Miscellaneous Patents (Class 379/457)
  • Patent number: 8929846
    Abstract: Various electromagnetically-countered systems are provided and include at least one wave source irradiating harmful electromagnetic waves and at least one counter unit emitting counter electromagnetic waves for countering the harmful waves. Various generic counter units of such systems and various mechanisms are provided to counter the harmful waves by the counter units by matching configurations of the counter units with those of the wave sources, matching shapes of such counter waves with shapes of the harmful waves, etc. Various methods are provided for countering the harmful waves with the counter waves by such source or wave matching. Various methods are also provided for the counter units as well as counter waves. Various processes are provided for providing such systems and counter units. Various electric and/or magnetic shields may be used alone or in conjunction with such counter units to minimize irradiation of the harmful waves from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Youngtack Shim
  • Patent number: 8631016
    Abstract: An exemplary process includes storing telephone numbers in a telephone number database, identifying which telephone numbers in the telephone number database have digits that occur in an alphabetic pattern as defined by a reference list, and designating the telephone numbers with digits occurring in the alphabetic pattern as patterned telephone numbers. An exemplary process of identifying alphabetic patterns includes assigning at least one letter in an alphabet to a first digit, assigning at least one other letter in an alphabet to a second digit, accessing a telephone number database storing telephone numbers having a plurality of digits, identifying a letter combination created by at least two digits of at least one of the telephone numbers in the telephone number database, and determining whether the letter combination forms an alphabetic pattern as defined by a reference list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaskar R. Gudlavenkatasiva, Maria Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8498409
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing access to wireline communication equipment are disclosed. Exemplary methods include positioning the wireline communication equipment at least partly below ground level, positioning an electric-powered lifting device near the wireline communication equipment and at least partly below the ground level, connecting the electric-powered lifting device to the wireline communication equipment, and configuring the lifting device to lift the wireline communication equipment above the ground level when access to the wireline communication equipment is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Rajesh Narayan
  • Patent number: 8448998
    Abstract: An accessory securing mechanism includes a housing member, a securing member, and elastic members. The housing defines an assembly recess, the assembly recess forms a protrusion to engage a string, the securing member and the elastic member are received in the assembly recess, the elastic member resists the securing member, and the securing member resists the protrusion to secure the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pen-Uei Lu
  • Patent number: 8024764
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multimedia signals is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an adjunct device coupled between a Set-Top Box (STB) and a media device. The adjunct device can have a controller element that receives a telephony signal from a communication system and an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) multimedia signal supplied by the STB, monitors call origination activities in the telephony signal, and presents at the media device in whole or in part the telephony and the IPTV multimedia signal according to the call origination activities monitored. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward Walter, Larry B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 7643992
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of automatic recognition for limited speech and its correlative system and device. The main technical content is: Establish the relationship between the voice file and the identification information for a limited range of speech, and then insert the identification information into the voice file, or replace the content of the voice file with the identification information. After the transmitter sends the modified voice file, the receiver receives the modified voice and distinguishes the identification information in the voice. It then extracts the corresponding speech in the predetermined relationship using this identification information. The benefits of the embodiment of this invention include: a lower-cost method for automatically recognizing limited speech; high efficiency speech recognition, no need to wait for the voice file to finish to complete speech recognition; and lastly, a high recognition hit-rate or accuracy rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yonggang Song, Chengdong Liu
  • Patent number: 7627305
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides systems and methods for adding information to a directory stored in a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Wireless Science, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Helferich
  • Patent number: 7123946
    Abstract: A display order deciding unit decides the display order upon displaying a telephone directory on the basis of setting if the telephone directory is displayed in the display order in response to a usage frequency or in the alphabetical order by a learning function setting unit, the information about the number of callings stored in a count storing unit, setting of the display mode of the telephone directory (by a day of the week) by a display mode selecting unit, and the information of a day of the week that is recognized by a day recognizing unit, and manages it in a display order managing unit. Upon displaying the telephone directory, an information display unit displays the information that is managed by the display order managing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kinya Tsuchiyama
  • Patent number: 7076460
    Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: David L. Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 7069243
    Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: David L. Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 6788551
    Abstract: A foldaway electronic device includes a base unit having opposing lateral surfaces and an end portion, a cover unit having opposing lateral surfaces, each of which corresponds to one of the lateral surfaces of the base unit, and an end portion that is rotatably attached to the end portion of the base unit, whereby the cover unit may be rotated between a folded position relative to the base unit and an unfolded position relative to the base unit, a locking mechanism in the base unit and cover unit that locks the cover unit in the folded position, a lock release mechanism in the base unit that releases the locking mechanism when the cover unit is in the folded position, and impelling means in the base unit for impelling the cover unit from the folded position to an unfolded position after the lock release mechanism has been actuated, wherein either lateral surface of the base unit has a guard portion that extends over and prevents contact by a user's thumb and fingers with a portion of the corresponding la
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hisamitsu Takagi
  • Publication number: 20040083470
    Abstract: The present invention updates only necessary information alone, while decreasing the user's load of operation, without executing complex processing. A service-retrieving server searches for a FAX service that is currently available. A concentrated-management section displays on a GUI the searched result of the service-retrieving server. And the management section collectively updates a FAX number table that is commonly used by a respective one of the service-processing devices that appear in a FAX service list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tadao Michimura, Tadahiko Ikegaya, Keiko Shiraishi, Akira Hirose
  • Publication number: 20040054759
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for transferring computer files between a remote server (5) and a network of service appliances (10) such as public telephones, said files being used by said service appliances (10) for operating, the server (5) communicating with the service appliances (10) via a telecommunication network (2). The invention is characterised in that said files are first stored in the server (5), then transferred into a separate FTP server (4) from which they are downloaded by said service appliances (10), said service appliances having previously received instruction from said server (5) to proceed with the downloading of said files in said FTP server (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Rodolphe Grunenwald
  • Patent number: 6415269
    Abstract: An interactive remote auction bidding system for conducting an auction among participants located at remote locations from the auction site utilizes a data input device for communication over a network to the auction site. The system includes a data processor located at the auction site for generating bid information for communication over the network to the remote locations. A processor located at the auction side monitors the participants' data input devices for sensing participant bids generated by the participants' data input devices. The system further displays visual bid information at the auction site for transmission over the network to the participants and generates audible bid information in support of that visual bid information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: BidCatcher, L.P.
    Inventor: David Lionel Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 6096969
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a solar battery, or a device adapted to be used with the apparatus, includes a first arrangement for driving the apparatus into a redetermined state so as to prevent the apparatus from being adversely affected by heat from illumination light impinging on the solar battery, and a second arrangement for driving the apparatus into a state different from the predetermined state by using a driving force of the first arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Fujita, Takayuki Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 6002766
    Abstract: A package is disclosed containing a picture postcard and a prepaid telephone card, both the postcard and the telephone card bearing the same illustration. The package is of transparent plastic for simultaneous viewing of both the postcard and the telephone card. The postcard can be removed and mailed the same as any souvenir card and the telephone card, which may be wallet size, can be put in one's wallet or purse and used to make prepaid telephone calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Spartacus Management Company
    Inventors: Peter W. Orr, Daniel Zipser
  • Patent number: 5999400
    Abstract: A modular plug which has an insulative housing comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of lateral walls which are perpendicularly interposed between the top two bottom walls. There are a plurality of front longitudinal terminal receiving slots in the top wall adjacent the front wall. There is also a cable receiving cavity in the rear wall. A plurality of rear longitudinal terminal contact receiving slots are in the top wall and between the front longitudinal terminal contact receiving slots and the rear wall. A medial component housing cavity is interposed between the front longitudinal terminal contact receiving slots and the rear longitudinal terminal contact receiving slots. There is also a first plurality of conductors, each of which extends from the rear wall of the jack to adjacent a different one of said rear longitudinal contact terminal receiving slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Belopolsky, Joseph E. Shingara
  • Patent number: 5911117
    Abstract: A service protection enclosure (SPE) for a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications transceiver site is disclosed. The site has at least one antenna (3) which transceives communication signals, radio equipment for receiving and sending radio signals from and to the antenna, transmission means (37, 39) for connecting the radio equipment and the antenna so as to carry the signals therebetween, AC power service lines (47) for providing power to the site, and telephone lines (48, and/or 115) for connecting the site with a telephone or other communication network. The services protection enclosure comprises a cabinet (35) adapted to be secured to a suitable foundation (29), the cabinet having side walls (55, 57), a top (53), and at least one door (61 or 63) providing access to the interior of the cabinet. The cabinet houses an AC power distribution panel (101) and receives the AC service lines (47), the telephone lines (48), and the RF transmission means (37, 39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: PCS Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Bhame, George Robert Cutler, Bassem Rustom, Robert L. Dick, IV
  • Patent number: 5835770
    Abstract: A user inquiry facility and method are described for use in a computerized data processing system which provides for monitoring of conversations or information transmission between a user of the data processing system, during the execution of the user's program, and a communication partner (which could include a database or other facility) associated with the data processing system. Task progress tracing information is selected from the conversations and stored. The stored information is updated to keep it current with the progress of the task of the user's program. An instruction is provided by the facility or method which, when activated, by the user selects task progress tracing information from the stored information and after formatting it for readability is transmitted to the user-s display or terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter K. L. Shum, Kevin Yan, Dean Tai
  • Patent number: 5710804
    Abstract: A service protection enclosure (SPE) for a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunications transceiver site is disclosed. The site has at least one antenna (3) which transceives communication signals, radio equipment for receiving and sending radio signals from and to the antenna, transmission means (37, 39) for connecting the radio equipment and the antenna so as to carry the signals therebetween, AC power service lines (47) for providing power to the site, and telephone lines (48, and/or 115) for connecting the site with a telephone or other communication network. The services protection enclosure comprises a cabinet (35) adapted to be secured to a suitable foundation (29), the cabinet having side walls (55, 57), a top (53), and at least one door (61 or 63) providing access to the interior of the cabinet. The cabinet houses an AC power distribution panel (101) and receives the AC service lines (47), the telephone lines (48), and the RF transmission means (37, 39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: PCS Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Bhame, George Robert Cutler, Bassem Rustom, Robert L. Dick, IV
  • Patent number: 5677948
    Abstract: A cordless portable telephone comprises a main apparatus (2) combining a receiver, a transmitter, an antenna (3) and a keyboard for entering a called number, a microphone and an earpiece, all attached to, or supported from a collar passing around the neck of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventor: Pierre-Andre Meister
  • Patent number: 5626976
    Abstract: A flexible, conformal energy storage device (10) has a plurality of photovoltaic devices (40, 42, 44) formed integrally therewith. The energy source includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte encapsulated between layers of oxygen and water impermeable sealing materials. The sealing materials also serve as the base upon which the photovoltaic devices are deposited. The anode and cathode of the photovoltaic devices are electrically coupled to the anode and the cathode of the energy storage device to provide a recharging current thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Blanton, Simon Thomas, Kenneth M. Massaroni
  • Patent number: 5193108
    Abstract: A handheld, battery-powered telecommunications test set which combines the function of tone generator and inductive input probe along with functions such as resistance measurement and continuity/discontinuity. The inductive input is coupled to one input of a differential amplifier, which is susceptible to oscillations caused by leakage currents in the circuits performing other functions. During operation of the inductive input monitor probe, some of these circuits are inactivated, but may still have some leakage current that could flow through them, causing oscillation. Additional circuit elements are added to provide a low resistance pathway to a second input of the differential amplifier to shunt leakage currents from the inactive circuit to the differential amplifier such that the leakage current are converted from a differential signal to a common mode signal and are not amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Clay A. Stocklin
  • Patent number: 5170429
    Abstract: A handheld, battery-powered telecommunications test instrument with a talk battery circuit capable of supplying power for up to four telephone sets, which may be connected either in series or in parallel. The instrument determines the configuration of the telephone sets as having serial connections or parallel connections by sensing the amount of current flowing through the circuit of the invention. In response to the amount of current, a transistor automatically operates to supply power to the telephone sets as either a voltage source or a current source and maximizes power transfer between the telephone sets. The instrument has a low power mode to reduce current drain on the battery that is automatically engaged when the telephone sets are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Clay A. Stocklin, David M. Rollins, William P. Pierson
  • Patent number: 5067148
    Abstract: An acceptable or desired plan for changing the links of a telephone network is developed by using knowledge based rules to generate an ideal plan which meets first constraints, such as demand and modernization constraints, and by modifying the ideal plan to meet one or more second constraints, such as overall cost, while deviating minimally from the ideal plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Nynex Corporation
    Inventor: Sanjeev Sardana
  • Patent number: 5054057
    Abstract: A coin slot cover for telephones to indicate an out-of-order condition. A plate with a pair of locking tabs extending therefrom that may be inserted into the coin slot of a pay telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Clifford J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5023906
    Abstract: A call progress monitor and algorithm for placing a phone call over the phone lines. The algorithm is hierarchically arranged having three major routines or portions: tone detection, signal recognition and situation recognition. Based upon the definitions stored in a memory and the commands, the call progress monitor algorithm is applied to the telephone audio data. The call progress monitor algorithm is controlled by a host computer which sends a Recognize Situation Command and expects to receive some time later, a Recognize Command Termination Report. The tone detection portion of the algorithm measures the power at each of a predetermined number of frequencies of interest. The signal recognition portion of the algorithm detects the presence of a particular signal. A signal is a particular tone or set of tones that are uniquely present (while all other tones are absent).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: The Telephone Connection
    Inventor: Robert G. Novas
  • Patent number: 4940859
    Abstract: A telephone cord take-up reel assembly having a take-up reel housing formed from a cover and a base member that is mounted on the wall of a room. A shaft is supported in the take-up reel housing and it passes through the inner hub of a take-up reel upon which is wound a predetermined length of telephone cord. A metal reel spring formed in the shape of a coil has its inner end connected to the shaft and its outer end connected to the inner surface of the hub of the take-up reel. This is the structure that causes the telephone cord to be automatically reeled into the take-up reel housing. A cutout slot is formed in the top wall of the cover and one end of the telephone cord is passed outwardly therethrough. A cord stopper assembly is mounted on a portion of the telephone cord outside the take-up reel housing. This cord stopper assembly may adjustably positioned along the length of the telephone cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Daniel Peterson
  • Patent number: 4941165
    Abstract: In a telecommunication network, having at least first and second original equipment electrically connected by at least a first existing conductor, a method is disclosed for adding intermediate equipment to the network. The intermediate equipment is connected to the first original equipment by at least a first replacement conductor and the intermediate equipment is connected to the second original equipment by at least a second replacement conductor. A method for adding uses a temporary circuit having at least first and second test conductors. The method includes the steps of electrically connecting first and second replacement conductors to the additional equipment. The first temporary conductor is electrically connected to the original conductor at a first point of connection. The second temporary conductor is electrically connected to the original conductor at a second point of connection. The second point of connection is disposed between the second original equipment and the first point of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Rademacher, Dennis R. Dean, Jerry L. Dixon, Sr., Robert J. Szklarz
  • Patent number: 4932046
    Abstract: A system automates interface intervals with remote telephone terminals as to provide information or advice in response to select tone signals formed at a telephone terminal, and at the conclusion of an interval provides a disconnect or termination signal prompting a caller to "hang up". Disconnect signals simulate known sounds, specifically as the "click" attendant a remote "hang up" and the traditional dial tone. The disconnect signals are transmitted to a caller after an interface interval to prompt the caller to "hang up" and release the telephone line connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: First Data Resources Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Katz, Dennis L. Ross
  • Patent number: 4839921
    Abstract: A telephone station including an optical display device fashioned as a display is provided. The display device is quickly and simply attachable by being pluggably connected to the telephone station by engagement of webs on the display device with springs in the telephone station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erwin Awakowicz, Kurt Schiller, Erwin Grassl
  • Patent number: 4747135
    Abstract: A pop up telephone having a latch carried on a latch carrier with a slot. A cap having a post, the post capable of vertical travel within the slot. The post capable of engagement with the latch. A spring, contained below the cap and within the latch carrier is for moving the cap in a vertical direction. The body is for housing the latch carrier, the cap and hand set. The hand set resting on the cap and residing flush within the body. The hand set capable of popping out of the body after being pressed downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Ron Banko Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Banko
  • Patent number: 4682164
    Abstract: An attachment for remote control of a plurality of data stations remote from each other and from a central controller having simple and convenient arrangements to put all the burden of powering and most switching of the attachment in the central controller.A minimum number of transmission lines are used, yet it allows two-way data transmissions as well as a request-to-receive signal from any single remote data station to any of the remaining data stations, at the desire of the operator of the central controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Donald D. Lacy
  • Patent number: D306733
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Rac Motoring Services Limited
    Inventor: John O. Hebditch