Patents by Inventor Charles B. Swope

Charles B. Swope 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: 6801159
    Abstract: A perimeter threshold of an area is defined. The location of a device (102) is tracked using a first location technology (108) when the device (102) precedes the perimeter threshold. The location of the device (102) is tracked using a second location technology (100) when the device (102) exceeds the perimeter threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Chet A. Lampert
  • Publication number: 20040192372
    Abstract: A portable communication device (100) is capable of coupling to a two-way radio (102) via an interface. The portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Scott H. Richards, Bruce A. Claxton, Michael Combs, Charles F. Jackson, Robert J. McCall, Jerry L. Sandvos, Charles B. Swope, Peter Gilmore, Deborah J. Monks, Anthony J. Cecchin, Carole Sandvos
  • Publication number: 20040185822
    Abstract: A wireless communication system (100) employs a method (700) and apparatus for automatically tracking locations of wireless communication devices (102, 104, 106) in a geographic area, such as an ad hoc area of an emergency scene, that is divided into two or more zones (108, 110, 112). A wireless communication device (102) or a host device (122), determines a location of the wireless device (102). The wireless device's location is then associated with one of the zones (108, 110, 112). An indication (410) of a zone change is presented to a user of the wireless device and/or the host device (102, 122), as applicable, in the event that the wireless device's location reflects a transition of the device from one zone to another. Alternatively, each wireless device (102, 104, 106) might be associated with a corresponding group, such as a fire department, and the zone change indication might include an identifier (412) of the wireless device's group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel A. Tealdi, Julio A. Sanchez, Charles B. Swope
  • Publication number: 20040002828
    Abstract: A first set of coordinates (100) of a device and an estimated positional error (“EPE”) radius (102) is measured. An EPE circle (104) is derived, in which the device is approximately located, from the first set of coordinates (100) and the EPE radius (102). When it is determined that the EPE radius (102) exceeds a predetermined threshold, a first range (106) between the device and a ranging site (108) is measured, and a locus of points (110) on and within the EPE circle (104) is determined, wherein a distance between the ranging site (108) and each point in the locus of points (110) approximately equals the first range (106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Chet A. Lampert
  • Publication number: 20030200067
    Abstract: A first velocity model for a first object (190) and a second velocity model for a second object (195) are established. A spatial relationship between the first object and the second object is established. At least a portion of the first velocity model is adjusted based on at least a portion of the second velocity model and the spatial relationship of the first object to the second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Mark J. Johnson, Mark A. Krizik, Charles B. Swope
  • Patent number: 6633095
    Abstract: A motion device (100) includes a shape memory transducer (110) having a preset memory state and logically divided into first and second portions (116, 118). A coupled electrical circuit (130) is operable to selectively energize the first portion (116) to create a force that moves the first portion (116) toward its memory state which moves the second portion (118) in a first direction out of its memory state, and to selectively energize the second portion (118) to create a force that moves the second portion (118) towards its memory state which moves the first portion (116) away from its memory state in a second direction different from the first direction. A feedback system (120) is preferably included to provide for precise motion control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Patrick D. Koskan, Jorge L. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20030182053
    Abstract: A perimeter threshold of an area is defined. The location of a device (102) is tracked using a first location technology (108) when the device (102) precedes the perimeter threshold. The location of the device (102) is tracked using a second location technology (100) when the device (102) exceeds the perimeter threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Chet A. Lampert
  • Publication number: 20030179134
    Abstract: A valid position of a device (102) is established using a first location technology (108). The first location technology (108) uses a plurality of radio frequency (“RF”) signals. A location of the device (102) is tracked using the first location technology (102). At least one metric of the plurality of RF signals is monitored. At least one metric of at least one RF signal in the plurality of RF signals is identified to have fallen below a predetermined threshold required for acceptable location tracking accuracy. As a result, a next valid position of the device (102) is established using a second location technology (100), and the location of the device (102) is tracked using the second location technology (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Chet A. Lampert, Charles B. Swope
  • Patent number: 6615136
    Abstract: A method of increasing location accuracy in an inertial navigational device (100) is described herein. The navigational device (100) generates real-time data to depict its location. The data comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data. The navigational device (100) transmits the real-time data to a second device (104) in a real-time fashion. The navigational device (100) receives an update message from the second device (104), based on a comparison of the real-time data generated by the navigational device (100) against a second set of data. The navigational device (100) adjusts its depicted location based on the update message in order to increase the location accuracy of the navigational, device (100). Alternatively, the navigational device (100), absent the second device (104), can compare the real-time data generated against the second set of data internally and adjust its depicted location accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Daniel A. Tealdi, Patrick Douglas Koskan
  • Publication number: 20030158664
    Abstract: A method of increasing location accuracy in an inertial navigational device (100) is described herein. The navigational device (100) generates real-time data to depict its location. The data comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data. The navigational device (100) transmits the real-time data to a second device (104) in a real-time fashion. The navigational device (100) receives an update message from the second device (104), based on a comparison of the real-time data generated by the navigational device (100) against a second set of data. The navigational device (100) adjusts its depicted location based on the update message in order to increase the location accuracy of the navigational device (100). Alternatively, the navigational device (100), absent the second device (104), can compare the real-time data generated against the second set of data internally and adjust its depicted location accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Daniel A. Tealdi, Patrick Douglas Koskan
  • Patent number: 6577953
    Abstract: A first device (104) receives a first set of data from an inertial navigational device (100). The first set of data comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data, and is real-time output from the inertial navigational device (100). The first device (104) also receives a second set of data from a secondary source. The second set of data also comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data. The first device (104) generates an update message based on comparing the first set of data against the second set of data in order to improve location accuracy of the inertial navigational device (100). Optionally, the first device (104) can transmit the update message to the inertial navigational device (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Daniel A. Tealdi, Patrick Douglas Koskan
  • Patent number: 6563934
    Abstract: A diaphragm includes a vibratory membrane and at least one nickel titanium memory metal member having a shape that can be mechanically adjusted with a heating signal. The mechanical adjustment of the at least one nickel titanium memory metal member tunes the frequency response of the vibratory membrane in the diaphragm. The at least one nickel titanium memory metal member can be a sheet providing a vibratory membrane, or sheet sections or wire made of nickel titanium memory metal bonded to a vibratory membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Bruce W. Staple
  • Publication number: 20030005192
    Abstract: A re-configurable interface used in modular electronic architectures includes a host (203) and one or more modules (201) for interfacing with the host (203) to provide additional functionality. A configuration controller (209) located in the host (203) is for reading a memory device (215) located in the module (201) for providing configuration information to the host. The pin controller (209) then is able to reconfigure pins of the host connector (207) to communicate with the module (201).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, James S. Mitrosky, Timothy D. Houston
  • Publication number: 20020146157
    Abstract: A fingerprint acquisition assembly (110) includes a camera (205) for capturing an electronic image at a first focal range. An optical interface such as prism (207) or lens and mirror assembly (501,503) is used to provide a macro image to the camera (205) at a second focal range. The camera (205) is pivotable within the acquisition assembly (110) for capturing an image of a fingerprint in a second focal range though the prism (209) enabling the image to be easily transmitted to another location for authentication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Mitchell E. Goodman, Troy D. Spain, Charles B. Swope
  • Patent number: 6417691
    Abstract: A communication device provides for a hardware configurable module interface port by using a programmable logic device (108). The programmable logic device (108) is reconfigured using software stored in memory (106). The reconfiguration of programmable logic device (108) depends on the type of module (110) that is attached to the communication device. Since data translation is not required to be performed by each of the different types of modules that can be attached to the communication device, the time to develop a module is shortened and support circuitry requirements to perform data translation is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell E. Goodman, Charles B. Swope, Patrick D. Koskan, Jason A. Rapps, Daniel A. Tealdi
  • Patent number: 6307282
    Abstract: A smart switch produces a signal responsive to movement of said switch between a first state and a second state. The said switch has a first state position and a second state position. The switch can be moved from said first state to said second state responsive to a force applied to said switch. The switch includes a transducer, such as a load cell, that is responsive to said force for producing a transducer signal indicative of the force applied to said switch. The transducer signal is indicative of the amount of movement of said switch from said first state to said second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yu, Charles B. Swope, Michael J. Macaluso
  • Patent number: 6275131
    Abstract: A variable inductor is made from two elements separated by an insulating layer. The first element is elastic and serves as a coil shaped support for the inductive element. This elastic element is made with a memory and can be made to change its size by the application of heat. The inductive element is formed over the coil shaped support by layering a thin layer of a highly conductive material such as gold over the insulator layered on the elastic element. As heat is applied to the coil or as an electric current is applied to the elastic element, the size of the coil shaped support is changed which changes the inductive value of the inductive element formed by the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Swope, Henry F. Liebman, Patrick D. Koskan
  • Patent number: 6122528
    Abstract: A carry case (104) for a portable radio (102) provides automatic programming of the radio by including a proximity sensor (106) in the carry case. The proximity sensor (106) includes embedded radio programming information which gets downloaded to the radio (102) when the radio is inserted into the carry case (104). The radio (102) includes an excitation circuit (114) for activating the proximity sensor (106) when the radio (102) is inserted within the carry case (104). The radio (102) also includes a reader circuit (116) for reading the radio programming information. Individualized programming parameters can be included within a user's carry case (104) so that a radio (102) can be shared amongst multiple users yet still provide personalized features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge L. Garcia, Charles B. Swope, Juan B. de la Luz
  • Patent number: 5963012
    Abstract: A battery pack (304) and battery charging system (300, 400) provides contactless dynamic battery parameter sensing. A proximity sensor (208) is located in the battery pack (304) to monitor battery parameter measurements taken by battery parameter sensors (206). These battery parameter measurements are transferred to a charger (302) or radio (404) through a wireless link established between an excitation circuit, proximity sensor, and reader. The dynamically measured battery parameter information allows a charger (302) or radio (404) to select or adapt a charging routine based on the battery measurements. The use of a proximity sensor (208) along with battery parameter sensors (206) allow for minimal interface contacts between the radio and charger as well as the radio and battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge L. Garcia, Annamarie Burke, Juan B. De La Luz, Charles B. Swope, Joseph Patino
  • Patent number: 5663692
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) switch accessory (100) for use with a two-way radio (101) includes an input port (203), antenna port (215) for connection to an antenna and a remote port (213). The RF switch accessory (205) is used to control an electro-mechanical relay (207) for electrically connecting the input port (203) either between the antenna port (215) for connection to the radio antenna or the remote port (213). The invention allows for RF energy produced by the radio (101) to be easily switched to the remote port (213) without disconnecting an antenna from the radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles B. Swope