Patents by Inventor David T. Mindrup

David T. Mindrup 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: 7439901
    Abstract: An active antenna is provided that includes an antenna element for transmitting RF transmit signals at a predetermined effective radiated power (ERP). An antenna module is configured to be mounted to an aircraft, with the antenna element being mounted to the antenna module. A connector module is provided at the antenna module and is configured to be coupled to a communications link and receive electrical transmit signals from the communications link. A transmit path is provided within the antenna module and extends between the antenna element and the connector module. A power amplifier is provided on the antenna module along the transmit path. The power amplifier increases a power level of the electrical transmit signals, received from the communications link, by a predetermined amount sufficient to drive the antenna element to transmit the RF transmit signals at the predetermined ERP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Needham, David T. Mindrup, John C. Blessing
  • Publication number: 20080122693
    Abstract: An active antenna is provided that includes an antenna element for transmitting RF transmit signals at a predetermined effective radiated power (ERP). An antenna module is configured to be mounted to an aircraft, with the antenna element being mounted to the antenna module. A connector module is provided at the antenna module and is configured to be coupled to a communications link and receive electrical transmit signals from the communications link. A transmit path is provided within the antenna module and extends between the antenna element and the connector module. A power amplifier is provided on the antenna module along the transmit path. The power amplifier increases a power level of the electrical transmit signals, received from the communications link, by a predetermined amount sufficient to drive the antenna element to transmit the RF transmit signals at the predetermined ERP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Edward W. Needham, David T. Mindrup, John C. Blessing
  • Patent number: 6960100
    Abstract: An improved device and method for grounding shields of transmission lines is shown. A grounding apparatus, a connector device, and methods associated with them are shown having improved efficiency and reliability among other advantages. Devices and methods shown eliminate a dressing and attaching step of grounding numerous grounding lines to a grounding element such as a connector housing. Devices and methods shown further improve quality and reliability of grounding operations using shielded transmission lines and transmission line connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian F. Ruff, Walter J. Rolston, David T. Mindrup
  • Patent number: 6899562
    Abstract: An improved device and method for grounding shields of transmission lines is shown. A grounding apparatus, a connector device, and methods associated with them are shown having improved efficiency and reliability among other advantages. Devices and methods shown eliminate a dressing and attaching step of grounding numerous grounding lines to a grounding element such as a connector housing. Devices and methods shown further improve quality and reliability of grounding operations using shielded transmission lines and transmission line connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Garmin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian F. Ruff, Walter J. Rolston, David T. Mindrup