Robert Lee Rinker

US Patent:

20100128244, May 27, 2010

Filed:

Nov 26, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/323967

Inventors:

Frederick B. Koehler - Tucson AZ, US
William D. Werries - Tucson AZ, US
David J. Markason - Tucson AZ, US
David G. Anthony - Marana AZ, US
Robert Rinker - Tucson AZ, US
Thomas E. Roberts - Tucson AZ, US

International Classification:

G01C 3/08
H04B 10/00

US Classification:

356 401, 398156

Abstract:

Embodiments of a gimbaled system with an optical coudé path and method for transferring data are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the gimbaled system includes optical coudé path to provide a data communication path with a gimbaled payload, an on-gimbal communication laser to transmit modulated camera data via the coudé path, and an off-gimbal communication detector to detect the camera data received via the coudé path. In some embodiments, the optical coudé path may include at least two mirrors to provide a bi-directional communication path through an azimuth axis and an elevation axis of the gimbaled payload.

US Patent:

20130021474, Jan 24, 2013

Filed:

Jul 20, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/186582

Inventors:

Byron B. Taylor - Tucson AZ, US
Robert Rinker - Tucson AZ, US
Ted Lynch - Tucson AZ, US
Robert A. Stein - Tucson AZ, US

Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Waltham MA

International Classification:

H04N 7/18

US Classification:

348144, 348E07085

Abstract:

Embodiments of a rolling-shutter imaging system with synchronized scanning illumination and methods for higher-resolution imaging are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes a focal plane array (FPA) and a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) configured to activate only a portion of the FPA during an integration time. The imaging system also includes a scanner synchronized with the ROIC to illuminate only a portion of a sensor field-of-view (FOV) of the FPA within a scene that corresponds to at least the activated portion of the FPA. The imaging system may also include beamforming optics to generate a beam of light to illuminate the portion of the sensor FOV corresponding to portion of the FPA that is activated.

US Patent:

20160161293, Jun 9, 2016

Filed:

Dec 9, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/564833

Inventors:

- Waltham MA, US
Elka E. Koehler - Tucson AZ, US
Byron B. Taylor - Tucson AZ, US
Robert Rinker - Tucson AZ, US

International Classification:

G01D 5/30

Abstract:

An optical position sensing system and method for sensing a gimbal position in a gimbal-based optical system. One example of an optical position sensing system includes an off-gimbal light source that generates a position sensing light beam and transmits the position sensing light beam along an optical coude path of the optical system, and an on-gimbal optical element that causes a change in an intensity of the position sensing light beam based on rotation of the gimbal about the axis. The system further includes an off-gimbal detector configured to receive the position sensing light beam returned from the optical element and to detect the change in the intensity of the position sensing light beam, and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to determine the gimbal position based on a correlation between the change in the intensity of the position sensing light beam and the gimbal position.

US Patent:

20160099751, Apr 7, 2016

Filed:

Oct 2, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/504689

Inventors:

- Waltham MA, US
Thomas P. Mccreery - Tucson AZ, US
Robert Rinker - Tucson AZ, US
Darrell R. Rogers - Tucson AZ, US
Ross D. Rosenwald - Tucson AZ, US
Terry M. Sanderson - Tucson AZ, US
David R. Sar - Corona CA, US
Ernest D. Fasse - Tucson AZ, US

Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Waltham MA

International Classification:

H04B 5/00
G06F 1/16
G01N 27/06
H04W 4/00
G01N 25/00

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for a near-field signal system to generate signals underwater for navigation and/or communication. In one embodiment, a system includes a signal processing module coupled to a first antenna to transmit near-field signals underwater and a second antenna to receive near-field signals underwater transmitted by the first antenna. In one embodiment, a wetsuit includes an integrated near-field signal system.

US Patent:

20140231514, Aug 21, 2014

Filed:

Feb 15, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/768081

Inventors:

- Waltham MA, US
Christopher E. Thomas - Plano TX, US
Robert Rinker - Tucson AZ, US
Darrell R. Rogers - Tucson AZ, US
Byron B. Taylor - Tucson AZ, US

Assignee:

RAYTHEON COMPANY - Waltham MA

International Classification:

F41G 3/08
H04N 5/33
F41G 3/06
G01C 3/08

US Classification:

235404, 356 401, 348164

Abstract:

An infrared-based scope configured to obtain and display video imagery that allows a user to estimate wind speed and direction over a trajectory to a target based on observed air motion in the video imagery. In certain examples, the scope further includes electronics configured to calculate the wind speed using video image processing techniques.

US Patent:

20140231576, Aug 21, 2014

Filed:

Feb 7, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/022104

Inventors:

Robert Rinker - Tucson AZ, US

Assignee:

RAYTHEON COMPANY - Waltham MA

International Classification:

F41G 7/22

US Classification:

244 316, 348116

Abstract:

Embodiments of a multi-mode seeker are provided for use in conjunction with a predetermined laser designator. In one embodiment, the multi-mode seeker includes a focal plane array and a bi-modal processing system. The focal plane array includes a detector array and a Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) operatively coupled to the detector array. The bi-modal processing system is operatively coupled to ROIC and is switchable between: (i) an imaging mode wherein the bi-modal processing system generates video data as a function of signals received from ROIC indicative of irradiance across the detector array, and (ii) a semi-active laser guidance mode wherein the bi-modal processing system generates line-of-sight data as a function of signals received from ROIC indicative of laser pulses detected by the detector array and qualified as corresponding to the predetermined laser designator.