Patents Assigned to Intellectual Property, LLC
  • Patent number: 10615484
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna alignment, and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing antenna alignment using a gimbal. In various embodiments, a gimbal system might be provided. The gimbal system may be at least one of a passive two-axis gimbal, a passive three-axis gimbal, an active two-axis gimbal, and/or an active three-axis gimbal. At least one antenna may be coupled to the gimbal system. The gimbal system may be configured to compensate for at least one of a movement of a structure and/or a wind load on the at least one antenna. Additionally and/or alternatively, the gimbal system may be configured to align the antenna toward the position and orientation where there is the signal quality is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Thomas Schwengler
  • Patent number: 10613892
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing applications management, based at least in part on operations, administration, and management (“OAM”) information. A host computing system might comprise a dedicated OAM management agent. While normal application frame flow might be sent or received by VMs running on the host computing system, OAM frame flow might be sent or received by the OAM management agent, which might also serve as an OAM frame generator. Alternatively, or additionally, based on a determination that at least one OAM frame has changed (in response to a change in address of far-end and/or near-end OAM server functions), the OAM management agent might update a list associating the at least one OAM frame that has changed with corresponding at least one VM of the one or more VMs, without restarting any of the at least one VM, the OAM management agent, and/or the host computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Patent number: 10613284
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing FTTx, which might include Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), Fiber-to-the-Building (“FTTB”), Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), and/or the like. In some embodiments, a method might include routing an F1 line(s) 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. From the FDH, an F2 line(s) might be routed, via any combination of apical conduit main slot(s), cross slot(s), far-side slot(s), missile bore(s), bore hole(s), and/or conduit(s) (collectively, “Apical Conduit Components”), to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing one or more customer premises. An F3 line(s) might be distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device (“NID”) or optical network terminal (“ONT”) at each customer premises, via any combination of the Apical Conduit Components, which include channels in at least portions of roadways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas Schwengler
  • Patent number: 10616377
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network enhanced gateway functionality, and, in particular embodiments, for implementing network enhanced gateway functionality using network functions virtualization (“NFV”) and/or software defined networks (“SDNs”). In some embodiments, a network switch, which is disposed within a gateway device, might route network traffic to a host computing system, at least a portion of the network traffic being originally directed to a client device via a corresponding client port among a plurality of client ports. Based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the at least a portion of the network traffic, the host computing system selects one or more virtual network functions (“VNFs”), which are then sent to the host computing system via the network switch. According to some embodiments, the network switch and the host computing system are under control of a NFV entity and/or a SDN controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Kevin M. McBride, Andrew V. Cook
  • Patent number: 10602227
    Abstract: A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau, Michael Goergen
  • Patent number: 10601641
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing access constructs for a network, and, in some cases, for implementing access constructs for cloud orchestration. In some embodiments, a network might provide connectivity between a first access node(s) in the network and a hardware node(s) or between two or more first access nodes, via a corresponding first link(s). An apparatus, such as one disposed at an orchestration node or the like in the network, might bridge a second access node over one or more of at least one first access node or at least one first link (“bridge node or link”), and might roll service over to the second access node from the bridged node or link. Based on a determination that failure has occurred during service through the second access node, the apparatus might roll service back over to the bridged node or link, from the second access node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Patent number: 10601838
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing digital rights management (“DRM”)-agnostic entitlement gateway and verification system. In various embodiments, an entitlement gateway might receive a query from a client device, and might determine whether a user is authorized to access requested DRM-protected media content. If not, the entitlement gateway might send a deny signal to the client device that prevents the user from accessing the media content. If so, the entitlement gateway might identify, from among a plurality of DRM types, a DRM type that is used to protect the media content. The entitlement gateway might identify, from among a plurality of DRM servers each associated with a particular DRM type, a DRM server associated with the identified DRM type, and might send a request for a license for accessing the media content from the identified DRM server, the license enabling the user to access the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Asghar Hussain, Zubin Ingah, Michael D. Sprenger
  • Patent number: 10588502
    Abstract: A laryngeal access system includes a laryngeal blade with a proximal portion and a distal portion, an inner channel extending longitudinally through the laryngeal blade, wherein an outer wall of the laryngeal blade has an opening therethrough extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the blade through which an object can pass through the outer wall into the inner channel, an articulating member provided at the distal portion of the blade, and an actuator provided at the proximal portion of the blade and coupled to the articulating member, wherein the actuator moves the articulating member from a first position, in which the articulating member has a first longitudinal axis, to a second position, in which the articulating member extends at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Sanovas Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Gerrans
  • Patent number: 10595076
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing media stream synchronization. In some embodiments, a synchronization system might receive a first signal that is output from a first device, which receives an original video signal from a video source and outputs a first video signal. The synchronization system might analyze the first signal to determine a first frame buffer delay, generate a delay adjustment signal based on such determination, and send the delay adjustment signal to a frame buffer delay device. The frame buffer delay device and the first device might concurrently receive the original video signal from the video source. The first delay adjustment signal causes the frame buffer delay device to apply the first frame buffer delay to the original video signal to produce a second video signal that is synchronized with the first video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Sprenger, Zubin Ingah
  • Patent number: 10592377
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for tracking website performance and providing a user with website performance data. Embodiments include systems, methods and apparatus for identifying that the user has accessed a website from a user device, obtaining one or more website performance metrics and forwarding one or more website performance metrics to a performance information generator associated with a website performance tracking server. A performance information message is then created by the performance information generator and the performance information message is transmitted to the user device. The performance information message may be displayed to the user on the user device. In selected embodiments, the performance information message is displayed to the user in real-time as the user accesses the website.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Charles I. Cook
  • Publication number: 20200081734
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network experience shifting, and, in particular embodiments, using either a roaming or portable hypervisor associated with a user or a local hypervisor unassociated with the user. In some embodiments, a network node in a first network might receive, via a first network access device in a second network, a request from a user device to establish roaming network access, and might authenticate a user associated with the user device, the user being unassociated with the first network access device. Based on a determination that the user is authorized to access data, content, profiles, and/or software applications that are accessible via a second network access device, the network node might establish a secure private connection through a hypervisor or container communicatively coupled to the first network access device to provide the user with access to her data, content, profiles, and/or software applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: CenturyLInk Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Kevin M. McBride, Matthew J. Post, William R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20200084639
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing self-organizing mobile networks (“SOMNETs”) of drones and platforms. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive first data from each of a plurality of vehicles; might receive second data from each of a plurality of platforms; might analyze the first data to determine a status of each vehicle; and might analyze the second data to determine a status of each platform. Based at least in part on the analyzed first and second data, the computing system might generate at least one of first control instructions to at least one first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles or second control instructions to at least one first platform of the plurality of platforms that respectively cause the at least one first vehicle to perform one or more first actions or cause the at least one first platform to perform one or more second actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: CenturyLInk Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Phil Carpenter, Steven M. Casey, Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 10588027
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing self-organizing mobile networks (“SOMNETs”) of drones and platforms. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive first data from each of a plurality of vehicles; might receive second data from each of a plurality of platforms; might analyze the first data to determine a status of each vehicle; and might analyze the second data to determine a status of each platform. Based at least in part on the analyzed first and second data, the computing system might generate at least one of first control instructions to at least one first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles or second control instructions to at least one first platform of the plurality of platforms that respectively cause the at least one first vehicle to perform one or more first actions or cause the at least one first platform to perform one or more second actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Phil Carpenter, Steven M. Casey, Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 10588070
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing combined broadband and wireless self-organizing network (“SON”) for provisioning of services. In some embodiments, a computing system might receive, from one or more first sensors and one or more second sensors, first operational states of fixed broadband network nodes and second operational states of wireless network nodes, respectively. The computing system might analyze the received first and second operational states, might determine an optimal network pathway and/or an optimal network backhaul pathway, and might establish the optimal network pathway and/or the optimal network backhaul pathway, through a determined combination of fixed and wireless network nodes, thereby implementing the combined broadband and wireless self-organizing network (“SON”) for provisioning of services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Stephen Opferman
  • Publication number: 20200077231
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for tracking information of an equipment including a telematics device configured to receive data from the equipment to determine a telematics information. The telematics information includes at least two of an equipment type, a location, a duration in the location, and miles travelled. A transmission device is configured to transmit the vehicle telematics information to at least one of a third party entity device, a government device and a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Valvoline Licensing and Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Adam E. Sworski, Frances E. Lockwood, Roger D. England, Timothy L. Caudill, Jeffrey S. Baker, Jeffrey R. Torkelson
  • Patent number: 10576231
    Abstract: An imaging stylet is provided, including a deformable outer housing having a proximal end and a distal end with a longitudinal axis, and an opening provided at the distal end, an imaging device disposed at the distal end of the outer housing, a deformable support member disposed in the outer housing, and an actuator disposed in the outer housing and coupled to the imaging device. The imaging device is movable by the actuator from an inactivated position, in which the imaging device is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the distal end, to an activated position, in which the imaging device extends out of the opening at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Sanovas Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Erhan H. Gunday, Lawrence J. Gerrans, Alex Hsia
  • Patent number: 10578825
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing FTTx, which might include Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), and/or the like. A method might include routing an F1 line(s) 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. From the FDH, an F2 line(s) might be routed, via any combination of various apical conduit components, to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing one or more customer premises. An F3 line(s) might be distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device (“NID”) or optical network terminal (“ONT”) at each customer premises, via any combination of the apical conduit components, which include channels in at least portions of roadways. In some embodiments, at least one wireless access point is disposed in each of one or more channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200063552
    Abstract: A location connector connects a first tubular to a second tubular, and includes a cylindrical main body extending in a longitudinal direction. An outer surface extends around a circumference of the main body, and an inner surface faces the central bore of the main body. A first connector is on a first end of the main body and is configured to attach to the first tubular. A second connector on an opposite second end of the main body is configured to attach to the second tubular. A female profile is provided on the inner surface, and includes a plurality of grooves for selective engagement with a discrete complementary profile comprising one or more protruding members of a downhole tool. Each of the grooves comprises a no-go shoulder that prevents movement of the tool in one direction, and each of the grooves permits clocking movement of the tool in an azimuthal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, William F. Boelte, Douglas J. Streibich, Marcelo Laxalt, Antony F. Grattan
  • Patent number: 10575048
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing video tuning and wireless video communication. In various embodiments, a media player, which might include an integrated wireless video link system, might receive an encoded video signal from a media content source(s) (and/or a corresponding database(s). The media player might decode the received video signal, might establish a wireless communications link between the media player and one or more display devices via the integrated wireless video link system, and might send the decoded video signal to the one or more display devices (and/or one or more user devices) via the wireless communications link established by the integrated wireless video link system. In some cases, the media player might perform one or more of these processed in response to user input received via the user devices or via the media player's user interface(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Sprenger, Zubin Ingah
  • Patent number: 10575056
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, computer readable medium, and method for recording and distributing video content based on DRM parameters. For example, in one embodiment, a set-top box is disclosed that includes a processor for executing a set of instructions. The set-top box also includes memory in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to execute the set of instructions to receive user input to record a video content; determine DRM parameters associated with the video content, wherein the DRM parameters are established by at least of a content owner and a communications service provider, the DRM parameters indicating designated portions of the video content that is recordable; and record the video content based on the DRM parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: David E. Emerson, Gary W. LaFreniere, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, Sr., Michael S. Goergen