Patents by Inventor John Alson Hicks

John Alson Hicks 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: 9905098
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. Sensor data is received from an alarm sensor, and an alarm controller determines an alarm condition. Video data associated with the alarm sensor is retrieved. An alarm message may be sent over a wireless network connection, while the video data may be sent over a wireline broadband connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9674573
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gateway having a controller operable to receive media content from first and second service providers where the first and second service providers deliver the media content to the gateway using different transport protocols, provide the media content from the gateway to a plurality of display devices without utilizing a set top box, receive a request for a service associated with a third service provider where the request is received at the gateway, receive an application resource bundle at the gateway to implement the requested service where the application resource bundle is received from a server associated with one of the first, second and third service providers, and implement the service without identifying the third service provider. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Alson Hicks, III, Nicholas Steven Huslak
  • Publication number: 20170132890
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. Sensor data is received from an alarm sensor, and an alarm controller determines an alarm condition. Video data associated with the alarm sensor is retrieved. An alarm message may be sent over a wireless network connection, while the video data may be sent over a wireline broadband connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Publication number: 20170076562
    Abstract: Personalized notifications of security events are sent. When an alarm condition is determined, a remote notification address may be retrieved. Personalized text may also be retrieved that describes the alarm condition. A notification message may thus be sent to the remote notification address, with the personalized text describing the alarm condition in a user's own words. The personalized text may then be converted to speech, thus providing an audible announcement of the alarm condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9582986
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. Sensor data is received from an alarm sensor, and an alarm controller determines an alarm condition. Video data associated with the alarm sensor is retrieved. An alarm message may be sent over a wireless network connection, while the video data may be sent over a wireline broadband connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Publication number: 20170032664
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products bridge wireless data transmissions with power-line communications. Should a failure occur in alternating current power, a backup battery maintains the power-line communications. Direct current battery power is used to power a wireless transceiver, thus maintaining both wireless data transmissions and communication during power failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Alson Hicks, III, Brett Davis, Glenn Howell, Robin Thomas, James A. Worsham, Randy S. Zimler
  • Patent number: 9495865
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products bridge wireless data transmissions with power-line communications. Should a failure occur in alternating current power, a backup battery maintains the power-line communications. Direct current battery power is used to power a wireless transceiver, thus maintaining both wireless data transmissions and communication during power failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Alson Hicks, III, Brett Davis, Glenn Howell, Robin Thomas, James A. Worsham, Randy S. Zimler
  • Publication number: 20160309043
    Abstract: A network interface device to an access network has a modulator-demodulator. The modulator-demodulator receives a modulated carrier signal from an input connection. A power circuit connected to the input connection receives electrical power from the access network and provides the electrical power to the modulator-demodulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Publication number: 20160284205
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms associated with security systems. An alarm is detected by an alarm controller, and an alarm message is sent to notify of the alarm. The alarm message identifies a unique network address assigned to the alarm controller. The alarm controller then receives a Voice-over Internet Protocol call to the unique network address to verify the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Publication number: 20160225239
    Abstract: A sensor associated with a security system determines an electrically open circuit. An identifier identifies the open circuit, which may then be used to retrieve video data trained to a surveillance area associated with the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9401999
    Abstract: A network interface device to an access network has a modulator-demodulator. The modulator-demodulator receives a modulated carrier signal from an input connection. A power circuit connected to the input connection receives electrical power from the access network and provides the electrical power to the modulator-demodulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9396634
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for alarm sensors in security systems. A powerline-to-Ethernet adapter interfaces with an alarm sensor and converts alternating current electrical power into direct current electrical power. Wires in a cable convey the direct current electrical power to the alarm sensor, and other wires in the cable convey Ethernet signals to the alarm sensor. The alarm sensor is electrically powered by the direct current electrical power and the Ethernet signals are received at an Ethernet interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Publication number: 20160196734
    Abstract: A security system notifies of an alarm situation. The security system has two separate communications paths. When the alarm situation is determined, the security system may select one of the two separate communications paths based on performance, cost, urgency, and other factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9379915
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for notification of alarms in security systems. An alarm is detected by an alarm controller, and an alarm message is sent to notify of the alarm. The alarm message identifies a unique network address assigned to the alarm controller. The alarm controller then receives a Voice-over Internet Protocol call to the unique network address to verify the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Publication number: 20160148499
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products bridge wireless data transmissions with power-line communications. Should a failure occur in alternating current power, a backup battery maintains the power-line communications. Direct current battery power is used to power a wireless transceiver, thus maintaining both wireless data transmissions and communication during power failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Alson Hicks, III, Brett Davis, Glenn Howell, Robin Thomas, James A. Worsham, Randy S. Zimler
  • Patent number: 9318005
    Abstract: Security systems notify of alarms. Two separate communications paths are established from an alarm controller. One of the communications paths is selected based on performance, cost, or urgency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9277381
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. An alarm condition is detected and an alarm message is sent from an alarm controller. A call is received to a unique network address of the alarm controller to verify the alarm condition. If a calling address matches a predetermined address, then the alarm controller accepts the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9277587
    Abstract: Integrated voice and data services are provided that utilize wired cordless access with unlicensed/unregulated connectivity sources. A digital cordless telephone operates over unlicensed/unregulated spectrum in conjunction with one or more wireless access points (WAPs) that are installed in homes, businesses, entertainment venues, and the like. The WAPs are connected to a communications service provider's broadband packet data network. A user may use the device when they are in range of another wireless access point in a public or private building that also is connected to their communications service provider's broadband packet data network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Alson Hicks, III, Gregory Nelson Patterson, William L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160037216
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gateway having a controller operable to receive media content from first and second service providers where the first and second service providers deliver the media content to the gateway using different transport protocols, provide the media content from the gateway to a plurality of display devices without utilizing a set top box, receive a request for a service associated with a third service provider where the request is received at the gateway, receive an application resource bundle at the gateway to implement the requested service where the application resource bundle is received from a server associated with one of the first, second and third service providers, and implement the service without identifying the third service provider. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: JOHN ALSON HICKS, III, NICHOLAS STEVEN HUSLAK
  • Publication number: 20160036970
    Abstract: Integrated voice and data services are provided that utilize wired cordless access with unlicensed/unregulated connectivity sources. A digital cordless telephone operates over unlicensed/unregulated spectrum in conjunction with one or more wireless access points (WAPs) that are installed in homes, businesses, entertainment venues, and the like. The WAPs are connected to a communications service provider's broadband packet data network. A user may use the device when they are in range of another wireless access point in a public or private building that also is connected to their communications service provider's broadband packet data network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: John Alson Hicks, III, Gregory Nelson Patterson, William L. Smith