US6070460A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for determining wind profiles and for predicting clear air turbulence
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
•
Filing: 1997-02-28
•
Granted: 2000-06-06
•
Expires: 2017-02-28
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a system for passive measurement of atmospheric temperature using a passive direction detector for detecting the energy of a narrow wavelength band emanating from a volume of atmospheric gas. The resulting signal can be associated with an effective temperature. The effective temperature can be associated with an effective range. The system generates a temperature map which can determine, at predetermined time intervals, atmospheric temperatures in an azimuth plane associated with a predefined range from the detector. The temperature map can then be used to calculate temperature gradients that in turn can be used to compute the vertical wind vector difference and to determine the presence of clear air turbulence.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenrick Roford Leslie
- 👤 Michael Lee Shand
- 👤 Martin Carlin Baker
- 👤 Joseph J. Barrett
- 👤 Clint Patrick Kilroy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:32
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/0014; G01S; G01S11/00; G01S11/02; G01W; G01W1/00; G01W2001/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising: a) temperature measurement means for measuring a plurality of temperatures T at an altitude Z 3 ; b) means, responsive to the temperature measurement means, for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, over the altitude Z 3 ; and c) wind vector difference computational means, responsive to the means for calculating the vector temperature gradient, for determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical distance between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising: a) temperature measurement means for measuring a plurality of temperatures T at an altitude Z 3 ; b) means, responsive to the temperature measurement means, for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, over the altitude Z 3 ; and c) wind vector difference computational means, responsive to the means for calculating the vector temperature gradient, for determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical distance between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where the altitude Z 3 is within about 6000 feet of the altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where the altitude Z 3 is preferably between the altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: means, responsive to the temperature measurement means, for generating a map of the plurality of temperatures at the altitude Z 3 ; means for deriving lines of constant temperature from the map; and means, responsive to the lines of constant temperature, for calculating the vector temperature gradient ∇T.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where the means for calculating the vector temperature gradient ∇T comprises means for calculating a vector isobaric temperature gradient and the wind vector difference computational means comprises means for determining ΔV according to the equation ##EQU5## where f is the Coriolis parameter resulting from the Earth's rotation, T is the temperature at altitude Z 3 and k is the unit vector parallel to the local vertical.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for displaying a representation of ΔV.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising: temperature measurement means, secured to a platform, for measuring a plurality of temperatures at a constant altitude Z 3 between the first altitude Z 1 and the second altitude Z 2 ; means, responsive to the means for measuring temperature, for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at altitude Z 3 ; and wind vector difference computation means, responsive to the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, for generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the altitude Z 1 and altitude Z 2 .
Claim 9
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising: temperature measurement means, secured to a platform, for measuring a plurality of temperatures at a constant altitude Z 3 between the first altitude Z 1 and the second altitude Z 2 ; means, responsive to the means for measuring temperature, for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at altitude Z 3 ; and wind vector difference computation means, responsive to the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, for generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the altitude Z 1 and altitude Z 2 .
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 7 where the platform is an aircraft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 7 where the platform is fixed to the ground.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 7 where the temperature measurement means comprises detector means for measuring the plurality of temperatures.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 7 where the temperature measurement means comprises a passive infrared detector for generating the plurality of temperature signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 7 where the temperature measurement means comprises: means for generating a plurality of temperature values representing a plurality of temperatures of the atmosphere at the altitude Z 3 at a predetermined range from the detector; and means for generating the vector temperature gradient ∇T from the plurality of temperature values.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind vector difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: horizontal and vertical temperature measurement means, located on the aircraft, for generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 3 between the first and second altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 ; calculation means for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at the altitude Z 3 ; and wind vector difference computation means, responsive to the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, for generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
Claim 16
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind vector difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: horizontal and vertical temperature measurement means, located on the aircraft, for generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 3 between the first and second altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 ; calculation means for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at the altitude Z 3 ; and wind vector difference computation means, responsive to the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, for generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 13 where the altitude Z 3 is within about 6000 feet of the altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 13 where the temperature measurement means comprises means for determining the temperatures in the map at an effective range R eff from the aircraft.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: means for deriving lines of constant temperature from the map; and means, responsive to the lines of constant temperature, for calculating the vector temperature gradient ∇T.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 13 where the vector temperature gradient ∇T represents a vector isobaric temperature gradient and the wind vector difference computation means generates the ΔV signal according to the relation ##EQU6## where g is the acceleration due to gravity, f is the Coriolis parameter resulting from the earth's rotation, T is the temperature at the flight altitude Z 3 and k is the unit vector parallel to the aircraft's local vertical.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising display means for displaying a representation of ΔV.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising means for providing ΔV to the flight management system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising means for determining clear air turbulence conditions ahead of an aircraft based on the prediction of the Richardson number, the means for determining clear air turbulence comprising: means for determining ∂θ/∂z, the vertical gradient of the potential temperature, where θ is atmospheric temperature and z represents a vertical distance ahead of the aircraft; means for determining ∂V/∂z, the vertical wind shear, where V is the horizontal wind vector; and means for calculating the Richardson number, Ri, from the equation ##EQU7##
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 20 where the means for determining clear air turbulence further comprises means for determining the probability of clear air turbulence.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where the temperature measurement means comprises: detector means for detecting radiation L(λ) having a wavelength λ from a predetermined direction; and computational means, responsive to the detector means, for computing a value T eff representing the temperature of the atmosphere at an effective range R eff from the detector means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 22 where the detector means comprises a passive infrared detector for detecting the radiation L(λ).
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 23 where the radiation L(λ) corresponds to the energy resulting from the emission of atmospheric CO 2 at the wavelength λ from the portion of the atmosphere at the effective range R eff .
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 24 where the wavelength λ is between 12.2 μm and 13.0 μm.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 25 where the wavelength λ is 12.3 μm.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 22 where the effective range R eff is approximately 120 km.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising mapping means, responsive to the computational means, for mapping the temperatures T eff along the predetermined direction.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 28 where the mapping means comprises means for generating the values T eff at predetermined time intervals.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 28 where the mapping means comprises scanning means for varying the predetermined direction; and means for generating a planar temperature map.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 30 where the scanning means comprises means for varying the predetermined direction vertically and the apparatus further comprises means for generating the temperature map for a plurality of altitudes.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 30 where the scanning means is geographically fixed and the temperature map represents isotherms at a predetermined altitude.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 32 where the predetermined altitude is a function of R eff .
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 30 where the scanning means is secured to an aircraft and comprises means for setting the predetermined direction in the azimuth plane.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 34 where the scanning means comprises means for varying the predetermined direction vertically and the apparatus further comprises means for generating a plurality of horizontal temperature maps for a plurality of altitudes.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 22 where the wavelength λ is between 12.2 μm and 13 μm; the detector means comprises an infrared radiometer and scanning means for scanning the radiometer in the vertical and horizontal directions; and the mapping means comprises means for generating horizontal and vertical temperature maps.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising the steps of: a) measuring a plurality of temperatures T at an altitude Z 3 ; b) in response to the step of measuring temperature, calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, over the altitude Z 3 ; and c) in response to calculating the vector temperature gradient, determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical distance between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 41
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising the steps of: a) measuring a plurality of temperatures T at an altitude Z 3 ; b) in response to the step of measuring temperature, calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, over the altitude Z 3 ; and c) in response to calculating the vector temperature gradient, determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical distance between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 37 where the altitude Z 3 is within about 6000 feet of the altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 37 where the altitude Z 3 is preferably between the altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of: in response to step of measuring temperature, generating a map of the plurality of temperatures at the altitude Z 3 ; deriving lines of constant temperature from the map; and in response to the lines of constant temperature, calculating the vector temperature gradient ∇T.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method of claim 37 where the step of calculating the vector temperature gradient ∇T comprises the step of calculating a vector isobaric temperature gradient and the step of calculating the wind vector difference comprises the step of determining ΔV according to the equation ##EQU8## where f is the Coriolis parameter resulting from the Earth's rotation, T is the temperature at altitude Z 3 and k is the unit vector parallel to the local vertical.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 37 further comprising the step of displaying a representation of ΔV.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
101 words
An method for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising the steps of: measuring a plurality of temperatures at a constant altitude Z 3 between the first altitude Z 1 and the second altitude Z 2 ; in response to the step of measuring temperature, calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at altitude Z 3 ; and in response to the step of calculating vector temperature gradient, ∇T, generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the altitude Z 1 and altitude Z 2 .
Claim 48
Independent Claim
101 words
An method for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising the steps of: measuring a plurality of temperatures at a constant altitude Z 3 between the first altitude Z 1 and the second altitude Z 2 ; in response to the step of measuring temperature, calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at altitude Z 3 ; and in response to the step of calculating vector temperature gradient, ∇T, generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the altitude Z 1 and altitude Z 2 .
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 43 where the steps are performed on an aircraft.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 43 where the steps are performed on the ground.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 43 where the step of measuring the plurality of temperatures comprises the steps of: generating a plurality of temperature values representing a plurality of temperatures of the atmosphere at the altitude Z 3 at a predetermined range from the detector; and generating the vector temperature gradient ∇T from the plurality of temperature values.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind vector difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: measuring temperature in the horizontal and vertical planes; generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 3 between the first and second altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 ; calculating the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, at the altitude Z 3 ; and in response to the step of calculating the vector temperature gradient, generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
Claim 53
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind vector difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: measuring temperature in the horizontal and vertical planes; generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 3 between the first and second altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 ; calculating the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, at the altitude Z 3 ; and in response to the step of calculating the vector temperature gradient, generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 47 where the altitude Z 3 is within about 6000 feet of the altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 47 where the step of measuring temperature comprises the step of determining the temperatures in the map at an effective range R eff from the aircraft.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 47, further comprising the steps of: deriving lines of constant temperature from the map; and in response to the lines of constant temperature, calculating the vector temperature gradient ∇T.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 47 where the ∇T represents a vector isobaric temperature gradient and further comprising the step of generating the ΔV signal according to the relation ##EQU9## where g is the acceleration due to gravity, f is the Coriolis parameter resulting from the earth's rotation, T is the temperature at the flight altitude Z 3 and k is the unit vector parallel to the aircraft's local vertical.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of displaying a representation of ΔV.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of providing ΔV to the flight management system.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising: a) temperature measurement means for measuring a plurality of temperatures at altitude Z 1 ; b) means, responsive to the temperature measurement means, for calculating T, the vector temperature gradient over the altitude Z 1 ; and c) wind different computational means, responsive to the means for calculating the vector temperature gradient, for determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical different between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 61
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising: a) temperature measurement means for measuring a plurality of temperatures at altitude Z 1 ; b) means, responsive to the temperature measurement means, for calculating T, the vector temperature gradient over the altitude Z 1 ; and c) wind different computational means, responsive to the means for calculating the vector temperature gradient, for determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical different between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 62
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: horizontal and vertical temperature measurement means, located on the aircraft, for generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 1 ; calculation means for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at the altitude Z 1 ; and wind vector difference computation means, responsive to the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, for generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
Claim 63
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: horizontal and vertical temperature measurement means, located on the aircraft, for generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 1 ; calculation means for calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, at the altitude Z 1 ; and wind vector difference computation means, responsive to the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, for generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
Claim 64
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising the steps of: a) measuring a plurality of temperatures T at altitude Z 1 ; b) in response to the step of measuring temperature, calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, over the altitude Z 1 ; and c) in response to calculating the vector temperature gradient, determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical distance between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 65
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for determining the wind vector difference, ΔV, between a first altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 , comprising the steps of: a) measuring a plurality of temperatures T at altitude Z 1 ; b) in response to the step of measuring temperature, calculating ∇T, the vector temperature gradient, over the altitude Z 1 ; and c) in response to calculating the vector temperature gradient, determining ΔV/Δz, the wind vector difference, where Δz is the vertical distance between altitudes Z 1 and Z 2 .
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
104 words
Method for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind vector difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: measuring temperature in the horizontal and vertical planes; generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 1 ; calculating the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, at the altitude Z 1 ; and in response to, the step of calculating the vector temperature gradient, generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
104 words
Method for determining wind profile data for use in an aircraft flight management system based on the prediction of the wind vector difference, ΔV, between an aircraft flight altitude Z 1 and a second altitude Z 2 comprising: measuring temperature in the horizontal and vertical planes; generating a map of temperatures T at constant altitude Z 1 ; calculating the vector temperature gradient, ∇T, at the altitude Z 1 ; and in response to, the step of calculating the vector temperature gradient, generating a signal, ΔV/Δz where Δz is the vertical distance between the flight altitude Z 1 and the altitude Z 2 .
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3427581A
Cited
US3465339A
Cited
US3359557A
Cited
US3448613A
Cited
US3404396A
Cited
US3491358A
Cited
US3540829A
Cited
US3641345A
Cited
US3646555A
Cited
US3567915A
Cited
GB1288104A
Cited
US3665467A
Cited
US3599488A
Cited
US3696670A
Cited
US3722272A
Cited
US3715748A
Cited
US3780293A
Cited
US3803601A
Cited
US3856402A
Cited
US3935460A
Cited
US4031756A
Cited
US4195931A
Cited
US4266130A
Cited
US4303862A
Cited
US4359640A
Cited
US4427306A
Cited
US4342912A
Cited
US4474062A
Cited
US4346595A
Cited
US4944891A
Cited
US4624796A
Cited
US4947165A
Cited
US4965572A
Cited
US4965573A
Cited
US4937447A
Cited
US5105191A
Cited
US5654700A
Cited
US5602543A
Cited
US5117689A
Cited
EP0488004A2
Cited
US5218866A
Cited
US5262782A
Cited
US5130712A
Cited
US5311183A
Cited
US5276326A
Cited
US5173704A
Cited
US5534868A
Cited
US5285070A
Cited
US5523759A
Cited
US5359888A
Cited
US5639964A
Cited
US5541591A
Cited
US5568151A
Cited
US5592171A
Cited
US5615118A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-06-06 | 2003-12-06 | 2004-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-06 | 2007-12-06 | 2008-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-06 | 2011-12-06 | 2012-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |