Patents by Inventor Lee A. Duncan

Lee A. Duncan 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: 11102426
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first light source to produce a first reference light, a first pair of arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) to demultiplex a first optical signal and the first reference light, respectively, into multiple first signal beams and multiple first reference beams. A first heterodyne optical detector can mix the multiple first signal beams and the multiple first reference beams to generate first quadrature optical signals. A first pair of photo-detectors can convert the first quadrature optical signals to first in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) electrical signals. The apparatus is implemented as a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) incorporating the first pair of AWGs, the first heterodyne optical detector and the first pair of photo-detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Lee Kendrick, Alan Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 10753796
    Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple photonic integrated circuit (PIC) optical spectrometers, and an imaging plane coupled to the PIC optical spectrometers. Each PIC optical spectrometer includes multiple semiconductor chip layers. Each semiconductor chip layer includes multiple arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and a number of on-chip optical detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Lee Duncan, Richard Lee Kendrick
  • Patent number: 10505325
    Abstract: A rack power distribution unit is provided having one or more outlet modules. Each outlet module includes a body having a plurality of outlet openings. A plurality of outlets are configured to be inserted into, and retained within, the plurality of outlet openings. An outlet board is configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the plurality of outlets. A control board configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the outlet board, where the outlet board is configured to be coupled to a first outlet of a first type and a second outlet of a second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Martin Guy Fiacco
  • Patent number: 10302409
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a number of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) imaging detector arrays, and multiple electronic integrated circuits (ICs) coupled to the PIC imaging detector arrays. Each PIC imaging detector array of includes a number of lenslets and a number of waveguides. At least some of the lenslets are coupled to multiple waveguides, and sets of two lenslets are configured to form interferometer channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Lee Duncan, Richard Lee Kendrick
  • Publication number: 20190115705
    Abstract: A rack power distribution unit is provided having one or more outlet modules. Each outlet module includes a body having a plurality of outlet openings. A plurality of outlets are configured to be inserted into, and retained within, the plurality of outlet openings. An outlet board is configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the plurality of outlets. A control board configured to be coupled to, and distribute power to, the outlet board, where the outlet board is configured to be coupled to a first outlet of a first type and a second outlet of a second type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Martin Guy Fiacco
  • Patent number: 9806438
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a chassis, a first outlet provided in the chassis, and a power source coupled to the first outlet. The first outlet has a first ground terminal. The device further includes a ground bracket configured to connect first ground terminal of the first outlet to the chassis to ground the first outlet. The electronic device further may include a second outlet provided in the chassis and spaced from the first outlet. The second outlet is coupled to the power source, and has a second ground terminal. The ground bracket is configured to connect the first ground terminal of the first outlet to the second ground terminal of the second outlet and to the chassis. A method of grounding outlets of the electronic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Daniel J. Rohr
  • Publication number: 20170125923
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a chassis, a first outlet provided in the chassis, and a power source coupled to the first outlet. The first outlet has a first ground terminal. The device further includes a ground bracket configured to connect first ground terminal of the first outlet to the chassis to ground the first outlet. The electronic device further may include a second outlet provided in the chassis and spaced from the first outlet. The second outlet is coupled to the power source, and has a second ground terminal. The ground bracket is configured to connect the first ground terminal of the first outlet to the second ground terminal of the second outlet and to the chassis. A method of grounding outlets of the electronic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Lee Duncan, Daniel J. Rohr
  • Patent number: 8548625
    Abstract: An optical vend sensing system for use in vending machines employs a row of light emitters on one side of a region through which a vend product passes during delivery and a row of light detectors on the opposite side. Each detector is substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the emitters, and is capable of receiving light from any of more than one of the emitters when that emitter is activated. The emitters are individually activated in sequential, round-robin fashion and multiple detectors are monitored for each emitter when activated. Interruption of detectible beams between an activated emitter and one of the multiple emitters monitored for the activated emitter. Power applied to an activated emitter is calibrated in steps to a minimum level sufficient to ensure detection by all monitored detectors of light emitted by an activated emitter, plus a safety margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20120012603
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 8046100
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7980418
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7787988
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the deliver path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20080128449
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the deliver path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7286901
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: David B. Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7191034
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Patent number: 7068232
    Abstract: An antenna mounting system including a base plate having a mounting surface, a substantantially circular opening through the mounting surface, and attachment means for attaching the base plate to a mounting surface. The housing and the base plate are each dimensioned such that the housing is substantially rotatable within the base plate when the base plate is loosely attached to the mounting surface and such that the housing is substantially fixed when the base plate is tightly attached to the mounting surface. A rotator portion of a rotatable connector is disposed within the housing and is rotatably and controllably attached thereto. A connector portion extends through a slot in the housing and includes a cable connector and a sealing surface dimensioned to mate with an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Metz Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Duncan, Michael B. Metz
  • Publication number: 20060012534
    Abstract: An antenna mounting system including a base plate having a mounting surface, a substantantially circular opening through the mounting surface, and attachment means for attaching the base plate to a mounting surface. The housing and the base plate are each dimensioned such that the housing is substantially rotatable within the base plate when the base plate is loosely attached to the mounting surface and such that the housing is substantially fixed when the base plate is tightly attached to the mounting surface. A rotator portion of a rotatable connector is disposed within the housing and is rotatably and controllably attached thereto. A connector portion extends through a slot in the housing and includes a cable connector and a sealing surface dimensioned to mate with an antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Lee Duncan, Michael Metz
  • Patent number: 6842902
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention is a method for robust device token management. In x+ bit computers using x bit device cards, tokens are used for managing communication requests from applications to a device by using x+ bit to x bit conversion techniques, accompanied by error checking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: William Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20040172334
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Publication number: 20040112028
    Abstract: A mulching lawn mower blade assembly having replaceable inserts and mulching teeth. The mulching teeth may be located on the replaceable inserts or the mulching blade. A sickle insert is disclosed for use in tall grass. The mulching lawn mower blade assembly may include means for sand to flow over the mulching teeth in high sand areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: C. Lee Duncan, Allen J. LaRiviere