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).

  • Patent number: 11411305
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20210351497
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Patent number: 10985449
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20200215530
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Patent number: 10559875
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20190157749
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Patent number: 10135127
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20170237155
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Patent number: 9680199
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20150380802
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jack C. Newkirk, B. Wayne Holt, Bradley H. Smith, Kevin M. Skinner, E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Patent number: 8054233
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Holt, E. Mitchell Blalock, Christopher E. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8013798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Patent number: 7969375
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Patent number: 7710337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20090315795
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20090058745
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Holt, E. Mitchell Blalock, Christopher E. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20090009416
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20080278271
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20080278395
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20080278396
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Mitchell Blalock, Wayne Holt