Patents by Inventor Geoffrey Thompson
Geoffrey Thompson 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).
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Patent number: 11892891Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Publication number: 20210072812Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 10845861Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Publication number: 20190107878Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 10139885Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 10110844Abstract: System, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media to facilitate expansion of media device interface capabilities are provided. A state change with respect to one or more media devices may be detected. The state change may correspond to a second media device being communicatively coupled to, or communicatively decoupled from, a first media device. Consequent to the detecting, a set of interface ports, which are configured to interface with multimedia devices, may be determined. Configuration information may be generated based at least in part on the set of interface ports. The configuration information may be transferred to a sink device to indicate interface options based at least in part on the set of interface ports. Content may be transferred to the sink device based at least in part on audio and/or visual data via at least one interface port of the set of interface ports.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 9967514Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for recording transmitted data items, and particularly television and radio programs. The data items are received at one or more inputs along with ID data identifying the transmitted data items and the program series to which the data item belongs. An input interface receives input indicating whether one or more received transmitted data items have been viewed or recorded by a user and a processor generates values for ranking the series to which each of the received data items belong based upon the received input. Subsequently received transmitted data items are stored in a storage device based on the generated values, the stored data items belonging to a series for which a value has been generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: EchoStar Technologies International CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Thompson, Andrew John Stanford, Andrew Hey
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Patent number: 9924580Abstract: A light switch comprises a user input mechanism, a wireless receiver for receiving remote control signals and a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the wireless receiver and configured to control a light source to turn it on and off both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to the remote control signals. The light switch is configured, in response to a user override input via the user input mechanism, to enter an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged. An additional light switch may also be provided that communicates with the aforementioned light switch to provide multi-way switching.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 9695814Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing undesirable noise generated by a vacuum pumping system. The vacuum system operates to reduce the pressure in a chamber to a first pressure value. The system then detects that the pressure at the vacuum pump system's inlet is about to change to a second higher pressure and, in response, the speed of a booster pump in the vacuum pump system is reduced below the rated speed for the pump. When the pressure at the vacuum pump's inlet is above the second pressure, the speed of the booster pump is increased to the rated speed. Thus, the booster pump is slowed down prior the pump system becoming exposed to a rapid increase in inlet pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Edwards LimitedInventors: Philip John Stephens, Michael Geoffrey Thompson
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Publication number: 20170064797Abstract: A light switch comprises a user input mechanism, a wireless receiver for receiving remote control signals and a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the wireless receiver and configured to control a light source to turn it on and off both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to the remote control signals. The light switch is configured, in response to a user override input via the user input mechanism, to enter an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged. An additional light switch may also be provided that communicates with the aforementioned light switch to provide multi-way switching.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Publication number: 20170064241Abstract: System, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media to facilitate expansion of media device interface capabilities are provided. A state change with respect to one or more media devices may be detected. The state change may correspond to a second media device being communicatively coupled to, or communicatively decoupled from, a first media device. Consequent to the detecting, a set of interface ports, which are configured to interface with multimedia devices, may be determined. Configuration information may be generated based at least in part on the set of interface ports. The configuration information may be transferred to a sink device to indicate interface options based at least in part on the set of interface ports. Content may be transferred to the sink device based at least in part on audio and/or visual data via at least one interface port of the set of interface ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 9549144Abstract: System, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media to facilitate expansion of media device interface capabilities are provided. A state change with respect to one or more media devices may be detected. The state change may correspond to a second media device being communicatively coupled to, or communicatively decoupled from, a first media device. Consequent to the detecting, a set of interface ports, which are configured to interface with multimedia devices, may be determined. Configuration information may be generated based at least in part on the set of interface ports. The configuration information may be transferred to a sink device to indicate interface options based at least in part on the set of interface ports. Content may be transferred to the sink device based at least in part on audio and/or visual data via at least one interface port of the set of interface ports.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: ECHOSTAR UK HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Publication number: 20170010650Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 9526154Abstract: A light switch comprises a user input mechanism, a wireless receiver for receiving remote control signals and a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the wireless receiver and configured to control a light source to turn it on and off both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to the remote control signals. The light switch is configured, in response to a user override input via the user input mechanism, to enter an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged. An additional light switch may also be provided that communicates with the aforementioned light switch to provide multi-way switching.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: ECHOSTAR UK HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 9477299Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: EchoStar UK Holdings LimitedInventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Publication number: 20160286157Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for recording transmitted data items, and particularly television and radio programmes. The data items are received at one or more inputs along with ID data identifying the transmitted data items and the programme series to which the data item belongs. An input interface receives input indicating whether one or more received transmitted data items have been viewed or recorded by a user and a processor generates values for ranking the series to which each of the received data items belong based upon the received input. Subsequently received transmitted data items are stored in a storage device based on the generated values, the stored data items belonging to a series for which a value has been generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Geoffrey Thompson, Andrew John Stanford, Andrew Hey
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Publication number: 20160255702Abstract: A light switch comprises a user input mechanism, a wireless receiver for receiving remote control signals and a processor coupled to the user input mechanism and to the wireless receiver and configured to control a light source to turn it on and off both in response to activation of the user input mechanism and in response to the remote control signals. The light switch is configured, in response to a user override input via the user input mechanism, to enter an override state, whereby the light source is maintained in an off state and remote control signals are prevented from causing the light source to be switched on, until the override state is disengaged. An additional light switch may also be provided that communicates with the aforementioned light switch to provide multi-way switching.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2015Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Publication number: 20160173807Abstract: System, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media to facilitate expansion of media device interface capabilities are provided. A first media device may be configured to be communicatively couplable to a second media device. A first set of one or more interface ports that are configured to interface with one or more multimedia devices may be recognized. The second media device may be recognized when the second media device is communicatively coupled to the first media device. A second set of one or more interface ports provided by the second media device may be determined. A third set of interface ports may be determined based on the first set and the second set. Configuration information may be generated and provided to facilitate indication of interface options. Content may be provided via at least one interface port of the second set of one or more interface ports provided by the second media device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson
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Patent number: 9350967Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for recording transmitted data items, and particularly television and radio programs. The data items are received at one or more inputs along with ID data identifying the transmitted data items and the program series to which the data item belongs. An input interface receives input indicating whether one or more received transmitted data items have been viewed or recorded by a user and a processor generates values for ranking the series to which each of the received data items belong based upon the received input. Subsequently received transmitted data items are stored in a storage device based on the generated values, the stored data items belonging to a series for which a value has been generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: EchoStar UK Holdings LimitedInventors: Geoffrey Thompson, Andrew John Stanford, Andrew Hey
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Patent number: 9297568Abstract: A cooler is presented with integrated vertical storage tubes that are sized to receive folding camp chairs for storage and ease of transport. When a desired location is reached, the camp chairs may be removed for use, and cup holder inserts may then be placed into the tubes to convert the tubes to cup holders or closed storage for additional items. The cooler may also include a storage box attached to the lid or brackets to receive additional camp chairs in a horizontal configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Geoffrey Thompson