Patents by Inventor Joseph B. Glaab
Joseph B. Glaab 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: 6990203Abstract: A receiver which receives a multichannel signal and which detects and outputs an unscrambled desired signal to a video display and speaker unit includes a first unit, a second unit and a controller. The first unit comprises a frequency agile tuner for receiving said multichannel signal and for outputting a selected CATV signal. The a second unit includes a unit means for receiving the selected CATV channel signal; a unit for detecting whether the selected CATV channel signal is scrambled; and a descrambler for descrambling a scrambled CATV channel signal and for outputting a descrambled CATV channel signal. The controller controls the output of the receiver such that a signal is output from the first unit to said video display and speaker unit when the selected CATV signal is unscrambled and a signal is output from the second unit to the video display and speaker unit only when a scrambled signal is detected. The content of the selected CATV channel signal controls the operation of the second unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 6940561Abstract: The depth of modulation and the absolute RF carrier level of an amplitude-modulated video signal are automatically adjusted. For adjustment of the depth of modulation, a sync tip of the video signal is sampled, corrected and normalized to a reference level, e.g., a 50% video level. A reference pulse is inserted into the video signal, e.g., in a sync pulse or in lines 22 and/or 23 of the vertical blanking interval. The reference pulse is sampled and compared to the normalized sync tip pulse to determine an error. The error is converted to an adjustment signal for a charge pump which increases or decreases the depth of modulation accordingly. For adjustment of the absolute carrier level, the insertion of a reference pulse is not required. Instead, a reference value is stored in a memory and retrieved for comparison with the corrected sync tip pulse. An error term is computed and converted to an adjustment signal for a charge pump which increases or decreases the absolute carrier level accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventors: Joseph B. Glaab, Alfred W. Stufflet
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Patent number: 6597789Abstract: Conventional decoding systems for scrambled audio-visual signals are improved by providing a dual-side local oscillator that functions as a high-side oscillator if the incoming RF signal is unscrambled and as a low-side oscillator if the incoming RF signal is scrambled. The result is that the unscrambled signal is reversed from an audio-over-video transmission configuration to an IF signal with a video-over-audio configuration, and a scrambled signal is maintained in a video-over-audio configuration, the video-over-audio configuration being the configuration required for proper reception and use of the signal by a television set. To function as both a high- and low-side oscillator, the dual-side oscillator has independent voltage control and does not follow the tracking filter associated with the tuner.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Publication number: 20030035541Abstract: A receiver which receives a multichannel signal and which detects and outputs an unscrambled desired signal to a video display and speaker unit includes a first unit, a second unit and a controller. The first unit comprises a frequency agile tuner for receiving said multichannel signal and for outputting a selected CATV signal. The a second unit includes a unit means for receiving the selected CATV channel signal; a unit for detecting whether the selected CATV channel signal is scrambled; and a descrambler for descrambling a scrambled CATV channel signal and for outputting a descrambled CATV channel signal. The controller controls the output of the receiver such that a signal is output from the first unit to said video display and speaker unit when the selected CATV signal is unscrambled and a signal is output from the second unit to the video display and speaker unit only when a scrambled signal is detected. The content of the selected CATV channel signal controls the operation of the second unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 6459793Abstract: A setback decoder monitors the IF output from a cable-ready receiver and automatically provides a descrambled audio/video signal back to the receiver for output to the subscriber. When the receiver is tuned to a CATV channel which provides signals in a scrambled format, the decoder detects the scrambled signal, determines whether the subscriber is authorized to view the selected program, and descrambles the signal to provide a descrambled output signal to the receiver. The receiver detects the audio/visual output from the decoder and automatically outputs the audio/visual information to the subscriber.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 6381332Abstract: A setback decoder monitors the IF output from a cable-ready receiver and automatically provides a descrambled audio/video signal back to the receiver for output to the subscriber. When the receiver is tuned to a CATV channel which provides signals in a scrambled format, the decoder detects the scrambled signal, determines whether the subscriber is authorized to view the selected program, and descrambles the signal to provide a descrambled output signal to the receiver. The receiver detects the audio/visual output from the decoder and automatically outputs the audio/visual information to the subscriber.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 6169584Abstract: The depth of modulation and the absolute RF carrier level of an amplitude-modulated video signal are automatically adjusted. For adjustment of the depth of modulation, a sync tip of the video signal is sampled, corrected and normalized to a reference level, e.g., a 50% video level. A reference pulse is inserted into the video signal, e.g., in a sync pulse or in lines 22 and/or 23 of the vertical blanking interval. The reference pulse is sampled and compared to the normalized sync tip pulse to determine an error. The error is converted to an adjustment signal for a charge pump which increases or decreases the depth of modulation accordingly. For adjustment of the absolute carrier level, the insertion of a reference pulse is not required. Instead, a reference value is stored in a memory and retrieved for comparison with the corrected sync tip pulse. An error term is computed and converted to an adjustment signal for a charge pump which increases or decreases the absolute carrier level accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignees: Motorola, Inc., General Instrument CorporationInventors: Joseph B. Glaab, Alfred W. Stufflet
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Patent number: 5862219Abstract: A setback decoder monitors the IF output from a cable-ready receiver and automatically provides a descrambled audio/video signal back to the receiver for output to the subscriber. When the receiver is tuned to a CATV channel which provides signals in a scrambled format, the decoder detects the scrambled signal, determines whether the subscriber is authorized to view the selected program, and descrambles the signal to provide a descrambled output signal to the receiver. The receiver detects the audio/visual output from the decoder and automatically outputs the audio/visual information to the subscriber.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 5257124Abstract: An information signal modulates a first optical carrier. The information signal is inverted to modulate a second optical carrier. The modulated first and second optical carriers are multiplexed into a single optical signal for communication over an optical fiber path. At a receiver, the optical signal is demultiplexed to recover the information signal and the inverted information signal. The recovered signals are combined to provide the information signal in the electrical domain with reduced distortion. A dual-detector balanced optical diode pair can be used to combine the recovered information and inverted information signals and provide an analog RF output. The apparatus is particularly suitable for the transmission of AM-VSB television signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventors: Joseph B. Glaab, David R. Huber
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Patent number: 5212579Abstract: A block of amplitude modulated television channel signals frequency modulates an optical communication path. In one embodiment, the AM modulated channel signals FM modulate an RF subcarrier which, in turn, is used to intensity modulate an optical carrier for transmission. Frequency modulation of the RF subcarrier by the amplitude modulated channel signals is advantageously performed at microwave frequencies. The FM modulated subcarrier signal is then converted down to a frequency range compatible with transmitter and receiver components used in the system. The frequency modulation and conversion can be performed by a pair of voltage controlled oscillators coupled in a push-pull mode of operation. The outputs of the oscillators are combined in a double balanced mixer to down convert the FM signal spectrum. In another embodiment, the optical frequency of an optical carrier is FM modulated by the block of AM signals. Receivers for the FM modulated band of AM channel signals are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventors: David R. Huber, Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 5109441Abstract: An improved external optical modulator provides reduced noise and distortion. An optical carrier to be modulated is split into a plurality of portions. A first portion of the carrier is modulated with an information signal. A second portion of the carrier is processed to provide an attenuating signal. The modulated carrier portion is combined with the attenuating signal to provide an attenuated optical carrier having improved apparent percentage modulation. In a preferred embodiment, the first carrier portion comprises a substantially greater amount of optical carrier power than the second carrier portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1991Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 4739510Abstract: Audio and control signals are digitized and inserted in the horizontal blanking intervals of the distributed composite television signal. The control signals are in the form of a data stream which includes a header containing group address, sync, and program-related information applicable to all receiving units, and a plurality of portions which are addressable to and contain information applicable to the control of particular individual receiving units in the addressed group. The information in the addressable portions can be altered on a real time basis such that the system operator has direct control over certain functions of individual receiving units from the transmission end.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1987Date of Patent: April 19, 1988Assignee: General Instrument Corp.Inventors: John M. Jeffers, Donald R. Horne, S. Wayne Mundy, Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 4562465Abstract: A television signal is scrambled by suppressing horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals while leaving unsuppressed a reference level during a selected reference interval. Descrambling of the received scrambled signal is achieved by comparing the unsuppressed reference level with the suppressed synchronizing signals and by adding a level representative of that comparison to the suppressed synchronizing signals, thereby to restore the latter to their proper levels.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1983Date of Patent: December 31, 1985Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 4546387Abstract: A circuit for producing two carrier frequencies (e.g. video and audio) spaced by an accurately controlled, predetermined frequency includes a common reference oscillator connected in two phase-locked loops. Each of the phase-locked loops includes a voltage-controlled oscillator adapted to produce an output signal at one of the carrier frequencies, and a phase detector for comparing a different predetermined fraction of the outputs of the voltage-controlled oscillators in each of the loops with a predetermined fraction of the output frequency of the reference oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1982Date of Patent: October 8, 1985Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Joseph B. Glaab
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Patent number: 4312016Abstract: Switching apparatus for selectively applying either video game signals or conventional television program signals to a television receiver includes a pair of complementary filters to respectively pass and block the transmission of signals within a selected game-display channel. A switch may be selectively placed in either a game-playing mode or a program-receiving mode. In the latter mode the switch connects an input cable to the receiver. Correspondingly, when used for video games, the switch passes the incoming cable signal through one of the filters to a video game-playing adaptor and player which, in turn, are connected back to the receiver through the other of the filters.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1979Date of Patent: January 19, 1982Assignee: Jerrold Electronics CorporationInventors: Joseph B. Glaab, Michael F. Jeffers