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).
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Patent number: 10623238Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Mitel Networks, Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
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Patent number: 10506000Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Mitel Networks, Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
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Publication number: 20180295015Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventor: KENT A. FRITZ
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Patent number: 10027531Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Mitel Networks, Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
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Publication number: 20170272479Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Applicant: ShoreTel, Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
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Patent number: 9674242Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: ShoreTel, Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
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Patent number: 9397881Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Shoretel, Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
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Patent number: 8861510Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: ShoreTel, Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Fritz
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Patent number: 6108614Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 1996Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Diablo Research CorporationInventors: Larry A. Lincoln, Kent A. Fritz, Robert M. Russ, Jr., Denis C. Ruffo
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Patent number: 5198644Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 16, 1992Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Assignee: Diablo Research CorporationInventors: James W. Pfeiffer, Larry A. Lincoln, Donald E. Pezzolo, Robert F. Garry, Jr., Kent A. Fritz