Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Katis

Thomas E. Katis 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: 8682336
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a complete copy of media designated as time-sensitive over a network. The apparatus includes a sending node including a transmitter configured to transmit media designated as time-sensitive to a receiving node. The sending node also includes a network-ascertaining element that is configured to receive receipt reports from the receiving node, the receipt reports identifying any missing media designated as time sensitive lost during the transmission. In response, the transmitter of the sending node retransmits the media corresponding to the identified missing media, the retransmission occurring when bandwidth on the network in excess of what is needed to transmit time-sensitive media becomes available. A complete copy of the media is eventually received at the receiving node after the retransmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8670792
    Abstract: A network communication device located on a Push To Talk (PTT) communication network and configured to provide time-shifting capabilities to a user of a PTT communication device is disclosed. The network communication device includes a receiver configured to progressively receive time-based media. The network communication device also includes a time-shifting buffer for progressively storing the received time based media as the time-based media is received and a time-shifting buffer controller configured to control the rendering of the time-based media at the PTT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, Matthew J. Ranney, Mary G Panttaja, James T. Panttaja
  • Patent number: 8670531
    Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8645477
    Abstract: A method for transmitting time-based media across a network. The method involves receiving at a server a message including time-based media intended for a recipient using a globally addressable email address associated with the recipient. Once the email address is defined, it is determined if the domain of the recipient is either outside or inside the one or more domains of the server. If outside, the method involves using a first DNS lookup result of the globally addressable email address to determine if the recipient receives a near real-time communication service and to ascertain a delivery route to deliver the time-based media of the message to the recipient using a near real-time communication protocol. If the first lookup result is positive, the time-based media of the message is progressively and simultaneously transmitted to the recipient as the time-based media is being created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Publication number: 20130324189
    Abstract: A smart case configured to encapsulate a mobile communication device. The smart case includes a radio embedded in the case for selectively enabling the encapsulated mobile communication device to communicate over a wireless network using either the radio embedded in the case or the Wi-Fi and/or cellular radio in the communication device itself. In alternative embodiments, either a hard switch, a soft switch, or both, is provided for switching between either the radios(s) embedded in the smart case or the internal radio(s) in the mobile communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: VOXER IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, Igal PERELMAN
  • Publication number: 20130303226
    Abstract: A network communication device located on a Push To Talk (PTT) communication network and configured to provide time-shifting capabilities to a user of a PTT communication device is disclosed. The network communication device includes a receiver configured to progressively receive time-based media. The network communication device also includes a time-shifting buffer for progressively storing the received time based media as the time-based media is received and a time-shifting buffer controller configured to control the rendering of the time-based media at the PTT device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas E. KATIS, Matthew J. RANNEY, Mary G. PANTTAJA, James T. PANTTAJA
  • Publication number: 20130301482
    Abstract: Computer code is configured to support a conversation among participants over a communication network. The computer code is configured to (i) progressively store the incoming and outgoing messages of a conversation on a communication device, (ii) display the message history of the conversation on the communication device, (iii) provide rendering options on the communication device, (iv) selectively transition participation in the conversation between a real-time mode and a time-shifted mode and (v) designate an interrupt mode for the conversation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas E. KATIS, James T. PANTTAJA, Mary G. PANTTAJA, Matthew J. RANNEY
  • Publication number: 20130295982
    Abstract: A virtual Slide-to-Lock feature for communication devices running a PTT application. When the Slide-to-Lock feature is activated, a PTT locking function on the communication device is activated. As a result, messages on the communication device may be created, without the need of the user to continuously hold or select a Hold-to-Talk or similar PTT feature. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the virtual Slide-to-Lock feature is activated when a finger is moved from a first region to a second region on a touch-sensitive display screen and de-activated with the opposite motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: VOXER IP LLC
    Inventors: Justin V. LEE, Thomas E. KATIS
  • Patent number: 8565149
    Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8559319
    Abstract: A system for progressively synchronizing stored copies of indexed media transmitted between nodes on a network. The system includes a transmitter at the sending node configured to progressively transmit available indexed media to a receiving node with a packet size and packetization interval sufficient to enable the near real-time rendering of the indexed media, wherein the near real-time rendering of the indexed media provides a recipient with an experience of reviewing the transmitted media live. The system also includes a receiver at the receiving node that progressively receives the transmitted indexed media and continually notes any indexed media that is not already locally stored at the receiving node. The receiver also continually generates and transmits to the sending node requests as needed for the noted indexed media. In response, the transmitter at the sending node transmits the noted indexed media to the receiving node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8542804
    Abstract: A voice and text mail application method and apparatus capable of supporting both synchronous and asynchronous voice communication. The application is configured to (i) simultaneously and progressively store media of an incoming message as the media is received at a communication device over the network and (ii) provides a “catch up” rendering option which enables the rendering of previously received media of the message starting at any previous point of the message and to catch up the rendering to the current point or head of the message as the media of the message is being received. By rendering the previously received media of the incoming message out of storage at a rate faster relative to when the media of the incoming message was originally encoded, eventually the rendering will catch up and seamlessly transition the rendering from an asynchronous time-shifted mode out of storage to a synchronous mode as the media of the message is received over the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8538471
    Abstract: A network communication device located on a Push To Talk (PTT) communication network and configured to provide time-shifting capabilities to a user of a PTT communication device is disclosed. The network communication device includes a receiver configured to progressively receive time-based media. The network communication device also includes a time-shifting buffer for progressively storing the received time based media as the time-based media is received and a time-shifting buffer controller configured to control the rendering of the time-based media at the PTT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, Matthew J. Ranney, Mary G. Panttaja, James T. Panttaja
  • Patent number: 8532270
    Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8533611
    Abstract: A browser enabled communication device capable of conducting conversations, including multiple media types, in either a real-time or a time-shifted mode, with the ability to seamlessly transition between the two modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8526456
    Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8509123
    Abstract: A communication application configured to support a conversation among participants over a communication network. The communication application is configured to (i) support one or more media types within the context of the conversation, (ii) interleave the one or more media types in a time-indexed order within the context of the conversation, (iii) enable the participants to render the conversation including the interleaved one or more media types in either a real-time rendering mode or time-shifted rendering mode, and (iv) seamlessly transition the conversation between the two modes so that the conversation may take place substantially live when in the real-time rendering mode or asynchronously when in the time-shifted rendering mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8447287
    Abstract: A mobile communication device and method for reducing exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy during outgoing and incoming transmissions. During outgoing transmissions, media is stored in a local storage element on the mobile communication device as the media is being created. When the device is positioned a safe distance away from the user, the media is transmitted out of storage over the network to the recipient. Alternatively for incoming transmissions, media is stored on the network as it is created. While the wireless communication device is a safe distance away from the user, the media stored on the network is transmitted to the mobile communication device, where it is locally stored. The user of the mobile communication device can then review the incoming media at an arbitrary later time out of storage. As a result, the exposure of the user of the mobile communication device to RF energy for both outgoing and incoming transmissions is either substantially reduced or eliminated altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8422388
    Abstract: A method for gracefully extending the range and/or capacity of voice communication systems is disclosed. The method involves the persistent storage of voice media on a communication device. When the usable bit rate on the network is poor and below that necessary for conducting a live conversation, voice media is transmitted and received by the communication device at the available usable bit rate on the network. Although latency may be introduced, the persistent storage of both transmitted and received media of a conversation provides the ability to extend the useful range of wireless networks beyond what is required for live conversations. In addition, the capacity and robustness in not being affected by external interferences for both wired and wireless communications is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8412845
    Abstract: A communication application configured to support a conversation among participants over a communication network. The communication application is configured to (i) support one or more media types within the context of the conversation, (ii) interleave the one or more media types in a time-indexed order within the context of the conversation, (iii) enable the participants to render the conversation including the interleaved one or more media types in either a real-time rendering mode or time-shifted rendering mode, and (iv) seamlessly transition the conversation between the two modes so that the conversation may take place substantially live when in the real-time rendering mode or asynchronously when in the time-shifted rendering mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, James T. Panttaja, Mary G. Panttaja, Matthew J. Ranney
  • Patent number: 8401582
    Abstract: A network communication device located on a Push To Talk (PTT) communication network and configured to provide time-shifting capabilities to a user of a PTT communication device. The network communication device includes a receiver configured to progressively receive time-based media. The network communication device also includes a time-shifting buffer for progressively storing the received time based media as the time-based media is received and a time-shifting buffer controller configured to control the rendering of the time-based media at the PTT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Voxer IP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Katis, Matthew J. Ranney, Mary G. Panttaja, James T. Panttaja