Patents by Inventor Nathan B. Zerbe

Nathan B. Zerbe 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).

  • Patent number: 8997157
    Abstract: An audio/video network system for distributing satellite broadcast services includes an antenna unit for receiving audio/video broadcast services. The antenna unit is in communication with a master receiver, which receives the audio/video broadcast services and displays them on a first television associated with the master receiver. The master receiver is in communication with a plurality of slave clients, which receive audio/video broadcast services from the master receiver and display them on a respective television associated with each of the slave clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harish N. Patel, Daniel A. Lotocky, Nathan B. Zerbe, Thomas H. James
  • Patent number: 8732770
    Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Nathan B. Zerbe
  • Publication number: 20110231881
    Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Nathan B. Zerbe
  • Patent number: 7954127
    Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Nathan B. Zerbe
  • Patent number: 6985530
    Abstract: An integrated receiver decoder is provided for allowing simultaneous transmission of compressed and uncompressed signals for an audio/video program. The integrated receiver decoder includes a demodulator for receiving a modulated carrier signal and extracting a baseband signal therefrom. The demodulator transmits the baseband signal to a demultiplexor. The demultiplexor extracts a selected compressed signal from the baseband signal. The demultiplexor then transmits the selected compressed signal to a compression decoder for converting the selected compressed signal into a selected uncompressed signal. The compression decoder then transmits the selected uncompressed signal to a graphics overlay device for blending the selected uncompressed signal with user interface graphics. Thereafter, a digital transport device combines the selected compressed signals with a blended uncompressed signal so as to produce a multiplexed signal for transmission through a universal interface output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan B. Zerbe
  • Publication number: 20040060065
    Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Nathan B. Zerbe
  • Patent number: 5903237
    Abstract: A method and system for pointing a receiver antenna is described herein. The method includes providing an indicator, receiving a signal at the antenna over a series of positions throughout which the antenna is moved, measuring a signal strength of the signal at each position, and causing the indicator to emit an indication signal that reflects the signal strength at each position. The frequency of the indication signal preferably varies non-linearly to the signal strengths, and the difference between successive indication signal frequencies increases as said signal strength increases in order to allow an installer to more effectively perceive the variations in the frequency of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Crosby, Nathan B. Zerbe