Patent US6882274B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6882274B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy conserving satellite tracking tag
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corp
•
Filing: 2001-05-02
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Granted: 2005-04-19
•
Expires: 2021-05-02
Abstract
Abstract An energy conserving tracking tag for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from a global positioning satellite and for communicating with a tracking system. The tag includes a receiver circuit for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite, a customer ID module for generating a unique tag identification signal, a transponder circuit for receiving command signals from the tracking system, and a power circuit electrically engageable with a battery power supply and an external power source. The tag also includes a programmable microprocessor in electrical communication with the power circuit, receiver circuit, customer ID module, and transponder circuit. The microprocessor is operative to collect the location data signal, the identification signal, and the command signals, and subsequently produce an composite output signal. The transponder is further operative to transmit the composite output signal to the tracking system by radio carrier wave.
Inventors
- 👤 David L. Richardson
- 👤 Barry L. Head
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S5/00; G01S5/0009; G01S5/0018; G01S5/0027; G01S19/00; G01S19/01; G01S19/13; G01S19/34; G01S5/0045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A tracking tag for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from an orbiting global positioning satellite and for communicating with a tracking system, the tag being electrically engagable with an external power supply and a battery power supply, the tag comprising: a) a receiver having an antenna for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite; b) a customer ID module for generating a unique tag identification signal; c) a transponder having an antenna for receiving radio frequency command signals from the tracking system; d) a power circuit for electrically engaging the battery power supply and the external power supply; e) a programmable microprocessor in electrical communication with the power circuit, receiver, customer ID module, and transponder, the microprocessor being operative to receive the location data signal, the identification signal, the command signals, and to produce a composite output signal representative of tag identification and location, the transponder being further operative to transmit the composite output signal by radio carrier wave to the tracking system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A tracking tag for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from an orbiting global positioning satellite and for communicating with a tracking system, the tag being electrically engagable with an external power supply and a battery power supply, the tag comprising: a) a receiver having an antenna for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite; b) a customer ID module for generating a unique tag identification signal; c) a transponder having an antenna for receiving radio frequency command signals from the tracking system; d) a power circuit for electrically engaging the battery power supply and the external power supply; e) a programmable microprocessor in electrical communication with the power circuit, receiver, customer ID module, and transponder, the microprocessor being operative to receive the location data signal, the identification signal, the command signals, and to produce a composite output signal representative of tag identification and location, the transponder being further operative to transmit the composite output signal by radio carrier wave to the tracking system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a battery power supply, and wherein the power circuit is electrically engaged to the battery power supply.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power circuit comprises a power conditioner electrically connected to a receptacle for engaging the external power supply, the power conditioner additionally being electrically connected to the battery power supply and operative to regulate the power received from the external power supply and the battery power supply for compatibility with the tag.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power circuit includes a switch circuit having a first position for engaging the power circuit to the battery power supply and a second position for engaging the power circuit to the external power supply, the microprocessor being further operative to produce a power engagement signal for regulating switching of the switch circuit between the first and second positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the microprocessor is operative to produce enable signals for activating and de-activating the receiver, customer ID module, and transponder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
149 words
The tag as claimed in claim 5 wherein the microprocessor additionally comprises a timing circuit for generating an intermittent battery time signal and an intermittent standard time signal, the microprocessor additionally being programmed for bimodal regulation of tag operations such that the tag is regulated in a battery conserving mode in which the receiver, customer ID module, and transponder are activated for receiving the location data signal, receiving the identification signal, and transmitting the output signal in response to the battery time signal when the tag is battery powered, and such that the tag is regulated in an external power mode in which the receiver, the customer ID module, and transponder are activated for receiving the location data signal and the identification signal, producing the output signal, and transmitting the output signal in response to the standard time signal when the tag is powered from the external power supply.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the timing circuit generates the battery time signal less frequently than the standard time signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the microprocessor is operative to receive command signals when the transponder is activated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the microprocessor is operative to continuously activate the transponder in the external power mode for receiving command signals from the tracking system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the microprocessor is operative to receive programming command signals for adjusting the frequency of the battery time signal and the standard time signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the microprocessor is operative to receive programming command signals for switching from the battery conserving mode to the external power mode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the microprocessor is operative to receive programming command signals for switching from the external power mode to the battery power mode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the microprocessor is operative to receive programming command signals for adjusting the content of the output signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tag as claimed in claim 6 wherein the microprocessor is operative to receive an interrogator command signal for prompting the tag to transmit an output signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a plurality of external sensors for transmitting respective ambient data signals to the microprocessor, and wherein the microprocessor is operate to include the ambient data signals in the output signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a battery tester in electrical communication with the microprocessor and the battery power supply, the battery tester being operative to generate a battery data signal and the microprocessor being operative to receive the battery data signal and to include a battery life data signal in the output signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the output signal is transmitted to a relay satellite for relay to the tracking system.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the command signals are received from a relay satellite in communication with the tracking system.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
100 words
The tag as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a weatherproof housing, said housing having a front plate connectable to a back plate to form an interior chamber for placement of the tag, said back plate having a first hole for exposing the antenna of the GPS receiver, a second hole for exposing the antenna of the satellite transponder, and a third hole for receiving a receptacle electrically connectable with an external power supply and the external sensors, said housing additionally having an internal support bar connectable with the back plate within the interior chamber for securing the satellite transponder.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
54 words
The tag as claimed in claim 10 wherein the weather proof housing further comprises a pair of cover plates connectable with the housing for respectively securing the antenna of the receiver and the antenna of the transponder to the housing, the cover plates each having an aperture for respectively exposing the antennas so secured.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
197 words
A method for regulating the operating mode of a tracking tag in response to sensed on-board power conditions, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining whether the tag is powered by an external power supply; b) selectively operating the tag in an external power mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; c) selectively operating the tag in a battery conserving mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; d) wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode comprises the steps of: i) continuously activating a receiver for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from a global positioning satellite; ii) continuously activating a transponder for receiving radio frequency command signals from a tracking system; iii) continuously activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag for generating a unique tag identification signal; iv) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to an intermittent standard timer signal from a timing circuit; v) producing a radio frequency composite output signal contemporaneously representative of tag location for transmission to the tracking system.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
197 words
A method for regulating the operating mode of a tracking tag in response to sensed on-board power conditions, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining whether the tag is powered by an external power supply; b) selectively operating the tag in an external power mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; c) selectively operating the tag in a battery conserving mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; d) wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode comprises the steps of: i) continuously activating a receiver for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from a global positioning satellite; ii) continuously activating a transponder for receiving radio frequency command signals from a tracking system; iii) continuously activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag for generating a unique tag identification signal; iv) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to an intermittent standard timer signal from a timing circuit; v) producing a radio frequency composite output signal contemporaneously representative of tag location for transmission to the tracking system.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes receiving radio frequency command signals from the tracking system when the tag transmits the output signal to the tracking system.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes adjusting the time interval between successive standard time signals in response to the command signal from the tracking system.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes switching the tag from the external power mode to the battery conserving mode in response to the command signal from the tracking system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal, then transmitting the output signal in response to the command signal from the tracking system.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes obtaining respective ambient data signals from respective ambient sensors in response to the standard time signal, and incorporating the ambient data signals within the output signal transmitted to the tracking system.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes obtaining a battery data signal from battery tester in response to the standard time signal, and incorporating a battery life data signal within the output signal transmitted to the tracking system.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes adjusting the content of the output signal in response to the command signal from the tracking system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the tag receives the command signals from a relay satellite in communication with the tracking system.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the tag transmits the output signal to a relay satellite in communication with the tracking system.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
246 words
A method for regulating the operating mode of a tracking tag in response to sensed on-board power conditions, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining whether the tag is powered by an external power supply; b) selectively operating the tag in an external power mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; c) selectively operating the tag in a battery conserving mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; d) wherein the step of operating the tag in the battery conserving mode further comprises the steps of: i) powering the tag from a battery power supply; ii) intermittently generating a battery time signal from a timing circuit; iii) activating a receiver in response to the battery time signal for receiving a location data signal from a global positioning satellite; iv) activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag in response to the battery time signal for generating a unique tag identification signal; v) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to activation of the receiver and the customer ID module; vi) producing a composite output signal contemporaneously representative of tag location; vii) activating a transponder for transmitting the composite output signal by radio carrier wave to a tracking system; viii) disabling the receiver, the customer ID module, and the transponder until a subsequent battery time signal is generated by the timing circuit.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
246 words
A method for regulating the operating mode of a tracking tag in response to sensed on-board power conditions, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining whether the tag is powered by an external power supply; b) selectively operating the tag in an external power mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; c) selectively operating the tag in a battery conserving mode in response to a determination that the tag is powered by the external power supply; d) wherein the step of operating the tag in the battery conserving mode further comprises the steps of: i) powering the tag from a battery power supply; ii) intermittently generating a battery time signal from a timing circuit; iii) activating a receiver in response to the battery time signal for receiving a location data signal from a global positioning satellite; iv) activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag in response to the battery time signal for generating a unique tag identification signal; v) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to activation of the receiver and the customer ID module; vi) producing a composite output signal contemporaneously representative of tag location; vii) activating a transponder for transmitting the composite output signal by radio carrier wave to a tracking system; viii) disabling the receiver, the customer ID module, and the transponder until a subsequent battery time signal is generated by the timing circuit.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of operating the tag in the battery conserving mode further includes receiving radio frequency command signals from the tracking system when the tag transmits the output signal to the tracking system.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the step of operating the tag in the battery conserving mode further includes adjusting the time interval between successive battery time signals in response to the command signal from the tracking system.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of operating the tag in the battery conserving mode further includes switching the tag from the battery conserving mode to the external power mode in response to the command signal from the tracking system.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of operating the tag in the battery conserving mode further includes obtaining respective ambient data signals from respective ambient sensors in response to the battery time signal, and incorporating the ambient data signals within the output signal transmitted to the tracking system.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of operating the tag in the battery conserving mode further includes obtaining a battery data signal from a battery tester in response to the battery time signal, and incorporating a battery life data signal within the output signal transmitted to the tracking system.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the step of operating the tag in the external power mode further includes adjusting the content of the output signal in response to the command signal from the tracking system.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the tag receives the command signals from a relay satellite in communication with the tracking system.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the tag transmits the output signal to a relay satellite in communication with the tracking system.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
300 words
A method for regulating the operating mode of a tracking tag in response to sensed on-board power conditions, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining whether the tag is powered from an external power source; b) selectively operating the tag in an external power mode when it is determined that the tag is powered by the external power source, the external power mode comprising the steps of: i) continuously activating a receiver for receiving a location data signal from a global positioning satellite; ii) continuously activating a transponder for receiving radio frequency command signals from a tracking system; iii) continuously activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag for generating a unique tag identification signal; iv) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to an intermittent standard timer signal from a timing circuit; v) producing a radio frequency composite output signal representative of tag identification and location for transmission to the tracking system; and c) operating the tag in a battery conserving mode when it is determined that the tag is not engaged with the external power supply, the battery conserving mode comprising the steps of: i) powering the tag from a battery power supply; ii) continuously activating a receiver for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite; iii) continuously activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag for generating a unique tag identification signal; iv) continuously activating a transponder for receiving radio frequency command signals from tracking system by radio carrier wave; v) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to an intermittent battery time signal from a timing circuit; and vi) producing a radio frequency composite output signal representative of tag identification and location for transmission to the tracking system.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
300 words
A method for regulating the operating mode of a tracking tag in response to sensed on-board power conditions, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining whether the tag is powered from an external power source; b) selectively operating the tag in an external power mode when it is determined that the tag is powered by the external power source, the external power mode comprising the steps of: i) continuously activating a receiver for receiving a location data signal from a global positioning satellite; ii) continuously activating a transponder for receiving radio frequency command signals from a tracking system; iii) continuously activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag for generating a unique tag identification signal; iv) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to an intermittent standard timer signal from a timing circuit; v) producing a radio frequency composite output signal representative of tag identification and location for transmission to the tracking system; and c) operating the tag in a battery conserving mode when it is determined that the tag is not engaged with the external power supply, the battery conserving mode comprising the steps of: i) powering the tag from a battery power supply; ii) continuously activating a receiver for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite; iii) continuously activating a customer ID module electrically connected to the tag for generating a unique tag identification signal; iv) continuously activating a transponder for receiving radio frequency command signals from tracking system by radio carrier wave; v) collecting the location data signal and the tag identification signal in response to an intermittent battery time signal from a timing circuit; and vi) producing a radio frequency composite output signal representative of tag identification and location for transmission to the tracking system.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 40 wherein the battery time signal is generated less frequently then the standard timer signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-04-18 | 2008-10-18 | 2009-04-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-04-18 | 2012-10-18 | 2013-04-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-04-18 | 2016-10-18 | 2017-04-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |