Patents by Inventor Kenneth V. Buer

Kenneth V. Buer 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: 20190190590
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
  • Patent number: 10313000
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
  • Patent number: 10263692
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20190109635
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin
  • Patent number: 10224893
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining and establishing frequency-dependent gain compensation in wide bandwidth communication systems are disclosed. Variable frequency-dependent gain compensation circuits, or variable equalizers, have settings that configure them to establish discrete frequency-dependent gain compensation. The frequency-dependent gain compensation can include various types and levels of gain slope and/or ripple. The settings of the variable equalizers can be set by control signals established a control circuit in response to signals from an external computer. The variable equalizers are coupled to other circuits or devices and the frequency-dependent gain of the combined circuit are measured. The settings of the variable equalizer are then changed to establish an optimal frequency-dependent gain profile or frequency-dependent gain that is closest to a predetermined frequency-dependent target gain profile. The settings can then be saved in a memory or register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V Buer, Michael R Lyons
  • Patent number: 10211911
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
  • Publication number: 20190052350
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20190052348
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
  • Patent number: 10200114
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin
  • Patent number: 10193240
    Abstract: Systems and methods for partitioned phased array fed (PAFR) antennas are disclosed. The phased array in a PPAFR antenna is partitioned into multiple partitions of antenna elements that can be operated by corresponding beam forming networks configured to independently and simultaneously generate angularly offset static and dynamic spot beams patterns. The generated spot beam patterns can include transmission and receiving spot beams for establishing a number of pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth V. Buer
  • Patent number: 10187141
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20190013787
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining and establishing frequency-dependent gain compensation in wide bandwidth communication systems are disclosed. Variable frequency-dependent gain compensation circuits, or variable equalizers, have settings that configure them to establish discrete frequency-dependent gain compensation. The frequency-dependent gain compensation can include various types and levels of gain slope and/or ripple. The settings of the variable equalizers can be set by control signals established a control circuit in response to signals from an external computer. The variable equalizers are coupled to other circuits or devices and the frequency-dependent gain of the combined circuit are measured. The settings of the variable equalizer are then changed to establish an optimal frequency-dependent gain profile or frequency-dependent gain that is closest to a predetermined frequency-dependent target gain profile. The settings can then be saved in a memory or register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: KENNETH V. BUER, MICHAEL R. LYONS
  • Publication number: 20190013580
    Abstract: A phased array antenna includes an array of antenna element modules. Each of the array of antenna element modules includes a dielectric substrate having a lower surface and a radiating element. Each of the antenna element modules also includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip adhered to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate. The IC chip includes a circuit to adjust a signal communicated with the radiating element. The phased array antenna also includes a multi-layer substrate underlying the array of antenna element modules, the multi-layer substrate including a beam forming network (BFN) circuit formed on a layer of the multi-layer substrate and the BFN circuit is in electrical communication with the IC chip of each of the array of antenna element modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: MARIA CAROLINA VIGANO, KENNETH V. BUER, DOUGLAS J. MATHEWS
  • Publication number: 20180351636
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
  • Publication number: 20180343053
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin
  • Patent number: 10142011
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
  • Patent number: 10128939
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin
  • Publication number: 20180324606
    Abstract: The described features generally relate to determining dynamic signal quality criteria for an installation of satellite terminals for communications in a satellite communications system. In particular, the signal quality criteria for an installation may be based on an identified position of the satellite terminal to be installed, and in some examples based on the positions and signal characteristics of neighboring satellite terminals that have already been installed. In some examples, a signal quality map may be generated for a service beam coverage area, based on predetermined transmission characteristics and/or measured transmissions from a number of satellite terminals served by a communications satellite. The generated signal quality map may then be used to determine a signal quality threshold for the installation of a satellite terminal being installed for communications in a satellite communications system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Clifford K. Burdick, Ian A. Cleary, Ramanamurthy V. Darapu, David H. Irvine, Philip A. Lampe
  • Patent number: 10090911
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
  • Patent number: 10084533
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin