources so that the integrated resources are accessible to the system while balancing the flight loads at the one or more time instances. | Bruce Shimel (O'Fallon, MO) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2002-06-26 | 2004-06-22 | B64C13/00, B64C13/16, G06F007/00 | 10/180446 |
| 129 | 6669145 | Apparatus, method and system for fluid-motion-powered modulation of a retroreflector for remote position sensing | A fluid-motion-powered modulated reflector apparatus is provided that modulates the frequency of a reflected radiation signal. Passing the apparatus through a fluid such as air causes rotational velocity of a chopping wheel or, in some instances, a polarizing filter rotatably connected to propeller blades. The radiation signal is modulated by the blocking effect of a chopping wheel or a fixed polarizing filter and a rotating polarizing filter. The apparatus also can include a frequency selector to control the rotational velocity of the chopping wheel or rotatable polarizing filter. A fluid-motion-powered modulated reflector system may include an array of fluid-motion-powered modulated reflectors, each differently modulated by a frequency selector to allow a position sensor, such as a duo-lateral photodiode position sensing detector, and position determining system, to locate and determine the position of each individual retroreflector simultaneously. This system can be used for aerial refueling of unmanned combat air vehicles. | Samuel I. Green (St. Louis, MO) | The Boeing Company (Chicago, IL) | 2002-12-30 | 2003-12-30 | B64D39/00, G01S17/74, G01S17/00, G02B5/122, G02B5/12, G01S5/16, G01S5/00, G01C003/00, B64D039/00 | 10/331810 |
| 130 | 6668950 | Omni-directional munitions handling vehicle | A munitions handling vehicle is adapted for loading and unloading weapons in military aircraft. The munitions handling vehicle includes a vehicle chassis and a plurality of wheel axles attached to the chassis. A plurality of omni wheels are mounted on respective wheel axles, and cooperate to induce omni-directional movement of the vehicle. A mechanical lift is supported by the vehicle chassis. A munitions carrier is secured to a top end of the lift, and is movable upon actuation of the lift between a weapons-transport position and an aircraft-access position. In the weapons-transport position, the lift is sufficiently retracted adjacent the vehicle chassis to facilitate transport of weapons in the carrier to and from the aircraft. In the aircraft-access position, the lift is sufficiently extended to enable precision loading and unloading of weapons in the aircraft without repositioning or reconfiguring the aircraft. | Andrew D. Park (Midlothian, VA) | --- | 2002-05-09 | 2003-12-30 | B60B19/12, B64F5/00, B60P1/02, B62D011/04, B62D057/00 | 10/142215 |
