Abstract: A narrowband impulse radio system includes a transmitter, transmitting a plurality of harmonic signals, and a receiver, receiving the signals, wherein the signals cooperate in a constructive alignment to yield a narrowband impulse signal of amplitude approximately equal to the sum of the amplitudes of the plurality of harmonic signals. The transmitter or the receiver may employ a plurality of phase shifters to effect the cooperation in the transmitted or received signals, respectively. The harmonic signals cooperate to yield a quasi-DC signal whose pulse rate equals the fundamental harmonic frequency. In a preferred embodiment, the narrowband impulse transmitter further includes a plurality of transmit modules each transmitting one of the plurality of harmonics. The plurality of transmit modules may employ magnetic antennas characterized by a magnetic axis aligned at an angle of approximately 55 degrees relative to a common axis, or in other embodiments, may employ mechanically rotating permanent magnets.

Abstract: A narrowband impulse radio system includes a transmitter, transmitting a plurality of harmonic signals, and a receiver, receiving the signals, wherein the signals cooperate in a constructive alignment to yield a narrowband impulse signal of amplitude approximately equal to the sum of the amplitudes of the plurality of harmonic signals. The transmitter or the receiver may employ a plurality of phase shifters to effect the cooperation in the transmitted or received signals, respectively. The harmonic signals cooperate to yield a quasi-DC signal whose pulse rate equals the fundamental harmonic frequency. In a preferred embodiment, the narrowband impulse transmitter further includes a plurality of transmit modules each transmitting one of the plurality of harmonics. The plurality of transmit modules may employ magnetic antennas characterized by a magnetic axis aligned at an angle of approximately 55 degrees relative to a common axis, or in other embodiments, may employ mechanically rotating permanent magnets.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a rotationally triply symmetric three axis magnetic antenna system having substantial isolation among the three axes, including a three axis skew orthogonal magnetic antenna system and device utilizing the antenna system. The antenna system comprising three substantially identical magnetic antenna elements disposed symmetrically about a reference point such that the magnetic axes from the three antenna elements are orthogonal to one another in direction and do not intersect one another. The three antenna elements are positioned in a substantial cross coupling null from one another to minimize cross coupling. The arrangement yields packaging efficiency for compact electronic devices. A 1, 1, diameter embodiment is disclosed. A location system utilizing the antenna system is disclosed. Methods for producing the antenna are disclosed. A moldable triple coil holder for the antenna system is described.

Abstract: A method of near-field electromagnetic ranging and location exploits the long-wavelength, near-field characteristics of low-frequency RF signals like those in the vicinity of the AM broadcast band. These signals are robust against scattering from small objects and only mildly perturbed by the urban landscape including building structures. They are thus amenable to an RF fingerprinting approach exploiting a coarse calibration to capture the behavior of the gradually varying signal characteristics. In embodiments, a method of near-field electromagnetic ranging and location may exploit transmit tags transmitting to an infrastructure of locator-receivers, or locator-receiver tags detecting signals from an infrastructure of fixed transmitter beacons. In still further embodiments, fixed transmitter beacons may be supplemented by uncooperative signals sources including signals-of-opportunity like AM broadcast band signals.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a selective proximity detection system. A selective proximity detection system comprises at least one proximity tag, a plurality of sensor nodes, and at least one alert node. A sensor nodes comprises a proximity detector capable of detecting proximity with respect to the proximity tag, and a motion detector. In a preferred embodiment, a motion detector is an infrared detector. In alternate embodiments, a motion detector may employ video, radar motion sensing, or sensing of scattered RF signals, preferably FM broadcast signals whose half wavelength is comparable in dimension to the height of a typical person. In a preferred embodiment, a proximity detector is a NFER locator-receiver and a proximity tag is a NFER tag transmitter. In alternate embodiments, a proximity detector may employ ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth, passive scattering of ambient RF signals or other means of proximity detection.

Abstract: A directive electrically small antenna (DESA) process and method employs multipole synthesis to implement directive electrically small multipole antennas with ultra-wideband (UWB) stable antenna patterns. Although lossy, embodiments have adequate efficiency to work as receive antennas in the high ambient noise environment of the HF band and below. Employing a process dubbed “antenna regeneration,” energy may be circulated within an antenna by means other than resonance. This enables multiple decade UWB response without the efficiency penalties inherent to traditional resistively-loaded antenna systems. Regenerative antennas can simultaneously achieve the performance of high Q resonant antennas and the bandwidth of resistively loaded antennas.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a rotationally triply symmetric three axis magnetic antenna system having substantial isolation among the three axes, including a three axis skew orthogonal magnetic antenna system and device utilizing the antenna system. The antenna system comprising three substantially identical magnetic antenna elements disposed symmetrically about a reference point such that the magnetic axes from the three antenna elements are orthogonal to one another in direction and do not intersect one another. The three antenna elements are positioned in a substantial cross coupling null from one another to minimize cross coupling. The arrangement yields packaging efficiency for compact electronic devices. A 1, 1, diameter embodiment is disclosed. A location system utilizing the antenna system is disclosed. Methods for producing the antenna are disclosed. A moldable triple coil holder for the antenna system is described.

Abstract: A space efficient magnetic antenna is disclosed for use in tracking, positioning and other applications. In a preferred embodiment, a space efficient magnetic antenna system comprises a first magnetic antenna with a first null axis aligned within a predetermined plane and a second magnetic antenna having a second null axis aligned substantially orthogonal to a first null axis. A second magnetic antenna system lies in a minimal coupling orientation with respect to a first magnetic antenna system. Additionally, a first magnetic antenna may further comprise a plurality of interconnected magnetic antenna elements. A space efficient magnetic antenna system may include an RF module. In further embodiments, the antenna system may enclose a substantial majority of the device including the RF module; the RF module may be enclosed substantially or wholly within one or more antennas of the antenna system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a locus comprising a locator device for disposition at the locus; the locator device configured for receiving an electromagnetic signal from a beacon device, the locator device receiving at a distance from the beacon device within near field range of the electromagnetic signal; the locator device configured for distinguishing at least two characteristics of the electromagnetic signal sensed at the locus; the system employing the at least two characteristics to effect the determining of the position of the locus.

Abstract: The present application describes firefighter location and rescue equipment (FLARE) comprising: a plurality of tag transmitters, a first tag transmitter of said plurality of tag transmitters emitting a first signal, a plurality of locator-receivers receiving said first signal, each of said plurality of locator receivers determining a first set of signal characteristic data for said first signal, a computer compiling said first set of signal characteristic data in a reference database along with an associated path variable, a second tag transmitter of said plurality of tag transmitters emitting a second signal, a plurality of locator-receivers receiving said second signal, each of said plurality of locator receivers determining a second set of signal characteristic data for said second signal, said computer comparing said second set of signal characteristic data to the reference database, said computer displaying said comparison for evaluating the location of said second tag transmitter relative to a path take

Abstract: An inexpensive planar antenna fabricated as a plurality of parallel layers of multi turn spiral loops co-located with conductive material at the center of the loops, there being an exclusion zone free of conductive material between the innermost loop and the conductive material at the center. The conductive material may comprise circuit elements, for example batteries, amplifiers, antenna drivers or other functional elements as well as passive elements. In one embodiment, the loop traces may be staggered. In another embodiment, the loop traces are varied in width as a function of position within the loop cross section. In further embodiments, the planar form is integrated with additional orthogonal planar antennas substantially coplanar with the first planar antenna and having axes orthogonal to the first planar antenna and to one another. In further embodiments the exclusion zone is extended by design rules and confining routes in a circuit section.

Abstract: A directive electrically small antenna (DESA) process and method employs multipole synthesis to implement directive electrically small multipole antennas with ultra-wideband (UWB) stable antenna patterns. Although lossy, embodiments have adequate efficiency to work as receive antennas in the high ambient noise environment of the HF band and below. Employing a process dubbed “antenna regeneration,” energy may be circulated within an antenna by means other than resonance. This enables multiple decade UWB response without the efficiency penalties inherent to traditional resistively-loaded antenna systems. Regenerative antennas can simultaneously achieve the performance of high Q resonant antennas and the bandwidth of resistively loaded antennas.

Abstract: An inventory control system and method uses a locating device associated with a mover and identifies an ID tagged asset using an ID reader also associated with the mover. Thus, a single relatively high-cost locating device may be temporarily associated with the asset, enabling precise location of a multitude of assets as a mover traverses an inventory area. The asset location and identification may be associated in a database. The asset location may be refined by using additional measurement devices, for example a forklift height sensor, to determine extension from a locating device. A further embodiment utilizes RFID or barcode technology for the ID tag. The locating device may utilize near-field location technology, signals-of-opportunity, or other RTLS technologies.

Abstract: A multiple phase state near-field electromagnetic location and communication system includes a multiple phase state near-field transmitter, and a near-field locator receiver. The near-field transmitter is capable of operation in at least two states and each of these at least two states generates a state characteristic difference detected at the near-field locator receiver. The state characteristic difference may be employed for location determination, communication or both. The present invention is particularly well-suited for use in conjunction with a near-field electromagnetic ranging system.

Abstract: The present application describes firefighter location and rescue equipment (FLARE) comprising: a plurality of tag transmitters, a first tag transmitter of said plurality of tag transmitters emitting a first signal, a plurality of locator-receivers receiving said first signal, each of said plurality of locator receivers determining a first set of signal characteristic data for said first signal, a computer compiling said first set of signal characteristic data in a reference database along with an associated path variable, a second tag transmitter of said plurality of tag transmitters emitting a second signal, a plurality of locator-receivers receiving said second signal, each of said plurality of locator receivers determining a second set of signal characteristic data for said second signal, said computer comparing said second set of signal characteristic data to the reference database, said computer displaying said comparison for evaluating the location of said second tag transmitter relative to a path take

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and identifying intruders in a computer network environment by providing a network traffic evaluation and simulation module at the interface between a protected network and external traffic source. The evaluation and simulation module identifies suspected intruders by observing intrusion pattern behavior and then presents a simulated network to the intruder. The simulated network appears to offer the intruder valuable information and provides the intruder with the appearance of success in breaking down the layers of the simulated network to keep the intruder engaged in the intrusion effort while information is gathered to trace and identify the source of the intrusion. Intrusion attempts are identified and categorized in an intrusion analysis module. The network traffic evaluation and simulated network may be provided as a self contained physical module that does not require modification of existing network software.

Abstract: An inventory control system and method uses a locating device associated with a mover and identifies an ID tagged asset using an ID reader also associated with the mover. Thus, a single relatively high-cost locating device may be temporarily associated with the asset, enabling precise location of a multitude of assets as a mover traverses an inventory area. The asset location and identification may be associated in a database. The asset location may be refined by using additional measurement devices, for example a forklift height sensor, to determine extension from a locating device. A further embodiment utilizes RFID or barcode technology for the ID tag. The locating device may utilize near-field location technology, signals-of-opportunity, or other RTLS technologies.

Abstract: A signal-of-opportunity location device (SOLD) that may be situated in a complex radio propagation environment with multiple RF signal obstructions receives RF signals from a distant transmitter. The RF signals from the distant transmitter interact with obstructions in the propagation environment local to the SOLD. The local obstructions perturb the RF signals causing the RF signals to exhibit near field behavior in the complex radio propagation environment. The SOLD receives the locally perturbed signals. The SOLD detects signal characteristics of RF signal components of the received signals and compares these signal characteristics with reference data in a reference data store to determine the current location of the SOLD.

Abstract: A bowl includes non-slip means and spoon-assisted food conglomeration means. In a preferred embodiment, the bowl is transparent. Non-slip means may include a weight structure, a non-slip material affixed to the bowl bottom either substantially continuously covering the bottom or substantially discontinuously covering the bottom. Spoon-assisted food conglomeration means may include a sloped bottom, a substantially spoon-shaped locus, a steep rim, or an inward-curving rim. The bowl may further include spillage reduction means. Spillage reduction means may include an abrupt taper terminus, a steep rim, an inward-curving rim, or a chamfered or rounded bowl vertex. Alternatively the bowl may comprise a sloped bottom terminating in a substantially spoon-shaped locus and further comprise non-slip means. In alternate embodiments the bowl may further comprise spillage reduction means or be characterized by a substantial transparent region.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a locus comprising a locator device for disposition at the locus; the locator device configured for receiving an electromagnetic signal from a beacon device, the locator device receiving at a distance from the beacon device within near field range of the electromagnetic signal; the locator device configured for distinguishing at least two characteristics of the electromagnetic signal sensed at the locus; the system employing the at least two characteristics to effect the determining of the position of the locus.