Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1992-1998
Title: Douglas B Pledger: Innovator in Spacecraft Attitude Orientation Systems
Introduction
Douglas B Pledger is a notable inventor based in Medford, WI (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of spacecraft technology, holding a total of 4 patents. His work focuses on developing advanced systems for determining the attitude orientation of spacecraft.
Latest Patents
Pledger's latest patents include a "Wide field of view sensor with diffractive optic corrector." This invention describes a three-axis attitude orientation system for spacecraft. The system utilizes a single sensor to provide roll and pitch information by locating the centroid of the Earth as a reference point. Yaw is determined by tracking the position of stars within the sensor's field of view. The three-axis attitude is established through ultraviolet imaging of the Earth's limb and adjacent stars, employing a diffractive optics sensor and intensified CCD array.
Another significant patent is the "Apparatus for determining 3-axis spacecraft attitude." This invention also employs a single UV sensor to provide roll and pitch information. Similar to his previous patent, it uses the centroid of the Earth as a reference point and tracks stars for yaw determination. The system utilizes a non-conventional wide-angle optics assembly and intensified CCD array for accurate measurements.
Career Highlights
Douglas B Pledger is currently associated with Honeywell GmbH, where he continues to innovate in the field of aerospace technology. His expertise in attitude orientation systems has positioned him as a key player in the development of advanced spacecraft technologies.
Collaborations
Pledger has collaborated with notable colleagues such as James A Billing-Ross and Teresa A Fritz. Their combined efforts contribute to the advancement of technology in the aerospace sector.
Conclusion
Douglas B Pledger's contributions to spacecraft attitude orientation systems demonstrate his innovative spirit and technical expertise. His patents reflect a commitment to enhancing the capabilities of spacecraft technology.