Plural Alarms Over Single Line Patents (Class 379/47)
  • Publication number: 20140177812
    Abstract: A communication system for urgent and emergency notifications includes a commwunication device with sensors to obtain or determine user location information and/or status information following activation of the communication device. The communication device communicates over wireless and/or wired communication networks. In an urgent situation or an emergency, the communication device is activated and sends an alert to designated recipients, including the location and/or status information. The system also involves a repeated process of interrupting the recipients' communication devices to immediately notify the recipients of the urgency of the communication and to attempt to connect to the recipients. The system can also include the ability to record audio and/or video on the activating communication device and to transmit such recordings or files to designated recipients. The activated device can also send notification and connection attempts to emergency dispatchers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Barrett
  • Patent number: 8750462
    Abstract: A method includes receiving multiple alarm messages, each being associated with a failure associated with a service feature available within a telecommunication network. A failure rate for a type of failure having a common set of service feature failure characteristics is determined from the alarm messages received. When the failure rate exceeds a threshold, a maintenance ticket is generated automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Robert McCanuel, Paritosh Bajpay, Arun Kandappan
  • Patent number: 8693641
    Abstract: A fire control system may include a fire alarm control panel situated at a first location, the fire alarm control panel coupled to a first hardwire circuit. The fire control system may also include one or more telephone stations, wherein each telephone station of the one or more telephone stations is disposed at a different location than each other telephone stations and coupled through the first hardwire circuit to the fire alarm control panel, and one or more radio repeaters are each disposed at one or more respective locations, and wherein each radio repeater is operative to receive audio information as a radio signal and to transmit the audio information as an electrical signal through a second hardwire circuit to the central telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel G. Farley
  • Publication number: 20140094134
    Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating dynamically prioritized control of calls over a network according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments includes receiving, at a computing device, a call reporting an emergency, automatically evaluating the received call and the reported emergency, and assigning a priority level to the call based on the evaluation of the call and the emergency. The method may further include placing the call in a first queue based on the assigned priority level. The call may be picked from the first queue and processed based on the assigned priority level. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: EDDIE BALTHASAR, Richard T. Beckwith, Cornelius V. Vick
  • Patent number: 8433295
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling multiple telecommunications terminals that are associated with a common user to notify their user of the arrival of an incoming message via a ringtone, where the ringtone is: (i) coordinated across the terminals, and (ii) customized for each terminal based on one or more attributes of the terminal. In particular, in the illustrative embodiments a network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a wireless base station, a server, etc.) that receives a message directed to a telecommunications terminal sets the values of one or more properties of a ringtone (e.g., tempo, timbre, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on one or more attributes of the telecommunications terminal (e.g., terminal type, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Taryn Moody, Doree Duncan Seligmann
  • Patent number: 8345826
    Abstract: A method includes receiving multiple alarm messages, each being associated with a failure associated with a service feature available within a telecommunication network. A failure rate for a type of failure having a common set of service feature failure characteristics is determined from the alarm messages received. When the failure rate exceeds a threshold, a maintenance ticket is generated automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John McCanuel, Paritosh Bajpay, Arun Kandappan
  • Patent number: 8295445
    Abstract: Automatic notification is provided to pre-designated emergency contacts for a given wireless subscriber upon the occurrence of an emergency call from the subscriber. Triggering for the automatic notification may take place at an appropriate time in the emergency call, e.g., at a time the emergency call is received, at a time during the emergency call after a current location of the emergency caller is obtained by the emergency network, once the emergency call terminates, after a set amount of time after the emergency call is received, terminates, etc. The automatic notification is preferably made using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but may instead be pre-designated by the subscriber to be in an alternative mode, e.g., by SMS, switched telephone, etc. An option is included for the emergency caller to cancel the automatic notification. The location of the emergency caller may be configurably provided to a notified emergency contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Nguyen, Elisabeth Townsdin
  • Patent number: 8182548
    Abstract: An electronic device security and tracking system. A system includes one or more clients, wherein the clients are electronic devices; and a server computer system connected to each of the clients, wherein the server computer system is capable of tracking and locating each of the clients. In one aspect, the server computer system includes one or more web servers coupled to each of the clients, wherein the web servers include a website for the electronic device security and tracking system; one or more file transfer protocol servers coupled to each of the web servers; and one or more database servers connected to each of the web servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Softex Incorporated
    Inventors: Apurva Mahendrakumar Bhansali, Manoj Kumar Jain, Shradha Dube, Gayathri Rangarajan, Mehul Ramjibhai Patel, Rayesh Kashinath Raikar, Kamal Mansukhlal Dhanani, Ranjit Kapila, Elza Abraham Varghese, Thomas David Tucker
  • Patent number: 8077037
    Abstract: A security system for portable articles is provided. The security system includes a central unit and one or more remote units. Each remote unit has a tethering system which attaches one or more portable articles to the remote unit. When a portable article is detached from the remote unit, a remote alarm signal is generated, which is conveyed to the central unit via a radiofrequency transmission. The central unit confirms receipt of an alarm transmission, and activates a dialer, which contacts one or more individuals via telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Leyden, Terrance Surma
  • Patent number: 8078161
    Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module, and a second communication module. The first communication module may receive a first type of communication signal (e.g. a mobile telephone signal) and convert it into a second-type of communication signal (e.g., a millimeter wave radio signal). The first type of communication signal may be a mobile telephone signal from a first fire fighter's mobile telephone who is located outside of the building. The first communication module may transmit the second-type of communication signal to the second communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Pine Valley Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald C. DiPiazza
  • Patent number: 7859406
    Abstract: An alarm system comprises: an audio interface comprising: a microphone; a state sensor for sensing a state at the audio interface; a signal generator for generating an inaudible state signal indicative of the state; a multiplexer for combining an audio signal from the microphone and the state signal; a control panel for monitoring sensed conditions at the audio interface; a conductor interconnecting the audio interface to the control panel carrying audio signal and the state signal as combined from the audio interface to the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen D. W. Fosty, Michael J. Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 7778625
    Abstract: An operation-mode control unit controls switching of an operation mode of a portable wireless terminal apparatus between a normal mode and an alarm mode. An alarm-data sending unit sends data pertaining to a situation of a user to a predetermined destination as alarm data, when the operation mode is switched to the alarm mode. In the normal mode, the portable wireless terminal apparatus performs normal functions, such as a phone call and an e-mail. In the alarm mode, the portable wireless terminal apparatus performs a user protecting function in addition to the normal functions, such as sending the alarm data to the predetermined destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Osamu Yamauchi, Masahiro Harima, Atsushi Ito, Eriko Ito
  • Patent number: 7627093
    Abstract: A method includes receiving multiple alarm messages, each being associated with a failure associated with a service feature available within a telecommunication network. A failure rate for a type of failure having a common set of service feature failure characteristics is determined from the alarm messages received. When the failure rate exceeds a threshold, a maintenance ticket is generated automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John McCanuel, Paritosh Bajpay, Arun Kandappan
  • Patent number: 7620157
    Abstract: A machine requiring periodic maintenance, such as a vending machine, is retrofitted to include an alert system for notifying a machine operator that the machine requires servicing. The alert system includes one or more sensors to detect default conditions, a voice recorder for storing one or more voice messages corresponding to default conditions, a transmitter for transmitting the voice messages to the machine operator, and a trigger connected to the one or more sensors and the transmitter for selectively initiating the transmission of appropriate voice messages in accordance with predetermined parameters. The voice messages are transmitted over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to be heard by the machine operator or stored on the machine operator's voice answering system. The transmitter may be a simple auto dialer connected by wires to a nearby phone jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew S. Holmes, Kevin D. Knoop
  • Patent number: 7418258
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling multiple telecommunications terminals that are associated with a common user to notify their user of the arrival of an incoming message via a ringtone, where the ringtone is: (i) coordinated across the terminals, and (ii) customized for each terminal based on one or more attributes of the terminal. In particular, in the illustrative embodiments a network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a wireless base station, a server, etc.) that receives a message directed to a telecommunications terminal sets the values of one or more properties of a ringtone (e.g., tempo, timbre, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on one or more attributes of the telecommunications terminal (e.g., terminal type, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Avaya Inc
    Inventors: Taryn Moody, Seligmann Doree Duncan
  • Patent number: 7151750
    Abstract: An ISDN alarm notification (fault locating) system in subscriber transmission equipment is connected to switching equipment conforming to TR-303 standard, in particular. The system includes a controller for setting switch options in subscriber transmission equipment externally, in addition to a digital switch and subscriber transmission equipment. The subscriber transmission equipment is provided with a switching equipment interface unit, a control path unit, and an ISDN subscriber interface unit. The controller sets the switch options provided in the switching equipment interface unit, the control path unit, and the ISDN subscriber interface unit. Thereby each switch option performs identical function, corresponding to each digital switch connected to the subscriber transmission equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazunori Horachi
  • Patent number: 7034681
    Abstract: A security system including several camera devices and a communication device in sites at which monitoring is required by a user. The several camera devices may constantly monitor the sites. The camera devices have motion detecting functions and provide unusual status reporting signals and necessary image information to the communications device when the movements of an intruder have been detected. The communication device communicates with and is connected to a server that serves as an information center via the internet line when unusual status signals have been received. The information from the camera devices is also sent to server. The server automatically notifies the user by a predetermined user-selected method. The notified user can access the server and confirm the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamamoto, Koh Murata
  • Patent number: 6807260
    Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Reindle, Jonathan Katz
  • Patent number: 6765991
    Abstract: An emergency telecommunications device that works with existing telephone lines to provide continuous hands-free two-way communication using a remote speaker with built-in microphone sensitivity that allows rescuers to use the device from a far distance. The device is activated with a pull or push of a single button activation mechanism, which instantly contacts emergency personnel who provide potentially life saving instruction to rescuers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Hanuschak, Joseph A. Finley, Jr., Michael Quigley
  • Patent number: 6600811
    Abstract: An emergency call monitor (110) monitors the progression of a call in a telephone switching system. The sequence of called digits for a call is detected by a line/trunk interface unit (200). A call-type processor (202) determines whether the call is an emergency call by examining the sequence of called digits and examining a call-type associated with the call. If the call is an emergency call, then a call monitor (204) is initiated to monitor the progression of the call through the telephone switch. If errors are encountered during the call, an alarm (206), including a visual and/or audible indicator, is asserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeshkumar Dahyabhai Patel, Paul Daniel Wolfson
  • Patent number: 6370234
    Abstract: A public service answering point system is taught that will perform a triage on incoming calls both fully automatically and with caller interaction. The system will progressively shave out redundant calls and give high priority to calls that may represent a violent crime in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kroll Family Trust
    Inventor: Mark W. Kroll
  • Patent number: 6366648
    Abstract: An alarm system for recording the occurrence of an alarm condition in a predetermined space comprises a self-contained monitor which defines a sensor armed for sensing the alarm condition and a monitor transmitter which transmits a monitor signal in response thereto. In addition, the system comprises an interface module responsive to the monitor signal which communicates with a telephone line and a telephone answering machine associated with the predetermined space. The interface module includes an interface receiver circuit, a message generator which provides an alarm message, an off-hook telephone circuit, a telephone line simulator and a transfer switch. In response to the monitor signal, the interface receiver circuit operates the transfer switch to an activated position wherein the alarm message is transmitted from the message generator through the off-hook telephone circuit, the telephone line simulator and the transfer switch to the telephone answering machine for recording thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: William P. Carney
  • Patent number: 6327342
    Abstract: The present invention is an E911 backup system that bridges and monitors standard analog E911 trunks in an emergency 911 answering system (“E911”), also know as a public safety answering position (PSAP) equipment. The E911 backup system has the ability to take control of these trunks in the event of primary PSAP equipment failure. This is accomplished by monitoring and selectively acting upon a series of alarm signals. The alarm signals include: a watchdog signal from the E911 call answering system; a batter monitor to detect the presence of a voltage on the E911 analog trunk; a wink watch signal to monitor whether the primary systems transmits a wink signal; and an answer alarm signal that detects the E911 call answering systems failure to answer an incoming call within a specified period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventors: Matthew Stephen Mobley, Simon J. G. Machell
  • Patent number: 6226357
    Abstract: The invention provides an alarm panel connected to a telephone line. The alarm panel comprises a microprocessor connected to a circuit which operates in two states: passive and active. In the passive state, the alarm panel monitors the line for a ring signal and tests the integrity of the telephone line. In the active state, the alarm panel seizes the telephone line and provides full bi-directional communication with a receiver through the telephone line. The circuit is designed such that the individual subcircuits for each state operate independently of each other and can be modified to meet various regulatory requirements without affecting the other circuits. The circuit draws low current in the passive state. Finally, the circuit is separated from the microprocessor using only 2 or 3 optocouplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: Reinhart Karl Pildner
  • Patent number: 6078649
    Abstract: A centralized network total system maintenance facility is provided for processing alarm data received from a plurality of remote monitoring stations at remote terminals in a telephone network. The vast amount of incoming data are collected and logged into a file. The data is processed to provide information as to what alarm on status conditions are current. Under control of a processor at the facility, data collected in the file are read at predetermined intervals and filtered for the current time interval since the last reading. The filtered data are processed to determine whether alarm on status conditions in effect have changed to off status and whether new alarm on status conditions have occurred. All current alarm on status conditions can be displayed with identification of the location, type of alarm condition for a particular sensed parameter, and other information, such as the time the alarm was generated and the priority of the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Small, Dennis White
  • Patent number: 6002747
    Abstract: A telephone privacy and alerting device for connection between a common telephone line and a telephone device. The privacy and alerting device includes a privacy circuit to prevent the telephone device from accessing the telephone line when another telephone device is already off-hook, and an alerting circuit to indicate an alarm when the telephone device is off-hook and a further telephone device is also off-hook. The privacy circuit includes a voice connecting circuit for connection between the telephone line and the telephone device, a self-latching switch means connected to the voice connecting circuit having an on and off state, and voltage breakdown means for turning the self-latching switch means on when a closed circuit is provided through the telephone device and the potential across said telephone line is above a first predetermined threshold, thereby allowing the voice connecting circuit to establish a current path between the telephone line and the telephone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Omega Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Vakis Eftechiou
  • Patent number: 5796789
    Abstract: A telephone alerting device for connection to a telephone line and a telephone. When the telephone is off-hook, the device will generate a visual and an audio alarm if an additional telephone connected to the same line also goes off-hook, thereby providing an eavesdropping alarm. The audio alarm is a periodic signal of short duration heard in the ear-pieces of all off-hook telephones connected to the telephone line. The device includes a voice path having a resistor placed in series with the telephone for raising the voltage across the telephone line when the telephone alone is off-hook. In order to trigger the alarm, the telephone must be off-hook and the voltage across the telephone line must be below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Omega Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Vakis Eftechiou
  • Patent number: 5793840
    Abstract: A method of sending an alarm message through a phone system by turning on a computer having memory, an operating system, a computer program, and a modem. The method involves building the alarm message and sending it through the phone system by using the computer program. The computer's electric power is triggered by a person, a security device, or any other device that can turn on a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: Min Zhuang, Zong-Pei Jin
  • Patent number: 5692215
    Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring a user in a user living area. The system includes a system controller and an activity detection subsystem. The activity detection subsystem monitors a daily living activity of the user and provides information representative of the daily living activity to the system controller. The system controller includes a control circuit which generates a control signal in response to the daily living activity information obtained by the activity detection subsystem. Control information from the system controller is applied by way of a control information communication channel both to the activity detection subsystem and to a remote monitoring site. The activity detection subsystem may be a system for determining the movement of the user around the home, medication compliance by the user, problems with usage of stoves or other potentially dangerous appliances, and selected auxiliary appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gerotech, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Kutzik, Anthony P. Glascock, Douglas L. Chute, Thomas T. Hewett, Barbara G. Hornum
  • Patent number: 5675626
    Abstract: A cellular and battery backup telecommunication system including an output jack connected to a conventional telephone line for hard wire communication of conventional telecommunication signals therebetween when the telephone line is in a proper operable state. Also included is an input jack connected to at least one telecommunication mechanism such an alarm system. A cellular transceiver is adapted to modulate conventional telecommunication signals into cellular signals upon the receipt thereof and further to the transmit the cellular signals via free space thereafter. Control circuitry is connected to the transceiver and further between the input jack and output jack. The control circuitry is adapted to communicate conventional telecommunication signals between the input jack and output jack when the telephone line is in an operable state and manually or automatically transmit conventional telecommunication signals from the input jack to the cellular upon the disconnection of the employed telephone line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Ronnie D. Davis
  • Patent number: 5598456
    Abstract: An integrated telephone, intercom, security and control system for a building having a plurality of units, utilizing a plurality of telephone lines located throughout the building which are connected at one end to telecommunications equipment located in the units and throughout common areas of the building. A digital switching device is connected to the other end each of the telephone lines and arranged to connect at least one of the telephone lines to at least one of another of the telephone lines or to an outside telephone line at the option of a user of the telecommunications equipment. A plurality of sensors located in the units and throughout common areas of the building are arranged for generating signals in response to conditions therein, which are then transmitted to a plurality of control modules connected to the digital switching device by at least one of the telephone lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: David H. Feinberg
  • Patent number: 5568535
    Abstract: An alarm system for protecting premises comprises a fully integrated, alarm detecting cellular phone unit which is linked to various sensors in order to detect the sensor outputs. The cellular alarm unit includes, in addition to cellular phone functions, a formatter or processor for generating an emergency signal on detection of a sensor output, the emergency signal including information on the type of emergency detected. The unit is programmed to establish a cellular connection to a remote monitoring station. The connection is wireless at least from the premises to a local cell site. Once connection is established, the emergency signal is transmitted to the monitoring station via the local cell site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: TrackMobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Eliezer A. Sheffer, Shiv P. Verma
  • Patent number: 5365568
    Abstract: One or more of a plurality of alarm conditions can be detected by respective alarm detectors. The detected alarm conditions can be reported to one or more respective monitoring stations. The system includes circuitry for controlling the consumption of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Raymond Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5173932
    Abstract: A security system comprises a signal transmitter (1) with a first sensor (2) for conveying status information to a receiver (3) via a telecommunication channel (4), the signal transmitter being preferably built into a telephone set and the telecommunication channel preferably comprising a subscriber line in a regular telephone network. A second sensor having a higher sensitivity than the first sensor, is arranged to be influenced by the same alarm situation as the first sensor to transmit alarm information to the receiver via the telecommunication channel, and a restoring circuit (6) comprising time measuring components (7, 8) with an activation input (9) connected to the second sensor is, within a time slot of a predetermined length arranged for the transmittal of the status information and the alarm information, arranged to always transmit restoring information regarding the alarm information to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventors: Jan Lennart Johansson, Lars A. Wern