Patents by Inventor William O. Sparks

William O. Sparks 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: 5181243
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing intelligible interception of information signals transmitted over a two-direction line. A masking signal is applied through a hybrid circuit at the receiving end of the line, and this masking signal, which appears on the line together with the information signal, prevents intelligible decoding. Only at the receiving end of the line, where the hybrid circuit attenuates the masking signal which it receives at its receive port, can intelligible decoding take place. Signal processing techniques used at the receiving end permit larger amplitude masking signals to be used, thus creating even greater confusion for an unauthorized detecting mechanism which is coupled to the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Syntellect, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Saltwick, Dean Scarinci, William O. Sparks, Geoffrey W. Gates
  • Patent number: 5168519
    Abstract: A technique for inhibiting intelligible interception of information signals transmitted over a line from a first site to a second site. A masking signal is applied to the line immediately upon the detection of the information signal at the second site, but prior to the time at which the validity of the signal is verified. As long as the information signal remains on the transmission line, the masking signal is repeatedly turned on and off to thereby inhibit decoding of the signal by an eavesdropping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Syntellect Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Scarinci, John M. Saltwick, William O. Sparks, Geoffrey W. Gates
  • Patent number: 4972469
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing intelligible interception of information signals transmitted over a two-direction line. A masking signal is applied through a hybrid circuit at the receiving end of the line, and this masking signal, which appears on the line together with the information signal, prevents intelligible decoding. The masking signal includes a series of frequencies which are sequentially applied. Only at the receiving end of the line, where the hybrid circuit attenuates the masking signal which it receives at its receive port, can intelligible decoding take place. The amplitude of the information signals is sensed at the receiving end and the amplitude of the masking signals on the line is adjusted to be great enough to provide security, by confusing an eavesdropping detector, yet small enough at the receiving end so that the receiving detector is not confused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Syntellect Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Saltwick, Dean Scarinci, William O. Sparks, Geoffrey W. Gates