Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Brady
Kenneth A. Brady 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: 8635654Abstract: A wireless communication system for a vehicle includes a seat or overhead video display unit, a control and audio unit that is associated with and located remotely with respect to the video display unit, a first wireless transceiver associated with the video display unit, a second wireless transceiver associated with the control and audio unit, where the first and second wireless transceivers are linked together for communication. The video display unit receives audiovisual content and splits audio content for transmission to the control unit. The control unit can similarly transmit control and selection information to the video display unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Paulo Correa, Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Gary Vanyek, V. Ian McClelland, Arnaud Heydler, Harmon F. Law
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Patent number: 8621527Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a plurality of seat electronic units (SEUs) that are daisy chained through a packet data network (PDN) loop to a content server containing media content. The SEU includes a power supply, a communication switch, a processor, a communication interface, and a power control circuit. The power supply supplies power to the communication switch, the processor, and the communication interface. The communication switch selectively routes packets containing media content through the processor and the communication interface to the video display unit, or through a segment of the PDN loop to a downstream electronic unit. The power control circuit responds to the power supply supplying less than a threshold level of power by supplying power to the communication switch from the segment of the PDN loop connected to the upstream electronic unit and/or the downstream electronic unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Yves Couleaud, Kenneth A. Brady, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130298173Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a plurality of seat electronic units (SEUs) that are daisy chained through a packet data network (PDN) loop to a content server containing media content. The SEU includes a power supply, a communication switch, a processor, a communication interface, and a power control circuit. The power supply supplies power to the communication switch, the processor, and the communication interface. The communication switch selectively routes packets containing media content through the processor and the communication interface to the video display unit, or through a segment of the PDN loop to a downstream electronic unit. The power control circuit responds to the power supply supplying less than a threshold level of power by supplying power to the communication switch from the segment of the PDN loop connected to the upstream electronic unit and/or the downstream electronic unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Jean-Yves Couleaud, Kenneth A. Brady, JR.
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Patent number: 8345663Abstract: In one aspect, cabin interphone handsets and passenger announcement speakers in the cabin of a vehicle communicate over an internet protocol data network. Each handset of the system has an internet protocol presence and each passenger announcement speaker of the system has an internet protocol presence. Each handset includes announcement and call management functions so that each handset can communicate with one or more handsets over the network as well as make passenger announcements via one or more passenger announcement speakers. The call setup function and PA function may utilize voice over internet protocol. In another aspect, methods are provided for making interphone calls and passenger announcements using the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Gary Vanyek
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Publication number: 20120298737Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture to provide passenger preference data to in-flight entertainment systems are disclosed. A disclosed example airline passenger seat includes an optical device to optically scan a barcode presented by a passenger associated with the airline passenger seat, the barcode generated by the passenger and including a representation of passenger preference data, a display device to enable the passenger to review the passenger preference data, and a communication module to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Chetan Yogendra Thakar, Christopher K. Mondragon, Kenneth A. Brady, JR.
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Patent number: 8116797Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transferring content to and from a vehicle, in particular, an aircraft. The content includes, for example, data, voice, video and multimedia, that can be wirelessly exchanged over a wireless communication link between an aircraft and a ground station while the aircraft is at or near a parking gate, or between aircraft. In an example, the system employs long distance metropolitan area technology, such as IEEE Standard 802.16 wireless technology, to increase transfer range. The parameter of the wireless communication link can be adjusted based on, for example, the location of the link. The content can further be provided between the vehicle and ground station based on priorities, such as the available link speed, importance of the information, and/or anticipated connection time between the vehicle and ground station. A media creation center can be networked to a plurality of base stations.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignees: Thales Avionics, Inc., Proximetry, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Dan Reed, Bradley Foreman, Wladyslaw Jan Buga, Tracy Raymond Trent
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Patent number: 8082569Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system with hand-out terminals is described. An embodiment of the invention comprises a server having digital content, which is communicatively linked to a communications network, a connector located proximate to each passenger seat of an aircraft, each connector being communicatively linked to the network, and hand-out terminals. Each hand-out terminal is configured to be coupled to one of the connectors to permit a passenger at the seat to which the connector is proximate to access the digital content.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Dan Reed, Mark Thompson, Bradley Foreman
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Patent number: 8059043Abstract: An antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The antenna assembly includes at least one window mounted antenna for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The window mounted antenna includes a panel that is transparent to visible light and has at least one antenna element, which can be etched onto the panel. The panel can attach to the interior window of the aircraft, or to an inner surface of the inner pressure window of the aircraft, or can replace the interior window, so as to position the antenna element in a side-looking direction with respect to the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., George Treneer
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Patent number: 8027560Abstract: A system and method for providing a digital In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, that is capable of presenting a video program and associated audio in a synchronized manner to a large number of individual video monitors and speakers. The system and method employ processing operations in at least one decoder of the IFE system, to perform operations such as adjusting a local clock based on a master clock, setting a delay time in relation to a master clock, and adjusting video and audio playback based on the delay, to substantially synchronize playback of the audio and video data by the audio and video players, to thus eliminate or at least minimize the negative effects of source and load based jitter, network delays, clock drifts, network errors and decoder buffering differences, on synchronizing video and audio playback.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Lyle K. Norton, George Treneer
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Publication number: 20110189863Abstract: A break-away electrical connection for a passenger audio, audio/video, or data interface in an in-flight entertainment system comprises a magnetic retainer in either or both of a plug and receptacle and an asymmetric mechanical guide for proper alignment of signal polarity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey S. Sare, Kenneth A. Brady, JR.
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Publication number: 20110028178Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transferring content to and from a vehicle, in particular, an aircraft. The content includes, for example, data, voice, video and multimedia, that can be wirelessly exchanged over a wireless communication link between an aircraft and a ground station while the aircraft is at or near a parking gate, or between aircraft. In an example, the system employs long distance metropolitan area technology, such as IEEE Standard 802.16 wireless technology, to increase transfer range. The parameter of the wireless communication link can be adjusted based on, for example, the location of the link. The content can further be provided between the vehicle and ground station based on priorities, such as the available link speed, importance of the information, and/or anticipated connection time between the vehicle and ground station. A media creation center can be networked to a plurality of base stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, JR., Dan Reed, Bradley Foreman
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Patent number: 7836472Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system is shown wherein digital content servers are interconnected with network servers such that the content servers can communicate with one another and with a portable data loader. The loader stores digital content files that are to be downloaded to the content servers. A script downloaded to each content server is executed by the server to download some of the files from the portable data loader and cross-load other files from other content servers. Alternatively, a content inventory list is downloaded to each content server that indicates which content server is to download each content file and which content servers are to receive the content file. Each content server parses the list to identify files for which it is the download server, request download of those files, identify other files that it should have and request cross-load of those files from other content servers.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Andrew W. Weimholt, Jason Kyong-min Yi
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Patent number: 7725569Abstract: A method and system are provided for updating software configurations of line-replaceable unit (LRU) computers in a restricted architecture network such as an in-flight entertainment system (IFES). Operating in an efficient and parallel manner, each of the LRUs independently creates an individual configuration file that identifies current software components. Each of the LRUs transmits its respective configuration file to a configuration server either automatically upon startup or manually upon request. The configuration server updates a system configuration data file with the current configuration files received from the individual LRUs. In a downloading method, a download server sends a list of desired software components to the LRUs. Each of the LRUs independently and simultaneously transfer (download) the needed software from the download server. The LRU independently requests the download server to download the needed software components. The file transfers utilize standard protocols, such as FTP.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Jason Kyong-min Yi, Andrew W. Weimholt, Jyh-Fong Tsaur, Lyle K. Norton
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Publication number: 20100066616Abstract: An antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The antenna assembly includes at least one window mounted antenna for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The window mounted antenna includes a panel that is transparent to visible light and has at least one antenna element, which can be etched onto the panel. The panel can attach to the interior window of the aircraft, or to an inner surface of the inner pressure window of the aircraft, or can replace the interior window, so as to position the antenna element in a side-looking direction with respect to the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: THALES AVIONICS, INC.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, JR., George Treneer
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Patent number: 7642974Abstract: An antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The antenna assembly includes at least one window mounted antenna for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The window mounted antenna includes a panel that is transparent to visible light and has at least one antenna element, which can be etched onto the panel. The panel can attach to the interior window of the aircraft, or to an inner surface of the inner pressure window of the aircraft, or can replace the interior window, so as to position the antenna element in a side-looking direction with respect to the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., George Treneer
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Patent number: 7487938Abstract: A system and method utilizing Internet Protocol (IP) sequencing to identify components of a passenger flight information system (PFIS). More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method which assigns an IP address to each line replaceable unit (LRU), such as a seat electronics box (SEB) or other seat components of a PFIS, so that the components can be readily identified by the PFIS when communication is to occur between the components and, for example, a head end unit of the PFIS. Once the IP sequencing process has been performed, the PFIS can be used to provide services to the passengers, such as audio and video entertainment. Such entertainment can be set in accordance with an auto-scripting process in which the flight crew can select the theme for the flight.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Jason Kyong-min Yi
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Patent number: 7486960Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transferring content to and from a vehicle, in particular, an aircraft. The content includes, for example, data, voice, video and multimedia, that can be wirelessly exchanged over a wireless communication link between an aircraft and a ground station while the aircraft is at or near a parking gate, or between aircraft. In an example, the system employs long distance metropolitan area technology, such as IEEE Standard 802.16 wireless technology, to increase transfer range. The parameter of the wireless communication link can be adjusted based on, for example, the location of the link. The content can further be provided between the vehicle and ground station based on priorities, such as the available link speed, importance of the information, and/or anticipated connection time between the vehicle and ground station.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, Jr., Dan Reed, Bradley Foreman
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Publication number: 20090007194Abstract: A system and method permit remote recovery of audio from audiovisual or multimedia content for a video display unit. Audio is recovered from the audiovisual content sent to a first network address and is packetized for transmission over a network that may utilized an existing wiring infrastructure that provides audio and video-on-demand content to a second network address. The audio packets are reassembled by hardware associated with the second network address and analog audio created from the audio packets is provided at an output to an audio device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, JR., Gary E. Vanyek, V. Ian McClelland, Arnaud Heydler, Harmon F. Law
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Publication number: 20090007193Abstract: A wireless communication system for a vehicle includes a seat or overhead video display unit, a control and audio unit that is associated with and located remotely with respect to the video display unit, a first wireless transceiver associated with the video display unit, a second wireless transceiver associated with the control and audio unit, where the first and second wireless transceivers are linked together for communication. The video display unit receives audiovisual content and splits audio content for transmission to the control unit. The control unit can similarly transmit control and selection information to the video display unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Paulo Correa, Kenneth A. Brady, JR., Gary E. Vanyek, V. Ian McClelland, Arnaud Heydler, Harmon F. Law
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Publication number: 20080310609Abstract: In one aspect, cabin interphone handsets and passenger announcement speakers in the cabin of a vehicle communicate over an internet protocol data network. Each handset of the system has an internet protocol presence and each passenger announcement speaker of the system has an internet protocol presence. Each handset includes announcement and call management functions so that each handset can communicate with one or more handsets over the network as well as make passenger announcements via one or more passenger announcement speakers. The call setup function and PA function may utilize voice over internet protocol. In another aspect, methods are provided for making interphone calls and passenger announcements using the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: Thales Avionics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Brady, JR., Gary Vanyek