Donald L Graham

US Patent:

43251234, Apr 13, 1982

Filed:

Jul 28, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/929011

Inventors:

Donald A. Graham - Redmond WA
Delwin R. Hoffman - Kirkland WA
Peter M. Morton - Redmond WA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G06F 1550

US Classification:

36443107

Abstract:

An avionic system for producing the most economical engine thrust and airspeed settings in readily usable form during a jet aircraft flight is disclosed. The pilot inserts: the elevation of the destination airport; the zero fuel weight of the aircraft; the reserve fuel needed for the flight; the outside air temperature at the departure airport; and, a flight index number. The flight index number represents a chosen relationship between fuel costs and trip time-related costs. The system also receives data from various aircraft subsystems and sensors and uses the information it receives, and stored information, to produce signals representing the most economical engine thrust setting and airspeed for the phases of a flight. The thrust setting and airspeed signals drive bugs on thrust and airspeed indicators and/or used to control autothrottle/autopilot systems. The throttles and pitch attitude of the aircraft are controlled so that the indicator readings "track" the bug positions to cause the aircraft to follow the most economical flight path based on the chosen flight index number.

US Patent:

59008270, May 4, 1999

Filed:

May 6, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/058612

Inventors:

Donald A. Graham - Redmond WA
Randall P. Robertson - Bellevue WA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G08B 2300

US Classification:

340963

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for measuring the alertness level of the flight crew of an aircraft and raising it when necessary. The system also detects departures from the planned flight profile and provides aural warning.

US Patent:

48112305, Mar 7, 1989

Filed:

Aug 15, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/897141

Inventors:

Donald A. Graham - Redmond WA
Thomas E. Edmonds - Bellevue WA

Assignee:

Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G06F 1550

US Classification:

364428

Abstract:

An Intervention Flight Management System (IFMS) that allows a pilot to intervene in the operation of a preprogrammed flight management computer and change the speed and/or flight path of an airplane in response to air traffic control (ATC) instructions is disclosed. The IFMS includes an IFMS control panel via which the pilot interfaces with an IFMS program. The IFMS program includes intervention subroutines that override the preprogrammed instructions that control the flight management computer. The intervention subroutines include a lateral (direction) control subroutine and several vertical subroutines. The vertical subroutines include altitude, speed and vertical path subroutines. The intervention subroutines can be engaged independently of one another. Control axes unrelated to an engaged intervention subroutine remain under the control of the preprogrammed flight management computer instructions.

US Patent:

52433390, Sep 7, 1993

Filed:

Apr 17, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/510377

Inventors:

Donald A. Graham - Redmond WA
Randall P. Robertson - Bellevue WA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340945

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for measuring the alertness level of the flight crew of an aircraft and raising it when necessary. The system also detects departures from the planned flight profile and provides aural warning.