Patents by Inventor Timothy L. Swan

Timothy L. Swan 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: 9373091
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a user of a wireless communication device (WCD) with vending service. The WCD may present the user with data indicating items available for purchase from a vendor. The WCD may then receive the user's directive to order an item from the vendor. In response, the WCD may obtain data stored at a transponder in proximity to the WCD that indicates a location of the WCD. In one example, the transponder may be at a fixed location, such as by being affixed to a fixed object at a venue (e.g., a stadium seat), in which case the stored data may indicate the fixed location. The WCD may then send an order for the item and the obtained data to the vendor. In turn, the vendor may use the data to determine a location of the WCD and then deliver the item to the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: John E. Belser, David U. McKinney, Timothy L. Swan, Douglas R. Green
  • Patent number: 8195218
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating wireless communications over a coaxial network coupled to a wireless communications network. The system comprises one or more set-top boxes capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications, one or more converting devices capable of converting between optical signaling and electrical signaling, and a base transceiver station coupled to one or more communications networks. One method comprises providing a set-top box capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications and providing for the communication of data through an out-of-band frequency channel. Another method comprises providing a set-top box physically coupled to a coaxial network and wireless network by a communications line having an out-of-band frequency channel, receiving a request to establish communications, and logically coupling two endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Swan, Leonard E. Barlik
  • Patent number: 7606529
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating wireless communications over a coaxial network coupled to a wireless communications network. The system comprises one or more set-top boxes capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications, one or more converting devices capable of converting between optical signaling and electrical signaling, and a base transceiver station coupled to one or more communications networks. One method comprises providing a set-top box capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications and providing for the communication of data through an out-of-band frequency channel. Another method comprises providing a set-top box physically coupled to a coaxial network and wireless network by a communications line having an out-of-band frequency channel, receiving a request to establish communications, and logically coupling two endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Swan, Leonard E. Barlik