Patents by Inventor William H. Walker

William H. Walker 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).

  • Publication number: 20130061500
    Abstract: A single panel label holder for a product display supports a label for display to shoppers. The single panel traps the label against an adjacent surface of a corresponding shelf. The label holder includes a member for securing the label holder to the shelf. The securing member can include a clip for selectively mounting the label holder to a return flange of a shelf. Alternatively, an adhesive portion is employed to adhere the label holder to the shelf. The securing member could include an end wall joined to a lower wall via a hinge with the end wall extending over a distal end of a return flange of the shelf. Or, the securing member could include at least one flexible fin which engages a return flange of the shelf. A rear surface of the single panel can be textured or provided with protrusions, nubs, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Paul Mueller, Gerald Szpak, William H. Walker, Shane Obitts
  • Publication number: 20130055552
    Abstract: A Klystron transmitter for use in weather radar systems has a transmitter module for operating with any of various Klystron tubes designed for different frequency ranges, such as a low S-Band range, a high S-Band range, and a C-Band range. Each of the Klystron tubes is designed to have similar operating characteristics, such as output power and operating voltages. In addition, the transmitter module has driver circuitry for driving the Klystron tube of the transmitter, and such driver circuitry is operable over a wide frequency range so that the same driver circuitry can be used for any of the contemplated bands. Accordingly, the same core transmitter circuitry can be used for any of the Klystron tubes allowing a manufacturer to control which of the contemplated bands is implemented by selecting the appropriate Klystron tube and stable local oscillator (STALO) for the desired band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20130024023
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 8325084
    Abstract: A calibration system for a dual polarization radar system with built in test couplers has been developed. The system includes a dual polarization radar transmitter antenna that generates a transmission pulse. A test coupler is located behind the antenna that reads a sample of the transmission pulse a test signal. A calibration circuit receives the sample of the transmission pulse and generates a test signal that simulates a desired atmospheric condition. Finally, a test antenna transmits the test signal to the dual polarization radar transmitter antenna for calibration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120256785
    Abstract: A dual polarization radar system is calibrated based on real-time data measurements, such as measured horizontal and vertical reflectivities, ZH and ZV. In this regard, the radar system analyzes the reflected power measurements to identify which measurements are associated with reflections from a respective spherical object. Using such measurements, the system determines a system differential reflectivity value, and combines such value with reflected power measurements for calibration. Since the calibration is based on real-time data measurements, the calibration process may run simultaneously with the collection of weather data. Further, the calibration process is immune to the weather events within range of the radar system. Accordingly, it is possible for the calibration to be performed at any time and without interfering with the weather monitoring activities regardless of the types of weather events occurring within the vicinity of the radar system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Mrinal Singh Balaji, John R. Ellis, JR., R. Darrin Cartwright, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 8260456
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120007770
    Abstract: A calibration system for a dual polarization radar system with built in test couplers has been developed. The system includes a dual polarization radar transmitter antenna that generates a transmission pulse. A test coupler is located behind the antenna that reads a sample of the transmission pulse a test signal. A calibration circuit receives the sample of the transmission pulse and generates a test signal that simulates a desired atmospheric condition. Finally, a test antenna transmits the test signal to the dual polarization radar transmitter antenna for calibration of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 8004458
    Abstract: A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7920089
    Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in a first position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a second position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7719458
    Abstract: A radar system having first and second modes of operation comprising a dual antenna assembly comprising first and second antennas having respective first and second antenna waveguides coupled to a waveguide switch operable to divert RF energy to or from either said antenna waveguide, said waveguide switch coupled to a common waveguide, said dual antenna assembly mounted to an antenna support assembly, said first and second antennas being designed for use in said first and second modes respectively and operable for coupling said RF energy to a transmit medium, and for coupling reflected RF energy from transmit medium to said first or second antenna waveguide; and a control processor configured with control logic operable to control the functions of said radar system wherein said first and second antennas are mounted generally perpendicularly in the vertical plane with respect to each other and wherein said radar system operates in only one of said modes of operation at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7671785
    Abstract: A radar system having first and second modes of operation comprising a dual antenna assembly comprising first and second antennas having respective first and second antenna waveguides coupled to a waveguide switch operable to divert RF energy to or from either said antenna waveguide, said waveguide switch coupled to a common waveguide, said dual antenna assembly mounted to an antenna support assembly, said first and second antennas being designed for use in said first and second modes respectively and operable for coupling said RF energy to a transmit medium, and for coupling reflected RF energy from transmit medium to said first or second antenna waveguide; and a control processor configured with control logic operable to control the functions of said radar system wherein said first and second antennas are mounted generally perpendicularly in the vertical plane with respect to each other and wherein said radar system operates in only one of said modes of operation at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20090284409
    Abstract: A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20090248198
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20090237296
    Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in a first position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a second position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7592948
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a dual polarization weather radar system has been developed. The method first generates a transmission pulse from the radar system. The transmission pulse is then modified to generate a test signal that simulates a desired atmospheric condition. The test signal is transmitted directly into the radar system from a test antenna and the radar system is calibrated according to the test signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7554486
    Abstract: A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7528767
    Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in an open position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a closed position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080224919
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a dual polarization weather radar system has been developed. The method first generates a transmission pulse from the radar system. The transmission pulse is then modified to generate a test signal that simulates a desired atmospheric condition. The test signal is transmitted directly into the radar system from a test antenna and the radar system is calibrated according to the test signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: D659196
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: D668937
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker