Patents Examined by Bernarr Gregory
  • Patent number: 9746563
    Abstract: A wireless local messaging system includes a transmitter transmitting a local message to a navigation receiver configured to receive and process navigation messages from satellites of a global navigation satellite system on a given carrier frequency, each of the satellites transmitting the navigation messages with a satellite-individual PRN code. The transmitter transmits the local message in a local message signal on the given carrier frequency with a local PRN code that is not used by a satellite of the global navigation satellite system, and the receiver receives the local PRN code and processes the local message signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
    Inventors: Veit Oehler, Julian Steffes, Michael Voit Von Voithenberg
  • Patent number: 9742075
    Abstract: A hybrid active array approach can combine aspects of a passive and active array architecture with transmitter, high power, and cooling components positioned in one location, e.g., below a ship deck, apart from a radiating location. Waveguides or signal transmission lines can convey a transmit signal from the transmitter to the radiating location, e.g., to a beamforming network (BFN), hybrid transmit/receive modules (HTRM), and a plurality of antenna elements. The exemplary BFN can set an amplitude distribution of an antenna aperture associated with the BFN, HTRMs, and plurality of antenna elements to control both transmit and receive sidelobes where low or reduced sidelobes on transmit reduces radiation outside of the main beam further reducing signal returns in one or more sidelobes sections of the antenna elements. In a receive mode, a reverse can occur and additional beamformers can be utilized for beamforming the receive beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David P. Woollen
  • Patent number: 9739571
    Abstract: A moving object command link system includes a transmitter which outputs a EM beam and a steering mechanism which directs the beam toward one or more objects, at least one of which is moving. The system may include a variable attenuator which modulates the average output power of the beam, and/or a divergence controller to maintain a desired beam size. The beam may be polarized, and the system may include a polarization modulator which changes the beam's polarization in accordance with a predetermined sequence and schedule. The system may include a 1×2 switch to selectively provide the beam to one of first and second outputs. A tiltable dichroic beam splitter may be used to couple beams received from first and second objects to track cameras having respective boresights that are offset with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TELEDYNE SCIENTIFIC & IMAGING, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Winker, Milind Mahajan, Don Taber, Brian Gregory, John Mansell
  • Patent number: 9743373
    Abstract: A first process and a second process are executed concurrently by one or more hardware processors located in the cellular device and outside of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chipset embedded in the cellular device. The first process determines a first set of one or more position fixes based on extracted raw pseudorange information. The second process determines carrier phase smoothed pseudoranges based on carrier phase information and determines a second set of one or more position fixes based on the carrier phase smoothed pseudoranges. One or more of the first set of position fixes are provided to a user while a predetermined amount of carrier phase information is not available for performing carrier phase smoothing. One or more of the second set of position fixes are provided to the user while a predetermined amount of carrier phase information is available for performing carrier phase smoothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Robert Wold, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky
  • Patent number: 9739890
    Abstract: A GPS receiver includes an RF front end for acquiring and tracking a satellite signal and a baseband processor configured to preserve power. The baseband processor includes a GPS engine configured to process the satellite signal and generate a PVT fix, a power supervisory module for receiving the PVT fix, and a user state module that determines an environmental state, wherein the power supervisory module may power down the GPS receiver for a period of time based on a result of the determined environment state. The baseband processor also includes a time-based management module that adjusts the TCXO in response to the determined environmental state. The GPS receiver includes a plurality of operation modes, each of which is associated with a plurality of tracking profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MaxLinear, Inc.
    Inventors: Ioannis Spyropoulos, Anand Anandakumar, Maxime Leclercq, Yves Rasse
  • Patent number: 9733359
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of GNSS data derived from multi-frequency code and carrier observations are presented which make available correction data for use by a rover located within the region, the correction data comprising: the ionospheric delay over the region, the tropospheric delay over the region, the phase-leveled geometric correction per satellite, and the at least one code bias per satellite. In some embodiments the correction data includes an ionospheric phase bias per satellite. Methods and apparatus for determining a precise position of a rover located within a region are presented in which a GNSS receiver is operated to obtain multi-frequency code and carrier observations and correction data, to create rover corrections from the correction data, and to determine a precise rover position using the rover observations and the rover corrections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Ulrich Vollath, Kendall Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9736845
    Abstract: Over the air signaling of dynamic frequency selection operating parameters to client devices is disclosed. In an embodiment, a multi-channel master device determines a maximum range value of a radar detection umbrella associated with the multi-channel master device based on a first range representing a range at which the multi-channel master device detects a first radar transmission transmitted by a radar device at a defined transmission power; determines a compliance range value based on a second range representing a range at which the multi-channel master device detects a second radar transmission transmitted by the radar device at a dynamic frequency selection (DFS) compliance threshold transmission power; and determines a margin range value based on a third range representing a range at which the multi-channel master device detects a third radar transmission transmitted by the radar device at a transmission power that is lower than the dynamic frequency selection compliance threshold transmission power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: NETWORK PERFORMANCE RESEARCH GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Seung Baek Yi, Kun Ting Tsai, Paul V. Yee, Terry F. K. Ngo, Erick Kurniawan
  • Patent number: 9733352
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, positioning system includes transmitter apparatus transmits radio wave and receiver apparatus receives target echo. Transmitter apparatus comprises first receiver and transmitter. First receiver receives GPS signal and outputs reference signal. Transmitter transmits radio wave at time interval based on reference signal. The receiver apparatus includes second receiver, detector and first and second calculators. Second receiver receives GPS signal and outputs time information. Detector receives target echo and outputs reception signal added received time information. First calculator calculates Doppler frequency based on reception frequency and transmission frequency. Second calculator calculates time difference of echo based on Doppler frequency. Detector sets time filter to receive next pulse based on time difference and time information of reception signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Hirokazu Shimomaki
  • Patent number: 9726765
    Abstract: A method of determining the position of a user in 3D space is disclosed. In one example, the method comprises utilizing range measurements from one or more GPS satellite vehicles, angular information of a camera located at the user position, and a camera image associated with one or more known markers. The method further comprises determining the angular information of the camera by determining a direction cosine matrix between a camera frame of reference and an earth frame of reference, and designating unit vectors that individually extend from a position within the camera image associated with one of the known markers through the camera focal point to the respective known marker The method also includes integrating into an ordinary least squares matrix, the GPS range measurements, the angular information of the camera, and the unit vectors, and calculating the user position by solving the ordinary least squares matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Thomas D. Arthur, Zhen Zhu, Sumit Bhattacharya, Kim M. Scheff, Maarten U. de Haag, Kevin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9726764
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to system for providing precision location determination. The system includes a receiver configured for receiving both a first set of signals from a first constellation of satellites and a second set of signals from a second constellation of satellites. The system further includes a processor, which is connected to the receiver and is configured for processing the received satellite signals. The system further includes control programming for executing on the processor. The control programming is configured for determining a first location of the receiver based upon the first set of received signals and for determining a second location of the receiver based upon the second set of received signals. The control programming is further configured for correlating the first location and the second location to provide an enhanced location for the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Heinrich
  • Patent number: 9722309
    Abstract: A mobile radio antenna comprises a multi beam forming device which comprises a drivable drive element having a drive shaft and at least two output shafts. Each output shaft is substantially parallel to the drive shaft. At least one output gear is rotationally fixed to the output shaft. At least two phase shifters are each operatively connected to a respective output shaft via a respective drive device. A changeover device enables the drive element to be operatively connected selectively to at least one of the output gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Stefan Berger, Ralf Häntsch
  • Patent number: 9722310
    Abstract: A method includes separating phase of Local Oscillator (LO) signals generated by individual Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) of a coupled VCO array through varying voltage levels of voltage control inputs thereto. The method also includes frequency multiplying an output of each individual VCO of the coupled VCO array to increase a range of phase differences between the phase separated LO signals generated by the individual VCOs. Further, the method includes mixing the frequency multiplied outputs of the individual VCOs with signals from antenna elements of an antenna array to introduce differential phase shifts in signal paths coupled to the antenna elements during performing beamforming with the antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GigPeak, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Schiller
  • Patent number: 9719831
    Abstract: Level measuring device which can compensate the distortions, caused by an STC filter, of the received signal, by measuring a reference signal which passes through the receiving branch and also through the STC filter, during the ongoing operation of the level measuring device or during manufacture. For example, after passing through the receiving branch, this reference signal can be fed to a microprocessor which can calculate the correction values of the IF signal therefrom. A switch can be provided which can switch over between the reference signal and the IF signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: VERA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventor: Daniel Schultheiss
  • Patent number: 9720080
    Abstract: A combined radar and telemetry system is described. The combined radar and telemetry system includes a processing unit that executes instructions, where the instructions define a radar waveform and a telemetry waveform. The processor outputs a digital baseband signal based upon the instructions, where the digital baseband signal is based upon the radar waveform and the telemetry waveform. A radar and telemetry circuit transmits, simultaneously, a radar signal and telemetry signal based upon the digital baseband signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rodenbeck, Derek Young, Tina Chou, Lung-Hwa Hsieh, Kurt Conover, Richard Heintzleman
  • Patent number: 9721677
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide a nuclear fission reactor, that includes a reactor vessel, a nuclear fission fuel element capable of generating a gaseous fission product, a valve body defining a plenum for receiving the gaseous fission product, and a valve in operative communication with the plenum for controllably venting the gaseous fission product from the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TerraPower, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Ashok Odedra, Clarence T. Tegreene, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., George B. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9716322
    Abstract: A multi-polarization radio frequency (RF) antenna includes an array of impulse sensors that are capable of detecting RF signals within a surrounding environment. In some embodiments, antennas are provided for use within the high frequency (HF) band. The array of impulse sensors may include, for example, one or more B-dot sensors and/or one or more D-dot sensors. Various different antenna configurations are provided that are capable of operation with multiple different polarizations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Timothy R. Holzheimer
  • Patent number: 9709658
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method (70) for monitoring a phase for transferring a satellite (20) from one earth orbit, called “initial orbit”, to another earth orbit, called “mission orbit”, in particular a transfer using electric propulsion unit. The monitoring method includes a step for estimating the direction of the satellite during the transfer phase by way of an earth array antenna (30) including a plurality of elementary antennas (31), each elementary antenna having a primary radiation lobe with a width greater than or equal to 20°, the elementary antennas (31) being oriented such that their respective fields of vision overlap, the direction of the satellite being estimated based on at least one useful phase difference measurement between signals corresponding to a target signal, transmitted by the satellite and received on a pair of elementary antennas (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Aymes
  • Patent number: 9709656
    Abstract: A method and devices are disclosed, for tracking a radio beacon from a moving device, while the beacon transmits periodic signals, which the device detects at least at two different locations, and the device provided with information enabling determining the time difference between transmissions of these periodic signals. The method discloses a formula for estimating the angle between the course of the moving device and the beacon: arccos [c*(TDOA12?TDOT12)/baseline12]; wherein the moving device detects signal 1 and signal 2 respectively at location 1 and location 2, the distance between these locations defined as baseline12, TDOA12 is the Time Difference of Arrival of the signals at the two locations, TDOT12 is the time difference between transmission of these signals, and c is the speed of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel A. Katz
  • Patent number: 9709361
    Abstract: A seeker head for a guided missile has an outer casing, a detector unit with a matrix detector, and an optical system for depicting an object from an object scene surrounding the guided missile on the matrix detector. The optical system contains entrance optics and an optical link. The seek head further has a rolling-pitching system with a rolling frame and a pitching frame for aligning at least the entrance optics with the object. In order to be able to detect even objects that are far away and radiating weakly when the guided missile is rolling, it is proposed that the detector unit is arranged on the rolling frame for conjoint rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Barenz, Nicolai Kuenzner, Hakan Kisakuerek
  • Patent number: 9702979
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a universal tracking system configured for tracking a plurality of supported sources and/or signal types. The universal tracking system may include an acquisition module configured to execute a serial or parallel search to detect visible signals. The universal tracking system may include at least one universal channel capable of extracting tracking data from a plurality of supported signal types. The universal channel may include complex correlators configured to correlate digital samples associated with one or more ranging signals utilizing primary, sub-carrier, and/or secondary codes. The universal channel may be configured to determine tracking data associated with at least one ranging signal of the plurality of supported signal types. The universal tracking system may further include a navigation processor configured to determine location utilizing tracking data received from one or more universal channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo J. Joseph, Sami R. Wahab