Patents by Inventor Kenneth V. Buer
Kenneth V. Buer 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: 11515933Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 11482791Abstract: A phased array antenna includes an array of antenna element modules. Each of the array of antenna element modules includes a dielectric substrate having a lower surface and a radiating element. Each of the antenna element modules also includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip adhered to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate. The IC chip includes a circuit to adjust a signal communicated with the radiating element. The phased array antenna also includes a multi-layer substrate underlying the array of antenna element modules, the multi-layer substrate including a beam forming network (BFN) circuit formed on a layer of the multi-layer substrate and the BFN circuit is in electrical communication with the IC chip of each of the array of antenna element modules.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: VIASAT, INC.Inventors: Maria Carolina Vigano, Kenneth V. Buer, Douglas J. Mathews
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Patent number: 11418254Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin
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Publication number: 20220231757Abstract: The described features generally relate to receiving one or more positioning signals at a satellite terminal during installation of the satellite terminal at a customer premises, and providing position-based access to a satellite communications system based on a satellite terminal installation position determined from the received positioning signals. The determined installation position of the satellite terminal may then be employed for various network access techniques, such as providing access to the satellite communications system, providing position-based content, or restricting content via the satellite communications system based on the determined installation position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Clifford K. Burdick, David H. Irvine, Philip A. Lampe, Timothy J. Martin, Brian T. Sleight
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Patent number: 11374650Abstract: The described features generally relate to receiving one or more positioning signals at a satellite terminal during installation of the satellite terminal at a customer premises, and providing position-based access to a satellite communications system based on a satellite terminal installation position determined from the received positioning signals. The determined installation position of the satellite terminal may then be employed for various network access techniques, such as providing access to the satellite communications system, providing position-based content, or restricting content via the satellite communications system based on the determined installation position.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Clifford K. Burdick, David H. Irvine, Philip A. Lampe, Timothy J. Martin, Brian T. Sleight
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Publication number: 20220131562Abstract: Methods and devices for radio frequency (RF) loopback for transceivers are described. A transceiver for communicating RF signals with a target device may transmit signals at a transmit frequency and receive signals at a (different) receive frequency. The transceiver may include a waveguide diplexer for separating and combining signals based on frequency. The transceiver may be configured to couple a loopback signal from a common port of the waveguide diplexer; the loopback signal may be based on a transmit signal. The transceiver may include a loopback translator to translate the loopback signal from the transmit frequency to the receive frequency and provide the translated loopback signal to a receiver used for receiving signals from the target device. The receiver may compare the translated loopback signal with a representation of the transmit signal to generate a compensation signal. A transmitter may use the compensation signal to adjust subsequent transmit signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Ramanamurthy V. Darapu, Martin Gimersky, David E. Pettit, Bill T. Agar
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Patent number: 11258507Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin
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Patent number: 11258472Abstract: Methods and devices for radio frequency (RF) loopback for transceivers are described. A transceiver for communicating RF signals with a target device may transmit signals at a transmit frequency and receive signals at a (different) receive frequency. The transceiver may include a waveguide diplexer for separating and combining signals based on frequency. The transceiver may be configured to couple a loopback signal from a common port of the waveguide diplexer; the loopback signal may be based on a transmit signal. The transceiver may include a loopback translator to translate the loopback signal from the transmit frequency to the receive frequency and provide the translated loopback signal to a receiver used for receiving signals from the target device. The receiver may compare the translated loopback signal with a representation of the transmit signal to generate a compensation signal. A transmitter may use the compensation signal to adjust subsequent transmit signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: VIASAT, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Ramanamurthy V. Darapu, Martin Gimersky, David E. Pettit, Bill T. Agar
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Publication number: 20220038175Abstract: The described features generally relate to determining dynamic signal quality criteria for an installation of satellite terminals for communications in a satellite communications system. In particular, the signal quality criteria for an installation may be based on an identified position of the satellite terminal to be installed, and in some examples based on the positions and signal characteristics of neighboring satellite terminals that have already been installed. In some examples, a signal quality map may be generated for a service beam coverage area, based on predetermined transmission characteristics and/or measured transmissions from a number of satellite terminals served by a communications satellite. The generated signal quality map may then be used to determine a signal quality threshold for the installation of a satellite terminal being installed for communications in a satellite communications system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Clifford K. Burdick, Ian A. Cleary, Ramanamurthy V. Darapu, David H. Irvine, Philip A. Lampe
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Publication number: 20210384965Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
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Publication number: 20210384966Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 11171716Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 11109245Abstract: The described features generally relate to determining dynamic signal quality criteria for an installation of satellite terminals for communications in a satellite communications system. In particular, the signal quality criteria for an installation may be based on an identified position of the satellite terminal to be installed, and in some examples based on the positions and signal characteristics of neighboring satellite terminals that have already been installed. In some examples, a signal quality map may be generated for a service beam coverage area, based on predetermined transmission characteristics and/or measured transmissions from a number of satellite terminals served by a communications satellite. The generated signal quality map may then be used to determine a signal quality threshold for the installation of a satellite terminal being installed for communications in a satellite communications system.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Clifford K. Burdick, Ian A. Cleary, Ramanamurthy V. Darapu, David H. Irvine, Philip A. Lampe
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Patent number: 11101877Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
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Patent number: 11095363Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin
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Publication number: 20210184366Abstract: A phased array antenna includes an array of antenna element modules. Each of the array of antenna element modules includes a dielectric substrate having a lower surface and a radiating element. Each of the antenna element modules also includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip adhered to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate. The IC chip includes a circuit to adjust a signal communicated with the radiating element. The phased array antenna also includes a multi-layer substrate underlying the array of antenna element modules, the multi-layer substrate including a beam forming network (BFN) circuit formed on a layer of the multi-layer substrate and the BFN circuit is in electrical communication with the IC chip of each of the array of antenna element modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: MARIA CAROLINA VIGANO, KENNETH V. BUER, DOUGLAS J. MATHEWS
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Patent number: 11018757Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 11018756Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: VIASAT, INC.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 11018586Abstract: Circuits and methods for reducing the cost and/or power consumption of a user terminal and/or the gateway of a telecommunications system that may include a telecommunications satellite. Embodiments include “chained” feedback-regulated voltage supply circuits. These circuits substantially eliminate the need for separate regulator circuits for each regulated voltage. These circuits are designed to automatically maintain a substantially constant first voltage at a first node for a first load and maintain a substantially constant second voltage at a second node for a second load. Some disclosed configurations of these circuits may be useful to achieve greater current capability at the same voltage without requiring larger switches and higher inductor and capacitor sizes that may be needed in a single (conventional) stage voltage supply circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: VIASAT, INC.Inventors: Branislav A Petrovic, Kenneth V Buer, Kenneth P Brewer, Steve L Kent, Sateh Jalaleddine
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Publication number: 20210152240Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2020Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin