Patents by Inventor E. Mitchell Blalock
E. Mitchell Blalock 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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Patent number: 11411305Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20210351497Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Patent number: 10985449Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20200215530Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Patent number: 10559875Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20190157749Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Patent number: 10135127Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20170237155Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Patent number: 9680199Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20150380802Abstract: A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
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Patent number: 8054233Abstract: According to the invention, a system for positioning an antenna is disclosed. The system may include an antenna, a first substantially circular track, a base, and a first plurality of rollers. The first substantially circular track may be coupled with the antenna. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be coupled with the base. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be in contact with the first substantially circular track. Each of the first plurality of rollers may rotate when the first substantially circular track rotates.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Holt, E. Mitchell Blalock, Christopher E. Griffin
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Patent number: 8013798Abstract: According to the invention, a system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupled with the support member and the spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partially defines a void. And the support member may be at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
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Patent number: 7969375Abstract: According to the invention, a system for rotating a parabolic antenna about a central point is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface and may also be coupled with the support member. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about the central point. The spherical structure may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure and may also include a second plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be coupled with the parabolic antenna, and at least a portion of the magnets in either one of, or both of, the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the arms about the central point.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
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Patent number: 7710337Abstract: According to the invention, a system for adjusting the polarity of an antenna is disclosed. The system may include a spherical structure, at least one arm, and a coupling apparatus. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point and may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure, may include a second plurality of magnets, and may be coupled with the antenna. The coupling apparatus may be fixedly coupled with the antenna and rotatably coupled with the at least one arm. The coupling apparatus may include a third plurality of magnets, where at least a portion of the magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the coupling apparatus relative to the at least one arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20090315795Abstract: According to the invention, a system for rotating a parabolic antenna about a central point is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface and may also be coupled with the support member. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about the central point. The spherical structure may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure and may also include a second plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be coupled with the parabolic antenna, and at least a portion of the magnets in either one of, or both of, the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the arms about the central point.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20090058745Abstract: According to the invention, a system for positioning an antenna is disclosed. The system may include an antenna, a first substantially circular track, a base, and a first plurality of rollers. The first substantially circular track may be coupled with the antenna. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be coupled with the base. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be in contact with the first substantially circular track. Each of the first plurality of rollers may rotate when the first substantially circular track rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Holt, E. Mitchell Blalock, Christopher E. Griffin
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Publication number: 20090009416Abstract: According to the invention, a system for providing a plurality of antennas in a single radome is disclosed. The system may include a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna may have a first axis. The second antenna may have a second axis. The second antenna may be fixedly coupled with the first antenna such that the first axis may be substantially orthogonal to the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20080278271Abstract: According to the invention, a system for adjusting the polarity of an antenna is disclosed. The system may include a spherical structure, at least one arm, and a coupling apparatus. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point and may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure, may include a second plurality of magnets, and may be coupled with the antenna. The coupling apparatus may be fixedly coupled with the antenna and rotatably coupled with the at least one arm. The coupling apparatus may include a third plurality of magnets, where at least a portion of the magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the coupling apparatus relative to the at least one arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20080278395Abstract: According to the invention, a system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupled with the support member and the spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partially defines a void. And the support member may be at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
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Publication number: 20080278396Abstract: According to the invention, a system for changing the azimuth direction of a parabolic antenna is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a first gear set, and a rotational motion source. The support member may be coupled with a surface and the first gear set may include a worm gear and a first worm. The first worm may engage the worm gear, which may have a substantially vertical axis. The support member and the parabolic antenna may be operably coupled with the first gear set. The first rotational motion source may be operably coupled with the first worm, and the parabolic antenna may rotate about the substantially vertical axis when the first rotational motion source is active.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: E. Mitchell Blalock, Wayne Holt