Patents by Inventor James R. Butterworth

James R. Butterworth 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).

  • Single-wire multiswitch and channelized RF cable test meter
    Patent number: 7912427
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Santoru, David J. Kuether, Benjamin Mui, Shamik Maitra, Dipak M. Shah, Romulo Pontual, James R. Butterworth, Philip J. Goswitz, Ernest C. Chen, Gustave R. Stroes, Bradley T. Ito
  • Antenna pointing aid
    Patent number: 7663560
    Abstract: A satellite system 10 includes an outdoor unit that has an LNB 24. The antenna of the outdoor unit is aligned using a microwave energy-absorbing cap. The microwave-absorbing cap has microwave-absorbing material therein or thereon. A signal strength meter is used to measure the signal strength with the cap on so that the signal strength meter is less likely to be saturated during the alignment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Butterworth, Milton E. Studt, II, Joseph Santoru
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING A USER DEVICE
    Publication number: 20090125950
    Abstract: A system and method includes a user device having a subscriber activation client application stored therein. The user device prompts entry of an ordering identifier and receives the ordering identifier through a user interface. A subscriber activation system is in communication with the user device through a secure network. The subscriber activation system receives the ordering identifier from the user device. The subscriber activation system verifies the ordering information and generates an activation signal from the order identifier. The subscriber activation system communicates the activation signal to the user device to activate the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Kapil Chaudhry, Alistair E. Jeffs, Jennifer S. Staggs, Matthew J. Thompson, Tom Y. Liang, James R. Butterworth, Gilbert Zaldivar, Thai Lam, Amy K. Tsao
  • Single-wire multiswitch and channelized RF cable test meter
    Publication number: 20080209478
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Santoru, David J. Kuether, Benjamin Mui, Shamik Maitra, Dipak M. Shah, Romulo Pontual, James R. Butterworth, Philip J. Goswitz, Ernest C. Chen, Gustave R. Stroes, Bradley T. Ito
  • Direct broadcast receiver utilizing LNB in cascade
    Patent number: 7149470
    Abstract: A direct broadcast system receiving a plurality of broadcast signals within a direct broadcast receiver having an outdoor unit (ODU) is provided. The ODU includes a first low noise block (LNB) and a second LNB. The first LNB has a housing and amplifies a first broadcast signal. The second LNB amplifies a second broadcast signal. The ODU is electrically coupled to an integrated receiver and decoder (IRD). The IRD transmits a selection signal to the ODU. The first LNB and the second LNB are electrically coupled to a plurality of selection switches within the housing. The plurality of selection switches switch between the first LNB and the second LNB in response to the selection signal. A method of receiving a plurality of broadcast signals within a direct broadcast receiver is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The DirecTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dipak M. Shah, James R. Butterworth