Patents by Inventor Stuart Colin Littlechild

Stuart Colin Littlechild 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: 10185912
    Abstract: The problem to solve is how to extend the operating range of small stackable RFID tags when they are placed in an undesirable orientation. Disclosed is an RFID tag that operates in two modes whereby in a first mode the tag has a short range and in a second mode the tag has a long range. The tag is converted from the first mode short range device into the second mode long range device by placing it close to a coupling device. That is in the second mode the tag becomes a two part RFID tag system (1400) capable of communicating with an interrogator antenna (1407).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SATO HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Publication number: 20170255856
    Abstract: The problem to solve is how to extend the operating range of small stackable RFID tags when they are placed in an undesirable orientation. Disclosed is an RFID tag that operates in two modes whereby in a first mode the tag has a short range and in a second mode the tag has a long range. The tag is converted from the first mode short range device into the second mode long range device by placing it close to a coupling device. That is in the second mode the tag becomes a two part RFID tag system (1400) capable of communicating with an interrogator antenna (1407).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: SATO HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Patent number: 9524457
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes: an identification device (1) for receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal, the device including: a receiving means (35) for receiving the first signal to generate a voltage; an integrated circuit (37) having a state selection means (41) for selecting whether the device (1) is in a. first state or a second state; a connection (39) between the receiving means (35) and the integrated circuit (37); a transmission means (45) for generating the second signal. The invention also includes a. system (50) that includes an interrogator (43) for interrogating a, plurality of the identification devices (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SATO HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Patent number: 9350577
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of communication and transmission of signals. In particular, the present invention relates to a new communication and/or modulation method. The present invention also relates to improving channel occupancy. The present specification discloses the adoption of phase transitions/changes in a manner that indicates a code by virtue of their position (timing) in the communication. This is referred to as Phase Position Modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SATO HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Publication number: 20160012326
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes: an identification device (1) for receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal, the device including: a receiving means (35) for receiving the first signal to generate a voltage; an integrated circuit (37) having a state selection means (41) for selecting whether the device (1) is in a. first state or a second state; a connection (39) between the receiving means (35) and the integrated circuit (37); a transmission means (45) for generating the second signal. The invention also includes a. system (50) that includes an interrogator (43) for interrogating a, plurality of the identification devices (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: SATO VICINITY PTY LTD
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro MURDOCH, Stuart Colin LITTLECHILD
  • Patent number: 9165171
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes: an identification device (1) for receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal, the device including: a receiving means (35) for receiving the first signal to generate a voltage; an integrated circuit (37) having a state selection means (41) for selecting whether the device (1) is in a first state or a second state; a connection (39) between the receiving means (35) and the integrated circuit (37); a transmission means (45) for generating the second signal. The invention also includes a system (50) that includes an interrogator (43) for interrogating a plurality of the identification devices (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SATO VICINITY PTY LTD
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Patent number: 9152909
    Abstract: Devices which store data for a period of time. In one form, devices store data in which the data store is subject to periodic and/or relatively short power outages. In one example, a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transponder, and more particularly, a RFID transponder that is used in orientation independent applications, is disclosed. Other applications are directed to devices used where a supply power is intermittent. In a first aspect of embodiments described herein, there is disclosed a method of and/or device that includes a memory adapted to store data, a supply of power adapted to provide supply power to the memory, a path of leakage, the leakage path serving, over time, to diminish the integrity of data stored in the memory, and a leakage attenuator adapted to selectively attenuate the rate of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Sato Vicinity Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Stuart Colin Littlechild, Robert John Clarke, Gary Michael Forsey
  • Patent number: 8991703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radio frequency identification (RFID). In one form, the invention relates to a method and/or device adapted to provide at least some level of providing lateral discrimination within a given area. The invention has been developed primarily for interrogating multiple passive transponders which are attached to objects to be identified by those respective transponders and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. A typical application is the identification of RFID transponders or other RFID devices, such as those embedded in plastic tokens or cards within a selected area and which may be provided near each other or stacked on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sato Vicinity Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Publication number: 20140319226
    Abstract: Devices which store data for a period of time. In one form, devices store data in which the data store is subject to periodic and/or relatively short power outages. In one example, a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transponder, and more particularly, a RFID transponder that is used in orientation independent applications, is disclosed. Other applications are directed to devices used where a supply power is intermittent. In a first aspect of embodiments described herein, there is disclosed a method of and/or device that includes a memory adapted to store data, a supply of power adapted to provide supply power to the memory, a path of leakage, the leakage path serving, over time, to diminish the integrity of data stored in the memory, and a leakage attenuator adapted to selectively attenuate the rate of leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Sato Vicinity Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Stuart Colin Littlechild, Robert John Clarke, Gary Michael Forsey
  • Publication number: 20140232533
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes: an identification device (1) for receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal, the device including: a receiving means (35) for receiving the first signal to generate a voltage; an integrated circuit (37) having a state selection means (41) for selecting whether the device (1) is in a first state or a second state; a connection (39) between the receiving means (35) and the integrated circuit (37); a transmission means (45) for generating the second signal. The invention also includes a system (50) that includes an interrogator (43) for interrogating a plurality of the identification devices (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Sato Vicinity Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro MURDOCH, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Patent number: 8810371
    Abstract: Where a single cable conveys bidirectional RF signals and bidirectional data using a data carrying DC power signal where the RF signals and the bidirectional data carrying DC power signal are separated using frequency selective networks. Alternatively a single cable conveys bidirectional RF signals and bidirectional data using a modulated RF data signal where the RF signals and the bidirectional modulated RF data signal are separated using frequency selective networks. A array of switchable antennas where RF switching elements are integral to the antennas is connected to the single cable and is powered by and communicated with through the cable. The array of switchable antennas can be arranged to produce an interrogation field in any of one, two or three dimensions by the antennas being arranged to provide for a series of parallel spaced conductors through which currents are sequentially switched in order to produce both tangential and normal magnetic field components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Vicinity Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild, Aras Vaichas
  • Publication number: 20140152527
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of data transmission. In one form, the invention relates to the transmission and/or reception of data modulated signals between various devices, including loads and/or antennas. In another form, the invention relates to the field of transponders (tags), such as Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID), interrogator devices/systems and the transmission of data between a tag and an interrogator. The present invention utilises antenna design to alleviate tag coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Magellan Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Publication number: 20130249674
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes: an identification device (1) for receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal, the device including: a receiving means (35) for receiving the first signal to generate a voltage; an integrated circuit (37) having a state selection means (41) for selecting whether the device (1) is in a first state or a second state; a connection (39) between the receiving means (35) and the integrated circuit (37); a transmission means (45) for generating the second signal. The invention also includes a system (50) that includes an interrogator (43) for interrogating a plurality of the identification devices (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Magellan Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro MURDOCH, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Publication number: 20130193207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radio frequency identification (RFID). In one form, the invention relates to a method and/or device adapted to provide at least some level of providing lateral discrimination within a given area. The invention has been developed primarily for interrogating multiple passive transponders which are attached to objects to be identified by those respective transponders and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. A typical application is the identification of RFID transponders or other RFID devices, such as those embedded in plastic tokens or cards within a selected area and which may be provided near each other or stacked on each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Patent number: 8451950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of receiving data and/or demodulating a data transmission signal. The present invention provides a method of and/or device for determining a data signal imposed on a phase jitter modulation signal. In one form, the invention relates to the field of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and the transmission of data between a tag and an interrogator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Magellan Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Colin Littlechild, Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch
  • Patent number: 8325016
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder includes a power supply and a dynamic memory array that stores data. When power from the power supply ceases, the data in the dynamic memory array is validly maintained for a predetermined period of time. The dynamic memory array is responsive to an interrogating signal for selectively updating the data. A radio frequency identification transponder includes a signal processor that extracts an identifier from the interrogation signal and is responsive to the identifier and the stored data to determine whether some or all of the identifier is stored in the dynamic memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Magellan Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Colin Littlechild, Michael John Stanton
  • Patent number: 8319609
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder including a power supply and a dynamic memory array which stores data. When power from the power supply ceases, the data in the dynamic memory array is validly maintained for a predetermined period of time. The dynamic memory array is responsive to an interrogating signal for selectively updating the data. A signal processor extracts an identifier from the interrogation signal and is responsive to the identifier and the stored data to determine whether some or all of the identifier is stored in the dynamic memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magellan Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Colin Littlechild, Michael John Stanton
  • Patent number: 8159332
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder including a power supply and a dynamic memory array which stores data. When power from the power supply ceases, the data in the dynamic memory array is validly maintained for a predetermined period of time. The dynamic memory array is responsive to an interrogating signal for selectively updating the data. A signal processor extracts an identifier from the interrogation signal and is responsive to the identifier and the stored data to determine whether some or all of the identifier is stored in the dynamic memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Magellan Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Colin Littlechild, Michael John Stanton
  • Publication number: 20110204148
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of devices which store data for a period of time. In one form, the invention relates to devices which store data in which the data store is subject to periodic and/or relatively short power outages. In one example, the invention relates to a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transponder, and more particularly to a RFID transponder that is used in orientation independent applications. Other applications of the present invention are to devices used where supply power is intermittent. In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a.method of and/or device comprising a memory adapted to store data, a supply of power adapted to provide supply power to the memory, a path of leakage, the leakage path serving, over time, to diminish the integrity of data stored in the memory, and a leakage attenuator adapted to selectively attenuate the rate of leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Stuart Colin Littlechild, Robert John Clarke, Gary Michael Forsey
  • Patent number: 7978073
    Abstract: An excitation reference source (FC) is split through a 90 degree splitter. One output from the splitter is fed to the LO port of a mixer. Data is fed to the mixer's IF port and causes PRK modulation of the LO port's signal. The output of the mixer at the RF port is a PRK modulated quadrature signal. This is attenuated and added back onto the reference by a zero degree combiner ready for transmission to the transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Magellan Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild