Patents by Inventor Mark J. Miller
Mark J. Miller 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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Publication number: 20250219724Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting more flexible coverage areas and spatial capacity assignments using satellite communications systems are disclosed. A hub-spoke, bent-pipe satellite communications system includes: terminals; gateways; a controller for specifying data for controlling satellite operations in accordance with a frame definition including timeslots for a frame and defining an allocation of capacity between forward and return traffic; and a satellite including: pathways; at least one LNA, an output of which is for coupling to a pathway and to amplify uplink beam signals in accordance with the allocation; and at least one HPA, an input of which is for coupling to the pathway and to amplify downlink beam signals in accordance with the allocation, and wherein the frame definition specifies at least one pathway as a forward pathway for at least one timeslot and as a return pathway for at least one other timeslot in the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2025Publication date: July 3, 2025Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Charles N. Pateros
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Publication number: 20250167881Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting more flexible coverage areas and spatial capacity assignments using satellite communications systems are disclosed. A hub-spoke, bent-pipe satellite communications system includes: terminals; gateways; a controller for specifying data for controlling satellite operations in accordance with a frame definition including timeslots for a frame and defining an allocation of capacity between forward and return traffic. The satellite communications system may employ a satellite with a feed array assembly and may use on-board beamforming or ground-based beamforming. Beam hopping within timeslots of the frame may be used to provide coverage to different cells in different time periods. The flexible coverage areas may be provided using changes in satellite position, antenna patterns, or beam resource allocations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2024Publication date: May 22, 2025Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Charles N. Pateros, Aaron J. Mendelsohn, Donald L. Runyon
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Publication number: 20250153609Abstract: A system and method for operating an electric vehicle having a low voltage battery includes waking-up a controller after a time threshold, determine a state of charge of the low voltage battery and, when the state of charge of the low voltage battery is less than a state of charge threshold, charging the low voltage battery from a solar panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2023Publication date: May 15, 2025Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Mala Sharma
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Publication number: 20250150168Abstract: Systems and methods are described for robust scheduling of beam switching patterns in satellite communications systems. Embodiments operate in context of a hub-spoke satellite communications architecture having a number of gateway terminals servicing large numbers of user terminals over a number of spot beams. The satellite includes switching subsystems that distribute capacity to the user beams from multiple of the gateway terminals in a shared manner according to a beam group switching pattern. The beam group switching pattern is robustly formulated to continue distributing capacity during gateway outages (e.g., when one or two gateway terminals are temporarily non-operational due to rain fade, equipment failure, etc.). For example, the beam group switching pattern can be formulated to minimize worst-case degradation of capacity across user beams, to prioritize certain beams or beam groups, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: John Hai O'Neill, Donald W. Becker, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 12284027Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting more flexible coverage areas and spatial capacity assignments using satellite communications systems are disclosed. A hub-spoke, bent-pipe satellite communications system includes: terminals; gateways; a controller for specifying data for controlling satellite operations in accordance with a frame definition including timeslots for a frame and defining an allocation of capacity between forward and return traffic; and a satellite including: pathways; at least one LNA, an output of which is for coupling to a pathway and to amplify uplink beam signals in accordance with the allocation; and at least one HPA, an input of which is for coupling to the pathway and to amplify downlink beam signals in accordance with the allocation, and wherein the frame definition specifies at least one pathway as a forward pathway for at least one timeslot and as a return pathway for at least one other timeslot in the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2024Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Charles N. Pateros
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Patent number: 12261679Abstract: 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 26, 2024Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
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Patent number: 12261680Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, an end-to-end beamforming system include a relay satellite and a ground network to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground network includes geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system (CPS). Beamformers of the ground network generate forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the satellite, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form forward user beams.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2024Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 12218743Abstract: Systems and methods are described for robust scheduling of beam switching patterns in satellite communications systems. Embodiments operate in context of a hub-spoke satellite communications architecture having a number of gateway terminals servicing large numbers of user terminals over a number of spot beams. The satellite includes switching subsystems that distribute capacity to the user beams from multiple of the gateway terminals in a shared manner according to a beam group switching pattern. The beam group switching pattern is robustly formulated to continue distributing capacity during gateway outages (e.g., when one or two gateway terminals are temporarily non-operational due to rain fade, equipment failure, etc.). For example, the beam group switching pattern can be formulated to minimize worst-case degradation of capacity across user beams, to prioritize certain beams or beam groups, etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: John Hai O'Neill, Donald W. Becker, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 12212401Abstract: 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: November 1, 2023Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Publication number: 20250003492Abstract: A park pawl motor override system and corresponding method of use includes utilizing a park pawl override tool to selectively engage and/or disengage a park pawl mechanism under certain vehicle conditions including loss of 12V power and/or loss of vehicle serial communication; disengaging a 12V power supply of the vehicle from a wiring harness; coupling the override tool to a vehicle breakout interface, where the vehicle includes a dedicated, direct communication and power connection between the breakout interface and the park pawl mechanism; coupling an off-vehicle 12V power supply to the override tool; and operating the override tool to provide power and control signals to the park pawl mechanism to control the park pawl mechanism to selectively move to a disengaged position and/or to an engaged position while the vehicle is under the loss of 12V power and/or loss of vehicle serial communication with the park pawl mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: January 2, 2025Inventor: Mark J Miller
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Publication number: 20240429998Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, an end-to-end beamforming system include a relay satellite and a ground network to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground network includes geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system (CPS). Beamformers of the ground network generate forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the satellite, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form forward user beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2024Publication date: December 26, 2024Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 12160305Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting more flexible coverage areas and spatial capacity assignments using satellite communications systems are disclosed. A hub-spoke, bent-pipe satellite communications system includes: terminals; gateways; a controller for specifying data for controlling satellite operations in accordance with a frame definition including timeslots for a frame and defining an allocation of capacity between forward and return traffic. The satellite communications system may employ a satellite with a feed array assembly and may use on-board beamforming or ground-based beamforming. Beam hopping within timeslots of the frame may be used to provide coverage to different cells in different time periods. The flexible coverage areas may be provided using changes in satellite position, antenna patterns, or beam resource allocations.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2023Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Charles N. Pateros, Aaron J. Mendelsohn, Donald L. Runyon
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Publication number: 20240350385Abstract: A cyanoacrylate polymer film-forming solution and treatment for inhibiting sweat and enhancing grip performance. The solution includes a polymer film-forming compound that, once formed into a film, dries the surface of the skin, blocks sweat pores to inhibit sweating without leaving a toxic byproduct or burdensome residue and enhances grip performance by reducing slippage and improving grip texture. The treatment includes a method of applying the cyanoacrylate polymer film-forming solution to the desired location, rubbing solution into a desired location, allowing the solution to dry, and repeating until desired effect is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2024Publication date: October 24, 2024Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Seonyoung Kim
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Publication number: 20240322900Abstract: 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: March 26, 2024Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L. Runyon
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Publication number: 20240283530Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting more flexible coverage areas and spatial capacity assignments using satellite communications systems are disclosed. A hub-spoke, bent-pipe satellite communications system includes: terminals; gateways; a controller for specifying data for controlling satellite operations in accordance with a frame definition including timeslots for a frame and defining an allocation of capacity between forward and return traffic; and a satellite including: pathways; at least one LNA, an output of which is for coupling to a pathway and to amplify uplink beam signals in accordance with the allocation; and at least one HPA, an input of which is for coupling to the pathway and to amplify downlink beam signals in accordance with the allocation, and wherein the frame definition specifies at least one pathway as a forward pathway for at least one timeslot and as a return pathway for at least one other timeslot in the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2024Publication date: August 22, 2024Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Charles N. Pateros
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Publication number: 20240259086Abstract: 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: November 1, 2023Publication date: August 1, 2024Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 12034521Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, an end-to-end beamforming system include a relay satellite and a ground network to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground network includes geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system (CPS). Beamformers of the ground network generate forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the satellite, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form forward user beams.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2023Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller
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Patent number: 11973572Abstract: 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 14, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller, Christopher J. Cronin, Mark D. Dankberg, Donald L Runyon
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Patent number: 11909508Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting more flexible coverage areas and spatial capacity assignments using satellite communications systems are disclosed. A hub-spoke, bent-pipe satellite communications system includes: terminals; gateways; a controller for specifying data for controlling satellite operations in accordance with a frame definition including timeslots for a frame and defining an allocation of capacity between forward and return traffic; and a satellite including: pathways; at least one LNA, an output of which is for coupling to a pathway and to amplify uplink beam signals in accordance with the allocation; and at least one HPA, an input of which is for coupling to the pathway and to amplify downlink beam signals in accordance with the allocation, and wherein the frame definition specifies at least one pathway as a forward pathway for at least one timeslot and as a return pathway for at least one other timeslot in the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Viasat, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Charles N. Pateros
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Patent number: 11843448Abstract: 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 14, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth V. Buer, Mark J. Miller