Patents by Inventor Michael L. Elford
Michael L. Elford 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).
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Patent number: 10015570Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system. The PON communications system, associated with a first service provider or a first service, might include an F1 line(s) routed from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot, an F2 line(s) routed via various apical conduit components to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing customer premises, and an F3 line(s) distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 Line(s), to a network interface device or optical network terminal at each customer premises via various apical conduit components (e.g., in roadway surfaces). Point-to-point fiber insertion of another F1 line(s), associated with a second service provider or a second service, at either the NAP or the FDH (or outside these devices).Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20180176388Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for delivering plain old telephone service (“POTS”) telephony over high speed data networks. In particular, various embodiments provide tools and techniques for concurrent transmission of POTS voice signals and data signals over the same wire(s) of high-speed data lines or data cables. Various systems and methods might, in some instances, utilize upbanding or rebanding of the POTS voice band to a higher frequency band above the data stream band spectrum for transport of voice concurrent with data over the same wire(s) in the cable. The system might comprise interface devices at either end of a cable segment, one interface device to reband the voice signal and to combine the voice signal with the data signal for each dual-transport wire in the cable, and another interface device at the other end to separate the voice signal from the data signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford
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Patent number: 10003396Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing broadband wireless distribution, and, in particular embodiments, to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer software for implementing distributed broadband wireless implementation in premises electrical devices. In various embodiments, a first wireless distribution device may be disposed within a premises (electrical) device. A first switching device of the first wireless distribution device might switchably supply power to the premises device via a power line, the supplied power enabling the premises device to perform its designed functionalities. Meanwhile, a first wireless transceiver of the first wireless distribution device (to which is supplied with constant power from a power source) might relay wireless communications between a service provider access point and a premises-based wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Pasha G. Mohammed, Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20180136424Abstract: This document discloses novel conduits for telecommunications lines, such as optical fibers. In an aspect, a conduit might have a body defining one or more channels into which optical fibers can be inserted. In another aspect, the body might have a first face that is substantially planar and a second face opposing the first face. The second face might a low-rise arc profile and/or might be configured to be installed into a depression in a material. Also disclosed are methods and tools for installing, using, and/or removing such conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Robert J. Morrill, Michael Paul Winterrowd, Thomas Charles Barnett, JR.
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Publication number: 20180115141Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for new cable provisioning utilizing an applied physical process are provided. A system includes a physical process applicator and a first coupler. The first coupler may be configured to attach to a first end of a first cable. The physical process applicator may be configured to apply a physical process to the first cable, and tension the first cable, via the first coupler. The first coupler may further be configured to cause, via the physical process, the first cable to displace at least some ground material surrounding the first cable, and allow at least part of the first cable to be removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Pete A. Kawamoto, Diana L. Unser
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Patent number: 9930185Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for delivering plain old telephone service (“POTS”) telephony over high speed data networks. In particular, various embodiments provide tools and techniques for concurrent transmission of POTS voice signals and data signals over the same wire(s) of high-speed data lines or data cables. Various systems and methods might, in some instances, utilize upbanding or rebanding of the POTS voice band to a higher frequency band above the data stream band spectrum for transport of voice concurrent with data over the same wire(s) in the cable. The system might comprise interface devices at either end of a cable segment, one interface device to reband the voice signal and to combine the voice signal with the data signal for each dual-transport wire in the cable, and another interface device at the other end to separate the voice signal from the data signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford
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Publication number: 20180069617Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing broadband wireless distribution, and, in particular embodiments, to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer software for implementing distributed broadband wireless implementation in premises electrical devices. In various embodiments, a first wireless distribution device may be disposed within a premises (electrical) device. A first switching device of the first wireless distribution device might switchably supply power to the premises device via a power line, the supplied power enabling the premises device to perform its designed functionalities. Meanwhile, a first wireless transceiver of the first wireless distribution device (to which is supplied with constant power from a power source) might relay wireless communications between a service provider access point and a premises-based wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2016Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Pasha G. Mohammed, Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20180039040Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for direct cable expansion are provided. A system includes a pump, a probe, and a coupler. The pump is coupled to a reservoir holding a fluid. The probe is in fluid communication with the pump, and is configured to introduce the fluid into a cable such that a channel is created, by the fluid, between an outer sheath of the cable and a core of the cable. The coupler is configured to attach to a cable, receive the probe, and position the probe at an interface between the outer sheath and an inner material of the cable adjacent to the outer sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Pete A. Kawamoto, Diana L. Unser
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Publication number: 20180041017Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for underground cable installation are provided. A system includes a compressor and a boring attachment. The boring attachment may be operatively coupled to the compressor and further coupled to an outer sheath of a buried cable. The boring attachment may be configured to be actuated by the compressor. In response to being actuated by the compressor, the boring attachment may be configured to displace at least some ground material, in contact with the buried cable, in which the buried cable is buried, and advance in at least one direction along a longitudinal axis of the buried cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Pete A. Kawamoto, Diana L. Unser
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Patent number: 9880369Abstract: This document discloses novel conduits for telecommunications lines, such as optical fibers. In an aspect, a conduit might have a body defining one or more channels into which optical fibers can be inserted. In another aspect, the body might have a first face that is substantially planar and a second face opposing the first face. The second face might a low-rise arc profile and/or might be configured to be installed into a depression in a material. Also disclosed are methods and tools for installing, using, and/or removing such conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Robert J. Morrill, Michael Paul Winterrowd, Thomas Charles Barnett, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170358869Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to one or more of at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber, at least one conductive signal line, or at least one power line via the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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Publication number: 20170358837Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, cabinets, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber line, at least one conductive signal line, and/or at least one power line via an apical conduit system installed in a roadway.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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Publication number: 20170317482Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing MediaLink Interconnection Boxes (“MIBs”). In some embodiments, a plurality of MediaLink Interconnection Boxes (“MIBs”) or media interconnection devices, which may be disposed throughout a recreational vehicle (“RV”) park or other bulk service provider application sites, or the like, may serve as demarcation units designed to each provide an accessible indoor or outdoor interface where long-term or temporary/transient customers can directly connect to land line service (e.g., POTS service), video or television service, and/or Ethernet or Internet services provided by one or more service providers. Fiber-to-Drop-Point (“FTDP”) and/or point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system may be implemented using apical conduit systems in conjunction with the MIBs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Diana L. Unser, Pete A. Kawamoto
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Patent number: 9786997Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to one or more of at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber, at least one conductive signal line, or at least one power line via the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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Publication number: 20170289648Abstract: An Omedia panel may be provided that includes an at least one network interface device, a housing, and a front panel. The at least one network interface device might be in communication with a service provider network. The housing may be integrated into a wall of a customer premises and positioned within a wall cavity of the wall. The housing might be configured to support the at least one network interface device. The front panel may be communicatively interfaced with the at least one network interface device such that a user can access one or more ports of the at least one network interface device via the front panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Joe Fife
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Patent number: 9780433Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, cabinets, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber line, at least one conductive signal line, and/or at least one power line via an apical conduit system installed in a roadway.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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Patent number: 9742172Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing MediaLink Interconnection Boxes (“MIBs”). In some embodiments, a plurality of MediaLink Interconnection Boxes (“MIBs”) or media interconnection devices, which may be disposed throughout a recreational vehicle (“RV”) park or other bulk service provider application sites, or the like, may serve as demarcation units designed to each provide an accessible indoor or outdoor interface where long-term or temporary/transient customers can directly connect to land line service (e.g., POTS service), video or television service, and/or Ethernet or Internet services provided by one or more service providers. Fiber-to-Drop-Point (“FTDP”) and/or point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system may be implemented using apical conduit systems in conjunction with the MIBs.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Diana L. Unser, Pete A. Kawamoto
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Patent number: 9716924Abstract: An Omedia panel may be provided that includes an at least one network interface device, a housing, and a front panel. The at least one network interface device might be in communication with a service provider network. The housing may be integrated into a wall of a customer premises and positioned within a wall cavity of the wall. The housing might be configured to support the at least one network interface device. The front panel may be communicatively interfaced with the at least one network interface device such that a user can access one or more ports of the at least one network interface device via the front panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Joe Fife
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Publication number: 20170118351Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for delivering plain old telephone service (“POTS”) telephony over high speed data networks. In particular, various embodiments provide tools and techniques for concurrent transmission of POTS voice signals and data signals over the same wire(s) of high-speed data lines or data cables. Various systems and methods might, in some instances, utilize upbanding or rebanding of the POTS voice band to a higher frequency band above the data stream band spectrum for transport of voice concurrent with data over the same wire(s) in the cable. The system might comprise interface devices at either end of a cable segment, one interface device to reband the voice signal and to combine the voice signal with the data signal for each dual-transport wire in the cable, and another interface device at the other end to separate the voice signal from the data signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2017Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford
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Publication number: 20170059802Abstract: This document discloses novel conduits for telecommunications lines, such as optical fibers. In an aspect, a conduit might have a body defining one or more channels into which optical fibers can be inserted. In another aspect, the body might have a first face that is substantially planar and a second face opposing the first face. The second face might a low-rise arc profile and/or might be configured to be installed into a depression in a material. Also disclosed are methods and tools for installing, using, and/or removing such conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Robert J. Morrill, Michael Paul Winterrowd, Thomas Charles Barnett, Jr.