| 20080271092 | Methods and apparatus for controlling a satellite antenna - Methods and apparatus are provided for issuing instructions to a satellite antenna configured to receive a transmission from any of a group of satellites and to provide a signal to a receiver. In accordance with one embodiment, the receiver is queried (e.g., by a control module, which in one embodiment is a device equipped with a microprocessor and memory storing instructions defining the query) to determine information relating to a channel selected by a user. Based on the information, a determination is made whether the antenna should receive a transmission from a satellite other than a currently selected satellite. If so, the antenna is instructed (e.g., by the control module) to locate the other satellite. In another embodiment, methods and apparatus are provided for use in systems having multiple receivers, including one master receiver coupled to the antenna and one or more other slave receivers which do not issue instructions to the antenna. In accordance with this embodiment, a determination is made whether a user of a slave receiver has selected a channel provided by a transmission from a satellite other than a currently selected satellite, and if so, the antenna is caused (e.g., by a control module coupled to the slave receiver) to locate the other satellite. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080248777 | Apparatus and method for communicating in a high noise, multiple-recipient environment - An apparatus and method for communicating in a high noise, multiple-recipient environment, such as a convoy or other collection of vehicles or personnel operating in adverse conditions. A plurality of user terminals is provided. For example, each vehicle in a military convoy may be provided with a user terminal. The user terminals each comprise a commercial, off-the-shelf processor capable of running a commercially available operating system and at least one software program that uses predefined icons to communicate information to other users, as described further below. Users can select a message icon by which a message corresponding to the icon may be sent to all other users. The message is sent from the user terminal to a communications control unit associated with that user terminal via a communications link. The communications control unit, among other functions, compiles the message to be sent into a desired format for transmission. From the communications control unit the message is sent via an RF modem and communications link to an RF antenna from which it is transmitted. | 10-09-2008 |
