The Directv Group, Inc.

Gustave R Stroes

Benjamin Mui

Ernest C Chen

Joseph Santoru

John L Norin

Patrick J Loner

Mike A Frye

Romulo Cruz Pontual

Dipak M Shah

Kesse Ho

Shamik Maitra

David J Kuether

Guangcai Zhou

Henry Derovanessian

James R Butterworth

Bradley T Ito

Philip J Goswitz

Navid Motamed

Yang-Yang Shi

A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration.

Dual pitch jack screw for ODU alignment

A method and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises pointing the reflector to a position along an orbital arc used in the satellite configuration, commanding a Single Wire Multiswitch circuits which is coupled to the reflector of the antenna to output a signal from at least one satellite at the orbital slot, and adjusting the reflector to maximize reception of the signal from the orbital slot.

Integrated ODU controller for antenna pointing

Methods, apparatuses and systems for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises aligning the reflector in tilt based on a geographic location of the reflector, passing the reflector through an azimuth arc wherein the azimuth arc intercepts at least a first point and a second point, the first point having a first signal strength received from the satellite configuration on the azimuth arc and the second point having a second signal strength less than the first signal strength, the second point located on the azimuth arc after the first point, passing the reflector through an elevation arc, the elevation arc intercepting at least the second point and a third point, the third point having a third signal strength received from the satellite configuration on the elevation arc, determining an alignment point having a maximum signal strength received from the satellite configuration based on a Gaussian antenna pattern of a reception of the satellite signal and the first signal strength, the second signal strength, and the third signal strength, and aligning the reflector with the alignment point.

Antenna peak strength finder

A method and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises pointing the reflector to an orbital slot used in the satellite configuration, wherein only one satellite in the orbital slot transmits first circularly polarized signals, and adjusting the reflector to maximize reception of the first circularly polarized signals from the orbital slot. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a reflector, a power meter coupled to the reflector, wherein the power meter and reflector are tuned to receive first circularly polarized signals, and an alignment mechanism, coupled to the reflector, wherein the alignment mechanism is manipulated to point the reflector at an orbital slot wherein only one satellite in the orbital slot transmits the first circularly polarized signals, and to adjust the reflector to maximize reception of the first circularly polarized signals from the orbital slot.

ODU alignment procedure using circularly polarized signals allocated to specific satellites

A method and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises coarsely pointing the reflector to an orbital slot used in the satellite configuration, wherein at least one satellite in the orbital slot transmits first circularly polarized signals, and adjusting the reflector to maximize reception of the first circularly polarized signals from the orbital slot. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a reflector, a power meter coupled to the reflector, wherein the power meter and reflector are tuned to receive first circularly polarized signals, and an alignment mechanism, coupled to the reflector, wherein the alignment mechanism is manipulated to point the reflector at an orbital slot wherein at least one satellite in the orbital slot transmits the first circularly polarized signals, and to adjust the reflector to maximize reception of the first circularly polarized signals from the orbital slot.

ODU alignment procedure using circularly polarized squint

Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described.

Single-wire multiswitch and channelized RF cable test meter

A satellite systemhaving a first satelliteat a first orbital slot B has a first transponderand a second generating a first downlink signalB at a first frequency and a second downlink signalC at a second frequency. An outdoor unit is directed toward the first satelliteand includes a support structure, a reflectorcoupled to the support structure and reflecting the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal. A first feedB is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A second feedA is coupled to the support structure and receives the second downlink signal. A secondary reflectorreflects the second downlink signal to the second feed

Method and apparatus for receiving dual band signals from an orbital location using an outdoor unit with a subreflector and additional antenna feed

A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with a first signal transmitted by a first satellite in the satellite configuration, and aligning the reflector in tilt with a second signal transmitted by a second satellite in the satellite configuration, wherein aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with the first signal and in tilt with the second signal aligns the reflector with at least a third signal transmitted from a third satellite.

Alignment method for multi-satellite consumer receiver antennas

A systemthat includes a first satelliteat a first orbital slot B includes a first transpondergenerating a first downlink signal at a first frequency and a second downlink signal at a second frequency. An outdoor unitis directed toward the first satellite. The outdoor unit includes a support structureand a reflectorcoupled to the support structureand reflecting the first downlink signal from a first satellite. A first reflector reflects the second downlink signal from the first satellite. A first feedis coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A reflectorhaving frequency selective surfacecoupled to the support structurereflects the second downlink signal and passes the first downlink signal therethrough. The second feedB is coupled to the support structureand receives the second downlink signal reflected from the frequency selective surface

Method and apparatus for receiving dual band signals from a common orbital location with an outdoor unit using a frequency selective subreflector and additional antenna feed

An alignment mechanism for aligning an antenna to a satellite configuration is disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises an antenna for receiving the satellite signals, a mast, for mounting the antenna to a desired location, and an alignment mechanism, coupled between the antenna and the mast, comprising an azimuth mechanism having a predetermined pre-load for adjusting the azimuth position of the antenna, and an elevation mechanism, coupled to the azimuth mechanism, for adjusting the elevation of the antenna, wherein the azimuth mechanism has a radius larger than a radius of the mast, and the azimuth mechanism further comprises a fine adjustment mechanism.

Enhanced back assembly for Ka/Ku ODU

A satellite systemhaving a first satelliteat a first orbital slot B has a first transponderand a second generating a first downlink signalB at a first frequency and a second downlink signalC at a second frequency. An outdoor unit is directed toward the first satelliteand includes a support structure, a reflectorcoupled to the support structure and reflecting the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal. A first feedB is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A second feedC is concentric with the first feedB and is coupled to the support structure and receives the second downlink signal.

Growing community of inventors

Beverly Hills, CA, United States of America

Gustave R Stroes