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).
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Patent number: 11171401Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
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Patent number: 11101537Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20200185807Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20200185808Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Donald L. Runyon, Dominic Q. Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
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Patent number: 10530034Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
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Patent number: 10230150Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: VIASAT, INC.Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
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Patent number: 10079422Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: VIASAT, INC.Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
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Patent number: 9917362Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, Kevin M. Skinner, James W. Maxwell, Cole Dobson
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Patent number: 9666949Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Miller, Dominic Q. Nguyen, Donald L. Runyon, James W. Maxwell, John D. Voss
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Publication number: 20170069972Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Matthew J. Miller, Dominic Q. Nguyen, Donald L. Runyon, James W. Maxwell, John D. Voss
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Publication number: 20170025752Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, Kevin M. Skinner, James W. Maxwell, Cole Dobson
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Patent number: 9502747Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: VIASAT, INC.Inventors: John D Voss, James W Maxwell, Jeremy D Standridge
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Patent number: 9184482Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: VIASAT, INC.Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Dominic Q Nguyen, James W Maxwell
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Patent number: 8988300Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Donald Lawson Runyon, Dominic Quang Nguyen, James W. Maxwell
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Patent number: 8988294Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: John Daniel Voss, James W. Maxwell, Jeremy Deryl Standridge
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Patent number: 6232928Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kurt A. Zimmerman, James W. Maxwell
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Patent number: 5249599Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 1990Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Inventors: Joel E. Haynes, James W. Maxwell
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Patent number: 5072081Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: James Sepelak, James W. Maxwell, Charles Rezak
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Patent number: 4698024Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 1982Date of Patent: October 6, 1987Assignee: Texas Instrument IncorporatedInventor: James W. Maxwell