Patents by Inventor Charles I. Cook

Charles I. Cook 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: 9763144
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for handling calls in a dual-mode VoIP/cellular environment. Merely by way of example, some systems can be configured to determine whether to use a VoIP system or a cellular system to handle a particular call, and/or to transition a call from one network to the other network. Other systems can be configured to substitute a public number (which might be, for example, a VoIP number) for a private number (which might be, for example, a cellular number) when routing a call originating from a dual-mode phone on a cellular network. Further systems can be configured to allow a VoIP system to serve as an anchor for calls originated and/or delivered on a cellular system, for instance to facilitate a transition between cellular and VoIP service during a call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Lance LaBauve, Charles I. Cook, Gilman R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9749442
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing application levels of service over a network. Embodiments of the invention maintain a list of registered applications (or application providers) that have registered with a network resources provider. Customers of the network resources provider may authenticate some or all of the registered applications, indicating a desire to allow traffic relating to those applications over their access networks. Customers may further set application levels of service with respect to those authenticated applications. Certain embodiments may manage network traffic to accord with the application levels of service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Gilman R. Stevens, Charles I. Cook, Thomas Schwengler
  • Patent number: 9733975
    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 in part 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 communicatively coupled to the first network access device to provide the user with access to her data, content, profiles, and/or software applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Kevin M. McBride, Matthew J. Post, William R. Walker
  • Patent number: 9693234
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments comprise one or more security methods, systems or apparatus suitable to provide additional security to personal property or financial transactions. Embodiments feature a proximity security token which is physically separate from a protected device. A communications link is provided between the proximity security token and the protected device which communications link operates over a limited range. Thus, the presence and active operation of the limited range communications link between the proximity security token and protected device indicates that the protected device has not been lost and stolen. Interruption of the communications link indicates that the protected device may have been lost or stolen causing the commencement of security actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 9668175
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for handling calls in a dual-mode VoIP/cellular environment. Merely by way of example, some systems can be configured to determine whether to use a VoIP system or a cellular system to handle a particular call, and/or to transition a call from one network to the other network. Other systems can be configured to substitute a public number (which might be, for example, a VoIP number) for a private number (which might be, for example, a cellular number) when routing a call originating from a dual-mode phone on a cellular network. Further systems can be configured to allow a VoIP system to serve as an anchor for calls originated and/or delivered on a cellular system, for instance to facilitate a transition between cellular and VoIP service during a call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Lance LaBauve, Charles I. Cook, Gilman R. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20170026157
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing customer-based Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality. Various methods, systems, and apparatuses might provide connectivity between a network interface device (“NID”) and each of one or more first user devices of a plurality of user devices associated with the customer premises and/or a user who is associated with the customer premises. At least one virtual network function (“VNF”) might be sent to each of the one or more first user devices. Each of the one or more first user devices might be mapped with each of one or more second user devices of the plurality of user devices associated with at least one of the customer premises or the user who is associated with the customer premises, and with each resource node of a plurality of resource nodes in communication with the NID, based at least in part on user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Michael K. Bugenhagen, Charles I. Cook
  • Publication number: 20170026472
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing customer-based Internet of Things (“IoT”)-transparent privacy functionality. Various methods, systems, and apparatuses might provide connectivity between a network interface device (“NID”) and each of one or more first user devices of a plurality of user devices associated with the customer premises and/or a user who is associated with the customer premises. In some cases, at least one virtual network function (“VNF”) might be sent to each of the one or more first user devices. The NID might restrict, in some cases using the VNF, access by a third party to the information regarding the at least one portion of the at least one of one or more first user devices connected to the network or one or more applications running on one or more first user devices connected to the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Michael K. Bugenhagen, Charles I. Cook
  • Publication number: 20160344592
    Abstract: A system for noise profile generation includes a customer gateway communicatively coupled to one or more end devices over a communication medium, at least one noise information node communicatively coupled to the customer gateway and programmed to extract noise information present on a communication path from the customer gateway to at least one of the one or more end devices, a noise profile database storing one or more noise profiles, and a noise profile generator. The noise profile generator includes at least one processor and non-transitory computer readable media having a set of instructions executable by the at least one processor to retrieve the extracted noise information associated with the communication path, determine whether the at least one noise characteristic of the extracted noise information matches with one or more noise profiles and identify at least one noise source on the communication path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Paul A. Keator
  • Publication number: 20160344479
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques providing for the robust wireless distribution of communications signals from a provider to multiple customer premises. Certain embodiments comprise one or more modular communications apparatuses which are located near to customer premises. The modular communications apparatuses features an enclosure which is, at least in part, transparent to radio frequencies. A modular communications apparatus also typically includes one or more communications radios or transmitter/receiver devices within the enclosure. The apparatus also includes at least one and possibly more than one antenna located within the enclosure along with wire or cable-based signal output apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Charles I. Cook
  • Publication number: 20160337206
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques provide for implementing network configuration, and, in particular embodiments, to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer software for implementing customer control point or customer portal for enabling customer-based virtualized platform and network configuration. In some embodiments, a network node might receive, via a user portal (e.g., an app-based or web-based customer portal), a request from a user to change a network configuration of a network. In response to receiving the request, the network node might determine one or more network configuration changes to make to effect the request to change the network configuration of the network, and might reconfigure the network by effecting the determined one or more network configuration changes. In some cases, the user portal might be represented by a graphical user interface that allows the user to manipulate or interact with icons of devices, apps, VNFs, etc., as a form of making the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Michael K. Bugenhagen, Charles I. Cook, Kevin M. McBride
  • Publication number: 20160330140
    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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Kevin M. McBride, Andrew V. Cook
  • Publication number: 20160330613
    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 in part 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 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: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Kevin M. McBride, Matthew J. Post, William R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20160329965
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing extension of customer local area networks (“LANs”) and/or implementing isolated service overlays over a network. In some embodiments, a network service point that is located external to a demarcation point at each of a plurality of customer premises might establish a connection between a service provider network and a customer LAN, which has already been established within a customer premises. The system subsequently extends the customer LAN, via this connection, to span between the network service point and the customer premises. Alternatively, or additionally, the system might establish two or more isolated service overlays across the customer LAN between the network service point and the customer premises, each of the two or more isolated service overlays having network traffic that is isolated from network traffic transmitted along another of the two or more isolated service overlays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Kevin M. McBride, Andrew V. Cook
  • Publication number: 20160330074
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing extension of customer local area networks (“LANs”) and/or implementing isolated service overlays over a network. In some embodiments, a network service point that is located external to a demarcation point at each of a plurality of customer premises might establish a connection between a service provider network and a customer LAN, which has already been established within a customer premises. The system subsequently extends the customer LAN, via this connection, to span between the network service point and the customer premises. Alternatively, or additionally, the system might establish two or more isolated service overlays across the customer LAN between the network service point and the customer premises, each of the two or more isolated service overlays having network traffic that is isolated from network traffic transmitted along another of the two or more isolated service overlays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Kevin M. McBride, Andrew V. Cook, Michael J. Fargano
  • Patent number: 9438344
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques providing for the robust wireless distribution of communications signals from a provider to multiple customer premises. Certain embodiments comprise one or more modular communications apparatuses which are located near to customer premises. The modular communications apparatuses features an enclosure which is, at least in part, transparent to radio frequencies. A modular communications apparatus also typically includes one or more communications radios or transmitter/receiver devices within the enclosure. The apparatus also includes at least one and possibly more than one antenna located within the enclosure along with wire or cable-based signal output apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 9392641
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can provide wireless service for multiple service providers from a single, multi-service provider wireless access point. In an aspect, a multi-service provider wireless access point might communicate with a plurality of wireless devices, each associated with a different wireless carrier, and route communications from each device to the appropriate carrier (and/or, similarly, transmit communications from each carrier to the appropriate wireless device). In this way, for example, a single wireless access point could provide service to cellphones of subscribers of a number of different carriers. Such a wireless access point can provide enhanced efficiency and reduced cost, along with the ability to provide higher service for a number of wireless carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 9363370
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for providing handoffs between cellular providers and VoIP providers. In some cases, for example, upon the initiation of a call from a dual-mode cellular phone, the cellular network (and/or a component thereof) may be configured to store the dialed number and/or substitute a predetermined number for the dialed number. The predetermined number may be associated with a VoIP provider's system. Hence, in a particular embodiment, the call may be routed (e.g., via the PSTN) to the VoIP provider's system, which may be configured to obtain (perhaps from an application server) the original dialed number and/or to route the call (e.g., via the PSTN) to the original dialed number. If the dual-mode phone subsequently obtains IP access, a VoIP connection may be established between the VoIP system and the phone and/or a handoff may be performed (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Lance LaBauve, Charles I. Cook, Gilman R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9363384
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for providing handoffs between cellular providers and VoIP providers. In some cases, for example, upon the initiation of a call from a dual-mode cellular phone, the cellular network (and/or a component thereof) may be configured to store the dialed number and/or substitute a predetermined number for the dialed number. The predetermined number may be associated with a VoIP provider's system. Hence, in a particular embodiment, the call may be routed (e.g., via the PSTN) to the VoIP provider's system, which may be configured to obtain (perhaps from an application server) the original dialed number and/or to route the call (e.g., via the PSTN) to the original dialed number. If the dual-mode phone subsequently obtains IP access, a VoIP connection may be established between the VoIP system and the phone and/or a handoff may be performed (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Lance LaBauve, Charles I. Cook, Gilman R. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20160050159
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing remote application access, and, in some cases, by instantiating an application or service close to the intended recipient or user of the application or service, from a networking perspective. A network might provide connectivity between a first computer and a second computer. A file (comprising an application and data) might be transmitted, over the network, from the first computer. A node in the network, which might be on a path between the first and second computers, might determine that the file contains the application and the data, and, based on such determination, might capture the file (before the second computer can receive it). An instance of the application might be instantiated on a compute surface in the network as a service for the second computer, such that the compute surface can operate on the data with the instance of the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Charles I. Cook, Kevin M. McBride
  • Patent number: 9264910
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for wireless communication over unlicensed spectrum using a femto cell. In an implementation of the system, a dualmode mobile device adapted to communicate over a licensed frequency spectrum and over an unlicensed frequency spectrum is provided. The dual-mode mobile device detects the presence of a femto cell communicating over an unlicensed spectrum and in response, initiates a communication connection with the unlicensed spectrum femto cell. Subsequently, the connection over a license spectrum may be disconnected upon successful establishment of the connection over the unlicensed spectrum. In yet another implementation, a femto cell communicating over an unlicensed spectrum may be adapted to communicate with a mobile switching center and/or with a voice over IP switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Charles I. Cook