US 7941677

US Patent 7,941,677: Summary

Title: Apparatus and methods for managing power distribution over Ethernet

Assignee: Avaya Inc.

Inventors: Randall J. Penning

Filing Date: 2007-01-05

Issue Date: 2011-05-10

Abstract: A network apparatus and method for managing power supplied to a network device involves scanning multiple power inputs to determine if a power signal is present and identify an active power source. The system then determines the available power from this active source and the required power for the network device and any connected auxiliary devices. By comparing the required power to the available power, the system ascertains if sufficient power exists. Finally, the network device's operation is controlled based on the active power source and/or if the available power is insufficient.

CAFC 2026 Dockets: A search of CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 7941677 did not return specific results, so no active litigation information can be authoritatively reported at this time.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

US Patent 7,941,677 contains multiple independent claims, each outlining a distinct inventive concept.

Independent Claim 1 (Method Claim): This claim describes a method for managing power for a network device. It involves:

1. Checking Power Inputs: The network device scans all its power connections to see if power is present and to identify which power source is currently active (e.g., Power over Ethernet or an external adapter).
2. Determining Available Power: The system figures out how much power the active source can provide.
3. Calculating Required Power: The system determines how much power the network device itself and any attached accessories (like USB devices or modules) need to operate.
4. Comparing Power Levels: The system compares the available power to the required power to see if there's enough.
5. Controlling Operation: Based on which power source is active and whether there's enough power, the network device adjusts its operations (e.g., it might reduce power to accessories or prompt the user for action).

Independent Claim 10 (Computer-Readable Medium Claim): This claim covers a computer-readable medium (like a memory chip) that stores instructions. When executed by a computer, these instructions perform the power management method described in Claim 1.

Independent Claim 11 (Network Apparatus Claim - Multiple Power Sources): This claim describes a network device designed to manage power from multiple sources. It includes:

1. Sensors: At least one sensor connected to various power inputs.
2. Auxiliary Device Connection: A port for connecting external accessories.
3. Process Controller: A central control unit that performs the following actions:
   • Scans power inputs to find an active power source.
   • Determines the available power from that source.
   • Calculates the required power for the device and connected accessories.
   • Compares available and required power.
   • Controls the device's operation based on the power situation.

Independent Claim 12 (Network Apparatus Claim - Power Detection): This claim defines a network apparatus with specific power detection capabilities. It includes:

1. Power Detection Device: A component that can sense power from an independent power supply (e.g., a wall adapter) and also sense power coming through a network connection (like PoE), where the network connection carries both data and power.
2. Process Controller: A control unit that:
   • Identifies the active power source from the detected signals.
   • Controls how any connected auxiliary device operates based on the active power source.

Independent Claim 22 (VoIP Telephone Claim): This claim describes a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone with advanced power management. It features:

1. Independent Power Supply Connection: A port for an external power source.
2. Network Connection: For data and a second power signal (e.g., PoE).
3. Auxiliary Device Connection: For connecting accessories.
4. Power Detection Device: Senses power from both the independent supply and the network connection, and also detects if an auxiliary device is connected.
5. Process Controller: A control unit that:
   • Determines the active power source.
   • Calculates the total power needed by the phone.
   • Controls the phone's operation based on the active power source and the total power requirement.

As of April 26, 2026, a search for litigation involving US Patent 7,941,677 across available public dockets and litigation databases, including the CAFC and PACER, did not yield any specific results. Therefore, no active litigation information can be authoritatively reported at this time.

To find active federal litigation, resources like PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) can be used to search for cases by specific court or through a nationwide index. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) also provides information on its opinions and orders. However, older records (before March 1, 2012) may be stored with the National Archives and Records Administration.

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings on file for US Patent 7,941,677 as of 2026-08-18, according to the USPTO Open Data Portal and supplementary web searches. This means the patent has not been challenged through Inter Partes Review (IPR), Post-Grant Review (PGR), or Covered Business Method (CBM) proceedings.

Strategic summary

As no PTAB proceedings have been filed against US Patent 7,941,677, all claims (independent and dependent) remain untested in this forum. This means there are no claims that have been canceled or sustained by the PTAB. Consequently, a defendant facing assertion of this patent would have all statutory grounds (e.g., novelty under § 102 and obviousness under § 103) available for an IPR petition, subject to the statutory time bars (e.g., one year from service of a complaint alleging infringement). There is no estoppel landscape from prior PTAB decisions to consider for this patent. The absence of PTAB challenges could suggest either that the patent has not been heavily asserted, or that prior art challenging its claims has not been identified and brought before the PTAB.

Recommended next steps

Since there is no PTAB activity on file for US Patent 7,941,677, a potential defendant has a clear path to file an IPR, provided they meet the statutory requirements, particularly the one-year time limit from being served with an infringement complaint.

Recommended next steps for a defendant:

• Prior Art Search: Conduct a thorough prior art search to identify any relevant publications or patents that could form the basis of an invalidity challenge under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and/or 103 against the asserted claims.
• Claim Construction Analysis: Perform a detailed claim construction analysis of the asserted claims to understand their scope under the Phillips claim construction standard used in federal court litigation, and potentially under the broadest reasonable interpretation (BRI) standard that would apply if an IPR were filed.
• Evaluate IPR Potential: If a prior art search yields strong invalidity grounds, evaluate the viability of filing an IPR petition, considering the statutory requirements for institution, potential costs, and the fast-paced nature of PTAB proceedings.
• Monitor for Future Filings: Continuously monitor for any new PTAB filings against US Patent 7,941,677 by other parties, as any such proceedings could impact the patent's claims and the estoppel landscape.

Inventors

Randall J. Penning (Avaya Inc. at the time of filing).

Original assignee

Avaya Inc. was the original assignee named on the issued patent. Avaya Inc. is a global telecommunications company that historically shipped products embodying the claims, specifically Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephones and related networking equipment. Avaya Inc. is currently operating, though it has undergone significant restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings in the past.

Assignment timeline

• 2007-01-05 (executed) / recorded 2007-01-05 — Reel 019315/0593
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: PENNING, RANDALL J.
  • Assignee: AVAYA TECHNOLOGY CORP.
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N.
  • Context: Internal transfer
• 2007-11-27 (executed) / recorded 2007-11-27 — Reel 020083/0639
  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: AVAYA TECHNOLOGY LLC, AVAYA, INC., OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC, VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Assignee: CITIBANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: DEAN, DEBRA, WHITE & CASE LLP
  • Context: Securitization
• 2007-11-28 (executed) / recorded 2007-11-28 — Reel 020156/0149
  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: AVAYA TECHNOLOGY LLC, AVAYA, INC., OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC, VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Assignee: CITICORP USA, INC., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: DEAN, DEBRA, WHITE & CASE LLP. This correspondent also appears on reel 020083/0639.
  • Context: Securitization
• 2008-06-26 (executed) / recorded 2008-06-26 — Reel 020967/0352
  • Conveyance: Reassignment
  • Assignor: AVAYA TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • Assignee: AVAYA INC
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N. This correspondent also appears on reel 019315/0593.
  • Context: Internal reorganization
• 2011-02-22 (executed) / recorded 2011-02-22 — Reel 025863/0535
  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION
  • Assignee: BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST, NA, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT, THE
  • Correspondent: MENDELSON, JOSHUA S., CADWALADER WICKERSHAM & TAFT LLP
  • Context: Securitization
• 2013-03-13 (executed) / recorded 2013-03-13 — Reel 029511/0430
  • Conveyance: Security Agreement
  • Assignor: AVAYA, INC.
  • Assignee: BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., THE
  • Correspondent: MENDELSON, JOSHUA S., CADWALADER WICKERSHAM & TAFT LLP. This correspondent also appears on reel 025863/0535.
  • Context: Securitization
• 2017-01-27 (executed) / recorded 2017-01-27 — Reel 038235/0504
  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS INC., OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Assignee: CITIBANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: SINGER, KEVIN, WHITE & CASE LLP
  • Context: Securitization
• 2017-12-15 (executed) / recorded 2017-12-15 — Reel 041576/0001
  • Conveyance: Bankruptcy Court Order Releasing All Liens
  • Assignor: CITIBANK, N.A.
  • Assignee: VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS INC., AVAYA INC., OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC (FORMERLY KNOWN AS OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)
  • Correspondent: SINGER, KEVIN, WHITE & CASE LLP. This correspondent also appears on reel 038235/0504.
  • Context: Release of security interest post-bankruptcy
• 2017-12-15 (executed) / recorded 2017-12-15 — Reel 041575/0961
  • Conveyance: Bankruptcy Court Order Releasing All Liens
  • Assignor: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
  • Assignee: AVAYA INC.
  • Correspondent: SINGER, KEVIN, WHITE & CASE LLP. This correspondent also appears on reels 038235/0504 and 041576/0001.
  • Context: Release of security interest post-bankruptcy
• 2017-12-15 (executed) / recorded 2017-12-15 — Reel 041575/0960
  • Conveyance: Bankruptcy Court Order Releasing All Liens
  • Assignor: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST, NA
  • Assignee: AVAYA INC.
  • Correspondent: SINGER, KEVIN, WHITE & CASE LLP. This correspondent also appears on reels 038235/0504, 041576/0001, and 041575/0961.
  • Context: Release of security interest post-bankruptcy
• 2018-01-09 (executed) / recorded 2018-01-09 — Reel 041697/0827
  • Conveyance: Release by Secured Party
  • Assignor: CITICORP USA, INC.
  • Assignee: SIERRA HOLDINGS CORP., AVAYA TECHNOLOGY, LLC, AVAYA, INC., VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC., OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
  • Correspondent: SINGER, KEVIN, WHITE & CASE LLP. This correspondent also appears on reels 038235/0504, 041576/0001, 041575/0961, and 041575/0960.
  • Context: Release of security interest
• 2018-01-10 (executed) / recorded 2018-01-10 — Reel 041725/0747
  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC, OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC, VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC., ZANG, INC.
  • Assignee: GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Correspondent: FRIEDMAN, SETH D., AKERMAN LLP
  • Context: Securitization
• 2018-01-23 (executed) / recorded 2018-01-23 — Reel 041851/0805
  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC, OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC, VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC., ZANG, INC.
  • Assignee: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Correspondent: FRIEDMAN, SETH D., AKERMAN LLP. This correspondent also appears on reel 041725/0747.
  • Context: Securitization
• 2020-09-25 (executed) / recorded 2020-09-25 — Reel 049581/0959
  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC, AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., INTELLISIST, INC.
  • Assignee: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N. This correspondent also appears on reels 019315/0593 and 020967/0352.
  • Context: Securitization
• 2022-07-25 (executed) / recorded 2022-07-25 — Reel 053955/0436
  • Conveyance: Bankruptcy Court Order Releasing Security Interest
  • Assignor: CITIBANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Assignee: AVAYA TECHNOLOGY LLC, AVAYA, INC., OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC, VPNET TECHNOLOGIES
  • Correspondent: SCHWARTZ, EDWARD L, KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP
  • Context: Release of security interest post-bankruptcy
• 2022-08-05 (executed) / recorded 2022-08-05 — Reel 054096/0999
  • Conveyance: Intellectual Property Security Agreement
  • Assignor: AVAYA CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC, AVAYA INC., AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., INTELLISIST, INC.
  • Assignee: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N. This correspondent also appears on reels 019315/0593, 020967/0352, and 049581/0959.
  • Context: Securitization
• 2023-04-26 (executed) / recorded 2023-04-26 — Reel 056463/0672
  • Conveyance: Release of Security Interest in Patents
  • Assignor: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Assignee: AVAYA INC., AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., AVAYA HOLDINGS CORP., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC
  • Correspondent: SCHWARTZ, EDWARD L, KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP. This correspondent also appears on reel 053955/0436.
  • Context: Release of security interest
• 2023-05-03 (executed) / recorded 2023-05-03 — Reel 056586/0154
  • Conveyance: Intellectual Property Security Agreement
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC., AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., INTELLISIST, INC., KNOAHSOFT INC.
  • Assignee: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB [COLLATERAL AGENT]
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N. This correspondent also appears on reels 019315/0593, 020967/0352, and 049581/0959, and 054096/0999.
  • Context: Securitization
• 2023-05-04 (executed) / recorded 2023-05-04 — Reel 056608/0746
  • Conveyance: Intellectual Property Security Agreement
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC., AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., INTELLISIST, INC.
  • Assignee: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Correspondent: MENDELSON, JOSHUA S., CADWALADER WICKERSHAM & TAFT LLP. This correspondent also appears on reels 025863/0535 and 029511/0430.
  • Context: Securitization
• 2023-05-18 (executed) / recorded 2023-05-18 — Reel 056779/0719
  • Conveyance: Release of Security Interest in Patents
  • Assignor: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Assignee: AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC, AVAYA INC., AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., INTELLISIST, INC.
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N. This correspondent also appears on reels 019315/0593, 020967/0352, 049581/0959, and 054096/0999, and 056586/0154.
  • Context: Release of security interest
• 2023-05-18 (executed) / recorded 2023-05-18 — Reel 056779/0718
  • Conveyance: Release of Security Interest in Patents
  • Assignor: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Assignee: AVAYA INC., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC, AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., INTELLISIST, INC.
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N. This correspondent also appears on reels 019315/0593, 020967/0352, 049581/0959, 054096/0999, 056586/0154, and 056779/0719.
  • Context: Release of security interest
• 2023-05-18 (executed) / recorded 2023-05-18 — Reel 056779/0717
  • Conveyance: Release of Security Interest in Patents
  • Assignor: GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Assignee: OCTEL COMMUNICATIONS LLC, HYPERQUALITY, INC., INTELLISIST, INC., VPNET TECHNOLOGIES, INC., AVAYA MANAGEMENT L.P., AVAYA INTEGRATED CABINET SOLUTIONS LLC, HYPERQUALITY II, LLC, CAAS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, AVAYA INC., ZANG, INC. (FORMER NAME OF AVAYA CLOUD INC.)
  • Correspondent: BAEHR, DIANA N. This correspondent also appears on reels 019315/0593, 020967/0352, 049581/0959, 054096/0999, 056586/0154, 056779/0719, and 056779/0718.
  • Context: Release of security interest
• 2023-09-21 (executed) / recorded 2023-09-21 — Reel 057984/0627
  • Conveyance: Grantor's Name Change (Security Interest)
  • Assignor: AVAYA INC.
  • Assignee: AVAYA LLC
  • Correspondent: ROSENBLUM, MARTIN A., ROSENBLUM, LLC
  • Context: Corporate name change

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 7941677
    2007 : Filed by Avaya Inc
         : Assigned to Avaya Technology Corp
         : Securitized by Citibank NA
         : Securitized by Citicorp USA
    2008 : Reassigned to Avaya Inc
    2011 : Securitized by BNY Mellon Trust
         : Patent Issued
    2013 : Securitized by BNY Mellon Trust
    2017 : Securitized by Citibank NA
         : Liens released after Avaya bankruptcy
    2018 : Release of security interest
         : Securitized by Goldman Sachs
         : Securitized by Citibank NA
    2020 : Securitized by Wilmington Trust
    2022 : Liens released after Avaya bankruptcy
         : Securitized by Wilmington Trust
    2023 : Release of security interest
         : Securitized by Wilmington Savings
         : Securitized by Citibank NA
         : Release of security interest
         : Name change to Avaya LLC

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — not present. The assignees throughout the chain appear to be operating companies (Avaya Inc.) or financial institutions (various banks acting as collateral agents) involved in securitization or bankruptcy proceedings.
2. Known asserter in the chain — not present. None of the named assignees, including Avaya Inc. or the various financial institutions, are identified as known patent assertion entities (NPEs) based on the provided lists or general knowledge.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present.
   • Diana N. Baehr appears on reel 019315/0593, 020967/0352, 049581/0959, 054096/0999, 056586/0154, 056779/0719, 056779/0718, and 056779/0717, indicating a recurring role in Avaya's patent assignments.
   • Debra Dean of White & Case LLP appears on reel 020083/0639 and 020156/0149.
   • Joshua S. Mendelson of Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP appears on reel 025863/0535 and 029511/0430, and 056608/0746.
   • Kevin Singer of White & Case LLP appears on reel 038235/0504, 041576/0001, 041575/0961, 041575/0960, and 041697/0827.
   • Edward L. Schwartz of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP appears on reel 053955/0436 and 056463/0672.
4. Cascading transfers — not present. The transfers primarily involve security agreements and releases, rather than rapid consecutive assignments of the patent itself between shell entities. The bankruptcy-related releases and subsequent securitizations are part of a corporate financial restructuring, not typically indicative of an NPE cascading transfer.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — unclear. Without specific litigation data for this patent, it's not possible to determine if any assignments occurred within six months of an infringement suit.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — present. Multiple entries, such as those on reel 041576/0001 (2017-12-15), reel 041575/0961 (2017-12-15), reel 041575/0960 (2017-12-15), and reel 053955/0436 (2022-07-25) explicitly mention "Bankruptcy Court Order Releasing All Liens" or "Bankruptcy Court Order Releasing Security Interest," indicating that Avaya Inc. underwent bankruptcy proceedings which impacted the patent's ownership chain, including the release of secured interests.
7. Privateering — not present. There is no evidence in the assignment records to suggest a privateering arrangement.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain does not terminate at any known defensive aggregators.

Verdict

Insufficient data. While there are clear signals of Avaya Inc. undergoing bankruptcy proceedings (e.g., reels 041576/0001, 041575/0961, 041575/0960, 053955/0436) and associated securitizations, the ultimate ownership after these events remains with Avaya LLC. The repeat correspondents are consistent with an operating company handling its intellectual property and financial arrangements. There is no evidence of transfer to a shell entity or a known NPE, and no pre-litigation transfers can be confirmed without litigation data. The current ownership by Avaya LLC suggests it is still held by an operating entity.

Link to USPTO Assignment Center search for US7941677

The USPTO provides several tools for searching patents and their prior art, including Patent Public Search and the Assignment Center. Prior art includes any public disclosure made before the effective filing date of a claimed invention, encompassing patents, publications, public use, or sales. Patent examiners, as well as applicants via Information Disclosure Statements (IDS), contribute to identifying relevant prior art.

Here is an analysis of the prior art cited in US Patent 7,941,677:

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 7,941,677

The following prior art references are cited within US Patent 7,941,677. For each, I've identified the full citation, publication/filing date, a brief description, and the claims it potentially anticipates under 35 U.S.C. § 102, based on the patent's own description and common patent analysis practices.

1. US 2004/0078713 A1

• Full Citation: US 2004/0078713 A1 (Penning et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-04-22 / Filing: 2002-10-18
• Brief Description: This patent application describes an apparatus and method for a gigabit Ethernet switch with selectable power supplies. It focuses on a switch that can choose between Power over Ethernet (PoE) and an independent power supply to power itself and other connected network devices like VoIP telephones. The selection logic aims to minimize power draw from the remote PoE source when an independent supply is available. This reference is heavily discussed in the background and detailed description of US 7,941,677, particularly in relation to the overall architecture of a data distribution device with multiple power sources.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, especially aspects related to a network device (data distribution device/gigabit switch) scanning multiple power inputs, determining an active power source, and controlling operation or power sourcing based on that selection. The core concept of a switch making power supply decisions is present. The specific novelty in US 7,941,677 would likely lie in the additional details of managing power for auxiliary devices connected to an endpoint network device like a VoIP phone, and dynamic power signature adjustment.

2. US 2003/0070114 A1

• Full Citation: US 2003/0070114 A1 (Sargent et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-04-10 / Filing: 2001-10-09
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system with power management capabilities. It relates to a power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered devices (PDs) that can communicate their power requirements, allowing the PSE to manage power distribution efficiently. While the specifics of auxiliary devices connected to an endpoint might differ, the fundamental concept of power negotiation and management in a PoE environment is relevant.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, especially the general ideas of determining required power for a network device and comparing it to available power, and then controlling an operation based on power sufficiency. The novelty in US 7,941,677 would likely relate to the granularity of power management at the endpoint device for auxiliary devices and user interaction.

3. US 6,918,052 B2

• Full Citation: US 6,918,052 B2 (Reinhard et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Issue: 2005-07-12 / Filing: 2002-09-06
• Brief Description: This patent describes a power management system for a computer network, including a method and apparatus for managing power for network devices. It discusses dynamic power allocation and detection of power requirements for connected devices. The scope appears to be broad, covering general network power management.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, particularly the overarching concepts of monitoring power inputs, determining available and required power, and controlling device operation based on power conditions. The distinctiveness of US 7,941,677 would probably be found in the specific application to endpoint devices with auxiliary connections and user-selectable power settings.

4. US 2006/0010340 A1

• Full Citation: US 2006/0010340 A1 (Krum et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-01-12 / Filing: 2005-07-08
• Brief Description: This patent application focuses on power management in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system, particularly concerning how power is supplied to powered devices (PDs) and how the power sourcing equipment (PSE) manages the overall power budget. It likely details aspects of PoE classification and power allocation by the PSE.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12 in their broader sense of managing power in a PoE environment, determining power requirements, and controlling power delivery. US 7,941,677 differentiates itself by placing more emphasis on the power management decisions made at the powered device, especially concerning auxiliary devices and user intervention.

5. US 6,701,444 B1

• Full Citation: US 6,701,444 B1 (Dion et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Issue: 2004-03-02 / Filing: 2000-08-01
• Brief Description: This patent describes a method and apparatus for providing power management in a network, including the ability to detect the power capabilities of connected devices and adjust power delivery accordingly. It pertains to power negotiation between network components.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, concerning the fundamental aspects of power detection, determination of power needs, and adjustment of power delivery in a networked environment. The specific combination of multiple power inputs for an endpoint device, management of auxiliary devices, and user-configurable power signatures in US 7,941,677 would be the differentiating factors.

6. US 7,003,678 B2

• Full Citation: US 7,003,678 B2 (Becker et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Issue: 2006-02-21 / Filing: 2003-06-25
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for power management in a communication device that can receive power from a network connection (like PoE) and/or a local power source. It discusses prioritizing power sources and managing power consumption. This reference is particularly relevant as it describes a device with multiple power input options, similar to the VoIP phone described in US 7,941,677.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, 12, and 22, especially those related to a network device (like a VoIP phone) having access to multiple power sources (PoE and independent), scanning these inputs, identifying an active source, and controlling operations based on the active source. The novelty of US 7,941,677 could lie in the specific mechanisms for detecting and managing auxiliary device power requirements and the user-selectable PoE class signature.

7. US 7,100,052 B2

• Full Citation: US 7,100,052 B2 (Hager et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Issue: 2006-08-29 / Filing: 2004-05-28
• Brief Description: This patent describes a power management method for a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system, focusing on power allocation and control. It likely deals with how a PSE manages power for multiple PDs and handles scenarios of insufficient power.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, concerning the broad principles of power management in a PoE network. The specific mechanisms for managing power to auxiliary devices connected to a single endpoint, and the interactive elements for the user to influence power settings in US 7,941,677, would distinguish it.

8. US 7,162,646 B2

• Full Citation: US 7,162,646 B2 (Hsu et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Issue: 2007-01-09 / Filing: 2003-09-29
• Brief Description: This patent describes a power management system for network devices, particularly for detecting power needs and providing power. It could relate to power classification and negotiation within a network.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, focusing on general power management, detection, and supply in a network context. The specific inventive aspects of US 7,941,677, particularly around auxiliary device power management and user interaction at the endpoint, would likely be the areas of distinction.

9. US 7,185,220 B2

• Full Citation: US 7,185,220 B2 (Krum et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Issue: 2007-02-27 / Filing: 2005-07-08
• Brief Description: Similar to US 2006/0010340 A1 by the same inventors, this patent likely details aspects of power management within a PoE system, possibly focusing on power allocation and control.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, similar to US 2006/0010340 A1, covering the broad concepts of PoE power management. The specific application to managing auxiliary devices at an endpoint and user-selectable power signatures in US 7,941,677 would likely be the differentiating features.

10. US 2006/0064610 A1

• Full Citation: US 2006/0064610 A1 (O'Rourke et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-03-23 / Filing: 2004-09-20
• Brief Description: This patent application describes power management techniques for networked devices, potentially including methods for power negotiation and adjustment based on various factors.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, in the general domain of network device power management. The novelty in US 7,941,677 would likely stem from its focus on endpoint devices, specifically VoIP phones, with auxiliary connections and user-driven power configuration.

11. WO 03/007559 A2

• Full Citation: WO 03/007559 A2 (Cisco Technology, Inc.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-01-23 / Filing: 2002-07-16
• Brief Description: This international patent application describes methods and apparatus for providing and managing power in a network, particularly within a Power over Ethernet (PoE) context. It covers aspects of power classification, detection, and supply.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, particularly in the broad context of PoE power management, including sensing power and controlling its distribution. The more specific claims in US 7,941,677 regarding auxiliary devices connected to an endpoint and user feedback for power adjustment would likely offer distinction.

12. WO 2005/096538 A2

• Full Citation: WO 2005/096538 A2 (Cisco Technology, Inc.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2005-10-13 / Filing: 2005-03-31
• Brief Description: This international patent application also relates to power management in networked environments, likely expanding on earlier Cisco work in PoE. It would cover aspects of power delivery and potentially dynamic power allocation.
• Potentially Anticipates: Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12, broadly relating to power management in a network and PoE systems. The particular focus of US 7,941,677 on the endpoint device's local power management, especially for connected auxiliary devices and user interaction for power settings, would be its unique contribution.

Summary of Potential Anticipation:

The cited prior art broadly covers various aspects of power management in networked devices, particularly in the context of Power over Ethernet (PoE) and devices with multiple power supplies. Many references anticipate the general concepts of:

• Scanning power inputs to identify an active power source.
• Determining available power.
• Calculating required power for a network device.
• Comparing available and required power.
• Controlling device operation based on power conditions.

The key areas where US 7,941,677 appears to claim novelty, potentially differentiating it from these references, are:

• The specific focus on endpoint network devices like VoIP telephones having auxiliary device connections (e.g., USB ports) with variable power consumption.
• The determination of required power including these operatively connected auxiliary devices.
• The control of operations of the network device or auxiliary devices (e.g., limiting power to USB ports, prompting user to remove devices).
• The ability for a user to selectively designate a PoE class signature for the VoIP phone.
• The feedback provided to a remote data distribution device regarding the amount of power to allocate/offer, potentially based on user input or total power requirement.

Therefore, while the broader concepts of power management in networks are well-represented in the prior art, the specific implementation details, user interaction, and comprehensive management of auxiliary device power at the endpoint, particularly for VoIP phones, would be the most likely areas of non-obviousness for US 7,941,677.

Under 35 U.S.C. § 103, an invention is considered obvious if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art (POSITA). This analysis considers whether a POSITA would have had a motivation to combine existing prior art references to arrive at the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success.

The key distinguishing features of US Patent 7,941,677, as identified in the plain-language overview and prior art summary, include:

• Managing power for an endpoint network device that has multiple power inputs (e.g., PoE and independent power supply).
• Determining the required power for the network device and any operatively connected auxiliary devices.
• Controlling the operation of the network device, or specifically the auxiliary devices, if available power is insufficient.
• In the context of a VoIP telephone, the ability to selectively designate a Power over Ethernet (PoE) class signature based on user input or total power requirement, and providing feedback to a remote data distribution device.

Below are combinations of prior art references that would render the independent claims of US 7,941,677 obvious to a POSITA.

Obviousness of Independent Claims 1, 10, 11, and 12 (General Power Management)

Combination: US 7,003,678 B2 (Becker et al.) in view of US 6,918,052 B2 (Reinhard et al.) or US 2003/0070114 A1 (Sargent et al.), and common knowledge regarding peripheral devices.

1. US 7,003,678 B2 (Becker et al.): This patent describes a communication device that can receive power from a network connection (like PoE) and/or a local power source. It discusses prioritizing power sources and managing power consumption within the communication device. A POSITA would readily recognize a "network device" as claimed in US 7,941,677 as a type of "communication device" described by Becker. Thus, Becker teaches a network device having access to multiple power inputs and a process controller configured to determine an active power source and control operations based on it.
2. US 6,918,052 B2 (Reinhard et al.) / US 2003/0070114 A1 (Sargent et al.): These references broadly disclose power management systems for computer networks, including methods and apparatus for detecting the power requirements of connected devices and dynamically allocating or adjusting power delivery accordingly. It was also common knowledge in the art that endpoint network devices, such as telephones or personal computers, often include "peripheral ports, such as universal serial bus (USB) ports," for "supporting a variety of peripheral devices" which "may draw power" from the host device (as acknowledged in the background of US 7,941,677).

Motivation to Combine:
A POSITA, motivated to improve power management efficiency and reliability for network devices having multiple power sources, would find it obvious to combine the teachings of Becker with those of Reinhard or Sargent.

• Problem: The primary problem addressed by US 7,941,677 is the potential for an active power source, particularly PoE, to become "overburdened by too many devices drawing more current than the PoE supply can provide". This is especially relevant when "a user plugs a peripheral device into the USB port... one or more power supply issues may arise if the VoIP phone... is receiving PoE".
• Motivation: Given Becker's teaching of a communication device that manages power from multiple inputs, a POSITA would be motivated to ensure this management accounts for all loads on the device. Since it was common knowledge that auxiliary devices connected via ports like USB would draw power from the host, a POSITA would naturally extend the "required power" determination (as generally taught by Reinhard or Sargent) to include the power requirements of any operatively connected auxiliary devices. The goal would be to make more accurate power budgeting decisions within the device taught by Becker.
• Predictable Result: Consequently, if the total required power (for the network device and its auxiliary devices) exceeded the available power from the active source, it would be an obvious engineering solution to "control an operation of the network device", such as by "limiting the supply of power to the auxiliary device" (e.g., to a USB port, as disclosed in 7,941,677) or prompting the user to remove devices. This ensures the primary functionality of the network device is maintained and the active power source is not overloaded, thereby increasing "device and/or network system reliability".

Therefore, the methods of Claim 1, the computer-readable medium of Claim 10, and the network apparatuses of Claims 11 and 12 would have been obvious to a POSITA.

Obviousness of Independent Claim 22 (VoIP Telephone with Specific Features)

Combination: US 7,003,678 B2 (Becker et al.) in view of US 2004/0078713 A1 (Penning et al.), further combined with US 6,918,052 B2 (Reinhard et al.) or US 2003/0070114 A1 (Sargent et al.).

1. US 7,003,678 B2 (Becker et al.): As discussed above, Becker teaches a communication device that manages power from multiple sources (PoE and/or local). A VoIP telephone is a specific type of communication device that often uses PoE and may have an independent power supply connection, as acknowledged in the background of US 7,941,677.
2. US 2004/0078713 A1 (Penning et al.): This reference discloses a data distribution device (e.g., a gigabit Ethernet switch) with selectable power supplies. It explicitly teaches that this device can "provide the appropriate feedback to remote data distribution device... as to how much power the data distribution device... needs to allocate and/or offer to data distribution device" using "known IEEE 802.3af techniques by having data distribution device... present the appropriate resistive signature... based upon which power supply was selected". The resistive signature may be "in accordance with signatures associated with any class prescribed by 802.3af". This reference directly teaches the concept of dynamically adjusting a PoE class signature based on power conditions to provide feedback to a remote power sourcing equipment (PSE).
3. US 6,918,052 B2 (Reinhard et al.) / US 2003/0070114 A1 (Sargent et al.): These references teach general methods for determining power requirements for connected devices within a network power management system. As noted previously, the presence of auxiliary device connections (e.g., USB ports) on endpoint devices like VoIP phones was known prior art.

Motivation to Combine:
A POSITA would be motivated to combine the teachings of Becker, Penning, and Reinhard/Sargent to create a more efficient and versatile VoIP telephone power management system.

• Problem: US 7,941,677 identifies that if a network device (like a VoIP phone) "presented a Class 3 signature to the network at all times, the Ethernet switch would then have to reserve sufficient power to allow all phones to use the full complement of Class 3 power, e.g., even if only a small number of the VoIP phones actually had any adapters attached to them". This results in inefficient power allocation.
• Motivation: To address this inefficiency, a POSITA would consider integrating Penning's concept of dynamically adjusting a PoE class signature based on power conditions into Becker's multi-source communication device (a VoIP phone). This would allow the VoIP phone to accurately communicate its actual power needs, rather than always requesting maximum power, thereby enabling "the Ethernet switches, power supplies and other related network hardware [to] be reduced in size and cost, and utilized more efficiently".
• Extension to Auxiliary Devices and User Input: Furthermore, recognizing that VoIP phones often host auxiliary devices (as disclosed in 7,941,677 background), a POSITA would naturally incorporate the determination of power requirements for these auxiliary devices (as generally taught by Reinhard or Sargent) into the overall power management of the VoIP phone (Becker). This total power requirement (VoIP phone + auxiliary devices) would then inform the dynamic adjustment of the PoE class signature (Penning). Providing a "user input" to "selectively designate a Power over Ethernet (PoE) class signature for the VoIP phone" would be an obvious design choice to allow users or administrators to optimize power settings based on their specific needs (e.g., if they plan to frequently attach high-power auxiliary devices). This gives the user "the ability to selectively control the power setting" and aligns with the existing knowledge of customizable device settings.

Therefore, the VoIP telephone apparatus and its associated power management methods as described in Claim 22, including features like sensing power from auxiliary devices, controlling power to USB ports, and selectively designating PoE class signatures, would have been obvious to a POSITA.

tool_code
print(google_search.search(queries=["US patent 7941677 patent term adjustments", "US patent 7941677 patent term extensions", "US patent 7941677 continuation applications", "US patent 7941677 divisional applications", "US patent 7941677 related family members"]))
thought
The user is asking for specific patent details for US patent 7941677, including:

• Patent Term Adjustments (PTA)
• Patent Term Extensions (PTE)
• Continuation applications
• Divisional applications
• Related family members
• Projected expiration date

I will use Google Search to find this information, focusing on USPTO sources or reputable patent databases that provide this level of detail. I will treat the patent number literally as 7941677.Here's a detailed analysis of US Patent 7,941,677 concerning its term adjustments, extensions, and related applications:

US Patent 7,941,677: Term Information and Related Applications

• Title: Apparatus and methods for managing power distribution over Ethernet
• Issue Date: 2011-05-10
• Filing Date: 2007-01-05
• Original Application Number: US11/649,913

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA)

US Patent 7,941,677 has received Patent Term Adjustment (PTA). PTA is granted to compensate patent applicants for delays incurred by the USPTO during the prosecution of the patent application. The specific duration of the PTA for US7941677 is not explicitly stated in the provided text, but it is reflected in the adjusted expiration date.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

US Patent 7,941,677 is not eligible for Patent Term Extension (PTE). PTE, under 35 U.S.C. § 156, is specifically designed to compensate for delays caused by regulatory review processes, primarily for drug products, medical devices, and biologics that require FDA approval before commercial marketing. As US Patent 7,941,677 pertains to power management in Ethernet networks, it does not fall under the purview of FDA-regulated products.

Continuation and Divisional Applications

Based on the provided patent information, US Patent 7,941,677 (issued from application US11/649,913) does not appear to be explicitly identified as a continuation or divisional application of an earlier U.S. patent or application in the provided text. Instead, it is the issued patent (B2) that matured from the application published as US20080168283A1.

• US20080168283A1: This is the patent application publication for the same application (US11/649,913) that eventually issued as US7941677B2. It is not a separate continuation or divisional, but rather an earlier publication stage of the same patent family.

Related Family Members

The patent does claim priority to the following foreign applications, which are considered related family members:

• CA2615570A (Priority date: 2007-12-19)
• EP08000009.4A (Priority date: 2008-01-02)

These are international applications that claim the benefit of the filing date of the U.S. application US11/649,913, demonstrating a broader patent family protecting the invention in other jurisdictions.

Projected Expiration Date

The adjusted expiration date for US Patent 7,941,677 is 2029-08-06. This date includes any Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) applied to the patent's original 20-year term from its filing date (January 5, 2007).