Patents by Inventor Jeffrey M. Sweeney

Jeffrey M. Sweeney 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: 8665783
    Abstract: A router is operatively coupled to a plurality of local computers and has one or more connections to a remote computer network for managing one or more data routes between the local computers and the remote computer network. In providing dynamic access to the remote computer network by any of the local computers, one or more of the connection(s) of the router to the remote computer network includes one or more wireless connections independent of the router between the local computers and the remote computer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: William T. Stelle, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, Jeffrey M. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20140038586
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system and method for managing events associated with the detection of wireless devices. The disclosed embodiments utilize a residential wireless access point for detecting the signal transmitted by a wireless device. A user configures a wireless device detection program to perform specified events in response to the detection and/or absence of a wireless device. The disclosed embodiments may provide home automation functions, home security functions, and/or provide child monitoring features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D.S. Rooks, SR., Shekhar Gupta, Kendra Dwyer, Mark Wilmoth
  • Patent number: 8630683
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method for displaying information associated with a cellular device on a display unit. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring for a signal transmitted by a cellular device. In response to detecting the signal from the cellular device, the method determines an identity and a call status of the cellular device from data associated with the signal. The method transmits the identity and the call status of the cellular device to a user specified device to display the identity and the call status on the display unit associated with the user specified device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks
  • Publication number: 20130295896
    Abstract: A wireless device, system, and method configured to limit communications. The server includes a processor for executing a set of instructions and a memory for storing the set of instructions. The set of instructions are executed to receive a list of one or more communicating parties that are authorized to communicate with a user at any time, receive a selection to limit communications, determine whether an identifier associated with a communicating party is in the list in response to processing a communication, and connect the communication to a communications device in response to determining the identifier is in the list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Jennifer D. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20130296001
    Abstract: A system and method for playing ringtones on a communication device. User preferences indicating a desired method for selecting a ringtone are received from the number of ringtones. The ringtone is selected from the number of ringtones based on the user preferences indicating the desired method for selecting the ringtone from the number of ringtones. Playback of the ringtone is initiated for playback on the communication device in response to being selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. Rooks, Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill, Charles E. Lumbirt
  • Patent number: 8554214
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system and method for managing events associated with the detection of wireless devices. The disclosed embodiments utilize a residential wireless access point for detecting the signal transmitted by a wireless device. A user configures a wireless device detection program to perform specified events in response to the detection and/or absence of a wireless device. The disclosed embodiments may provide home automation functions, home security functions, and/or provide child monitoring features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, Shekhar Gupta, Kendra Dwyer, Mark Wilmoth
  • Patent number: 8538492
    Abstract: A system and method for localized noise cancellation. An audio signal is received from an environment in close proximity to a primary area. The audio signal is processed to generate an inverse signal of the audio signal. The inverse signal is broadcast within the primary area to destructively interfere with the audio signal. The inverse signal is configured to prevent the audio signal from being broadcast through a telephone conversation ongoing in the primary area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. Rooks, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8509752
    Abstract: A server, system, and method configured to limit communications. The server includes a processor for executing a set of instructions and a memory for storing the set of instructions. The set of instructions are executed to receive a list of one or more communicating parties that are authorized to communicate with a user at any time, receive a selection to limit communications, determine whether an identifier associated with a communicating party is in the list in response to processing a communication, and connect the communication to a communications device in response to determining the identifier is in the list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Jennifer D. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8478355
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed inventions include a method for playing ringtones on a communication device. The method includes associating a plurality of ringtones with an identifier of a calling device. The method also includes receiving a user preference indicating a desired method for selecting a ringtone from the plurality of ringtones. In response to the communication device receiving a communication from the calling device associated with the identifier, the method selects the ringtone from the plurality of ringtones based on the user preference indicating the desired method for selecting the ringtone from the plurality of ringtones and initiates the playing of a selected ringtone on the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. Rooks, Sr., Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill, Charles E. Lumbirt
  • Patent number: 8457617
    Abstract: A system and method for locating a wireless accessory. User input to search for the wireless accessory is received. A determination is made whether a signal is received from the wireless accessory. Location information is displayed to a user in response to detecting the signal from the wireless accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Michael C. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120260308
    Abstract: A server, system, and method configured to limit communications. The server includes a processor for executing a set of instructions and a memory for storing the set of instructions. The set of instructions are executed to receive a list of one or more communicating parties that are authorized to communicate with a user at any time, receive a selection to limit communications, determine whether an identifier associated with a communicating party is in the list in response to processing a communication, and connect the communication to a communications device in response to determining the identifier is in the list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Jennifer D. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8229404
    Abstract: A system and method for gating calls. A list of one or more callers that may contact a user at any time is received. A selection to activate call gating is received. A determination is made whether an identifier associated with a caller is on the list in response receiving a call. The call is connected to a communications device in response to determining the identifier is on the list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Jennifer D. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20120178504
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed inventions include a method for playing ringtones on a communication device. The method includes associating a plurality of ringtones with an identifier of a calling device. The method also includes receiving a user preference indicating a desired method for selecting a ringtone from the plurality of ringtones. In response to the communication device receiving a communication from the calling device associated with the identifier, the method selects the ringtone from the plurality of ringtones based on the user preference indicating the desired method for selecting the ringtone from the plurality of ringtones and initiates the playing of a selected ringtone on the communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. Rooks, SR., Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill, Charles E. Lumbirt
  • Publication number: 20120169486
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for extending alerts for a wireless device. In one embodiment, a method for extending alerts for a wireless device includes linking the wireless device through a wireless connection with a wireless ringer module; wherein the wireless ringer module is removably coupled to a device having an interface for receiving and coupling with the wireless ringer module. The method further includes transmitting a signal to the wireless ringer that triggers an alert feature of the wireless ringer for notifying a user of an incoming communication in response to the wireless device receiving an indication of an incoming communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 8194871
    Abstract: A system and method for providing call privacy for a wireless communication device. A voice communication is received from a user. The voice communication is processed to determine a response signal in response to receiving the voice signal. The response signal is broadcast about the periphery of the user as the voice input is received. The response signal is operative to cause the voice communication to be less discernible by one or more bystanders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. Rooks, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8145278
    Abstract: A system and method for shuffling ringtones. An identifier associated with a calling party is received. A selection of ringtones is received. The identifier is associated with the selection of ringtones. A communication is received from the calling party. Playback of one of the selection of ringtones is initiated on a communications device based on a user preference in response to determining the communication is associated with the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. Rooks, Sr., Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill, Charles E. Lumbirt
  • Publication number: 20100325290
    Abstract: A method for coordinating human interaction between users within a social network system may include matching users together based on identified compatibility trends. The compatibility trends may be identified based on compatibility research and analysis and/or analysis of previous successful matches. Additionally, the method may include matching users together based on identified personal preferences. The personal preferences may be identified through monitoring the users' interactions with the Internet and determining personal preferences based on the interactions. In a particular embodiment, the social networking system may be a voice-based speed dating network which occurs via voice communications over the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, Jeffrey S. Stafford, Jeffrey M. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20100306367
    Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed structures, systems and methods for monitoring and regulating access by consumers to computer network bandwidth, particularly with regard to peer-to-peer file sharing. A router (in certain embodiments, a core router) is programmed with a predetermined number of open or open and active internet protocol (IP) sessions a particular computer is allowed. Requests to open sessions that do not exceed that number are permitted. Requests to open sessions that exceed that number may be rejected, or an offer obtain additional session(s), perhaps with additional payment, may be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D.S. Rooks, William T. Stelle
  • Publication number: 20100295671
    Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed devices and methods for monitoring sensors in a home, office or other location and transmit low-bandwidth signals concerning those sensors along existing telephone wires not connected to telephone service. A hub device is electronically connected to one or more sensors at an end user's location, and is also electronically connected to the unused telephone wires. When a sensor transmits a signal to the hub, such as a smoke detection or other problem, the hub creates a low-bandwidth signal and transmits it along the unused telephone wires. A converter remote from the end user's location receives the signal, converts it into data or other type of message, and sends the message to the end user or other service for action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, Jim Kevin Edwards
  • Publication number: 20100296437
    Abstract: A router is operatively coupled to a plurality of local computers and has one or more connections to a remote computer network for managing one or more data routes between the local computers and the remote computer network. In providing dynamic access to the remote computer network by any of the local computers, one or more of the connection(s) of the router to the remote computer network includes one or more wireless connections independent of the router between the local computers and the remote computer network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: William T. Stelle, Kelsyn D.S. Rooks, Jeffrey M. Sweeney