Patents Assigned to Ameritech
  • Publication number: 20020000178
    Abstract: Systems and methods of making and using fine particle materials in pigment blends and for using the aforementioned pigment blends in paint, coating, or coloring compositions are provided. This invention further provides systems and methods of enhancing the visual appearance of a variety of substrates by introducing a paint, coating, or coloring composition to the substrate. The fine particle materials of the present invention have a substantially random geometric shape, a particle size less than about 100 microns, and help provide both functional and visual enhancing properties to compositions and substrates containing these fine particle materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: Ameritech Holdings Corporation, a Corporation of New York
    Inventor: Guido Greco
  • Publication number: 20020001375
    Abstract: A transaction record is received including transaction data corresponding to at least one telephone call placed by a subscriber. The transaction data is processed by a plurality of rate plans, each rate plan generating a toll amount corresponding to the telephone calls of the transaction record. The toll amounts from each of the plurality of rate plans are compared to determine a lowest toll amount. An amount x is deducted from the lowest toll amount to form a final toll amount. A billing record is generated for the subscriber based on the final toll amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Scott P. Alcott, Thomas L. Linton, Diane I. Primo
  • Patent number: 6335936
    Abstract: A wide area communications network (500) includes a first digital subscriber line (502). A first network interface device (504) connects to the digital subscriber line (502). The first network interface device (504) separates an ISDN channel (508) from a digital subscriber channel (510). An ISDN telephone (508) is connected to the network interface device (504). A protocol translator (512) is connected to the network interface device (504) by the digital subscriber channel (510). A hub (514) is connected to the protocol translator (512). A plurality of devices (516, 518) is connected to the hub (514). A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (506) is connected to the first digital subscriber line (502). The digital subscriber line access multiplexer (506) separates the digital subscriber channel from the ISDN channel (522). A public switched telephone network (523) is connected to the ISDN channel (522).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wesley Bossemeyer, Jr., Dale Brian Halling, Scott Christopher Goering, Michael George Gorman, Denise Violetta Kagan, Jeffrey Neumann, Michael Steven Pickard, Michael Tisiker, Bruce Edward Stuckman
  • Patent number: 6332021
    Abstract: An improved system and apparatus for providing caller identification information to a called party when standard Caller ID cannot be provided. If standard caller ID information cannot be provided for a call, the call is interrupted by the present service and the calling party is prompted for audible caller identification information. In one embodiment, when the audible caller identification is provided, the call is presented to the called party with a distinctive ring at the called telephone station. In another embodiment, the calling party may enter a personal identification number (PIN) to bypass the requirement for audible caller identification information. In still another embodiment, when the PIN is entered, the call is presented with a distinctive ring at the called communication station. In still another embodiment, the called party may send the incoming call to a voice mail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Teresa Farias Latter, John Wesley Moss, Thomas Joseph McBlain, James Thomas Maciejewski, Mary Louise Hardzinski
  • Patent number: 6330598
    Abstract: A global service management system (GSMS) for use in an advanced intelligent network is provided. The GSMS is adapted to communicate with two or more network element managers servicing SCPs and operating pursuant to different protocols. Upon receiving an update request message, the GSMS identifies the destination(s) of the message, translates the message into the protocol(s) used at the destination(s) as needed, and routes the translated message to the identified destination(s). In some embodiments, the GSMS is adapted to develop an indication of a status of a service package in response to a request message. The indication includes data identifying any changes in the service package occurring within a predefined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Alan Beckwith, John D Curtis, Ronald Joseph Ginter, Mark Wade Layman, Steven Louis Mather, Keith Allen McMillan
  • Patent number: 6330596
    Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Edward Stuckman, Barry James Sullivan, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Richard Omanson, Jordan Howard Light, Robert Wesley Bossemeyer, Jr., James Richard Morse, Kent E. Genin
  • Patent number: 6327354
    Abstract: A menu is provided in a first telephone call. The menu provides a plurality of destination options including a first destination option for a residence of a family, a second destination option for a first member of the family at a first location other than the residence, and a third destination option for a second member of the family at a second location other than the residence. A selection of one of the destination options is received in the first telephone call. A second telephone call is initiated to a telephone number corresponding to the selection. The first telephone call and the second telephone call are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Jeanne Pelletier, Vanessa Besteda Jackson, Robert Joseph Thornberry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6327357
    Abstract: A database for a telecommunication service includes a first record for a first number having a predetermined NXX, and a second record for a second number having the predetermined NXX. The first record includes an indication that a call having an automatic number identification associated therewith is acceptable for the first number. The second record includes an indication that a call having at least one of an automatic number identification and a calling party identification associated therewith is acceptable for the second number. Associated methods and systems for providing a telecommunication service for the predetermined NXX are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: William H. Meek, Rodney T. Brand, Conita K. Vandevender, John D. Curtis, Marianne J. Stanke, Judy A. Snider
  • Patent number: 6327352
    Abstract: Real time detection of the fraudulent use of a telecommunications network is accomplished by analyzing data for each call that is occurring within the network. A signal protocol receiver is used to collect signaling protocol for each call that is occurring within the network. The Signaling protocol data is collected, decoded and formatted into call information records (CIRs). The CIRs contain various operator specified parameters for each call that is occurring within the network. The CIRs are compared to operator defined thresholds. If any of the CIRs exceeds the thresholds, an alert is generated. The alerts are stored in a database where the operator can analyze them and take the appropriate corresponding action to resolve the alert. The alerts and the CIRs are archived in a database so that trends of fraudulent use can be detected and prevented. This method of fraud detection provides for the effective analyzation of every call that is occurring within the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Judy Lynn Betts, Michael Joseph Hatlak, Michael Joseph McGuire
  • Publication number: 20010046284
    Abstract: A first method comprises initiating a telecommunication network trigger based upon a service code dialed from an originating party. The service code includes an alphabetical abbreviation for a name of a telecommunication service. In dependence upon the trigger, a step of provisioning the telecommunication service for the originating party is performed. A second method comprises initiating a telecommunication network trigger based upon a code including “*M” or “#M”. In response to the trigger, a step of providing a menu of a plurality of telecommunication options in is performed. Systems and articles associated with the first and second methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Patrick Alcott
  • Patent number: 6324273
    Abstract: A first method comprises initiating a telecommunication network trigger based upon a service code dialed from an originating party. The service code includes an alphabetical abbreviation for a name of a telecommunication service. In dependence upon the trigger, a step of provisioning the telecommunication service for the originating party is performed. A second method comprises initiating a telecommunication network trigger based upon a code including “*M” or “#M”. In response to the trigger, a step of providing a menu of a plurality of telecommunication options in is performed. Systems and articles associated with the first and second methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Patrick Alcott
  • Patent number: 6324167
    Abstract: A system for implementing multiple communication channels on a single twisted pair transmission line is disclosed. The system derives additional communication channels by way of a separate transceiver unit for each derived line. Each transceiver unit communicates in a separate predetermined frequency band. Each transceiver unit, upon connection to the transmission line, automatically utilizes the lowest unoccupied frequency band by monitoring each frequency band for the presence of signal power. Thus, as many derived lines as will be supported by the customer transmission loop can be readily added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. J. Starr
  • Patent number: 6307899
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing coding gain that alters the backsearch buffer length and/or the input buffer length of a decoder in response to one or more transmission performance characteristics of the system. The performance characteristics are monitored to determine the performance of the system. The measured transmission performance characteristics are used to control the lengths of the backsearch buffer and the input buffer. The measured transmission performance characteristics along with the backsearch length and/or the input buffer length are analyzed and compared with simulated decoding results. In accordance with the simulated results, the system determines the optimal size of the backsearch buffer and the input buffer needed to achieve a desired performance target. The system adjusts the size of the backsearch buffer length and/or the input buffer length to equal the determined optimal lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J J Starr, Michael John Rude, Joseph Martin Charboneau
  • Patent number: 6285671
    Abstract: A method and system of providing facsimile service over a digital subscriber line is provided. The method includes the steps of dialing a telephone number associated with a facsimile machine connected to a digital subscriber line and routing facsimile data over the digital subscriber line. The system includes a facsimile machine coupled to an ATM switch that is, in turn , coupled to a digital subscriber line, wherein the digital subscriber line includes a first virtual circuit and a second virtual circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wesley Bossemeyer, Jr., Dale Brian Halling, Scott Christopher Goering, Michael George Gorman, Denise Violetta Kagan, Jeffrey Neumann, Michael Steven Pickard, Michael Tisiker, Bruce Edward Stuckman
  • Patent number: 6278771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Susanne Marie Crockett, Thomas Joseph McBlain, Mary Louise Hardzinski, Robert Wesley Bossemeyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6275576
    Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Ron Urban, Jim Kovarik, Bill Wojtczak
  • Patent number: 6272652
    Abstract: A method a system for automatically controlling an adaptive interleaver involves monitoring performance parameters of a transmission system and controlling the adaptive interleaver in response to the performance parameters. The SNR and the data rate of the transmission system are preferably determined. The data rate is analyzed and the adaptive interleaver is adjusted in response to the data rate and the SNR. Alternatively, the BER and the data rate of the transmission system are determined. The data rate is analyzed and the adaptive interleaver is adjusted in response to the data rate and the BER. Alternatively, any one of the SNR, BER or data rate can alone be monitored and used to the adaptive interleaver. The system provides a effective system for adjusting an adaptive interleaver in response to performance parameters of a transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J J Starr
  • Publication number: 20010011240
    Abstract: A bill processing system includes a bill data file (32) having a number of billing statements (34). A printing and mailing system (36) receives the bill data file (32) and determines a mailing date at a time of printing each of the billing statements (38). The printing and mailing system (36) determines a due date based on a predetermined formula. An output file (40) has an account number and the due date for each of the billing statements (38). A customer service system (42) receives the output file (40) and updates the due date associated with the account number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: AMERITECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: WILLIAM KONRAD WARDIN, RICHARD LOUIS HETKE, ROBERT ARNOLD JOHNSON JR
  • Publication number: 20010009578
    Abstract: A system and method for exchanging telecommunication service information between a telecommunication service provider and a telecommunication service customer include electronically receiving a request in a predefined format to establish an interactive session with a telecommunications customer, determining whether the telecommunications customer is authorized for electronically exchanging information and continuing only if the customer is authorized, parsing the request to identify information related to at least one telecommunications service offered by the telecommunications services provider, the telecommunications service having an associated identification code, determining whether the requested telecommunications service is available in a particular location, and automatically generating information associated with the requested telecommunications service and transmitting the information using the predetermined format to the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Applicant: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Gilles, Joseph Anthony Rogers, Richard Alan Dishman
  • Publication number: 20010009577
    Abstract: A system and method for emergency telephone call notification. The system includes an AIN capable switch, a service control point (SCP) having a database of designated contact numbers associated with a service subscriber telephone number, and an intelligent peripheral (IP) in communication with the SCP for contacting the designated contact numbers. The method includes the steps of recognizing an N11 trigger and the SCP initiating telephone calls, via the IP, to each of the contact numbers corresponding to the telephone number of the subscriber making the emergency telephone call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Applicant: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: David Anthony Orwick, Karen Jeanne Pelletier, Laura Marie Griffith, Todd August Bartels, Thomas Joseph McBlain, Dianna Inara Tiliks, Gordon Lynn Blumenschein, James Daniel Kovarik