Patents by Inventor Larry Fullerton

Larry Fullerton 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).

  • Publication number: 20060106546
    Abstract: A system for evaluating properties of materials by probing the materials using ultra wideband signals wherein the probing may be by transmission or by reflection of radiated ultra wideband signals. Received signals may be evaluated by determining signal characteristics including reflection coefficient, transmission attenuation, multipath decay profile, and signal scattering coefficient. Received signals are evaluated using deconvolution and Fourier processing. Test chamber characteristics and boundary reflections may be removed to yield bulk material properties. The system may be calibrated by employing empirical signal measurements from materials with known properties measured by reference techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Roberts, Larry Fullerton, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20060088081
    Abstract: A transmit-rake apparatus includes at least one pulse generator that provides a plurality of pulses with selected signal properties so as to improve the signal-to-noise ratio at a receiver. The signal properties may include pulse timing, amplitude, polarity, and pulse shape. The transmit-rake apparatus may use a multipath analyzer, receive multipath or signal-quality information, or use a combination of those techniques. The multipath analyzer may include a scanning receiver to generate a scan of the multipath response. Correlation of the multipath response with a model pulse shape may be used to establish pulse position and amplitude. Iteration based on link performance measurements may be used to select or refine pulse properties. A method is disclosed to vary the selection of pulses to improve the spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Withington, James Richards, Larry Fullerton, Mark Roberts
  • Publication number: 20060087472
    Abstract: A proximity fuze (proximity fuse) comprising an ultra wideband (UWB) radar transmitter, a UWB radar receiver, an antenna, a timing system, and a signal processor. One embodiment includes an antenna with an annular conical radiation pattern. In another embodiment, a trigger delay is produced that is related to target detection range. In a further embodiment, multiple range shells are utilized to further discriminate target characteristics including velocity. A method is disclosed that utilizes target range, velocity, signal amplitude, and radar signal phase to identify the target and trigger the detonation. A proximity fuze system having a long storage life is disclosed comprising a proximity fuze element powered by a turbine generator and internal gas source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Troutman, Herbert Fluhler, Larry Fullerton, Douglas Fitzpatrick, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20060028374
    Abstract: An active protection system comprising an ultra wideband (UWB) radar for threat detection, an optical tracker for precision threat position measurement, and a high powered laser for threat kill or mitigation. The UWB radar may use a sparse array antenna and may also utilize Doppler radar information. The high powered laser may be of the optically pumped solid state type and in one embodiment may share optics with the optical tracker. In one embodiment, the UWB radar is used to focus the high power laser. Alternative interceptor type kill mechanisms are disclosed. In a further embodiment, the kill mechanism may be directed to the source of the threat. In a further embodiment, an antenna array is steered by using subarray groups having fixed timing within the group and variable timing from group to group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20060028373
    Abstract: An active protection system comprising an ultrawideband radar for threat detection, an optical tracker for precision threat position measurement, and a high powered laser for threat kill or mitigation. The uwb radar may use a sparse array antenna and may also utilize Doppler radar information. The high powered laser may be of the optically pumped solid state type and in one embodiment may share optics with the optical tracker. In one embodiment, the UWB radar is used to focus the high power laser. Alternative interceptor type kill mechanisms are disclosed. In a further embodiment, the kill mechanism may be directed to the source of the threat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, Mark Roberts, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20060017614
    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: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, James Richards, Ivan Cowie
  • Publication number: 20060007988
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, James Richards, Ivan Cowie, David Dickson, Vernon Brethour, Preston Jett
  • Publication number: 20050264438
    Abstract: An ultra wideband radar system for detecting moving objects comprising an antenna, which may be scanned in at least one dimension, and a signal processor wherein the signal processor includes a scan combiner that combines scan information in accordance with a candidate trajectory for the moving object. Scans may be combined by integration or filtering. A fast calculation method is described wherein the scans are combined into subsets and subsets are shifted in accordance with the candidate trajectory before further combination. A method is described wherein a region is scanned with an ultra wideband radar, the scan information is combined in accordance with an expected trajectory to enhance the object signal to noise. Further features are described wherein the scan information is combined according to a family of trajectories. A trajectory yielding a potential object detection initiates a further scan combination step wherein the family of trajectories is further resolved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20050242983
    Abstract: A time domain communications system wherein a broadband of time-spaced signals, essentially monocycle-like signals, are derived from applying stepped-in-amplitude signals to a broadband antenna, in this case, a reverse bicone antenna. When received, the thus transmitted signals are multiplied by a D.C. replica of each transmitted signal, and thereafter, they are, successively, short time and long time integrated to achieve detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20050228613
    Abstract: A method and system for extensible positioning that uses a primary reference node at a known first position and a secondary reference node at a second position, where a range is measured between the secondary reference node and the primary reference node. The second position is determined based upon the first position and the measured range. A second range is measured between the secondary reference node and a non-fixed node. A third position corresponding to the non-fixed node is determined based upon the second position and the second range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, Mark Roberts, W. Einhorn, Kelly Loum, Irina Dodoukh, S. O'Hanian
  • Publication number: 20050223407
    Abstract: Impulse radio links are applied as the wireless means for allowing the separation of traditionally wired audio/video displays from their sources of information. This wireless separation affords an enhanced information system architecture in which a remote user interface can select from a variety of information and/or entertainment sources. The data bandwidth and superior performance of impulse radios in a high RF multipath environment open these previously hardwired interfaces to a wireless implementation. For example, untethered television is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, Ivan Cowie, Timothy Payment, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20050117628
    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: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Vernon Brethour, Larry Fullerton, Marcus Pendergrass, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20050018640
    Abstract: A virtual wireless local area network system and method utilizing impulse radio wherein transmission rates (bit rates) can vary according to the impulse radio transmission quality (signal to noise ratio) and wherein the position of the user can be determined and said user can be directed to an area of greater transmission rates and wherein a plurality of impulse radio portals can be utilized and switched between to maintain high levels of transmission rates while a user is moving within a predetermined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, James Finn
  • Publication number: 20050017893
    Abstract: A time domain communications system wherein a broadband of time-spaced signals, essentially monocycle-like signals, are derived from applying stepped-in-amplitude signals to a broadband antenna, in this case, a reverse bicone antenna. When received, the thus transmitted signals are multiplied by a D.C. replica of each transmitted signal, and thereafter, they are, successively, short time and long time integrated to achieve detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventor: Larry Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20050017894
    Abstract: A time domain communications system wherein a broadband of time-spaced signals, essentially monocycle-like signals, are derived from applying stepped-in-amplitude signals to a broadband antenna, in this case, a reverse bicone antenna. When received, the thus transmitted signals are multiplied by a D.C. replica of each transmitted signal, and thereafter, they are, successively, short time and long time integrated to achieve detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventor: Larry Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20020030596
    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: September 27, 1999
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: JAMES S. FINN, JAMES L. RICHARDS, LARRY FULLERTON, TIMOTHY T. PAYMENT
  • Patent number: 4596023
    Abstract: The data communication system includes an encoder to receive nonreturn-to-zero data signals and convert them to biphase signals, a current mode transmitter for transmitting the biphase signals, and a communication link connected to the transmitter. The encoder senses transitions in the nonreturn-to-zero data signals and controls the amplitude of the biphase signals in response to the sensed transitions. These transitions are sensed by inverting and delaying the nonreturn-to-zero data signals and exclusively ORing these delayed and inverted signals with the nonreturn-to-zero data signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Complexx Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Byron Driver, Larry Fullerton