Patents by Inventor Thomas Schwengler
Thomas Schwengler 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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Patent number: 10476618Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network timing functionality. In some embodiments, a grand master clock(s) might receive a first timing signal from a global positioning system (“GPS”) source via a GPS antenna(s), and might send a second timing signal (which might be based at least in part on the first timing signal) to a slave clock(s), in some cases, via one or more network elements or the like. A computing system might calculate various transmission times for the second timing signal to be transmitted between the grand master clock(s) and the slave clock(s), and might calculate any time delay differences in the transmission times, might generate a third timing signal based at least in part on the calculated time delay differences (if any), and might send the third timing signal to one or more network elements, thereby providing Accurate Synchronization as a Service (“ASaaS”) functionality.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jeff Farra, Paul Johnson, Thomas Schwengler
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Patent number: 10440189Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for delivering plain old telephone service (“POTS”) telephony over high speed data networks. In particular, various embodiments provide tools and techniques for concurrent transmission of POTS voice signals and data signals over the same wire(s) of high-speed data lines or data cables. Various systems and methods might, in some instances, utilize upbanding or rebanding of the POTS voice band to a higher frequency band above the data stream band spectrum for transport of voice concurrent with data over the same wire(s) in the cable. The system might comprise interface devices at either end of a cable segment, one interface device to reband the voice signal and to combine the voice signal with the data signal for each dual-transport wire in the cable, and another interface device at the other end to separate the voice signal from the data signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, Michael L. Elford
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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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Publication number: 20190252763Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing telecommunications signal relays, and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing telecommunications signal relays using radiating closures (either aerial, below grade, and/or buried, etc.), or the like. In various embodiments, a signal distribution system, which might be disposed within a radiating closure, might receive a first communications signal. A wireless transceiver of the signal distribution system might send the first communications signal, via one or more wireless communications channels, to one or more devices that are external to the radiating closure. In some embodiments, antennas—which might comprise first antennas disposed within the radiating closure or second antennas embedded in a housing material of the radiating closure, or both—might direct the first communications signal that is sent from the wireless transceiver to the one or more devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Jonathan J. Vermes, Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20190253170Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network timing functionality. In some embodiments, a grand master clock(s) might receive a first timing signal from a global positioning system (“GPS”) source via a GPS antenna(s), and might send a second timing signal (which might be based at least in part on the first timing signal) to a slave clock(s), in some cases, via one or more network elements or the like. A computing system might calculate various transmission times for the second timing signal to be transmitted between the grand master clock(s) and the slave clock(s), and might calculate any time delay differences in the transmission times, might generate a third timing signal based at least in part on the calculated time delay differences (if any), and might send the third timing signal to one or more network elements, thereby providing Accurate Synchronization as a Service (“ASaaS”) functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Jeff Farra, Paul Johnson, Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20190229435Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to one or more of at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber, at least one conductive signal line, or at least one power line via the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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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: 20190173766Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for invoking virtualized network functions. In some embodiments, a programmable service backbone might comprise at least one virtualized network function, and might provide virtualized network functions required to provision a service offering. In some cases, at least one application programming interface might be configured to invoke the at least one virtualized network function of the programmable service backbone. An application programming interface gateway might be configured to manage access to the at least one application programming interface, and the application programming interface gateway might comprise a security layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Steven M. Casey, Kevin M. McBride, Felipe Castro
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Publication number: 20190157742Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, cabinets, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber line, at least one conductive signal line, and/or at least one power line via an apical conduit system installed in a roadway.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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Patent number: 10276921Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing telecommunications signal relays, and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing telecommunications signal relays using radiating closures (either aerial, below grade, and/or buried, etc.), or the like. In various embodiments, a signal distribution system, which might be disposed within a radiating closure, might receive a first communications signal. A wireless transceiver of the signal distribution system might send the first communications signal, via one or more wireless communications channels, to one or more devices that are external to the radiating closure. In some embodiments, antennas—which might comprise first antennas disposed within the radiating closure or second antennas embedded in a housing material of the radiating closure, or both—might direct the first communications signal that is sent from the wireless transceiver to the one or more devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jonathan J. Vermes, Thomas Schwengler
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Patent number: 10277347Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network timing functionality. In some embodiments, a grand master clock(s) might receive a first timing signal from a global positioning system (“GPS”) source via a GPS antenna(s), and might send a second timing signal (which might be based at least in part on the first timing signal) to a slave clock(s), in some cases, via one or more network elements or the like. A computing system might calculate various transmission times for the second timing signal to be transmitted between the grand master clock(s) and the slave clock(s), and might calculate any time delay differences in the transmission times, might generate a third timing signal based at least in part on the calculated time delay differences (if any), and might send the third timing signal to one or more network elements, thereby providing Accurate Synchronization as a Service (“ASaaS”) functionality.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jeff Farra, Paul Johnson, Thomas Schwengler
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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: 10249962Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to one or more of at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber, at least one conductive signal line, or at least one power line via the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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Publication number: 20190034600Abstract: A license manager includes a processor and non-transitory computer readable media having encoded thereon a set of instructions executable by the at least one processor to receive a request, from a virtual machine, to reserve an individual license of the set of authorized licenses for a vendor software instance, determine the availability licenses for the requested vendor software, register a unique identifier of the virtual machine in association with an available individual license, grant the individual license to the virtual machine, and prevent the granted individual license from concurrent use by other virtual machines or devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Steven M. Casey, Thomas Schwengler, Kevin M. McBride, Felipe Castro
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Patent number: 10193208Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing antenna structures to optimize transmission and reception of wireless signals from ground-based signal distribution devices, which include, but are not limited to, cabinets, pedestals, hand holes, and/or network access point platforms. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an antenna might be provided within a signal distribution device, which might include a container disposed in a ground surface. A top portion of the container might be substantially level with a top portion of the ground surface. The antenna might be communicatively coupled to at least one conduit, at least one optical fiber line, at least one conductive signal line, and/or at least one power line via an apical conduit system installed in a roadway.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, John M. Heinz, Michael L. Elford
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Patent number: 10193769Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for invoking virtualized network functions. In some embodiments, a programmable service backbone might comprise at least one virtualized network function, and might provide virtualized network functions required to provision a service offering. In some cases, at least one application programming interface might be configured to invoke the at least one virtualized network function of the programmable service backbone. An application programming interface gateway might be configured to manage access to the at least one application programming interface, and the application programming interface gateway might comprise a security layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Thomas Schwengler, Steven M. Casey, Kevin M. McBride, Felipe Castro
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Publication number: 20190028363Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for remotely configuring and orchestrating multifunctional cloud devices located on customer premises, in some cases, using a smart cloud adaptive device. In some embodiments, the smart cloud adaptive device, which might have one or more wireless programmable radios configured to communicate with a network termination device, might communicate with a cloud configuration server over a network via the one or more wireless programmable radios (and, in some embodiments, through the network termination device). The smart cloud adaptive device might transmit device identification information associated with a customer and/or service codes indicative of services to be provided to the customer. The smart cloud adaptive device might receive one or more configuration files from the cloud configuration server based on the service codes, and enable functionality among a plurality of functionalities to provision the services, based on the one or more configuration files.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Kevin M. McBride, Felipe Castro, Steven M. Casey, Thomas Schwengler
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Publication number: 20190028951Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing combined broadband and wireless self-organizing network (“SON”) for provisioning of services. In some embodiments, a computing system might receive, from one or more first sensors and one or more second sensors, first operational states of fixed broadband network nodes and second operational states of wireless network nodes, respectively. The computing system might analyze the received first and second operational states, might determine an optimal network pathway and/or an optimal network backhaul pathway, and might establish the optimal network pathway and/or the optimal network backhaul pathway, through a determined combination of fixed and wireless network nodes, thereby implementing the combined broadband and wireless self-organizing network (“SON”) for provisioning of services.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Thomas Schwengler, Stephen Opferman
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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: 20180331772Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network timing functionality. In some embodiments, a grand master clock(s) might receive a first timing signal from a global positioning system (“GPS”) source via a GPS antenna(s), and might send a second timing signal (which might be based at least in part on the first timing signal) to a slave clock(s), in some cases, via one or more network elements or the like. A computing system might calculate various transmission times for the second timing signal to be transmitted between the grand master clock(s) and the slave clock(s), and might calculate any time delay differences in the transmission times, might generate a third timing signal based at least in part on the calculated time delay differences (if any), and might send the third timing signal to one or more network elements, thereby providing Accurate Synchronization as a Service (“ASaaS”) functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Jeff Farra, Paul Johnson, Thomas Schwengler