Patents by Inventor Robert J. Morrill

Robert J. Morrill 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: 9531174
    Abstract: This document discloses novel conduits for telecommunications lines, such as optical fibers. In an aspect, a conduit might have a body defining one or more channels into which optical fibers can be inserted. In another aspect, the body might have a first face that is substantially planar and a second face opposing the first face. The second face might a low-rise arc profile and/or might be configured to be installed into a depression in a material. Also disclosed are methods and tools for installing, using, and/or removing such conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Robert J. Morrill, Michael Paul Winterrowd, Thomas Charles Barnett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9473959
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method for configuring a femtocell. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a cellular device within near-field communication range of the femtocell. The method identifies a carrier network associated with the cellular device and automatically configures the femtocell to operate on the carrier network associated with the cellular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9392641
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can provide wireless service for multiple service providers from a single, multi-service provider wireless access point. In an aspect, a multi-service provider wireless access point might communicate with a plurality of wireless devices, each associated with a different wireless carrier, and route communications from each device to the appropriate carrier (and/or, similarly, transmit communications from each carrier to the appropriate wireless device). In this way, for example, a single wireless access point could provide service to cellphones of subscribers of a number of different carriers. Such a wireless access point can provide enhanced efficiency and reduced cost, along with the ability to provide higher service for a number of wireless carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 9344906
    Abstract: A system, method and network communications device including a processing unit configured to communicate data packets with one or more network communications devices. The data packets include network performance information generated by the one or more network communications devices in response to receiving a portion of the data packets. The network communications device further includes a memory in communication with the processing unit. The memory is configured to store a table containing network performance information associated with the node segments through which the data packets are communicated with the one or more network communications devices. The processing unit is further configured to process the data packets to store the network performance information in the table. The network performance information is utilized to alter future communications of the data packets through the node segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Publication number: 20160107312
    Abstract: An automated data center management system includes one or more equipment racks housing at least one server farm equipment, each of the at least one server farm equipment having a respective attachment point, a spare equipment repository having at least one replacement equipment, and a hardware management robot. The hardware management robot includes a robotic arm having an interface point, the interface point configured to couple to the attachment point. A hardware management controller is communicates with the hardware management robot, the hardware management controller including at least one processor, and non-transitory computer readable media having encoded thereon computer software comprising a set of instructions to receive a service request indicating a server farm equipment needing service, determine a location of the server farm equipment, generate a path to the location of the server farm equipment, and transmit the path to the hardware management robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Jared E. Wray
  • Publication number: 20160080581
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for extending alerts for a wireless device. In one embodiment, a method for extending alerts for a wireless device includes linking the wireless device through a wireless connection with a wireless ringer module; wherein the wireless ringer module is removably coupled to a device having an interface for receiving and coupling with the wireless ringer module. The method further includes transmitting a signal to the wireless ringer that triggers an alert feature of the wireless ringer for notifying a user of an incoming communication in response to the wireless device receiving an indication of an incoming communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9241277
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless device that includes determining network performance information of a wireless router and communicating data packets containing the network performance information to a network management device. In one embodiment, the network management device is configured to transmit instructional data packets to the wireless router that include instructions for optimizing network performance associated with the wireless device in response to identify a network performance problem associated with the wireless router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Kozisek, Carl M. Coppage, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9219826
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for extending alerts for a wireless device. In one embodiment, a method for extending alerts for a wireless device includes linking the wireless device through a wireless connection with a wireless ringer module; wherein the wireless ringer module is removably coupled to a device having an interface for receiving and coupling with the wireless ringer module. The method further includes transmitting a signal to the wireless ringer that triggers an alert feature of the wireless ringer for notifying a user of an incoming communication in response to the wireless device receiving an indication of an incoming communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Sweeney, Michael C. Robinson, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9210050
    Abstract: A system and method for testing line state. Traffic through a communications path is determined. A test vector is generated. Attributes of the test vector simulate the traffic. The test vector is communicated to one or more end devices. Performance information for each of the attributes of the test vector is measured. A performance map utilizing the attributes and the performance information is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael K. Bugenhagen, Robert J. Morrill
  • Publication number: 20150334647
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can provide wireless service for multiple service providers from a single, multi-service provider wireless access point. In an aspect, a multi-service provider wireless access point might communicate with a plurality of wireless devices, each associated with a different wireless carrier, and route communications from each device to the appropriate carrier (and/or, similarly, transmit communications from each carrier to the appropriate wireless device). In this way, for example, a single wireless access point could provide service to cellphones of subscribers of a number of different carriers. Such a wireless access point can provide enhanced efficiency and reduced cost, along with the ability to provide higher service for a number of wireless carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Charles I. Cook
  • Publication number: 20150295998
    Abstract: A system and method for selecting a data delivery network. A determination is made of user information associated with a communication from a user. A determination is made of performance information for multiple data delivery networks. The data delivery network is selected for the communication from the multiple data delivery networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Publication number: 20150264187
    Abstract: A method for establishing a call over a packet network may include receiving a call request on a packet network from an originating call device. Status one or more segments of a transmission path may be determined. If the status of the segments are within a first range, the call between the originating and terminating call device over the determined transmission path at a first data rate may be established. Otherwise, if the status of one or more segments is within a second range, a determination as to whether the originating trunk and terminating segment can operate at a second data rate may be made, and, if so, the call may be established over the transmission path between the originating call device and terminating call device at the second data rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9125233
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can provide wireless service for multiple service providers from a single, multi-service provider wireless access point. In an aspect, a multi-service provider wireless access point might communicate with a plurality of wireless devices, each associated with a different wireless carrier, and route communications from each device to the appropriate carrier (and/or, similarly, transmit communications from each carrier to the appropriate wireless device). In this way, for example, a single wireless access point could provide service to cellphones of subscribers of a number of different carriers. Such a wireless access point can provide enhanced efficiency and reduced cost, along with the ability to provide higher service for a number of wireless carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 9094844
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for configuring a universal femto cell are provided such that the femto cell is configured according to the user's choice of wireless carriers. A master configuration server sends to the universal femto cell, a carrier configuration list, which is information about where to find carrier configuration information corresponding to one or more wireless carriers. A carrier configuration server sends to the universal femto cell, carrier configuration instructions for a wireless carrier selected from the one or more wireless carriers. The universal femto cell is configured using the carrier configuration instructions such that the universal femto cell operates on a wireless communication network of the wireless carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Carl M. Coppage
  • Patent number: 9094257
    Abstract: A system and method for selecting a data delivery network. A determination is made of user information associated with a communication from a user. A determination is made of performance information for multiple data delivery networks. The data delivery network is selected for the communication from the multiple data delivery networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Morrill, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Patent number: 9094261
    Abstract: A method for establishing a call over a packet network may include receiving a call request via an originating trunk on a packet network from an originating call device. Status of an originating trunk and terminating segment may be determined. If the status of the originating trunk and terminating segment are within a first range, the call between the originating and terminating call device over the determined transmission path at a first data rate may be established. Otherwise, if the status of the originating trunk or terminating segment is within a second range, a determination as to whether the originating trunk and terminating segment can operate at a lower data rate may be made, and, if so, the call may be established over the transmission path between the originating call device and terminating call device at the lower data rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: William L. Wiley, Michael K. Bugenhagen, Robert J. Morrill
  • Patent number: 9077808
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for implementing do-not-disturb feature during media content. For example, in one embodiment, the do-not-disturb feature is implemented on an electronic device during the playback of the media content based on user preferences, where the user preferences specify the media content that triggers the do-not-disturb feature on the electronic device. In response to the do-not-disturb feature being implemented, notification of an incoming communication is suspended during playback of the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Shekhar Gupta, Curtis Tucker, Robert J. Morrill
  • Publication number: 20150172092
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing a phone call over a packet network. The process may receive a call request from an originating call device to a termination call device. A determination may be made to determine whether the terminating call device is available. If the terminating call device is determined to be available, transmission path status information between the originating and terminating call devices may be retrieved. Status of the transmission path on the packet network between the originating and terminating call devices may be determined. If the status of the transmission path is determined to be within a first range, a call may be established between the originating and terminating call devices via an encoder/decoder (CODEC) having a first data rate. Otherwise, the call may be established between the originating and terminating call devices via a CODEC having a second, lower data rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Michael K. Bugenhagen, Robert J. Morrill, William L. Wiley
  • Patent number: 9054915
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing a phone call over a packet network. The process may receive a call request from an originating call device to a termination call device. A determination may be made to determine whether the terminating call device is available. If the terminating call device is determined to be available, transmission path status information between the originating and terminating call devices may be retrieved. Status of the transmission path on the packet network between the originating and terminating call devices may be determined. If the status of the transmission path is determined to be within a first range, a call may be established between the originating and terminating call devices via an encoder/decoder (CODEC) having a first data rate. Otherwise, the call may be established between the originating and terminating call devices via a CODEC having a second, lower data rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Michael K. Bugenhagen, Robert J. Morrill, William L. Wiley
  • Patent number: 9054986
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a computer implemented method for routing data packets. In one embodiment, the method includes storing network usage information of a packet network managed by a communications carrier including network usage information associated with communications by subscribers of other communications carrier that communicate data packets over the packet network, the network usage information distinguishing between data packets associated with a first service and data packets associated with a second service; determining pricing information for communicating the data packets via a plurality of networks, wherein each network is associated with a different communications carrier; and selecting one of the plurality of networks for routing the data packets based on cost, wherein the cost includes a first cost for communicating the data packets that are associated with the first service and a second cost for communicating the data packets that are associated with the second service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Stephen K. Edwards, Robert J. Morrill, Michael K. Bugenhagen