Patents by Inventor James W. Maxwell

James W. Maxwell 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: 11171401
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 11101537
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20200185807
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20200185808
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 10530034
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
  • Patent number: 10230150
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
  • Patent number: 10079422
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
  • Patent number: 9917362
    Abstract: An antenna positioner, and methods of positioning using the antenna positioner, that may track a satellite are described. An antenna positioner may include a base and a mount rotatably coupled to the base to turn the mount about an azimuth axis. The mount may support an antenna element so that the antenna element can rotate about the elevation axis with respect to the mount. A center drive shaft for the elevation drive may pass through the hollow portion of the mount along the azimuth axis to drive a bevel gear set, a first gear of the set being coupled to the drive shaft and a second gear of the set being coupled to the antenna element, to rotate the antenna element about the elevation axis. Drive compensation is provided to counteract elevation rotation resulting from cross-coupling of the azimuth and elevation axes by the bevel gear set during azimuth rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, Kevin M. Skinner, James W. Maxwell, Cole Dobson
  • Patent number: 9666949
    Abstract: A partially dielectric loaded divided horn waveguide device for a dual-polarized antenna is described. The partially dielectric loaded divided horn waveguide device may include a polarizer, a waveguide horn, multiple individual waveguides dividing a horn port of the waveguide horn, and multiple dielectric elements partially filling the individual waveguides. The dielectric elements may include a dielectric member extending along a corresponding individual waveguide and one or more matching features for matching signal propagation between the partially dielectric loaded individual waveguides and free space. Various components of the partially dielectric loaded divided horn waveguide device may be tuned for enhanced signal propagation between the waveguide horn and the individual waveguides, and between the individual waveguides and free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Miller, Dominic Q. Nguyen, Donald L. Runyon, James W. Maxwell, John D. Voss
  • Publication number: 20170069972
    Abstract: A partially dielectric loaded divided horn waveguide device for a dual-polarized antenna is described. The partially dielectric loaded divided horn waveguide device may include a polarizer, a waveguide horn, multiple individual waveguides dividing a horn port of the waveguide horn, and multiple dielectric elements partially filling the individual waveguides. The dielectric elements may include a dielectric member extending along a corresponding individual waveguide and one or more matching features for matching signal propagation between the partially dielectric loaded individual waveguides and free space. Various components of the partially dielectric loaded divided horn waveguide device may be tuned for enhanced signal propagation between the waveguide horn and the individual waveguides, and between the individual waveguides and free space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew J. Miller, Dominic Q. Nguyen, Donald L. Runyon, James W. Maxwell, John D. Voss
  • Publication number: 20170025752
    Abstract: An antenna positioner, and methods of positioning using the antenna positioner, that may track a satellite are described. An antenna positioner may include a base and a mount rotatably coupled to the base to turn the mount about an azimuth axis. The mount may support an antenna element so that the antenna element can rotate about the elevation axis with respect to the mount. A center drive shaft for the elevation drive may pass through the hollow portion of the mount along the azimuth axis to drive a bevel gear set, a first gear of the set being coupled to the drive shaft and a second gear of the set being coupled to the antenna element, to rotate the antenna element about the elevation axis. Drive compensation is provided to counteract elevation rotation resulting from cross-coupling of the azimuth and elevation axes by the bevel gear set during azimuth rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, Kevin M. Skinner, James W. Maxwell, Cole Dobson
  • Patent number: 9502747
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an airborne radio frequency (RF) antenna device can comprise: a radiating portion; a waveguide portion connected to the radiating portion; a desiccant airflow channel; and an internal air volume located within the RF antenna device and associated with the desiccant airflow channel. The desiccant airflow channel can be integral with the RF antenna device. The internal air volume can be vented to the environment outside of the RF antenna device through the desiccant airflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: John D Voss, James W Maxwell, Jeremy D Standridge
  • Patent number: 9184482
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8988300
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an azimuth combiner comprises: a septum layer comprising a plurality of septum dividers; first and second housing layers attached to first and second sides of the septum layer; a linear array of ports on a first end of the combiner; wherein the first and second housing layers each comprise waveguide H-plane T-junctions; wherein the waveguide T-junctions can be configured to perform power dividing/combining; and wherein the septum layer evenly bisects each port of the linear array of ports. A stack of such azimuth combiners can form a two dimensional planar array of ports to which can be added a horn aperture layer, and a grid layer, to form a dual-polarized, dual-BFN, dual-band antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Lawson Runyon, Dominic Quang Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8988294
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an airborne radio frequency (RF) antenna device can comprise: a radiating portion; a waveguide portion connected to the radiating portion; a desiccant airflow channel; and an internal air volume located within the RF antenna device and associated with the desiccant airflow channel. The desiccant airflow channel can be integral with the RF antenna device. The internal air volume can be vented to the environment outside of the RF antenna device through the desiccant airflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: John Daniel Voss, James W. Maxwell, Jeremy Deryl Standridge
  • Patent number: 6232928
    Abstract: Antenna mounting bracket assembly having a spine, an upper bracket, a lower bracket and a cam bracket for mounting an antenna on a support structure, such as a vertical pole and for providing adjustment of the antenna's downwards tilt position. The spine provides for the proper spacing and rotational alignment between the upper and lower ends of the accompanying antenna. The cam bracket can allow either analog or digital adjustment of the downwards tilt position of the antenna. The assembly can allow for the installation of the antenna upon the support structure by a single technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, James W. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5249599
    Abstract: A fluid flow regulator has a housing with a cylindrical chamber. A member in the form of a ball having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the chamber can move within the chamber. In one embodiment, a bypass channel in the chamber extends around the ball. Fluid flow in the inlet passes through the orifice created between the ball and the channel, creating a pressure drop so that the fluid on the inlet side of the ball is at a higher pressure than the fluid on the other side. The resultant pressure force urges the ball against a spring. Fluid on the other side of the ball exits the chamber through a radial outlet slot positioned near the ball. When the inlet pressure and flow increases, the ball moves toward the outlet slot to cover a greater percentage of the outlet slot, which raises the pressure drop into the outlet, thereby compensating for the increased inlet pressure. A second longitudinal channel terminates on the downstream side of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventors: Joel E. Haynes, James W. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5072081
    Abstract: An electrical switch assembly has an L-shaped housing with a base, an endwall and sidewalls which may be molded as a single piece. The endwall is provided with receiving slots for at least one metal plate serving as an arcing plate and with a central guide channel for a plunger arm which carries a contact blade. Stationary contact assemblies which have contact clamps are fit into receiving channels formed in the base and held down by hold-down rails alongside the channels. The bottoms of the channels include anti-turn channels for the heads of lug screws to facilitate assembly. A cover, which also has a centrally located guide channel for the plunger arm is fastened to the sidewalls. A baffle extends from the outer surface of the cover between the stationary terminal assemblies. A side shield extends from one sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James Sepelak, James W. Maxwell, Charles Rezak
  • Patent number: 4698024
    Abstract: A rack for use in mounting a plurality of input/output modules in a programmable controller or process control computer system or the like has a plurality of first connectors mounted on a circuit board for making detachable electrical connection to the respective modules and has second connector means for connecting the circuit board to the controller system. A rack member molded of a stiffly resilient insulating material has a bottom with apertures therein mounted over the circuit board to permit access to the first connectors and has a pair of juxtaposed integral side walls upstanding from the bottom of the rack to engage respective opposite latteral edges of the modules to guide the modules into respective first connectors in compact side-by-side relation to each other within the rack member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Texas Instrument Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Maxwell