Michael Patrick O'Hagan

US Patent:

45477787, Oct 15, 1985

Filed:

Jun 9, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/271915

Inventors:

Robert W. Hinkle - Dallas TX
Michael O'Hagan - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G01S 302

US Classification:

343456

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining the position of a vessel in distress and transmitting an auditory distress message containing the position of the vessel. The apparatus obtains the position of the vessel as determined by a LORAN-C type receiver from either a cassette or directly from the LORAN-C receiver and generates a "Mayday" message including the identification of a vessel, the position of the vessel and the nature of the emergency. The "Mayday" message is synthesized into an auditory human or Morse code message. The language of the auditory message is preferably chosen to correspond with the most likely language used by a possible receiver of the "Mayday" message. Also preferably, the apparatus determines whether the primary distress radio frequency is clear; should the primary distress frequency be in use, the apparatus automatically shifts to a secondary frequency and transmits the "Mayday" message. During transmission on the secondary frequency the apparatus continues to monitor primary frequency; when the primary frequency clears, the "Mayday" message is transmitted thereon.

US Patent:

42778271, Jul 7, 1981

Filed:

Jan 2, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/000615

Inventors:

George M. Carlson - Sugarland TX
Michael O'Hagan - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G06F 900
G06F 1502
G06F 1520

US Classification:

364200

Abstract:

A microprocessor based system for both creating and emulating control read only memories (CROM) for use in conjunction with programmable calculators and the like. The development system operates as two independent yet integrated systems. The system generates programmable calculator key codes from source code entered via a system computer keyboard, then maps the code into the system's read/write random access memory in the proper CROM format, and generates a gate placement tape from data stored in that memory. Additionally, the system emulates a CROM for real time interconnection to the programmable calculator. Thus, actual in calculator testing of the generated key codes is made possible prior to commitment of the code to mask and permanent manufactured CROMS.