Walter S Ciciora from 45 Hulls Farm Rd, Southport, CT 06490, age 82, Phone: 203 259-5183

Us Patents

Expanded Information Capacity For Existing Communication Transmission Systems
view source
US Patent:

6433835, Aug 13, 2002
Filed:

Apr 17, 1998
Appl. No.:

09/062225
Inventors:

Ted E. Hartson - Scottsdale AZ
Robert V. C. Dickinson - Allentown PA
Walter S. Ciciora - Southport CT
Assignee:

Encamera Sciences Corporation - Mountain View CA
International Classification:

H04N 521
US Classification:

348608, 348723
Abstract:

A system for transmitting digital programming includes a program source providing digital information, circuitry for modulating the digital information onto a visual carrier modulated with analog television programming, and a visual transmitter coupled to the modulating circuitry. Using a phase modulation method, the system phase modulates the digital information onto a visual carrier, reduces the baseband frequencies of the phase modulated visual carrier, and amplitude modulates the phase-modulated video carrier onto a video signal. The amplified and encoded video signal are combined with an amplified sound signal and transmitted. Using an additive method, the system modulates the sidebands of the video carrier with the digital information and amplitude modulates the video signal onto the video carrier. The data-modulated sidebands are phase-shifted such that they will be in quadrature with the amplitude-modulated video signal. The system combines the amplitude-modulated video carrier and the data-modulated quadrature sidebands.

Expanded Information Capacity For Existing Communication Transmission Systems
view source
US Patent:

7333153, Feb 19, 2008
Filed:

Aug 9, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/319671
Inventors:

Ted E. Hartson - Scottsdale AZ, US
Robert V. C. Dickinson - Allentown PA, US
Walter S. Ciciora - Southport CT, US
Assignee:

Dotcast, Inc. - San Francisco CA
International Classification:

H04N 5/71
H04N 7/08
US Classification:

348608, 348723, 348473
Abstract:

A system for transmitting digital programming includes a program source providing digital information, circuitry for modulating the digital information onto a visual carrier modulated with analog television programming, and a visual transmitter coupled to the modulating circuitry. Using a phase modulation method, the system phase modulates the digital information onto a visual carrier, reduces the baseband frequencies of the phase modulated visual carrier, and amplitude modulates the phase-modulated video carrier onto a video signal. The amplified and encoded video signal are combined with an amplified sound signal and transmitted. Using an additive method, the system modulates the sidebands of the video carrier with the digital information and amplitude modulates the video signal onto the video carrier. The data-modulated sidebands are phase-shifted such that they will be in quadrature with the amplitude-modulated video signal. The system combines the amplitude-modulated video carrier and the data-modulated quadrature sidebands.

Cable Television System Compatible Bandwidth Upgrade Using Embedded Digital Channels
view source
US Patent:

20030140351, Jul 24, 2003
Filed:

Sep 25, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/255799
Inventors:

W. Hoarty - Morgan Hill CA, US
Walter Ciciora - Southport CT, US
Ted Hartson - Scottsdale AZ, US
International Classification:

G06F003/00
H04N005/445
H04N007/173
US Classification:

725/132000, 725/140000, 725/050000
Abstract:

Various embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, methods, and systems for effectuating an increase in the effective bandwidth of a cable television distribution plant in a manner compatible with most common cable television systems. By using methods and systems for simultaneously transmitting a standard analog television signal and a digital data signal in a manner that minimizes interference of each with the other, one or more data carriers may be embedded within one or more analog television channels in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. These combined signals can be transmitted transparently over the existing cable television distribution plant to a location at or near the subscribers so that, among other things, that the subscriber may “pause and resume” much in the way Personal Video Recorders work.

System For Scanable Icon Detection And Management
view source
US Patent:

20130188095, Jul 25, 2013
Filed:

Jul 23, 2012
Appl. No.:

13/555757
Inventors:

Ted Elliott Hartson - Scottsdale AZ, US
Elijah Ethan Brown - Prescott Valley AZ, US
Walter Stanley Ciciora - Southport CT, US
International Classification:

H04N 5/445
US Classification:

348589
Abstract:

This invention enables Scanable Icons, which may be predetermined graphical images, and similar encoded information to be applied to video systems in a manner that is user-friendly and brings many of the advantages of easy information access and management to the video environment. The optical path normally required when using such encoded information is avoided. Supplementary information, including more details for advertisements, is provided in a non-invasive manner, allowing the user to access the supplementary information at convenient times and locations. The Scanable Icon adds a symbol to the existing advertisement without increasing its duration. Advertising is made substantially more effective for the advertiser and more useful for the consumer.

Method And Apparatus For Synchronizing Commercial Advertisements Across Multiple Communication Channels
view source
US Patent:

58059741, Sep 8, 1998
Filed:

Aug 8, 1995
Appl. No.:

8/512542
Inventors:

Kenneth C. Hite - Bronxville NY
Walter S. Ciciora - Southport CT
Tom Alison - St. Augustine FL
Robert G. Beauregard - Scarsdale NY
International Classification:

H04H 100
H04N 710
US Classification:

455 32
Abstract:

A satellite uplink/studio system has timing means coupled therewith for precise commercial timing such that prerecorded commercials are simultaneously started with sufficient precision to appear simultaneously to viewers changing channels.

Power Safety Device For Catv Tap-Off Unit
view source
US Patent:

45772215, Mar 18, 1986
Filed:

Nov 29, 1984
Appl. No.:

6/676076
Inventors:

Russell A. Skinner - Elizabeth CO
Walter S. Ciciora - Englewood CO
Assignee:

American Television & Communications Corporation - Englewood CO
International Classification:

H04N 710
US Classification:

358 86
Abstract:

In a cable television system in which one or more tap-off devices deliver television signals to an associated subscriber via drop cables connecting the tap-off devices at the subscribers' premises, and in which the tap-off devices receive electrical power from the subscribers via the drop cables, a power safety apparatus and method interrupts the application of power to the drop cable when the drop cable becomes cut, broken or disconnected to prevent individuals from receiving hazardous electrical shocks.

Infrared Interface And Control Apparatus For Consumer Electronics
view source
US Patent:

58152970, Sep 29, 1998
Filed:

Oct 25, 1995
Appl. No.:

8/547841
Inventors:

Walter S. Ciciora - Southport CT
Assignee:

General Instrument Corporation of Delaware - Chicago IL
International Classification:

H04B 1000
US Classification:

359146
Abstract:

A control unit provides unified control of various consumer electronic appliances such as a television, video cassette recorder, and home stereo system through remote control (e. g. , infrared) signals. A receiver portion of an interface module positioned over the built-in remote control signal receiver of the appliance intercepts signals from a hand-held remote control operated by a user. The signals are routed to a control unit (such as a set-top television converter) where control logic determines a desired control action. A corresponding control action signal is routed back to a transmitter portion of the interface module and is received by the built-in remote control signal receiver of the appliance to be controlled, thereby resulting in the desired control action. The apparatus provides additional functions and increases user convenience and access to video, audio, and data signals provided via a cable television, direct satellite broadcast or similar service provider.

System And Method For Delivering Targeted Advertisements To Consumers
view source
US Patent:

57741700, Jun 30, 1998
Filed:

Dec 13, 1994
Appl. No.:

8/354620
Inventors:

Kenneth C. Hite - Bronxville NY
Walter S. Ciciora - Southport CT
Tom Alison - St. Augustine FL
Robert G. Beauregard - Scarsdale NY
International Classification:

H04N 710
US Classification:

348 9
Abstract:

This invention enhances television (and radio) advertising by targeting, delivering and displaying electronic advertising messages (commercials) within specified programming in one or more pre-determined households (or on specific display devices) while simultaneously preventing a commercial from being displayed in other households or on other displays for which it is not intended. Commercials can be delivered to specified homes or displays via either over-the-air or wired delivery systems.