Abstract: An electronic bulletin board for use in a shared always-on environment wherein a user may manipulate messages from a remote location. The electronic bulletin board may be implemented via database and programming logic on an application server accessible from any network node, including wireless devices. The always-on environment may be set up on a computer or broadband internet appliance or other communications device. Remote users may perform operations such as updating an existing message, posting a new message, download messages, and the like. The bulletin board also supports shared messages designed for special purposes, for example, an electronic grocery list that is accessible from remote locations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining IRDB information for a mobile communication device in a multi-service telecommunication service provider environment. The apparatus includes a table stored in a memory, the table containing a plurality of ESN features associated with mobile telecommunication devices for a plurality of wireless markets, the ESN features being compared with an ESN acquired from a mobile communication device in a multi-service telecommunication service provider network for determining an up-to-date IRDB template to be downloaded to the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A program initiative management tool provides managers with a view of program initiative status by task (phase). Program initiatives are listed in order of priority. Target completion dates and actual completion dates are entered for each task using different text formats and/or colors, or other visual cues to indicate whether the entry is an actual date or a target completion date. In addition, jeopardies are illustrated in the program initiative management tool when resources or required inputs are not available to complete a particular task by its target completion date. A program initiative delivery process document includes all activities that can be performed to complete tasks in a program initiative. The program initiative delivery process document provides a template for program initiative development. A relational database stores descriptions of activities, resources and input/output flags required to complete tasks.

Abstract: A system and method for data distribution and recovery, including a server that broadcasts data to a plurality of clients and a means for a client to identify and recover broadcast data that the client missed while it was off line. In a representative embodiment, the system includes a transfer server, a plurality of clients in communication with the transfer server, and an archive in communication with the transfer server and the plurality of clients. The transfer server receives data packets from a data source, uniquely identifies each data packet, and broadcasts the data packets to the plurality of clients and the archive. Each client receives the data broadcast from the transfer server, identifies missing data, and communicates with the archive to recover the missing data.

Abstract: A support device may be used by a technician when performing elevated line work, for example. The support device may include a shaft having a first end and a second end and threads disposed at the first end of the shaft for use in securing the device to a pole. The support device further may include at least one rigid support member disposed on the second end of the shaft for supporting an object from the device and a pusher attached to the second end of the shaft and adapted to drive the support device into the pole. The pusher may include a driving end adapted to receive force applied from a piston of a powder driven tool, an extension portion extending from the driving end and contacting the support device.

Abstract: A system and method for routing a communication directed to a directory number. According to one embodiment, wherein a redirection service is operative with respect to the communication directed to the directory number to direct the communication away from the directory number to at least one other directory number whenever the directory number to which the communication was directed is inoperative.

Abstract: An apparatus. The apparatus includes a processor adapted for communication via a communication network. The processor includes a monitoring module for requesting and receiving information associated with a device configured for communication via the communication network, and a warning module for generating a warning when the received information is indicative of a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for communicating by receiving data and instructions from a sender, the instructions including at least a delivery time of a scheduled voicemail message intended for a recipient and contact information associated with the recipient; generating a scheduled voicemail message according to the data and instructions received from the sender; storing the scheduled voicemail message; and processing the scheduled voicemail message according to the data and instructions received from the sender.

Abstract: An away from home calling service allows users to use telephones other than their home telephone as if they were using their home telephone. When traveling away from home, subscribers access the service and are prompted to provide authentication and validation information, as well as call completion information. The away-from-home calling service obtains the services provisioned on the subscriber's home telephone line and completes the call according to the subscriber's home services.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing an intercom service. In an embodiment of the present invention, an intercom service request is received. The intercom service request includes a calling number associated with a location. The calling number is determined to correspond to a subscriber to the intercom service. Initiation of an intercom call to the location is directed.

Abstract: Various types of extendable support structures provide a lateral dimension that is defined by at least one lazy tong, and the longitudinal dimension is variable by extension and retraction of the at least one lazy tong. The extendable structure may include a plurality of adjacent and attached lazy tongs that are capable of supporting a significant load through the interconnection of the adjacent lazy tongs forming the structure. The extendable structure may be fully retracted to minimize the longitudinal dimension and thereby provide a compact structure, such as one that can be easily transported or stored. The extendable structure may be extended to a length as required for a particular purpose and limited to a maximum longitudinal dimension when the structure is being used to support a load. As such the various types of extendable support structures may be used in many scenarios, such as for providing a loading ramp, bridge, walkway, or working surface.

Abstract: The present invention is system and method for holding voice chat over a telephone network. An embodiment for implementing the invention can comprise the following steps. First, a caller accesses the chat service by dialing a telephone number that is associated with the service of the present invention. Second, the caller is routed to a conference bridge circuit. Third, the subscriber enters a public chat room. Fourth, the subscriber participates in the public chat room that he or she had entered. While in the public chat room, the subscriber hears the voices of other chatters in the public chat room, and those chatters hear the subscriber's voice when the subscriber speaks. Fifth, at anytime, the subscriber may leave the public chat room by pressing an appropriate key on the keypad. In the preferred embodiment, two or more chatters may request to be placed in a private chat room for a private discussion that is not heard by other chatters of the public chat room.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automated system for retrieving, delivering and modifying subscriber line settings through requests from a maintenance technician to a telephone service provider's (“telco's”) systems. The system and method disclosed utilizes standard AIN queries, call setup messages and information delivery services thereby avoiding the need to use a terminal interface into the telco's systems. The technician enters data in response to prompts from a service node communicating with the technician via a telephone call. The service node sends the technician's request to a service control point which forwards the call to the switch serving the subscriber's line to be analyzed or modified. The switch responds to instructions provided by the service control point to effectuate the technician's request and sends the results to a telephone line designated by the technician.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a paging signal from a mobile switch to a cellular transmitter for occurrences of congestion. The system includes a switch; a cell site in communication with the switch, for broadcasting a page received from the switch to a cellular device configured to receive the page; and a monitoring module in communication with the switch for monitoring occurrences of paging congestion between the switch and the cell site.

Abstract: Methods for aligning a satellite reflector with an antenna that has a feed/LNBF assembly. The feed/LNBF assembly is electronically coupled to a set top box which is electronically coupled to a television that has a television speaker. A transmitter is placed adjacent the television speaker. The speaker transmits the audio tones emitted by the television speaker which are indicative to the alignment of the antenna with a satellite to a speaker located adjacent to or attached to the antenna or antenna support structures.

Abstract: A system for providing multiple call processing services to a customer includes a first call processor configured to provide a first call processing service; a second call processor configured to provide a second call processing service; and a feature manager in communication with the first and second call processors, the feature manager being configured to receive a query message generated in response to a trigger associated with a telephone call and to direct the first and second call processors to provide the first and second call processing services.

Abstract: A cellular telephone system provides coverage during cluster testing in which a new mobile switching center (MSC) that is to replace an old MSC is cut into the cellular telephone system for testing. A trunk group is built between the old MSC and the MSC. In addition, a signaling link is built between the old MSC and the new MSC. The new MSC is also assigned a unique point code to differentiate the new MSC from the old MSC during testing. In addition, the new MSC is provided with a new range of temporary local dialing numbers (TLDNs) for use during cluster testing.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a call back option to a customer of a call center. According to one embodiment, the system includes a telecommunications switch and an automatic call distributor in communication with the telecommunications switch via first and second communications links. The system also includes means for providing the customer with a call back option in response to a first call from the customer, wherein the first call is routed to the automatic call distributor by the telecommunications switch over the first communications link, and means for establishing a second call between the automatic call distributor and the customer over the second communications link when the customer accepts the call back option.

Abstract: A characteristic of a local loop is used to estimate the loop's data carrying capacity. The characteristic is measured and applied to a table previously stored in memory which contains values relating the characteristic to downstream data rates. Using interpolation when required, an estimate of the data carrying capacity of the local loop is estimated based on the measured characteristic. The measured characteristic may be, for example, the input impedance or the DC resistance of the local loop.

Abstract: A transaction manager facilitates modification and maintenance of data used to provide information regarding computer communications between computer systems. The transaction manager uses a manager file that contains transaction codes-attribute strings and corresponding action values. The transaction code-attribute strings can include mask characters that act as substitution values. When a transaction takes place requiring information regarding a particular attribute of that transaction be sent, the transaction manager consults the manager file to obtain the action value corresponding to the transaction and attribute, or the transaction code-attribute string containing mask characters that can be substituted for the transaction and attribute. The transaction manager performs the action associated with the action value.