Patents by Inventor James L. Richards

James L. Richards 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: 7526250
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for transmitting and receiving modulated impulse radio signals. An impulse radio receiver includes a time base, a precision timing generator, a template generator, a delay, first and second correlators, a data detector and a time base adjustor. The time base produces a periodic timing signal that is used by the precision timing generator to produce a timing trigger signal. The template generator uses the timing trigger signal to produce a template signal. A delay receives the template signal and outputs a delayed template signal. When an impulse radio signal is received, the first correlator correlates the received impulse radio signal with the template signal to produce a first correlator output signal, and the second correlator correlates the received impulse radio signal with the delayed template signal to produce a second correlator output signal. The data detector produces a data signal based on at least the first correlator output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie, David M. Dickson, Vernon R. Brethour, Preston Jett
  • Patent number: 7495613
    Abstract: A system and a method for position determination by impulse radio using a first transceiver having a first clock providing a first reference signal and a second transceiver placed spaced from the first transceiver. The system determines the position of the second transceiver. The second transceiver has a second clock that provides a second reference signal. A first sequence of pulses are transmitted from the first transceiver. The first sequence of pulses are then received at the second transceiver and the second transceiver is then synchronized with the first sequence of pulses. A second sequence of pulses are transmitted from the second transceiver. The first transceiver receives the second sequence of pulses and the first transceiver is synchronized with the second sequence of pulses. A delayed first reference signal is generated in response to the synchronization with the second sequence of pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie
  • Patent number: 7492811
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that can detect any part of a multipath impulse radio signal. More specifically, the method compares a template pulse train and the multipath impulse radio signal to obtain a comparison result. The system performs a threshold check on the comparison result. If the comparison result passes the threshold check, the system locks onto any part of the multipath impulse radio signal including a direct path part and at least one multipath reflection part. The system may also perform a quick check, a synchronization check, and/or a command check of the multipath impulse radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Alereon, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Mark D. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20090022207
    Abstract: A method for generating code sequences having good correlation properties comprising steps of selecting a code length comprising a number of chips, selecting a ruler which defines the position of non-zero values within the chips, and overlaying the non-zero values with an amplitude pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Alereon, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon R. Brethour, Larry W. Fullerton, Marcus H. Pendergrass, James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20090014479
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tap assembly including: (1) a first wall defining a valve chamber having a top surface and a pair of opposed tracks extending axially along an inner surface of the wall, and a fluid outlet; (2) a tap handle mounted to the top surface for rotational movement of the tap handle with respect to the wall, the tap handle having a second wall defining an annular chamber supporting a set of threads; and (3) a generally tubular valve member having a first end and an opposed second end, the first end having a pair of lugs circumferentially spaced from one another, the lugs being positioned within the threads, the second end of the valve member extending into the valve chamber, the valve member is responsive to movement of the tap handle to move from a first position where the fluid outlet is sealed by the second end of the valve member to a second position where the fluid outlet is not sealed by the second end of the valve member and fluid is allowed to flow through the fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Smith, Loren L. Brelje, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7474219
    Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, David C. Meigs, William D. Welch, Jr., Donald A. Kelly, Timothy T. Payment, James S. Finn, William J. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7426233
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that can detect any part of a multipath impulse radio signal. More specifically, the method compares a template pulse train and the multipath impulse radio signal to obtain a comparison result. The system performs a threshold check on the comparison result. If the comparison result passes the threshold check, the system locks onto any part of the multipath impulse radio signal including a direct path part and at least one multipath reflection part. The system may also perform a quick check, a sychronization check, and/or a command check of the multipath impulse radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie, Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, Randall S. Stanley, William D. Welch
  • Patent number: 7418029
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that can detect any part of a multipath impulse radio signal. More specifically, the method compares a template pulse train and the multipath impulse radio signal to obtain a comparison result. The system performs a threshold check on the comparison result. If the comparison result passes the threshold check, the system locks onto any part of the multipath impulse radio signal including a direct path part and at least one multipath reflection part. The system may also perform a quick check, a synchronization check, and/or a command check of the multipath impulse radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie, Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, Randall S. Stanley, William D. Welch
  • Patent number: 7417581
    Abstract: A system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of time modulated ultra wideband (TM-UWB) radars. Two or more TM-UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array around the perimeter of a building. Each TM-UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate the building and the surrounding area. Signal return data is processed to determine, among other things, whether an alarm condition has been triggered. High resolution radar images are formed that give an accurate picture of the inside of the building and the surrounding area. This image is used to detect motion in a highly selective manner and to track moving objects within the building and the surrounding area. Motion can be distinguished based on criteria appropriate to the environment in which the intrusion detection system operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7405658
    Abstract: An asset, object, person or animal monitoring system and associated method for monitoring assets, objects, people or animals utilizing impulse radio techniques. The asset, object, person or animal monitoring system of the present invention can vary the duty cycles of the impulse radio transmitters, by both manual and automatic means, to adapt to varied requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corp.
    Inventor: James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7400666
    Abstract: A method for generating code sequences having good correlation properties comprising steps of selecting a code length comprising a number of chips, selecting a ruler which defines the position of non-zero values within the chips, and overlaying the non-zero values with an amplitude pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Alereon, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon R. Brethour, Larry W. Fullerton, Marcus H. Pendergrass, James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20080165046
    Abstract: A system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of ultra wideband (UWB) radars. Two or more UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array around an area to be protected. Each UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate the area to be protected. Signal return data is processed to determine, among other things, whether an alarm condition has been triggered. High resolution radar images are formed that give an accurate picture of the area to be protected. This image is used to detect motion in a highly selective manner and to track moving objects within the protected area. Motion can be distinguished based on criteria appropriate to the environment in which the intrusion detection system operates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Mark D. Roberts, Brandon S. Dewberry
  • Patent number: 7397379
    Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, Donald A. Kelly, David C. Meigs, Timothy T. Payment, James S. Finn, William J. Tucker, William D. Welch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080151967
    Abstract: Time is transferred from an ultra wideband (UWB) transmitter to UWB receiver by transmitting a signal structure having an associated timing reference point together with a time value for the timing reference point. The UWB receiver receives the timing signal structure by synchronizing a receiver time base to the signal structure, demodulating the time value information, and using the demodulated time value information to set a receiver clock value. Propagation delay information is used to adjust the receiver clock value by advancing the receiver clock value to account for the propagation delay. In one embodiment, propagation delay is determined from a known distance between the transmitter and receiver. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are part of a two-way link wherein propagation delay is measured by round trip timing measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20080150724
    Abstract: An asset, object, person or animal monitoring system and associated method for monitoring assets, objects, people or animals utilizing impulse radio techniques. The asset, object, person or animal monitoring system of the present invention can vary the duty cycles of the impulse radio transmitters, by both manual and automatic means, to adapt to varied requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20080136709
    Abstract: A system and a method for position determination by impulse radio using a first transceiver having a first clock providing a first reference signal and a second transceiver placed spaced from the first transceiver. The system determines the position of the second transceiver. The second transceiver has a second clock that provides a second reference signal. A first sequence of pulses are transmitted from the first transceiver. The first sequence of pulses are then received at the second transceiver and the second transceiver is then synchronized with the first sequence of pulses. A second sequence of pulses are transmitted from the second transceiver. The first transceiver receives the second sequence of pulses and the first transceiver is synchronized with the second sequence of pulses. A delayed first reference signal is generated in response to the synchronization with the second sequence of pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie
  • Patent number: 7372403
    Abstract: A system and a method for position determination by impulse radio where first position information is determined for a first impulse radio using a positioning system, second position information is determined for the first impulse radio using at least one second impulse radio, and a position is determined based upon the first position information relative to the second position information. The positioning system can be a Global Positioning System. The determined position can be communicated to an emergency system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie
  • Patent number: 7358888
    Abstract: A system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of time modulated ultra wideband (TM-UWB) radars. Two or more TM-UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array around the perimeter of a building. Each TM-UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate the building and the surrounding area. Signal return data is processed to determine, among other things, whether an alarm condition has been triggered. High resolution radar images are formed that give an accurate picture of the inside of the building and the surrounding area. This image is used to detect motion in a highly selective manner and to track moving objects within the building and the surrounding area. Motion can be distinguished based on criteria appropriate to the environment in which the intrusion detection system operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7209724
    Abstract: A method for power control in an ultra wideband impulse radio system includes: (a) transmitting an impulse radio signal from a first transceiver; (b) receiving the impulse radio signal at a second transceiver; (c) determining at least one performance measurement of the received impulse radio signal; and (d) controlling output power of at least one of the first transceiver and the second transceiver in accordance with the at least one performance measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Alereon, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, Ivan A. Cowie
  • Patent number: 7151490
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for locating an impulse radio. Impulse radio signals are communicated between a first impulse radio and a plurality of second impulse radios. A received signal strength measurement is determined for each of the impulse radio signals. One of a plurality of radio propagation path models is selected and used to estimate a plurality of separation distances between the first impulse radio and the plurality of second impulse radios. The plurality of separation distances is used to determine a location relating to the first impulse radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Richards