Patents by Inventor Steven J. Howard

Steven J. Howard 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: 12138868
    Abstract: A drape forming apparatus includes a forming tool having a first forming surface and a second forming surface nonplanar with the first forming surface. A tray is spaced apart from the forming tool and is configured to pivot about a hinged end from a first position to a second position under an applied force such that a distal end moves away from the forming tool. A first side of the tray faces a first heat source when the tray is in the first position, and a second heat source is disposed at a second side of the tray. A device for use in forming the composite structure includes a standoff and the tray, and a heat source is secured to the second side of the tray. A method of forming a composite structure includes heating both sides of the composite material with the first and second heat sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David John Sundquist, Trevor Lee Howard, Steven J. Burpo, Kurtis Shuldberg Willden
  • Publication number: 20240341833
    Abstract: A pulsed field ablation medical device. Among other things, the medical device includes processing circuitry in communication with an electrosurgical generator and a plurality of electrodes. In one example, the processing circuitry is configured to determine a desired lesion characteristic; determine a first waveform parameter based on the desired lesion characteristic; deliver, via the plurality of electrodes, a first pulsed field waveform of the plurality of pulsed field waveforms based on the first waveform parameter to ablate the area of tissue; measure a second lesion characteristic based on a result of delivering the first pulsed field waveform; determine a second waveform parameter based on the second lesion characteristic; deliver, via the plurality of electrodes, a second pulsed field waveform of the plurality of pulsed field waveforms based on the second waveform parameter to ablate the area of tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Brian T. Howard, Steven J. Fraasch, Mark T. Stewart, John Vandanacker
  • Publication number: 20240252225
    Abstract: A system and method for the safe delivery of treatment energy to a patient, which includes verification of system integrity before, during, or after the delivery of treatment energy and provides several mechanisms for rapid termination of the delivery of potentially harmful energy to the patient when a fault condition in the device and/or system is identified. The system may include an energy generator having processing circuitry to determine if there is a fault condition in the system and to automatically terminate a delivery of treatment energy when the processing circuitry determines there is a fault condition. The method may generally include performing a series of pre-checks, synchronizing a treatment energy delivery to the proper segment of the heart's depolarization pattern, configuring the system for treatment energy delivery, delivering the treatment energy, and performing post-treatment evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Steven J. Fraasch, Catherine R. Condie, Brian T. Howard, Louis Jacob, Paul S. Lam, Trenton J. Rehberger, Mark T. Stewart, Qin Zhang
  • Patent number: 11196497
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting packets from a transceiver to a repeater in the presence of relative motion between the transceiver and the repeater. In some embodiments, the method includes: adjusting a plurality of transmission times; transmitting each of a plurality of packets, at a respective adjusted transmission time, from the transceiver to the repeater; and retransmitting, by the repeater, each of the packets, at a respective retransmission time, each of the retransmission times being, as a result of the adjusting, more nearly the same as it would have been, in the absence of: the relative motion, and the adjusting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gregary B. Prince, Thomas E. Gardiner, Steven J. Howard, Christopher S. Joines
  • Patent number: 11171693
    Abstract: Spatial spreading is performed in a multi-antenna system to randomize an “effective” channel observed by a receiving entity for each transmitted data symbol block. For a MIMO system, at a transmitting entity, data is processed (e.g., encoded, interleaved, and modulated) to obtain ND data symbol blocks to be transmitted in NM transmission spans, where ND?1 and NM>1. The ND blocks are partitioned into NM data symbol subblocks, one subblock for each transmission span. A steering matrix is selected (e.g., in a deterministic or pseudo-random manner from among a set of L steering matrices, where L>1) for each subblock. Each data symbol subblock is spatially processed with the steering matrix selected for that subblock to obtain transmit symbols, which are further processed and transmitted via NT transmit antennas in one transmission span. The ND data symbol blocks are thus spatially processed with NM steering matrices and observe an ensemble of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay Rodney Walton, Lizhong Zheng, John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Publication number: 20210288737
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting packets from a transceiver to a repeater in the presence of relative motion between the transceiver and the repeater. In some embodiments, the method includes: adjusting a plurality of transmission times; transmitting each of a plurality of packets, at a respective adjusted transmission time, from the transceiver to the repeater; and retransmitting, by the repeater, each of the packets, at a respective retransmission time, each of the retransmission times being, as a result of the adjusting, more nearly the same as it would have been, in the absence of: the relative motion, and the adjusting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Gregary B. Prince, Thomas E. Gardiner, Steven J. Howard, Christopher S. Joines
  • Publication number: 20200067575
    Abstract: Spatial spreading is performed in a multi-antenna system to randomize an “effective” channel observed by a receiving entity for each transmitted data symbol block. For a MIMO system, at a transmitting entity, data is processed (e.g., encoded, interleaved, and modulated) to obtain ND data symbol blocks to be transmitted in NM transmission spans, where ND?1 and NM>1. The ND blocks are partitioned into NM data symbol subblocks, one subblock for each transmission span. A steering matrix is selected (e.g., in a deterministic or pseudo-random manner from among a set of L steering matrices, where L>1) for each subblock. Each data symbol subblock is spatially processed with the steering matrix selected for that subblock to obtain transmit symbols, which are further processed and transmitted via NT transmit antennas in one transmission span. The ND data symbol blocks are thus spatially processed with NM steering matrices and observe an ensemble of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Jay Rodney WALTON, Lizhong ZHENG, John W. KETCHUM, Mark S. WALLACE, Steven J. HOWARD
  • Patent number: 10476560
    Abstract: Spatial spreading is performed in a multi-antenna system to randomize an “effective” channel observed by a receiving entity for each transmitted data symbol block. For a MIMO system, at a transmitting entity, data is processed (e.g., encoded, interleaved, and modulated) to obtain ND data symbol blocks to be transmitted in NM transmission spans, where ND?1 and NM>1. The ND blocks are partitioned into NM data symbol subblocks, one subblock for each transmission span. A steering matrix is selected (e.g., in a deterministic or pseudo-random manner from among a set of L steering matrices, where L>1) for each subblock. Each data symbol subblock is spatially processed with the steering matrix selected for that subblock to obtain transmit symbols, which are further processed and transmitted via NT transmit antennas in one transmission span. The ND data symbol blocks are thus spatially processed with NM steering matrices and observe an ensemble of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay Rodney Walton, Lizhong Zheng, John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 10128920
    Abstract: An uplink channel response matrix is obtained for each terminal and decomposed to obtain a steering vector used by the terminal to transmit on the uplink. An “effective” uplink channel response vector is formed for each terminal based on its steering vector and its channel response matrix. Multiple sets of terminals are evaluated based on their effective channel response vectors to determine the best set (e.g., with highest overall throughput) for uplink transmission. Each selected terminal performs spatial processing on its data symbol stream with its steering vector and transmits its spatially processed data symbol stream to an access point. The multiple selected terminals simultaneously transmit their data symbol streams via their respective MIMO channels to the access point. The access point performs receiver spatial processing on its received symbol streams in accordance with a receiver spatial processing technique to recover the data symbol streams transmitted by the selected terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Rodney Walton, John W. Ketchum, John Edward Smee, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Publication number: 20180048362
    Abstract: Spatial spreading is performed in a multi-antenna system to randomize an “effective” channel observed by a receiving entity for each transmitted data symbol block. For a MIMO system, at a transmitting entity, data is processed (e.g., encoded, interleaved, and modulated) to obtain ND data symbol blocks to be transmitted in NM transmission spans, where ND?1 and NM>1. The ND blocks are partitioned into NM data symbol subblocks, one subblock for each transmission span. A steering matrix is selected (e.g., in a deterministic or pseudo-random manner from among a set of L steering matrices, where L>1) for each subblock. Each data symbol subblock is spatially processed with the steering matrix selected for that subblock to obtain transmit symbols, which are further processed and transmitted via NT transmit antennas in one transmission span. The ND data symbol blocks are thus spatially processed with NM steering matrices and observe an ensemble of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Jay Rodney Walton, Lizhong Zheng, John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 9787375
    Abstract: Spatial spreading is performed in a multi-antenna system to randomize an “effective” channel observed by a receiving entity for each transmitted data symbol block. For a MIMO system, at a transmitting entity, data is processed (e.g., encoded, interleaved, and modulated) to obtain ND data symbol blocks to be transmitted in NM transmission spans, where ND?1 and NM>1. The ND blocks are partitioned into NM data symbol subblocks, one subblock for each transmission span. A steering matrix is selected (e.g., in a deterministic or pseudo-random manner from among a set of L steering matrices, where L>1) for each subblock. Each data symbol subblock is spatially processed with the steering matrix selected for that subblock to obtain transmit symbols, which are further processed and transmitted via NT transmit antennas in one transmission span. The ND data symbol blocks are thus spatially processed with NM steering matrices and observe an ensemble of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay Rodney Walton, Lizhong Zheng, John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Publication number: 20170126290
    Abstract: An uplink channel response matrix is obtained for each terminal and decomposed to obtain a steering vector used by the terminal to transmit on the uplink. An “effective” uplink channel response vector is formed for each terminal based on its steering vector and its channel response matrix. Multiple sets of terminals are evaluated based on their effective channel response vectors to determine the best set (e.g., with highest overall throughput) for uplink transmission. Each selected terminal performs spatial processing on its data symbol stream with its steering vector and transmits its spatially processed data symbol stream to an access point. The multiple selected terminals simultaneously transmit their data symbol streams via their respective MIMO channels to the access point. The access point performs receiver spatial processing on its received symbol streams in accordance with a receiver spatial processing technique to recover the data symbol streams transmitted by the selected terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Rodney Walton, John W. Ketchum, John Edward Smee, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 9548851
    Abstract: An uplink channel response matrix is obtained for each terminal and decomposed to obtain a steering vector used by the terminal to transmit on the uplink. An “effective” uplink channel response vector is formed for each terminal based on its steering vector and its channel response matrix. Multiple sets of terminals are evaluated based on their effective channel response vectors to determine the best set (e.g., with highest overall throughput) for uplink transmission. Each selected terminal performs spatial processing on its data symbol stream with its steering vector and transmits its spatially processed data symbol stream to an access point. The multiple selected terminals simultaneously transmit their data symbol streams via their respective MIMO channels to the access point. The access point performs receiver spatial processing on its received symbol streams in accordance with a receiver spatial processing technique to recover the data symbol streams transmitted by the selected terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Rodney Walton, John W. Ketchum, John Edward Smee, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Publication number: 20160329936
    Abstract: Spatial spreading is performed in a multi-antenna system to randomize an “effective” channel observed by a receiving entity for each transmitted data symbol block. For a MIMO system, at a transmitting entity, data is processed (e.g., encoded, interleaved, and modulated) to obtain ND data symbol blocks to be transmitted in NM transmission spans, where ND?1 and NM>1. The ND blocks are partitioned into NM data symbol subblocks, one subblock for each transmission span. A steering matrix is selected (e.g., in a deterministic or pseudo-random manner from among a set of L steering matrices, where L>1) for each subblock. Each data symbol subblock is spatially processed with the steering matrix selected for that subblock to obtain transmit symbols, which are further processed and transmitted via NT transmit antennas in one transmission span. The ND data symbol blocks are thus spatially processed with NM steering matrices and observe an ensemble of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jay Rodney Walton, Lizhong Zheng, John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 9312935
    Abstract: Pilots suitable for use in MIMO systems and capable of supporting various functions are described. The various types of pilot include—a beacon pilot, a MIMO pilot, a steered reference or steered pilot, and a carrier pilot. The beacon pilot is transmitted from all transmit antennas and may be used for timing and frequency acquisition. The MIMO pilot is transmitted from all transmit antennas but is covered with different orthogonal codes assigned to the transmit antennas. The MIMO pilot may be used for channel estimation. The steered reference is transmitted on specific eigenmodes of a MIMO channel and is user terminal specific. The steered reference may be used for channel estimation. The carrier pilot may be transmitted on designated subbands/antennas and may be used for phase tracking of a carrier signal. Various pilot transmission schemes may be devised based on different combinations of these various types of pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, J. Rodney Walton, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 9240871
    Abstract: A multiple-access MIMO WLAN system that employs MIMO, OFDM, and TDD. The system (1) uses a channel structure with a number of configurable transport channels, (2) supports multiple rates and transmission modes, which are configurable based on channel conditions and user terminal capabilities, (3) employs a pilot structure with several types of pilot (e.g., beacon, MIMO, steered reference, and carrier pilots) for different functions, (4) implements rate, timing, and power control loops for proper system operation, and (5) employs random access for system access by the user terminals, fast acknowledgment, and quick resource assignments. Calibration may be performed to account for differences in the frequency responses of transmit/receive chains at the access point and user terminals. The spatial processing may then be simplified by taking advantage of the reciprocal nature of the downlink and uplink and the calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Rodney Walton, Mark S. Wallace, John W. Ketchum, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 9154274
    Abstract: Techniques to use OFDM symbols of different sizes to achieve greater efficiency for OFDM systems. The system traffic may be arranged into different categories (e.g., control data, user data, and pilot data). For each category, one or more OFDM symbols of the proper sizes may be selected for use based on the expected payload size for the traffic in that category. For example, control data may be transmitted using OFDM symbols of a first size, user data may be transmitted using OFDM symbols of the first size and a second size, and pilot data may be transmitted using OFDM symbols of a third size or the first size. In one exemplary design, a small OFDM symbol is utilized for pilot and for transport channels used to send control data, and a large OFDM symbol and the small OFDM symbol are utilized for transport channels used to send user data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay Rod Walton, John W. Ketchum, Mark Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 9048892
    Abstract: A MIMO system supports multiple spatial multiplexing modes for improved performance and greater flexibility. These modes may include (1) a single-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams on orthogonal spatial channels to a single receiver, (2) a single-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas to a single receiver without spatial processing at a transmitter, (3) a multi-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams simultaneously to multiple receivers with spatial processing at a transmitter, and (4) a multi-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas (co-located or non co-located) without spatial processing at the transmitter(s) to receiver(s) having multiple antennas. For each set of user terminal(s) selected for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink, a spatial multiplexing mode is selected for the user terminal set from among the multiple spatial multiplexing modes supported by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Rodney Walton, John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard
  • Patent number: 9049065
    Abstract: A method for estimating a feedback channel for a wireless repeater using frequency domain channel estimation estimates an error correction term using a most recent channel estimate and cancels the error correction term from a current block of the receive signal. Then, the feedback channel is estimated using frequency domain channel estimation and using a current block of the pilot signal and the corrected block of the receive signal. A channel estimate error term may also be estimated and subtracted directly from the channel estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gwendolyn Denise Barriac, Steven J. Howard, Dhananjay Ashok Gore
  • Patent number: 9031097
    Abstract: A MIMO system supports multiple spatial multiplexing modes for improved performance and greater flexibility. These modes may include (1) a single-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams on orthogonal spatial channels to a single receiver, (2) a single-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas to a single receiver without spatial processing at a transmitter, (3) a multi-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams simultaneously to multiple receivers with spatial processing at a transmitter, and (4) a multi-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas (co-located or non co-located) without spatial processing at the transmitter(s) to receiver(s) having multiple antennas. For each set of user terminal(s) selected for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink, a spatial multiplexing mode is selected for the user terminal set from among the multiple spatial multiplexing modes supported by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Rodney Walton, John W. Ketchum, Mark S. Wallace, Steven J. Howard