Patents by Inventor Nicholas David Caola Kullman

Nicholas David Caola Kullman 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: 10111186
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dynamically changing power distribution levels to sectors in a cell site. A device, such as an eNodeB, radio network controller, or base station controller, provides instructions to an RF power splitter to adjust the power output in ratios, which changes the power distribution levels at the sectors. The power splitter contains a transformer and motor that can dynamically change the power output ratios based on the instructions received from the device. The resulting power outputs are distributed to the sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Eugene S. Mitchell, Jr., Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 9844063
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for dynamically enabling and disabling cyclic prefix within a long-term evolution (LTE) channel. A base station receives channel quality indication (CQI) reports indicating levels of ISI within the LTE channel. The base station determines whether the levels of ISI within the LTE channel are greater than, equal to, or less than a predetermined threshold level of ISI for the LTE channel. Based on the determination, the base station either enables or disables cyclic prefix within the LTE channel. In addition to levels of ISI, numbers of roaming users or cell edge users utilizing the LTE channel may affect whether cyclic prefix is enabled or disabled within the LTE channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Rajveen Narendran, Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 9698465
    Abstract: An antenna mount for mounting radio antennas on a communications tower is described. The antenna mount includes a ring structure that encircles the tower and includes a channel disposed about its outer perimeter. The channel is configured to receive a plurality of antenna carriages upon which antennas are mounted on a first end. A second end of the antenna carriage is disposed in the channel and is slideably movable along the length of the channel about the perimeter of the ring structure. The antenna is thus aimable in any desired azimuthal direction by moving the antenna along the ring structure. Bands for communication of data, power, control signaling, and propulsion of the antenna carriages about the ring structure are disposed in the channel. The ring structure may include a junction that allows reorientation of antennas with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 9635617
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dynamically changing power distribution levels to sectors in a cell site. A device, such as an eNodeB, radio network controller, or base station controller, provides instructions to an RF power splitter to adjust the power output in ratios, which changes the power distribution levels at the sectors. The power splitter contains a transformer and motor that can dynamically change the power output ratios based on the instructions received from the device. The resulting power outputs are distributed to the sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Eugene S. Mitchell, Jr., Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 9608306
    Abstract: An antenna mount for mounting radio antennas on a communications tower is described. The antenna mount includes a ring structure that encircles the tower and includes a channel disposed about its outer perimeter. The channel is configured to receive a plurality of antenna carriages upon which antennas are mounted on a first end. A second end of the antenna carriage is disposed in the channel and is slideably movable along the length of the channel about the perimeter of the ring structure. The antenna is thus aimable in any desired azimuthal direction by moving the antenna along the ring structure. Bands for communication of data, power, control signaling, and propulsion of the antenna carriages about the ring structure are disposed in the channel. The ring structure may include a junction that allows reorientation of antennas with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 9397935
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for modifying signals are provided. Embodiments include staged low noise amplifiers (LNA's) in order to customize signal modification. Signals may be modified at various fixed gains by different LNA's within a device. Additionally, signals may be attenuated or receive no modification at all in order to ensure signals are within a preferred signal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Eugene S. Mitchell, Jr., Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Sreekar Marupaduga, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9319991
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for dynamically adjusting power settings based on a gain mapping file are provided. In embodiments, the method includes receiving and interpreting a gain mapping file associated with an antenna. Transmit power levels are determined for each channel associated with the antenna. Transmit power levels are adjusted according to the determination and each channel is adjusted to have identical gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Wurtenberger, Joshua Torey Koenig, Sreekar Marupaduga, Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Patrick Jacob Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9301159
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for dynamically enabling and disabling cyclic prefix within a long-term evolution (LTE) channel. A base station receives channel quality indication (CQI) reports indicating levels of ISI within the LTE channel. The base station determines whether the levels of ISI within the LTE channel are greater than, equal to, or less than a predetermined threshold level of ISI for the LTE channel. Based on the determination, the base station either enables or disables cyclic prefix within the LTE channel. In addition to levels of ISI, numbers of roaming users or cell edge users utilizing the LTE channel may affect whether cyclic prefix is enabled or disabled within the LTE channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Rajveen Narendran, Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 9019820
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for optimizing voice services are provided. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) is an algorithm that implements fast retransmissions of lost blocks or packets of data. HARQ is an error correcting algorithm. Data may be lost at any layer of a protocol stack, thus, increasing a retransmission rate. In order to reduce the retransmission rate and increase quality of voice services, HARQ may be implemented at each layer of a protocol stack based on, for example, radio frequency signal and retransmission rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Nicholas David Caola Kullman
  • Patent number: 9020509
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for dynamically changing Qrxlevmin and Sintrasearch values in a LTE network. An eNodeB sets the Qrxlevmin and Sintrasearch values for each mobile device. The Qrxlevmin value and Sintrasearch value are changed based on RF conditions and a velocity of the mobile device. A lower Qrxlevmin value coupled with a higher Sintrasearch value increases a search period to locate better performing neighboring cells and reduces the chance of handing down from the LTE network to a non-LTE network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Rajveen Narendran, Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 8942755
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for dynamically adjusting gain in a cell site. Network devices, such as an eNodeB, NodeB, base transceiver station, base station server, radio network controller, and base station controller can provide instructions directly or through remote radio heads to an amplification system to change the power distribution levels. The instructions are received over an AISG protocol and cause a mechanical motor in an amplification system to move a magnetic core in a solenoid causing a change in the electromagnetic field resulting in a change in an electrical current. The change in the electrical current causes a change in gain, thus, resulting in a change in the power distribution level in a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Eugene S. Mitchell, Jr., Andrew Mark Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 8896497
    Abstract: An antenna mount for mounting radio antennas on a communications tower is described. The antenna mount includes a ring structure that encircles the tower and includes a channel disposed about its outer perimeter. The channel is configured to receive a plurality of antenna carriages upon which antennas are mounted on a first end. A second end of the antenna carriage is disposed in the channel and is slideably movable along the length of the channel about the perimeter of the ring structure. The antenna is thus aimable in any desired azimuthal direction by moving the antenna along the ring structure. Bands for communication of data, power, control signaling, and propulsion of the antenna carriages about the ring structure are disposed in the channel. The ring structure may include a junction that allows reorientation of antennas with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas David Caola Kullman, Andrew Mark Wurtenberger