Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Willis, III

Thomas M. Willis, III 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: 10616047
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for receiving topology information from a plurality of waveguide systems or other transmission devices, the topology information identifying one or more transmission media available to each waveguide system for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves, and updating a topology of a communication system from the topology information provided by the plurality of waveguide systems. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10616056
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for receiving first electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium, where the first electromagnetic waves convey first data, generating first signals by frequency-shifting the first electromagnetic waves without demodulating the first electromagnetic waves, and providing the first signals to one or more modems that facilitate demodulation of the first signals to second signals, and distribution of a first portion of data conveyed by the second signals to an access point, a second portion of the data to a second waveguide system, or combinations thereof. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Irwin Gerszberg, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Patent number: 10608312
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that can be configured for generating an electromagnetic wave and coupling the electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. The system can also be configured to receive an electromagnetic waves form the transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Giovanni Vannucci, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10602376
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a communication device includes an antenna array configured to receive first millimeter wave (MMW) signals from a remote device in a millimeter wave (MMW) frequency band and to transmit second millimeter wave (MMW) signals to the remote device in the MMW frequency band. A base transceiver station is configured to generate a consolidated steering matrix in accordance in a radio frequency (RF) band based on a consolidated feedback matrix in accordance with the RF band, wherein the MMW frequency band is above the RF band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10601469
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a network termination includes a downstream channel modulator modulates downstream data into downstream channel signals to convey the downstream data via a guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to a transmission medium of a guided wave communication system. A host interface sends the downstream channel signals to the guided wave communication system and receives upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels from the guided wave communication system. An upstream channel demodulator demodulates upstream channel signals into upstream data. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10602377
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a communication device includes a dual-band antenna array configured to transmit first radio frequency (RF) signals to a remote device in an RF band and to transmit first millimeter wave (MMW) signals to the remote device in a MMW frequency band, wherein the MMW frequency band is above the RF band. A base transceiver station is configured to generate a consolidated steering matrix in accordance with the transmission of the first RF signals to the remote device in the RF band. A remote radio head is configured to convert the consolidated steering matrix to a converted steering matrix that facilitates the transmission of the first MMW signals to the remote device in the MMW frequency band via the dual-band antenna array in accordance with an antenna beam pattern having at least one selected null direction, and further configured to generate the first MMW signals in accordance with the converted steering matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10594040
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a first plurality of transmitters for launching according to a signal, first electromagnetic waves, and a second plurality of transmitters for launching, according to the signal, second electromagnetic waves. The first electromagnetic waves and the second electromagnetic waves combine at an interface of a transmission medium to induce a propagation of a third electromagnetic wave, the third electromagnetic wave having a non-fundamental wave mode and a non-optical operating frequency, and wherein the second plurality of transmitters are spaced apart from the first plurality of transmitters in a direction of propagation of the third electromagnetic wave. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10594597
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that can transmit first wireless signals associated with communication signals, where the first wireless signals are directed via beam steering by an antenna array towards a wireless receiver. The system can transmit second wireless signals associated with the communication signals, where the second wireless signals are directed via the beam steering by the antenna array towards a transmission medium. The second wireless signals can induce electromagnetic waves at a physical interface of the transmission medium where the electromagnetic waves are associated with the communication signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel, Shikik Johnson
  • Patent number: 10594039
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include a generator that facilitates generation of an electromagnetic wave, a core, and a waveguide that facilitates guiding the electromagnetic wave towards the core to induce a second electromagnetic wave that propagates along the core. The core and/or the waveguide can be configured to reduce radiation loss of the second electromagnetic wave, propagation loss of the second electromagnetic wave, or a combination thereof. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Publication number: 20200083744
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, regulating an alternating magnetic flux in a magnetic core having a first portion separable from a second portion of the magnetic core. The regulation of the alternating magnetic flux causes a coupling force between the first portion of the magnetic core and the second portion of the magnetic core. Responsive to detecting a signal, modifying the regulation of the alternating magnetic flux to reduce the coupling force between the first portion of the magnetic core and the second portion of the magnetic core. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Giovanni Vannucci, Farhad Barzegar, Harold Rappaport, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Publication number: 20200083927
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for generating electromagnetic signals that resonate in a cavity having a plurality of reflectors resulting in resonating electromagnetic signals and combining the resonating electromagnetic signals to form an electromagnetic wave that traverses a reflector and couples onto a physical transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Giovanni Vannucci, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar
  • Publication number: 20200084641
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for generating electromagnetic signals that resonate in a cavity having a plurality of reflectors resulting in resonating electromagnetic signals and combining the resonating electromagnetic signals to form an electromagnetic wave that traverses a reflector and couples onto a physical transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Giovanni Vannucci, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar
  • Patent number: 10587048
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system having a polyrod antenna array. Beam steering can be performed according to a first subset of elements of the polyrod antenna array generating first electromagnetic waves with a first phase that is different from a second phase of the first electromagnetic waves being generated by a second subset of elements of the polyrod antenna array. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Shikik Johnson, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Patent number: 10587308
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that can be configured for generating an electromagnetic wave and coupling the electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. The system can also be configured to receive an electromagnetic waves form the transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Giovanni Vannucci, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10587310
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for determining from one or more conditions a range of energy that can be obtained from a transmission medium to power the first waveguide system, selecting according to the range of energy a group of components of a plurality of selectable components of the first waveguide system, and enabling the group of components and powering down a remainder of the plurality of selectable components, wherein the group of components facilitates an exchange of electromagnetic waves between the first waveguide system and a second waveguide system via the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Farhad Barzegar, Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Irwin Gerszberg, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Patent number: 10581275
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, supplying an alternating voltage waveform to a winding coupled to a magnetic core of an inductive power supply to regulate an alternating magnetic flux in the magnetic core. The alternating voltage waveform can be generated by selectively enabling one or more switches coupled to a storage device. The subject disclosure may further include configuring the one or more switches according to a configuration during a portion of a period of the alternating voltage waveform, and measuring a characteristic of an alternating current flowing in a conductor coupled to the magnetic core during the portion of the period of the alternating voltage waveform. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Giovanni Vannucci, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Robert Bennett, Harold Rappaport, Donald J. Barnickel
  • Patent number: 10581486
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a waveguide system for determining an event associated with a mode of transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves on a surface of a transmission medium, identifying according to the event an updated mode for transmitting or receiving adjusted electromagnetic waves on the surface of a transmission medium, and transmitting or receiving the adjusted electromagnetic waves based on the updated mode. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10581154
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a communication device includes a dielectric antenna having a longitudinal axis, a feed point and an aperture. A cable comprising a core is coupled to the feed point of the dielectric antenna. A transmitter, coupled to the cable, facilitates a transmission of first electromagnetic waves to the feed point of the dielectric antenna, the first electromagnetic waves guided by the core. The first electromagnetic waves propagate along the core without requiring an electrical return path, and the first electromagnetic waves generate free-space wireless signals from the aperture of the antenna in accordance with a hollow-boresight antenna beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Giovanni Vannucci, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Publication number: 20200067625
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes at least one transceiver configured to modulate data to generate a plurality of first electromagnetic waves. A plurality of couplers are configured to couple at least a portion of the plurality of first electromagnetic waves to a transmission medium, wherein the plurality of couplers generate a plurality of mode division multiplexed second electromagnetic waves that propagate along the outer surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10574294
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a communication network includes a surface wave transceiver, mounted on a coaxial cable of a broadband cable network, configured to bidirectionally communicate wireless network data via guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a surface of the coaxial cable. A plurality of analog surface wave repeater pairs, and a plurality of digital surface wave regenerator pairs, are also mounted on the coaxial cable. A plurality of access points, supported by corresponding ones of a plurality of utility poles that also support the coaxial cable, is configured to wirelessly transmit the wireless network data to a plurality of client devices in accordance with a wireless network protocol and to wirelessly receive client data from the plurality of client devices in accordance with the wireless network protocol. A plurality of surface wave add/drop multiplexer pairs, is also mounted on the coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas M. Willis, III, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Giovanni Vannucci