Patents by Inventor Robert Alan Pitsch
Robert Alan Pitsch 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: 20150117583Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced nuclear fusion reaction within a plasma by using voltage differential acceleration to raise its temperature and mechanically spinning the fusion containment utilizing centripetal force to concentrate ions density within a region by increasing the gravity in this region. Direct energy pickup from the fusion plasma, direct energy pickup to arc a chamber to produce a magnetic field for pick up with ferrite coil assemblies around the arc chamber to create electricity, collect the heat from the fusion containment to drive a turbine, heat engine or other heat suitable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Robert Alan Pitsch
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Patent number: 8737537Abstract: A system for processing signal communications between a frequency translation module and an integrated receiver decoder. According to an exemplary embodiment, the decoder and the frequency translation module comprise a signal processing apparatus comprising an input for receiving an frequency shift keyed modulated signal, an amplifier having negative feedback coupled to said input, wherein said input is further coupled to a first source of reference potential and a second source of reference potential; and a tank circuit coupled between said differential amplifier and an output.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: Robert Alan Pitsch
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Patent number: 8093942Abstract: An architecture for processing signal communications between a frequency translation module and an integrated receiver decoder. According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal processing apparatus comprises a demodulator for generating a first signal responsive to an FSK signal, said first signal comprising a varying amplitude and a clamping means for generating a second signal, wherein said second signal has a first value when the amplitude of the first signal is above a predetermined value, and wherein said second signal has a second value when the amplitude is below a second predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, George Luis Irizarry, John Alan Longardner
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Publication number: 20100172441Abstract: A system for processing signal communications between a frequency translation module and an integrated receiver decoder. According to an exemplary embodiment, the decoder and the frequency translation module comprise a signal processing apparatus comprising an input for receiving an frequency shift keyed modulated signal, an amplifier having negative feedback coupled to said input, wherein said input is further coupled to a first source of reference potential and a second source of reference potential; and a tank circuit coupled between said differential amplifier and an output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2007Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventor: Robert Alan Pitsch
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Publication number: 20100171550Abstract: An architecture for processing signal communications between a frequency translation module and an integrated receiver decoder. According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal processing apparatus comprises a demodulator for generating a first signal responsive to an FSK signal, said first signal comprising a varying amplitude and a clamping means for generating a second signal, wherein said second signal has a first value when the amplitude of the first signal is above a predetermined value, and wherein said second signal has a second value when the amplitude is below a second predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, George Luis Irizarry, John Alan Longardner
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Patent number: 7738039Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for setting a frequency reference in an integrated receiver decoder (IRD). More specifically, the present invention discloses an electrical circuit arrangement in which the voltage controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) is set to oscillate at the desired frequency prior to the initial use thereof and that frequency is stored in a non-volatile memory unit. Upon initial use, the IRD receives a data signal corresponding to a frequency reference. The IRD uses a threshold value to compare the frequency reference of the incoming data signal with the frequency stored in the non-volatile memory. If the frequencies differ by a predetermined value, the frequency from the incoming data signal is stored in the non-volatile memory and is used to set the VCXO.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: George Andrew Sirilla, Robert Alan Pitsch
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Patent number: 7719253Abstract: The present invention relates to system diagnostic circuitry for antenna systems with active antenna components. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus comprising a connection between an antenna and a power supply conducting a first DC voltage, a source of a pulse width modulated signal, a lowpass filter for converting the pulse width modulated signal to a second DC voltage, and a comparator for comparing the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage and generating an output signal responsive to the difference between the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: John James Fitzpatrick, Robert Warren Schmidt, Robert Alan Pitsch, John Joseph Curtis, III
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Publication number: 20090058397Abstract: The present invention relates to system diagnostic circuitry for antenna systems with active antenna components. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus comprising a connection between an antenna and a power supply conducting a first DC voltage, a source of a pulse width modulated signal, a lowpass filter for converting the pulse width modulated signal to a second DC voltage, and a comparator for comparing the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage and generating an output signal responsive to the difference between the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2004Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING S.A.Inventors: John James Fitzpatrick, Robert Warren Schmidt, Robert Alan Pitsch, John Joseph Curtis, III
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Patent number: 7360077Abstract: Hacking of a class of Set-Top Boxes known as Integrated Receiver-Decoders (IRDs) used to receive satellite broadcasts for display on television sets is prevented by use of connections to the reprogramming enable pin of a flash memory. If a user attempts to reprogram the boot sector of the flash memory in order to obtain free service via privacy, the set-top box is destroyed. The invention relates to the design and manufacture of IRDs that are resistant to hacking via unauthorized reprogramming.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, John Joseph Curtis, III
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Patent number: 6996389Abstract: A power supply for a satellite receiver system includes a dual input supply voltage arrangement. When a higher output voltage is selected, a source of a lower supply input voltage is coupled to an input main current conducting terminal of a series pass transistor. On the other hand, when a lower output voltage is selected, a source of a lower supply input voltage is coupled to the input main current conducting terminal of the series pass transistor. A comparator senses a magnitude of an output voltage produced by the series pass transistor. When, as a result of an over current condition, the output voltage is lower than a reference threshold level, any selection of the higher output voltage is automatically overridden and the source of the lower supply input voltage, instead, is coupled to the input main current conducting terminal of the series pass transistor.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: John James Fitzpatrick, Suresh Vishwanatm Leley, Andrew Eric Bowyer, John Joseph Curtis, III, Robert Alan Pitsch
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Publication number: 20030086560Abstract: An electrical static discharge (ESD) protection circuit that protects a modem or electronic equipment employing the modem from lockup or malfunction caused by ESD at the secondary winding of a modem transformer as ESD passes from an RJ-11 interface to the transformer. The ESD protection circuit comprises two zener diodes to detect ESD passing through the secondary winding, wherein a ground leg is coupled to a chassis ground and to a ground plane of a PC board via a low impedance connection to the at least one coupling for grounding one side of the zener diodes to divert the detected ESD to the chassis ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, Raymond Saksa
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Patent number: 6442255Abstract: A subscriber callback modem, includes a source of callback data. A modem is coupled to a subscriber telephone line, and a control circuit is coupled between the data source and the modem, for conditioning the modem to automatically call a central computer and transfer the callback data from the data source to the central computer.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, Suresh Vishwanath Leley, Michael Gene Kelly
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Patent number: 6384946Abstract: An electronic system including a connector for an external device such as an infrared receiver includes a signal processor, responsive to the infrared receiver and an electrical isolation device such as an optocoupler, coupled between the connector and the signal processor. Such a system can further include electromagnetic interference suppression circuitry such as a ferrite bead, capacitors coupled to the earth potential, coupled between the connector and the optocoupler. Such a system can also further include electrostatic discharge suppression circuitry resistors coupled between the connector and the optocoupler.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, Nancy Dawn Boettner, John Palmer Manning, Carlton Jethro Simmons, Jr., Albert Louis Doyle
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Patent number: 6164550Abstract: A circuit in a smart card reader to detect when a variation in a power supply provided to a smart card has occurred, indicating a possible fault in the smart card. As an example, the circuit detects this variation by determining when the power supply has dropped below a reference voltage. If this happens, the circuit will modify the smart card control signals, for example, by clamping them at or near ground potential, thereby preventing any possible damage to either the smart card or the smart card reader.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventor: Robert Alan Pitsch
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Patent number: 6163447Abstract: A circuit for protecting telephone/modem equipment from damage, includes a source of a subscriber telephone signal. An energy transfer device is coupled to the subscriber telephone signal source and an inductor coupled between the energy transfer device and the telephone/modem equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, Charles Edward West
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Patent number: 6134321Abstract: A telephone line monitoring circuit uses an optoisolator to convert the telephone line current to a voltage which is applied to the input of an AID converter. The A/D values are coarse values representing telephone line current. The A/D is sampled at a predetermined interval to identify changes introduced by the telephone company central office, and to take those changes into account when deciding if an extension telephone has gone off-hook. When a customer causes an extension telephone to go off-hook, the line current divides between the extension telephone and the IRD modem, and such change is detected.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Thomas Licensing S.A.Inventor: Robert Alan Pitsch
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Patent number: 5859906Abstract: A switch hook interface circuit couples a subscriber telephone to a subscriber telephone line. This interface circuit comprises a source of an off-hook signal, having one state indicating an off-hook condition, and a second state indicating an on-hook condition. A circuit is coupled between the off-hook signal source and the subscriber telephone line which gradually increases the current drawn from the subscriber telephone line when the off-hook signal indicates an off-hook condition, and gradually decreases the current drawn from the subscriber telephone line when the off-hook signal indicates an on-hook condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Robert Alan Pitsch, James Edwin Hailey
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Patent number: 5852377Abstract: An eletronic system includes a power supply providing an operating voltage, and a reset circuit. The reset circuit includes a voltage sensing circuit, coupled to the power supply, for generating a control signal when the operating voltage drops below a predetermined voltage. A control circuit generates a rest signal in response to the control signal. Further circuitry provides power to the control circuit, independently of the power supply, when the operating voltage drops below the predetermined voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Alan Pitsch