Patents by Inventor Brent D. Madsen
Brent D. Madsen 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).
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Patent number: 10011419Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of the body of a container and a groove configured to receive a portion of a valve stem of the container. The recess includes a tapered upper end configured to fit a neck of the container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed proximate the groove, which defines lateral sidewalls and a rear sidewall and has an open forward end to receive the valve stem.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Patent number: 9664491Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.Inventors: Derek R DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
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Publication number: 20160340108Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of the body of a container and a groove configured to receive a portion of a valve stem of the container. The recess includes a tapered upper end configured to fit a neck of the container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed proximate the groove, which defines lateral sidewalls and a rear sidewall and has an open forward end to receive the valve stem.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Applicant: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Patent number: 9457951Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of a container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed above the recess and the first compartment and the second compartment are disposed on opposing sides of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Publication number: 20150285606Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2014Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
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Patent number: 9127918Abstract: A distributed ordnance system comprises a plurality of ordnance controllers and a plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller of the plurality of ordnance controllers may be operably coupled with at least one firing unit of the plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller may be configured to provide power signals to the at least one firing unit coupled therewith, and communicate with the at least one firing unit for initiation of an ordnance event. A multiple-stage ordnance system may comprise a first stage and a second stage that each include an ordnance controller configured to control operation of an ordnance event, and at least one firing unit to initiate the ordnance event. Related methods for constructing a multiple-stage ordnance control system and controlling initiation of an energetic material are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
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Patent number: 9115970Abstract: A high voltage firing unit may comprise a high voltage converter, a capacitive discharge unit, and a control unit. The high voltage converter may be configured to generate a high voltage output signal from a lower voltage input signal. The capacitive discharge unit may be configured to store energy from the high voltage output signal across an energy storage device, and to discharge energy from the energy storage device in response to a fire control signal. The control unit operably may be configured to communicate with an external ordnance controller and control internal operations of the high voltage firing unit. An ordnance system, may comprise a high voltage firing unit and an ordnance controller configured to communicate data with the control unit and at least one power signal to the high voltage converter. A method for operating a high voltage firing unit is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: ORBITAL ATK, INC.Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup, Scott K. Lusk
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Publication number: 20150192397Abstract: A high voltage firing unit may comprise a high voltage converter, a capacitive discharge unit, and a control unit. The high voltage converter may be configured to generate a high voltage output signal from a lower voltage input signal. The capacitive discharge unit may be configured to store energy from the high voltage output signal across an energy storage device, and to discharge energy from the energy storage device in response to a fire control signal. The control unit operably may be configured to communicate with an external ordnance controller and control internal operations of the high voltage firing unit. An ordnance system, may comprise a high voltage firing unit and an ordnance controller configured to communicate data with the control unit and at least one power signal to the high voltage converter. A method for operating a high voltage firing unit is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: July 9, 2015Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup, Scott K. Lusk
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Publication number: 20150028062Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of a container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed above the recess and the first compartment and the second compartment are disposed on opposing sides of the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Patent number: 8887954Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Patent number: 8863665Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
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Patent number: 8678233Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having at least two aerosol containers disposed therein and an actuator arm. The dispensing unit activates in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor. The method also includes the step of selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Nathan R. Westphal, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, M. Scott Carpenter, Michael E. Short
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Publication number: 20140069289Abstract: A distributed ordnance system comprises a plurality of ordnance controllers and a plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller of the plurality of ordnance controllers may be operably coupled with at least one firing unit of the plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller may be configured to provide power signals to the at least one firing unit coupled therewith, and communicate with the at least one firing unit for initiation of an ordnance event. A multiple-stage ordnance system may comprise a first stage and a second stage that each include an ordnance controller configured to control operation of an ordnance event, and at least one firing unit to initiate the ordnance event. Related methods for constructing a multiple-stage ordnance control system and controlling initiation of an energetic material are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
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Publication number: 20130277389Abstract: A volatile material dispensing system includes a housing retaining a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. A displacement member is disposed on the tilt-activated valve stem. A drive unit is disposed within the housing. The drive unit includes a gear mechanically associated with an actuating cam mounted on a transfer shaft to displace the displacement member. The transfer shaft is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container. The actuating cam rotates in a plane not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Edward L. Paas, Brent D. Madsen, Paul E. Furner
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Publication number: 20130174755Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
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Patent number: 8469244Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to be releasably mounted on a container having a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a discharge orifice. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit is activated in response to a signal from at least a sensor, and wherein the drive unit is adapted to radially displace the tilt-activated valve stem in response to the signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Edward L. Paas, Brent D. Madsen, Paul E. Furner
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Publication number: 20130068787Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein and an actuator arm attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The automatic discharge device also includes a drive unit for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions and the actuator arm is adapted to spray the contents of the two containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Publication number: 20130026181Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Patent number: 8342363Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
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Patent number: 8141490Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Scott R. Jamison