Patents by Inventor John M. Elwell

John M. Elwell 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: 8563910
    Abstract: A projectile's payload is oriented (independently or by orientation of the projectile itself) toward a target just prior to firing (e.g., detonation of the payload), e.g., for munitions providing an increased kill and casualty area and a fire “in defilade” (left, right, backwards or at any angle) capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Elwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8466835
    Abstract: A non-GPS satellite-based system enables correction of a local clock in a user device to facilitate GPS-based location determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, Jr., Robert D. Tingley
  • Publication number: 20120286995
    Abstract: A non-GPS satellite-based system enables correction of a local clock in a user device to facilitate GPS-based location determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, JR., Robert D. Tingley
  • Publication number: 20120256038
    Abstract: A projectile's payload is oriented (independently or by orientation of the projectile itself) toward a target just prior to firing (e.g., detonation of the payload), e.g., for munitions providing an increased kill and casualty area and a fire “in defilade” (left, right, backwards or at any angle) capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Elwell, JR.
  • Patent number: 8279119
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a structure detect wireless signals, including at least one multipath signal that has experienced at least one reflection against a portion of the structure prior to the detection. The wireless signals are analyzed to estimate reflection points for the multipath signal(s), and a map of at least the portion of the structure is generated based on the estimated reflection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, Jr., Donald E. Gustafson, J. Arnold Soltz
  • Patent number: 7973716
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a structure detect wireless signals, including at least one multipath signal that has experienced at least one reflection against a portion of the structure prior to the detection. The wireless signals are analyzed to estimate reflection points for the multipath signal(s), and a map of at least the portion of the structure is generated based on the estimated reflection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, Jr., Donald E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7679561
    Abstract: A signal processing technique for RF active, passive, or aided localization approaches that utilizes multipath signals as additional measurements with a filter or estimator, e.g., a nonlinear filter. The filter uses indirect and direct path measurements or any other available signals to build parametric models of observable indirect paths. If one or more direct path measurements are subsequently lost (e.g., due to obstruction), the filter maintains an estimate of the position of the person or object of interest using indirect path measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, Jr., Donald E. Gustafson, John R. Dowdle
  • Publication number: 20090102711
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a structure detect wireless signals, including at least one multipath signal that has experienced at least one reflection against a portion of the structure prior to the detection. The wireless signals are analyzed to estimate reflection points for the multipath signal(s), and a map of at least the portion of the structure is generated based on the estimated reflection points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, JR., Donald E. Gustafson, J. Arnold Soltz
  • Publication number: 20090102707
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a structure detect wireless signals, including at least one multipath signal that has experienced at least one reflection against a portion of the structure prior to the detection. The wireless signals are analyzed to estimate reflection points for the multipath signal(s), and a map of at least the portion of the structure is generated based on the estimated reflection points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, JR., Donald E. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20080198072
    Abstract: A signal processing technique for RF active, passive, or aided localization approaches that utilizes multipath signals as additional measurements with a filter or estimator, e.g., a nonlinear filter. The filter uses indirect and direct path measurements or any other available signals to build parametric models of observable indirect paths. If one or more direct path measurements are subsequently lost (e.g., due to obstruction), the filter maintains an estimate of the position of the person or object of interest using indirect path measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, Donald E. Gustafson, John R. Dowdle
  • Patent number: 6731237
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a multidimensional navigation solution utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) data to obtain highly reliable and accurate navigational solutions in high interference and dynamic environments, at a performance level which has been heretofore unattainable. Additional sensors such as inertial (gyros and accelerometers), altimeters, radars, etc. may be employed in a deeply integrated configuration. The approach taken in the present invention differs from that of previous techniques through its exploitation of nonlinear filtering methods; as a result, the navigation system architecture and processes employed yield significant improvements in navigation system performance, both in code tracking and reacquisition, and in carrier tracking and reacquisition. The improvements are particularly significant at low signal/noise ratios, where conventional approaches are especially susceptible to loss of code lock or carrier lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Gustafson, John R. Dowdle, John M. Elwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6693592
    Abstract: A wireless navigational system and process utilize multipath wireless signals normally discarded from the navigation solution to enhance navigational performance under a range of operational scenarios. A relationship between the receiver's location and one or more multipath signals is established, facilitating subsequent navigation using the multipath signal(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Dowdle, Donald E. Gustafson, John M. Elwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6630904
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a multidimensional navigation solution utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) data to obtain highly reliable and accurate navigational solutions in high interference and dynamic environments, at a performance level which has been heretofore unattainable. Additional sensors such as inertial (gyros and accelerometers), altimeters, radars, etc. may be employed in a deeply integrated configuration. The approach taken in the present invention differs from that of previous techniques through its exploitation of nonlinear filtering methods; as a result, the navigation system architecture and processes employed yield significant improvements in navigation system performance, both in code tracking and reacquisition, and in carrier tracking and reacquisition. The improvements are particularly significant at low signal/noise ratios, where conventional approaches are especially susceptible to loss of code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Gustafson, John R. Dowdle, John M. Elwell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020126044
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a multidimensional navigation solution utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) data to obtain highly reliable and accurate navigational solutions in high interference and dynamic environments, at a performance level which has been heretofore unattainable. Additional sensors such as inertial (gyros and accelerometers), altimeters, radars, etc. may be employed in a deeply integrated configuration. The approach taken in the present invention differs from that of previous techniques through its exploitation of nonlinear filtering methods; as a result, the navigation system architecture and processes employed yield significant improvements in navigation system performance, both in code tracking and reacquisition, and in carrier tracking and reacquisition. The improvements are particularly significant at low signal/noise ratios, where conventional approaches are especially susceptible to loss of code lock or carrier lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Gustafson, John R. Dowdle, John M. Elwell
  • Publication number: 20020089450
    Abstract: A wireless navigational system and process utilize multipath wireless signals normally discarded from the navigation solution to enhance navigational performance under a range of operational scenarios. A relationship between the receiver's location and one or more multipath signals is established, facilitating subsequent navigation using the multipath signal(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Dowdle, Donald E. Gustafson, John M. Elwell
  • Publication number: 20020047799
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a multidimensional navigation solution utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) data to obtain highly reliable and accurate navigational solutions in high interference and dynamic environments, at a performance level which has been heretofore unattainable. Additional sensors such as inertial (gyros and accelerometers), altimeters, radars, etc. may be employed in a deeply integrated configuration. The approach taken in the present invention differs from that of previous techniques through its exploitation of nonlinear filtering methods; as a result, the navigation system architecture and processes employed yield significant improvements in navigation system performance, both in code tracking and reacquisition, and in carrier tracking and reacquisition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Gustafson, John R. Dowdle, John M. Elwell
  • Patent number: 6331835
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a multidimensional navigation solution utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) data to obtain highly reliable and accurate navigational solutions in high interference and dynamic environments, at a performance level which has been heretofore unattainable. Additional sensors such as inertial (gyros and accelerometers), altimeters, radars, etc. may be employed in a deeply integrated configuration. The approach taken in the present invention differs from that of previous techniques through its exploitation of nonlinear filtering methods; as a result, the navigation system architecture and processes employed yield significant improvements in navigation system performance, both in code tracking and reacquisition, and in carrier tracking and reacquisition. The improvements are particularly significant at low signal/noise ratios, where conventional approaches are especially susceptible to loss of code lock or carrier lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Gustafson, John R. Dowdle, John M. Elwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4270044
    Abstract: An inertially aided optical sensing system including an optical sensor, for example a telescope, and an optical reference gyro (ORG). The ORG emits a beam of collimated light aligned with the gyro's angular momentum vector. This light beam is directed into the optical sensor, e.g. a telescope, to create a bright spot, or "star", on the focal plane of the sensor. A closed loop control system adaptively controls the ORG, sensor or both in response to signals representative of the position of the beam incidence point in the focal plane in order to offset dynamic misalignments between an inertial reference system and the optical axis of the sensor arising from bending and internal frame deformations within the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Elwell, Jr.