Patents by Inventor Donald A. Blackwell

Donald A. Blackwell 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: 8079560
    Abstract: Adjustable mounting apparatus for securing electrical connectors and equipment to powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. These mounting brackets are low cost, compact and lightweight. The brackets install easily without the use of fasteners and are adjustable without the use of tools or modification allowing them to conform to surfaces that may be flat, curved or fully round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20110073728
    Abstract: Adjustable mounting apparatus for securing electrical connectors and equipment to powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. These mounting brackets are low cost, compact and lightweight. The brackets install easily without the use of fasteners and are adjustable without the use of tools or modification allowing them to conform to surfaces that may be flat, curved or fully round.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7914306
    Abstract: Environmental protection methods standard USB electrical connectors normally suited only for indoor use that allows said connectors to be used in the harsh outdoor environment of powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and other special purpose vehicles. The resulting environmentally protected USB electrical connectors provide a small, lightweight, easy to mount, low-cost power source for a wide variety of low power accessories as well as data transfer where available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7841780
    Abstract: Optical modules for use with a host system. In one example embodiment, a method for tapping an optical network includes connecting one or more optical modules to a host device, providing one or more post amplifiers, and controlling each of the one or more optical modules and the one or more post amplifiers with a microprocessor that is integrated with the host device. In this example method, the one or more optical modules include at least one optical module with a plurality of ROSAs and the post amplifiers amplify electrical signals generated by the ROSAs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen T. Nelson, Greta L. Light, Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7809960
    Abstract: A network tap device that is configured for operation in a copper Gigabit Ethernet communications network using a power-over-Ethernet (“POE”) electrical supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a network tap device powered by a POE supply is disclosed, comprising first and second network ports that are configured with receptacles for receiving communication cables. The communication cables are configured to carry both data signals and the POE supply to and from the network tap device. The network tap device further includes first and second tap ports that connect with additional communication cables to a monitoring device. The network tap device also includes control and regulation circuitry that is configured to receive the POE supply from the communication cables via the network ports and to enable components of the network tap device to be operated by the POE supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher J. Cicchetti, Arthur M. Lawson, Greta L. Light, Paul Gentieu, Timothy M. Beyers, Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7809476
    Abstract: A network tap device array capable of being powered by a power-over Ethernet (“POE”) supply is disclosed. The array enables data from multiple nodes in a communications network to be tapped and forwarded to a plurality of monitoring devices. In one embodiment the network tap device array includes a chassis that is configured to receive a plurality of network tap devices that are each powered by a POE supply. Each network tap device includes network ports for receiving and transmitting network data via communication cables and tap ports for forwarding the tapped network data to the monitoring device. In another embodiment, a sub-chassis includes a plurality of network tap devices and an aggregator that aggregates tapped data from each of the tap devices. The aggregator then forwards the aggregated data to the monitoring device. The sub-chassis can be included in a chassis that is configured to receive multiple populated chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher J. Cicchetti, Arthur M. Lawson, Greta L. Light, Paul Gentieu, Timothy M. Beyers, Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7805229
    Abstract: A control method for high power accessory loads that is established by engine speed wherein a microcontroller and associated process control algorithm controls the state of a relay which in turn prevents the accessory loads from turning on until the engine speed reaches a set threshold. An optional accessory switch may be included to provide the ability to prevent the accessory from turning on regardless of engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventors: Donald A. Blackwell, Paul C. Abrahams
  • Patent number: 7771221
    Abstract: Environmental protection methods for power connectors normally suited only for indoor use that allows said connectors to be used in the harsh outdoor environment of powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and other special purpose vehicles. The resulting environmentally protected low power connectors provide a small, lightweight, easy to mount, low-cost power source for a wide variety of low power accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7625250
    Abstract: According to one example, a rack unit assembly is provided herein that includes a frame and a modular network component having at least one interlocking part associated therewith. The rack unit assembly also includes frame key mounted on the frame. The interlocking part is configured to be interlockingly coupled to the frame key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7602772
    Abstract: In one example, an optical network access switch includes independent first and second banks of individually selectable optical inputs, as well as independent first and second groups of individually controllable optical outputs. A first multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the first bank and the optical outputs of the first group, and a second multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the second bank and the optical outputs of the second group. Finally, a configuration interface communicates with the first and second multiplexers and receives a switching command which specifies the connection/disconnection of an optical output to/from an optical input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher J. Cicchetti, Timothy M. Beyers, Donald A. Blackwell, Stephen Nelson, Greta L. Light
  • Patent number: 7492061
    Abstract: Interposers for tapping a signal. An interposer can include an interposer printed circuit board, an output connector that couples the interposer circuit board with a backplane connector of a chassis, an input connector for coupling the interposer circuit board with a disk drive, tapping circuitry for tapping a high-speed differential signal, and connectors coupled to the tapping circuitry for transmitting the tapped signal to an analyzer or an oscilloscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Beyers, Paul Gentieu, Donald A. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20070280606
    Abstract: Optical modules for use with a host system. In one example embodiment, a method for tapping an optical network includes connecting one or more optical modules to a host device, providing one or more post amplifiers, and controlling each of the one or more optical modules and the one or more post amplifiers with a microprocessor that is integrated with the host device. In this example method, the one or more optical modules include at least one optical module with a plurality of ROSAs and the post amplifiers amplify electrical signals generated by the ROSAs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: FINISAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen T. Nelson, Greta L. Light, Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7294004
    Abstract: A latching system for a small from pluggable receptacle that uses a securement recess in a resilient catch to secure a casing in the receptacle includes on a lateral surface of the casing a securement tang that is captured in the securement recess and a release trigger on a surface of the casing located outside the receptacle. The release trigger includes a mounting bridge defining a guide passage oriented toward the securement tang and an actuator slidably disposed in the guide passage for movement in alignment with the securement tang. A catch deflector extending centrally from the actuator toward the securement tang has a free end configured to displace the catch away from the casing when cause by an operator to move toward the securement tang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: June B. Pineda, Donald A. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20070121649
    Abstract: In one example, an optical network access switch includes independent first and second banks of individually selectable optical inputs, as well as independent first and second groups of individually controllable optical outputs. A first multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the first bank and the optical outputs of the first group, and a second multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the second bank and the optical outputs of the second group. Finally, a configuration interface communicates with the first and second multiplexers and receives a switching command which specifies the connection/disconnection of an optical output to/from an optical input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Cicchetti, Timothy Beyers, Donald Blackwell, Stephen Nelson, Greta Light
  • Publication number: 20070081549
    Abstract: A network tap device array capable of being powered by a power-over Ethernet (“POE”) supply is disclosed. The array enables data from multiple nodes in a communications network to be tapped and forwarded to a plurality of monitoring devices. In one embodiment the network tap device array includes a chassis that is configured to receive a plurality of network tap devices that are each powered by a POE supply. Each network tap device includes network ports for receiving and transmitting network data via communication cables and tap ports for forwarding the tapped network data to the monitoring device. In another embodiment, a sub-chassis includes a plurality of network tap devices and an aggregator that aggregates tapped data from each of the tap devices. The aggregator then forwards the aggregated data to the monitoring device. The sub-chassis can be included in a chassis that is configured to receive multiple populated chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: FINISAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Cicchetti, Arthur Lawson, Greta Light, Paul Gentieu, Timothy Beyers, Donald Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20070081553
    Abstract: A network tap device that is configured for operation in a copper Gigabit Ethernet communications network using a power-over-Ethernet (“POE”) electrical supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a network tap device powered by a POE supply is disclosed, comprising first and second network ports that are configured with receptacles for receiving communication cables. The communication cables are configured to carry both data signals and the POE supply to and from the network tap device. The network tap device further includes first and second tap ports that connect with additional communication cables to a monitoring device. The network tap device also includes control and regulation circuitry that is configured to receive the POE supply from the communication cables via the network ports and to enable components of the network tap device to be operated by the POE supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: FINISAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Cicchetti, Arthur Lawson, Greta Light, Paul Gentieu, Timothy Beyers, Donald Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7179096
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter for enabling a host device having an electrical connector compatible with a first protocol that is not connectable with a connector assembly associated with a second protocol to be usable with the second protocol. The adapter includes a printed circuit board having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first interface formed to removably connect with an electrical connector associated with a first protocol. The second end includes a second interface formed to removably connect with a connector assembly associated with the second protocol. A method of making the adapter includes configuring the first interface on the printed circuit board and integrating the second interface with the printed circuit board. One embodiment includes an adapter for enabling a host device with SFP electrical connectors to be usable with an SAS/SATA protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-François Dubé, Arthur M. Lawson, Timothy M. Beyers, Donald A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7145765
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for mounting an interposer in a chassis. An apparatus can include a spreader frame attached to an interposer, and supporting means attached to the spreader frame for supporting the spreader frame within a chassis. The supporting means can include a first extendable arm and a second extendable arm supported by the spreader frame and biased in opposing directions such that opposing ends engage surfaces of opposing sidewalls of the chassis when the adjustable support structure is installed in the chassis. A method for mounting an interposer within the chassis can include adjusting a distance between opposing ends of the first extendable arm and the second extendable arm to engage inner surfaces of the chassis and hold the interposer and support structure in a static position within the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20060261015
    Abstract: According to one example, a rack unit assembly is provided herein that includes a frame and a modular network component having at least one interlocking part associated therewith. The rack unit assembly also includes frame key mounted on the frame. The interlocking part is configured to be interlockingly coupled to the frame key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventor: Donald Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7102887
    Abstract: A housing for hot-pluggable network tap modules. The housing allows a user to maintain all network taps in any given system in one housing and location. This increases the ease of maintaining multiple network taps and allows the network tap modules to be powered by a power supply included with the housing. The housings can greatly simplify the process of managing multiple taps. Moreover, the housing are compatible with hot-pluggable network tap modules as well as legacy network tap modules that were developed in the past.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell