Patents by Inventor Don Walker
Don Walker 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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Publication number: 20230299610Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include modular solar power cells, arrays, and power management systems for use in satellite systems and constellations. In one embodiment, a solar cell module can include: a module substrate including a high-emissivity side and a mounting side; a power management circuit mounted to the mounting side of the module substrate; a battery arranged adjacent to the power management circuit; a solar cell substrate arranged adjacent the battery and including an embedded battery heater; and a solar cell mounted directly to the solar cell substrate and connected to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2022Publication date: September 21, 2023Applicant: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: Colin J. MANN, Don Walker
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Patent number: 11056647Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) single ion memory (or memory device) may include a mobile ion conductor with a CNT on one side and an ion drift electrode (IDE) on the other side. The mobile ion conductor may be used as a transport medium to shuttle ions to and from the CNT and the IDE. The IDE may move the ions towards or away from the CNT.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: Adam W. Bushmaker, Don Walker
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Patent number: 10851597Abstract: A combination of a casing tube and a closed end unthreaded tubular thread protector that has an inside diameter significantly greater than the outside diameter of the casing tube is described. Further, the thread protector is typically much longer than the threaded portion of the associated casing tube such that a significant amount of axial movement of the protector relative to the casing tube is required to remove it therefrom. The casing protector is most typically comprised of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, that is soft enough as to not damage or mar the threads on the casing in which it is in contact, but stiff enough in the tubular form of the protector to prevent impact loads from being transferred to the threads there beneath.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Inventors: Robert C Lynch, Bobby Don Walker, Jr.
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Patent number: 10615744Abstract: An apparatus for carrying, retrieving, and characterizing temperature and current-voltage properties of a solar cell may include a metal core printed circuit board (PCB). The metal core PCB includes current-voltage and temperature measurement electronics operated by a remote device via a communication unit. The solar cell is embedded onto the metal core PCB by way of a thermally- and electrically-conducting adhesive material. The current-voltage and temperature electronics and the solar cell are thermally connected to the PCB, and are electrically isolated from each other, while residing on the same plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: Colin J. Mann, Don Walker, John C. Nocerino, Justin H. Lee
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Publication number: 20190316422Abstract: A combination of a casing tube and a closed end unthreaded tubular thread protector that has an inside diameter significantly greater than the outside diameter of the casing tube is described. Further, the thread protector is typically much longer than the threaded portion of the associated casing tube such that a significant amount of axial movement of the protector relative to the casing tube is required to remove it therefrom. The casing protector is most typically comprised of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, that is soft enough as to not damage or mar the threads on the casing in which it is in contact, but stiff enough in the tubular form of the protector to prevent impact loads from being transferred to the threads there beneath.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Robert C Lynch, Bobby Don Walker, JR.
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Publication number: 20190052225Abstract: An apparatus for carrying, retrieving, and characterizing temperature and current-voltage properties of a solar cell may include a metal core printed circuit board (PCB). The metal core PCB includes current-voltage and temperature measurement electronics operated by a remote device via a communication unit. The solar cell is embedded onto the metal core PCB by way of a thermally- and electrically-conducting adhesive material. The current-voltage and temperature electronics and the solar cell are thermally connected to the PCB, and are electrically isolated from each other, while residing on the same plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Colin J. MANN, Don WALKER, John C. NOCERINO, Justin H. LEE
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Publication number: 20180212144Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) single ion memory (or memory device) may include a mobile ion conductor with a CNT on one side and an ion drift electrode (IDE) on the other side. The mobile ion conductor may be used as a transport medium to shuttle ions to and from the CNT and the IDE. The IDE may move the ions towards or away from the CNT.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Adam W. Bushmaker, Don Walker
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Patent number: 9700179Abstract: A kitchen utensil comprises a handheld, low friction, cooking and serving spatula that includes: (a) a generally planar, elongated, blade exhibiting a rear portion connected to a handle, and a front portion extending a distance from the rear portion along a generally central axis between lateral sides of the blade; and (b) movable bearings restrained within in suitably dimensioned openings in the blade. These said bearings exhibit substantially free rotational motion within the blade plane to guide food on and off of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Inventors: Bruno Bertin, Don Walker, II
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Publication number: 20170119217Abstract: A kitchen utensil according to the invention comprises a handheld, low friction, cooking and serving spatula that includes: (a) a generally planar, elongated, blade exhibiting a rear portion connected to a handle, and a front portion extending some distance from said rear portion along a generally central axis between left and right lateral sides; and (b) movable bearings restrained within the plane of said blade in a suitably dimensioned opening in said blade, said bearings exhibiting substantially free rotational motion within said plane to guide food on and off of said blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Bruno BERTIN, Don WALKER, II
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Patent number: 8744162Abstract: A method and system for evaluating images, such as x-ray image, to provide feedback that can be used for subsequent image acquisition. The feedback may be used to adjust the positioning of a patient with respect to an image capture device, or a setting of the image capture device. The image capture device may be part of a dental x-ray imaging system that generates an x-ray image of the patent and provides the image to a collector service. The image is evaluated by the collector service for positioning errors and other operator correctable issues that may have had an impact on the image quality. A report that includes feedback regarding the operator correctable issues, as well as suggested corrective action, is generated and provided to the imaging system operator.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Midmark CorporationInventors: Mark Greenwood, Edwin McDonough, Bradley McDougall, Don Walker
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Publication number: 20120243766Abstract: A method and system for evaluating images, such as x-ray image, to provide feedback that can be used for subsequent image acquisition. The feedback may be used to adjust the positioning of a patient with respect to an image capture device, or a setting of the image capture device. The image capture device may be part of a dental x-ray imaging system that generates an x-ray image of the patent and provides the image to a collector service. The image is evaluated by the collector service for positioning errors and other operator correctable issues that may have had an impact on the image quality. A report that includes feedback regarding the operator correctable issues, as well as suggested corrective action, is generated and provided to the imaging system operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: MIDMARK CORPORATIONInventors: Mark Greenwood, Edwin McDonough, Bradley McDougall, Don Walker
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Publication number: 20070255415Abstract: An intervertebral spacer is inserted between vertebral members in a compact configuration and expanded post-insertion to contact the adjacent vertebral members. The intervertebral spacer comprises a first member and a second member movable with respect to the first member between retracted and extended positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2006Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: Jason Edie, Lloyd Cooper, Jerrod Windham, John Dawson, Don Walker
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Publication number: 20070255413Abstract: An intervertebral spacer is inserted between vertebral members in a compact configuration and expanded post-insertion to contact the adjacent vertebral members. The intervertebral spacer comprises a first member and a second member movable with respect to the first member between retracted and extended positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2006Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: Jason Edie, Lloyd Cooper, Don Walker
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Publication number: 20070011373Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for encoding a set of configuration data for a given expander and at some later point comparing the configuration data to a discovered configuration derived from an attempt to discover the operability of each phy or connection point of the storage system. The configuration identifies the phys or connection points that are operable and the mapping of operable connection points to wide ports communicatively of an expander.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Kevin Marks, Don Walker
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Publication number: 20060113330Abstract: There is a significant market for liquid detergent bottles in the approximate size of 100 fluid ounces. The advantages of this size and design of current containers include convenient value bulk size and the ability to pick up and grasp with one hand for transport and use. A major disadvantage of current designs is that this size and weight container are at the upper limit of what a small woman or elderly user can comfortably hold. A further disadvantage is that the current use/operating sequence of unscrewing the cap, pouring the bottle into the cap, dispensing the cap and then re-attaching the cap requires the careful use of both hands. A final disadvantage is that undesirable residue from the liquid often adheres to rim and surfaces on and around the container due to drips and spills. The objective of this new and improved design is to provide a container that is both easier to use and cleaner to operate, through an automatic, self-dispensing operation that reseals itself after use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2004Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Don Walker, Jerrod Windham, Lloyd Cooper
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Patent number: 6708939Abstract: The present invention provides a retail store information display device for suspension from a ceiling over merchandise displays or aisles. The retail store information display system comprises one or more panels containing information, an elongated horizontal track, a plurality of carrier means slidably supported by said track, and connecting means for suspending the track from a ceiling a sufficient height above any merchandise displays or aisles. The panels can be positioned with respect to the merchandise displays or aisles by sliding them along the horizontal track. The retail store information display device assists retailers in hanging panels, such as signs and banners, quickly and uniformly throughout a store.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Don Walker
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Publication number: 20020195531Abstract: The present invention provides a retail store information display device for suspension from a ceiling over merchandise displays or aisles. The retail store information display system comprises one or more panels containing information, an elongated horizontal track, a plurality of carrier means slidably supported by said track, and connecting means for suspending the track from a ceiling a sufficient height above any merchandise displays or aisles. The panels can be positioned with respect to the merchandise displays or aisles by sliding them along the horizontal track. The retail store information display device assists retailers in hanging panels, such as signs and banners, quickly and uniformly throughout a store.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Don Walker
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Patent number: D585097Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventors: Rick Dochterman, Don Walker, II, Nathan Greenman