Patents by Inventor Lane Walters

Lane Walters 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).

  • Publication number: 20170034479
    Abstract: A video endpoint and related methods are disclosed. A video endpoint includes a control circuit configured to provide a user interface configured to enable a user to communicate with another user of another video endpoint with text during video communications with the other user. The user interface is also configured to enable the user to select from text strings stored in a database. A method of operating the video endpoint includes transmitting data corresponding to a selected one of the text strings stored in the database to the other video endpoint during the video communications responsive to the user selecting the selected one of the text strings. A method of transforming a computing device into a video endpoint includes storing computer-readable instructions directed to performing the functions of the control circuit on one or more servers, and transmitting the computer-readable instructions to the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Thelin, Tara Lalor, Jeremiah Long, Cameron Dadgari, Kevin Selman, Lane Walters, Kurt Eilander, David Frye
  • Patent number: 9491258
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for distributing images corresponding to communication endpoints. A system includes one or more servers configured to determine whether image privacy settings corresponding to images of communication endpoints permit the images to be transmitted to others of the communication endpoints for display with contacts lists of the others of the communication endpoints. A method includes transmitting the data corresponding to the images to the others of the communication endpoints as permitted by the image privacy settings. A communication endpoint is configured to present a contacts list displaying the images corresponding to communication endpoints listed in the contacts list to a user, if permitted by the corresponding image privacy settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Thelin, Lane Walters, Tara Lalor, James Blackham, Kevin Selman, Cameron Dadgari
  • Patent number: 9473627
    Abstract: A video endpoint and related methods are disclosed. A video endpoint includes a control circuit configured to provide a user interface configured to enable a user to communicate with another user of another video endpoint with text during video communications with the other user. The user interface is also configured to enable the user to select from text strings stored in a database. A method of operating the video endpoint includes transmitting data corresponding to a selected one of the text strings stored in the database to the other video endpoint during the video communications responsive to the user selecting the selected one of the text strings. A method of transforming a computing device into a video endpoint includes storing computer-readable instructions directed to performing the functions of the control circuit on one or more servers, and transmitting the computer-readable instructions to the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SORENSON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brett Thelin, Tara Lalor, Jeremiah Long, Cameron Dadgari, Kevin Selman, Lane Walters, Kurt Eilander, David Frye
  • Publication number: 20160198121
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for enabling electronic communication with an audibly-impaired user are disclosed. A communication device receives a call from a video endpoint associated with a calling party, wherein the call is intended for the audibly-impaired user. If the audibly-impaired user is unavailable to receive the call, information is selected from a database with one or more entries associated with the audibly-impaired user. The one or more entries include a video greeting previously recorded by the audibly-impaired user and a text greeting previously entered by the audibly-impaired user. The video greeting and the text greeting are combined as a merged video stream. The merged video stream is then presented on the video endpoint associated with the calling party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Merle L. Walker, Tara Lalor, David Frye, Kevin Selman, Cameron Dadgari, Lane Walters
  • Publication number: 20160134635
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for distributing images corresponding to communication endpoints. A system includes one or more servers configured to determine whether image privacy settings corresponding to images of communication endpoints permit the images to be transmitted to others of the communication endpoints for display with contacts lists of the others of the communication endpoints. A method includes transmitting the data corresponding to the images to the others of the communication endpoints as permitted by the image privacy settings. A communication endpoint is configured to present a contacts list displaying the images corresponding to communication endpoints listed in the contacts list to a user, if permitted by the corresponding image privacy settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Brett Thelin, Lane Walters, Tara Lalor, James Blackham, Kevin Selman, Cameron Dadgari
  • Patent number: 9325753
    Abstract: Devices and methods for creating and administering a user group with a user interface of a communication device. One or more servers are configured to address the communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned to the communication device. The one or more servers are also configured to address the communication device with a group unique identifier assigned to the new user group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SORENSON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Lane Walters, Merle L. Walker, Tara Ault, Jarret M. Gill
  • Publication number: 20160088161
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods for operating a plurality of communication devices configured to be associated with a user group. Each communication device of the plurality of communication devices may be configured to communicate with one or more servers both as an individual communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned thereto and as the user group with a group unique identifier assigned thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Jesse Leigh Parent, Richard Shields, Scot L. Brooksby, Merle L. Walker, Lane Walters, Jason Andersen
  • Patent number: 9276971
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for enabling electronic communication with an audibly-impaired user are disclosed. A communication device receives a call from a video endpoint associated with a calling party, wherein the call is intended for the audibly-impaired user. If the audibly-impaired user is unavailable to receive the call, information is selected from a database with one or more entries associated with the audibly-impaired user. The one or more entries include a video greeting previously recorded by the audibly-impaired user and a text greeting previously entered by the audibly-impaired user. The video greeting and the text greeting are combined as a merged video stream. The merged video stream is then presented on the video endpoint associated with the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: SORENSON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Merle L. Walker, Tara Lalor, David Frye, Kevin Selman, Cameron Dadgari, Lane Walters
  • Patent number: 9215409
    Abstract: Communication systems and methods for controlling audio communications between a relay service and an audio endpoint with a video endpoint are disclosed. A communication system comprises a relay service configured to engage in video communications with a video endpoint and audio communications with an audio endpoint. The relay service comprises a control circuit configured to receive call control signals from the video endpoint, and automatically control communications between the relay service and the audio endpoint responsive to the call control signals. A communication system includes a video endpoint comprising a user interface configured to transmit call commands to the relay service responsive to user inputs. The call commands are directed to automatically triggering controls at the relay service over audio communications between the relay service and the audio endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Montero, Daniel Baker, Lane Walters, Shane Herndon, Christine Barton, Michael R. Ohran, Jeff Thompson, Michael Bowers, Ryan Kunz
  • Patent number: 9204088
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a plurality of communication devices configured to be associated with a user group. Each communication device of the plurality of communication devices may be configured to communicate with one or more servers both as an individual communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned thereto and as the user group with a group unique identifier assigned thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Parent, Richard Shields, Scot L. Brooksby, Merle L. Walker, Lane Walters, Jason Andersen
  • Publication number: 20150130887
    Abstract: A video endpoint and related methods are disclosed. A video endpoint includes a control circuit configured to provide a user interface configured to enable a user to communicate with another user of another video endpoint with text during video communications with the other user. The user interface is also configured to enable the user to select from text strings stored in a database. A method of operating the video endpoint includes transmitting data corresponding to a selected one of the text strings stored in the database to the other video endpoint during the video communications responsive to the user selecting the selected one of the text strings. A method of transforming a computing device into a video endpoint includes storing computer-readable instructions directed to performing the functions of the control circuit on one or more servers, and transmitting the computer-readable instructions to the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Brett Thelin, Tara Lalor, Jeremiah Long, Cameron Dadgari, Kevin Selman, Lane Walters, Kurt Eilander, David Frye
  • Patent number: 8976940
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for visually indicating an occurrence of an event. A spatial visual indicator system comprises a spatial visual indicator including a plurality of illuminatable elements configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement. The spatial visual indicator displays a visual indicator pattern corresponding to a detected event. A control circuit is configured to detect an event, and cause a transceiver to send a communication indicating a visual indicator pattern corresponding to the event to the spatial visual indicator. The spatial visual indicator is configured to display the visual indicator pattern. The spatial visual indicator is located remote to the transceiver. A method of indicating an occurrence of an event comprises receiving a communication indicating one of a plurality of visual indicator patterns that is associated with a detected event. The method also includes displaying the one of the plurality of visual indicator patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad Arlo Maxwell, Eric Winsor, Lane Walters, Phillip Shimek, Miranda Johnson, Mark Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140282095
    Abstract: Devices and methods for creating and administering a user group with a user interface of a communication device. One or more servers are configured to address the communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned to the communication device. The one or more servers are also configured to address the communication device with a group unique identifier assigned to the new user group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Lane Walters, Merle L. WALKER, Tara AULT, Jarret M. GILL
  • Publication number: 20140267580
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a plurality of communication devices configured to be associated with a user group. Each communication device of the plurality of communication devices may be configured to communicate with one or more servers both as an individual communication device with an individual unique identifier assigned thereto and as the user group with a group unique identifier assigned thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Parent, Richard Shields, Scot L. Brooksby, Merle L. Walker, Lane Walters, Jason Andersen
  • Publication number: 20140267579
    Abstract: Communication systems and methods for controlling audio communications between a relay service and an audio endpoint with a video endpoint are disclosed. A communication system comprises a relay service configured to engage in video communications with a video endpoint and audio communications with an audio endpoint. The relay service comprises a control circuit configured to receive call control signals from the video endpoint, and automatically control communications between the relay service and the audio endpoint responsive to the call control signals. A communication system includes a video endpoint comprising a user interface configured to transmit call commands to the relay service responsive to user inputs. The call commands are directed to automatically triggering controls at the relay service over audio communications between the relay service and the audio endpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam MONTERO, Daniel BAKER, Lane WALTERS, Shane HERNDON, Christine BARTON, Michael R. OHRAN, Jeff THOMPSON, Michael BOWERS, Ryan KUNZ
  • Publication number: 20140270099
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and devices for creating or sharing a visual indicator pattern for indicating a condition of an incoming communication. A storage device stores a plurality of visual indicator patterns for displaying on a spatial visual indicator. A user interface is configured to receive a command from a user. Responsive to the command, a user-created visual indicator pattern is stored on the storage device, or another visual indicator pattern is received from, or shared with, another user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Eric Winsor, Lane Walters, Phillip Shimek, Miranda Johnson, Mark Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140270101
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for visually indicating an occurrence of an event. A spatial visual indicator system comprises a spatial visual indicator including a plurality of illuminatable elements configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement. The spatial visual indicator displays a visual indicator pattern corresponding to a detected event. A control circuit is configured to detect an event, and cause a transceiver to send a communication indicating a visual indicator pattern corresponding to the event to the spatial visual indicator. The spatial visual indicator is configured to display the visual indicator pattern. The spatial visual indicator is located remote to the transceiver. A method of indicating an occurrence of an event comprises receiving a communication indicating one of a plurality of visual indicator patterns that is associated with a detected event. The method also includes displaying the one of the plurality of visual indicator patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad Arlo MAXWELL, Eric WINSOR, Lane WALTERS, Phillip SHIMEK, Miranda JOHNSON, Mark NELSON
  • Patent number: 8824640
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and devices for creating or sharing a visual indicator pattern for indicating a condition of an incoming communication. A storage device stores a plurality of visual indicator patterns for displaying on a spatial visual indicator. A user interface is configured to receive a command from a user. Responsive to the command, a user-created visual indicator pattern is stored on the storage device, or another visual indicator pattern is received from, or shared with, another user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Winsor, Lane Walters, Phillip Shimek, Miranda Johnson, Mark Nelson
  • Patent number: 6230668
    Abstract: A cooling system (10) for a turbocharged locomotive engine (12) including a two stage intercooler (20) for conditioning the combustion air (16). A first coolant loop (32) includes a first stage intercooler (38), the engine coolant passages (22), a radiator (34), a first tank (36), an oil cooler (30), and a first pump (40). A second coolant loop (42) includes a second stage intercooler (44) a subcooler (48), a second tank (46), and a second pump (50). A fluid connection is provided between the first coolant loop (32) and the second coolant loop (42) to provide heat there between during conditions of overcooling of the second coolant loop (42). Flow control valves forming a portion of first coolant loop (32) may be embodied in a single rotor-sleeve flow control valve (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Marsh, Brian Lane Walter, Peter Loring Valentine, Mahesh Chand Aggarwal, Abul Kalam Mohammad Shariful Islam
  • Patent number: D765122
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SORENSON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Lane Walters, Merle L. Walker, Tara Ault, Jarret M. Gill