Mark K Christopher

US Patent:

6718161, Apr 6, 2004

Filed:

Jun 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/587316

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Westall - Seal Beach CA
Konstantinos Makrygiannis - Torrance CA
Mark K. Christopher - Redondo Beach CA
Mark Kintis - Manhattan Beach CA

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Corporation - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

H04Q 720

US Classification:

455 121, 455427, 4554561, 4555621

Abstract:

A multiple access communications system includes a communications unit, such as satellite or a mobile link base station, and an antenna disposed thereon. The antenna has the capability to direct an antenna beam at a selected user on a packet by packet basis thereby reducing the latency, buffering, and non-uniform gain distribution associated with conventional transmission systems.

US Patent:

63014653, Oct 9, 2001

Filed:

Oct 12, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/169883

Inventors:

Mark Kintis - Manhattan Beach CA
Eric R. Wiswell - Torrance CA
Mark K. Christopher - Redondo Beach CA
Konstantinos Makrygiannis - Torrance CA
Allen F. Conrad - West Hills CA
Harvey L. Berger - Redondo Beach CA
Ronald P. Smith - Redondo Beach CA
Daniel R. Lane - Santa Monica CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

H04B 7185

US Classification:

455 121

Abstract:

An adaptive transceiver architecture which reallocates communications resources in real time based on the amount of bandwidth being used in communications channels in the system. The transceiver receives communications signals from a plurality of communications beam spots. Each communications beam spot has a predefined bandwidth divided into non-overlapping subbands. The transceiver further comprises a plurality of front end signal conditioners for receiving communications signals from an equal plurality of communications beam spots. A predetermined number of the conditioned signals are then combined by an interconnect. The interconnect receives composite signals from the front end signal conditioners, and it combines at least first and second communications signals from first and second respective composite signals to form an output processing signal. The first and second communications signals are received by the receiver from first and second communications beam spots, respectively, and the first and second composite signals are output from the first and second corresponding front end signal conditioners.

US Patent:

62053191, Mar 20, 2001

Filed:

Sep 18, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/157061

Inventors:

Eric R. Wiswell - Torrance CA
Daniel R. Lane - Santa Monica CA
Harvey L. Berger - Redondo Beach CA
Kenneth E. Westall - Seal Beach CA
Ronald P. Smith - Redondo Beach CA
Allen F. Conrad - West Hills CA
Konstantinos Makrygiannis - Torrance CA
Mark K. Christopher - Redondo Beach CA
Mark Kintis - Manhattan Beach CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

H04Q 720

US Classification:

455 121

Abstract:

A dual phased array payload (100) for use onboard a communications satellite is disclosed. The payload includes one or more phased array receive antennas (102-108) including numerous individual receiving elements distributed in a predetermined configuration. Each of the individual radiating elements is selectively adjustable in amplitude and phase to achieve scanning beams for receiving information transmitted from the ground in an uplink beam. The payload includes a packet switch (114) connected to the phased array receive antennas (102-108). The packet switch (114) includes a set of inputs and a set of outputs. The set of inputs are selectively connectable to the set of outputs. The payload (100) includes one or more phased array transmit antennas (120-126) connected to the packet switch (114). The phased array transmit antennas (120-126) include numerous individual radiating elements distributed in a predetermined configuration.