Patents by Inventor Todd R. Stafford

Todd R. Stafford 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: 6664916
    Abstract: A system containing a navigational marker, the navigational marker having the ability to reflect radar in such a manner that the navigational marker is identified. In one embodiment, a polarized radar-reflective material is affixed to the navigational marker. A radar signal is reflected by the polarized radar-reflective material, causing the reflected radar signal to be polarized. The reflected radar signal is received and the navigational marker is identified. The radar system contains a detector/decoder capable of distinguishing the type of navigational marker based on the reflected radar signal. The detector/decoder relays information about the navigational marker to a display. In another embodiment, a navigational marker contains a radio responder. When a radar signal illuminates the navigational marker, the radio responder transmits a signal containing encoded data. A receiver detects the signal from the responder and decodes the encoded data. The decoded data is relayed to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Todd R. Stafford, Dennis C. Higgins