Patents by Inventor Brian Floyd

Brian Floyd 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).

  • Patent number: 12063398
    Abstract: A video distribution network includes a distribution plant and a first bulk encryption device connected to the distribution plant, wherein the bulk encryption device outputs a first encrypted video service stream to the distribution plant via an internet protocol (IP) interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Niem Dang, Tom Gonder, Peter J. Arnts, Kirk Erichsen, Brian Floyd, Michael Kelsen
  • Patent number: 10551162
    Abstract: Embodiments of a code modulated phased-array interferometer are described. In one embodiment, a code modulated phased-array interferometer includes a phased array having a plurality of receiver elements that receive a plurality of received signals. A code multiplexer multiplexes each of the plurality of received signals to generate a plurality of code multiplexed signals, and a combiner combines the plurality of code multiplexed signals into a combined signal. After other processing for signal reception, a code demultiplexer demultiplexes the combined baseband signal, and a complex correlator correlates unique pairs of baseband signals to generate a plurality of visibility products. Finally, the plurality of visibility products are transformed to generate an image. The concepts described herein may be relied upon to reconfigure or repurpose a phased-array receiver to achieve imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Vikas Chauhan, Kevin Greene
  • Patent number: 10398916
    Abstract: A fire suppression and annunciation system using a flexible conduit and a wire rope is provided. The wire rope may be connected to a knob assembly at a universal pull station and to a release mechanism of the fire suppression system. An operator may pull a handle of the knob assembly at the universal pull station, thereby activating the release mechanism to release fire suppression agent. A flexible conduit may house the wire rope along at least a part of the connection from the universal pull station to the release mechanism. A material on the liner of the flexible conduit and/or on the wire rope may be used to reduce the coefficient of friction of wire rope in the flexible conduit. The fire suppression system may further include a pulley block system connected to the universal pull station. The pulley block system may comprise bearings, and may lower the force necessary to activate the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Michael Walter Erva, Thomas Michael Halt, Jr., Donald Marvin Bjorkman, Brian Floyd Chernetski, Dorothy Ruohonen, Steven John Benda, Mark Neumann
  • Publication number: 20180184134
    Abstract: A video distribution network includes a distribution plant and a first bulk encryption device connected to the distribution plant, wherein the bulk encryption device outputs a first encrypted video service stream to the distribution plant via an internet protocol (IP) interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Niem Dang, Tom Gonder, Peter J. Arnts, Kirk Erichsen, Brian Floyd, Michael Kelsen
  • Publication number: 20180149466
    Abstract: Embodiments of a code modulated phased-array interferometer are described. In one embodiment, a code modulated phased-array interferometer includes a phased array having a plurality of receiver elements that receive a plurality of received signals. A code multiplexer multiplexes each of the plurality of received signals to generate a plurality of code multiplexed signals, and a combiner combines the plurality of code multiplexed signals into a combined signal. After other processing for signal reception, a code demultiplexer demultiplexes the combined baseband signal, and a complex correlator correlates unique pairs of baseband signals to generate a plurality of visibility products. Finally, the plurality of visibility products are transformed to generate an image. The concepts described herein may be relied upon to reconfigure or repurpose a phased-array receiver to achieve imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: BRIAN FLOYD, VIKAS CHAUHAN, KEVIN GREENE
  • Patent number: 9888270
    Abstract: A video distribution network includes a distribution plant and a first bulk encryption device connected to the distribution plant, wherein the bulk encryption device outputs a first encrypted video service stream to the distribution plant via an internet protocol (IP) interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Niem Dang, Tom Gonder, Peter J. Arnts, Kirk Erichsen, Brian Floyd, Michael Kelsen
  • Patent number: 9602414
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for control of bandwidth reclamation in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the invention provides a network operator or subscriber with the ability to disable or otherwise control reclamation in a switched digital video (SDV) network. A controller uses rules in determining whether to reclaim bandwidth. These rules designate certain carriers, content, devices and/or subscribers as high priority (or protected from reclamation). In one variant, the rules determine which subscribers are queried (“pinged”) in order to evaluate whether delivered content is actually being utilized by these subscribers. Alternatively, selected ones of the devices are configured so as to generate an automatic response to any ping messages. In another variant, the rules for disabling bandwidth reclamation are entered via user interaction with an application running on a client device and in communication with the controller via a network proxy, or with the SDV server directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Matt Smith, Stephanie Trotter
  • Patent number: 9453906
    Abstract: This invention describes circuits and methods which can allow multiple radar receiver chips to be adjusted to have very low phase offset between them. Multiple receiver chips are used in frequency-modulated carrier-wave (FMCW) radar systems for beamforming to enable angle-of-arrival measurements. FMCW radar systems are widely used in collision-avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems in vehicles, which today are operating in the 76-81 GHz frequency band. In a multi-receiver system, each receive element must have a well-controlled phase response which can be calibrated over process, voltage, and temperature. Without calibration, phase offsets can result in erroneous beamforming receiver measurements. The inventive circuit provides a technique to adjust the phase of multiple receivers across multiple chips using a single local oscillator reference and built-in-test circuitry which consist of phase shifters, a multi-frequency nonlinear phase detection circuit, and power coupling circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignees: North Carolina State University, Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Takeji Fujibayashi, Seiji Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20160263412
    Abstract: A fire suppression and annunciation system using a flexible conduit and a wire rope is provided. The wire rope may be connected to a knob assembly at a universal pull station and to a release mechanism of the fire suppression system. An operator may pull a handle of the knob assembly at the universal pull station, thereby activating the release mechanism to release fire suppression agent. A flexible conduit may house the wire rope along at least a part of the connection from the universal pull station to the release mechanism. A material on the liner of the flexible conduit and/or on the wire rope may be used to reduce the coefficient of friction of wire rope in the flexible conduit. The fire suppression system may further include a pulley block system connected to the universal pull station. The pulley block system may comprise bearings, and may lower the force necessary to activate the release mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Michael Walter Erva, Thomas Michael Halt, JR., Donald Marvin Bjorkman, Brian Floyd Chernetski, Dorothy Ruohonen, Steven John Benda, Mark Neumann
  • Patent number: 9352176
    Abstract: A fire suppression and annunciation system using a flexible conduit and a wire rope is provided. The wire rope may be connected to a knob assembly at a universal pull station and to a release mechanism of the fire suppression system. An operator may pull a handle of the knob assembly at the universal pull station, thereby activating the release mechanism to release fire suppression agent. A flexible conduit may house the wire rope along at least a part of the connection from the universal pull station to the release mechanism. A material on the liner of the flexible conduit and/or on the wire rope may be used to reduce the coefficient of friction of wire rope in the flexible conduit. The fire suppression system may further include a pulley block system connected to the universal pull station. The pulley block system may comprise bearings, and may lower the force necessary to activate the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Michael Walter Erva, Thomas Michael Halt, Donald Marvin Bjorkman, Brian Floyd Chernetski, Dorothy Ruohonen, Steven John Benda, Mark Neumann
  • Publication number: 20160033625
    Abstract: This invention describes circuits and methods which can allow multiple radar receiver chips to be adjusted to have very low phase offset between them. Multiple receiver chips are used in frequency-modulated carrier-wave (FMCW) radar systems for beamforming to enable angle-of-arrival measurements. FMCW radar systems are widely used in collision-avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems in vehicles, which today are operating in the 76-81 GHz frequency band. In a multi-receiver system, each receive element must have a well-controlled phase response which can be calibrated over process, voltage, and temperature. Without calibration, phase offsets can result in erroneous beamforming receiver measurements. The inventive circuit provides a technique to adjust the phase of multiple receivers across multiple chips using a single local oscillator reference and built-in-test circuitry which consist of phase shifters, a multi-frequency nonlinear phase detection circuit, and power coupling circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Takeji Fujibayashi, Seiji Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20140282688
    Abstract: A video distribution network includes a distribution plant and a first bulk encryption device connected to the distribution plant, wherein the bulk encryption device outputs a first encrypted video service stream to the distribution plant via an internet protocol (IP) interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Niem Dang, Tom Gonder, Peter J. Arnts, Kirk Erichsen, Brian Floyd, Michael Kelsen
  • Publication number: 20120203822
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for control of bandwidth reclamation in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the invention provides a network operator or subscriber with the ability to disable or otherwise control reclamation in a switched digital video (SDV) network. A controller uses rules in determining whether to reclaim bandwidth. These rules designate certain carriers, content, devices and/or subscribers as high priority (or protected from reclamation). In one variant, the rules determine which subscribers are queried (“pinged”) in order to evaluate whether delivered content is actually being utilized by these subscribers. Alternatively, selected ones of the devices are configured so as to generate an automatic response to any ping messages. In another variant, the rules for disabling bandwidth reclamation are entered via user interaction with an application running on a client device and in communication with the controller via a network proxy, or with the SDV server directly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Matt Smith, Stephanie Trotter
  • Patent number: 7692590
    Abstract: A radio-frequency integrated circuit chip package with at least one integrated aperture-coupled patch antenna includes at least one generally planar patch and at least one generally planar ground plane spaced inwardly from the generally planar patch and substantially parallel thereto. The ground plane is formed with at least one coupling aperture slot therein. The slot is substantially opposed to the patch. Also included are at least one feed line spaced inwardly from the ground plane and substantially parallel thereto, at least one radio frequency chip spaced inwardly from the feed line and coupled to the feed line and the ground plane, and a first substrate layer spaced inwardly from the feed line. The first substrate layer is formed with a chip-receiving cavity. The chip is located in the chip-receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Duixian Liu
  • Publication number: 20090207080
    Abstract: A radio-frequency integrated circuit chip package with at least one integrated aperture-coupled patch antenna includes at least one generally planar patch and at least one generally planar ground plane spaced inwardly from the generally planar patch and substantially parallel thereto. The ground plane is formed with at least one coupling aperture slot therein. The slot is substantially opposed to the patch. Also included are at least one feed line spaced inwardly from the ground plane and substantially parallel thereto, at least one radio frequency chip spaced inwardly from the feed line and coupled to the feed line and the ground plane, and a first substrate layer spaced inwardly from the feed line. The first substrate layer is formed with a chip-receiving cavity. The chip is located in the chip-receiving cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Duixian Liu
  • Publication number: 20080210443
    Abstract: A fire suppression and annunciation system using a flexible conduit and a wire rope is provided. The wire rope may be connected to a knob assembly at a universal pull station and to a release mechanism of the fire suppression system. An operator may pull a handle of the knob assembly at the universal pull station, thereby activating the release mechanism to release fire suppression agent. A flexible conduit may house the wire rope along at least a part of the connection from the universal pull station to the release mechanism. A material on the liner of the flexible conduit and/or on the wire rope may be used to reduce the coefficient of friction of wire rope in the flexible conduit. The fire suppression system may further include a pulley block system connected to the universal pull station. The pulley block system may comprise bearings, and may lower the force necessary to activate the release mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Walter Erva, Thomas Michael Halt, Donald Marvin Bjorkman, Brian Floyd Chernetski, Dorothy Ruohonen, Steven John Benda, Mark Neumann
  • Publication number: 20080051054
    Abstract: An off-chip signal is provided to a differential branch-line directional coupler implemented entirely on-chip. The coupler produces differential quadrature signals, which are then buffered and applied to a quadrature mixer. The coupler is implemented entirely on-chip using microstrip transmission lines. The coupler is made up of a plurality of rings and a plurality of underpasses connecting ports of the rings, wherein each of the plurality of rings is made up of four branch lines, and each branch line having an electrical length of one-quarter wavelength at the center design frequency. Coupling between the plurality of branch lines of the rings may be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Scott Reynolds, Thomas Zwick
  • Publication number: 20080030280
    Abstract: Circuits and methods are provided for building integrated transformer-coupled amplifiers with on-chip transformers that are designed to resonate or otherwise tune parasitic capacitances to achieve frequency tuning of amplifiers at millimeter wave operating frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, David Goren, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Scott Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20070160168
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to control signal phase in a radio device includes a phase rotator configured to control a phase of a local oscillator. A phase error determination module is configured to determine phase error information based on received in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) (IQ) signal values. A phase correction module is configured to derive from the received IQ signal values a correction signal and apply the correction signal to the phase rotator in a path of the local oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Troy Beukema, Brian Floyd, Scott Reynolds, Sergey Rylov
  • Publication number: 20060261890
    Abstract: Circuits and methods are provided for implementing highly efficient switch-mode power amplifiers using BJTs (bipolar junction transistors) as active switching devices at millimeter-wave frequencies. More specifically, circuits and methods are provided for driving power amplifiers with BJT switching devices to achieve highly efficient switch-mode (e.g., Class E) operation at millimeter wave frequencies (e.g., 60 GHz).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Floyd, Alberto Garcia, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Scott Reynolds