David W Lloyd

US Patent:

6513758, Feb 4, 2003

Filed:

Aug 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/644226

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - Manhattan Beach CA

Assignee:

Hughes Electronics Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

B64C 100

US Classification:

2441291, 244 75 R, 342359, 342354, 343713, 343705, 343706

Abstract:

A method and system for controlling a movable appendage on an aerospace vehicle independent from the position of the aerospace vehicle. First and second beacons containing actual position information for the movable appendage are tracked and acquired by first and second beacon tracking sites. The beacon tracking sites report the azimuth and elevation data relating to the position of the movable appendage to a processor where a correction command is determined based on an error calculated from the position data and a desired position. The correction command is communicated to the movable appendage so that appropriate correction to the desired position can be made.

US Patent:

6631871, Oct 14, 2003

Filed:

Sep 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/253979

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - Manhattan Beach CA

Assignee:

Hughes Electronics Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

B64C 100

US Classification:

2441291, 244 75 R, 342359, 342354, 342713, 342705, 342706

Abstract:

A method and system for controlling a movable appendage on an aerospace vehicle independent from the position of the aerospace vehicle. First and second beacons containing actual position information for the movable appendage are tracked and acquired by first and second beacon tracking sites. The beacon tracking sites report the azimuth and elevation data relating to the position of the movable appendage to a processor where a correction command is determined based on an error calculated from the position data and a desired position. The correction command is communicated to the movable appendage so that appropriate correction to the desired position can be made.

US Patent:

6792212, Sep 14, 2004

Filed:

Jul 13, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/352386

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - Manhattan Beach CA
Alexander Mihich - Manhattan Beach CA
William D. Lemke - Torrance CA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H04B 1000

US Classification:

398124, 244158 R, 398121, 398122, 701 13

Abstract:

A spacecraft data acquisition system comprises a telemetry and command controller, a payload unit, and a bi-directional interface that couples the telemetry and command controller to the payload unit. The interface is a single bi-directional interface that is used to reduce the complexity of the spacecraft. The transmission of information over the interface has a predetermined protocol so that the telemetry and command controller and payload unit may effectively use the single interface.

US Patent:

6929220, Aug 16, 2005

Filed:

Jun 18, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/464950

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - Manhattan Beach CA, US

Assignee:

The DIRECTV Group, Inc. - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

B64C001/00

US Classification:

2441291, 244 75 R, 342354, 342358, 455427, 455430

Abstract:

A method and system for controlling a movable appendage on an aerospace vehicle independent from the position of the aerospace vehicle. First and second beacons containing actual position information for the movable appendage are tracked and acquired by first and second beacon tracking sites. The beacon tracking sites report the azimuth and elevation data relating to the position of the movable appendage to a processor where a correction command is determined based on an error calculated from the position data and a desired position. The correction command is communicated to the movable appendage so that appropriate correction to the desired position can be made.

US Patent:

7055435, Jun 6, 2006

Filed:

May 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/442373

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - Manhattan Beach CA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

F42C 21/00

US Classification:

102206, 102217, 102218

Abstract:

An improved spacecraft ordnance system includes a plurality of squibs each connected with a resistor having a squib unique resistance value and a driver unit including built-in test circuitry. Ordnance harness cables connect the squibs with the driver unit. The resistors enable squib identification. The built-in test circuitry enables unambiguous verification of correct connection of each squib with the driver unit. The built-in test circuitry includes a low-impedance multiplexer for selecting a driver line for monitoring, a precision current source for providing a relatively low current to a selected output of the driver unit producing a voltage proportional to the total resistance from signal to ground, and a analog/digital converter for digitizing the voltage and reporting the result to a computer for comparison to predicted values using a telemetry interface and therefore identifying the selected squib. An EMI-tight adapter housing the squib-specific resistor may be attached to the squib.

US Patent:

7195204, Mar 27, 2007

Filed:

Jun 3, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/144976

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - Manhattan Beach CA, US

Assignee:

The DirecTV Group, Inc. - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

B64C 1/00

US Classification:

2441291

Abstract:

A method and system for controlling a movable appendage on an aerospace vehicle independent from the position of the aerospace vehicle. First and second beacons containing actual position information for the movable appendage are tracked and acquired by first and second beacon tracking sites. The beacon tracking sites report the azimuth and elevation data relating to the position of the movable appendage to a processor where a correction command is determined based on an error calculated from the position data and a desired position. The correction command is communicated to the movable appendage so that appropriate correction to the desired position can be made.

US Patent:

7626285, Dec 1, 2009

Filed:

Jul 10, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/775595

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - South Pasadena CA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B23K 11/24
H02B 1/24

US Classification:

307112

Abstract:

The position of an RF switch, or switches, in a matrix switch drive system is monitored using AC rather than DC measurement techniques. Using the same wiring as the matrix switch drive system so as not to increase the size and weight of the switch installation, a low current AC signal is provided during non-actuation of the RF switch(es) to each of plural combinations of a capacitor and a microswitch serially connected across each switch coil. With the capacitor and switch coil exhibiting inverse impedance responses to increasing AC frequency, when the microswitch is open only the coil impedance is read and when the microswitch is closed only the capacitor impedance is read. Using a switch coil with an inductance of 1 henry and a capacitor with a capacitance of 0. 1 farads, the difference in impedance between the microswitch ON and OFF states is an easily detectable two orders of magnitude.

US Patent:

8437640, May 7, 2013

Filed:

Feb 19, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/388786

Inventors:

David W. Lloyd - Redondo Beach CA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H04B 10/00

US Classification:

398130, 398128, 398118, 398164

Abstract:

An apparatus comprises a housing, a bearing member, and a transmission system. The housing has a channel in communication with an opening at a first end of the housing and a first surface at a second end of the housing. The first surface is substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis through the channel. The bearing member is capable of rotating in the channel around the rotation axis. The bearing member has a second surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and substantially parallel to the first surface. The transmission system is coupled to the first surface and the second surface. The transmission system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmission system is capable of emitting an electromagnetic radiation in a beam that is capable of being received by the receiver, while a rotation occurs between the transmitter and the receiver about the rotation axis.