Patents Assigned to Starlink, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6363321
    Abstract: An integrated guidance system for use in swath guidance applications combines the display of swath navigation information with swath guidance system information. A processor receives information from an external positioning system such as a Global Positioning System receiver and generates course correction data derived from swath parameters selected by the user from a displayed menu of options using a control interface that is integrated with the display and processor or is located externally. The swath navigation information is displayed graphically and numerically. The entire apparatus is compact and mountable within the operative view of the user as he operates the equipment to be guided, thereby reducing hazard and navigational error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Starlink, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fowler, David L. Hirsch, Clarence W. Fowler, David L. Hindman, Charles L. Ladwig, IV, Gerald D. Powell
  • Patent number: 6160858
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for demodulating and decoding an MSK signal utilizing synchronous accumulation and simultaneous synchronization of reference carrier and MSK data clocks enables a GPS correlator channel in a multi-channel GPS receiver to be used for processing MSK signals. The PRN code epochs are synchronized with the MSK data clocks and the process of de-spreading with a PRN code is disabled in order to obtain coherent MSK demodulation without corrupting the MSK signal with a PRN code within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Starlink, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Hindman, Clarence W. Fowler, Gerald D. Powell, David A. Fowler, David L. Hirsch, Charles L. Ladwig, IV
  • Patent number: 6104979
    Abstract: An integrated guidance system for use in swath guidance applications combines the display of swath navigation information with swath guidance system information. A processor receives information from an external positioning system such as a Global Positioning System receiver and generates course correction data derived from swath parameters selected by the user from a displayed menu of options using a control interface that is integrated with the display and processor or is located externally. The swath navigation information is displayed graphically and numerically. The entire apparatus is compact and mountable within the operative view of the user as he operates the equipment to be guided, thereby reducing hazard and navigational error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Starlink, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fowler, David L. Hirsch, Clarence W. Fowler, David L. Hindman, Charles L. Ladwig, IV, Gerald D. Powell
  • Patent number: 6088384
    Abstract: A narrow correlation system is provided for narrow correlation tracking by fixed or dynamic delay of a received encoded signal and correlating the encoded signal and the delayed encoded signal with identical PRN code sequences with coincident epochs to produce early and late correlations separated by substantially less than one code chip, and with multiple correlation points obtained by implementing multiple delays of the encoded signal and separately correlating each different one of the delayed encoded signals with the same PRN code to produce a weighted tracking error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Starlink, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Hindman
  • Patent number: 5999795
    Abstract: An apparatus for extending the practical lengths over which coaxial cables can be used to transfer signal information from a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna to a GPS receiver. The apparatus converts the GPS signal frequency of 1.57542 GHz to a frequency low enough to be transferred long distances over coaxial cables without significant signal attenuation and then converts the signal back to the original frequency without the introduction of frequency errors. The invention is not restricted from being used at other frequencies where system design parameters makes it practical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Starlink Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence W. Fowler, Louis J. Vaccaro, Jr., David L. Hindman, Gerald D. Powell, David A. Fowler, David L. Hirsch, Charles L. Ladwig, IV