Patents by Inventor James M. McNichols

James M. McNichols 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: 20220393334
    Abstract: A removeable satellite antenna pointing tool can include a mounting gear releasably engageable with a pole that supports a satellite antenna. The removeable satellite antenna pointing tool can also include an azimuth gear subsystem housed in a frame and engaged with the mounting gear and a motor that drives the azimuth gear subsystem, wherein actuation of the motor causes the frame to rotate about the pole. The removeable satellite antenna pointing tool can further include a linear drive that controls an elevation of a control shaft engageable with a fixture attached to the satellite antenna. Actuation of the motor can change an azimuth of the satellite antenna and actuation of the linear drive can change an elevation of the satellite antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. McNichols, Andrew Galaud