Patents by Inventor Donald N. Black, Jr.

Donald N. Black, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20140104695
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for receiving parallel rays at a lens. A first surface of the lens can receive first substantially parallel rays incoming from a first direction. The first surface of the lens also can receive second substantially parallel rays incoming from a second direction that is substantially different than the first direction. The lens can focus the first substantially parallel rays onto a first focal point on a second surface of the lens and focus the second substantially parallel rays onto a second focal point on the second surface of the lens, the second focal point being different than the first focal point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald N. Black, JR., Enrique Jesus Ruiz, William M. Smith, John Haslam, John L. Beafore
  • Patent number: 8351127
    Abstract: A gradient lens capable of focusing electromagnetic rays received at a first lens surface onto a second lens surface. The first lens surface and second lens surface can include convex surfaces protruding in opposite directions from a substantially planar surface. The lens can include a gradient index between the first surface and the planar surface and a gradient index between the two convex surfaces. The lens can include two or more gradient layers, each gradient layer having an index of refraction different than that of adjacent gradient layers. The gradient layers can focus parallel electromagnetic rays incident on the first surface onto a focal point at the second surface of the lens. As the parallel electromagnetic rays pass from one gradient layer to the next, the rays are redirected toward the focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald N. Black, Jr., Enrique Jesus Ruiz, William M. Smith, John Haslam, John L. Beafore
  • Patent number: 7876280
    Abstract: A broadband bicone antenna supports frequency selective control of electrical length. Frequency selective control of the electrical length of an antenna can provide an antenna exhibiting two or more different electrical lengths where use of each length depends upon the operating frequencies of the signals. The electrical length of the bicone antenna may be reduced in response to higher operating frequencies. Such reduction in electrical length at higher frequencies can provide improved antenna radiation patterns for the antenna. Further, the electrical length of the bicone antenna may be increased in response to low frequency operation. Such increase in electrical length may improve VSWR performance at lower frequencies. Simultaneous operation of the bicone antenna at varied electrical lengths for varied frequency bands can provide improved broadband performance of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald N. Black, Jr., John D. Voss, Terence D. Newbury, Michael G. Guler
  • Publication number: 20100202061
    Abstract: A gradient lens capable of focusing electromagnetic rays received at a first lens surface onto a second lens surface. The first lens surface and second lens surface can include convex surfaces protruding in opposite directions from a substantially planar surface. The lens can include a gradient index between the first surface and the planar surface and a gradient index between the two convex surfaces. The lens can include two or more gradient layers, each gradient layer having an index of refraction different than that of adjacent gradient layers. The gradient layers can focus parallel electromagnetic rays incident on the first surface onto a focal point at the second surface of the lens. As the parallel electromagnetic rays pass from one gradient layer to the next, the rays are redirected toward the focal point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Donald N. Black, JR., Enrique Jesus Ruiz, William M. Smith, John Haslam, John L. Beafore
  • Publication number: 20090201204
    Abstract: An antenna system with an improved antenna feed system is discussed. This multi-beam antenna system can produce a beam of electromagnetic energy propagating in a desired direction by emitting multiple beams of electromagnetic energy that constructively and destructively interfere. The direction of the net beam of electromagnetic energy can be controlled by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the emitted beams of electromagnetic energy which in turn influences the constructive and destructive interference. The phase and amplitude adjustments can be determined by sampling coordinate rotation or similar functions. Aliased components of these functions can be particularly useful in element reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Donald N. Black, JR., Enrique Jesus Ruiz, Theresa Brunasso, Catherine L. Freeman, William M. Smith, John Haslam, John L. Beafore