Patents by Inventor Gerald Michael Karam

Gerald Michael Karam 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).

  • Publication number: 20080235012
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying contact information is provided. A system to identify contact information may include an input to receive a data stream. The data stream may include audio content, video content or both. The system may also include an analysis module to detect contact information within the data stream. The system may also include a memory to store a record of the contact information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: AT&T Knowledge Ventures, LP
    Inventors: David C. Gibbon, Behzad Shahraray, Zhu Liu, Lee Begeja, Bernard S. Renger, Gerald Michael Karam
  • Patent number: 6694003
    Abstract: A telecommunication service is disclosed which allows customers to prepay a telephone service to allow them to receive inbound calls forwarded anonymously to a destination number. The inbound call routes to a forwarding number using an inbound access number and an access code. The call is routed to a number chosen by the customer or, alternatively, a preset voice announcement can be utilized. Billing for the call can be charged against a prepaid amount, and the service can be sold in the same manner as prepaid calling cards. The forwarding number is advantageously unknown to the caller, thus enabling anonymous phone calling prepaid by the called party. Multiple access codes can be easily provisioned and purchased to permit the called party flexibility in how and when other parties contact the called party. The service is of particular benefit for those wishing to transact business with another party on a short-term basis without the other party knowing the subscriber's long term telephone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Gerald Michael Karam
  • Patent number: 6456711
    Abstract: A method for placing a call intended for an enhanced network user on hold is disclosed. A calling party is enabled to select the type of information which is provided to the calling party while the calling party is on hold by using a Distributed Feature Network (DFN) architecture. The DFN includes a plurality of feature boxes with each feature box being created for the purpose of enabling a particular communication feature. A call intended for one of a group of ENUs is received by the DFN and an estimated hold time is determined for the call. The hold time is communicated to a caller associated with the call and the caller is provided with a list of options for information to be received by the caller while the caller is on hold. The caller's selection of a hold option is received by the DFN. A feature box is created for providing the caller with the selected information option, and the call is connected to the created feature box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Cheung, Mark Jeffrey Foladare, Shelley B. Goldman, Gerald Michael Karam, James Christopher Ramming, Roy Philip Weber
  • Publication number: 20020071541
    Abstract: A method for placing a call intended for an enhanced network user on hold is disclosed. A calling party is enabled to select the type of information which is provided to the calling party while the calling party is on hold by using a Distributed Feature Network (DFN) architecture. The DFN includes a plurality of feature boxes with each feature box being created for the purpose of enabling a particular communication feature. A call intended for one of a group of ENUs is received by the DFN and an estimated hold time is determined for the call. The hold time is communicated to a caller associated with the call and the caller is provided with a list of options for information to be received by the caller while the caller is on hold. The caller's selection of a hold option is received by the DFN. A feature box is created for providing the caller with the selected information option, and the call is connected to the created feature box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Cheung, Mark Jeffrey Foladare, Shelley B. Goldman, Gerald Michael Karam, James Christopher Ramming, Roy Philip Weber