Patents by Inventor Stephen F. Smith

Stephen F. Smith 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: 7092440
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for a direct-sequence spread-spectrum communication scheme that increases the number of users by utilizing a plurality of closely spaced orthogonal carriers that produce overlapping spectra. A method includes overlapping a plurality of direct-sequence spread-spectrum signals using carrier frequencies that are orthogonally spaced relative to a bit rate. The methods, systems and devices provide advantages because they can accommodate an increase in the number of normalized users and can optimize the loading of users across multiple frequency channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: UT-Battelle LLC
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Jr., Stephen F. Smith, Michael R. Moore
  • Patent number: 6973145
    Abstract: Digital-data receiver synchronization is provided with composite phase-frequency detectors, mutually cross-connected comparison feedback or both to provide robust reception of digital data signals. A single master clock may be used to provide frequency signals. Advantages can include fast lock-up time in moderately to severely noisy conditions, greater tolerance to noise and jitter when locked, and improved tolerance to clock asymmetries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, Gary W. Turner
  • Patent number: 6925135
    Abstract: Digital-data receiver synchronization is provided with composite phase-frequency detectors, mutually cross-connected comparison feedback or both to provide robust reception of digital data signals. A single master clock can be used to provide frequency signals. Advantages can include fast lock-up time in moderately to severely noisy conditions, greater tolerance to noise and jitter when locked, and improved tolerance to clock asymmetries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, Gary W. Turner
  • Patent number: 6864802
    Abstract: A fully integrated wireless spread-spectrum sensor incorporating all elements of an “intelligent” sensor on a single circuit chip is capable of telemetering data to a receiver. Synchronous control of all elements of the chip provides low-cost, low-noise, and highly robust data transmission, in turn enabling the use of low-cost monolithic receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, Gary W. Turner, Alan L. Wintenberg, Michael Steven Emery
  • Publication number: 20040105516
    Abstract: An improved digital-data receiver synchronization apparatus and method is provided wherein memory devices in the receiver such as phase-lock loops are provided with composite phase-frequency detectors, mutually cross-connected comparison feedback means, or both to provide robust reception of digital data signals. The apparatus and method are preferrably utilized with synchronous architecture wherein a single master clock is used to provide frequency signals to the memory devices, and also can be used with asynchronous architecture. The apparatus and method provide fast lock-up times in moderately to severely noisy conditions and have improved tolerances to clock asymmetries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, Gary W. Turner
  • Publication number: 20030216666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a completely implantable intracranial pressure monitor, which can couple to existing fluid shunting systems as well as other internal monitoring probes. The implant sensor produces an analog data signal which is then converted by electronic means to a digital pulse by generation of a spreading code signal and then transmitted to a location outside the patient by means of a radio-frequency transmitter to an external receiver. The implanted device can receive power from an internal source as well as an inductive external source. Remote control of the implant is also provided by a control receiver which passes commands from an external source to the implant system logic. Alarm parameters can be programmed into the device which are capable of producing an audible or visual alarm signal. The utility of the monitor can be greatly expanded by using multiple pressure sensors simultaneously or by combining sensors of various physiological types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Milton N. Ericson, Timothy E. McKnight, Stephen F. Smith, James O. Hylton
  • Patent number: 6625229
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A pulse transmission transmitter includes: a clock; a pseudorandom polynomial generator coupled to the clock, the pseudorandom polynomial generator having a polynomial load input; an exclusive-OR gate coupled to the pseudorandom polynomial generator, the exclusive-OR gate having a serial data input; a programmable delay circuit coupled to both the clock and the exclusive-OR gate; a pulse generator coupled to the programmable delay circuit; and a higher order time derivative filter coupled to the pulse generator. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Jr., Stephen F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6621878
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A pulse transmission receiver includes: a higher-order time derivative pulse correlator; a demodulation decoder coupled to the higher-order time derivative pulse correlator; a clock coupled to the demodulation decoder; and a pseudorandom polynomial generator coupled to both the higher-order time derivative pulse correlator and the clock. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Jr., Stephen F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6606350
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A pulse transmission receiver includes: a front-end amplification/processing circuit; a synchronization circuit coupled to the front-end amplification/processing circuit; a clock coupled to the synchronization circuit; a trigger signal generator coupled to the clock; and at least one higher-order time derivative pulse generator coupled to the trigger signal generator. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Jr., Stephen F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6603818
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A method of pulse transmission communications includes: generating a modulated pulse signal waveform; transforming said modulated pulse signal waveform into at least one higher-order derivative waveform; and transmitting said at least one higher-order derivative waveform as an emitted pulse. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Jr., Stephen F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030112907
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for carrier-frequency synchronization for improved AM and TV broadcast reception. A method includes synchronizing a carrier frequency of a broadcast signal with a remote reference frequency. An apparatus includes a reference signal receiver; a phase comparator coupled to the reference signal receiver; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase comparator; and a radio frequency output coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6563893
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for carrier-frequency synchronization for improved AM and TV broadcast reception. A method includes synchronizing a carrier frequency of a broadcast signal with a remote reference frequency. An apparatus includes a reference signal receiver; a phase comparator coupled to the reference signal receiver; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase comparator; and a radio frequency output coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6556942
    Abstract: A short range radiolocation system and associated methods that allow the location of an item, such as equipment, containers, pallets, vehicles, or personnel, within a defined area. A small, battery powered, self-contained tag is provided to an item to be located. The tag includes a spread-spectrum transmitter that transmits a spread-spectrum code and identification information. A plurality of receivers positioned about the area receive signals from a transmitting tag. The position of the tag, and hence the item, is located by triangulation. The system employs three different ranging techniques for providing coarse, intermediate, and fine spatial position resolution. Coarse positioning information is provided by use of direct-sequence code phase transmitted as a spread-spectrum signal. Intermediate positioning information is provided by the use of a difference signal transmitted with the direct-sequence spread-spectrum code. Fine positioning information is provided by use of carrier phase measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6533733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a completely implantable intracranial pressure monitor, which can couple to existing fluid shunting systems as well as other internal monitoring probes. The implant sensor produces an analog data signal which is then converted electronically to a digital pulse by generation of a spreading code signal and then transmitted to a location outside the patient by a radio-frequency transmitter to an external receiver. The implanted device can receive power from an internal source as well as an inductive external source. Remote control of the implant is also provided by a control receiver which passes commands from an external source to the implant system logic. Alarm parameters can be programmed into the device which are capable of producing an audible or visual alarm signal. The utility of the monitor can be greatly expanded by using multiple pressure sensors simultaneously or by combining sensors of various physiological types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Milton N. Ericson, Timothy E. McKnight, Stephen F. Smith, James O. Hylton
  • Publication number: 20020172313
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for carrier-frequency synchronization for improved AM and TV broadcast reception. A method includes synchronizing a carrier frequency of a broadcast signal with a remote reference frequency. An apparatus includes a reference signal receiver; a phase comparator coupled to the reference signal receiver; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase comparator; and a radio frequency output coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20020146080
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A method of pulse transmission communications includes: generating a modulated pulse signal waveform; transforming said modulated pulse signal waveform into at least one higher-order derivative waveform; and transmitting said at least one higher-order derivative waveform as an emitted pulse. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Stephen F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6436346
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and monitoring micro-volumetric enthalpic changes caused by molecular reactions. Micro-machining techniques are used to create very small thermally isolated masses incorporating temperature-sensitive circuitry. The thermally isolated masses are provided with a molecular layer or coating, and the temperature-sensitive circuitry provides an indication when the molecules of the coating are involved in an enthalpic reaction. The thermally isolated masses may be provided singly or in arrays and, in the latter case, the molecular coatings may differ to provide qualitative and/or quantitative assays of a substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: U T Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchel J. Doktycz, Charles L. Britton, Jr., Stephen F. Smith, Patrick I. Oden, William L. Bryan, James A. Moore, Thomas G. Thundat, Robert J. Warmack
  • Publication number: 20020097790
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A method of pulse transmission communications includes: generating a modulated pulse signal waveform; transforming said modulated pulse signal waveform into at least one higher-order derivative waveform; and transmitting said at least one higher-order derivative waveform as an emitted pulse. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Stephen F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020080889
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A method of pulse transmission communications includes: generating a modulated pulse signal waveform; transforming said modulated pulse signal waveform into at least one higher-order derivative waveform; and transmitting said at least one higher-order derivative waveform as an emitted pulse. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Dress, Stephen F. Smith
  • Patent number: D522056
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen F. Smith