Patents by Inventor Robert C. Suffern

Robert C. Suffern 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: 7519168
    Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by means of an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Suffern, Andrew L. Norrell
  • Publication number: 20040096045
    Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by means of an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Suffern, Andrew L. Norrell
  • Patent number: 6693997
    Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by means of an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Suffern, Andrew L. Norrell
  • Patent number: 6636519
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling bilateral transmission of digital data between a local area network and telephone company networks employing both analog and digital telephone lines. A modem modulates signals responsive to signals from a local area network representing an outgoing call to form digital telephone signals suitable for transmission by a telephone line and suitable for demodulation by receiving analog modems. A circuit switched time division multiplex bus transmits the digital telephone signals to the telephone line. The modem also demodulates incoming digital telephone signals to form digital network bus signals divided into packets. A packet bus transmits the digital network bus signals to a network interface which processes the signals and transmits them to the local area network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: UT Starcom, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale M. Walsh, Andrew L. Norrell, Donald C. Balton, Terrel L. Jones, Marc S. Baum, Robert C. Suffern, Christopher R. Hansen, Jeffrey E. Herman, Thanh Q. Ngo, Daniel L. Schoo, Gregory Warren Goodknight
  • Patent number: 6097794
    Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by means of an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: Robert C. Suffern, Andrew L. Norrell
  • Patent number: 5912888
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling bilateral transmission of digital data between a local area network and telephone company networks employing both analog and digital telephone lines. A modem modulates signals responsive to signals from a local area network representing an outgoing call to form digital telephone signals suitable for transmission by a telephone line and suitable for demodulation by receiving analog modems. A circuit switched time division multiplex bus transmits the digital telephone signals to the telephone line. The modem also demodulates incoming digital telephone signals to form digital network bus signals divided into packets. A packet bus transmits the digital network bus signals to a network interface which processes the signals and transmits them to the local area network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: Dale M. Walsh, Andrew L. Norrell, Donald C. Balton, Terrel L. Jones, Marc S. Baum, Robert C. Suffern, Christopher R. Hansen, Jeffrey E. Herman, Thanh Q. Ngo, Daniel L. Schoo, Gregory Warren Goodknight
  • Patent number: 5872836
    Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by means of an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Suffern, Andrew L. Norrell
  • Patent number: 5841842
    Abstract: A method of processing incoming digital telephone calls from remotely located call originators which are destined for receipt by a host computer system. The host computer system is linked to the telephone network by a network access server. The call originators may be any type of data terminal, such as a personal computer or a credit card swipe, which is connected to a modem. The network access server extracts control signals imparted onto the telephone line and correlates the control signals with particular communications, routing or applications protocols identified with the call originators. The modem in the network access server which answers the call is configured during the call connect process and placed in a compatible format for the communications protocol of the incoming call. This dynamic custom configuration of the modem reduces the overall telephone call connection and processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: Marc S. Baum, Robert C. Suffern, Donald Balton, Daniel L. Schoo
  • Patent number: 5832277
    Abstract: A processor on an add-on card that arbitrates demand on a memory unit on the add-on card. The processor and memory unit are used for the underlying functionality of the add-on card. The processor determines an appropriate time to allow interface operations to the memory unit when the memory unit is not already being accessed for the underlying functionality of the card. By using the processor and memory unit on the add-on card for interface operations to the host computer, the add-on interface circuitry on the add-on card can be minimized and simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: 3 Com Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Sullivan, Brett W. Chaveriat, Robert C. Suffern, Khodor S. Elnashar
  • Patent number: 5761281
    Abstract: A method of processing incoming digital telephone calls from remotely located call originators which are destined for receipt by a host computer system. The host computer system is linked to the telephone network by a network access server. The call originators may be any type of data terminal, such as a personal computer or a credit card swipe, which is connected to a modem. The network access server extracts control signals imparted onto the telephone line and correlates the control signals with particular communications, routing or applications protocols identified with the call originators. The modem in the network access server which answers the call is configured during the call connect process and placed in a compatible format for the communications protocol of the incoming call. This dynamic custom configuration of the modem reduces the overall telephone call connection and processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Marc S. Baum, Robert C. Suffern, Donald Balton, Daniel L. Schoo, Peter P. Jankus, Lih-Shyng Tzeng, Terrel Jones
  • Patent number: 5724413
    Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Suffern, Andrew L. Norrell
  • Patent number: 5646983
    Abstract: A conventional computer is coupled to an analog telephone transmission link by an analog/digital conversion interface adapter. Modem transmission is accomplished by performing the modulation and demodulation functions digitally in the computer's existing processor which executes programs which transfer data between the computer's memory and the interface adapter. Using the same interface adapter and existing processor, the arrangement may be used to send and receive images in the form of standard V.29 format facsimile data, to send and receive data operating as a synchronous IBM 3270 compatible terminal device, or to record and play back conventional voice transmissions rather than data to implement a telephone answering, voice message handling, and telemarketing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics Access Corp.
    Inventors: Robert C. Suffern, Andrew L. Norrell
  • Patent number: 5577105
    Abstract: A method of processing incoming digital telephone calls from remotely located call originators which are destined for receipt by a host computer system. The host computer system is linked to the telephone network by a network access server. The call originators may be any type of data terminal, such as a personal computer or a credit card swipe, which is connected to a modem. The network access server extracts control signals imparted onto the telephone line and correlates the control signals with particular communications, routing or applications protocols identified with the call originators. The modem in the network access server which answers the call is configured during the call connect process and placed in a compatible format for the communications protocol of the incoming call. This dynamic custom configuration of the modem reduces the overall telephone call connection and processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc S. Baum, Robert C. Suffern, Donald Balton, Daniel L. Schoo, Peter P. Jankus, Lih-Shyng Tzeng, Terrel Jones
  • Patent number: 5528595
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling bilateral transmission of digital data between a local area network and telephone company networks employing both analog and digital telephone lines. A modem modulates signals responsive to signals from a local area network representing an outgoing call to form digital telephone signals suitable for transmission by a telephone line and suitable for demodulation by receiving analog modems. A circuit switched time division multiplex bus transmits the digital telephone signals to the telephone line. The modem also demodulates incoming digital telephone signals to form digital network bus signals divided into packets. A packet bus transmits the digital network bus signals to a network interface which processes the signals and transmits them to the local area network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale M. Walsh, Andrew L. Norrell, Donald C. Balton, Terrel L. Jones, Marc S. Baum, Robert C. Suffern, Christopher R. Hansen, Jeffery E. Herman, Thanh Q. Ngo
  • Patent number: 5008901
    Abstract: A modem for connecting data terminal equipment (DTE) to a remote DTE via a general switched telephone network or leased lines at data rates of 300, 1200 and 2400 bps using standard modulation techniques, and additonally providing virtual full duplex transmission capability at 9600 bps using trellis code modulation (TCM). The high-speed 9600 bps path is implemented by asymmetrical frequency division of the available bandwidth into a high speed, wideband forward channel (9600 bps) and a low speed, narrowband backchannel (300 bps). The high speed transmitting channel is assigned to that modem having the greatest data demand and the direction is dynamically reversed whenever the amount of data awaiting transmission over the low speed channel exceeds a predetermined maximum backlog, provided that a direction reversal has not taken place for at least a specified minimum interval during which use of the forward channel is guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: U.S. Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Wallach, Robert C. Suffern, Dale M. Walsh