Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Barnett, JR.
Thomas C. Barnett, JR. 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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Publication number: 20210266234Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for an OTT access framework and distributed NFVI architecture are provided. A system includes a first user device associated with a first customer, a distribution point unit, a layer 3 switch defining a network edge, a captive portal host located at a central office, a network enhanced gateway located in the central office, the network enhanced gateway coupled to the layer 3 switch, and the captive portal host. The network enhanced gateway is configured to determine, via the captive portal host, one or more services to be provided to the user device, wherein the one or more services includes internet service at a contracted speed, authenticate, via an authentication, authorization, and accounting service, the user device, and establish, via a policy manager, quality of service for ingress traffic to the user device at the distribution point unit according to the contracted service speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2020Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Thomas C. Barnett, JR., Kevin M. McBride
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Patent number: 10931474Abstract: A system includes a first distribution point unit comprising a first backhaul interface coupled to an access network via a backhaul connection, a first distribution interface coupled to a downstream distribution point unit, one or more first drop cable interfaces coupled to at least one first customer premises via at least one first drop cable, and a first reverse power section. The system further includes a second distribution point unit communicatively coupled to the first distribution point unit, the second distribution point unit comprising a second backhaul interface coupled to the first distribution interface of the first distribution point unit, a second distribution interface configured to be coupled to a subsequent downstream distribution point unit, one or more second drop cable interfaces coupled to at least one second customer premises via at least one second drop cable, and a second reverse power section.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventor: Thomas C. Barnett, Jr.
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Patent number: 10832665Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality. In some embodiments, microphones of an IoT human interface device might receive user voice input. The IoT human interface device and/or a computing system might identify explicit commands in the voice input, identify first IoT-capable devices to which the explicit commands are applicable, receive sensor data from IoT sensors, and analyze the voice input in view of previous user voice inputs and in view of the sensor data to determine whether the voice input contains any implicit commands. If so, second IoT-capable devices to which an implicit command is additionally applicable might be identified, instructions based on a combination of the explicit and implicit commands may be generated and sent to the second IoT-capable devices. Instructions based only on the explicit commands are generated and sent to first IoT-capable devices to which implicit commands are not applicable.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventor: Thomas C. Barnett, Jr.
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Publication number: 20200351117Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for a network access system are provided. A system includes a distribution point unit coupled to an access network on an upstream side, and one or more copper wire drops on a downstream side, wherein the one or more copper wire drops are terminated at a respective one or more customer premises. The system further includes a bridge coupled to the distribution point unit via at least one of the one or more copper wire drops, the bridge configured to interface with existing customer premises wiring. The bridge further includes a G.now client interface coupled to the distribution point unit, a G.hn master interface coupled to a G.hn client coupled to the existing customer premises wiring, and a reverse power section including a reverse power powered device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventor: Thomas C. Barnett, JR.
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Publication number: 20200351118Abstract: A system includes a first distribution point unit comprising a first backhaul interface coupled to an access network via a backhaul connection, a first distribution interface coupled to a downstream distribution point unit, one or more first drop cable interfaces coupled to at least one first customer premises via at least one first drop cable, and a first reverse power section. The system further includes a second distribution point unit communicatively coupled to the first distribution point unit, the second distribution point unit comprising a second backhaul interface coupled to the first distribution interface of the first distribution point unit, a second distribution interface configured to be coupled to a subsequent downstream distribution point unit, one or more second drop cable interfaces coupled to at least one second customer premises via at least one second drop cable, and a second reverse power section.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventor: Thomas C. Barnett, JR.
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Patent number: 10774948Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system. The PON communications system, associated with a first service provider or a first service, might include an F1 line(s) routed from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot, an F2 line(s) routed via various apical conduit components to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing customer premises, and an F3 line(s) distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 Line(s), to a network interface device or optical network terminal at each customer premises via various apical conduit components (e.g., in roadway surfaces). Point-to-point fiber insertion of another F1 line(s), associated with a second service provider or a second service, at either the NAP or the FDH (or outside these devices).Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Thomas Schwengler
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Patent number: 10687377Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing wireless communications, and, more particularly, for implementing multiple simultaneous wireless services using a universal wireless station. In various embodiments, a universal wireless station (and/or a computing system(s)) might determine a first set of wireless communications frequencies and protocols for communications with a second device and might determine a second set of wireless communications frequencies and protocols for communications with a third device.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr.
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Patent number: 10613284Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing FTTx, which might include Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), Fiber-to-the-Building (“FTTB”), Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), and/or the like. In some embodiments, a method might include routing an F1 line(s) from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot. From the FDH, an F2 line(s) might be routed, via any combination of apical conduit main slot(s), cross slot(s), far-side slot(s), missile bore(s), bore hole(s), and/or conduit(s) (collectively, “Apical Conduit Components”), to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing one or more customer premises. An F3 line(s) might be distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device (“NID”) or optical network terminal (“ONT”) at each customer premises, via any combination of the Apical Conduit Components, which include channels in at least portions of roadways.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas Schwengler
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Patent number: 10578825Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing FTTx, which might include Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), and/or the like. A method might include routing an F1 line(s) from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot. From the FDH, an F2 line(s) might be routed, via any combination of various apical conduit components, to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing one or more customer premises. An F3 line(s) might be distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device (“NID”) or optical network terminal (“ONT”) at each customer premises, via any combination of the apical conduit components, which include channels in at least portions of roadways. In some embodiments, at least one wireless access point is disposed in each of one or more channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr.
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Patent number: 10536759Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system. The PON communications system, associated with a first service provider or a first service, might include an F1 line(s) routed from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot, an F2 line(s) routed via various apical conduit components to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing customer premises, and an F3 line(s) distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 Line(s), to a network interface device or optical network terminal at each customer premises via various apical conduit components (e.g., in roadway surfaces). Point-to-point fiber insertion of another F1 line(s), associated with a second service provider or a second service, at either the NAP or the FDH (or outside these devices).Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Thomas Schwengler
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Patent number: 10426358Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality. In some embodiments, an IoT-capable personal tracking device might receive sensor data from each of a plurality of sensors, and might analyze the sensor data to identify one or more external IoT-capable devices with which to interact and to determine one or more tasks to be performed by the identified IoT-capable devices, each based at least in part on the sensor data. In some cases, the plurality of first sensors might comprise at least one of one or more sensors that monitor physical conditions of a user's body and/or one or more sensors that monitor environmental conditions external to the user's body. The personal tracking device might subsequently autonomously send, via machine-to-machine communication, control instructions to each of the identified external IoT-capable devices, based on the determined tasks. Multiple personal tracking devices may also be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Kevin M. McBride, Charles I. Cook, Robert J. Morrill
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Publication number: 20190293895Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing FTTx, which might include Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), and/or the like. A method might include routing an F1 line(s) from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot. From the FDH, an F2 line(s) might be routed, via any combination of various apical conduit components, to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing one or more customer premises. An F3 line(s) might be distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device (“NID”) or optical network terminal (“ONT”) at each customer premises, via any combination of the apical conduit components, which include channels in at least portions of roadways. In some embodiments, at least one wireless access point is disposed in each of one or more channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, JR.
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Patent number: 10330882Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing FTTx, which might include Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), and/or the like. A method might include routing an F1 line(s) from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot. From the FDH, an F2 line(s) might be routed, via any combination of various apical conduit components, to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing one or more customer premises. An F3 line(s) might be distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device (“NID”) or optical network terminal (“ONT”) at each customer premises, via any combination of the apical conduit components, which include channels in at least portions of roadways. In some embodiments, at least one wireless access point is disposed in each of one or more channels.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190124425Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system. The PON communications system, associated with a first service provider or a first service, might include an F1 line(s) routed from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot, an F2 line(s) routed via various apical conduit components to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing customer premises, and an F3 line(s) distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 Line(s), to a network interface device or optical network terminal at each customer premises via various apical conduit components (e.g., in roadway surfaces). Point-to-point fiber insertion of another F1 line(s), associated with a second service provider or a second service, at either the NAP or the FDH (or outside these devices).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, JR., Thomas Schwengler
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Patent number: 10154325Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system. The PON communications system, associated with a first service provider or a first service, might include an F1 line(s) routed from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot, an F2 line(s) routed via various apical conduit components to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing customer premises, and an F3 line(s) distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device or optical network terminal at each customer premises via various apical conduit components (e.g., in roadway surfaces). Point-to-point fiber insertion of another F1 line(s), associated with a second service provider or a second service, at either the NAP or the FDH (or outside these devices).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20180295405Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include set-top box (STB) devices, systems and apparatus providing integrated video projection and Internet of Things (IoT) control functionality. Device embodiments include an internal power supply, logic and wireless radios providing for connection to various networks. Therefore, device embodiments are portable and typically provided in a small housing. Alternative embodiments include methods of providing STB, video projection and IoT control functionality with a relatively small and easily transported self-contained, self-powered device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Thomas C. Barnett, JR., Aamir Hussain
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Patent number: 10015570Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system. The PON communications system, associated with a first service provider or a first service, might include an F1 line(s) routed from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot, an F2 line(s) routed via various apical conduit components to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing customer premises, and an F3 line(s) distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 Line(s), to a network interface device or optical network terminal at each customer premises via various apical conduit components (e.g., in roadway surfaces). Point-to-point fiber insertion of another F1 line(s), associated with a second service provider or a second service, at either the NAP or the FDH (or outside these devices).Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas C. Barnett, Jr., Michael L. Elford, Michael P. Winterrowd, Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20180168464Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality. In some embodiments, an IoT-capable personal tracking device might receive sensor data from each of a plurality of sensors, and might analyze the sensor data to identify one or more external IoT-capable devices with which to interact and to determine one or more tasks to be performed by the identified IoT-capable devices, each based at least in part on the sensor data. In some cases, the plurality of first sensors might comprise at least one of one or more sensors that monitor physical conditions of a user's body and/or one or more sensors that monitor environmental conditions external to the user's body. The personal tracking device might subsequently autonomously send, via machine-to-machine communication, control instructions to each of the identified external IoT-capable devices, based on the determined tasks. Multiple personal tracking devices may also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Thomas C. Barnett, JR., Kevin M. McBride, Charles I. Cook, Robert J. Morrill
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Publication number: 20180084596Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing wireless communications, and, more particularly, for implementing multiple simultaneous wireless services using a universal wireless station. In various embodiments, a universal wireless station (and/or a computing system(s)) might determine a first set of wireless communications frequencies and protocols for communications with a second device and might determine a second set of wireless communications frequencies and protocols for communications with a third device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2016Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Thomas C. Barnett, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170345420Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”) functionality. In some embodiments, microphones of an IoT human interface device might receive user voice input. The IoT human interface device and/or a computing system might identify explicit commands in the voice input, identify first IoT-capable devices to which the explicit commands are applicable, receive sensor data from IoT sensors, and analyze the voice input in view of previous user voice inputs and in view of the sensor data to determine whether the voice input contains any implicit commands. If so, second IoT-capable devices to which an implicit command is additionally applicable might be identified, instructions based on a combination of the explicit and implicit commands may be generated and sent to the second IoT-capable devices. Instructions based only on the explicit commands are generated and sent to first IoT-capable devices to which implicit commands are not applicable.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventor: Thomas C. Barnett, JR.