Dirk Gates

There are disclosed methods and access points for estimating a location of a user device in a wireless communications network. A plurality of access points define respective received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values for transmissions received from the user device. Each of the plurality of access points sends the respective RSSI values to the other access points of the plurality of access points. One of the plurality of access points self-elects to estimate the location of the user… Show more

There are disclosed methods and access points for estimating a location of a user device in a wireless communications network. A plurality of access points define respective received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values for transmissions received from the user device. Each of the plurality of access points sends the respective RSSI values to the other access points of the plurality of access points. One of the plurality of access points self-elects to estimate the location of the user device. The self-elected access point estimates a location of the user device based, at least in part, on the RSSI values. Show less

A wireless access point array having a plurality of access point radios, a monitor radio and an array controller. The array controller includes processes, methods and functions for verifying the operation of the access point radios. The access point radios may be verified by attempting to establish a data connection between the monitor radio and each of the access point radios.

There is disclosed a method for managing a wireless communications network and a communications system. A request to configure a single-user service set includes a specified location, a specified future time and configuration information for the single-user service set. The configuration information is transmitted to an access point at the specified location. The selected access point configures the single-user service set at the specified future time using the configuration information.

There are disclosed methods and access points for estimating a location of a user device in a wireless communications network. A plurality of access points define respective received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values for transmissions received from the user device. Each of the plurality of access points sends the respective RSSI values to the other access points of the plurality of access points. One of the plurality of access points self-elects to estimate the location of the user… Show more

There are disclosed methods and access points for estimating a location of a user device in a wireless communications network. A plurality of access points define respective received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values for transmissions received from the user device. Each of the plurality of access points sends the respective RSSI values to the other access points of the plurality of access points. One of the plurality of access points self-elects to estimate the location of the user device. The self-elected access point estimates a location of the user device based, at least in part, on the RSSI values. Show less

There is disclosed a method for managing a wireless communications network and a communications system. A request to access a single-user service set at a specified location at a specified future time is accepted from a user, the request including configuration information for the private service set. The configuration information is transmitted to an access point selected from a plurality of access points, the selected access point located at the specified location. The selected access point… Show more

There is disclosed a method for managing a wireless communications network and a communications system. A request to access a single-user service set at a specified location at a specified future time is accepted from a user, the request including configuration information for the private service set. The configuration information is transmitted to an access point selected from a plurality of access points, the selected access point located at the specified location. The selected access point configures the single-user service set at the specified future time using the configuration information. Show less

A system of at least one wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data… Show more

A system of at least one wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and the transceivers, and between the transceivers and the network interface. The array controller is configured to modify channel assignments so as to minimize channel interference dynamically. Show less

There is disclosed a wireless communications system, a method for wireless communication, and an omnibus access point. The omnibus access point may receive, from a user device, a request to join an identified service set. The omnibus access point may attempt to identify an access point associated with the identified service set. When the omnibus access point identifies the access point associated with the identified service set, the omnibus access point may establish a communications path… Show more

There is disclosed a wireless communications system, a method for wireless communication, and an omnibus access point. The omnibus access point may receive, from a user device, a request to join an identified service set. The omnibus access point may attempt to identify an access point associated with the identified service set. When the omnibus access point identifies the access point associated with the identified service set, the omnibus access point may establish a communications path between the omnibus access point and the identified access point to allow communications between the user device and the identified service set. Show less

There is disclosed a wireless communications network, a method for managing a wireless communications network, and an omnibus access point. The omnibus access point may receive, from a user device, a request to join an identified service set, the user device located within a coverage area of the omnibus access point and outside of a coverage area of an access point associated with the identified service set. The omnibus access point may attempt to identify the access point associated with the… Show more

There is disclosed a wireless communications network, a method for managing a wireless communications network, and an omnibus access point. The omnibus access point may receive, from a user device, a request to join an identified service set, the user device located within a coverage area of the omnibus access point and outside of a coverage area of an access point associated with the identified service set. The omnibus access point may attempt to identify the access point associated with the identified service set. When the omnibus access point succeeds in identifying the access point associated with the identified service set, the omnibus access point may establish a secure communications path between the omnibus access point and the identified access point to allow secure communications between the user device and the identified service set. Show less

A wireless access point array having a plurality of access point radios, a monitor radio and an array controller. The array controller includes processes, methods and functions for verifying the operation of the access point radios. The access point radios may be verified by attempting to establish a data connection between the monitor radio and each of the access point radios.

A channel allocation system for allocating channels in a frequency band to a plurality of radios in close proximity so as to minimize co-channel interference. One method for allocating channels involves initially tuning each of the plurality of radios to the same one of the plurality of channels. All of the radios then receive signals from whatever sources and a signal score is determined for each radio. The radios are then tuned to another one of the plurality of channels. The steps of… Show more

A channel allocation system for allocating channels in a frequency band to a plurality of radios in close proximity so as to minimize co-channel interference. One method for allocating channels involves initially tuning each of the plurality of radios to the same one of the plurality of channels. All of the radios then receive signals from whatever sources and a signal score is determined for each radio. The radios are then tuned to another one of the plurality of channels. The steps of receiving a signal and determining a signal score for each radio are repeated for each of the remaining channels until all channels have been used. The signal scores are then tested against a table of mapping schemes to determine maximum isolation. Show less

A channel allocation system for allocating channels in a frequency band to a plurality of radios in close proximity so as to minimize co-channel interference. One method for allocating channels involves initially tuning each of the plurality of radios to the same one of the plurality of channels. All of the radios then receive signals from whatever sources and a signal score is determined for each radio. The radios are then tuned to another one of the plurality of channels. The steps of… Show more

A channel allocation system for allocating channels in a frequency band to a plurality of radios in close proximity so as to minimize co-channel interference. One method for allocating channels involves initially tuning each of the plurality of radios to the same one of the plurality of channels. All of the radios then receive signals from whatever sources and a signal score is determined for each radio. The radios are then tuned to another one of the plurality of channels. The steps of receiving a signal and determining a signal score for each radio are repeated for each of the remaining channels until all channels have been used. The signal scores are then tested against a table of mapping schemes to determine maximum isolation. Show less

A method for surveying a site for installation of wireless access points is provided. A map of the site under survey is displayed. User input relating to the position of a first wireless device at the site is received. User input relating to the position of a second wireless device at the site is also received. Wireless signals broadcast by the second wireless device are measured using the first wireless device to obtain signal strength values corresponding to the strength of the wireless… Show more

A method for surveying a site for installation of wireless access points is provided. A map of the site under survey is displayed. User input relating to the position of a first wireless device at the site is received. User input relating to the position of a second wireless device at the site is also received. Wireless signals broadcast by the second wireless device are measured using the first wireless device to obtain signal strength values corresponding to the strength of the wireless signals. Attenuation values based on the signal strength values are calculated and assigned to features on the map of the site under survey. Show less

A channel allocation system for allocating channels in a frequency band to a plurality of radios in close proximity so as to minimize co-channel interference. One method for allocating channels involves initially tuning each of the plurality of radios to the same one of the plurality of channels. All of the radios then receive signals from whatever sources and a signal score is determined for each radio. The radios are then tuned to another one of the plurality of channels. The steps of… Show more

A channel allocation system for allocating channels in a frequency band to a plurality of radios in close proximity so as to minimize co-channel interference. One method for allocating channels involves initially tuning each of the plurality of radios to the same one of the plurality of channels. All of the radios then receive signals from whatever sources and a signal score is determined for each radio. The radios are then tuned to another one of the plurality of channels. The steps of receiving a signal and determining a signal score for each radio are repeated for each of the remaining channels until all channels have been used. The signal scores are then tested against a table of mapping schemes to determine maximum isolation. Show less

A wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and… Show more

A wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and the transceivers, and between the transceivers and the network interface. The array controller is configured to modify channel assignments so as to minimize channel interference dynamically. Show less

A system of at least one wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data… Show more

A system of at least one wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and the transceivers, and between the transceivers and the network interface. The array controller is configured to modify channel assignments so as to minimize channel interference dynamically. Show less

A method for surveying a site for installation of wireless access points is provided. A map of the site under survey is displayed. User input relating to the position of a first wireless device at the site is received. User input relating to the position of a second wireless device at the site is also received. Wireless signals broadcast by the second wireless device are measured using the first wireless device to obtain signal strength values corresponding to the strength of the wireless… Show more

A method for surveying a site for installation of wireless access points is provided. A map of the site under survey is displayed. User input relating to the position of a first wireless device at the site is received. User input relating to the position of a second wireless device at the site is also received. Wireless signals broadcast by the second wireless device are measured using the first wireless device to obtain signal strength values corresponding to the strength of the wireless signals. Attenuation values based on the signal strength values are calculated and assigned to features on the map of the site under survey. Show less

A wireless access point is provided for transmitting radio signals that has isolators positioned about the perimeter of the wireless access point dividing the perimeter of the wireless access point into segments and reflector plates positioned within each segment for directing the transmission of the radio signals within each segment.

A wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and… Show more

A wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and the transceivers, and between the transceivers and the network interface. Show less

Systems and methods are provided for reducing multi-modulation radio transmit range. The method comprises determining a data modulation type at which a transmitter is operating, and adjusting a transmitter power according to the data modulation type to control transmit range. Each data modulation type may be determined to operate at a designated transmit power level by determining each data modulation type and arranging in order of a data connection rate corresponding to each data modulation… Show more

Systems and methods are provided for reducing multi-modulation radio transmit range. The method comprises determining a data modulation type at which a transmitter is operating, and adjusting a transmitter power according to the data modulation type to control transmit range. Each data modulation type may be determined to operate at a designated transmit power level by determining each data modulation type and arranging in order of a data connection rate corresponding to each data modulation type. For each data modulation type, the difference between a minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the connection rate and a minimum SNR at the next higher connection rate is calculated. Starting with the lowest data connection rate and at the maximum transmit power, the transmitter power levels are calculated for each data connection rate such that the transmitter range is limited and operation at the highest data connection rate is permitted. Show less

The ornamental design for an electronic device housing, as shown.

A network adapter configured to functionally connect a local area network cable to a personal computer bus via the computer's standard parallel port. The adapter includes a substantially fully enclosed housing having first and second external connection respectively configured to mate with a computer's parallel port connector and with a network cable. The adapter is primarily comprised of (1) network interface circuitry for transmitting data packets to and receiving data packets from a local… Show more

A network adapter configured to functionally connect a local area network cable to a personal computer bus via the computer's standard parallel port. The adapter includes a substantially fully enclosed housing having first and second external connection respectively configured to mate with a computer's parallel port connector and with a network cable. The adapter is primarily comprised of (1) network interface circuitry for transmitting data packets to and receiving data packets from a local area network and (2) input/output circuitry for bidirectionally transferring data bytes between the network interface circuitry and a computer's parallel port. Show less

A communication network for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) wherein selected memory means of each PLC have at least two ports directly accessible by other PLCs and certain registers of the PLCs are identical to enable efficient, high-speed transfer of blocks of data between the PLCs.

A network adapter configured to functionally connect a local area network cable to a personal computer bus via the computer's standard parallel port. The adapter includes a substantially fully enclosed housing having first and second external connectors respectively configured to mate with a computer's parallel port connector and with a network cable. The adapter is primarily comprised of (1) network interface circuitry for transmitting data packets to and receiving data packets from a local… Show more

A network adapter configured to functionally connect a local area network cable to a personal computer bus via the computer's standard parallel port. The adapter includes a substantially fully enclosed housing having first and second external connectors respectively configured to mate with a computer's parallel port connector and with a network cable. The adapter is primarily comprised of (1) network interface circuitry for transmitting data packets to and receiving data packets from a local area network and (2) input/output circuitry for bidirectionally transferring data bytes between the network interface circuitry and a computer's parallel port. Show less

A multiplexor for use with a computer having a parallel port, for providing multiple separately addressable auxiliary parallel ports.

The ornamental design for parallel port multiplexor for use with a computer, as shown and described.

A programmable logic controller system having the capability of controlling up to 64 clusters of peripheral controllers, wherein each cluster has up to seven racks of peripheral controllers, each rack having up to 16 individual peripheral controllers. Excepting for the cluster containing the programmable logic controller, each cluster is coupled to the programmable logic controller through an ethernet cable to a cluster controller. Each of the seven racks of peripheral controller cards is… Show more

A programmable logic controller system having the capability of controlling up to 64 clusters of peripheral controllers, wherein each cluster has up to seven racks of peripheral controllers, each rack having up to 16 individual peripheral controllers. Excepting for the cluster containing the programmable logic controller, each cluster is coupled to the programmable logic controller through an ethernet cable to a cluster controller. Each of the seven racks of peripheral controller cards is connected to its respective programmable logic controller or cluster controller directly (for the first rack) or through a local rack adaptor (for the other six racks). The programmable logic controller generates data, address and control signals which are used by the peripheral controllers to operate machines and equipment on an assembly line. The data, address and control signals are generated by a ladder diagram created and modified in a separate personal computer, which may be coupled to the programmable logic controller through an ethernet cable. The code representing the ladder diagram created in the personal computer is downloaded through the ethernet cable to the programmable logic controller. The ladder diagram is created and edited using a ladder editor program having the following features: scrolling, zoom in/out, free format line drawing, real time incremental compiler/linker, dynamic reconfiguration. Show less

The ornamental design for an adapter for connecting an electronic computer to a local area network, as shown and described.

A communication network for programmable logic controllers (PLC) wherein selected memory means of each PLC has at least two ports directly accessible by other PLC and certain registers of the PLC are identical. Each PLC further has an interblock gap timer to signal the PLC when its transmit time slice is to occur. The time slice consists of a block transmit time and an interblock gap time. The total update time has been optimized to engable efficient, high-speed transfer of blocks of data… Show more

A communication network for programmable logic controllers (PLC) wherein selected memory means of each PLC has at least two ports directly accessible by other PLC and certain registers of the PLC are identical. Each PLC further has an interblock gap timer to signal the PLC when its transmit time slice is to occur. The time slice consists of a block transmit time and an interblock gap time. The total update time has been optimized to engable efficient, high-speed transfer of blocks of data between the PLCs. Show less

A programmable logic controller system having the capability of controlling up to 64 clusters of peripheral controllers, wherein each cluster has up to seven racks of peripheral controllers, each rack having up to 16 individual peripheral controllers. Excepting for the cluster containing the programmable logic controller, each cluster is coupled to the programmable logic controller through an ethernet cable to a cluster controller. Each of the seven racks of peripheral controller cards is… Show more

A programmable logic controller system having the capability of controlling up to 64 clusters of peripheral controllers, wherein each cluster has up to seven racks of peripheral controllers, each rack having up to 16 individual peripheral controllers. Excepting for the cluster containing the programmable logic controller, each cluster is coupled to the programmable logic controller through an ethernet cable to a cluster controller. Each of the seven racks of peripheral controller cards is connected to its respective programmable logic controller or cluster controller directly (for the first rack) or through a local rack adaptor (for the other six racks). The programmable logic controller generates data, address and control signals which are used by the peripheral controllers to operate machines and equipment on an assembly line. The data, address and control signals are generated by a ladder diagram created and modified in a separate personal computer, which may be coupled to the programmable logic controller through an ethernet cable. The code representing the ladder diagram created in the personal computer is downloaded through the ethernet cable to the programmable logic controller. Show less

The present invention is directed to a programmable logical controller (PLC) system incorporating a universal input controller card, a universal output controller card, and a symmetrical current mirror fuse blown detector circuit. The universal input controller card is capable of tracking input voltages from 12 to 240 volts, AC or DC. The universal output controller card is capable of outputting output voltages ranging from 12 to 120 volts, AC or DC with no significant leakage current and no… Show more

The present invention is directed to a programmable logical controller (PLC) system incorporating a universal input controller card, a universal output controller card, and a symmetrical current mirror fuse blown detector circuit. The universal input controller card is capable of tracking input voltages from 12 to 240 volts, AC or DC. The universal output controller card is capable of outputting output voltages ranging from 12 to 120 volts, AC or DC with no significant leakage current and no load resistors. The current mirror fuse blown detector circuit detects blown fuses in each output channel of the output controller card. Show less

A communication network for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) wherein selected memory means of each PLC have at least two ports directly accessible by other PLCs and certain registers of the PLCs are identical to enable efficient, high-speed transfer of blocks of data between the PLCs.

An intelligent compiler particularly useful for evaluating Boolean expressions such as those associated with ladder structures. True/false paths are defined through the expressions. In a first pass for the code generation, the start code for examining each element is set out. In a second pass the relative offsets for branching from one element to the next element along both the true and false paths are filled in. In practice, execution time for evaluating ladder structures is reduced by an… Show more

An intelligent compiler particularly useful for evaluating Boolean expressions such as those associated with ladder structures. True/false paths are defined through the expressions. In a first pass for the code generation, the start code for examining each element is set out. In a second pass the relative offsets for branching from one element to the next element along both the true and false paths are filled in. In practice, execution time for evaluating ladder structures is reduced by an order of magnitude over prior techniques which use source code and an interpreter. Show less