Patents by Inventor Brian S. Leininger

Brian S. Leininger 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: 8611706
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatus, system, and method embodiments that provide micro electro mechanical system optical switching and methods of manufacturing switches. For example, one optical switch embodiment includes at least one micro electro mechanical system type pivot mirror structure disposed along a path of an optical signal, the structure having a mirror and an actuator, and the mirror having a pivot axis along a first edge and having a second edge rotatable with respect to the pivot axis, the mirror being capable of and arranged to be actuated to pivot between a position parallel to a plane of an optical signal and a position substantially normal to the plane of the optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Thorson, Rick C. Stevens, Charles J. Kryzak, Brian S. Leininger, William P. Kornrumpf, Glenn A. Forman, Joseph A. Iannotti, Olga B. Spahn, William D. Cowan, Daryl J. Dagel
  • Patent number: 7706685
    Abstract: An optical network system, including multiple nodes, an optical switch, and a switch controller, is configured to achieve communication in the optical domain. Each node is configured to receive both high frequency and low frequency inputs, generally utilized for handling data and addressing information, respectively. The two types of information are combined to create an amplitude modulated optical signal. Subsequently, the two types of information are separated by examining the optical power average of the signal being transmitted. Using one portion of the signal for addressing information, the switch controller can perform necessary routing and arbitration functions. Appropriate communications can then be sent back to the nodes and the optical switch to achieve the necessary configuration. The protocol utilized allows for subsequent arbitration and data transmission cycles, allowing the system and switch controller to configure transmission paths and arbitrate any communication issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Rick C. Stevens, Gregory J. Whaley, Brian S. Leininger
  • Patent number: 7295727
    Abstract: A parallel mounted MEMs optical diagnostic switch disposed within an optical connector for directing optical signals from one or a plurality of light sources to one or a plurality of light collectors by activating a feedback loop through the use of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). The present invention includes one or more mirrors mounted parallel to the path of optical transmission through the tool. The mirrors and can be automatically activated at power up or selectively thereafter for detecting faults in any upstream fiber optic component. When in the passive mode, the present invention retracts away from the optical path so as not to interfere with normal system operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Thorson, Charles J. Kryzak, Brian S. Leininger, Rick C. Stevens