Patents by Inventor John B. O'Connell
John B. O'Connell 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: 9263781Abstract: A method and apparatus for a polarizer. The apparatus comprises a dielectric rod, a first array of slots, and a second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are formed in sidewalls of the dielectric rod. The first array of slots is substantially opposite to the second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are configured to shift a first component orthogonal to a second component in a signal traveling through the dielectric rod by around 90 degrees with respect to each other. The dielectric rod may be a solid material or comprised of layers of dielectric substrates with metal tabs.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Blaser Larry Bruce, John B. O'Connell
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Publication number: 20140078012Abstract: A method and apparatus for a polarizer. The apparatus comprises a dielectric rod, a first array of slots, and a second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are formed in sidewalls of the dielectric rod. The first array of slots is substantially opposite to the second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are configured to shift a first component orthogonal to a second component in a signal traveling through the dielectric rod by around 90 degrees with respect to each other. The dielectric rod may be a solid material or comprised of layers of dielectric substrates with metal tabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Blaser Larry Bruce, John B. O'Connell
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Patent number: 8598960Abstract: A method and apparatus for a polarizer. The apparatus comprises a dielectric rod, a first array of slots, and a second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are formed in sidewalls of the dielectric rod. The first array of slots is substantially opposite to the second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are configured to shift a first component orthogonal to a second component in a signal traveling through the dielectric rod by around 90 degrees with respect to each other. The dielectric rod may be a solid material or comprised of layers of dielectric substrates with metal tabs.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bruce Larry Blaser, John B. O'Connell
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Patent number: 8390526Abstract: Antenna elements operable to radiate different patterns are provided. A particular apparatus includes a first antenna element having a plurality of radiating elements. Each of the radiating elements includes a first member having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to an antenna interface and the second end extends a length of the first member from the first end. Each of the radiating elements further includes a second member having a third end and a fourth end. The third end is electrically coupled to the first member at a point partway along the length of the first member. The fourth end extends away from the first member. When a first radiating element is radiating in the presence of a second radiating element, a null is generated in a radiation pattern of the first radiating element.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John B. O'Connell, Bruce L. Blaser
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Patent number: 8179204Abstract: A bandgap surface for use in a waveguide transition module. The surface may be constructed with a ground plane; a capacitive layer including a plurality of capacitive elements arranged in a polar configuration within a common plane, and spaced apart from said ground plane; and a plurality of electrically conductive vias formed within a dielectric layer of material that conductively couple said ground plane to each of said capacitive elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John B. O'Connell, Bruce L. Blaser
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Patent number: 8154469Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a radio frequency transition system includes a stripline trace section with openings in ground planes and forms a quarter wavelength resonator and an electromagnetic mechanism to couple the RF energy from the stripline trace section to a connector, wherein the RF signal energy is transferred from inside a beam forming network printed wiring board to an a back side of a phased array antenna system with minimal RF losses. An RF transition system is disclosed. The RF transition system comprises a stripline trace section with openings in ground planes and forms a quarter-wavelength resonator. The RF transition system further includes an electromagnetic mechanism to couple the RF energy from the stripline trace section to a connector. The RF signal energy is transferred from inside a beam forming network printed wiring board to an a back side of a phased array antenna system with minimal RF losses.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Chris D. McKinley, Ming Chen, John B. O'Connell
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Patent number: 7982684Abstract: Method and structure for a microwave antenna module is provided. The method includes, creating a laminate structure by laminating a plurality of conductive layers and dielectric layers; creating a plurality of layers within the laminate structure to interconnect the plurality of conductive layers and dielectric layers; laminating a base plate to a bottom of the laminate structure; wherein the baseplate operates as a heat sink; and laminating a seal ring to a top periphery of the laminate structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John B. O'Connell, Peter T. Heisen, Stephen L. Fahley, Richard N. Bostwick, Julio A. Navarro
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Patent number: 7889135Abstract: An antenna array core comprising a plurality of microwave modules, a control layer, a mounting layer, and a signal distribution layer. The control layer is capable of distributing control signals to the plurality of microwave modules. The plurality of microwave modules are attached to an upper surface of the mounting layer and the mounting layer is made from a heat conductive material capable of cooling the plurality of microwave modules. The signal distribution layer is located below the mounting layer, wherein the signal distribution layer is capable of transmitting microwave signals to the plurality of microwave modules and wherein the arrangement of the plurality of microwave modules on the mounting layer, the control layer, and the wave distribution network form a layered architecture for the antenna core. The architecture is a balance between, size, thermal control, manufacturability, cost, and performance so as to be a unique solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bruce Larry Blaser, Peter Timothy Heisen, Richard N. Bostwick, John B. O'Connell, Stephen Lee Fahley, Julio A. Navarro, Mark Richard Davis, Harold Peter Soares, Jr., Scott A. Raby, Jimmy S. Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20100188305Abstract: A method and apparatus for a polarizer. The apparatus comprises a dielectric rod, a first array of slots, and a second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are formed in sidewalls of the dielectric rod. The first array of slots is substantially opposite to the second array of slots. The first array of slots and the second array of slots are configured to shift a first component orthogonal to a second component in a signal traveling through the dielectric rod by around 90 degrees with respect to each other. The dielectric rod may be a solid material or comprised of layers of dielectric substrates with metal tabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Bruce Larry Blaser, John B. O'Connell
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Publication number: 20100033272Abstract: A bandgap surface for use in a waveguide transition module. The surface may be constructed with a ground plane; a capacitive layer including a plurality of capacitive elements arranged in a polar configuration within a common plane, and spaced apart from said ground plane; and a plurality of electrically conductive vias formed within a dielectric layer of material that conductively couple said ground plane to each of said capacitive elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John B. O'Connell, Bruce L. Blaser
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Patent number: 7515013Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to a rectangular waveguide cavity launch are disclosed that enable coupling an electromagnetic wave from the top surface of a waveguide distribution network formed into a conductive plate with the narrow wall of a rectangular waveguide facing the top of the conductive plate. A resonant cavity structure is formed into a conductive plate and coupled to a waveguide also formed into the plate, the resonant cavity structure having a cavity width wider than the narrow wall dimension of the waveguide. The resonant cavity structure includes a conductive block within it having a block width substantially equal to a difference between the cavity width of the resonant cavity structure and the narrow wall dimension. The cavity launch excites and rotates a dominant waveguide mode entering the structure such that the dominant waveguide mode enters the waveguide substantially parallel to the narrow wall dimension.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John B. O'Connell, Stephen L. Fahley
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Publication number: 20080316097Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a radio frequency transition system includes a stripline trace section with openings in ground planes and forms a quarter wavelength resonator and an electromagnetic mechanism to couple the RF energy from the stripline trace section to a connector, wherein the RF signal energy is transferred from inside a beam forming network printed wiring board to an antenna back plane with minimal RF losses. An RF transition system is disclosed. The RF transition system comprises a stripline trace section with openings in ground planes and forms a quarter-wavelength resonator. The RF transition system further includes an electromagnetic mechanism to couple the RF energy from the stripline trace section to a connector. The RF signal energy is transferred from inside a beam forming network printed wiring board to an antenna back plane with minimal RF losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Chris D. MCKINLEY, Ming CHEN, John B. O'CONNELL
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Publication number: 20080316139Abstract: An antenna array core comprising a plurality of microwave modules, a control layer, a mounting layer, and a signal distribution layer. The control layer is capable of distributing control signals to the plurality of microwave modules. The plurality of microwave modules are attached to an upper surface of the mounting layer and the mounting layer is made from a heat conductive material capable of cooling the plurality of microwave modules. The signal distribution layer is located below the mounting layer, wherein the signal distribution layer is capable of transmitting microwave signals to the plurality of microwave modules and wherein the arrangement of the plurality of microwave modules on the mounting layer, the control layer, and the wave distribution network form a layered architecture for the antenna core. The architecture is a balance between, size, thermal control, manufacturability, cost, and performance so as to be a unique solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Bruce Larry Blaser, Peter Timothy Heisen, Richard N. Bostwick, John B. O'Connell, Stephen Lee Fahley, Julio A. Navarro, Mark Richard Davis, Harold Peter Soares, JR., Scott A. Raby, Jimmy S. Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20080136732Abstract: Method and structure for a microwave antenna module is provided. The method includes, creating a laminate structure by laminating a plurality of conductive layers and dielectric layers; creating a plurality of layers within the laminate structure to interconnect the plurality of conductive layers and dielectric layers; laminating a base plate to a bottom of the laminate structure; wherein the baseplate operates as a heat sink; and laminating a seal ring to a top periphery of the laminate structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: John B. O'Connell, Peter T. Heisen, Stephen L. Fahley, Richard N. Bostwick, Julio A. Navarro
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Publication number: 20080136549Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to a rectangular waveguide cavity launch are disclosed that enable coupling an electromagnetic wave from the top surface of a waveguide distribution network formed into a conductive plate with the narrow wall of a rectangular waveguide facing the top of the conductive plate. A resonant cavity structure is formed into a conductive plate and coupled to a waveguide also formed into the plate, the resonant cavity structure having a cavity width wider than the narrow wall dimension of the waveguide. The resonant cavity structure includes a conductive block within it having a block width substantially equal to a difference between the cavity width of the resonant cavity structure and the narrow wall dimension. The cavity launch excites and rotates a dominant waveguide mode entering the structure such that the dominant waveguide mode enters the waveguide substantially parallel to the narrow wall dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John B. O'Connell, Stephen L. Fahley
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Patent number: 7237209Abstract: A method of testing an integrated circuit design to determine whether or not the design satisfies an electrostatic discharge protection specification, said circuit design incorporating electrostatic discharge protection routes between top-level nodes of the design. The method comprises defining an electrostatic discharge protection score for each of said electrostatic discharge protection routes, for each top-level node pair, calculating an electrostatic discharge score for every route through the active circuit between the top-level nodes, and identifying active circuit routes between top-level node pairs for which the electrostatic discharge score is less than the electrostatic discharge protection score for the corresponding electrostatic discharge protection route, or lies within a predefined amount of that score.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Keith R. Strickland, Stephen R. Chadfield, John B. O'Connell
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Patent number: 6900765Abstract: A phased array antenna system having a corporate waveguide distribution network stripline printed circuit board. The stripline printed circuit board receives electromagnetic (EM) wave energy from a 1×4 waveguide distribution network input plate and distributes the EM wave energy to 524 radiating elements. The stripline circuit board enables extremely tight spacing of independent antenna radiating elements that would not be possible with a rectangular air filled waveguide. The antenna system enables operation at millimeter wave frequencies, and particularly at 44 GHz, and without requiring the use of a plurality of look-up tables for various phase and amplitude delays, that would otherwise be required with a rectangular, air-filled waveguide distribution structure. The antenna system can be used at millimeter wave frequencies, and in connection with the MILSTAR communications protocol, without the requirement of knowing, in advance, the next beam hopping frequency employed by the MILSTAR protocol.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Julio A. Navarro, John B. O'Connell, Richard N. Bostwick
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Patent number: 6518853Abstract: An apparatus for forming a quarter wave step between a waveguide of a radiating element under test and a waveguide associated with test equipment being used to test the radiating element. The apparatus includes a housing including a first bore, a second bore and a third bore, with the second bore forming a quarter wave step between the first and third bores. A pair of circuit boards each including a ring resonator are disposed at the transition areas between the first and second bores and the second and third bores. The ring resonators cancel the reactive component that would otherwise be introduced into the propagating wave as it travels through the quarter wave step portion of the apparatus. The apparatus is relatively short in length and easily implemented in a test environment to test various microwave components.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: John B. O'Connell