Patents by Inventor Donald J. Barnickel

Donald J. Barnickel 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).

  • Beam adaptive multi-feed dielectric antenna system and methods for use therewith
    Patent number: 10644406
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, an antenna system includes a dielectric antenna having a feed-point, wherein the dielectric antenna is a single antenna having a plurality of antenna beam patterns. At least one cable having a plurality of conductorless dielectric cores is coupled to the feed-point of the dielectric antenna, each of the plurality of conductorless dielectric cores corresponding to one of the plurality of antenna beam patterns. A controller, selects one of the plurality of antenna beam patterns and generates a control signal in response thereto. A core selector, responsive to the control signal, couples electromagnetic waves from a source to a selected one of the plurality of conductorless dielectric cores, the selected one of the plurality of conductorless dielectric cores corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of antenna beam patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar, Robert Bennett, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • PROCESSING OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES AND METHODS THEREOF
    Publication number: 20200127894
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for receiving second signals from a switch responsive to the switch receiving first signals a first waveguide system, wherein the first waveguide system facilitates generating the first signals responsive to receiving first electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium. The system further facilitates selecting a communication device according to the second signals, and transmitting a first wireless signal directed to the communication device, wherein the first wireless signal conveys first data supplied by the second signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Irwin Gerszberg, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Method and apparatus for installation and alignment of radio devices
    Patent number: 10630341
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a communication device with a group of radio devices connected with a support structure, where the support structure is positioned in and passes through housing openings in each radio device to provide a stacked arrangement. One or more radio device is rotatable with respect to the support structure to enable adjusting a first orientation of a directional antenna therein. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Aldo Adriazola, Robert Bennett, Mitchell Harvey Fuchs, Brandon Pimm, Farhad Barzegar, Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel, Robert Roman
  • Method and apparatus for positioning via unmanned aerial vehicles
    Patent number: 10627524
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a positioning system for use with a corresponding one of a plurality of UAVs, the positioning system operable to receive at least one Low Bit Rate (LBR) signal that includes satellite location data from at least one satellite via a receiver of the UAV. Current location data is generated based on the at least one LBR signal. A global positioning system (GPS) signal is generated based on the current location data for transmission, via a transmitter of the UAV, for reception by a GPS receiver. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Apparatus and methods for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves
    Patent number: 10631176
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for generating electromagnetic signals that resonate in a cavity having a plurality of reflectors resulting in resonating electromagnetic signals and combining the resonating electromagnetic signals to form an electromagnetic wave that traverses a reflector and couples onto a physical transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Giovanni Vannucci, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar
  • Magnetic coupling device and methods for use therewith
    Patent number: 10630343
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a coupling device including a receiving portion that receives a radio frequency signal conveying data from a transmitting device. A magnetic coupler magnetically couples the radio frequency signal to a transmission medium as a guided electromagnetic wave that is bound by an outer surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Apparatus and methods for generating an electromagnetic wave along a transmission medium
    Patent number: 10629994
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, generating, by a plurality of dielectric antennas of a waveguide system, a plurality of instances of electromagnetic waves that combines to form a combined electromagnetic wave, and directing, by the waveguide system, the combined electromagnetic wave to an interface of a transmission medium for guiding propagation of the combined electromagnetic wave along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Shikik Johnson, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Modulation and demodulation of signals conveyed by electromagnetic waves and methods thereof
    Patent number: 10616056
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for receiving first electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium, where the first electromagnetic waves convey first data, generating first signals by frequency-shifting the first electromagnetic waves without demodulating the first electromagnetic waves, and providing the first signals to one or more modems that facilitate demodulation of the first signals to second signals, and distribution of a first portion of data conveyed by the second signals to an access point, a second portion of the data to a second waveguide system, or combinations thereof. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Irwin Gerszberg, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel
  • System for generating topology information and methods thereof
    Patent number: 10616047
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for receiving topology information from a plurality of waveguide systems or other transmission devices, the topology information identifying one or more transmission media available to each waveguide system for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves, and updating a topology of a communication system from the topology information provided by the plurality of waveguide systems. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Network termination and methods for use therewith
    Patent number: 10601469
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a network termination includes a downstream channel modulator modulates downstream data into downstream channel signals to convey the downstream data via a guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to a transmission medium of a guided wave communication system. A host interface sends the downstream channel signals to the guided wave communication system and receives upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels from the guided wave communication system. An upstream channel demodulator demodulates upstream channel signals into upstream data. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Apparatus and methods for sending or receiving electromagnetic signals
    Patent number: 10594039
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include a generator that facilitates generation of an electromagnetic wave, a core, and a waveguide that facilitates guiding the electromagnetic wave towards the core to induce a second electromagnetic wave that propagates along the core. The core and/or the waveguide can be configured to reduce radiation loss of the second electromagnetic wave, propagation loss of the second electromagnetic wave, or a combination thereof. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Apparatus and methods for communicating utilizing an antenna array and multiple communication paths
    Patent number: 10594597
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that can transmit first wireless signals associated with communication signals, where the first wireless signals are directed via beam steering by an antenna array towards a wireless receiver. The system can transmit second wireless signals associated with the communication signals, where the second wireless signals are directed via the beam steering by the antenna array towards a transmission medium. The second wireless signals can induce electromagnetic waves at a physical interface of the transmission medium where the electromagnetic waves are associated with the communication signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel, Shikik Johnson
  • Apparatus and methods for launching guided waves via plural waveguide systems
    Patent number: 10594040
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a first plurality of transmitters for launching according to a signal, first electromagnetic waves, and a second plurality of transmitters for launching, according to the signal, second electromagnetic waves. The first electromagnetic waves and the second electromagnetic waves combine at an interface of a transmission medium to induce a propagation of a third electromagnetic wave, the third electromagnetic wave having a non-fundamental wave mode and a non-optical operating frequency, and wherein the second plurality of transmitters are spaced apart from the first plurality of transmitters in a direction of propagation of the third electromagnetic wave. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING OR RECEIVING ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
    Publication number: 20200083927
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for generating electromagnetic signals that resonate in a cavity having a plurality of reflectors resulting in resonating electromagnetic signals and combining the resonating electromagnetic signals to form an electromagnetic wave that traverses a reflector and couples onto a physical transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Giovanni Vannucci, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING OR RECEIVING ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
    Publication number: 20200084641
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for generating electromagnetic signals that resonate in a cavity having a plurality of reflectors resulting in resonating electromagnetic signals and combining the resonating electromagnetic signals to form an electromagnetic wave that traverses a reflector and couples onto a physical transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Giovanni Vannucci, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING AND DECOUPLING PORTIONS OF A MAGNETIC CORE
    Publication number: 20200083744
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, regulating an alternating magnetic flux in a magnetic core having a first portion separable from a second portion of the magnetic core. The regulation of the alternating magnetic flux causes a coupling force between the first portion of the magnetic core and the second portion of the magnetic core. Responsive to detecting a signal, modifying the regulation of the alternating magnetic flux to reduce the coupling force between the first portion of the magnetic core and the second portion of the magnetic core. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Giovanni Vannucci, Farhad Barzegar, Harold Rappaport, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Methods and apparatus for selectively controlling energy consumption of a waveguide system
    Patent number: 10587310
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for determining from one or more conditions a range of energy that can be obtained from a transmission medium to power the first waveguide system, selecting according to the range of energy a group of components of a plurality of selectable components of the first waveguide system, and enabling the group of components and powering down a remainder of the plurality of selectable components, wherein the group of components facilitates an exchange of electromagnetic waves between the first waveguide system and a second waveguide system via the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Irwin Gerszberg, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Apparatus and methods for communicating utilizing an antenna array
    Patent number: 10587048
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system having a polyrod antenna array. Beam steering can be performed according to a first subset of elements of the polyrod antenna array generating first electromagnetic waves with a first phase that is different from a second phase of the first electromagnetic waves being generated by a second subset of elements of the polyrod antenna array. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Shikik Johnson, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Method and apparatus for responding to events affecting communications in a communication network
    Patent number: 10581486
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a waveguide system for determining an event associated with a mode of transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves on a surface of a transmission medium, identifying according to the event an updated mode for transmitting or receiving adjusted electromagnetic waves on the surface of a transmission medium, and transmitting or receiving the adjusted electromagnetic waves based on the updated mode. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Methods and apparatus for regulating a magnetic flux in an inductive power supply
    Patent number: 10581275
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, supplying an alternating voltage waveform to a winding coupled to a magnetic core of an inductive power supply to regulate an alternating magnetic flux in the magnetic core. The alternating voltage waveform can be generated by selectively enabling one or more switches coupled to a storage device. The subject disclosure may further include configuring the one or more switches according to a configuration during a portion of a period of the alternating voltage waveform, and measuring a characteristic of an alternating current flowing in a conductor coupled to the magnetic core during the portion of the period of the alternating voltage waveform. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Robert Bennett, Harold Rappaport, Donald J. Barnickel