Patents by Inventor Clifford Jay Spinac

Clifford Jay Spinac 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: 7103358
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for providing roaming services to a wireless telephone roaming outside of its home service area by receiving a request for roaming service from a wireless telephone that is within a roaming network and offering a special roaming contract to the user of the wireless telephone. The request for services comprises an identify of the wireless telephone wherein the identity comprises the mobile identification number and the electronic serial number. Using the identity of the wireless telephone received in the request, the roaming network determines that the wireless telephone identity is not recorded as a record within the roaming network and is therefore roaming. The method provides offering a special roaming contract to the user and then executing the special roaming contract if the user decides to accept the offer for a special roaming contract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 7093298
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for security object enhancement and management are provided. The apparatus and method make use of security objects in which security object data is encapsulated with security object attributes and methods defining the way in which the security object may be used. Because the security object is an encapsulated object, the security object may operate on itself to perform security object management operations. Furthermore, because the security object need not be linked to the items requiring security object protection a priori, the security object may be defined in any manner deemed appropriate by the user. As a result, users of the security objects are given greater freedom in defining the security object, the security object content type, and the way in which the security object may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriquez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac, Maria Azua Himmel
  • Patent number: 7082306
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging mobile, or wireless, telephone service with existing wired telephone equipment in a facility, such as a home or business, are provided. With the apparatus and method, a converter is associated with the facility such that a wireless telephone number is associated with the converter. Telephone calls may be made to the facility via a wireless telephone network and the converter. The converter receives calls from the wireless telephone network directed to the converter, converts the format of the wireless telephone call to a wired telephone call format, and routes these calls to one or more wired telephone units in the facility. Calls originating from the wired telephone units in the facility are received by the converter which converts the call signals to an appropriate format for wireless network routing, and forwards the call to the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriquez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 7080405
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that send wireless control messages to electronic devices, such as audio and video recorders, cameras, radios, televisions, mobile phones, portable or handheld computers and personal digital assistants, that have come within an environment or that are in an environment that changes. In such an environment, a wireless receiver in the mobile electronic device receives the control messages. In a hardware implementation, electronic gates are set to disable the one or more features of the device. In a software implementation, current power status flags are set in a memory device within the mobile electronic device to a reduced power setting. Outside the environment, the electronic gates or power status flags revert to full power. The device driver for each feature of the mobile electronic device will reject I/O operations inconsistent with the current power status flags for that feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 7039177
    Abstract: A system and method are presented for updating directory entries within an electronic communication device upon receipt of an electronic notification. Electronic communication devices may include, but are not limited to telephones, facsimile machines and electronic organizers. The system and method as described herein allows a portion of a directory entry, which may be referred to as an entry content value, to be updated within a directory of an electronic communication device upon the receipt of an altered value. For example, if a user calls a telephone number of a person listed in a directory entry of the telephone and receives a message stating that the number has been changed, the new number may be electronically transmitted to the directory of the telephone. The transfer searches the directory of the telephone for the existing entry and updates the changed entry content value. Thus, the other entry content values within the directory are not changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac, Herman Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7039440
    Abstract: A method, computer program product and system that may be used to limit the funds that are available through the use of a business transaction card by having a business transaction card first place a request for an increase of the available funds. A wireless device is sensed within a proximity to a terminal that supports wireless communication and communication between the wireless device and the terminal is established for transferring an identification code from the wireless device to the terminal. The terminal is communicatively connected to a server and the terminal automatically transfers the identification code from the terminal to the server. The server matches the identification code with an account number of the business transaction card and, if authorization exists, automatically increases the funds available balance of the business transaction card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 7024630
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are designed to manage web content displayed at a client device during one or more browser sessions. Responsive to a request for a first web page, the first web page is displayed at the client device through the browser session. A timeout condition at the browser is detected and a second predetermined web page is displayed at the client device, replacing the first web page, and optionally also clearing cache memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 7006793
    Abstract: The present invention presents a method and computer program product for operating a mobile electronic device having a wireless transceiver within an automobile having an on-board computer. The method includes: receiving a wireless information message from the mobile electronic device within the automobile to the on-board computer, establishing a wireless communication link between the on-board computer and the mobile electronic device; communicating instructions from the on-board computer to the mobile electronic device to disable a one or more features within the mobile electronic device; and then communicating reconfiguration instructions from the on-board computer to the mobile electronic device, whereby the mobile electronic device reconfigures itself to become a slave device to the on-board computer. The motorist may then utilize the mobile electronic device through the input and output devices of the on-board computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6996219
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and a signaling system for conveying caller identification information of a called party to a forward-to telephone device in a communications system. A call set up message is received at a switching system servicing a called telephone device. The call set up message is determined to be forwarded to a switching system servicing a forward-to telephone device. Caller identification information of the called telephone device is inserted into a caller identification field of the call set up message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6996395
    Abstract: A method and device for receiving a voice mail from a cellular phone service provider utilizing a satellite radio. When the cellular phone service provider determines that a called party's cellular phone is unable to receive a call because the called cellular phone is not within a live cell, the calling party is prompted to leave a voice mail message. The voice mail message is uplinked to a space satellite, which transponds the message to a one-way satellite radio receiver. The radio receiver sends the voice mail message to a coupled recorder. A repeater, coupled to the recorder, then transmits the voice mail message to the called cellular phone to a highly limited zone. The called party's cellular phone then receives the voice mail message as if it were one-way cellular phone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6993319
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for allowing a third party to assume a mobile telephone user's airtime and other charges when the mobile telephone user enters a particular geographic area, such as the third party's property is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6987844
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for transferring mobile telephone minutes or other mobile telephone services or features from one customer to another is disclosed. A customer dials into an interactive service that allows the customer to specify one or more recipients and a number of minutes, services, or features to transfer. A data processing system associated with the customer's mobile telephone service provider effects a transfer of minutes, services, or features from the customer's account to the recipients' accounts. In addition, a notification that the transfer has occurred can be sent to the recipients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6975202
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for using an electronic key to open electronic locking devices is provided. With the system, apparatus and method, a key code is sent to a user's wireless communication device and is later used to open a corresponding locking device. The key code is generated by a key supplier based on a master key obtained from a master key supplier, e.g. an electronic lock manufacturer. The key code may include a master key portion, a secondary key portion, an activation/expiration portion, a wireless device identifier portion, a time of issue portion, and a time of last use portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6961561
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a central control computer, located within a given environment, to wirelessly communicate with, control and enhance the use of various mobile electronic devices entering the given environment. These devices each possess a wireless transceiver. The central control computer transmits a discovery signal and control message to these mobile electronic devices within the range of the wireless transmissions. This allows discovery of the central control computer by the mobile electronic device and, after setting up a communication, the mobile electronic device disables one or more of its features as instructed by the central control computer. Furthermore, enhancements are provided by making available substitute features for the features of the mobile electronic device that were limited or disabled and by making available features not contained within the mobile electronic device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6961536
    Abstract: A broadcast receiver which automatically tunes to a signal source depending on a set of rules and vehicle state conditions, such as seat occupancy, door sensors, time, day of the week, weather conditions, program content rating, vehicle location, user language preference, user identity and driver preferences. The user can configure a set of rules which causes the receiver to be automatically retuned in response to changes in conditions of the vehicle, such as favorites for the commute to work and favorites while driving with children. This eliminates the driver's distraction while operating the vehicle of searching for stations and routinely changing the station setting, thereby enhancing the usefulness, convenience, and safety of the vehicle broadcast receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6937868
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing a mobile phone answering mode and outgoing message or other indicator based on a location of the mobile phone are provided. The apparatus and method make use of a location system to ascertain the current location of a mobile telephone being carried by a user. Based on the current location, the apparatus and method determine whether operation of the mobile telephone to receive and/or send calls should be restricted. In addition, the apparatus and method determine an appropriate outgoing message to be provided to calling parties while the mobile telephone is located in an area where use of the mobile telephone to receive calls is prohibited. The particular outgoing message provided is customized to the current location of the mobile telephone and optionally, the caller ID of the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6912393
    Abstract: Transmission bandwidth consumption during the on-hold condition in telecommunications is reduced in a telecommunications system providing communication channels for the transmission of data between system stations. Two bandwidth states for each connecting channel are provided: an active state granting maximum bandwidth for the transmission of data and, for an on-hold condition, a minimal activity state for the connecting channel granting a minimal bandwidth. The active state prevails during the communication unless detecting means detect an on-hold condition in said connecting channel. Then, means responsive to a detection of on-hold condition switch to and provide a minimal activity state for said connecting channel granting a minimal bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6898598
    Abstract: A method, program, and system for processing electronic receipts within a computer network are provided. The present invention comprises creating a customer profile for a user using a Smart Receipt application. When the user purchases items, electronic receipts (smart receipts) are sent from the point of sale to a designated database. The database may be on a credit card company server, the product manufacturer's server, a special cash receipts server, or a central clearing house server. When the customer wants a copy of a receipt, he or she enters search parameters which specify the desired receipt. The search parameters may include item type, date of purchase, and method of purchase. A Smart Receipt object is then initiated, which retrieves the specified electronic receipt from the appropriate database, according to the search parameters. A copy of the retrieved electronic receipt is then downloaded to a client machine (e.g. PDA, PC) designated by the customer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew Himmel, Maria Azua Himmel, Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6828918
    Abstract: An impaired person is provided with a personalized accessibility device, which communicates an identification of a disability or impairment to an assistance device, which provides assistance. Also provided is a method and apparatus for providing feedback to a person with impairment. The feedback may be configured based on the type and extent of impairment, as well as personal preferences, such as a preferred language. The assistance device may also request a response from the disabled or impaired person, thus solving the person's Special Needs in a conversational manner without calling attention to the impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Patrick Bowman, Herman Rodriquez, Newton James Smith, Jr., Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 6758332
    Abstract: A device and a method is provided for protecting a laptop computer or other shock-sensitive electronic devices from impact while being transported within conventional luggage along with personal articles by securing one or more collapsible and lightweight bands of material having external hook and loop fasteners to the laptop computer and securing a plurality of pads along the edges of the electronic device by coupling the pads to the external hook and loop fasteners of the band of material. The pads are secured using a plurality of easily secured and removed straps, such as an elastic band or harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Randoph Miller, Clifford Jay Spinac