Patents by Inventor Robert H. Bickley

Robert H. Bickley 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: 6838950
    Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator in which a tunable resonator (102) having a first port (132) and a second port (106) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tunable resonator is a series resonating circuit having low driving and load impedances. A power gain element (108) is coupled to the first port and the second port, and an output port (110) is coupled to the power gain element and the second port. The first impedance at the first and second ports is less than approximately ten ohms. The voltage-controlled oscillator is capable of generating a signal at the output port of greater than approximately half a watt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Pickett, Robert H. Bickley
  • Publication number: 20040070463
    Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator in which a tunable resonator (102) having a first port (132) and a second port (106) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tunable resonator is a series resonating circuit having low driving and load impedances. A power gain element (108) is coupled to the first port and the second port, and an output port (110) is coupled to the power gain element and the second port. The first impedance at the first and second ports is less than approximately ten ohms. The voltage-controlled oscillator is capable of generating a signal at the output port of greater than approximately half a watt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Pickett, Robert H. Bickley
  • Patent number: 5982322
    Abstract: A secure, portable position locating radio has a geolocation receiver providing local position and timing information from geolocation means (e.g. GPS satellites) and a local transceiver for sending local position information to a communication system (e.g., an airborne or orbiting transceiver). A crypto unit is provided between the receiver and local transceiver for encrypting the local position information prior to transmission. A data processor coupled to the local transceiver, receiver and crypto unit controls operation of the device, including storing local position information and separating signals broadcast by the communication system into those intended or not intended for the device. An external interface and display and a real-time clock (e.g., slaved to the GPS receiver) are also coupled to the data processor. Encryption keys and message abbreviation codes are conveniently loaded into the device from a demountable accessory unit at the interface, and stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Taul Aragaki, Leland Lem Moy, Ray O. Waddoups
  • Patent number: 5969673
    Abstract: A secure, portable position locating radio has a geolocation receiver providing local position and timing information from geolocation means (e.g. GPS satellites) and a local transceiver for sending local position information to a communication system (e.g., an airborne or orbiting transceiver). A crypto unit is provided between the receiver and local transceiver for encrypting the local position information prior to transmission. A data processor coupled to the local transceiver, receiver and crypto unit controls operation of the device, including storing local position information and separating signals broadcast by the communication system into those intended or not intended for the device. An external interface and display and a real-time clock (e.g., slaved to the GPS receiver) are also coupled to the data processor. Encryption keys and message abbreviation codes are conveniently loaded into the device from a demountable accessory unit at the interface, and stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Taul Aragaki, Leland Lem Moy, Ray O. Waddoups
  • Patent number: 5519403
    Abstract: A Global Positioning System (GPS) communications includes a GPS receiver for generating position information, a processor coupled to the GPS receiver by a bus, and a communications multi-interface coupled to both the GPS receiver and to the processor by the bus. The processor presents the position information to the communications multi-interface capable of interfacing with a wide variety of communications systems. Described applications include guided weapons systems, interrogatable tag systems, collision avoidance systems, remote locator/responder systems, beacon location systems, search and rescue transceiver systems, location reporting pager systems, and cellular telephone location systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Leland L. Moy, David M. Yee, Theodore W. Keller, Roy W. Sikorski
  • Patent number: 5430441
    Abstract: A transponding tag (14) and method for responding with a unique code signal (18) when it receives an interrogation signal (16). The tag (14) waits a random duration before responding to avoid interference with response code signals (18) from other tags (14). The tag (14) includes two antennae (22, 24) formed on opposing sides of a dielectric planar substrate (20). A protective coating (52) and printed indicia (72) overlie the antennae. An electrical circuit (34), decoupling capacitor (44) and inductive pickup coil (46) are embedded within the substrate (20). The electrical circuit (34) and capacitor (44) reside between the antennae (22, 24) to receive RF shielding from the antennae and to reduce thickness of the tag (14). A capacitance exists between the antennae (22, 24). This capacitance stores DC electrical energy for the electrical circuit (34). The tag (14) is programmed through a modulated magnetic field detected at the inductive pickup coil (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Theodore W. Keller, John Bjornholt
  • Patent number: 5218325
    Abstract: A low noise oscillator for use in a radio which provides an output signal with high signal-to-noise ratio. The low noise oscillator includes a voltage controlled oscillator which produces an intermediate sinusoidal voltage signal in response to a DC tuning voltage. The voltage controlled oscillator includes a varactor and junction field effect transistor. The low noise oscillator also includes a buffer amplifier which receives the intermediate sinusoidal voltage signal from a tapped microstrip of the voltage controlled oscillator and produces a highly stable output signal proportional to the DC tuning voltage applied to the input of the low noise oscillator. The buffer amplifier employs a dual gate Gallium Arsenide field effect transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Trelewicz, Michael N. Pickett, Robert H. Bickley
  • Patent number: 5152005
    Abstract: The synthesizer includes an output PLL having a divide-by-N1 divider in its feedback loop. The output PLL is couples through frequency offset circuitry to receive a reference signal from a driver PLL having a divide-by-N2 divider in its feedback loop. Another divide-by-N1 divider coupled a reference oscillator to the driver PLL. The reference oscillator provides another reference signal. As a result, the setting for N1 controls the course frequency tuning and the setting for N2 controls the fine frequency tuning of the synthesizer which provides any one of a plurality of selectable predetermined output frequencies. The adjacent selectable frequencies are closer together than the frequencies of the reference signals. The synthesizer has a simple configuration and provides a high degree of output frequency resolution, fast acquisition and low noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Bickley
  • Patent number: 4994757
    Abstract: Circuitry changes the magnitude of power supply voltages to correspond to the desired level of a variable output power. This maximizes the electrical power efficiency of amplifiers. The circuitry also provides for automatic control of the amplitude of the amplifier output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Richard A. Bory
  • Patent number: 4852123
    Abstract: A receiver which converts the RF carrier to a very low frequency and incorporates a PLL demodulator which allows the IF to be AC coupled. This PLL demodulator does not include the IF filters. The bandwidth of the PLL demodulator is wide enough to demodulate FM. Also, components of the receiver can be switched to a transmission mode capable of FM or PSK modulation with a simple circuit. Finally, the receiver includes an AM or PSK coherent amplitude detector which is modified into an imageless spectrum analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Christopher D. Broughton, Michael N. Pickett
  • Patent number: 4739518
    Abstract: A radio receiver circuit which suppresses an interfering signal exhibiting an amplitude significantly greater than that of a desired signal and a frequency nearly the same as that of the desired signal is disclosed. A received signal is applied to a gain controlled amplifier and a limiter. The limiter provides a limited signal which reduces amplitude and power of the desired signal relative to the interfering signal. The gain controlled amplifier provides a constant amplitude signal at an amplitude where the interfering signal portion of the constant amplitude signal equals an amplitude of the interfering signal portion of the limited signal. The constant amplitude and limited signals combine through a subtraction operation resulting in a significant attenuation of the interfering signal while causing only a small attenuation of the desired signal. Switching and decision circuitry are provided to selectively utilize the interference suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Christopher D. Broughton, John T. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 4673886
    Abstract: An output transistor of an RF power amplifier remains stable so that it does not generate subharmonic spurious outputs. An adaptive stabilization network maintains the stability of the output by decreasing the impedance presented to the output transistor when voltage levels at the output transistor exceed a predetermined level. A combination consisting of a peak detector coupled to a Zener diode senses the predetermined level. A PIN diode couples to the Zener diode and to the output transistor so that the PIN diode becomes forward biased when the predetermined level is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Robin D. Culver
  • Patent number: 4623856
    Abstract: A length of transmission line having a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of shorter lengths of transmission line coupled thereto by pin diodes which are individually operable to connect any combination of capacitors and transmission lines to the basic transmission line for changing the center frequency thereof in incremental steps across a desired band of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Steven A. Murray
  • Patent number: 4613825
    Abstract: A tracking phase locked loop circuit in which the frequency of an oscillator portion thereof is varied over a range of frequencies in search of an incoming carrier is disclosed. The varying frequency occurs at two different sweep rates. A faster rate is used until the frequency of the phase locked loop's oscillator nears the frequency of the incoming carrier, and a slower rate is used until the circuit locks onto the carrier. A filter couples between mixer and sweep control circuit portions of the phase locked loop to provide information concerning the difference between oscillator frequency and incoming carrier frequency. The sweep control circuit distinguishes between the carrier and noise and switches rates accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Christopher D. Broughton
  • Patent number: 4593256
    Abstract: A low power, wide bandwidth oscillator capable of oscillating at frequencies of greater than 350 MHz and capable of being implemented in relatively few parts is disclosed. A switching section controls the resonant frequency of a resonator and is connected in DC series with an amplifier. A regulator-buffer section simultaneously serves as a voltage regulator and RF signal buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Bickley
  • Patent number: 4510472
    Abstract: Pin diodes connected in parallel with a high power RF carrying reed relay are forward biased for conduction when the reed relay is actuated and reverse biased once the reed relay closes so that they are removed from the circuit. Trigger apparatus, including a one-shot circuit, is utilized to activate the diodes for only the required length of time and to provide the correct operation at all frequencies with high power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Charles A. Bucher, David M. Yee
  • Patent number: 4412337
    Abstract: Generating apparatus providing a preferred pulse envelope which is compared to the envelope of output pulses from a nonlinear power amplifier, the error between the two being used, along with a stored predistorted pulse, to generate an updated predistorted pulse that is utilized to modulate the input signal to the nonlinear amplifier to produce a pulse at the output thereof having the preferred envelope and to update the stored predistorted pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Christopher D. Broughton, Thad J. Genrich
  • Patent number: 4404531
    Abstract: A scan rate switch is interfaced to a microprocessor which controls a digitally programmed frequency synthesizer. The scan rate switch includes a plurality of different increment or decrement (frequency steps) positions with the apparatus changing the frequency at a fixed rate of five steps per second for as long as the switch is in any of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Thad J. Genrich, Robert H. Bickley
  • Patent number: 4388597
    Abstract: A first phase locked loop (PLL) having a second PLL with programmable divider therein supplying 50 kilohertz steps of coarse tuning to a mixer and a third PLL with programmable divider therein providing 50 Hertz fine tuning steps to a phase detector for providing any of a plurality of steps of frequency within a band of frequencies in response to control signals applied to the two programmable dividers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bickley, Albert H. Hunt
  • Patent number: 4382227
    Abstract: An input terminal adapted to receive 0 to 300 volts AC or DC is connected through AC or DC connecting circuits, coupled into the path by switches, and attenuating apparatus including a plurality of ranges automatically switched into the path in response to the amplitude of an input signal, to a buffer which includes overvoltage protection and provides a relatively high input impedance with a relatively low output or source impedance. A frequency counter is connected through a hysteresis amplifier, a digital volt meter is connected through an amplifier including 60 cycle filtering and an oscilloscope is connected through an independent gain amplifier to the output of the buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Olivenbaum, Robert H. Bickley