Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Thorson

Kevin J. Thorson 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: 9016958
    Abstract: A pigtail-less optical connector assembly is described that is capable of data rates as high as 10 GHz. The described optical connector assembly connects the optical fiber connector to an optical die element mounted in the connector assembly using optical fiber ribbon and an optical deflecting device. The optical fiber connector is slideable within the connector assembly and is resiliently biased toward a home position. The connector assembly is designed to allow the optical fiber ribbon to flex without damaging the fiber ribbon as the optical fiber connector slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Karnopp, Gregory M. Drexler, Kevin J. Thorson
  • Patent number: 8743544
    Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Monson, Kevin J. Thorson, Melissa A. Grette-Compton, Kent D. Katterheinrich
  • Publication number: 20140016998
    Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. MONSON, Kevin J. THORSON, Melissa A. GRETTE-COMPTON, Kent D. KATTERHEINRICH
  • Patent number: 8611706
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatus, system, and method embodiments that provide micro electro mechanical system optical switching and methods of manufacturing switches. For example, one optical switch embodiment includes at least one micro electro mechanical system type pivot mirror structure disposed along a path of an optical signal, the structure having a mirror and an actuator, and the mirror having a pivot axis along a first edge and having a second edge rotatable with respect to the pivot axis, the mirror being capable of and arranged to be actuated to pivot between a position parallel to a plane of an optical signal and a position substantially normal to the plane of the optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Thorson, Rick C. Stevens, Charles J. Kryzak, Brian S. Leininger, William P. Kornrumpf, Glenn A. Forman, Joseph A. Iannotti, Olga B. Spahn, William D. Cowan, Daryl J. Dagel
  • Patent number: 8596885
    Abstract: A flexible circuit assembly that integrates a first fiber optic die, for example a transmitter die, and a second fiber optic die, for example a receiver die, on a single flexible circuit. Alignment holes and the multiple die are accurately placed on a single flexible circuit. The precise placement of the alignment holes and the fiber optic die facilitate micron alignment accuracy to a mechanical transfer (MT) connector. Fiber optic die circuitry is electrically connected to the first fiber optic die and second fiber optic die and connected to the flexible circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Karnopp, Kevin J. Thorson, Gregory M. Drexler
  • Patent number: 8591125
    Abstract: A die circuit assembly and method are described that integrates a first fiber optic die and a second fiber optic die into one assembly containing alignment features allowing for the accurate aligning of the fiber optic die to a fiber optic connector. The die circuit assembly can be attached to a flexible circuit in a manner to ensure the planarity of the fiber optic die is kept normal to the fiber optic connector. A method is also described where a plurality of the die circuit assemblies are formed from a single assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Thorson, Roger J. Karnopp, Gregory M. Drexler
  • Publication number: 20130279858
    Abstract: A pigtail-less optical connector assembly is described that is capable of data rates as high as 10 GHz. The described optical connector assembly connects the optical fiber connector to an optical die element mounted in the connector assembly using optical fiber ribbon and an optical deflecting device. The optical fiber connector is slideable within the connector assembly and is resiliently biased toward a home position. The connector assembly is designed to allow the optical fiber ribbon to flex without damaging the fiber ribbon as the optical fiber connector slides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger J. KARNOPP, Gregory M. DREXLER, Kevin J. THORSON
  • Patent number: 8559178
    Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Monson, Kevin J. Thorson, Melissa A. Grette-Compton, Kent D. Katterheinrich
  • Patent number: 8526822
    Abstract: A flexible circuit assembly is described that integrates a first fiber optic die, for example a transmitter die, a second fiber optic die, for example a receiver die, a trans-impedance amplifier die and a transmitter driver die on a single flexible circuit. Alignment holes and multiple die are accurately placed on a single flexible circuit. The precise placement of alignment holes and fiber optic die facilitate micron alignment accuracy to a fiber optic connector, preferably a mechanical transfer (MT) connector. A heat sink is provided that transfers heat from the trans-impedance amplifier die and the transmitter driver die and isolates the fiber optic die from the heat source. Circuitry for the first fiber optic die, second fiber optic die, impedance die, and driver die, including isolated grounding circuitry, is also integrated on the flexible circuit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Karnopp, Kevin J. Thorson, Gregory M. Drexler
  • Patent number: 8215377
    Abstract: A heat transfer device generally includes a flexible cooling layer for use in heat pipe technology for example. The flexible layer has outer and inner surfaces. A backing layer has an outer surface and an inner surface facing the inner surface of the flexible layer. A rigid separator portion is disposed between the inner surfaces of the flexible and backing layers, and has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the flexible and backing layers and the rigid separator portion define a sealed chamber. An evaporable working liquid is contained within the sealed chamber. The working liquid expands when heated to expand a volume within the sealed chamber, such that the flexible layer extends away from the sealed chamber. The flexible layer, when extended transfers heat through the sealed chamber to a cooler area of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Monson, Kevin J. Thorson
  • Publication number: 20120087089
    Abstract: A cardlock clamp is described that is used to secure an electronics module in a channel of a card cage. The cardlock clamp is configured to convert an input compression force into clamping forces in at least two radial directions perpendicular to the input compression force. The described cardlock clamp also provides self-alignment and self-center functions for the electronics module inserted into the channel. Further, variations of the cardlock clamp are described that provide more effective heat transfer from the electronics module to the card cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. MONSON, Kevin J. THORSON, Melissa A. GRETTE-COMPTON, Kent D. KATTERHEINRICH
  • Patent number: 8081478
    Abstract: An electronics component assembly for cooling high power density components including a fluid cooled module cover. In one embodiment, the electronics component assembly includes a module cover that is configured to make thermal contact with heat-generating electronic components of a module. The module cover includes an inlet, an outlet and at least one fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid passageway permits fluid to flow through the module cover, thereby allowing the module cover to act as a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory M. Drexler, Melissa A. Grette, Kevin J. Thorson
  • Patent number: 8070366
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector and a method of forming an optical fiber connector are described where the optical fiber connector has low eccentricity tolerance at each end of the connector. Optical interconnection can be made at both ends of the connector, with the low eccentricity tolerance at each end providing improved light transmission at each interconnection. The connector is formed by using two commercially available, off-the-shelf connector members. Each connector member has a first end with a low eccentricity tolerance and a second end that allows for a fiber optic cable termination. The two connectors are connected together back-to-back, so that the second ends face each other and the first ends are disposed at opposite ends of the connector. The size of the connector can also be easily adjusted to make it shorter or longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Thorson, Roger J. Karnopp, Gregory M. Drexler
  • Publication number: 20110058818
    Abstract: A flexible circuit assembly is described that integrates a first fiber optic die, for example a transmitter die, a second fiber optic die, for example a receiver die, a trans-impedance amplifier die and a transmitter driver die on a single flexible circuit. Alignment holes and multiple die are accurately placed on a single flexible circuit. The precise placement of alignment holes and fiber optic die facilitate micron alignment accuracy to a fiber optic connector, preferably a mechanical transfer (MT) connector. A heat sink is provided that transfers heat from the trans-impedance amplifier die and the transmitter driver die and isolates the fiber optic die from the heat source. Circuitry for the first fiber optic die, second fiber optic die, impedance die, and driver die, including isolated grounding circuitry, is also integrated on the flexible circuit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger J. Karnopp, Kevin J. Thorson, Gregory M. Drexler
  • Publication number: 20110052124
    Abstract: A flexible circuit assembly that integrates a first fiber optic die, for example a transmitter die, and a second fiber optic die, for example a receiver die, on a single flexible circuit. Alignment holes and the multiple die are accurately placed on a single flexible circuit. The precise placement of the alignment holes and the fiber optic die facilitate micron alignment accuracy to a mechanical transfer (MT) connector. Fiber optic die circuitry is electrically connected to the first fiber optic die and second fiber optic die and connected to the flexible circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger J. Karnopp, Kevin J. Thorson, Gregory M. Drexler
  • Patent number: 7891410
    Abstract: A device and method that exchanges heat is described, which includes intaking air into a chamber and then forcing air from holes of a heat conducting surface that fluidly communicate with the chamber to create a toroidal mass of air resulting from vortex shedding. A pump, for example a flexible diaphragm, is employed to increase and decrease a volume of the chamber in communication with the holes. When the volume of the chamber is increased (air intake), a boundary layer of heat breaks up by the heat conducting surface which helps to improve cooling. When the volume of the chamber is decreased, jets of air are discharged from the holes to create vortices of air that cause vortex shedding and can also help disrupt the boundary layer of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Monson, Jianhua Yan, Brian T. Van Lear, Kevin J. Thorson
  • Patent number: 7854554
    Abstract: A connector assembly that integrates an optical fiber connector with a fiber optic transceiver into one assembly. The optical fiber connector is provided with end float for optical connection to an optical back panel. Some components of the fiber optic transceiver are mounted on the optical fiber connector and float with the connector. Other components of the fiber optic transceiver are mounted in static positions on a circuit card assembly that is part of the connector assembly. A flexible circuit electrically connects the transceiver components mounted on the optical fiber connector with the static transceiver components. The connector assembly eliminates the use of a fiber pigtail, improves the ease of mounting and removal of the fiber optic transceiver from the host board, consolidates the transceiver circuitry into one assembly, and allows reduction of the host board footprint and/or provides additional space on the host board for mounting other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Karnopp, Gregory M. Drexler, Kevin J. Thorson
  • Patent number: 7587115
    Abstract: A functional optical device for use in an optical backplane system is provided that includes one or more input fibers, one or more output fibers, and a functional portion configured to operate on an optical input received via the one or more input fibers to provide an optical output via the one or more output fibers. The one or more input fibers and the one or more output fibers of the functional optical device are terminated in a fixed configuration based on a fixed termination layout of at least one group of multiple fibers of an optical backplane interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Thorson, Rick C. Stevens, Ryan L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7508670
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices, systems, and methods. For example, one device embodiment of a thermally conductive shelf for operation with a conduction-cooled electronic module includes an expandable member defining a fluid passage between a first end and a second end, where the expandable member includes a first outer surface to contact a first conduction-cooled electronic module, an inlet located at a first end to receive a conductive fluid, and an outlet located at the second end to exhaust the conductive fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Thorson, Gregory M. Drexler, Rick C. Stevens, Brian D. Sutterfield
  • Patent number: RE41274
    Abstract: An optical sensing device uses a set of source mirrors directing light from a set of light sources to a movable collector mirror. Each of the light sources has a unique wavelength. The collector mirror is coupled to a MEMS actuator that moves the collector mirror in response to a physical phenomena. A light collector gathers light from the collector mirror and the physical phenomena can be measured by determining the relative intensity associated with each of the light sources in the light gathered at the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Reena Optics LLC
    Inventors: Rick C. Stevens, Kevin J. Thorson