Patents by Inventor Andrew Danforth

Andrew Danforth 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).

  • Patent number: 11455376
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth
  • Publication number: 20200045141
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth
  • Patent number: 10389853
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth
  • Patent number: 10219016
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 10103982
    Abstract: At an intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device, over a network, a dynamic host configuration protocol message is obtained from one of a plurality of remote dynamic host configuration protocol relay devices in communication with the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device over the network. The intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device accesses data pertaining to a plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers logically fronted by the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device. Based on information in the dynamic host configuration protocol message and the data pertaining to the plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers, the dynamic host configuration protocol message is routed to an appropriate one of the plurality of back-end dynamic host configuration protocol servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Danforth
  • Publication number: 20180176620
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 9992520
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, William L. Helms, Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth, Charles Hasek, Shan Huang
  • Patent number: 9924213
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer
  • Publication number: 20170078722
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer
  • Publication number: 20170048357
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth
  • Patent number: 9503766
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 9497503
    Abstract: The present invention teaches methods and systems for subscriber blocking of unauthorized network traffic in a cable data network. The cable modem termination system (CMTS) incorporates a data gateway agent that filters unauthorized traffic thereby eliminating consumption based subscribers from being responsible for related service charges. Embodiments incorporate the use of packet filtering, hybrid stateful packet filtering, content filtering, application layer filtering and time based filtering. Greater acceptance of consumption based billing is achieved by having the filter settings directed by the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Gould, Andrew Danforth
  • Patent number: 9426123
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth
  • Publication number: 20160212044
    Abstract: At an intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device, over a network, a dynamic host configuration protocol message is obtained from one of a plurality of remote dynamic host configuration protocol relay devices in communication with the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device over the network. The intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device accesses data pertaining to a plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers logically fronted by the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device. Based on information in the dynamic host configuration protocol message and the data pertaining to the plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers, the dynamic host configuration protocol message is routed to an appropriate one of the plurality of back-end dynamic host configuration protocol servers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Danforth
  • Publication number: 20160165268
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: LOUIS D. WILLIAMSON, WILLIAM L. HELMS, HOWARD PFEFFER, NOAH PACI, TUSHAR NAKHRE, ANDREW DANFORTH, CHARLES HASEK, SHAN HUANG
  • Patent number: 9300627
    Abstract: At an intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device, over a network, a dynamic host configuration protocol message is obtained from one of a plurality of remote dynamic host configuration protocol relay devices in communication with the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device over the network. The intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device accesses data pertaining to a plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers logically fronted by the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device. Based on information in the dynamic host configuration protocol message and the data pertaining to the plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers, the dynamic host configuration protocol message is routed to an appropriate one of the plurality of back-end dynamic host configuration protocol servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Danforth
  • Publication number: 20160021409
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 9172998
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer
  • Publication number: 20140281029
    Abstract: At an intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device, over a network, a dynamic host configuration protocol message is obtained from one of a plurality of remote dynamic host configuration protocol relay devices in communication with the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device over the network. The intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device accesses data pertaining to a plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers logically fronted by the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device. Based on information in the dynamic host configuration protocol message and the data pertaining to the plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers, the dynamic host configuration protocol message is routed to an appropriate one of the plurality of back-end dynamic host configuration protocol servers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Danforth
  • Publication number: 20140237502
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Michael S. Kelsen, Tushar Nakhre, Shan Huang, Andrew Danforth, Howard Pfeffer