Patents by Inventor Mark J. Rich
Mark J. Rich has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 8644271Abstract: A wireless mesh communication protocol that dynamically assigns communication time-slots and frequencies to mesh nodes. A first node is established as a PC that sequentially polls other nodes. A second node responds at a predetermined time with information that includes database records, and then a third node responds similarly. The second node is then established as the PC and the first node is polled during dynamically allocated time-slots and on a frequency that depend on the second node's database records. The third node is then established as a PC and acts similarly. In both cases the first node responds by sending information and data records. The first node is then re-established as the PC. The first node then polls the second and third nodes at times and frequencies that depend on the first node's database records.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Trilliant Networks, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Rich, Randy Frei, Paul Gordon
-
Patent number: 8249042Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a wireless mesh network and network node are described. More particularly, a network having network node neighborhoods is described. A node comprises a multi-sectored antenna and a transceiver controller. Nodes are configured for installation without antenna pointing and without pre-coordination with the network. Software architecture for the node is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Trilliant Networks, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Sparr, William G. Olsen, Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich, Michael R. Franceschini, Joseph T. Merenda
-
Patent number: 7616600Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a wireless mesh network and network node are described. More particularly, a network having network node neighborhoods is described. A node comprises a multi-sectored antenna and a transceiver controller. Nodes are configured for installation without antenna pointing and without pre-coordination with the network. Software architecture for the node is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Trilliant Networks, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Sparr, William G. Olsen, Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich, Michael R. Franceschini, Joseph T. Merenda
-
Publication number: 20080310346Abstract: A wireless mesh communication protocol that dynamically assigns communication time-slots and frequencies to mesh nodes. A first node is established as a PC that sequentially polls other nodes. A second node responds at a predetermined time with information that includes database records, and then a third node responds similarly. The second node is then established as the PC and the first node is polled during dynamically allocated time-slots and on a frequency that depend on the second node's database records. The third node is then established as a PC and acts similarly. In both cases the first node responds by sending information and data records. The first node is then re-established as the PC. The first node then polls the second and third nodes at times and frequencies that depend on the first node's database records.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: SKYPILOT NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Mark J. Rich, Randy Frei, Paul Gordon
-
Patent number: 7356043Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Skypilot Networks, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Patent number: 7339947Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Skypilot Networks, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Patent number: 7336642Abstract: A wireless mesh communication protocol that dynamically assigns communication time-slots and frequencies to mesh nodes. A first node is established as a PC that sequentially polls other nodes. A second node responds at a predetermined time with information that includes database records, and then a third node responds similarly. The second node is then established as the PC and the first node is polled during dynamically allocated time-slots and on a frequency that depend on the second node's database records. The third node is then established as a PC and acts similarly. In both cases the first node responds by sending information and data records. The first node is then re-established as the PC. The first node then polls the second and third nodes at times and frequencies that depend on the first node's database records.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Skypilot Networks, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Rich, Randy Frei, Paul Gordon
-
Patent number: 7283494Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Skypilot Networks, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Patent number: 7149183Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: SkyPilot Networks, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Patent number: 7113519Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Skypilot Networks, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Patent number: 7053853Abstract: A planar antenna that facilitates directional communication to a mesh network. The antenna is housed in a relatively small, planar package that can easily be attached to a window pane to enable the antenna to communicate with a neighboring rooftop mounted node of the mesh network. The package contains an M by N element phased array, where M and N are integers greater than one. The array is driven by microwave signals supplied from a P-angle phase shifting circuit, where P is an integer greater than one. Thus, the antenna synthesizes a single main beam and the antenna's main beam can be electrically “pointed” in one of P directions. In one embodiment of the invention, the array comprises 40 physical elements (8×5 elements) and has three selectable directions (i.e., the phase shifters provide +90, 0 and ?90 degree shifts that move the beam left 45 degrees, center and right 45 degrees).Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Merenda, Mark J. Rich
-
Publication number: 20040263390Abstract: A planar antenna that facilitates directional communication to a mesh network. The antenna is housed in a relatively small, planar package that can easily be attached to a window pane to enable the antenna to communicate with a neighboring rooftop mounted node of the mesh network. The package contains an M by N element phased array, where M and N are integers greater than one. The array is driven by microwave signals supplied from a P-angle phase shifting circuit, where P is an integer greater than one. Thus, the antenna synthesizes a single main beam and the antenna's main beam can be electrically “pointed” in one of P directions. In one embodiment of the invention, the array comprises 40 physical elements (8×5 elements) and has three selectable directions (i.e., the phase shifters provide +90, 0 and −90 degree shifts that move the beam left 45 degrees, center and right 45 degrees).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Merenda, Mark J. Rich
-
Publication number: 20020181427Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a wireless mesh network and network node are described. More particularly, a network having network node neighborhoods is described. A node comprises a multi-sectored antenna and a transceiver controller. Nodes are configured for installation without antenna pointing and without pre-coordination with the network. Software architecture for the node is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Sparr, William G. Olsen, Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich, Michael R. Franceschini, Joseph T. Merenda
-
Publication number: 20020176381Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Publication number: 20020176396Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Publication number: 20020176390Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a wireless mesh network and network node are described. More particularly, a network having network node neighborhoods is described. A node comprises a multi-sectored antenna and a transceiver controller. Nodes are configured for installation without antenna pointing and without pre-coordination with the network. Software architecture for the node is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Sparr, William G. Olsen, Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich, Michael R. Franceschini, Joseph T. Merenda
-
Publication number: 20020176440Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Publication number: 20020154622Abstract: Network channel access protocol is disclosed. More particularly, a distributed, locally determined, channel access protocol that adapts to load, avoids interference and controls access by a group of nodes to a set of shared channels is disclosed. Shared channel space is divided into a number of communication slots that are repeated at a predetermined interval. Permission to use a slot to communicate between any two nodes is dynamically adjusted by the channel access protocol, which locally: (i) estimates load to neighboring nodes; (ii) allocates or deallocates slot usage to adapt to load and avoid interference; and (iii) asserts and advertises slot usage within an interference area about itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: SkyPilot Network, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hammel, Kirk Alton Bradley, Mark J. Rich
-
Patent number: 5315583Abstract: A radio broadcasting system for a composite signal consisting of a frequency modulated (fm) analog signal and a multicarrier modulated digital signal is provided which is resistive to multipath degradation. The fm signal and the digital multicarrier modulated signal are fully coherent. The digital signal uses a plurality of carriers having a maximum amplitude at least 20 dB below the unmodulated fm signal. The multicarrier modulated signal is phase locked to a recovered analog fm pilot tone in the composite baseband spectrum of the fm signal which is at least 20 dB above the multicarrier modulated signal, which enables rapid and reliable acquisition of signal for coherent detection. In a specific embodiment the multicarrier modulated signal is a synthesized vector-modulated signal which is a quadrature phase shift keyed (QPSK) modulated set of synthesized carriers each occupying 9.5 kHz of spectrum replicated twenty-one times within a 199.5 kHz bandwidth with no more than two bits per vector.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1991Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: USA Digital RadioInventors: John L. Murphy, Mark J. Rich
-
Patent number: 5278844Abstract: A radio broadcasting system is provided for transmitting and receiving through free space a fully coherent multicarrier modulated digital signal which is especially adapted to be resistive to multipath degradation. The multicarrier modulated signal is a synthesized vector-modulated signal which is a quadrature phase shift keyed (QPSK) modulated set of synthesized carriers phase coherent with each other and each occupying a spectrum replicated multiple times within a bandwidth with no more than two bits per vector. An efficient channel coding consisting of large block size, high efficiency block coding, such as BCH 255, 239 code, is employed in connection with time interleaving of bits to mitigate the effects of frequency selective multipath and broadband multipath. The broadcast system is designed to be used in support of compressed digital audio programming material.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1991Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: USA Digital RadioInventors: John L. Murphy, Mark J. Rich