Patents by Inventor Jack C. Newkirk

Jack C. Newkirk 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: 20240097307
    Abstract: An antenna may have features to ameliorate ice accumulation thereon. For instance, the antenna may include a feed structure between a reflector and a radome. The radome may cover at least a portion of the antenna and/or components of the antenna. A heating element may be located at various locations on the feed structure of the antenna. The heating element may heat the radome or other aspects of the antenna. The heating element may heat the radome or other aspects by infrared radiation, and/or via circulating warmed air. A fan may be provided to promote circulation of warmed air. The heat ameliorates ice accumulation the antenna so that ice accumulation does not diminish the electromagnetic performance of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, Jack C. Newkirk
  • 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: 20220173522
    Abstract: One example includes a method for assembling a reflector antenna. The method includes coupling first and second frame members to respective sidewalls of a panel bonding tool via fastening features to engage a through-hole pattern of each of the respective frame members and bend the frame members to form a perimeter frame. A longitudinal surface of each of the frame members corresponding to a reflector profile of the reflector antenna extends beyond a longitudinal surface of the respective sidewalls along a length of the respective sidewalls. The method also includes applying an adhesive to each of the frame members of the perimeter frame, and adhering a reflector skin to the perimeter frame to form a radial antenna panel. The radial antenna panel has the reflector profile. The method further includes decoupling the radial antenna panel from the panel bonding tool upon curing of the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, Jack C. Newkirk
  • 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: 6846042
    Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a patient support, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the patient support for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. The patient support includes articulated leg and seat sections. A handle is coupled to the patient support and is movable between a position in which movement of the handle moves the leg section relative to the seat section and a position in which movement of the handle does not move the leg section relative to the seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
  • Patent number: 6565112
    Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a seat, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the seat for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. A brake mechanism brakes the casters when the brake mechanism is in a braking position and permits rotation of the casters when the brake mechanism is in a releasing position. A brake-steer shaft is coupled to the brake mechanism. Movement of the shaft moves the brake mechanism between the braking position and the releasing position. The brake-steer shaft is pivotably coupled to the base frame. The brake-steer shaft is coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the brake-steer shaft moves the wheel between the brake-steer position and the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
  • Publication number: 20030015853
    Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a patient support, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the patient support for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. The patient support includes articulated leg and seat sections. A handle is coupled to the patient support and is movable between a position in which movement of the handle moves the leg section relative to the seat section and a position in which movement of the handle does not move the leg section relative to the seat section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
  • Publication number: 20020014751
    Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a seat, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the seat for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. A brake mechanism brakes the casters when the brake mechanism is in a braking position and permits rotation of the casters when the brake mechanism is in a releasing position. A brake-steer shaft is coupled to the brake mechanism. Movement of the shaft moves the brake mechanism between the braking position and the releasing position. The brake-steer shaft is pivotably coupled to the base frame. The brake-steer shaft is coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the brake-steer shaft moves the wheel between the brake-steer position and the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
  • Patent number: 6315319
    Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a seat, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the seat for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. A brake mechanism brakes the casters when the brake mechanism is in a braking position and permits rotation of the casters when the brake mechanismn is in a releasing position. A brake-steer shaft is coupled to the brake mechanism. Movement of the shaft moves the brake mechanism between the braking position and the releasing position. The brake-steer shaft is pivotably coupled to the base frame. The brake-steer shaft is coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the brake-steer shaft moves the wheel between the brake-steer position and the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
  • Patent number: 6089593
    Abstract: A chair for supporting a patient above a floor comprising a base frame, an intermediate frame coupled to the base frame for pivoting movement relative to the base frame about a generally horizontal transverse axis thereon and wherein the intermediate frame is lockable relative to the base frame. An articulated patient support including longitudinally spaced back and seat sections mounted to the intermediate frame for movement relative to one another and relative to the intermediate frame and wherein the back and seat sections are movable relative to the base frame about the horizontal transverse axis when the intermediate frame is locked relative to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish