Patents by Inventor Michael D. Gotwals

Michael D. Gotwals 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).

  • Publication number: 20240291746
    Abstract: A multi-job, multi-job, multi-technician test process automation system is provided. The test process automation system allows a supervisory user to define and assign multiple jobs, where each job may include multiple tests. The jobs may be assigned to different technicians and or different testing devices. Once the tests are performed, the test process automation system may determine whether the test were performed properly. The test process automation system may further determine whether the testing devices have required configuration parameters and may additionally generate reports and business intelligence. The test automation system may be applied to any kind of modern network, including but not limited to, 5G, PON, cable, DSL, transport, and or any other type of network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Viavi Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. GOTWALS, Walter L. MILLER
  • Patent number: 11456899
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for implementing pre-equalization equalizer tap analysis and correlation in a DOCSIS 3.1 network environment. The disclosed principles improve the pre-equalization analysis in the DOCSIS 3.1 environment by filtering out short distance reflections, which is required for the proper grouping and correlation of modems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Gotwals
  • Publication number: 20210351962
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for implementing pre-equalization equalizer tap analysis and correlation in a DOCSIS 3.1 network environment. The disclosed principles improve the pre-equalization analysis in the DOCSIS 3.1 environment by filtering out short distance reflections, which is required for the proper grouping and correlation of modems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. GOTWALS
  • Patent number: 10958485
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for implementing pre-equalization equalizer tap analysis and correlation in a DOCSIS 3.1 network environment. The disclosed principles improve the pre-equalization analysis in the DOCSIS 3.1 environment by filtering out short distance reflections, which is required for the proper grouping and correlation of modems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Gotwals
  • Patent number: 10873522
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Gotwals, David W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20190075038
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. GOTWALS, David W. JONES
  • Patent number: 10063454
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Gotwals, David W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20160380871
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Gotwals, David W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9450686
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Gotwals, David W. Jones
  • Patent number: 8963689
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of RFID technology to identify specific cables in a bundle, and in particular to a cable identification device in which RFID devices are connected to the far end of a plurality of cables and splitters, and an RF measurement device is used to identify each cable from the central location. The RF measurement device provides the AC RF electrical signal power required to pass through the at least one AC couple splitter to operate the plurality of RFID devices, and includes means to identify the unique identification numbers associated with the plurality of coaxial cables from the plurality of identification signals received simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Gotwals
  • Publication number: 20130003565
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Acterna LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Gotwals, David W. Jones
  • Patent number: 7949039
    Abstract: A home network testing device includes an input port with any one or more of a variety of different connectors for receiving different types of communication cables, e.g. coaxial cable, telephone cable, and electrical cable; and a testing apparatus section with a variety of different testing apparatuses for testing for the presence of different forms of home networks, e.g. MoCA, HomePlug, and HPNA. The present invention uses discrete components to analyze the physical layer in the time domain, looking for a specifically timed RF power pulse that is characteristic of and different in each of the network protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Acterna LLC
    Inventors: Walter Miller, Michael D. Gotwals, Robert J. Flask
  • Publication number: 20100087086
    Abstract: When connecting cable test equipment to standard F-connector style coax cables, a technician must use both hands to screw the cable under test into the test equipment or a test lead. In ideal conditions without gloves this is a rather simple task; however, a technician may have to repeat the procedure many times throughout a work day in extreme weather conditions, resulting in the technician having to repeatedly remove their gloves and expose their hands to the cold. A coaxial cable clip connector according to the present invention includes a smooth threadless connector, which fits into the cable under test, and an easily actuated clip, which fits over the coaxial cable connector housing to maintain a solid mechanical and electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ACTERNA LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. GOTWALS
  • Patent number: 7589535
    Abstract: A system for identifying elements in a cable network utilizing frequency domain reflectometry includes initial filtering stages to remove noise, second and third harmonics and side lobes, and subsequent identification stages to identify and display various elements, e.g. splitters, barrels and opens, in the cable network and their relative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Acterna LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Gotwals, Robert J. Flask, Walter Miller
  • Publication number: 20090022067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of RFID technology to identify specific cables in a bundle, and in particular to a cable identification device in which RFID devices are connected to the far end of a plurality of cables and splitters, and an RF measurement device is used to identify each cable from the central location. The RF measurement device provides the AC RF electrical signal power required to pass through the at least one AC couple splitter to operate the plurality of RFID devices, and includes means to identify the unique identification numbers associated with the plurality of coaxial cables from the plurality of identification signals received simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: ACTERNA LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Gotwals