Patents by Inventor Stephen Judd
Stephen Judd 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).
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Publication number: 20230105880Abstract: A tag enhances vehicle radar visibility of objects by increasing the effective radar cross-section of the object, allowing detection at longer ranges and providing the vehicle/driver with more time to avoid a collision. The tag may include a receive antenna and a bandpass filter configured to receive a signal from the receive antenna and to allow a portion of the frequency range of the signal from the receive antenna through. The tag may also include an amplifier configured to receive and amplify the signal with the portion of the frequency range from the bandpass filter. The tag may further include a transmit antenna configured to transmit the amplified signal. The receive antenna, the transmit antenna, and the amplifier may be configured such that antenna-to-antenna isolation between the receive antenna and the transmit antenna is greater than a gain of the amplifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Applicant: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, David Guenther, Nicholas Dallmann, William Raymond Mairson
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Patent number: 11448749Abstract: A tag enhances vehicle radar visibility of objects by increasing the effective radar cross-section of the object, allowing detection at longer ranges and providing the vehicle/driver with more time to avoid a collision. The tag may include a receive antenna and a bandpass filter configured to receive a signal from the receive antenna and to allow a portion of the frequency range of the signal from the receive antenna through. The tag may also include an amplifier configured to receive and amplify the signal with the portion of the frequency range from the bandpass filter. The tag may further include a transmit antenna configured to transmit the amplified signal. The receive antenna, the transmit antenna, and the amplifier may be configured such that antenna-to-antenna isolation between the receive antenna and the transmit antenna is greater than a gain of the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, David Guenther, Nicholas Dallmann, William Mairson
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Patent number: 11021274Abstract: Small cubesat systems may be available for a lower cost, have a higher reliability, and be much simpler to use than conventional cubesats. A complete turnkey system solution may be provided, including the ground station and remote field units. The satellite, ground station, and field unit may be provided separately as kits that are ready to go out-of-the-box as soon as they arrive. This enables universities, researchers, and hobbyists to obtain and deploy their own functional satellites. Furthermore, theoretical designs and functionality may be rapidly prototyped and demonstrated, which allows for proof-of-concept without needing to build a larger, more expensive satellite system and hope that the new design or functionality works as intended.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Kevin McCabe, Donald Enemark, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz
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Patent number: 10981677Abstract: A “black box” space vehicle solution may allow a payload developer to define the mission space and provide mission hardware within a predetermined volume and with predetermined connectivity. Components such as the power module, radios and boards, attitude determination and control system (ADCS), command and data handling (C&DH), etc. may all be provided as part of a “stock” (i.e., core) space vehicle. The payload provided by the payload developer may be plugged into the space vehicle payload section, tested, and launched without custom development of core space vehicle components by the payload developer. A docking station may facilitate convenient development and testing of the space vehicle while reducing handling thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Kevin McCabe, Daniel Seitz
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Patent number: 10884132Abstract: Beacon-based Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) may use a constellation of space vehicles (e.g., small, low cost satellites) coupled to a network of ground stations and a network of beacons. Such a system be provided at a cost that is approximately 100 times lower than GPS both to build and to operate. The resulting system may also provide fast acquisition, improved SNR, improved anti-jam and anti-spoofing capabilities, and six-inch scale location determination, making it applicable to both existing PNT applications and enabling new applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventor: Stephen Judd
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Patent number: 10826994Abstract: A sensor system may be configured for continuous operation in a low resource environment and/or in extreme environmental conditions. The sensor system may have sufficient processing capabilities to provide scientific computing for pre-processing, quality control, statistical analysis, event classification, data compression and corrections (e.g., spikes in the data), autonomous decisions and actions, triggering other nodes, and information assurance functions that provide data confidentiality, data integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. The hardware may have both mesh networking and satellite and cellular communication capability, and may be available for relatively low cost. Such a network provides the flexibility to have potentially any number of nodes be completely independent from one another. Thus, the network may scale across a diverse terrain.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Janette Frigo, Stephen Judd, Michael Proicou, Kevin McCabe, Donald Enemark, Alexandra Saari, Shawn Hinzey
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Patent number: 10746868Abstract: SAR imaging may be performed with range-resolved reflection data, where a spread-spectrum signal, such as a code division multiple access (CDMA) signal, is transmitted instead of a simple frequency chirp. The reflected spread-spectrum signal may be analyzed to gather range-resolved reflection data. Range-resolved reflection data may be gathered at each angular view. This data may be used to construct a more accurate approximation of the Fourier transform of the desired image than can be done by a conventional SAR approach. The image may be reconstructed from this Fourier transform using Fourier inversion techniques similar to those used in conventional SAR approaches. The range-resolved reflection scheme generally requires somewhat more processing to recover the image as compared with conventional SAR systems, but provides a significantly more stable image with less degradation from effects that plague conventional SAR systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Bruce Carlsten, Stephen Judd
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Patent number: 10445110Abstract: A space vehicle may have a modular board configuration that commonly uses some or all components and a common operating system for at least some of the boards. Each modular board may have its own dedicated processing, and processing loads may be distributed. The space vehicle may be reprogrammable, and may be launched without code that enables all functionality and/or components. Code errors may be detected and the space vehicle may be reset to a working code version to prevent system failure.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Kevin McCabe, Jerry Delapp, Dean Prichard, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz, Paul Stein, John Michel, Justin Tripp, Joseph Palmer, Steven Storms
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Patent number: 10351266Abstract: An ADCS module may be configured to use coordinate data from 2D photodiodes in one or more sun sensors to determine a sun vector. The ADCS module may then use the sun vector in reference to its own body faced (BF) coordinate system to calculate a change in the orientation of the space vehicle. The change in orientation mechanism may be accomplished by reaction wheels, ion thrusters, or other orientation altering mechanisms. A miniature, intelligent star tracker may be included that improves satellite attitude determination and pointing accuracy. An improved reaction wheel assembly may be included that is more robust and suitable for inclusion in small space vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz, Paul Stein, John Martinez, Gayle Kestell, Adam Warniment, Steven Storms
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Patent number: 10247850Abstract: A laser seismometer may measure the change in a phase modulated optical signal. Unlike traditional interferometers, the laser phase is first modulated by a radio frequency (RF) source, which is then demodulated following detection to provide the signal of interest. The net result is a direct measurement of displacement with the effects of amplitude noise eliminated via limiting and the effects of 1/f phase noise (frequency drift, etc.) eliminated by self-interfering the signal. Because the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the optical signal is strong, the technique provides a strong measure of the displacement and avoids the extremely low voltages and associated problems of traditional sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Gerald Seitz, Michael Shinas, Matthew Briggs
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Patent number: 10059468Abstract: A modular space vehicle chassis may facilitate convenient access to internal components of the space vehicle. Each module may be removable from the others such that each module may be worked on individually. Multiple panels of at least one of the modules may swing open or otherwise be removable, exposing large portions of the internal components of the space vehicle. Such chassis architectures may reduce the time required for and difficulty of performing maintenance or modifications, may allow multiple space vehicles to take advantage of a common chassis design, and may further allow for highly customizable space vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms, Gayle Kestell
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Patent number: 10015259Abstract: A sensor system may be configured for continuous operation in a low resource environment and/or in extreme environmental conditions. The sensor system may have sufficient processing capabilities to provide scientific computing for pre-processing, quality control, statistical analysis, event classification, data compression and corrections (e.g., spikes in the data), autonomous decisions and actions, triggering other nodes, and information assurance functions that provide data confidentiality, data integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. The hardware may have both mesh networking and satellite and cellular communication capability, and may be available for relatively low cost. Such a network provides the flexibility to have potentially any number of nodes be completely independent from one another. Thus, the network may scale across a diverse terrain.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Janette Frigo, Stephen Judd, Michael Proicou, Kevin McCabe, Donald Enemark, Alexandra Saari, Shawn Hinzey
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Patent number: 9981758Abstract: An adaptable, modular, multi-purpose (AMM) space vehicle backplane may accommodate boards and components for various missions. The AMM backplane may provide a common hardware interface and common board-to-board communications. Components, connectors, test points, and sensors may be embedded directly into the backplane to provide additional functionality, diagnostics, and system access. Other space vehicle sections may plug directly into the backplane.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Kevin McCabe, Adam Warniment
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Patent number: 9878805Abstract: A “black box” space vehicle solution may allow a payload developer to define the mission space and provide mission hardware within a predetermined volume and with predetermined connectivity. Components such as the power module, radios and boards, attitude determination and control system (ADCS), command and data handling (C&DH), etc. may all be provided as part of a “stock” (i.e., core) space vehicle. The payload provided by the payload developer may be plugged into the space vehicle payload section, tested, and launched without custom development of core space vehicle components by the payload developer. A docking station may facilitate convenient development and testing of the space vehicle while reducing handling thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Kevin McCabe, Daniel Seitz
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Patent number: 9853353Abstract: A space vehicle electromechanical system may employ an architecture that enables convenient and practical testing, reset, and retesting of solar panel and antenna deployment on the ground. A helical antenna winding fixture may facilitate winding and binding of the helical antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, David Guenther, Donald Enemark, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms
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Patent number: 9768857Abstract: A field unit and ground station may use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and share a common architecture, where differences in functionality are governed by software. The field units and ground stations may be easy to deploy, relatively inexpensive, and be relatively easy to operate. A novel file system may be used where datagrams of a file may be stored across multiple drives and/or devices. The datagrams may be received out of order and reassembled at the receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Jerry Delapp, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz, John Michel, Donald Enemark
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Patent number: 9760382Abstract: A space vehicle may have a modular board configuration that commonly uses some or all components and a common operating system for at least some of the boards. Each modular board may have its own dedicated processing, and processing loads may be distributed. The space vehicle may be reprogrammable, and may be launched without code that enables all functionality and/or components. Code errors may be detected and the space vehicle may be reset to a working code version to prevent system failure.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Kevin McCabe, Jerry Delapp, Dean Prichard, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz, Paul Stein, John Michel, Justin Tripp, Joseph Palmer, Steven Storms
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Patent number: 9708080Abstract: A modular space vehicle chassis may facilitate convenient access to internal components of the space vehicle. Each module may be removable from the others such that each module may be worked on individually. Multiple panels of at least one of the modules may swing open or otherwise be removable, exposing large portions of the internal components of the space vehicle. Such chassis architectures may reduce the time required for and difficulty of performing maintenance or modifications, may allow multiple space vehicles to take advantage of a common chassis design, and may further allow for highly customizable space vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms, Gayle Kestell
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Patent number: 9478855Abstract: A field unit and ground station may use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and share a common architecture, where differences in functionality are governed by software. The field units and ground stations may be easy to deploy, relatively inexpensive, and be relatively easy to operate. A novel file system may be used where datagrams of a file may be stored across multiple drives and/or devices. The datagrams may be received out of order and reassembled at the receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Jerry Delapp, Michael Proicou, Daniel Seitz, John Michel, Donald Enemark
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Publication number: 20150367964Abstract: A modular space vehicle chassis may facilitate convenient access to internal components of the space vehicle. Each module may be removable from the others such that each module may be worked on individually. Multiple panels of at least one of the modules may swing open or otherwise be removable, exposing large portions of the internal components of the space vehicle. Such chassis architectures may reduce the time required for and difficulty of performing maintenance or modifications, may allow multiple space vehicles to take advantage of a common chassis design, and may further allow for highly customizable space vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Stephen Judd, Nicholas Dallmann, Daniel Seitz, John Martinez, Steven Storms, Gayle Kestell