Patents Assigned to BellSouth Corporation
  • Patent number: 6463269
    Abstract: A product and system is disclosed for intelligently controlling the number of amplifier modules that are active in a linear amplification system. By exercising such control, the system can avoid using unnecessary power. The invention monitors the system and gathers information from signals associated with the system, particularly information concerning signal power. A control functionality evaluates the gathered information to decide how many modules are necessary to sufficiently operate the amplification system or to decide if it has been commanded to perform certain functions. Once this decision is made, the control functionality communicates control signals to the power amplification modules to activate the needed or desired number of modules and deactivate the unneeded or undesired number of modules. Likewise, the control functionality configures the splitter and the combiner according to the number of needed or desired amplifier modules. This gathering, evaluation, and control is conducted continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Thomas DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6415281
    Abstract: Systems and methods for arranging records in search results to be provided in response to a data inquiry of a database. After search results including records are received, a determination is made with respect to the order of the records in the search results. This determination may be based on various factors such as the destination of the search results, the preferred status of certain records over other records, a marketing determination with respect to the records, a frequency determination with respect to the number of times that a record or records may have already been provided in response to data inquiries, a weighting factor determination or a combination of one or more of these factors. In response to the determination of the order of the records in the search results, the records then are arranged into ordered records based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Dewey Charles Anderson
  • Patent number: 6356756
    Abstract: A method and system for routing calls to a wireless platform uses local number portability searches to achieve advanced intelligent network capabilities. The method and system of the present invention “ports” wireless subscriber numbers to a number for a platform providing a specific service. When a caller dials the subscriber's wireless number, a switch determines whether the number is portable. Since the number has been ported, the switch launches a query to a local number portability service control point to obtain additional routing instructions. The service control point accesses a local number portability database to determine the proper routing number. The new routing number allows calls to be routed to a service platform in the wireless network. The service control point transfers the routing number to the switch which then translates the routing number to a directory number for the platform. The call is then routed to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Karl H. Koster
  • Patent number: 6324269
    Abstract: A method and system for billing remote calls includes the provisioning of an active terminating attempt trigger on a subscriber's primary line. To make a long-distance call from a remote location, the subscriber calls a service control node and provide a destination calling line number and the subscriber's primary line number (e.g., home telephone number). The SCN assembles the data into a string and includes a feature access code. This string is transmitted to a switch that recognizes the feature access code and transmits a message to a service control point. The service control point also recognizes the feature access code and reassembles the message into a call structure containing the primary line number, the destination line number, and a code indicating that the message should be reassembled. This message is transmitted back to the switch which then routes the call to the primary line switch where the trigger is encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Dale W. Malik
  • Patent number: 6286011
    Abstract: Recording transactions using a chronological list superimposed on an indexed list. A transaction log of transaction entries is maintained as a data structure logically organized as a chronological list superimposed on an indexed list. In one aspect of the invention, the transaction log is implemented in an element of a telecommunications network. In another aspect of the invention, the transaction log is implemented in a computer system. Preferably, each transaction entry includes a transaction identifier field, a time stamp field, a chronological list pointer field and an indexed list pointer field. A first chronological list pointer points to the oldest transaction entry in the transaction log and a last chronological list pointer points to the latest transaction entry in the transaction log. The chronological list pointer field of a transaction entry points to the next oldest transaction entry. The indexed list includes a number of indexed list entry pointers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: Syama S. Velamuri, Julia Torbert, Prasad Nimmagadda
  • Patent number: 6253235
    Abstract: A system and method for the transmission of signals from a device to a communications network connection card. In particular, a return path is provided for the transmission of signals from a device to an interface where the signals are converted into a format acceptable for transmission to a communications network connection card. The signals are then transmitted to the card and/or may be transmitted to an optical network unit, thereby establishing a connection from the device to systems that employ optical networks. An embodiment also provides a transport system for the delivery of video signals to a device, for the return of analog signals from the device, and for the transmission of digital signals to a signal destination. This embodiment includes a broadband communications module that receives video signals from a signal source and delivers the video signals to the device. The module also receives analog signals from the device and transmits the analog signals to an interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Lee Estes
  • Patent number: 6154535
    Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining information based on a calling number associated with a communication from a subscriber area defined within the service area. A grid/block/strip system defines at least one strip within a subscriber area and within a block. A strip table includes a strip entry for each strip and each strip entry includes strip entry information. In response to receipt of a communication including a calling number representing a point within the service area, a key is created. The key identifies a particular block encompassing the point. The key is used with the strip table to find a strip entry that corresponds to a strip encompassing the point. The encompassing strip is found by using the key to check only strip entries corresponding to the particular block, and in some embodiments, to check only the strip entry keys of a strip entry corresponding to the particular block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Bellsouth Corporation
    Inventors: Syama S. Velamuri, Julia B. Torbert
  • Patent number: 6151500
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for notifying a communications switching center that a subsequent communication directed to a wireless number associated with the wireless unit is to be routed to a directory number associated with the wireless unit. A converter may be provided and connected to a current source and to a communications switching center. The wireless unit may be connected to the converter, and if connected, the unit draws current therefrom. In response to the draw of current by the wireless unit through the converter, the converter transmits a message to the communications switching center. The message includes a notification that a subsequent communication directed to the wireless number associated with the wireless unit is to be routed to the directory number associated with the wireless unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Cardina, Charles M. Link, II, Timothy P. Tatem
  • Patent number: 6128514
    Abstract: A portable radiotelephone can be shifted between a first condition wherein the radiotelephone does not receive or transmit voice communications by radiotelephone transmissions over radiotelephone channels and a second condition wherein the radiotelephone receives and transmits voice communications by radiotelephone transmissions over radiotelephone channels. The radiotelephone automatically calls a central voice-activated phone dialing system remote from the portable radiotelephone in response to producing the second condition in the radiotelephone. The radiotelephone includes a switch for producing the first and second conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Bellsouth Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Clyde Griffith, Benjamin F. Holcomb
  • Patent number: 6125275
    Abstract: A cellular communications device for communicating over a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR) system. A transmitter can transmit a data message formatted to correspond to an identification signal transmitted by a cellular radiotelephone when that device identifies itself to the CMR system. The data message contains selected data and is transmitted via the reverse overhead control channel of the cellular network control channel. A receiver can receive command signals from a mobile switching center of the CMR system via a forward overhead control channel (FOCC) of the cellular network control channel. A controller controls operation conducted by the transmitter and the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Irby Comer, Peter Owen Roach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6072493
    Abstract: A system and method for providing and analyzing information regarding the association of services with elements of an organization. The system gathers information encoded in electronic form, organizes it into a services list, and correlates it with elements of an organization that are classified in an organizational hierarchy. A user of the system may examine a selected elements at any level of the organizational hierarchy and obtain information regarding all associated services, or vice versa. A user may further synchronize the services list and organizational hierarchy in such a manner that selection of an item from one displays corresponding data from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: Dwight D. Driskell, Michael Greenspan, Vivian C. Henley, Nancy C. Lane, Lloyd MacFarlane, Betty J. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6070372
    Abstract: An enclosure with an adjacent auxiliary fold-out room is useful as a utility building for cellular telephone equipment. The auxiliary fold-out room is selectively positionable in a collapsed configuration and alternatively positionable in a expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration the auxiliary fold-out room lies against the enclosure and in the expanded configuration, panels of the auxiliary fold-out room define an enclosed space adjacent an access opening of the enclosure and provide cover for maintenance personnel while servicing equipment within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Bellsouth Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. Norman, Alan Wayne Rinderknecht
  • Patent number: 6073027
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a portable radiotelephone comprising a housing a cover slidably engaged with the housing and selectively reciprocable relative to the housing between a first position, wherein the portable radiotelephone is in an on-hook condition and, alternatively, a second position, wherein the portable radiotelephone is in an off-hook condition. According to another aspect, the portable radiotelephone comprises a housing, a cover slidably engaged with the housing and selectively reciprocable relative to the housing between a first position and, alternatively, a second position, wherein at least a portion of the cover extends outwardly beyond the housing, and an antenna fixed to and extending along the cover, at least a portion of the antenna extending outwardly beyond the housing when the cover is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Bellsouth Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. Norman, Gregory Clyde Griffith, Charles Martin Link, II
  • Patent number: 6044265
    Abstract: A method for programming a cellular set over a control channel may be used to update data stored within a cellular set by having the cellular set search the control channel for data updates that are broadcast over the control channel upon command of a controller coupled to the wireless system. In one embodiment, the method updates a carrier list of system identification numbers ("SIDs"). A cellular set searches the control channel for a unique identifier that is followed by the current carrier list number. The cellular set compares the current carrier list number with a stored carrier list number. If the carrier list numbers do not match, the cellular set stores the current carrier list number in memory and enters an acquisition mode in which it continuously monitors the control channel for updated data, possibly in the form of SIDs to add or remove from the list. The cellular set is programmed to recognize the updated data and retrieve it into memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Peter O. Roach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5974139
    Abstract: A line isolation device (LID) for use in an ADSL system provides a single low pass filter that filters out the higher band ADSL signals for all of the Plain Old Telephone Services (POTS) terminal devices within a customer's premises. The LID may be easily added to an existing ADSL system by routing signals from a customer bridge through the LID. The LID has a low pass filter for removing the ADSL signals and also has a bypass path for carrying unfiltered ADSL and POTS signals to an ADSL transceiver unit. The filtered POTS signals are supplied back to the customer bridge and to binding posts on the customer bridge where all POTS terminal devices receive their POTS signals. The re-routing of the signals within the NID through the LID can be easily accomplished by disconnecting a testing jack on the customer bridge and routing the signals through the LID. Alternatively, the customer bridge may be completely removed from the NID and replaced with a customer bridge having an integral low pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: W. J. McNamara, Gary J. Tennyson, D. A. Wilmont
  • Patent number: 5961569
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying a geographic point within a geographic section of a geographic area. A geographic area containing a plurality of geographic points is divided into a plurality of non-overlapping geographic regions. A geographic section of the geographic area is selected. A geographic region is selected as a selected geographic region and a region determination is made as to whether the geographic section overlaps the selected geographic region. If the geographic section overlaps the selected geographic region, then a geographic point located within the selected geographic region is selected as a selected geographic point. A point determination is made as to whether the selected geographic point is located within the geographic section. If the selected geographic point is located within the geographic section, then the selected geographic point is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: William N. Craport, Bruce C. Winters
  • Patent number: 5940187
    Abstract: A system and method facilitate certified facsimile communication over a telephone network between a plurality of originators of facsimile messages and at least one receiver of facsimile messages. The method includes a registration sequence during which an originator of facsimile messages establishes an account with the certifying system by providing a handwritten signature and identifying data. The handwritten signature is linked to the identifying data, and the identifying data is utilized through the method in an effort to insure the authenticity of facsimile messages certified by the certifying system. The method also includes an initial delivery sequence at which time a document control number is established for a facsimile message that an originator wants to transmit to a receiver. The method further includes a final delivery sequence, at which time the originator transmits the facsimile message with the document control number thereon to the certifying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Berke
  • Patent number: 5940493
    Abstract: A system and method for providing directory assistance service and information in a multiple service provider and a local number portability environment. An operator services system (OPSS) (15) is functionally connected to a first and a second database (24, 26). Preferably, the first database (24) is a directory assistance database, and the second database (26) is a directory assistance-local number portability (DA-LNP) database. Upon receipt of a request for a directory number associated with the name of a party, the OPSS (15) makes a first query of the first database (24) for first search results relating to the name of the party. Preferably, the OPSS (15) also concurrently makes a second query, but of the second database (26) for second search results relating to the name of the party. The first and second databases are searched based on the name of the party. The first and second search results are provided to the OPSS (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: Nailesh B. Desai, Prasad V. Nimmagadda
  • Patent number: 5937050
    Abstract: A method for handling a facsimile transmission from a source to a subscriber. The facsimile transmission includes source information such as the name of the source. The method includes the steps of receiving the facsimile transmission on a first calling line, obtaining the source information, storing the facsimile transmission, and providing the subscriber on a second calling line with the source information prior to the routing of the facsimile transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: Drina C. Yue, Raymond J. Smets, Thomas Joseph Moquin, Evan Kraus
  • Patent number: 5937168
    Abstract: After an origination module (OM) receives information, a packet is transmitted to a routing architecture (RA) for routing to a destination module (DM) designated by the router packet. The RA interprets the router packet and adaptively routes the router packet to the DM so that the router packet is quickly processed by the DM. If the DM's queue is empty and the DM is not processing any other packets, the RA places the router packet in the queue and the DM reads its queue to process the router packet. If there is another router packet being processed by the DM, the RA adapts by placing the router packet in the queue. Once processing of the other router packet is complete, the DM processes the router packet in the queue. If there is already another router packet pending within the DM's queue, the RA adapts by creating another DM in memory to process the router packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventors: Dewey Charles Anderson, Senis Busayapongchai, Audrey Dibrell, David J. Anderson