Patents by Inventor Norval P. Smith

Norval P. Smith 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: 5331299
    Abstract: An automatic tracking notch filter system tracks a large-magnitude narrow band signal through frequency effectively eliminating it. A frequency variable notch filter is responsive to a control input at which is applied a small amplitude AC dither signal. The resulting fluctuation in frequency of the notch filter causes corresponding fluctuations in the magnitude of the notch filter output. The output signal is rectified and band pass filtered around the dither frequency before being demodulated with the dither signal to provide a DC error signal indicating the magnitude and direction in frequency of the filter misalignment. The error signal is integrated and input to the control input of the notch filter with the dither signal such that the notch filter tracks the narrow band signal in response to the feedback signal provided at its control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Norval P. Smith