Patents by Inventor Dale S. Walker

Dale S. Walker 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: 8255980
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing router configuration devices in a secure data communication network are described herein. An illustrative system includes a plurality of programmed external configuration devices and a configuration device programmer. Each programmed external configuration device contains at least a portion of a definition of a secure data path between a first router and a second router. Each programmed external configuration device can be detachably coupled to a first router to create a secure data path between the first router and a second router. The configuration device programmer writes a secure data path definition into a selected external configuration device if a predetermined number of programmed external configuration devices are coupled to the configuration device programmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ERF Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 7926090
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and operating separate secure networks over a non-secure network are described herein. Some illustrative embodiments include a system that includes a router with one or more ports and control logic coupled to the one or more ports (the control logic capable of establishing a plurality of secure data paths with at least one other router across a network), and a plurality of external storage devices (each storage device separate from the router but capable of being detachably coupled to a port of the one or more ports, and each external storage device comprising configuration data defining one or more secure data paths of the plurality of secure data paths). Configuration data stored in a first external storage device of the plurality of external storage devices is different from configuration data stored in a second external storage device of the plurality of external storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: ERF Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Blevins, John Arley Burns, Dale S. Walker, Ricky C. White
  • Patent number: 7818790
    Abstract: A network of routers is monitored by a monitoring server. Each router implements various security mechanisms to secure the operation of the routers. For example, each router comprises control logic that implements a security protocol dictated, at least in part, by contents of at least two separate external storage devices, each storage device separate from, but coupled to, one of the ports of said router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: ERF Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: John Arley Burns, Edward J. Blevins, John Adrian Burns, Charles C. Hardin, Samuel D. Hartman, Dale S. Walker, Ricky C. White
  • Publication number: 20100199329
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing router configuration devices in a secure data communication network are described herein. An illustrative system includes a plurality of programmed external configuration devices and a configuration device programmer. Each programmed external configuration device contains at least a portion of a definition of a secure data path between a first router and a second router. Each programmed external configuration device can be detachably coupled to a first router to create a secure data path between the first router and a second router. The configuration device programmer writes a secure data path definition into a selected external configuration device if a predetermined number of programmed external configuration devices are coupled to the configuration device programmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: ERF WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventor: Dale S. WALKER
  • Publication number: 20090016357
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and operating separate secure networks over a non-secure network are described herein. Some illustrative embodiments include a system that includes a router with one or more ports and control logic coupled to the one or more ports (the control logic capable of establishing a plurality of secure data paths with at least one other router across a network), and a plurality of external storage devices (each storage device separate from the router but capable of being detachably coupled to a port of the one or more ports, and each external storage device comprising configuration data defining one or more secure data paths of the plurality of secure data paths). Configuration data stored in a first external storage device of the plurality of external storage devices is different from configuration data stored in a second external storage device of the plurality of external storage devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ERF WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. BLEVINS, John Arley BURNS, Dale S. WALKER, Ricky C. WHITE
  • Publication number: 20080235514
    Abstract: Systems for safeguarding router configuration data are described herein. Some illustrative embodiments include a system that includes a network router, a configuration device comprising configuration data used to configure the network router, and a connector capable of detachably coupling the configuration device to the network router and further capable of detachably coupling a second device to the network router (the connector routes electrical power provided by the network router to a coupled device). The electrical power is set to a voltage level usable to operate the configuration device, while capable of rendering the second device inoperative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: ERF WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventor: Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6967779
    Abstract: A micro-lens array with a precisely aligned aperture mask, and a method of forming the same, is provided. The aperture mask is formed by projecting light onto a mask layer using each lenslet in the micro-lens array. The intensity of the light and the mask layer material are chosen so that the light forms apertures in the mask layer via a non-ablative process. The resulting apertures are automatically aligned with their respective lenslets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Bright View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Fadel, Robert P. Freese, David Reed, Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6829087
    Abstract: A light-transmission screen includes a diffusing element formed from a micro-lens array for projecting images in a viewing space. The screen generates images of improved quality by varying structural features of one or more lenses in the array so that light is directed in different directions and/or with different optical properties compared with other lenses in the array. The structural features which are varied include any one or more of size, shape, curvature, or spacing of the lenses in the array. As a result of these variations, the screen achieves wider viewing angles, improved screen resolution and gain, and a greater ability to reduce or eliminate aliasing or other artifacts in the generated images compared with conventional screens. A method for making a light-transmission screen of this type preferably forms the micro-lens array using a stamping operation based on a master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bright View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Freese, David Reed, Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6816306
    Abstract: A light-transmission screen includes a diffusing element formed from a micro-lens array for projecting images in a viewing space. The screen generates images of improved quality by varying structural features of one or more lenses in the array so that light is directed in different directions and/or with different optical properties compared with other lenses in the array. The structural features which are varied include any one or more of size, shape, curvature, or spacing of the lenses in the array. As a result of these variations, the screen achieves wider viewing angles, improved screen resolution and gain, and a greater ability to reduce or eliminate aliasing or other artifacts in the generated images compared with conventional screens. A method for making a light-transmission screen of this type preferably forms the micro-lens array using a stamping operation based on a master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Bright View Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Freese, David Reed, Dale S. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040188875
    Abstract: Screen apparatuses are provided which include a first lens or holographic optical element layer and a second mask layer. The first layer substantially collimates image light rays to impinge on the mask layer. The mask layer provides an array or matrix of projecting members. Each of the projecting members receives and focuses the substantially collimated light rays to corresponding focal points. The mask layer includes a mask that blocks light transmission except where openings are located. The openings allow the light focused through the focal joints to substantially pass through the mask to form an image. The screen apparatuses can be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Richard M. Knox, Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6788460
    Abstract: Screen apparatuses are provided which include a first lens or holographic optical element layer and a second mask layer. The first layer substantially collimates image light rays to impinge on the mask layer. The mask layer provides an array or matrix of projecting members. Each of the projecting members receives and focuses the substantially collimated light rays to corresponding focal points. The mask layer includes a mask that blocks light transmission except where openings are located. The openings allow the light focused through the focal joints to substantially pass through the mask to form an image. The screen apparatuses can be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Richard M. Knox, Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6768566
    Abstract: A screen apparatus includes a holographic optical element and a diffuser. The holographic optical element may be constructed using standard techniques known in the field of holography. The holographic optical element may be used to replace a typical Fresnel lens used in projection screen apparatuses. In operation, the holographic optical element receives image light from an image engine or projector and redirects the image light to the diffuser for scattering. The holographic optical element can be designed to substantially collimate, converge, or diverge the image light. The combination of the holographic optical element and the diffuser provides improved illumination uniformity that can be perceived by a viewer as the viewer moves in directions transverse to the screen apparatus. The screen apparatus may be designed to provide improved illumination uniformity to optimized or optimal locations in a viewing region. The screen apparatus may be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: Dale S. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040017612
    Abstract: A micro-lens array with a precisely aligned aperture mask, and a method of forming the same, is provided. The aperture mask is formed by projecting light onto a mask layer using each lenslet in the micro-lens array. The intensity of the light and the mask layer material are chosen so that the light forms apertures in the mask layer via a non-ablative process. The resulting apertures are automatically aligned with their respective lenslets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Bright View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Fadel, Robert P. Freese, David Reed, Dale S. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040008411
    Abstract: A light-transmission screen includes a diffusing element formed from a micro-lens array for projecting images in a viewing space. The screen generates images of improved quality by varying structural features of one 0or more lenses In the array so that light is directed in different directions and/or with different optical properties compared with other lenses in the array. The structural features which are varied include any one or more of size, shape, curvature, or spacing of the lenses in the array. As a result of these variations, the screen achieves wider viewing angles, improved screen resolution and gain, and a greater ability to reduce or eliminate aliasing or other artifacts in the generated images compared with conventional screens. A method for making a light-transmission screen of this type preferably forms the micro-lens array using a stamping operation based on a master.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Bright View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Freese, David Reed, Dale S. Walker
  • Publication number: 20030210462
    Abstract: A light-transmission screen includes a diffusing element formed from a micro-lens array for projecting images in a viewing space. The screen generates images of improved quality by varying structural features of one or more lenses in the array so that light is directed in different directions and/or with different optical properties compared with other lenses in the array. The structural features which are varied include any one or more of size, shape, curvature, or spacing of the lenses in the array. As a result of these variations, the screen achieves wider viewing angles, improved screen resolution and gain, and a greater ability to reduce or eliminate aliasing or other artifacts in the generated images compared with conventional screens. A method for making a light-transmission screen of this type preferably forms the micro-lens array using a stamping operation based on a master.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Bright View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Freese, David Reed, Dale S. Walker
  • Publication number: 20030206342
    Abstract: A light-transmission screen includes a diffusing element formed from a micro-lens array for projecting images in a viewing space. The screen generates images of improved quality by varying structural features of one or more lenses in the array so that light is directed in different directions and/or with different optical properties compared with other lenses in the array. The structural features which are varied include any one or more of size, shape, curvature, or spacing of the lenses in the array. As a result of these variations, the screen achieves wider viewing angles, improved screen resolution and gain, and a greater ability to reduce or eliminate aliasing or other artifacts in the generated images compared with conventional screens. A method for making a light-transmission screen of this type preferably forms the micro-lens array using a stamping operation based on a master.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Bright View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Reed, Robert P. Freese, Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6535196
    Abstract: In a color sequential system using LCDs, the LCD must operate faster than the frame rate because red, green, and blue are done sequentially. Ferroelectric LCDs can do this, but they are not analog devices and so cannot provide analog display levels. Instead, a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is used. In the system of the present invention, each pixel has three storage devices to hold RGB analog levels. A latch is used to load these values in parallel. Then an analog 3:1 multiplexer is used to select the proper storage device for the current sequential color. The multiplexer output goes to a comparator, which has a sawtooth waveform input at much faster than the frame rate. The comparator output changes with the sawtooth level, so that PWM control is provided for each pixel. As an alternative, standard analog LCD pixels can be sequentially switched between three color input storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Dale S. Walker, Richard M. Knox
  • Publication number: 20030038999
    Abstract: Screen apparatuses are provided which include a first lens or holographic optical element layer and a second mask layer. The first layer substantially collimates image light rays to impinge on the mask layer. The mask layer provides an array or matrix of projecting members. Each of the projecting members receives and focuses the substantially collimated light rays to corresponding focal points. The mask layer includes a mask that blocks light transmission except where openings are located. The openings allow the light focused through the focal joints to substantially pass through the mask to form an image. The screen apparatuses can be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Knox, Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6483612
    Abstract: A screen apparatus includes a holographic optical element and a diffuser. The holographic optical element may be constructed using standard techniques known in the field of holography. The holographic optical element may be used to replace a typical Fresnel lens used in projection screen apparatuses. In operation, the holographic optical element receives image light from an image engine or projector and redirects the image light to the diffuser for scattering. The holographic optical element can be designed to substantially collimate, converge, or diverge the image light. The combination of the holographic optical element and the diffuser provides improved illumination uniformity that can be perceived by a viewer as the viewer moves in directions transverse to the screen apparatus. The screen apparatus may be designed to provide improved illumination uniformity to optimized or optimal locations in a viewing region. The screen apparatus may be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: Dale S. Walker
  • Publication number: 20020159109
    Abstract: A screen apparatus includes a holographic optical element and a diffuser. The holographic optical element may be constructed using standard techniques known in the field of holography. The holographic optical element may be used to replace a typical Fresnel lens used in projection screen apparatuses. In operation, the holographic optical element receives image light from an image engine or projector and redirects the image light to the diffuser for scattering. The holographic optical element can be designed to substantially collimate, converge, or diverge the image light. The combination of the holographic optical element and the diffuser provides improved illumination uniformity that can be perceived by a viewer as the viewer moves in directions transverse to the screen apparatus. The screen apparatus may be designed to provide improved illumination uniformity to optimized or optimal locations in a viewing region. The screen apparatus may be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Duke University
    Inventor: Dale S. Walker