James A Macdougall

US Patent:

7107131, Sep 12, 2006

Filed:

Mar 5, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/794662

Inventors:

James MacDougall - Scottsdale AZ, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International, Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

B64C 23/00
G01C 1/00

US Classification:

701 3, 701 13, 701 33, 2441581, 477 20

Abstract:

The invention provides methods, systems, and products for communicating between engine computers without the participation of a flight deck computer. The invention allows the engine computers to coordinate activities for real-time control of the engines for improved efficiency using an existing ARINC 429 communications bus. The invention facilitates cross-engine communications over the same ARINC 429 communications bus used for communicating with the Flight Deck Computer, without installation of a second, dedicated communications bus for cross-engine communications. The invention thus provides a cost effective way to allow the engines to coordinate activities without expensive installation and recertification of airframe modifications.

US Patent:

20050194494, Sep 8, 2005

Filed:

Mar 5, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/794471

Inventors:

James MacDougall - Scottsdale AZ, US

International Classification:

B64C017/00

US Classification:

24407600R

Abstract:

A system and method are provided for controlling the power setting of an aircraft engine when the current height-above-terrain (HAT) value Hc is less then a predetermined minimum H(min). The system includes a ground proximity unit (GPU) for measuring Hc, one or more sensors coupled to the engine for detecting an out-of-range operating condition of the engine, an engine control unit (ECU) coupled to the GPU and the one or more sensors and the engine, for controlling operation of the engine in response to Hc, H(min) and the engine operating values. When the one or more sensors detects an out-of-range operating condition normally curable by reducing the engine power setting, the ECU is prevented from automatically reducing the power setting of the engine if Hc