Patents by Inventor Kent A. Fritz

Kent A. Fritz 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: 10623238
    Abstract: A failover system includes a plurality of configuration controllers and a plurality of switches. The switches include a site proxy, a failover module and a routing table. A first site proxy of a first switch is designated as the active proxy and controls failover in the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. A second site proxy of a second switch is designated as the backup proxy and controls failover in the event the first switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. In the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes available, the active proxy interacts with the configuration controller and reassigns the extensions associated with the failed switch to a different switch of the plurality of switches. If a configuration controller fails or otherwise becomes unavailable, another configuration controller becomes active and establishes communication with the plurality of switches to maintain the operational status of the IP telephony system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Mitel Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
  • Patent number: 10506000
    Abstract: A system for mesh conferencing using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling includes at least three endpoints communicatively coupled to each other via media paths. The media paths are for exchanging media communications between the at least three endpoints. At least one controller is communicatively coupled to each of the at least three endpoints via control paths separate from the media paths. The control paths are for exchanging SIP messages to setup the media communications between the at least three endpoints as a mesh conference. Upon establishment of the mesh conference, each of the at least three endpoints may be configured to send a media stream via one of the media paths to each of the others of the at least three endpoints and to receive a media stream via one of the media paths from each of the others of the at least three endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Mitel Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
  • Publication number: 20180295015
    Abstract: A failover system includes a plurality of configuration controllers and a plurality of switches. The switches include a site proxy, a failover module and a routing table. A first site proxy of a first switch is designated as the active proxy and controls failover in the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. A second site proxy of a second switch is designated as the backup proxy and controls failover in the event the first switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. In the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes available, the active proxy interacts with the configuration controller and reassigns the extensions associated with the failed switch to a different switch of the plurality of switches. If a configuration controller fails or otherwise becomes unavailable, another configuration controller becomes active and establishes communication with the plurality of switches to maintain the operational status of the IP telephony system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventor: KENT A. FRITZ
  • Patent number: 10027531
    Abstract: A failover system includes a plurality of configuration controllers and a plurality of switches. The switches include a site proxy, a failover module and a routing table. A first site proxy of a first switch is designated as the active proxy and controls failover in the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. A second site proxy of a second switch is designated as the backup proxy and controls failover in the event the first switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. In the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes available, the active proxy interacts with the configuration controller and reassigns the extensions associated with the failed switch to a different switch of the plurality of switches. If a configuration controller fails or otherwise becomes unavailable, another configuration controller becomes active and establishes communication with the plurality of switches to maintain the operational status of the IP telephony system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mitel Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
  • Publication number: 20170272479
    Abstract: A system for mesh conferencing using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling includes at least three endpoints communicatively coupled to each other via media paths. The media paths are for exchanging media communications between the at least three endpoints. At least one controller is communicatively coupled to each of the at least three endpoints via control paths separate from the media paths. The control paths are for exchanging SIP messages to setup the media communications between the at least three endpoints as a mesh conference. Upon establishment of the mesh conference, each of the at least three endpoints may be configured to send a media stream via one of the media paths to each of the others of the at least three endpoints and to receive a media stream via one of the media paths from each of the others of the at least three endpoints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: ShoreTel, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
  • Patent number: 9674242
    Abstract: A system for mesh conferencing using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling includes at least three endpoints communicatively coupled to each other via media paths. The media paths are for exchanging media communications between the at least three endpoints. At least one controller is communicatively coupled to each of the at least three endpoints via control paths separate from the media paths. The control paths are for exchanging SIP messages to setup the media communications between the at least three endpoints as a mesh conference. Upon establishment of the mesh conference, each of the at least three endpoints may be configured to send a media stream via one of the media paths to each of the others of the at least three endpoints and to receive a media stream via one of the media paths from each of the others of the at least three endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ShoreTel, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
  • Patent number: 9397881
    Abstract: A failover system includes a plurality of configuration controllers and a plurality of switches. The switches include a site proxy, a failover module and a routing table. A first site proxy of a first switch is designated as the active proxy and controls failover in the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. A second site proxy of a second switch is designated as the backup proxy and controls failover in the event the first switch fails or otherwise becomes unavailable. In the event a switch fails or otherwise becomes available, the active proxy interacts with the configuration controller and reassigns the extensions associated with the failed switch to a different switch of the plurality of switches. If a configuration controller fails or otherwise becomes unavailable, another configuration controller becomes active and establishes communication with the plurality of switches to maintain the operational status of the IP telephony system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Shoretel, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
  • Patent number: 8861510
    Abstract: The present technology comprises system architecture and methods that provide a media proxy configured to be inserted dynamically into a VoIP system, as-needed, either during call setup or during a call; in either case, in response to invoking a particular feature that requires the media proxy. This dynamic media proxy configuration provides many advantages, including lower cost and better quality of calls. In some embodiments of the system architecture and methods, the media proxy is configured to be inserted during set up of a call. In other embodiments of the system architecture and methods, the media proxy is configured to be inserted when a call is in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ShoreTel, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
  • Patent number: 6108614
    Abstract: A user-responsive system has a controller and a plurality of remotes. Each remote typically has a corresponding sensor and/or actuator. Applications for this system include, but are not limited to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, lighting systems, security systems, energy management systems, home automation systems, and home entertainment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Diablo Research Corporation
    Inventors: Larry A. Lincoln, Kent A. Fritz, Robert M. Russ, Jr., Denis C. Ruffo
  • Patent number: 5198644
    Abstract: A price display system for a store includes spread spectrum radio broadcasting of UPC and price data from a transmitter in the store to a large number of receivers. Each receiver is connected to one or more LCD displays attached to the store shelves, and each receiver provides the relevant information to each of the connected displays. The displays and receivers are battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Diablo Research Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Pfeiffer, Larry A. Lincoln, Donald E. Pezzolo, Robert F. Garry, Jr., Kent A. Fritz