Abstract: Publishing content associated with an electronic file attached to an electronic mail message by executing instructions contained in the electronic mail attachment and accessing the content at a remote computer server identified by the attached file. The attached file includes computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program or script, which include an identifier for a remote server connected to a distributed computer network. This identified remote server typically hosts a web site containing content intended for viewing by the recipient of the electronic mail message. In response to launching the attached file of the electronic mail message with a viewer program, a browser program can be opened to enable the recipient to view the content of the identified remote server, typically a web site on an intranet or the global Internet.

Abstract: A foldable dry erase surface, such as a temporary wall, permits writing on the surface as is typically done with a dry erase board. The dry erase surface includes individual panels that are hinged together so that the surface formed by the panels is foldable. The individual panels have a dry erase film attached to them so that writing may occur on the panels themselves. The dry erase surface may be collapsed when not in use, or it may be expanded when it is necessary to write on or read from the surface. The dry erase surface is collapsed or expanded by pivoting the panels about the hinged connections, which is typically done by pushing or pulling an end panel of the dry erase surface.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a hanging aerial terminal including means to rotationally adjust positions or means to adjust positions in a cantilever fashion. This invention also includes a kit-of-parts for a hanging aerial suspension system capable of being assembled with conventional hanging aerial terminals. Still further, this invention includes a locking device having means to securely position the hanging aerial terminal at a selected location.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network privacy screening service that allows callers provided with a bypass code to bypass the privacy screening. A termination attempt trigger is provisioned on the subscriber's line at a service switching point. When callers from private or unknown numbers call the subscriber, the call is routed to a service node that plays an announcement to the caller to start the privacy screening process. The caller can then enter the bypass code to bypass the privacy screening. A subscriber to the privacy screening service can change his or her bypass code by calling a system administration number, and entering his or her password and bypass code.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide remote performance monitoring and testing to a cell site in a cellular communications network. The systems and methods include a network management center having remote monitoring and testing capabilities utilizing an intelligent customer service unit that traps and makes available alarm information on the transport link.

Abstract: A method for parity analysis and remedy calculation is provided. The method uses performance measurements that measure the timeliness, accuracy and availability of the services provided by an incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) to determine whether parity exists between services provided to the ILEC and services provided to a competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”). The performance measurements are compared at an appropriate level so that a like-to-like comparison is made. The difference between the average of the ILEC performance measurements and the average of the CLEC performance measurements is computed. An aggregate difference measurement is also computed and is used to determine whether parity exists. If parity does not exist, then a remedy is calculated.

Abstract: Performance measurement and analysis of local exchange carrier interconnections. Performance measurements can be used to establish that an incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) is providing interconnections to one or more competitive local exchange carriers (“CLEC's”) that are at least equal in quality to the interconnections provided to itself. Performance measurements are defined to measure the timeliness, accuracy and availability of the interconnections provided to the CLEC's. A performance measurement is based upon performance data that us collected from one of the ILEC's processes (preordering, ordering, provisioning, collocation, billing, maintenance and repair, emergency 911, operator service/directory assistance and trunk blockage). A performance report is defined to specify the types of performance measurements and dimensions that are included, as well as the reporting period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for automatically creating a data feed file for use by desktop applications. The invention comprises a raw data files that is stored on electronic storage devices inaccessible to desktop software applications. To gain access to data stored in the raw data file, a data feed file is generated and electronically transmitted to a location electronically accessible to a user-preferred desktop application. To generate the data feed file, the desired data is extracted from the raw data file based on data-locating criteria. The extracted data is further analyzed for compliance with data-limiting criteria which further defines the characteristics of data needed for the data feed file. The data extracted from the raw data file is then used to populate the data feed file. The data feed file is thereafter transmitted to a location accessible to the user-preferred desktop application for data tracking, data compilation, and various other types of data manipulation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining whether to transmit from a first unit to a second unit, where the transmission is one of a first type and a second type. In the method, a signal from the second unit is received at the first unit, and the strength of the signal as received at the first unit is measured. A determination is made of whether the transmission is of the first type or the second type, and a first threshold is selected if the transmission is of the first type, or else a second threshold is selected if the transmission is of the second type. The measured signal strength is then compared to the selected threshold, and the transmission proceeds only if the measured signal strength exceeds the selected threshold.

Abstract: A cable-supporting apparatus is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a rigid support member that may be attached to a framework that supports one or more components. At least one cable support member is attached to the rigid support member for receiving a portion of at least one cable therethrough. The cable support members may comprise split rings that each define central cable-receiving area that is surrounded by rigid portions of the split ring.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for routing telephone calls directed to a wireless unit located in the wireless network to a landline device located in the landline network. The system utilizes a location register in the form of a service control point (SCP) located in the landline network to store certain information pertaining to landline numbers and respective routing numbers associated with landline devices. The SCP is functionally coupled to a Visitors' Location Register (VLR) as well as to a landline network element that facilitates the routing of communications to both landline devices and over to the MTSO and its associated Home Location Register (HLR) in the wireless network.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide a particular subscriber of a messaging system with access to a selected messaging platform (SMP) by making a call to a pilot number from a line number other than a line number of the subscriber. The call is routed to the SSP serving the line number from which the call originated. Based on the use of the pilot number, the SSP receives instructions from an intelligent network element (INE) to route the call to a messaging platform serving the line number from which the call originated. If the messaging platform receives a backout indicator in the call, then the messaging platform provides a backout notice to the SSP. The SSP engages in an exchange with the INE so as to result in the SSP obtaining a selected number from the particular subscriber and providing the selected number to the INE. The selected number is used by the INE to obtain an address for the SMP. The INE then instructs the SSP to route the call to the address for the SMP.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for utilizing calling party personal calendaring and scheduling information to facilitate enhanced directory assistance information. After obtaining a directory number for a called party from a subscriber's address book or from a directory assistance service, a voice services node queries a personal scheduling calendar of the called party to determine whether the called party is currently located at a location other than the location accessible by the obtained directory number. If so, the voice services node may obtain an alternate directory number for the current location of the called party, and the voice services node may automatically place a call to the called party via the alternate directory number or provide the alternate directory number to the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing a telecommunications services menu accessible via a voice interactive system, such as a voice services node. A subscriber accesses a voice communications menu by accessing a voice services node. The voice services node queries a customer profile database to obtain a list of telecommunications services available to the subscriber. At the voice services node, a voice prompt is constructed for providing the subscriber a voice menu of the available services. After the subscriber receives the voice prompt of menu items, the subscriber may select a service from the provided menu.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for storing directory assistance information in a subscriber's electronic address book for future use. If a directory number associated with the desired called party is not in the subscriber's address book, a voice services node initiates a call to a directory assistance service to obtain a directory number for the called party. If the subscriber would like to have the obtained number added to the subscriber's address book, the directory number, name and address associated with the requested directory assistance may be added to the subscriber's address book for future use by the subscriber when the subscriber needs the directory number associated with the called party.

Abstract: A fiber optic interface device that facilitates the deployment of fiber to the home by connecting a connectorized outside fiber optic drop to a connectorized inside fiber optic drop, the fiber optic interface device including a housing having two ports, termination hardware, routing hardware, and one or more adapters. The housing provides environmental protection and is adapted to be mounted to a customer's house. The two ports receive the outside and inside drops. Positioned above the ports inside the housing, the termination hardware secures the drops to the housing. The routing hardware receives the drops from the ports, routes the drops to the one or more adapters, and stores any extra length in the drops, while maintaining a proper fiber strand bend radius. The one or more adapters connect the outside drop to the inside drop, providing a well-aligned and stable fiber optic connection that does not require splicing.

Abstract: An information retrieval system is described that dynamically prioritizes search request results prior to output to a user. When a database search yields multiple hits, the results are first categorized into a series of groups. Categories are determined from any number of different factors, such as geographical locations of the search results, amenities, hours of operation, etc. For each category, the search results can be parsed into groups within the category. The results are first reported to the user in general terms, as a number of search results in each of the groups. The user is prompted to select the group that is of most interest, and the portion of the individual search results that are within the selected group are reported.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging secondary batteries. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a supervisory circuit, a voltage converter, a portable power source, and one or more of a holder and a socket. The holder is adapted to receive a specific type of secondary battery of a portable device. The socket is adapted to mate with a plug of a device-specific charging cord connected to the portable device. Each of the holder and the plug can be associated with a programming resistor that provides a voltage requirement of the secondary battery. When the secondary battery is either placed in the holder or is connected to the socket, the supervisory circuit communicates with the voltage converter to supply the appropriate voltage required to recharge the secondary battery. The voltage converter receives power from the portable power source. The voltage converter can convert the voltage of the portable power source up (i.e., increasing the voltage) or down (i.e.

Abstract: A portable screen or door for a cubicle system. The screen is collapsible and extendible and includes a temporary mounting system. The temporary mounting system permits easy installation and removal of the screen and permits installation and removal without noticeable harm to the cubicle. The screen can be used either alone or in combination with a mounting bracket that also includes a temporary mounting system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing for calling party name and/or other information corresponding to a wireless unit to be stored in association with the mobile identity number (MIN) and/or mobile directory number (MDN) of the wireless unit in a location register such as the home location register (HLR) in a network element of a wireless network. The network element is configured to accept and support the TR-1188, wireless intelligent network (WIN), or the like messaging processes. When a calling party uses a wireless unit to make a call to a wireline unit of a subscriber having calling name delivery service, the call is routed in a conventional manner to the service switching point (SSP) serving the calling line of the wireline unit.