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).
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Patent number: 11651874Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Yuri Anatoly Podpaly, Michael Gordon Anderson, Steve Hawkins, Alexander Peter Povilus, Chris Vice
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Patent number: 11555965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Michael Rushford, Adam Conway, Lars F. Voss, Joseph D. Schneider, Tammy Chang, Caitlin Anne Chapin, John Berns Lancaster, Steve Hawkins, Victor Valeryevich Khitrov
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Publication number: 20230011108Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2021Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: Michael Rushford, Adam Conway, Lars F. Voss, Joseph D. Schneider, Tammy Chang, Caitlin Anne Chapin, John Berns Lancaster, Steve Hawkins, Victor Valeryevich Khitrov
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Publication number: 20210327615Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Yuri Anatoly Podpaly, Michael Gordon Anderson, Steve Hawkins, Alexander Peter Povilus, Chris Vice
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Patent number: 10978225Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Yuri Anatoly Podpaly, Michael Gordon Anderson, Steve Hawkins, Alexander Peter Povilus, Chris Vice
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Patent number: 10563739Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
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Publication number: 20190280689Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
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Patent number: 10411701Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
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Publication number: 20190052264Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
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Patent number: 10110224Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
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Publication number: 20170264291Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
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Patent number: 9180397Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: CARPENTER CO.Inventors: Dennis L. Mater, Steve Hawkins
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Publication number: 20120043697Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Carpenter Co.Inventors: Dennis L. MATER, Steve HAWKINS
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Patent number: 8021466Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Carpenter Co.Inventors: Dennis L. Mater, Steve Hawkins
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Publication number: 20090235624Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Dennis L. Mater, Steve Hawkins
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Publication number: 20060184295Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2005Publication date: August 17, 2006Inventors: Steve Hawkins, Jeff Ehlers, Michele Marvin, Larry Welch
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Patent number: 6202239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Select Comfort Corp.Inventors: Kevin Ward, Steve Hawkins
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Patent number: D403193Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Carpenter CompanyInventors: Dennis L. Felter, Jr., Steve Hawkins
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Patent number: D433861Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Carpenter Co.Inventors: Robert Rose, Ted McClure, Steve Hawkins