Patents by Inventor Rolf Kich

Rolf Kich 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: 7439830
    Abstract: An interface that provides minimum changes in contact pressure over a thermal range is disclosed. The interface is a mated joint of given material, typically metallic, joined by a mechanical fastener or fasteners. The fastener(s) create contact pressure at the joint surface wherein the contact pressure variation over a temperature range is minimized by the use of a thermal compensator having a predetermined length. The thermal compensator's length is chosen by setting the thermally induced expansion delta to offset an equal delta created by the fastener and interface configuration. The difference in expansion of the mated joint and fastener is canceled by the equal, but negative, difference between compensator and fastener. This cancellation of expansion minimizes the change in contact pressure at the joint interface. Maintaining a constant pressure provides PIM reliability during temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 7427906
    Abstract: An interface that provides minimum changes in contact pressure over a thermal range is disclosed. The interface is a mated joint of given material, typically metallic, joined by a mechanical fastener or fasteners. The fastener(s) create contact pressure at the joint surface wherein the contact pressure variation over a temperature range is minimized by the use of a thermal compensator having a predetermined length. The thermal compensator's length is chosen by setting the thermally induced expansion delta to offset an equal delta created by the fastener and interface configuration. The difference in expansion of the mated joint and fastener is canceled by the equal, but negative, difference between compensator and fastener. This cancellation of expansion minimizes the change in contact pressure at the joint interface. Maintaining a constant pressure provides PIM reliability during temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 7358835
    Abstract: An interface that provides minimum changes in contact pressure over a thermal range is disclosed. The interface is a mated joint of given material, typically metallic, joined by a mechanical fastener or fasteners. The fastener(s) create contact pressure at the joint surface wherein the contact pressure variation over a temperature range is minimized by the use of a thermal compensator having a predetermined length. The thermal compensator's length is chosen by setting the thermally induced expansion delta to offset an equal delta created by the fastener and interface configuration. The difference in expansion of the mated joint and fastener is canceled by the equal, but negative, difference between compensator and fastener. This cancellation of expansion minimizes the change in contact pressure at the joint interface. Maintaining a constant pressure provides PIM reliability during temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Rolf Kich
  • Publication number: 20070109079
    Abstract: An interface that provides minimum changes in contact pressure over a thermal range is disclosed. The interface is a mated joint of given material, typically metallic, joined by a mechanical fastener or fasteners. The fastener(s) create contact pressure at the joint surface wherein the contact pressure variation over a temperature range is minimized by the use of a thermal compensator having a predetermined length. The thermal compensator's length is chosen by setting the thermally induced expansion delta to offset an equal delta created by the fastener and interface configuration. The difference in expansion of the mated joint and fastener is canceled by the equal, but negative, difference between compensator and fastener. This cancellation of expansion minimizes the change in contact pressure at the joint interface. Maintaining a constant pressure provides PIM reliability during temperature changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventor: Rolf Kich
  • Publication number: 20070109080
    Abstract: An interface that provides minimum changes in contact pressure over a thermal range is disclosed. The interface is a mated joint of given material, typically metallic, joined by a mechanical fastener or fasteners. The fastener(s) create contact pressure at the joint surface wherein the contact pressure variation over a temperature range is minimized by the use of a thermal compensator having a predetermined length. The thermal compensator's length is chosen by setting the thermally induced expansion delta to offset an equal delta created by the fastener and interface configuration. The difference in expansion of the mated joint and fastener is canceled by the equal, but negative, difference between compensator and fastener. This cancellation of expansion minimizes the change in contact pressure at the joint interface. Maintaining a constant pressure provides PIM reliability during temperature changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventor: Rolf Kich
  • Publication number: 20060145790
    Abstract: An interface that provides minimum changes in contact pressure over a thermal range is disclosed. The interface is a mated joint of given material, typically metallic, joined by a mechanical fastener or fasteners. The fastener(s) create contact pressure at the joint surface wherein the contact pressure variation over a temperature range is minimized by the use of a thermal compensator having a predetermined length. The thermal compensator's length is chosen by setting the thermally induced expansion delta to offset an equal delta created by the fastener and interface configuration. The difference in expansion of the mated joint and fastener is canceled by the equal, but negative, difference between compensator and fastener. This cancellation of expansion minimizes the change in contact pressure at the joint interface. Maintaining a constant pressure provides PIM reliability during temperature changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventor: Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 6822533
    Abstract: A generally Y-shaped ferrite power divider for transferring an RF input from an input port to either one of two outlet ports or to both outlet ports in an equal or unequal fashion. The input port and the two output ports meet at a junction. An internal magnetic return is positioned in the junction and is in communication with an upper magnetic return and a lower magnetic return. An upper ferrite puck is positioned at the junction above the internal magnetic return and a lower ferrite puck is positioned at the junction below the internal magnetic return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Trammell, Rolf Kich
  • Publication number: 20040119550
    Abstract: A generally Y-shaped ferrite power divider for transferring an RF input from an input port to either one of two outlet ports or to both outlet ports in an equal or unequal fashion. The input port and the two output ports meet at a junction. An internal magnetic return is positioned in the junction and is in communication with an upper magnetic return and a lower magnetic return. An upper ferrite puck is positioned at the junction above the internal magnetic return and a lower ferrite puck is positioned at the junction below the internal magnetic return.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher L. Trammell, Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 6657521
    Abstract: A microwave waveguide filter includes a main-line cavity structure with a group of at least two rectangular main-line cavities arrayed along a main propagation path and including a first main-line cavity and a second main-line cavity. Each main-line cavity includes a sidewall, and each pair of adjacent main-line cavities has a common transverse wall transverse to the main propagation path and a main-line aperture in the common transverse wall. A rectangular first feedback cavity is in microwave communication with each of the first main-line cavity and the second main-line cavity through the respective sidewall of the first main-line cavity and the second main-line cavity. There is a first-cavity feedback aperture between the first feedback cavity and the first main-line cavity, and a second-cavity feedback aperture between the first feedback cavity and the second main-line cavity. There may be additional feedback cavities as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Tatomir, James M. Barker, Keith N. Loi, Richard L. Bennett, Louis W. Hendrick, Rolf Kich
  • Publication number: 20030201850
    Abstract: A microwave waveguide filter includes a main-line cavity structure with a group of at least two rectangular main-line cavities arrayed along a main propagation path and including a first main-line cavity and a second main-line cavity. Each main-line cavity includes a sidewall, and each pair of adjacent main-line cavities has a common transverse wall transverse to the main propagation path and a main-line aperture in the common transverse wall. A rectangular first feedback cavity is in microwave communication with each of the first main-line cavity and the second main-line cavity through the respective sidewall of the first main-line cavity and the second main-line cavity. There is a first-cavity feedback aperture between the first feedback cavity and the first main-line cavity, and a second-cavity feedback aperture between the first feedback cavity and the second main-line cavity. There may be additional feedback cavities as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Paul J. Tatomir, James M. Barker, Keith N. Loi, Richard L. Bennett, Louis W. Hendrick, Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 6549088
    Abstract: A resonant waveguide load structure is provided for use in waveguide systems. The load structure includes a length of waveguide which is open at one end and closed at the other end. The load structure also includes a support pin mounted inside the waveguide near the closed end thereof. The load structure further includes a resonant body mounted on the support pin. The load structure also includes at least one spacer member mounted on the support pin for maintaining the position of the resonant body. This load structure may be combined with a waveguide circulator to provide a novel waveguide equalizer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul Tatomir, Christopher L. Trammell, Rolf Kich
  • Publication number: 20030058059
    Abstract: A resonant waveguide load structure is provided for use in waveguide systems. The load structure includes a length of waveguide which is open at one end and closed at the other end. The load structure also includes a support pin mounted inside the waveguide near the closed end thereof. The load structure further includes a resonant body mounted on the support pin. The load structure also includes at least one spacer member mounted on the support pin for maintaining the position of the resonant body. This load structure may be combined with a waveguide circulator to provide a novel waveguide equalizer apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul Tatomir, Christopher L. Trammell, Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 6489858
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching waveguides between T switch and a bypass waveguide. The apparatus comprises a housing having a first, second and third housing port and a waveguide rotor, having a first and second rotary position. The waveguide rotor includes a first T waveguide, having a first and second T port, for connecting the second and third housing ports in the first rotary position, a second T waveguide having a third and fourth T port, for connecting the first and fourth housing ports in the first rotary position and a bypass waveguide, having a first and second bypass port, for connecting the first and second housing ports in the second rotary position. The first and second rotary positions are alternately selectable by rotating the waveguide rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James M. Barker, Rolf Kich, Richard L. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20020135436
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching waveguides between T switch and a bypass waveguide. The apparatus comprises a housing having a first, second and third housing port and a waveguide rotor, having a first and second rotary position. The waveguide rotor includes a first T waveguide, having a first and second T port, for connecting the second and third housing ports in the first rotary position, a second T waveguide having a third and fourth T port, for connecting the first and fourth housing ports in the first rotary position and a bypass waveguide, having a first and second bypass port, for connecting the first and second housing ports in the second rotary position. The first and second rotary positions are alternately selectable by rotating the waveguide rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: James M. Barker, Rolf Kich, Richard L. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20020135437
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching waveguides between a junction waveguide and a bypass waveguide among a plurality of housing ports. The apparatus comprises a housing having a first, second and third housing port and a waveguide rotor, having a first and second rotary position. The waveguide rotor includes a junction waveguide, having a first, second and third junction port, for combining the first, second and third housing ports in the first rotary position and a bypass waveguide, having a first and second bypass port, for connecting the first and second housing ports in the second rotary position. The junction and bypass waveguides are alternately selectable by rotating the waveguide rotor to the first and second rotary positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Rolf Kich, Richard L. Bennett, James M. Barker
  • Patent number: 6448869
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching waveguides between a junction waveguide and a bypass waveguide among a plurality of housing ports. The apparatus comprises a housing having a first, second and third housing port and a waveguide rotor, having a first and second rotary position. The waveguide rotor includes a junction waveguide, having a first, second and third junction port, for combining the first, second and third housing ports in the first rotary position and a bypass waveguide, having a first and second bypass port, for connecting the first and second housing ports in the second rotary position. The junction and bypass waveguides are alternately selectable by rotating the waveguide rotor to the first and second rotary positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rolf Kich, Richard L. Bennett, James M. Barker
  • Patent number: 6366183
    Abstract: A common interface (10) for a PIM sensitive diplexing filter (30) is provided in a non-contacting, or isolated, configuration while providing PIM reliability, ESD conduction and thermal conduction, making it ideal for high power space applications. The common interface (10) is a one-piece construction of a diplexed, or multiplexed, coaxial, or squareax, transmission line that is constructed with a direct non-contacting (34, 36), or connectionless, interface. Terminations (26, 28) connect the inner conductor (20) to the outer conductor (12) of the interface (10) making the device one integral piece yet providing the necessary isolation through non-contacting interface with a PIM sensitive device and terminations (26, 28) that provide thermal and ESD conduction necessary for PIM reliablity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Louis W. Hendrick, Robert L. Reynolds, Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 6225875
    Abstract: A waveguide for guiding an arbitrarily polarized electrical field includes an elongated housing having a sidewall and a pair of feed ports located on the housing sidewall. One of the feed ports guides the horizontal component of the electrical field, while the other feed port guides the vertical component of the electrical field. A pair of planar septums are disposed within the housing and intersect along a line parallel to the axis of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Kich
  • Patent number: 6201949
    Abstract: A multiplexer/demultiplexer structure is provided which multiplexes multiple channel signals through a common tee of a tee/manifold mulitplexer arrangement. This multiplexing significantly reduces the number of tees required for a given number of multiplexed channels. Accordingly, mulitplexer/demulitplexer design time is reduced and fabricated multiplexers/demultiplexers are lighter, smaller and less expensive. The tee multiplexing is facilitated with multiple access apertures that are isolated by a septum. The septum forms reduced-height waveguides which define a path length between apertures that is sufficient to significantly reduce higher-order modes and, therefore, apeture interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Rolf Kich, Devon J. Gray
  • Patent number: 6201906
    Abstract: A compact “T” switch for use in a waveguide communication system switch includes a housing, a rotor, and a motor. The housing includes a pair of ends and an interconnecting sidewall enclosing a cylindrical cavity. One of the housing ends including an entry port, and the sidewall includes a plurality circumferentially spaced exit ports. The rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing cylindrical cavity, and includes an input end having an input port aligned with the housing entry port and an outer surface having a plurality of output ports for alignment with the housing exit ports. The rotor includes a primary or first passage connecting the input port to one of the output ports and further includes at least one secondary passages connecting a pair of the output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Rolf Kich, Michael N. Ando