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
  • Publication number: 20190157741
    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: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20190006732
    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: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20160190674
    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: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN D. VOSS, JAMES W. MAXWELL, JEREMY D. STANDRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20160020525
    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: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: DONALD L. RUNYON, DOMINIC Q. NGUYEN, JAMES W. MAXWELL
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150180111
    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: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: DONALD L. RUNYON, DOMINIC Q. 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: 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