Albert I Jircitano

US Patent:

53598890, Nov 1, 1994

Filed:

Mar 5, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/026570

Inventors:

Albert Jircitano - Grand Island NY
Daniel E. Dosch - Hamburg NY

Assignee:

Textron Inc. - Providence RI

International Classification:

G01C 2100

US Classification:

73178R

Abstract:

A vertical position and gravity map aided INS is self contained (no external signals required); covert (no signals emanated); unrestricted in operating area; able to operate in quiet or active gravity regions; and able to be configured with proven instruments.

US Patent:

53396847, Aug 23, 1994

Filed:

Dec 10, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/805544

Inventors:

Albert Jircitano - Grand Island NY
Daniel E. Dosch - Hamburg NY

Assignee:

Textron Inc. - Providence RI

International Classification:

G01C 2120
G01C 2124
G06G 778

US Classification:

73178R

Abstract:

An autonomous covert Inertial Navigation System uniquely suited for underwater applications wherein Schuler and siderial errors are bounded without external navigation aids or active instrumentation of ground speed is achieved by integrating a conventional Inertial Navigation System with a gravity gradiometer capable of measuring gravity field components independently of platform accelerations.

US Patent:

54023408, Mar 28, 1995

Filed:

May 2, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/236955

Inventors:

John S. White - Tonawanda NY
Albert Jircitano - Grand Island NY

Assignee:

Textron, Inc. - Providence RI

International Classification:

G06F 1900

US Classification:

364420

Abstract:

A terrain estimation system and procedure in which prior knowledge of terrain configuration is taken as a starting point in the estimation procedure. The gravity field of the earth is sensed by a gradiometer which measures the gravity gradient as the gradiometer is transported by a moving platform past the earth's surface to obtain data of the topology of the earth's surface and of the geology of the terrain including subterranean oil and iron deposits. Optimal filter means, operative in response to a statistical model of terrain and residual geology predict values of gravity gradient to be sensed by said gradiometer at successive locations along a path of travel. Comparison is made between measured and predicted values of gravity gradient to update terrain altitude data by nulling a difference between measured values and predicted values of gravity gradient. Terrain surface is represented by the sum of a finite series of shells developed as cross covariance terms in a statistical mathematical model of terrain and residual geology. Each shell has a three-dimensional surface.