Patents by Inventor Mark Litchfield

Mark Litchfield 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: 7680599
    Abstract: An explosive device detection system includes sensors and base station that detect and report on suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) or landmine emplacement activity within a geographic area. When disposed within a geographic area, each sensor forms part of a wireless communications network which allows communication among neighboring sensors. As a sensor detects activity in its proximity, such as activity that indicates emplacement of an IED, the sensor transmits a reporting signal through the network to the base station. The neighboring sensors receive and transmit the reporting signal in a sequential manner toward the base station. Because the reporting signal takes multiple hops toward the base station, the sensors do not require large amounts of power to transmit the signal. Furthermore, the detection system allows detection of IED emplacement within the geographic area as the activity occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Steadman, James Fitzgerald, Mark Litchfield
  • Publication number: 20070145252
    Abstract: Determination of the orientation of a unit is based on solar positioning. An actual measurement of the position of the sun is taken and compared to a theoretical determination of the position of the sun. By comparing the actual and theoretical positions, the orientation of the unit is determined in an accurate, reliable, and economical manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Litchfield, David Delude, Joseph McCormack
  • Publication number: 20050043866
    Abstract: Determination of the orientation of a unit is based on solar positioning. An actual measurement of the position of the sun is taken and compared to a theoretical determination of the position of the sun. By comparing the actual and theoretical positions, the orientation of the unit is determined in an accurate, reliable, and economical manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Litchfield, David Delude, Joseph McCormack