Patents by Inventor Frank S. Calco

Frank S. Calco 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: 5243310
    Abstract: Three lead screws are provided for adjusting the position of a traversing plate. Each of the three lead screws is threaded through a collar that is press fitted through the center of one of three pinion gears. A sun gear meshes with all three pinion gears and transversely moves the three lead screws upon actuation of a drive gear. The drive gear meshes with the sun gear and is driven by a handle or servo motor. When the handle or servo motor rotates the drive gear, the sun gear rotates causing the three pinion gears to rotate, thus causing transverse movement of the three lead screws and, accordingly, transverse movement of the transversing plate. When the drive gear rotates, the traversing plate is driven in and out of a microwave cavity. Thus, the length or size of the cavity can be tuned while maintaining the traversing plate in an exact parallel relationship with an opposing plate on another end of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Frank S. Calco
  • Patent number: 5032045
    Abstract: A quick release toggle clamp utilizes a spring that requires a deliberate positive action for disengagement. The clamp has a sliding bolt that provides a latching mechanism. The bolt is moved by a handle that tends to remain in an engaged position while under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Frank S. Calco
  • Patent number: 4642523
    Abstract: A coaxial probe extends into a microwave cavity through a tube. One end of the tube is retained in a spherical joint attached in the cavity wall. This allows the coaxial probe to be pivotally rotated. The coaxial probe is slideable within the tube thus allowing the probe to be extended toward or retracted from the center of the cavity.A tunable wall in the cavity is precisely positioned by a plurality of threaded rods extending through threaded bushings which are geared together. Thus, rotation of one of the bushings causes rotation of the other bushings simultaneously whereby the tuning wall is accurately positioned. Means are provided for moving the tube through which the coaxial probe extends in both a side to side and back and forth motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Shigeo Nakanishi, Frank S. Calco, August R. Scarpelli