David J Nicholas

US Patent:

7529265, May 5, 2009

Filed:

Dec 3, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/308948

Inventors:

David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Rockwell Collins, Inc. - Cedar Rapids IA

International Classification:

H04L 12/413

US Classification:

370445, 370330, 4554522

Abstract:

A system and method of determining an available frequency sub-band for radio traffic in a multiple node radio network is disclosed. The method and system provide for communication over a radio frequency band, the radio frequency band comprising radio frequency sub-bands and providing a radio node group of at least one radio communications devices configured to broadcast and receive on the radio frequency band. The system and method create a time for a window of radio broadcast silence on at least one of the radio frequency sub-bands by the radio node group. The system and method survey the at least one of the radio frequency sub-bands during the window of radio broadcast silence. The system and method choose, based on the survey, a radio frequency sub-band for broadcast from the radio frequency band.

US Patent:

7826372, Nov 2, 2010

Filed:

Mar 26, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/811000

Inventors:

Fred D. Mabe - Marion IA, US
Ian R. Worden - Marion IA, US
David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Stephen M. Clark - Vinton IA, US
Albert J. Anderson - Richardson TX, US
James A. Stevens - Lucas TX, US

Assignee:

Rockwell Collins, Inc. - Cedar Rapids IA

International Classification:

G01R 31/08

US Classification:

370237, 370400, 370255

Abstract:

A process for use in conjunction with a communications network routing protocol that automatically adjusts for congestion that may occur due to the presence of advantaged and partially disadvantaged nodes. The network nodes check to determine if they are advantaged or partially disadvantaged. Advantaged nodes may, for example, be airborne or satellite nodes having a high degree of network connectivity. Partially disadvantaged nodes may comprise nodes that are low on power. Advantaged nodes and partially disadvantaged nodes adjust the network metrics entered into the routing tables they use to advertise their routing information over the network to show longer pathways through such nodes. As a result the other nodes in the network reduce the amount of network traffic routed through advantaged and disadvantaged nodes.

US Patent:

7826839, Nov 2, 2010

Filed:

Jan 30, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/343139

Inventors:

David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Rockwell Collins, Inc. - Cedar Rapids IA

International Classification:

H04Q 7/20

US Classification:

455431, 455 73, 455 1, 455430, 455500, 455502, 455 98, 455 121, 455103, 455 631, 4551142, 455427, 34235702, 34235712, 34235714, 342 14, 342 45

Abstract:

A method of disrupting communications reception of a target radio receiver. A plurality of transmitters transmit a noise signal toward the target radio transceiver. Each of the plurality of transmitters has a receiver associated therewith A first transmitter ceases transmitting a noise signal at a pre-determined time. A receiver associated with the first transmitter receives information from another of the plurality of transmitters when the first transmitter has ceased transmitting the noise signal. The first transmitter resumes the transmission of the noise signal after the information has been transmitted.

US Patent:

7907576, Mar 15, 2011

Filed:

Aug 4, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/185755

Inventors:

David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Rockwell Collins, Inc. - Cedar Rapids IA

International Classification:

H04J 3/16

US Classification:

370336, 370252, 455450

Abstract:

A system and method of determining an available frequency sub-band for radio traffic in a multiple node radio network is disclosed. The method and system provide for communication over a radio frequency band, the radio frequency band comprising radio frequency sub-bands and providing a radio node group of at least one radio communications devices configured to broadcast and receive on the radio frequency band. The system and method create a time for a window of radio broadcast silence on at least one of the radio frequency sub-bands by the radio node group. The system and method survey the at least one of the radio frequency sub-bands during the window of radio broadcast silence. The system and method choose, based on the survey, a radio frequency sub-band for broadcast from the radio frequency band.

US Patent:

47486651, May 31, 1988

Filed:

Jul 1, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/750796

Inventors:

David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

H04B 320

US Classification:

379407

Abstract:

An analog echo suppression circuit is used with a telephony 2-wire circuit to 4-wire circuit interface. The 2-wire circuit carries a first signal and the 4-wire circuit carries a second signal. Each circuit has an input port and an output port. The interface produces an echo signal on the output of the 2-wire circuit when the second signal is received at the input port of the 2-wire circuit. A first communication channel connects the output of the 4-wire circuit to the input of the 2-wire circuit. A second communication channel connects the output of the 2-wire circuit to the input of the 4-wire circuit and series analog switches or transmission gates can interrupt the second channel. A comparator circuit receives the first and second signals from the first and second channels and has first and second outputs. First and second controller devices are operatively connected to the comparator circuit and provide signals such that, if an echo signal is present, the one analog switch interrupts the second channel and another analog switch grounds the input to the 4-wire circuit.

US Patent:

39476391, Mar 30, 1976

Filed:

Sep 30, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/510534

Inventors:

David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA
Willard J. Torgrim - Springville IA
John C. Kleitsch - Cedar Rapids IA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

H04M 356

US Classification:

179 1CN

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for providing improved telephonic conferences is presented. A speaker is selected for each conferee from the signals of the other conferees. The peak values of the speaker signal establish a variable reference level which another conferee must first exceed in order to become the new speaker and establish a new reference level. The reference level is continuously allowed to decay so that new speakers may gain the floor when the current speaker's peak signals fall below the peak signals of another speaker. Both an analog and a digital embodiment of the invention are presented.

US Patent:

42285356, Oct 14, 1980

Filed:

Feb 26, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/015028

Inventors:

Harold W. Workman - Cedar Rapids IA
David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

H04Q 1104
H04J 314

US Classification:

370 16

Abstract:

Two identical and interconnected switch matrices are used wherein one is "on-line" and the other is "off-line". If an individual module in the on-line switch fails, an identical module in the standby matrix is switched in to carry traffic. The failed module can then be replaced with an operable unit. The feature of modularity not only greatly enhances the performance of the switch matrix but also provides for quick restoration of the switching apparatus to a preferred configuration of operability.

US Patent:

39580849, May 18, 1976

Filed:

Sep 30, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/510202

Inventors:

David C. Nicholas - Cedar Rapids IA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

H04M 356

US Classification:

179 1CN

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for providing improved telephonic conferences is presented. A speaker is selected for each conferee from the signals of the other conferees. The peak values of the speaker signal establish a variable reference level which another conferee must first exceed in order to become the new speaker and establish a new reference level. The reference level is continuously allowed to decay so that new speakers may gain the floor when the current speaker's peak signals fall below the peak signals of another speaker. Both an analog and a digital embodiment of the invention are presented. A specific feature of the invention involves directing all signals of other conferees to all conferees and each conferee station selects the loudest signal (maximum amplitude) for that conferee.