Patents by Inventor Robert F. Penfield

Robert F. Penfield 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: 8767715
    Abstract: Systems and methods of establishing IP telephony sessions between enterprises are disclosed. A first enterprise requests an association with a second enterprise. Both enterprises and the second enterprise belong to the same federation. The association request is accepted, to establish an association between the first and second enterprises. In response to the acceptance, a direct routed path is established between the first enterprise and the second enterprise. One of the associated enterprises requests activation of an IP telephony service. If the request to activate references the association, an IP telephony session is established using the direct routed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Kenneth Kuenzel, Robert F. Penfield, David Gray, Mariana Benitez Pelaez, Hadriel Kaplan, Ryan Koss, Peter Commerford, Patrick Timmons
  • Patent number: 8761160
    Abstract: Systems and methods of establishing IP telephony sessions between enterprises are disclosed. A first enterprise requests an association with a second enterprise. Both enterprises and the second enterprise belong to the same federation. The association request is accepted, to establish an association between the first and second enterprises. In response to the acceptance, a direct routed path is established between the first enterprise and the second enterprise. One of the associated enterprises requests activation of an IP telephony service. If the request to activate references the association, an IP telephony session is established using the direct routed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Robert F. Penfield, David Gray, Mariana Benitez Pelaez, Ryan Koss, Peter Commerford, Patrick Timmons
  • Patent number: 8451716
    Abstract: Methods and systems for routing call signaling messages are disclosed. One such method is performed in a session router. The method includes: maintaining a telephony route information base (TRIB) stored in the session router as a result of participation of the session router in telephony routing over internet protocol (TRIP). The TRIB allows multiple routes to the same destination. The method further comprises: using the TRIB to route the received call signaling messages to another session router. One such system includes memory and a processor. The processor is configured by instructions retrieved from the memory to: build and maintain, as a result of participation of the router in telephony routing over internet protocol (TRIP), a telephony route information base (TRIB) that allows multiple routes to the same destination; and use the TRIB to route a received call signaling message to another router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Andrew D. Ory, Clifford M. Spencer, Robert F. Penfield, Peter S. Commerford, Stephen T. Voto, Cynthia E. Arens, Rebecca A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8204064
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a signaling message are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: determining a first transcoding policy associated with an originator endpoint contained in a received first call offer; determining a second transcoding policy associated with an answerer endpoint contained in the first call offer; applying the first transcoding policy to a first offer codec set in the first call offer to produce a second call offer containing a second offer codec set; applying the second transcoding policy to the second codec set to produce a third call offer containing a third offer codec set; comparing a first answerer codec set in a received first answer and a second answerer codec set contained in the second call offer; and determining whether or not to perform transcoding based on a result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick John MeLampy, Robert F. Penfield, Clifford Spencer, David Michael Gray
  • Patent number: 8072966
    Abstract: Systems and methods for partitioning session initial protocol (SIP) processing among execution units are disclosed. An exemplary device comprises: a plurality of execution units and a plurality of session initiation protocol (SIP) processes. The SIP processes comprise: a SIP transport process; a SIP location server process; and a plurality of SIP core processes. The SIP transport process executes on a first one of the execution units. The SIP location server executes on a second one of the execution units. Each of the SIP core processes executes on a different remaining one of the execution units. An exemplary method comprises: executing a SIP transport process on a first one of the execution units; executing a SIP location server on a second one of the execution units, and executing each of the SIP core processes on a different remaining one of the execution units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick John MeLampy, Robert F. Penfield
  • Patent number: 7817541
    Abstract: Systems and methods for redundancy in a network device are disclosed. An exemplary device comprises: a controller residing on a data forwarding element (DFE), the DFE performing data forwarding operations; and a first and a second control processor. Each of the control processors has either an active role or a standby role with respect to the DFE controller. The active-role control processor communicates with the DFE to configure the DFE forwarding operations and receives at least some communications from the DFE controller over a virtual channel. The DFE controller directs traffic on the virtual channel that is destined for the active-role control processor to either the first or the second control processor based on which of the control processors currently has the active role.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Gray, Robert F. Penfield, Cynthia E. Arens
  • Patent number: 7764679
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining lost packets for real-time transport protocol (RTP) data flows is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor. The processor is configured by the software to perform the steps of determining a sequence number of a received RTP data packet within said RTP data flow, storing said determined sequence number, calculating whether said determined sequence number sequentially falls within a predetermined numerical order, and if said sequence number of said received RTP data packet does not sequentially fall within said numerical order, storing said sequence number as a missed RTP data packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick John MeLampy, Ephraim W. Dobbins, Stephen E. Norton, Robert F. Penfield
  • Publication number: 20100034200
    Abstract: Methods and systems for routing call signaling messages are disclosed. One such method is performed in a session router. The method includes: maintaining a telephony route information base (TRIB) stored in the session router as a result of participation of the session router in telephony routing over internet protocol (TRIP). The TRIB allows multiple routes to the same destination. The method further comprises: using the TRIB to route the received call signaling messages to another session router. One such system includes memory and a processor. The processor is configured by instructions retrieved from the memory to: build and maintain, as a result of participation of the router in telephony routing over internet protocol (TRIP), a telephony route information base (TRIB) that allows multiple routes to the same destination; and use the TRIB to route a received call signaling message to another router.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: ACME PACKET, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Andrew D. Ory, Clifford M. Spencer, Robert F. Penfield, Peter S. Commerford, Stephen T. Voto, Cynthia E. Arens, Rebecca A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7633943
    Abstract: A system and method for providing rapid rerouting of real-time transport protocol (RTP) multi-media flows is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor configured by the software. The processor is configured to perform the steps of, performing flow processing on a data packet received at a first endpoint, from a second endpoint, removing a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) tag from the data packet, translating a source address and destination address of the data packet, and determining a forwarding destination if more than one destination address of the data packet is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Ephraim W. Dobbins, Stephen E. Norton, Robert F. Penfield
  • Patent number: 7620053
    Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks is disclosed. The system utilizes at least a first computer and a second computer that is connected to the first computer, wherein the second computer comprises a second transceiver, a second memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the second computer, and a second processor. The second processor is configured by the second memory to perform the functions of: performing an inbound screen on route information received by the second computer, from the first computer, to determine if the received route information should be discarded; if the route information is not discarded, comparing the received and screened route information to a local policy defined with the second computer; and performing an outbound screen on the received and screened information prior to transmitting the received and screened information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Andrew D. Ory, Clifford M. Spencer, Robert F. Penfield, Peter S. Commerford, Stephen T. Voto, Cynthia E. Arens, Rebecca A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7536546
    Abstract: A system for providing encryption for the rerouting of multi-media data flow packets is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, encryption software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor. The processor is configured by the encryption software to perform the steps of: assigning a sequence number to a first multi-media data flow packet received by a first endpoint, wherein the first multi-media data flow packet is within a series of multi-media data flow packets; pseudo-randomly shuffling the sequence number of the first multi-media data flow packet; and, transmitting the pseudo-randomly shuffled sequence number to a second endpoint. These steps may be performed by a programmed controller, or other hardware, instead of, or in addition to, being performed in accordance with software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Ephraim W. Dobbins, Stephen E. Norton, Robert F. Penfield
  • Patent number: 7362707
    Abstract: A system and method for determining flow quality statistics for real-time transport protocol (RTP) data flows is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor. The processor is configured by the software to perform the steps of, determining latency for the RTP data flows, determining jitter for the RTP data flows, and/or determining lost packets for the RTP data flows. Latency is determined by the first endpoint transmitting a test data packet to the second endpoint; the second endpoint looping the test data packet back to the first endpoint; comparing when the test data packet was received by the first endpoint to when the test data packet was sent to the second endpoint, to determine a round trip time; and, dividing the round trip time in two, resulting in the latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Ephraim W. Dobbins, Stephen E. Norton, Robert F. Penfield
  • Patent number: 7142532
    Abstract: A system and method for improving communication between a switched network and a packet network is disclosed. In a simplified embodiment, a signaling gateway is utilized for converting signaling in a first protocol into a second protocol, and from the second protocol to said first protocol. At least one media gateway is utilized for converting multimedia provided in a first format into a second format, and from the second format into the first format. A session router for selecting at least one multimedia transmission route to a destination is also utilized, wherein the destination is specified by the switched network. In addition, a media router is also utilized for guiding the multimedia to the destination after conversion by the media gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Penfield, Patrick J. MeLampy, Peter S. Commerford
  • Patent number: 7133923
    Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via screening is disclosed. The system utilizes a transceiver, a memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the system, and a processor. The processor is configured by the memory to perform the functions of: determining if route information received by the transceiver is from an external source or an internal source; if the route information is from an external source, performing a first internal screen of the route information, wherein a destination address defined by the received route information is compared to a local destination address defined by the first internal screen; and if the route information is from an internal source, performing a second internal screen of the route information, wherein an origin address defined by the received route information is compared to a local origin address defined by the second internal screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Andrew D. Ory, Clifford M. Spencer, Robert F. Penfield, Peter S. Commerford, Stephen T. Voto, Cynthia E. Arens, Rebecca A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7072303
    Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks is disclosed. The system utilizes at least a first computer and a second computer that is connected to the first computer, wherein the second computer comprises a second transceiver, a second memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the second computer, and a second processor. The second processor is configured by the second memory to perform the functions of: performing an inbound screen on route information received by the second computer, from the first computer, to determine if the received route information should be discarded; if the route information is not discarded, comparing the received and screened route information to a local policy defined with the second computer, and performing an outbound screen on the received and screened information prior to transmitting the received and screened information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Andrew D. Ory, Clifford M. Spencer, Robert F. Penfield, Peter S. Commerford, Stephen T. Voto, Cynthia E. Arens, Rebecca A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7031311
    Abstract: A system and method for providing rapid rerouting of real-time transport protocol (RTP) multi-media flows is disclosed. Generally, a first endpoint is connected to a second endpoint, wherein the first endpoint comprises a transceiver, software stored within the first endpoint defining functions to be performed by the first endpoint, and a processor configured by the software. The processor is configured to perform the steps of, performing flow processing on a data packet received at a first endpoint, from a second endpoint, removing a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) tag from the data packet, translating a source address and destination address of the data packet, and determining a forwarding destination if more than one destination address of the data packet is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Ephraim W. Dobbins, Stephen E. Norton, Robert F. Penfield
  • Patent number: 7028092
    Abstract: A system and method for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via media flow routing is disclosed. The system utilizes a first computer and a second computer connected to the first computer, via a group of associated computers, wherein each of the first computer, second computer, and group of associated computers comprise a transceiver, a memory, and a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Acme Packet, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Andrew D. Ory, Clifford M. Spencer, Robert F. Penfield, Peter S. Commerford, Stephen T. Voto, Cynthia E. Arens, Rebecca A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7002973
    Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via use of a cluster of session routers is disclosed. The system utilizes a first computer and a cluster of computers, wherein the cluster of computers comprises at least two associated computers that are connected to the first computer. Each of the associated computers comprises a second transceiver, a second memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the associated computers, and a second processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Acme Packet Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Andrew D. Ory, Clifford M. Spencer, Robert F. Penfield, Peter S. Commerford, Stephen T. Voto, Cynthia E. Arens, Rebecca A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6636593
    Abstract: A dynamic transaction network having multiple management stations, one or more terminals, and one or more databases is disclosed. The dynamic transaction network is capable of adding and removing network hosts (terminals, databases, and management stations) in real-time while continuing to service transaction requests. In addition, the dynamic transaction network is capable of transferring database fragments from a source database to a target database in real-time. In response to a transaction request from a caller, the terminal accesses information stored in a corresponding database via dynamic transportable logic. The dynamic transportable logic derives the location of relevant information in the database from input characteristic(s) of the transaction request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Priority Call Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Robert F. Penfield, Jeffrey G. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6606668
    Abstract: A method and system for managing a large network of switching end-points to route calls by time of day and day of week over a packet switched network (ATM or Voice over IP). The preferred management mechanisms determine circuit and location availability and include means for removal and replacement of circuits from network-wide service, even in a private, packet-switched network. In an automatic call distribution environment, the method is an economical and efficient process for facilitating a caller's ability to access users in workgroups wherein the users utilize either wired or wireless communications tools. Users are chosen via a rule-based selection process including access to a database of users, caller-screened information, and circuit and location availability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Priority Call Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. MeLampy, Robert F. Penfield