Abstract: A method of routing calls, messages or information (call routing) comprising storing in a memory a database representing a relationship or organization roles, including names of persons filling the roles and call directory numbers associated with the roles, in response to a request to complete a call to a particular directory number associated with one of the roles, looking up in the database a directory number associated with one of the roles, and processing the call as if the call were directed to the further directory number.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching holes through at least one deposited layer to an underlying structure. A hard mask is deposited on an upper surface of a device to be etched, the mask is patterned with the aid of a photoresist, and holes are etched in the hard mask. After removal of the photoresist, contact or via holes are etched through the patterned hard mask in the deposited layer(s) to reach the underlying structure.

Abstract: A method of updating speedcall numbers stored in a database comprises the steps of receiving an incoming call at a local telephone station, extracting data representing the calling party's name and telephone number from the incoming call, and comparing the extracted data with name and number data stored in a database in the local telephone station. The number data in the local telephone station is updated when the extracted data and the stored data does not match.

Abstract: An interactive system include a software application and a telephone which function cooperatively to implement a multiplicity of user-invoked features. The telephone set is connected to a computer on which a telephony application program interface application is executed. The telephone set includes a plurality of user-definable function keys in addition to the standard keypad, handset, speaker phone and other standard components. The user-definable function keys are programmable via the computer to implement telephony features or to launch applications on the computer.

Abstract: An intelligent cordless telephone interface device for connection to a telephone line is means responsive to an incoming call on the telephone line to determine the identity of the caller. The device communicates with a cordless telephone to convey the identity of the caller to the user and is responsive to input from the user via the cordless telephone to handle the incoming call in the desired manner, for example to direct it to an answering machine, send an announcement to the caller or the like.

Abstract: A method of reporting an event to a monitoring station in a network of communication switching exchanges comprised of monitoring in each exchange for events to be reported, upon detection of the event, the exchange in which the event occurred automatically dialing a gateway network node to which a network monitoring station is connected, upon the network node responding to the automatic dialing, sending at least one DTMF signal containing a report of the nature of the event and an identification of the exchange in which the event occurred to the network node for provision to the network monitoring station.

Abstract: A method of controlling the supply of cells into an asynchronous network, comprises the steps of storing incoming bytes from multiple channels in respective channel buffers, creating in memory a timing event wheel partitioned into a plurality of sectors, of which one is active at any time, and placing cell pointers in the sectors. The cell pointers identify channel buffers and are distributed around the wheel in accordance with a desired transmission schedule. The wheel is stepwise advanced at a predetermined rate, and the cell pointers in the active sector are scanned at each advance of the wheel to identify the corresponding channel buffers. The bytes from the identified channel buffers are assembled into cells, which are forwarded for transmission over the asynchronous network. These are then multiplexed with VBR cells from another source.

Abstract: A circuit for applying a predetermined algorithm to an input signal, has an input for receiving the input signal, a signal processing device for processing the input signal in accordance with the predetermined algorithm, and a device for outputting the processed signal. The signal processing device incorporates distributed bit-serial logic circuits to implement the predetermined algorithm.

Abstract: A method of sharing a load of incoming calls to a first automatic call distribution (ACD) system with a second ACD system, comprising: establishing at each of the first and second ACD systems divert start service levels each comprising an average wait time of incoming calls before being answered of a predetermined number of incoming calls during a sample period, monitoring a local service level at each of the ACD systems, and diverting incoming calls from one of the ACD systems to the other of the ACD systems for answering thereof in the event the local service level of the one of the ACD systems is longer than its local divert start service level.

Abstract: A merged voice and data communications system, comprises a TDM-based broadband backbone carrying packet data, a plurality of LAN segments interconnected via said broadband backbone, a plurality of telephone subsystems, each comprising a plurality of telephone circuits connected to a subsystem multiplexer, and a central telephone controller. Circuits are established to carry telephone traffic over said broadband backbone between the central controller and several subsystem multiplexers independently of the packet data. Telephone calls can be routed over the broadband backbone to any of the telephone circuits without interfering with the packet data and without requiring separate physical links.

Abstract: A printed circuit assembly comprises a first printed circuit (5) having conductive (4) paths formed on a top surface (27) thereof and a second printed circuit (1) having conductive paths (2) formed on a top surface thereof. The first printed overlies the second circuit in a staggered relationship so that an edge thereof lies on the top surface of the second printed circuit. The second printed circuit has a portion protruding beyond this edge. A first set of contact members (13) is formed on the first printed circuit adjacent its edge. A second set of corresponding contact members (14) is formed on the protruding portion of the second printed circuit in opposing relationship to the first set of contact members. A sheet member is fitted over the printed circuits and carries bridging members for establishing electrical contact between corresponding pairs of contact members.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method is provided enabling an analog modem to dial out while a dial tone is interrupted or stuttered due to at least one unheard message at a Central Office for a subscriber to Call Answer is provided . Call Answer is an automated voice messaging system which causes the dial tone of a phone line connected to the modem, to be either interrupted or stuttered when a message is waiting for the subscriber. Users of the present invention are able to receive on-line access faster than users of the prior art. The method of the present invention implements a software program within the modem. By comparing the elapsed length of the dial tone with two predetermined time values (a maximum and a minimum), the method detects the presence and status of the dial tone and informs the modem of the status of the dial tone. Provided that a dial tone is present, whether uninterrupted, interrupted or stuttered, the modem proceeds to dial out.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting a printed circuit to a plug of the type having a plurality of parallel contacts located on the edge of an insertion block provided with a resilient detent, includes a housing containing the printed circuit, and an opening in the housing for retaining the insertion block therein. A flexible extension of the printed circuit has parallel contacts formed thereon. The flexible extension extends at an angle through the opening so that the parallel contacts thereon make contact with the parallel contacts on an insertion block retained in the opening.

Abstract: A telecommunications system comprises a plurality of servers interconnected by a TDM backbone and able to share a common channel or bandwidth. An arrangement for sending messages or files between said servers comprises a master node for sending a continuous stream of cells round the backbone, each cell having a header portion and a payload portion, and a plurality of downstream nodes which upon arrival of incoming cells insert information therein, read information therefrom, or allow the cells to pass thereby unaltered.

Abstract: A distributed architecture parallel processing apparatus, includes a central microprocessor having at least one external interface connected to a similar interface of a neighboring parallel processor. The processors exchange data and control signals through the interfaces to cooperatively share in the execution of a program. An inter-processor status register in each processor maintains the current status of the processors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiplexor architecture and method that manipulates multiple telephony lines onto one virtual line which can then be monitored and controlled by an application on a desktop computer originally designed to handle only a single line. The multiplexor of the present invention provides transparent telephony line manipulation which to the telephony line manager, appears as a telephony service provider component. To the telephony service provider component, the present invention appears as the telephony line manager.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication switching system in conjunction with a PBX comprising: storing at the PBX equipment station identifiers in association with directory numbers, storing at the switching system the station identifiers in conjunction with the directory numbers and a PBX identifier, in the event of a station connected to the PBX going offhook, looking up at the PBX a station identifier associated with a directory number assigned to the offhook station, transmitting the looked up station identifier to the switching system, and upon receiving the transmitted station identifier at the switching system, looking up the corresponding directory number, and changing characteristics of a line between the switching system and the PBX over which communication is to take place, to suit predetermined characteristics based on the corresponding directory number.

Abstract: The web page generator of the present invention provides for automatic web page creation of an organizational directory for use in an Internet and Intranet environment. The web page directory is created from data stored in the directory application component of the web page generator and, after being placed on a web server, allows any individual who has network access to the web server offering the web page to view the directory information in a web page format. In another aspect of the present invention, the web page generator generates the directory web pages dynamically on an as requested basis. In another aspect of the present invention, the web page generator also provides for an interface to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) telephone switch for automatic access to PBX functions through the web page automatically generated in accordance with the principles of the invention.