Network Component (e.g., Filter, Tap, Splitter, Amplifier, Repeater, Etc.) Patents (Class 725/149)
  • Patent number: 11641509
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an intelligent tap with dynamically configurable amplifier gain. The intelligent tap includes a filter configured to process a signal received from a service provider system via a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, an amplifier connected to the filter, the amplifier configured to apply a feedback controlled gain value to the signal to generate an output signal, where the feedback controlled gain value is based on a comparison of a target signal strength to a sampled output signal strength, and a signal strength measuring component connected to the amplifier in a feedback loop, the signal strength measuring component configured to sample the output signal, and compare a signal strength of a sampled output signal to the target signal strength to generate the feedback controlled gain value, where application of the feedback controlled gain value maintains the output signal at a constant amplitude pursuant to the target signal strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Charter Communications Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Cook
  • Patent number: 11570399
    Abstract: A tap includes an input configured to be connected to a line. The tap also includes a first signal conditioning circuit having a first signal conditioning effect on downstream signals, upstream signals, or both. The tap also includes a second signal conditioning circuit having a second signal conditioning effect on the downstream signals, the upstream signals, or both. The second signal condition effect is different than the first signal conditioning effect. The tap also includes one or more subscriber ports configured to be connected to a subscriber premises. The tap also includes a path-selection device connected to the input, the first signal conditioning circuit, and the second signal conditioning circuit. The path-selection device is configured to selectably route the downstream signals from the input, through the first and second signal conditioning circuits, to the one or more subscriber ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: PPC BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Jones, David A. Barany, André Martineau
  • Patent number: 11510076
    Abstract: RF signal amplifiers are provided that include an RF input port, one or more active RF output ports, one or more passive RF output ports, an active communication path, and a passive communication path. Various embodiments include one or more switching devices, one or more directional couplers, one or more diplexers, a power divider network, and/or an attenuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Robert R. Riggsby, Shi Man Li, Ming Yao Lee
  • Patent number: 11495191
    Abstract: A display device, an electronic system and a control method are disclosed. The display device includes a memory device. The memory device includes a memory array, an input/output logic circuit and a control logic circuit. The memory array includes a plurality of sub-arrays and each sub-array stores extended display identification data. The input/output logic circuit is configured to receive an identification data request from a host device and determine whether to perform an identification data access process according to the identification data request The control logic circuit is configured to read extended display identification data stored in a target sub-array of the plurality of sub-arrays of the memory array according to memory address information in response to determining to perform the identification data access process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Feng-Yuan Chen, Chou-Chieh Chang
  • Patent number: 11122339
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an intelligent tap with dynamically configurable amplifier gain. The intelligent tap includes a filter configured to process a signal received from a service provider system via a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, an amplifier connected to the filter, the amplifier configured to apply a feedback controlled gain value to the signal to generate an output signal, where the feedback controlled gain value is based on a comparison of a target signal strength to a sampled output signal strength, and a signal strength measuring component connected to the amplifier in a feedback loop, the signal strength measuring component configured to sample the output signal, and compare a signal strength of a sampled output signal to the target signal strength to generate the feedback controlled gain value, where application of the feedback controlled gain value maintains the output signal at a constant amplitude pursuant to the target signal strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Charter Communications Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Cook
  • Patent number: 11038250
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of ports, a directional coupler transformer and an impedance circuit. The directional coupler transformer may be configured to (i) receive a forward input signal from a first port of the plurality of ports, (ii) generate a coupled signal at a second port of the plurality of ports, (iii) generate a forward output signal and receive a return signal at a third port of the plurality of ports and (iv) generate an internal signal at an internal node. The impedance circuit may be directly connected to the internal node and configured to direct the internal signal to a signal ground to control an isolation between the forward input signal and the return input signal. The isolation is controlled by an impedance of the impedance circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: MiniRF, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph J. Menna
  • Patent number: 11015829
    Abstract: An electronic control module is provided. The electronic control module is operably connected to a power supply for providing power to a motor. The electronic control module includes an input device, a processor coupled to the input device, and first and second current supply lines. The processor is configured to generate a command signal in response to an input supplied by the input device and transmit the command signal to the motor. The command signal controls an operating point of the motor. The first and second current supply lines are operably connectable to the motor and the processor. At least one of the current supply lines, the input device and the processor are adapted to utilize the current supply lines both to transmit power to the motor and to transmit the command signal to the motor over the current supply lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Steven Mullin, Michael David Smith, Katie Da-Nelle Hamilton, Srinivas Chandu Kutcherlapati
  • Patent number: 10880516
    Abstract: A tap for a cable-television network includes a coupling device configured to receive downstream signals from a distribution line, to provide upstream signals to the distribution line, or both, a plurality of signal conditioning circuits each configured to apply a signal conditioning effect to the downstream signals, the upstream signals, or both, a path-selection device electrically connected to the coupling device and configured to selectably route signals to one or more of the plurality of signal conditioning circuits, and one or more subscriber ports configured to receive at least some of the signals that are selectably routed by the path-selection device, and configured to connect to one or more cables extending to a subscriber premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: PPC BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Jones, David A. Barany, André Martineau
  • Patent number: 10659170
    Abstract: There is provided an outdoor tap comprising an input and an output connectable to a signal path carrying electrical power and an RF signal, and a plurality of output ports connectable to users of a broadband network, wherein a power return path is provided between each output port and the input, the power return path selectively actuable to transmit electrical power from a user to power elements disposed in the signal path. A switch is disposed in the power return path, the switch selectively operable to activate the power return path. The switch is responsive to AC power from a user when a main electrical grid supply is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Technetix B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Ariesen
  • Patent number: 10306076
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, apparatus that includes a first port that receives a radio frequency signal input, a second port that provides a high-speed Internet connection and the radio frequency signal input and receives a power supply current, and a third port that receives the high-speed Internet connection and receives the power supply current and that the first port is isolated from the power supply current. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Tatem
  • Patent number: 10210906
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media described herein may facilitate the characterization of content segments based on a type of content, thus providing a user with the flexibility to: record only the scene types of interest to the user; playback only the scene types of interest to the user; search a media library, wherein the results of the search will include a list of only the content having scene types of interest to the user; browse available user selected scenes from clients; reposition content to user interested scene type during playback; and/or generate a detailed listing of the content based on the scene types. Scene change detection and scene type metadata may be used to identify scene boundaries within a piece of content and to characterize a scene based on a scene type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Jeethendra Poral, Virendra Singh, Murali S. Sahasranaman
  • Patent number: 9497515
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a search interface for an electronic device including a tuner configured to tune the electronic device to receive scheduled programming content. A search query is received and one or more data sources including information about media content are searched based, at least in part, on the search query. The results of the search are presented on a user interface using a time-based axis and a time-independent axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuen-Keen Cheong, Steven A. Hatch, Hoi L. Young
  • Patent number: 9444143
    Abstract: An antenna includes two feeding points, and includes a loop-shaped loop electrode and an auxiliary electrode electrically connected to the loop electrode and located at a position along the outer circumference of the loop electrode. The first end portion of the auxiliary electrode is electrically connected to the vicinity of one feeding point of the loop electrode. The second end portion of the auxiliary electrode is open. A resonant circuit is defined by the auxiliary electrode and the loop electrode to enhance the impedance of the antenna, compared with a case in which the antenna is configured using the simple loop electrode, and it is easy to achieve impedance matching with the wireless IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Nomura, Noboru Kato, Yuya Dokai
  • Patent number: 9106886
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leakage of a digital CATV channel signal from a CATV system. The digital CATV channel signal is amplitude modulated with a tag signal having a frequency in the range of about 3 Hz to about 35 Hz, and coupled to the CATV system. At a point of leakage from the CATV system, the amplitude modulated digital CATV channel signal can be detected using a leakage detector capable of recovering the tag signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Trilithic, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry W. Bush, Gregg Stephen Rodgers, Brett W. Emsley
  • Patent number: 9097054
    Abstract: Methods and systems for passive wireless surface acoustic wave devices for orthogonal frequency coded devices to implement ON-OFF sensors reusing orthogonal frequency code and distinguishing between ON and OFF states using additional PN sequence and on/off switches producing multi-level coding as well as external stimuli for switching and identification of a closure system. An embodiment adds a level of diversity by adding a dibit to each surface acoustic wave devices, thus providing four different possible coding states. The PN on-off coding can be with the dibit for coding in a multi-tag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Malocha, Nikolai Kozlovski
  • Patent number: 9065551
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for adaptively suppressing interference signals includes a first local oscillator for generating a first local oscillator signal and a second local oscillator for generating a second local oscillator signal, each signal having an adjustable frequency. The circuit arrangement also includes a first mixer for converting a high-frequency signal into a corresponding intermediate frequency signal using the first local oscillator signal and a second mixer for converting the intermediate frequency signal into a corresponding baseband signal using the second local oscillator signal. The circuit arrangement also includes a notch filter with a rigidly defined blocking range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Aunkofer, Martin Opitz, Thomas Reisinger
  • Publication number: 20150135252
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying signals into a filter circuit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a filter circuit that filters an input signal and outputs a signal in a first frequency range, and a filter circuit that filters the input signal and outputs a signal in a second frequency range that is different from the first frequency range, wherein the second filter circuit includes an interface circuit for inserting a signal used to receive the first frequency range signal. The method includes receiving a signal containing content from a first source in a first frequency range and content from a second source in a second frequency range, providing filtering to produce a signal containing the first content, providing filtering to produce a signal containing the second content, and applying a signal to second content signal processing circuitry, the signal provided used for receiving the content from the first source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Max Muterspaugh, Dan Hutchinson, Rejimon Varghese
  • Patent number: 9021086
    Abstract: System and methods for inferring network topology are described, including a method comprising determining a normalized transmit power of a first device, identifying a second device based upon a parameter of the second device and the normalized transmit power of the first device, and generating a topology including the first device and the second device based upon at least one of the normalized transmit power of the first device and the parameter of the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Wolcott, Justin Riggett, Bryan Johnston
  • Patent number: 9021539
    Abstract: “Cradle-to-grave” treatment of leaks begins with technicians logging leakage signal strengths and GPS latitude and longitude coordinates in technicians' vehicles as the technicians go about their daily assignments. Leakage signal strengths and GPS latitude and longitude coordinates are then uploaded to a leakage server. The server calculates leak latitude and longitude coordinates and signal strengths. The system sends the leakage signal strengths and/or calculated leak latitude and longitude coordinates to technicians' vehicles, for example, as components of, or attachments to, work orders. The latitudes and longitudes are converted by GPS navigators in the technicians' vehicles to turn-by-turn directions to the calculated leak locations. The technicians drive to the leaks, identify and repair them, and close the work orders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Trilithic, Inc.
    Inventor: Raleigh Benton Stelle, IV
  • Patent number: 8990851
    Abstract: A home gateway (102) includes a receiving component (106), a reformatting (109) component, a transcoding component (107), and a transmitting component (110). The receiving component (106) can receive an emergency alert system message in a first format. The reformatting component (109) can output a reformatted emergency alert system message in a second format, wherein the reformatted emergency alert system message is based on the received emergency alert system message. The transcoding component (107) may transcode content of the received emergency alert system message. The transmitting component (110) can transmit a notification, based on the reformatted emergency alert system message, to a client device (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Sundar Murthy Tumuluru, Christopher S. Del Sordo, Krishna Prasad Panje, Sudha Sundaram
  • Patent number: 8990881
    Abstract: An upstream bandwidth conditioning device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system in or proximate to a premise of a user includes a main signal path divided into a forward path and a return path, the return path being divided into supplier side portion and a user side portion. The device further includes a supplier side termination device selectively connected to the supplier side portion by a supplier side termination switch, and a user side termination device selectively connected to the user side portion by a user side termination switch. A signal amplifier is selectively connected to the supplier side portion and the user side portion by at least one amplifier switch, and a switch controller is configured to actuate each of the supplier side termination switch, the user side termination switch, and the amplifier switch from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8966517
    Abstract: An affiliate site commands the central site to construct a unique broadcast event log through the affiliate site's command browser. The sequenced data stream of broadcast content is combined with a digital artifact inserted into the digitized broadcast video and/or audio content immediately prior to the data transmission process. Transmission to the affiliate site is accomplished utilizing Internet Protocol. Upon reception at the destination, the commercial advertising or prepared program content is input to the affiliate site's system, routed to the broadcast production system, and in turn, processed by the broadcast transmission site, where it is converted from a digital to an analog signal, and transmitted electromagnetically in the radio frequency spectrum by the broadcast transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Forefront Assets Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Jon S. Putnam
  • Patent number: 8935740
    Abstract: The present invention provides a video signal transmission apparatus including: an optical transmitter that uni-directionally transmits video data from a video source; an optical receiver that receives the video data and outputs the received video data to a sink device; a first transmission medium that transmits the video data at a high speed; a second transmission medium that transmits identification information for identifying the sink device at a low speed; an identification information acquisition control section that acquires the identification information from the sink device; a storage section that stores general-purpose identification information used for plural types of sink devices; a acquisition possibility determination section that determines whether the identification information can be acquired from the sink device; and a general-purpose identification information reply control section that replies the stored general-purpose identification information to the video source device if determined th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Suzuki, Masao Funada, Kazuhiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 8931027
    Abstract: Disclosed is a media gateway that processes AV signals offered over various channels into AV stream data and wirelessly transmits the AV stream data to a client such as PC or TV The media gateway includes: a broadcast signal receiver for selecting a broadcast signal and dividing the selected broadcast signal into video and audio signals; a video decoder for decoding the video signal into a displayable image signal; an A/D converter for digitally converting the audio signal; an encoder for encoding the digitally converted audio signal and the image signal; a data communication unit for transmitting/receiving AV stream data and a client control command to/from a data communication unit on a client side; and a main processor for controlling a tuner in the broadcast signal receiver according to a client control command conforming to HTTP standards received through the data communication unit and transmitting AV stream data obtained by encoding a broadcast signal of a channel selected by the tuner to a client side
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: iCube Corp.
    Inventor: Keun-Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8898725
    Abstract: A method for processing an input signal is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input signal. The method also includes applying a first transfer function to the input signal to produce a first signal, wherein the first transfer function exhibits a high pass characteristic. The method further includes applying a second transfer function to the input signal to produce a second signal, the second transfer function exhibiting a low pass characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: CSR Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Richter, Angelika Schneider
  • Patent number: 8893214
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus and method and a receiving apparatus and method that allow obtaining of all of the tuning information of a multi-segment broadcasting. A signal converter 43 generates an NIT of the center segment of a One-Seg rebroadcasting including tuning information that is information on tuning to the center segment of the One-Seg rebroadcasting and multi-segment information indicating that the center segment is a segment of the multi-segment broadcasting. A multi-segment transmitter 44 transmits an NIT of the center segment of the One-Seg rebroadcasting in the center segment. The invention is applicable to, for example, a broadcasting station that transmits a multi-segment broadcasting in a terrestrial digital broadcasting wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Naohisa Kitazato, Izumi Hatakeyama, Masayuki Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20140331270
    Abstract: A frequency band selection device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on the premise of a user includes at least two signal path sets between a tap side and a premise side. Each signal path set includes two discrete signal paths, a high frequency signal path for a downstream bandwidth and a low frequency signal path for an upstream bandwidth. The high frequency signal path and the low frequency signal path are separated by a cut-off transition frequency that is different for each signal path set. The device further includes a switch controller having at least two discrete switch positions. The switch controller chooses one of the switch positions as a result of an information signal. Each of the switch positions corresponds to a respective one of the signal path sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olson, David Kelma, Joseph Lai, Steven K. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20140331245
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital (network) interface technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Markley, Charles A. Hasek
  • Patent number: 8856857
    Abstract: This technique relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, and a program that can demodulate transmitted signals with high accuracy. A receiving device of this disclosure includes: an amplifying unit that amplifies a received signal; an adjusting unit that adjusts gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with power of the signal; a demodulating unit that demodulates the amplified signal; and a detecting unit that detects an interval from the signal, information having the same content continuously appearing in the interval. The adjusting unit restricts the process of adjusting the gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with a result of the detection of the interval. This disclosure can be applied to receiving devices that receive broadcast signals compliant with DVB-C2 via a CATV network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kobayashi, Naoki Yoshimochi
  • Patent number: 8850506
    Abstract: A method and system for supporting media services on devices lacking capabilities to execute reverse transmission communicates necessary to request and/or locate the services. The method and system may be suitable for use with switched broadcast television (SBT) system having unidirectional digital cable products (UDCPs) which are unable to execute reverse transmission communicates necessary to support SBT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Broberg
  • Publication number: 20140282810
    Abstract: A technique of operating a network node in a media distribution network in which media data are transmitted in media bursts to a buffer of a media client is described. Each media burst is followed by an idle period in which no media data are transmitted. A method aspect of this technique comprises determining a fill level of the media client buffer, and generating a media burst. Media burst generation includes adjusting at least one of a media data volume of the media burst and a duration of an idle period following the media burst dependent on the fill level of the media client buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET L M ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventor: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
  • Publication number: 20140282812
    Abstract: A distributor amplifier having a noise blocking circuit, including: a first connector; a first filter; a transformer; a voltage scaling unit; a first amplifier; a detector; a second amplifier; a comparator; a switch circuit; and a second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lantek Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Shan-Jui Lu
  • Patent number: 8839340
    Abstract: Methods and systems for synchronizing a first and second media stream are describe, wherein said first and second media stream are being transmitted by at least one media source in a network via a first and second media path to one or more terminals. The method comprises: measuring timing information associated with arrival times of media packets in said first and second media stream using a measuring module positioned at a first location in said first and second media paths; in said network generating buffer instructions for at least one buffer on the basis of said timing information, said buffer being positioned at a second location in at least one of said first or second media path; and, delaying one or more media packets transmitted over said media path to said one or more terminals such that arrival times of media packets at said one or more terminals are substantially synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Koninklijke KPN N.V., Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Mattijs Oskar Van Deventer, Hans Maarten Stokking, Fabian Arthur Walraven, Omar Aziz Niamut
  • Patent number: 8839341
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling display of composite audio and video (AV) signals on a television set with a coaxial input connector is disclosed. The apparatus receives composite AV signals through a single tip AV connector and delivers AV signal on a coaxial output. The apparatus receives low voltage DC power from a USB connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Noel Nee
  • Patent number: 8819746
    Abstract: A network device for a network including a network controller adapted to provide Ethernet communication capability and CEC (consumer electronics control) communication capability, and a database generator unit adapted to generate a device database containing information about the network devices being member of the home entertainment network and/or an operation history database containing information about network device operations tasked by a user of a network device of the network. A method for controlling and re-routing audio, video and data streams in a network, includes: generating a device database containing information about the network devices being member of the network and/or an operation history database containing information about network device operations tasked by a user of a network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Europe Limited
    Inventor: Armin Mank
  • Patent number: 8810729
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic compensation of insertion loss in signals transmitted over conductors is presented. The present invention is particularly applicable to the transmission of signals over long lengths of CAT-5 or similar twisted-pair cables. A reference signal having a known form and strength (e.g. a pulse signal) is provided to each pair of conductors carrying a component of a signal from a transmitter to a receiver. The receiver includes adjustable gain amplifiers for each conductor pair over which a component of the signal is transmitted. The gains of the amplifiers are initially set at an initial level (e.g., their maximum gain) to allow detection of the reference signal. Once the reference signal is detected in a conductor pair, the amplifier gains are adjusted such that the level of the reference signal is restored approximately to its original form and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond William Hall, Donald E Parreco
  • Patent number: 8806563
    Abstract: A system and method for providing video signals wherein the video signals from a single video source may be separately passed over two different transmission paths. Each transmission path includes an encoder, a communications channel and a decoder. The output of each communications path at the decoder provides the video signals and an alarm signal. The alarm signal indicates an error or disruption of the video signals over the corresponding communications path. The outputted video and alarm signals are provided to a video protection switch (VPS) device which provides the video signal from the second transmission path if the alarm signals indicates an error or disruption in the first transmission path. In one embodiment, the VPS has multiple switches, one for each of plural video sources, and a redundant switch and protection ports. The redundant switch and protection ports may be connected to receive the video and alarm signals if one of the switches in the VPS fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Coufal, Randall E. Adams, Kurt E. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 8793755
    Abstract: A network interface device including a signal splitter which conducts CATV signals through an active branch circuit, the active branch circuit including an active signal conditioner which modifies characteristics of active branch signals conducted through the active branch circuit, a sensor connected to sense normal, inoperative and abnormally operative conditions, the sensor removing a control signal indicative of inoperative and abnormal operating conditions, a selectable switch connected to the active branch circuit, the selectable switch communicating the CATV signals between the CATV network and the subscriber devices when in an activated position, and the selectable switch passing the signals to a signal reduction path when in a deactivated position, the selectable switch assuming the deactivated position in response to the de-assertion of the control signal, and a phase cancellation circuit connected to the signal reduction path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah P. Montena, Steven K. Shafer, Erdogan Alkan, Paul F. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8763063
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlled splitting and isolation of signals in a radio frequency network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the apparatus comprises a signal splitter having controlled isolation loss at its output ports in at least one frequency band, thereby enabling communications between terminal devices at the subscriber premises that would otherwise be isolated by high losses typical of prior art splitters. The splitter apparatus can also be utilized with a filter/reflector circuit that advantageously provides maximal downstream frequency spectrum bandwidth while suitably reflecting the aforementioned communications to maintain them within the subscriber-side network without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Paul D. Brooks, Robert L. Romerein
  • Patent number: 8756645
    Abstract: Configuring a generic adaptable reconfigurable digital receiver having a programmable signal conditioner includes specifying a number of output RF channels; specifying an RF bandwidth of an output channel; and selecting a digital to analog sampling rate of a digital to analog convertor of the programmable signal conditioner as a function of the RF bandwidth of the output channel using a processor/demux of the generic adaptable reconfigurable digital receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Aurora Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Krzysztof Pradzynski, Sudhesh Mysore, Oleh Sniezko
  • Patent number: 8752114
    Abstract: A CATV/MoCA signal distribution system includes a first 2-way hybrid splitter for receiving a CATV input signal and splitting it into first and second CATV output signals, a second 2-way hybrid splitter for receiving the second CATV output signal and splitting it into third and fourth CATV output signals, with the latter being connected to a CATV output port. A first diplex filter is receptive of the first CATV output signal, and MoCA signals for providing electrical isolation therebetween and connecting them to a modem port. A second diplex filter is receptive of the third CATV output signal and MoCA signals for providing electrical isolation therebetween and connecting them to a Gateway port. A resistive splitter is connected between the first and second diplex filters and a plurality of individual MoCA signal ports for providing bidirectional MoCA signal flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Extreme Broadband Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Shapson, Jay F. Shapson, Matthew M. Shapson, Robert Romerein, Rong Hui Li, Daniel D. Deutmeyer
  • Patent number: 8707379
    Abstract: A network module receives network global positioning system (GPS) signals and that transmits a video signal to a remote device that includes time stamps that are based on the network GPS signals. The network module receives a device parameter from the remote device that indicates that local GPS signals are available to the remote device. The network module reduces a frequency of the time stamps when the device parameter indicates that local GPS signals are available to the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Elliott Gordon, Jeyhan Karaoguz, Xuemin Chen, Michael Dove, David Rosmann, Thomas J. Quigley
  • Publication number: 20140059638
    Abstract: A cable television (CATV) optical transmitter includes a tunable laser having a phase bias input and a gain bias input. The tunable laser generates an optical beam at an output. A semiconductor optical amplifier includes an electrical bias input and an optical input that is optically coupled to the output of the tunable laser. The semiconductor amplifier amplifies the optical beam generated by the tunable laser. An integrated balanced modulator includes an electrical modulation input that receives analog CATV signals and an optical input that is connected to the output of the semiconductor amplifier. A third order pre-distortion circuit includes an output that is electrically connected to a modulation input of the integrated balanced modulator. The 3rd order pre-distortion circuit generates a signal that, when combined with the analog CATV modulation signal, at least partially cancels third order distortions that are introduced during modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: FINISAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Heider Ereifej, John L. Fiorillo
  • Patent number: 8656447
    Abstract: A Headend system including a video codec to encode a video sequence yielding an encoded video sequence having video packets, a multiplexer, a signal generator to receive a notification of a splice point, analyze at least some of the encoded video packets based on the notification in order to find a random-access-point-packet, the random-access-point being a point from which to start decoding the encoded video sequence by the rendering device so that the video sequence may be rendered for output from the splice point, create a timing signal estimating a location of the random-access-point-packet in the encoded video sequence, and output the timing signal to the multiplexer or transmission equipment. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Tal Pasternak, Keith Millar, Len Sundy, Avraham Poupko
  • Patent number: 8645572
    Abstract: A service gateway provides a proxy between a client protocol and a plurality of standard communication protocols. The service gateway provides asymmetrical routing, data compression and encryption to optimize client processing power and communication link bandwidth. The service gateway enables content translation between clients and service providers. The service gateway keeps track of client available memory and sequence numbers in messages to generate error codes when applicable. A store and forward message capability is provided along with abstract session identifiers. The service gateway supports user datagram protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachad Alao, Alain Delpuch, Vincent Dureau, Jose Henrard, Matthew Huntington, Waiman Lam, Taylor Kidd
  • Patent number: 8634029
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for distributing a received modulated RF signal to a plurality of tuners including a diplexer device. The diplexer device includes a plurality of filter circuits adapted to direct respective portions of the received modulated RF the signal to respective tuner devices. In an illustrated embodiment, the tuner devices supply tuned signals to a picture in picture display device. Also disclosed is a method of receiving a modulated ready of frequency signal and routing portions of the received signal to respective tuner devices using filter devices in a diplexer or multiplexer configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Pugel
  • Patent number: 8621527
    Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a plurality of seat electronic units (SEUs) that are daisy chained through a packet data network (PDN) loop to a content server containing media content. The SEU includes a power supply, a communication switch, a processor, a communication interface, and a power control circuit. The power supply supplies power to the communication switch, the processor, and the communication interface. The communication switch selectively routes packets containing media content through the processor and the communication interface to the video display unit, or through a segment of the PDN loop to a downstream electronic unit. The power control circuit responds to the power supply supplying less than a threshold level of power by supplying power to the communication switch from the segment of the PDN loop connected to the upstream electronic unit and/or the downstream electronic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Thales Avionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Couleaud, Kenneth A. Brady, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8621523
    Abstract: A system and method for programming a digital video recorder (DVR) over a scheduling network. Program schedule information is provided to a user of a DVR via the scheduling network. A program selection is received from the scheduling client associated with a subscriber via the scheduling network. State information indicative of a state of a program provisioning system is used to determine whether the program selection is deliverable to the DVR via the program provisioning system. If the program selection is deliverable to the DVR via the program provisioning system, then the program is scheduled for recording by the DVR. The subscriber is notified if the program selection is deliverable or undeliverable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: William H. Berger, Todd P. Bowen
  • Patent number: 8589997
    Abstract: A community access or cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces a CATV network to subscriber devices at a subscriber premises. The CATV entry adapter is remotely disabled or enabled through the CATV network to prevent or allow downstream CATV signals from reaching subscriber devices connected to the adapter. The CATV entry adapter is also adapted to function as a hub in a MoCA network independently of whether the CATV entry adapter is disabled or enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Wells
  • Patent number: 8582578
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a local resource manager server that receives a request to distribute media content, and provides signaling information to a global resource manager server. The global resource manager server can determine a media configuration of a network element based on the signaling information and a media capability of a recipient media processor. The signaling information can be provided to the local resource manager server to enable an initiating media processor to present the media content at the recipient media processor over a virtual private network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Troy Meuninck