Joshua A Whorf

Title: Innovations of Joshua A. Whorf

Introduction

Joshua A. Whorf is an accomplished inventor based in Marblehead, MA (US). He holds 2 patents that showcase his expertise in advanced tracking and direction-finding technologies. His work primarily focuses on enhancing the capabilities of systems used in various applications, including military and aerospace.

Latest Patents

One of Whorf's latest patents is titled "Low swap aperture for direction finding across extreme wide band." This innovation employs a limited number of extreme wideband end-fire antenna elements capable of covering a wide frequency bandwidth. By arranging variable-sized antenna elements in a specific pattern, the wideband direction-finding (WBDF) aperture enables direction-finding capabilities across an extreme wide frequency band. The unique arrangement of these elements enhances signal discernment, limiting ambiguities in signal angle of arrival. This compact design allows the WBDF aperture to be mounted on the surface of missiles, munitions, or small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) wings or fuselages. The WBDF aperture combines differing sized antenna elements arranged in a specific pattern, along with direction finding and signal tracking, to provide an unambiguous relative azimuth and elevation angle of the target.

Another significant patent by Whorf is the "Breaklock detection system and method." This tracking system controls an aimed device to maintain its aim at a target. The control system determines when the tracker has lost its lock on the target by comparing the target's instantaneous acceleration with its median acceleration. When the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system searches backward through a chronological buffer to find position data that predates the receipt of inaccurate position data from the tracker. A second-order filter, such as a Kalman filter, is utilized to provide estimated target states. The buffer stores position, velocity, and median acceleration values covering a span of time at least twice as long as the time required to determine that a breaklock has occurred.

Career Highlights

Joshua A. Whorf is currently employed at Raytheon Company, where he contributes to the development of cutting-edge technologies. His work has significantly impacted the field of tracking and direction-finding systems, making them more efficient and reliable.

Collaborations

Whorf has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Nikki J. Lawrence and Thomas K. Lo. Their combined expertise has fostered innovation and advancement in their respective fields.