Patents by Inventor Walter L. THORNTON

Walter L. THORNTON 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: 8720460
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology providing, a portable enclosed space in an outdoors setting, the space being free from environmentally-induced distractions. A technician can perform a mechanical or fusion splice on an optical fiber inside the space. Splicing or fusing miniscule optical fibers is challenging out of doors, particularly when distracted b wind, rain, snow, sun-glare, bugs, animals, etc. A tent is supported by a “spine” support structure modularly constructed by the technician in the outdoors location where an optical fiber operation shall take place. A splice-tray is affixed to the spine, the tray height being adjustable to accommodate that technician and provide an approximately horizontal work surface. The tent can be used on soft ground, hard pavement, leaning against utility poles or further supported by attachment to overhead cables. The technician can perform delicate operations on optical cables inside the tent with outside distractions mitigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Verizon New York Inc., Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: David Zhi Chen, Walter L. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20130186444
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology providing, a portable enclosed space in an outdoors setting, the space being free from environmentally-induced distractions. A technician can perform a mechanical or fusion splice on an optical fiber inside the space. Splicing or fusing miniscule optical fibers is challenging out of doors, particularly when distracted b wind, rain, snow, sun-glare, bugs, animals, etc. A tent is supported by a “spine” support structure modularly constructed by the technician in the outdoors location where an optical fiber operation shall take place. A splice-tray is affixed to the spine, the tray height being adjustable to accommodate that technician and provide an approximately horizontal work surface. The tent can be used on soft ground, hard pavement, leaning against utility poles or further supported by attachment to overhead cables. The technician can perform delicate operations on optical cables inside the tent with outside distractions mitigated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicants: VERIZON NEW YORK INC., VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: David Z. CHEN, Walter L. THORNTON