Garrett H Pitcher

US Patent:

20180016026, Jan 18, 2018

Filed:

Jul 11, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/646772

Inventors:

- Stratford CT, US
Cauvin Polycarpe - Middletown CT, US
Garrett Pitcher - Cheshire CT, US
George Nicholas Loussides - West Haven CT, US

International Classification:

B64D 39/06
G05D 1/10

Abstract:

A system and method for refueling an aircraft during flight is disclosed. A sensor measures a spatial parameter of a probe of the aircraft and of a drogue that provides fuel. A processor predicts a relative position of the probe and drogue from the spatial parameter, calculates a flight trajectory that mates the probe with the drogue based on the predicted relative position of the probe and drogue, and provides a command to the flight control system to fly the aircraft along the flight trajectory to mate the probe with the drogue. When the probe is mated to the drogue, the aircraft is refueled via the connection.

US Patent:

20170283078, Oct 5, 2017

Filed:

Mar 28, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/471700

Inventors:

- Stratford CT, US
Sean S. Carlson - New Milford CT, US
Garrett Pitcher - Cheshire CT, US

International Classification:

B64D 15/22
G01S 7/497
B64D 45/00

Abstract:

A system for detecting icing includes an optical sensor configured to view at least a portion of an exterior surface or component of an aircraft and to output sensor data indicating at least one optical quality of the exterior surface or component, and an icing detection module. The icing detection module is configured to receive the sensor data from the optical sensor, compare the sensor data to predetermined quality data indicating at least one known optical quality of the exterior surface or component without icing, and determine the presence of icing on the exterior surface or component based on a difference between the sensor data and the predetermined quality data.

US Patent:

20170284795, Oct 5, 2017

Filed:

Mar 30, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/085157

Inventors:

- Stratford CT, US
Cauvin Polycarpe - Middletown CT, US
George N. Loussides - Branford CT, US
Garrett Pitcher - Cheshire CT, US

International Classification:

G01B 11/26
B64C 17/00
G05D 1/02
B64D 45/00
B64C 27/04
G06T 7/00
B64D 1/22
B64D 9/00

Abstract:

A method of determining cable angle includes acquiring image data of a cable and a load coupled to a rotorcraft using three-dimensional (3D) spatial perception system, constructing an image of the cable and load using the image data, and determining the angle of the cable relative to the external load at an interface of the cable and external load based on the image.

US Patent:

20160261989, Sep 8, 2016

Filed:

Mar 1, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/057523

Inventors:

- Stratford CT, US
Garrett Pitcher - Cheshire CT, US

International Classification:

H04W 4/02
B64C 39/02
G01S 5/02

Abstract:

A method of predictive targeting of a directional antenna is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of state information at a directional antenna control system from a mobile communication node, where the state information includes a position and a trajectory of the mobile communication node. The directional antenna control system logs the state information as a last known position and a last known trajectory of the mobile communication node. An estimated future position of the mobile communication node is determined based on the last known position, the last known trajectory, and a time period. Based on a loss of communication between the directional antenna and the mobile communication node, the directional antenna control system positions the directional antenna to establish a line-of-sight between the directional antenna and the estimated future position of the mobile communication node.