Visual Signalling (e.g., Lamp) Patents (Class 379/396)
  • Patent number: 11885672
    Abstract: A wireless battery-powered daylight sensor for measuring a total light intensity in a space is operable to transmit wireless signals using a variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The sensor comprises a photosensitive circuit, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the wireless signals, a controller coupled to the photosensitive circuit and the wireless transmitter, and a battery for powering the photosensitive circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the controller. The photosensitive circuit is operable to generate a light intensity control signal in response to the total light intensity in the space. The controller transmits the wireless signals in response to the light intensity control signal using the variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The variable transmission rate may be dependent upon an amount of change of the total light intensity in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: James P. Steiner, Greg Edward Sloan, Nathan A. Boring
  • Patent number: 11599243
    Abstract: A system for activating a screen cleaning mode for a user interface associated with a work machine includes a display screen associated with the user interface, the display screen being configured to display a control panel including a plurality of control icons for controlling one or more operations of the work machine. The system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the display screen. The controller is configured to receive a user input for activating the screen cleaning mode. The controller is also configured to switch the control panel to an inactive state. The control panel is switched to the inactive state based on a masking of the plurality of control icons. The controller is further configured to display a clean-up panel on the display screen. The clean-up panel includes a screen clean timer and a deactivation icon for deactivating the screen cleaning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Philip Neathery, Thomas J. Hale, Keith Folken, Meghna Prasad
  • Patent number: 10657907
    Abstract: A calculation method for viewing-angle compensation of a display device, a viewing-angle compensation structure, and a display device is disclosed. The method includes: measuring tristimulus values for red, green, and blue displayed in grayscale of a display device in a viewing angle and a luminance gamma curve; calculating a central viewing angle, a first viewing angle, and a second viewing angle of an observation viewing angle of the display device, to obtain a viewing angle range of the observation viewing angle; obtaining a display look-up table (LUT) by using an angle of the viewing angle and the luminance gamma curve and according to a viewing angle algorithm; then obtaining a viewing-angle compensation value by using the central viewing angle and the viewing angle range and according to the display LUT; and eventually adjusting the corresponding tristimulus values in the display device according to the viewing-angle compensation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignees: HKC CORPORATION LIMITED, CHONGQING HKC OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Hang Lee
  • Patent number: 10216395
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for configuring a detector, the system comprising: a programming unit remote from the detector and comprising a man/machine interface making it possible to define configuration data of the detector, a communication link between the programming unit and the detector, a controller in the detector, the controller making it possible to activate or deactivate at least one key of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Costruzioni Elettroniche Industriali Automatismi S.p.A. C.E.I.A. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Manneschi
  • Patent number: 10091146
    Abstract: The present inventions relate systems and methods for monitoring and managing electronic messages in one or more computer networks. More particularly, the systems and methods of the present invention provide a substantially global or unified approach to messaging management within one or more computer networks that allows network administrators or other authorized users to define and identify electronic messages of interest within the network and store selected messages such that they can be retrieved and examined in connection with an audit or other inquiry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Commvault Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sandeep Naidu Pamidiparthi
  • Patent number: 9479645
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for forwarding telephone calls, facsimile transmissions and electronic messages to a single forwarding telephone number. The telephone calls, fax transmissions and electronic messages are first forwarded to a central forwarding repository by the forwarding party where the fax transmissions, and messages are converted to audio formats. Forwarded telephone calls and audio formatted versions of the fax transmissions and electronic messages are then forwarded directly to a designated forwarding number. If the forwarding party answers at the forwarding number, she will receive forwarded calls, and the audio formatted versions of fax transmissions and electronic messages will be played to her over her telephone. If the forwarding party does not answer the forwarded call, she subsequently may retrieve saved telephone calls, saved telephone messages and saved audio versions of fax transmissions and electronic messages from the central forwarding repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Darryl Cynthia Moore, Kathryn D. King, Sharon E. Carter
  • Patent number: 8311210
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a line amplifier circuit are disclosed. The line amplifier circuit generally includes a first microphone transmit line, a second microphone transmit line, and a light emitting diode with a controllable variable light output. A photo-resistor cell is coupled across the first microphone transmit line and the second microphone transmit line. The photo-resistor cell is operable to attenuate gain on the first microphone transmit line and the second transmit line responsive to the controllable variable light output from the light-emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Lashley, Robert L. Doss
  • Publication number: 20100158240
    Abstract: A telecommunication terminal contains a two direction light beam scanner (140, 142, 144) for emitting a deflected light beam from the telecommunication terminal. A control circuit (16) activates the light beam scanner (140, 142, 144) to successively deflect the light beam in directions according to a two-dimensional direction pattern of deflections defining an image dependent on programmable control information, in response to detection 5 of a telecommunication signal by the reception circuit (12). In an embodiment at least part of the direction pattern is selected dependent on a content of a ring-tone signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Karthik Chandrashekar Iyer
  • Patent number: 6754339
    Abstract: A message transmission system having at least one subscriber's terminal device that is connected by way of a subscriber's line that is comprised of a first and second lead, with a subscriber's interface circuit (SLIC), preferably integrated, which comprises a loop detector circuit and subscriber's feeder circuit, such that in the area of, or on the subscriber's terminal device, a subscriber signaling display is provided, which may be controlled by way of a signaling control circuit, and such that a controllable switch (8) is connected between the subscriber's interface circuit (3) and the first lead (a) of the subscriber's line (a, b), which switch, in a first position, connects the first lead (a) of the subscriber's line (a, b) and an input of the subscriber's interface circuit (3) with each other, and in a second position, connects the first subscriber's line lead (a) with a pole of an additional power source (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Ericsson Enterprise GmbH
    Inventors: Ingemar Jaegtnes, Gerhard Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6603855
    Abstract: An on-hook EOH indicating telephone includes a parallel set detector, an EOH signal detector, and an indication module to activate a configurable audible and/or visual alert indicating that another telephone is off-hook and should be hung up. The audible alert may be a unique ringing of the otherwise conventional ringer (e.g., every 5 minutes, at a unique cadence or frequency, etc.), or may be an audible tone output from the speaker of the on-hook EOH indicating telephone. The visible alert may be, e.g., a text message on a display of the on-hook EOH indicating telephone, a blinking, flashing, etc. of an LED, or other visible attention getting technique. When the central office presents the extended off-hook (EOH) notification signal to the desired telephone line, the invention-equipped telephone detects a parallel set in use, and then listens for the EOH signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Cannon, James A. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6411694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement, for improving a telephone system in which a plurality of analogue phones are connected to a single line, and for the purpose of providing an arrangement which can solve the problem related to interruption of an in progress conversation or modem connection in a group of parallelly connected telephones, it is according to the present invention suggested that said arrangement comprises voltage sensing means, said voltage sensing means being adapted to sense a first higher dc voltage across the line in standby mode, as well as a second lower dc voltage in the active (conversation) mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Johan P. Steller
  • Patent number: 6288628
    Abstract: A selective calling receiver display unit having a displaying function, which including a photo-detecting section for detecting the quantity of light of an incident light beam, and a display control section for processing the display action of a display section. The display control section controls the on-off operation of the screen display of the display section according to the quantity of light detected by the photo-detecting section, so that the screen display is automatically turned on and off according to the necessity for screen display which is based on the use of the selective calling receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Fujimori
  • Patent number: 6205203
    Abstract: An emergency response system has a radio transmitter activated by dialing one or more programmable sequences of emergency digits dialed on the telephone, which transmits an encoded radio signal to a flashing strobe beacon visible to an emergency response team to assist in locating the emergency. The flashing strobe beacon is responsive only to the encoded signal, is easily relocated and requires no hard wired connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew J. Gorman, Edward W. Bender
  • Patent number: 6173040
    Abstract: A telephone line state detecting device that is connectedly provided with a hardware detecting circuit when a telephone line is connected to a modem. The hardware detecting circuit is connected to a processing unit such that, in use, the hardware detecting circuit can detect pulses generated by voltages flowing through the telephone line. The pulses are being processed by the processing unit to judge whether the telephone is disconnected or the electrical contact thereof is deficient, or whether the telecommunications equipment used in conjunction therewith is busy or not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Well Communication Co.
    Inventor: Gary Wang
  • Patent number: 6148077
    Abstract: A system and method for providing user feedback for coupling the speaker and microphone of a communications device with the mouthpiece and earpiece of a telephone handset is provided in which the device may indicate to the user when a poor coupling exists causing a poor signal quality value to be generated. The system may provide feedback to the user, which may be visual or audible, so that the user may correct the interface between the communications device and the telephone handset until a predetermined quality signal is generated indicating that communications may occur between the communications device and the telephone handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Pocket.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Fullam, Zongbo Chen
  • Patent number: 6064732
    Abstract: An interactive subscriber telephone terminal, comprising: a display screen; a plurality of temporarily definable response/data entry keys; and local control means for selectively causing the display screen and/or the response/data entry keys to be controlled by one of: remote signals transmitted to the terminal from a telephone switching office, and the local control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: William V. Pezzullo, Michel J. Brisebois, Joseph B. Johns, Kenneth M. Orford, Kristin J. Travis, Bruce H. Tsuji, William T. Ross, Andre J. Robert, Clifford D. Read
  • Patent number: 6055445
    Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus in which a main unit transmits an external-line status message corresponding to status of an external line, to a portable telephone via a connection unit when the status has changed. The portable telephone indicates the status of the external line by an external-line LED if the telephone is in an indication mode, based on the received external-line status message. However, if the telephone is in a no-indication mode, the telephone stores the received external-line status message into a RAM. Thereafter, if the no-indication mode has changed to the indication mode, the telephone displays the status of the external line by the external-line LED, based on the stored external-line status message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeru Hiroki
  • Patent number: 6031900
    Abstract: A pocket calculator-sized, voice controlled, self-contained electronic telephone ring recorder contains a casing with a liquid crystal display, a voice control system, a decoder, and microprocessors. A number of rings transmitted to the telephone ring recorder is translated into digits shown on the liquid crystal display. The digits identify callers and reasons for calling. A linear digital watch attached to the casing allows to determine the time of a call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Adolphe Richard Dziulko, Andre Dziulko
  • Patent number: 6021193
    Abstract: A telephone having a user interface, comprising user input means; output means; and control means responsive to a first actuation of the user input means to cause subsequent items to be indicated for selection by the output means, and responsive to another actuation of the user input means to select the currently-indicated item. The telephone could be a reduced user interface portable telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventor: Graham Thomas
  • Patent number: 6009148
    Abstract: The present invention features a self-contained, programmable, telephone-activated emergency visual alert system. Low energy consumption LED visual alert "strobe" signal is directly powered from the inventive control unit. Multiple emergency telephone numbers may be programmed into the control unit making the inventive system highly effective for use in areas without standard "911" emergency dispatch service. In an alternate embodiment, the visual indicator may be located some distance away from the controller unit and be activated by means of an rf or other wireless control link. A small, inexpensive battery at the remote indicator may power the receiver and indicating lamp for long periods of time without the need for battery replacement. Programmable integrated circuits form the basis of the control circuitry allowing low component count, low power consumption and, ultimately, low cost and long term, reliable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Reeves
  • Patent number: 5987121
    Abstract: A telephone having key/light control logic which enables independent and dual usage of physical key/light pairs. Firmware within the telephone's key and light control logic is provided access to special tables which have definitions for each key. When a key is depressed, a feature activation code is sent uplink to notify the PBX of the user's action. In response to receipt of the feature activation code, the PBX returns a feature indication. When the telephone receives the feature indication, it scans the tables and turns on all lights for which the feature indication matches the key definition. Within the tables, an extra definition is maintained for the standalone light. This definition is downloaded by the switch at phone initialization time along with the key definitions. If the switch defines a key definition as "local" then the user programs the definition of that key either via the phone keypad or through an application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Elie Antoun Jreij, Tave Pearce Dunn
  • Patent number: 5978468
    Abstract: A telephone device and method that enable the user of the telephone to visibly read a number stored in a memory of the telephone even though the telephone does not have a numeric display. The telephone has at least one light, such as an LED, that is visible by a person using the telephone. The light is coupled to a controller that consists of a microprocessor and an LED driver. The microprocessor is coupled to the various keys on the telephone. When the microprocessor receives a command, via the telephone keys, for viewing a specific number, the microprocessor reads that number from memory. The microprocessor then instructs the driver to flash the light or lights on the telephone in such a manner that a person viewing the lights would become cognizant of the number. Thus, a person watching the telephones lights can read numbers from the memory of the telephone, even though the telephone does not have a numeric display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Edward W. Boakes
  • Patent number: 5872832
    Abstract: A telephone operated electrical switch for selectively energizing an electrical load in response to dialing of a predetermined telephone number. The electrical load may be the exterior light fixture of a dwelling, and the switch assembly may be configured to automatically flash the light on and off in response to the occupant dialing "9-1-1", so as to assist emergency response personnel in locating the dwelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: Richard A. Bishel, Patrick D. Hoyle
  • Patent number: 5848148
    Abstract: A communicating apparatus comprises a display unit, an input unit for inputting a dial number, an instruction unit for instructing a change in volume, and a control unit for controlling the display unit so as to display the dial number inputted by the input unit, wherein the control unit controls the display unit so as to display the kind of sound and the volume in place of the dial number in accordance with an instruction of the instruction unit. The control unit includes a generation unit for generating a plurality of kinds of sounds by a plurality of volumes. The control unit controls the display unit so as to display a message indicating that a volume of a ringing tone is being displayed and the volume of the ringing tone in accordance with an instruction by the instruction unit during the ringing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yatsu
  • Patent number: 5841855
    Abstract: A menu level indicator facilitates ease of use of a telephone terminal by a user by providing easily understandable information about selectable menu options available in an interactive display on the telephone terminal. The menu level indicator provides a visual indication for permitting the user to directly determine the number of menu options available while at one of multiple selectable menu levels in the menu. The menu level indicator also provides a visual indication for the user as to the relative position of a displayed, selectable menu option with respect to other selectable menu options commonly located at one of the multiple selectable menu levels. As a user maneuvers through the menu levels, such user is able to quickly develop a mental model of the feature menus and easily navigate through these menu selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joanne W. Davidson, William F. Dudley, Jr., David M. Gresham, Michael L. Moroze, Elizabeth Bauer-Nilsen Sanders, Alessandro A. Subrizi, Susan L. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 5818925
    Abstract: The characters of liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) normally exhibit asymmetrical visibility or identifiability dependent upon the direction from which the display is viewed. The asymmetrical identifiability is controllable by the bias applied to the LCD. The contrast of a liquid crystal display device used in a telephone apparatus is automatically controlled by a position sensing switch in accordance with the spatial orientation of the telephone apparatus in order to select the bias that will effectuate the greatest identifiability for the characters of display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Cushman Anders, Scott David Fudge, James Joseph Hartmann, Glen Eric Stanley
  • Patent number: 5802166
    Abstract: A message waiting notification system comprising a telephone provider's off premise central switching office connected to a Dual Signal Triggered Message Waiting Indicator (DSTMWI) circuit via a telephone line is disclosed. The central switching office transmits predetermined asynchronous Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signals and/or audible tones indicating different types of electronically stored communication messages awaiting retrieval, such as voice mail, E-mail, fax mail and video mail. Responsive to receiving the FSK signals and/or audible tones from the central switching office via the telephone line, the DSTMWI circuit provides visual notification of any combination of different types of the electronically stored communication messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: SNI Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosanna Garcia, Paul Rummel
  • Patent number: 5774540
    Abstract: A user of a telephone terminal with an interactive display is provided complete access to all feature choices in a hierarchical menu through a minimum number of menu keys. These menu keys include a "Next" key, a "Back" key, a "Select" key and a "Home" key. These menu keys occupy minimal space on the housing of the telephone terminal, yet enable the user of the terminal to easily scroll to and select every feature in the interactive display. The user is able to quickly develop a mental model of the feature choices and easily navigate through these menu selections. Context-sensitive functionality also is provided for using the interactive display. As a user completes a command function, the feature choice presented to the user for this function is the one most likely to be accessed by the user, thus advantageously avoiding the necessity of having a dedicated key for allowing the user to select this feature choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joanne W. Davidson, William F. Dudley, Jr., David A. Fishman, David M. Gresham, Kenneth Kasiske, Michael L. Moroze, Elizabeth Bauer-Nilsen Sanders, Alessandro A. Subrizi, Susan L. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 5771286
    Abstract: A transmit amplifier for a telephone set without its own power supply has an LED with an anode connected to a first positive terminal of the telephone line and a circuit that determines the ratio between the line current and the line voltage. The LED is supplied with a constant current and this current is derived when the voltage across the terminals of the line becomes lower than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignees: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics Pte Ltd, SGS-Thomson Microelectronics Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Uday Dasgupta
  • Patent number: 5768366
    Abstract: A message waiting circuit comprised of a pair of electrical leads which carry a message waiting signal, a capacitor for storing electrical energy extracted from the message waiting signal, a transistor for allowing the capacitor to charge when the message waiting signal is within a predetermined range; a Darlington transistor for causing the capacitor to discharge; and a light emitting diode (LED) which emits light when the capacitor discharges. The flashing LED indicates that a message is waiting for a user of the telephone set associated with the message waiting circuit. Approximately ten to twenty-five message waiting circuits and associated telephone sets can be connected to a single telephone line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Teledex Corporation
    Inventors: Mario E. Jauregui, Spencer L. Hermanson, Ronald S. Lesniak, Elaine C. He
  • Patent number: 5758295
    Abstract: A mobile radio terminal includes a display for outputting at least one menu. The menu includes at least one branch for processing telephone calls. Each of the branches includes at least one option for choosing a corresponding action to be performed by the radio terminal, the corresponding actions including causing a successive branch to be displayed and performing a terminal function. The mobile terminal includes a selection mechanism for designating one of the options. A first key is included for confirming selection of the option designated by the selection means, so as to move forward through the menu to a succeeding branch and perform the corresponding action chosen by the confirmed option, and for originating and answering telephone calls. A second key is included for rejecting selection of the option designated by the selection mechanism, so as to move backward through the menu to a preceding branch, and for terminating telephone calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Bjorn Gustav Dinese Ahlberg, Anders Lennart Molne, Johan Falk
  • Patent number: 5754602
    Abstract: A method and system which provide for repertory dialing of a telephone. The repertory dialing system includes a repertory key, means for detecting when the repertory key is pressed and released, a memory having a first memory location and a second memory location, means for accessing or programming a first repertory number at the first memory location when the repertory key is pressed and released one time and means for accessing or programming a second repertory number at the second memory location when the repertory key is pressed and released twice. The system determines whether the memory locations are being programmed or accessed based on the timing of the presses and releases. The method includes the steps of pressing and releasing the repertory key one time to access or program a first repertory number, and pressing and releasing the repertory key two times to access or program a second repertory number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: CIDCO, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven L. Landry, James C. Patton
  • Patent number: 5754628
    Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications network to provide network-based messaging services includes utilizing a communication link between the network and a telephone adjunct interface. The adjunct interface detects and alerts the subscriber to the existence of waiting messages. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a combination of AC ring detection and outcall polling of the network is employed to determine whether any messages have been received by the network service platform. Specifically, if the subscriber phone is not answered after a predetermined number of rings, the interface polls the network after a suitable delay to determine if any messages were left. If so, the network transmits a code or other signal that is recognized by the interface device, and a visual and/or audible indication is then provided to the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: AT&T Corp
    Inventors: Burt Joseph Bossi, William Alan Hewitt, Stephen Dale Hoskins
  • Patent number: 5748706
    Abstract: An emergency locator light can be located based on an optimum viewing of the light, rather than being limited by hard wiring limitations. The apparatus responds to dialing of a predetermined emergency telephone number, such as 911. A light switching mechanism is provided for activating the emergency light upon receipt of a signal code from a signal code generator. The signal code is transmitted when the system detects the dialing of a predetermined emergency number. The apparatus detects the transition from either on-hook voltage to off-hook voltage or off-hook voltage to on-hook voltage, or both, in order to set and reset the dialing monitor unit. The apparatus, when set, detects the dialing of the emergency phone number. Upon detection of the emergency number a signal code is transmitted to the light switching member. The signal can be transmitted by a wireless transmitter, such an RF or microwave frequency transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventors: Samuel D. Morgan, Allen J. Jones
  • Patent number: 5737394
    Abstract: A telephone apparatus having a plurality of dedicated keys, a plurality of changeable keys each having at least one respective dedicated function associated therewith, and a display for displaying a plurality of lines of data. The telephone apparatus is adapted to perform a plurality of main functions including so-called menu, message, pad and book functions. Each of such main functions may be directly accessed by depressing only one of the keys. Further, the telephone apparatus enables messages, including voicemail and text data messages, to be received and stored therein. Messages or responses to received messages may be produced and transmitted from the telephone apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Anderson, Sophie Klym, Andrew Todd Zidel, Masaaki Akahane, Eduardo Sciammarella
  • Patent number: 5727056
    Abstract: A parallel-connected telephone use determining circuit using a microcomputer having therein an analog-to digital converter for determining an operation status of a parallel-connected telephone system connected to a telephone line. The circuit includes a rectifier for rectifying the variance of voltage applied through a telephone line, a voltage detector for detecting the variance of the voltage rectified from the rectifier, and a central processing unit (CPU) having an A/D converter incorporated therein for converting the voltage variance output from the voltage detector into a digital signal, for detecting the digital signal converted from the A/D converter and determining whether a parallel-connected telephone is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byeong-Kuk Lee
  • Patent number: 5694462
    Abstract: A call forwarding status monitor for acknowledging the properly dialed DTMF or touch tone keypad indicating that a telephone line has been forwarded to another telephone number. The monitor connects to an available modular telephone jack at the subscribers location and registers the dialed numbers. Once the proper activation (or de-activation) sequence has been dialed, the monitor will provide a positive indication that the call has been forwarded. The indication is in the form of a visible light and/or an alphanumeric display in order to positively verify that the proper number has been entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Kyl E. Shearer
  • Patent number: 5686881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a first automatic phone light system (110) functioning to turn a light (14) ON, in response to a telephone call received by a telephone line (16A), for a preset period of time predetermined by a timer (24) when a photocell (20) detects darkness in a room. The first automatic phone light system (110) comprises a housing (12) having a converter module (22) electrically connected to the light (14) having the timer (24) with the photocell (20) electrically connected therebetween. The converter module (22) is electrically connected to power connector (18A) which is electrically connectable to power (18). A power switch (18B) is electrically connected between the power connector (18A) and the converter module (22). A first telephone line connector receptacle (116AAA) is electrically connected to the converter module (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: John G. Ridout
  • Patent number: 5664008
    Abstract: A telephone adjunct interface for use with a network-based voice and/or data message storage and delivery service detects and alerts the subscriber to the existence of waiting messages. The interface device utilizes a combination of AC ring detection and outcall polling of the network to determine whether a visual and/or audible notification should be provided to the subscriber. That is, if the subscriber phone is not answered after a selected number of rings, the interface polls the network after a suitable delay to determine if any messages were left. If the subscriber line is busy or on call-forward while a calling party is seeking to leave a message, the network service platform stores the message and waits a selected interval before seeking to alert the subscriber. Advantageously, the device is configured as a small, portable and inexpensive consumer premise unit which connects easily to all standard analog telephone systems that use modular connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: AT&T
    Inventors: Burt Joseph Bossi, William Alan Hewitt, Stephen Dale Hoskins
  • Patent number: 5640441
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a cellular telephone to indicate an incoming telephone call to a user includes a cellular telephone battery pack has a circuit that generates a voltage signal with a value representative of the current being drawn from the battery by the operation of the cellular telephone. A status determination circuit monitors the voltage signal and generates a waiting for call state signal whenever the value of the voltage signal decreases from a first selected higher value to a first selected lower value for a first preselected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Oraelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Serrano, Asher Avitan
  • Patent number: 5638421
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating an incoming call that generates a voltage signal with a value representative of the current drawn by operation of the device. A circuit monitors the voltage signal and generates a waiting for call state signal whenever the value of the voltage signal decreases from a first selected higher value to a first selected lower value for a first preselected period of time. An RF detection circuit monitors the status of the device's transmitter and generates a transmitter active status signal whenever RF appears for a selected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Ora Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Serrano, Asher Avitan
  • Patent number: 5633920
    Abstract: A business telephone system employs digital signal processing in a digital telephone having a serial link for connection to a general-purpose computer. The Smart Phone is thus the central intelligence for the system, which may utilize a PBX connected in a LAN network to multiple computers, including file servers, and each computer may have one or more Smart Phones connected. In one embodiment, docking bays in the phone provide an ability to interchange functional modules, including DSP modules. The docking bays and functional modules may be configured to PCMCIA standards. In another embodiment, a docking bay, which may also be PCMCIA, has a physical window allowing access to an input area on a docked module, wherein the docked module is an intelligent module with a CPU, memory, and a bus structure, affording control of the smart phone and the entire system through the input interface of the docked module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Kikinis, Pascal Dornier
  • Patent number: 5631955
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting remote options to a digital telephone base. Physical and communications protocols for connections and a flexible control scheme which can be as simple or elaborate as a given option requires are provided. The digital telephone includes an option bay connection, having a hierarchical control protocol. The option bay connection makes available several types of information, including: local analog audio, analog voice, digital voice, digital data and telephone control streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Q. Adams, David C. Black, William F. Dunn, Jr., Norman Endick, James B. Koehler, Michael K. Kounnas, John C. Krause, Diep N. Le, Larry A. Stell
  • Patent number: 5625683
    Abstract: A time-to-call and corresponding telephone number are stored in a memory (207) of a radiotelephone (100). The radiotelephone reminds a user that it is time to place a call by emitting a noise through a speaker (105) when a time-of-the-day is equal to or later than the time-to-call. The radiotelephone determines if the radiotelephone is powered on before displaying the telephone number on a display (111). Upon viewing the displayed telephone number, the user can cancel the call or confirm placement of the call to the telephone number by pressing a key (109) or key combination. If confirmed, the radiotelephone automatically dials the telephone number. When a time duration passes before the radiotelephone is powered on, the call is terminated, or the call is canceled, the user has the option to delete the telephone number and corresponding time-to-call from the memory, or change the time-to-call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Nazanin, John A. Kalenowsky, Donald C. Kordich
  • Patent number: 5621379
    Abstract: An emergency locator signal light system, suitable for installation at a residence or business, which in a monitor mode is responsive to the dialing of a predetermined emergency telephone number, such as "911", to enter a command mode. In the command mode, the system is responsive to predetermined tone dialing signal sequences, which are herein termed "Star Codes", to activate an included signal light device. Exemplary "Star Codes" are "*1" for a medical emergency, whereupon red and white lights alternately flash; "*2" for a fire emergency, whereupon a white light flashes; and "*3" for a police emergency, whereupon blue and white lights alternately flash. The "Star Codes" can be dialed either locally from any telephone set or other dialing device at the residence or business from which the "911" emergency call is placed, or by an emergency telecommunicator who makes a decision to activate the flashing lamps in view of the nature of a particular emergency following a verbal description by an emergency caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Sean Collins
  • Patent number: 5615257
    Abstract: An interactive subscriber telephone terminal, comprising: a display screen; a plurality of temporarily definable response/data entry keys; and local control means for selectively causing the display screen and/or the response/data entry keys to be controlled by one of: remote signals transmitted to the terminal from a telephone switching office, and the local control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: William V. Pezzullo, Michel J. Brisebois, Joseph B. Johns, Kenneth M. Orford, Kristin J. Travis, Bruce H. Tsuji, William T. Ross, Andre J. Robert, Clifford D. Read
  • Patent number: 5608794
    Abstract: An indicator lamp identifies the status of telephone calls both transmitted and received from a hands-free telephone headset. The indicator lamp is either automatically activated by a signal from a telephone line or manually activated by a switch. Manual activation provides an additional means for the operator to prevent interruptions regardless of telephone status. The indicator lamp is located at various locations on the headset next to the mouthpiece or, alternatively, along the entire length of the headset arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Dana Larson
  • Patent number: RE35758
    Abstract: A synthesized message storage and retrieval .Iadd.system .Iaddend.generates response messages by concatentating a sequence of words that have been recorded in digital memory in the voice of the operator in accordance with prescribed inflection characteristics. By linking together phrases or words having selectively chosen inflections in the voice of the operator, the resulting vocalized message will more naturally simulate the manner of speech of the operator and thereby provide a more realistic verbalization of the message to the customer. In accordance with the communications functionality of the operator's voice message mechanism, the system performs a plurality of tasks for the operator, including automatically answering all incoming calls with a prerecorded phrase dependent on the type of call being serviced and, by means of an auxiliary audio interface with the call director, the output message can be delivered to the customer whether or not the operator is connected to the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Golden Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Winter, Jo Morris, Dale E. Cannon
  • Patent number: RE46759
    Abstract: A method and a system for transmitting messages containing multimedia information or content that enables transmission and communication of multimedia messages between subscribers connected to telecommunication systems of different system operators. The inventive system includes a first mobile station terminal from which a multimedia message is sent, a second mobile station terminal that is the intended recipient of the multimedia message, a digital mobile network, a first multimedia message server for receiving a multimedia message from the first mobile station terminal, a first address database associated with the first multimedia message server, a second multimedia message server for receiving the multimedia message from the first multimedia message server, an IP network for carrying communications between the first and second multimedia message servers, and a second address database associated with the second multimedia message server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC
    Inventors: Sami Ala-Luukko, Jussi Koski
  • Patent number: RE47894
    Abstract: A method and system for dynamic information exchange on mesh network devices. Mobile location aware mesh network devices automatically exchange information with other mobile location aware devices that are located at a pre-determined distance of each other at a desired physical location. A server network device compares electronic profiles that include stated interests of the mobile location aware devices. The server network device also provides additional information to the mobile location aware mesh network devices based on stated interests in the electronic profiles of the mobile location aware network devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: III HOLDINGS 2, LLC
    Inventor: Ray Wang