Patents by Inventor Byron F. Knight

Byron F. Knight 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: 7222020
    Abstract: A system and method determines the probability of oil or mineral deposits. At least one data collection device collects elevation slope, magnetic and gravity data sets for a predetermined area of the earth's surface. A processor receives the elevation slope, magnetic and gravity data sets and applies the gravity and magnetic data sets in a transfer function to link the elevation slope data set to the likely presence of oil or mineral deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Byron F. Knight, Mark K. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6441801
    Abstract: A screw motion-driven tensegrity antenna support architecture is configured to stably deploy and adjustably control an energy-focusing surface, such as an RF wave-reflecting conductive mesh. A parallel platform structure is configured of an upper hexagonal platform and a lower hexagonal base, the perimeter geometry of each of which is defined by plural interconnected tensioned ties. Vertices of the hexagonal tie base and the hexagonal upper tie platform are interconnected by pairs of legs, each including a compression strut and a tension tie. The stability of the structure requires that the sum of the tie tension forces matches the sum of the compression forces in the struts. To control deployment from a stowed condition and the geometric parameters of the deployed RF reflecting surface, a screw motion-based drive system is coupled to the struts to define relative mutual rotation and pitch between the upper platform and lower base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Byron F. Knight, Joseph Duffy, Carl David Crane, III, Joseph Rooney