Patents by Inventor Charles W Ergen

Charles W Ergen 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: 20090233593
    Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for remotely controlling an entertainment device using a mobile communication device. A user utilizes a mobile communication device to input information that requests manipulation of playback of content outputted for presentation by an entertainment device. The mobile communication device transmits the user input to the entertainment device, and responsive to receiving the user input, the mobile communication device manipulates playback of the video content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicants: DISH Network L.L.C., EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles W. Ergen, Max S. Gratton
  • Publication number: 20090172724
    Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for presenting advertisements in association with broadcast video content on a presentation device in a non-residential location. The advertisements are identified based on characteristics of the non-residential location, such as goods or services offered at the non-residential location. The advertisements may be presented simultaneously with the broadcast video content, or may be used as substitute content to replace interstitials within the broadcast video content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Charles W. Ergen, Danny J. Minnick
  • Patent number: 5729241
    Abstract: A cover for protecting a direct broadcast satellite antenna having a flange around the outside perimeter of the antenna. The cover is fabricated from a waterproof, flexible sheet material, such as marine grade vinyl. The cover is sized to have a margin extending approximately one-half of the width of the flange beyond the outside edge of the antenna. A "J clip" strip having one edge folded over in a "J" configuration and having a width approximately the same dimension as the flange of the antenna, is positioned along the outer face of the cover with the opposite edge of the strip aligned even with the edge of the cover. The strip is sewn or otherwise attached to the cover material to form the completed cover. A gap of approximately 6" can be provided along one portion of the perimeter of the cover to provide clearance for the supporting structure and ventilation to the inside of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Charles W. Ergen, Bruce A. McKenzie