Thomas H McKinney

Title: Thomas H. McKinney: Innovator in Central Office Switching Systems

Introduction

Thomas H. McKinney, a notable inventor based in Altamonte Springs, Florida, has made significant contributions to the field of telecommunications. With a focus on enhancing central office switching systems, McKinney has secured one patent that showcases his innovative approach to technology.

Latest Patents

McKinney's patent, titled "Programmable Port Sense and Control Signal Preprocessor for a Central Office Switching System," represents a revolutionary design within the telecommunications infrastructure. This invention encompasses a three-level hierarchy of distributed processors functioning in parallel to manage a central office matrix switch network that connects 1,920 ports. The patent details the operation of the highest level, where a stored-program call control processor directs call progression, facilitating the establishment of paths through the matrix switch network.

At the second level, special-purpose, stored-program port control processors service 960 ports each. These processors are responsible for sensing and transmitting supervisory signals, as well as communicating significant port events to the call control processor. Notably, each port event control processor dedicates about 32 microseconds out of every 32 milliseconds to its 960 ports, ensuring that no port is locked out at the port-control-processor level.

The lowest level incorporates a digital filtering processor tied to each port control processor, which samples, filters, and stores signals from each port efficiently. This meticulous processing ensures that filtered samples are presented to the associated port control processor precisely once every 32 milliseconds.

Career Highlights

McKinney has been associated with the Stromberg-Carlson Corporation, where he has leveraged his technical skills to contribute to advancements in switching technologies. His extensive knowledge and expertise have positioned him as a key player in his field, driving innovations that enhance communication systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, McKinney has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Robert H. Bradshaw and Dennis L. Edinger. Together, they have worked on various projects that have advanced the technology of telecommunications systems and contributed to the ever-evolving landscape of communication.

Conclusion

Thomas H. McKinney stands out as a significant inventor whose contributions to central office switching systems have paved the way for advancements in telecommunications technology. His innovative designs and collaborative efforts continue to influence the industry, ensuring smoother and more efficient communication systems for users.