Modular pole telecommunications system

• US 10,416,683 B2
• Filed: 04/25/2017
• Issued: 09/17/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Adriazola, Aldo, Fuchs, Mitchell Harvey, Pimm, Brandon, Bennett, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Crompton, Christopher R
• Application Number:
  US15/496,493
• Publication Number:
  US 20180309625A1
• Time in Patent Office: 875 Days
• Field of Search: 370254
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0094 involving pointing a payload, e.g. camera, weapon, sensor, towards a fixed or moving target

Abstract

Modular utility pole technology may address issues with access and placement of telecommunications equipment. At the top of the pole, a removable cap may allow access to an upper module, which may contain wireless communications gear, sensors, lights, alarms or other devices. A conduit may provide network connections and power runs from the upper module to a lower module area. The lower module may house additional communications devices, such as cable modems or other devices used for network access or backhaul.

Claims

1. A modular pole, the modular pole comprising:

a first modular area, wherein;

the first modular area is a substantially hollow area of the modular pole that is proximate to a first end of the modular pole, and

a wall of the first modular area are constructed of a radio frequency transparent material;

a second modular area, wherein the second modular area is a substantially hollow area of the modular pole that is proximate to a second end of the modular pole; and

a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is attached to the modular pole, wherein the first sensor is communicatively connected with a second sensor of an unmanned vehicle, wherein data from communication of the first sensor and the second sensor is used to direct the unmanned vehicle to install a radio module within the first modular area.

2. The modular pole of claim 1,

wherein the radio module provides wireless telecommunication service for mobile devices.

3. The modular pole of claim 1, wherein:

the first sensor comprises a camera.

4. The modular pole of claim 1, wherein further data from communication of the first sensor and the second sensor is used to direct the unmanned vehicle to install a removable cap over the first modular area.

5. The modular pole of claim 1, wherein the unmanned vehicle comprises an integrated radio module for providing wireless telecommunication service to mobile devices.

6. The modular pole of claim 1, wherein the unmanned vehicle connects to a power source within the first modular area.

7. The modular pole of claim 1, wherein the unmanned vehicle connects to a power source within the first modular area, wherein the power source transfers power wirelessly.

8. The module pole of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a laser sensor.

9. The modular pole of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is a radar emitting device.