Honeywell International Inc.

Honeywell G.m.b.h.

William Howard Brettner, Iii

Mark Dean Smith

Robert Stebbins Doyle

William C Gilbert

Bogdan M Izdebski

A method, apparatus and circuit for testing a radio altimeter is disclosed. During the test-mode operation of the altimeter, a signal processor controls a transmitter to generate a radio frequency signal at a first period of time, which is transmitted through an attenuator, transmitted then through a receiver and received by the signal processor at a second period of time for processing of altimeter operational information.

Radio altimeter test method and apparatus

A layered directional coupler including conductive traces placed along predetermined axes for making contact with main and auxiliary signal lines. The axes are positioned at predetermined angles relative to each other to maximize the area for making contact thereto, which minimizes the size of the directional coupler. Ground planes are used to minimize parasitic coupling between the traces. The main and auxiliary signal lines are provided by inductively coupled juxtapositioned spiral coils which coupling maximize the characteristics of the coupler.

Miniature directional coupler

An apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to collect and/or emit electromagnetic waves, particularly microwaves. In one embodiment, a transducer system includes an integrated waveguide, transducer, and processing circuit. The processing circuit is disposed between two plates which also serve to define the waveguide. The transducer, such as an E-field probe, is disposed in the waveguide to collect or emit electromagnetic waves such as microwaves. The transducer is directly connected to the processing circuit within the integrated unit.

Electromagnetic transducer system with integrated circuit card adapter

A Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System(TCAS) antenna is mounted on a selected forward portion of an aircraft thereby extending the effective forward range of the TCAS. The antenna and ground plane are tilted relative to conventional TCAS antennas thereby aligning a peak of the antenna's radiation pattern along the aircraft's level line of flight. The resulting increased gain directed forward of the aircraft increases the forward range of the TCAS for both receiving and transmitting TCAS signals. The invention is also useful to extend the range of other aircraft systems including transponders. Alternate embodiments include tilting a conventional TCAS antenna mounted on a middle portion of the aircraft.

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Goodyear, AZ, United States of America

William Howard Brettner, Iii