Patents by Inventor Tom J. Ziola

Tom J. Ziola 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).

  • Client connects to an internet access provider using algorithm downloaded from a central server based upon client's desired criteria after disconnected from the server
    Patent number: 5862339
    Abstract: A database central routing device is provided for routing access requests for internet access among a variety of on-line service providers. The device generally includes a central server having a list of algorithms pertaining to access phone numbers of internet access providers to be chosen from. The central routing device further includes an automatic phone number identifier to identify incoming calls in order to identify the user as a customer. An algorithm generator is also included in order to download algorithms pertaining to particular phone numbers in order to give the user access to a variety of internet access providers. The central routing device allows the user to select from a number of internet access providers depending on the availability of the providers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: WebTV Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick P. Bonnaure, Tom J. Ziola, William C. Herman