Patents by Inventor Steve Hawkins

Steve Hawkins 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: 11651874
    Abstract: High-voltage insulators are disclosed that are capable of handling diverse requirements, such as providing high standoff voltages, high temperature cycling, and the ability to withstand flexural stress. One high-voltage insulator includes a first piece formed from a first material, a second piece formed from a second material, and an interface section where the first piece contacts with and forms a seal with the second piece. The interface includes a first groove located that accommodates a first gasket, sets of matching threads on the first and second pieces. The interface section further accommodates a second gasket. In this multi-piece high-voltage insulator, the first material can have a first set of flexural, heat resistance, and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a first environment, and the second material can have a second set of flexural, heat resistance and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a second environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Anatoly Podpaly, Michael Gordon Anderson, Steve Hawkins, Alexander Peter Povilus, Chris Vice
  • Patent number: 11555965
    Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a photoconductive switch consisting of an optically actuated photoconductive material situated between two electrodes are described. Light from a light source is coupled to an optical fiber, which is attached to a frustum, the other side of which is proximate to the photoconductive switch. Light from the optical fiber enters the frustum, spreads out, and enters the photoconductive switch via the top-side electrode. Some of the light is absorbed, while the remaining light reflects off the bottom-side electrode, travels back through the photoconductive switch, and any unabsorbed light reenters the frustum. The geometry of the frustum is configured such that most of the light reflects back into the switch itself with only a negligible fraction escaping from the optical fiber, which advantageously results in near total utilization of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Rushford, Adam Conway, Lars F. Voss, Joseph D. Schneider, Tammy Chang, Caitlin Anne Chapin, John Berns Lancaster, Steve Hawkins, Victor Valeryevich Khitrov
  • Publication number: 20230011108
    Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a photoconductive switch consisting of an optically actuated photoconductive material situated between two electrodes are described. Light from a light source is coupled to an optical fiber, which is attached to a frustum, the other side of which is proximate to the photoconductive switch. Light from the optical fiber enters the frustum, spreads out, and enters the photoconductive switch via the top-side electrode. Some of the light is absorbed, while the remaining light reflects off the bottom-side electrode, travels back through the photoconductive switch, and any unabsorbed light reenters the frustum. The geometry of the frustum is configured such that most of the light reflects back into the switch itself with only a negligible fraction escaping from the optical fiber, which advantageously results in near total utilization of the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Rushford, Adam Conway, Lars F. Voss, Joseph D. Schneider, Tammy Chang, Caitlin Anne Chapin, John Berns Lancaster, Steve Hawkins, Victor Valeryevich Khitrov
  • Publication number: 20210327615
    Abstract: High-voltage insulators are disclosed that are capable of handling diverse requirements, such as providing high standoff voltages, high temperature cycling, and the ability to withstand flexural stress. One high-voltage insulator includes a first piece formed from a first material, a second piece formed from a second material, and an interface section where the first piece contacts with and forms a seal with the second piece. The interface includes a first groove located that accommodates a first gasket, sets of matching threads on the first and second pieces. The interface section further accommodates a second gasket. In this multi-piece high-voltage insulator, the first material can have a first set of flexural, heat resistance, and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a first environment, and the second material can have a second set of flexural, heat resistance and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a second environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Yuri Anatoly Podpaly, Michael Gordon Anderson, Steve Hawkins, Alexander Peter Povilus, Chris Vice
  • Patent number: 10978225
    Abstract: High-voltage insulators are disclosed that are capable of handling diverse requirements, such as providing high standoff voltages, high temperature cycling, and the ability to withstand flexural stress. One high-voltage insulator includes a first piece formed from a first material, a second piece formed from a second material, and an interface section where the first piece contacts with and forms a seal with the second piece. The interface includes a first groove located that accommodates a first gasket, sets of matching threads on the first and second pieces. The interface section further accommodates a second gasket. In this multi-piece high-voltage insulator, the first material can have a first set of flexural, heat resistance, and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a first environment, and the second material can have a second set of flexural, heat resistance and electrical standoff characteristics suitable for a second environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Anatoly Podpaly, Michael Gordon Anderson, Steve Hawkins, Alexander Peter Povilus, Chris Vice
  • Patent number: 10563739
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe bi-triaxial photoconductive switch modules that that eliminate the need for external DC blocking capacitors, while providing a highly compact structure that can produce bipolar output waveforms conducive to feeding to radio-frequency (RF) devices, such as antennas. Some implementations of the disclosed bi-triaxial photoconductive switch modules utilize unified cast-in-place capacitors that can be designed with an appropriate geometry, volume and orientation to provide desired energy storage capacity while eliminating or reducing parasitics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Publication number: 20190280689
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe bi-triaxial photoconductive switch modules that that eliminate the need for external DC blocking capacitors, while providing a highly compact structure that can produce bipolar output waveforms conducive to feeding to radio-frequency (RF) devices, such as antennas. Some implementations of the disclosed bi-triaxial photoconductive switch modules utilize unified cast-in-place capacitors that can be designed with an appropriate geometry, volume and orientation to provide desired energy storage capacity while eliminating or reducing parasitics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Patent number: 10411701
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe triaxial photoconductive switch modules that include a center conductor, an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a high voltage capacitor that is formed between the center conductor and the inner conductor, and a photoconductive switch that is formed between the center conductor and a section of the outer conductor. The disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules include low inductance current paths that lead to high current efficiencies. Furthermore, the disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules eliminate or reduce parasitic capacitance problems of existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Publication number: 20190052264
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe triaxial photoconductive switch modules that include a center conductor, an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a high voltage capacitor that is formed between the center conductor and the inner conductor, and a photoconductive switch that is formed between the center conductor and a section of the outer conductor. The disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules include low inductance current paths that lead to high current efficiencies. Furthermore, the disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules eliminate or reduce parasitic capacitance problems of existing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Patent number: 10110224
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe triaxial photoconductive switch modules that include a center conductor, an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a high voltage capacitor that is formed between the center conductor and the inner conductor, and a photoconductive switch that is formed between the center conductor and a section of the outer conductor. The disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules include low inductance current paths that lead to high current efficiencies. Furthermore, the disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules eliminate or reduce parasitic capacitance problems of existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Publication number: 20170264291
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe triaxial photoconductive switch modules that include a center conductor, an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a high voltage capacitor that is formed between the center conductor and the inner conductor, and a photoconductive switch that is formed between the center conductor and a section of the outer conductor. The disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules include low inductance current paths that lead to high current efficiencies. Furthermore, the disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules eliminate or reduce parasitic capacitance problems of existing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Patent number: 9180397
    Abstract: A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: CARPENTER CO.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Mater, Steve Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20120043697
    Abstract: A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Carpenter Co.
    Inventors: Dennis L. MATER, Steve HAWKINS
  • Patent number: 8021466
    Abstract: A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Carpenter Co.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Mater, Steve Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20090235624
    Abstract: A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis L. Mater, Steve Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20060184295
    Abstract: On-board datalogger apparatus and service methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed method of servicing a vehicle receives a non-volatile storage device containing vehicle data, couples the non-volatile storage device to a shared vehicle service system associated with a service facility, and conveys at least some of the vehicle data from the non-volatile storage device to the shared vehicle service system. The method also processes at least some of the vehicle data to generate corrective information configured to affect a repair of the vehicle, and stores the corrective information in the non-volatile storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Steve Hawkins, Jeff Ehlers, Michele Marvin, Larry Welch
  • Patent number: 6202239
    Abstract: A multi-zone support generally includes a top foam layer, a middle foam layer located beneath the top foam layer, and a bottom foam layer located beneath the middle foam layer. The resistance to a compressing force generally increases per layer from top to bottom. The top layer has a top and bottom planar surface. The middle layer incorporates five zones of support. Three of the zones include a sinusoidal surface for supporting the head/shoulder, hips, and legs/feet while the other two zones include a sold surface for supporting the back and thighs. The bottom surface includes a number of channels, the channels help to carry heat and moisture away from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Ward, Steve Hawkins
  • Patent number: D403193
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Carpenter Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Felter, Jr., Steve Hawkins
  • Patent number: D433861
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Carpenter Co.
    Inventors: Robert Rose, Ted McClure, Steve Hawkins