Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping and/or filtering content from a video stream using text data associated with the video stream. The text data is parsed using metadata to identify portions of the video stream to skip during presentation, and/or to identify portions of the video stream to present to a user. The portions of the video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the video stream, and the filtered video stream is presented to a user.
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for presenting information regarding interstitials of a video stream. A recording of a television show may include segments of the show interspersed with interstitials (e.g., commercials). The location of the interstitials within the recording is identified, and the locations of the interstitials are presented in progress bar during presentation of the video stream. The location of the interstitials may also be utilized to determine durations of the interstitials, and provide a user with information regarding the lengths of the interstitials of a recording, and/or the length of the other content of a recording (e.g., segments of a television show).
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus, systems and/or methods are described for generating metadata utilized by a DVR to filter content from a video stream. A video stream is reviewed to identify portions the video stream to skip during presentation of the video stream. Text data associated with the video stream is parsed to identify a string in the text data that identifies boundaries of the portions of the video stream that are to be skipped during presentation by the DVR. The string is provided to the DVR, and the DVR utilizes the string to skip the portion of the video stream during presentation of the video stream by the DVR.
Abstract: An antenna amount including first, second, and third plates is disclosed. Each of the first and second plates includes a planar section and a flange connected to the planar section. At least one attachment device attaches the first plate to the second plate to form a plate structure. When attached, the planar sections of the first and second plates contact each other. Also, the flanges are parallel to each other, extend in the same direction, and are positioned to abut opposing surfaces of a mounting base. The third plate includes a planar section and a mounting surface connected to the planar section. The mounting surface is configured to receive a mounting device for the antenna. The attachment device clamps the mounting base between the third plate and the plate structure.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 11, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 20, 2011
Assignee:
DISH Network L.L.C.
Inventors:
Jason S. Schmidt, David Lettkeman, Eric Bolze
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.
Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 29, 2010
Date of Patent:
June 28, 2011
Assignee:
Echostar Technologies L.L.C.
Inventors:
Kirk Lenzie, Casey Gold, Vincent Nguyen, Sam Chaisitti
Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. Similarly, the remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and systems are provided for electrically isolating two devices while transferring power and RF signals therebetween. An electrical isolation apparatus includes an isolation transformer that operates to transfer electrical power between first and second devices. The electrical isolation apparatus also includes a decoupling device that transfers radio frequency (RF) signals between the first and second devices. The isolation transformer and the opto-isolator cooperatively operate to electrically isolate the first device from the second device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 1, 2008
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2011
Assignee:
EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
Inventors:
Henry Gregg Martch, Kirk Lenzie, Sam Chaisitti, Paul Langer
Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are described that facilitate the detection of errors within a remote control for a controlled device. A remote control detects an error condition during operation and transmits information regarding the error to a controlled device. The information regarding the error may be analyzed to determine the source of the problem in the remote control and/or possible solutions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 8, 2008
Date of Patent:
February 15, 2011
Assignee:
EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
Inventors:
Henry Gregg Martch, Michael John Bazata, Benjamin Raymond Mauser
Abstract: Various embodiments of a securing ring are described along with assemblies utilizing the securing ring. A securing ring includes a curvilinear body defining an opening and having a gap that defines confronting ring ends that are separable to receive at least one curvilinear device within the opening. The curvilinear body includes an outer surface and opposing first and second side walls that define a slot therebetween. The slot is configured for receiving the curvilinear device, and the outer surface, the first wall and the second wall provide a clamping force on the curvilinear device in the slot when the confronting ring ends are drawn together, with the clamping force securing the curvilinear device within the slot. The securing apparatus further includes a locking mechanism coupled to the confronting ring ends and configured to releasably engage the confronting ring ends to secure the confronting ring ends together.
Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and systems are provided for electrically isolating two devices while transferring power and RF signals therebetween. An electrical isolation apparatus includes an isolation transformer that operates to transfer electrical power between first and second devices. The electrical isolation apparatus also includes a decoupling device that transfers radio frequency (RF) signals between the first and second devices. The isolation transformer and the opto-isolator cooperatively operate to electrically isolate the first device from the second device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 28, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 21, 2010
Assignee:
EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
Inventors:
Henry Gregg Martch, Kirk Lenzie, Sam Chaisitti, Paul Langer
Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 18, 2008
Date of Patent:
December 14, 2010
Assignee:
EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
Inventors:
Kirk Lenzie, Casey Gold, Vincent Nguyen, Sam Chaisitti
Abstract: Various embodiments of a three-prong clip are described along with assemblies and methods of installation utilizing the three-prong clip. A three prong unitary clip has a central axis and a base and three separate prongs formed on opposing sides of the base. Each prong has a first portion extending from the base at a first angle towards the axis of the clip, a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle away from the axis of the clip, and a retention tab formed between the first portion and the second portion. The prongs separate on the opposing sides of the base and each retention tab on each prong forms a clamping surface generally parallel to the axis of the clip on an element secured therebetween.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 31, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 1, 2009
Assignee:
Echostar Technologies, L.L.C.
Inventors:
Philip Marcilliat, Morgan Kirby, Jerome LaPalme, Andrew David McAuley