Abstract: A graphical user interface is disclosed that displays messages to a user in a manner such that attached or embedded message (as well as attachments to the embedded messages) within a message can be easily viewed with reduced user effort. The graphical user interface can be implemented in a variety of messaging systems, including electronic mail systems, unified messaging systems, voice mail systems, etc.

Abstract: A messaging system to store and retrieve messages for playback in response to input user commands includes memory to store user messages. The messaging system also maintains preference records associated with users of the messaging system. Each preference record is associated with a communication device used by a user to access the messaging system and includes user preference data for message playback. A messaging application is responsive to incoming calls from users to playback messages for that user stored in the memory. The messaging application accesses preference records associated with a user calling the messaging system and plays back the messages in accordance with a selected one of the preference records. In one embodiment, the selected one of the preference records is selected based on caller line identification (CLI) data accompanying the call made to the messaging system.

Abstract: A resource allocation manager to allocate resources to handle applications in a messaging system includes a database storing a set of resource allocation rules to govern the allocation of resources to applications. A resource allocation engine is responsive to events that potentially effect the manner in which resources are allocated. The resource allocation agent accesses the database and interprets the resource allocation rules in response to events to determine if the events warrant a reallocation of resources to handle applications. Allocation agents are responsive to the resource allocation engine and reallocate resources to handle applications when detected events warrant a reallocation of resources. A method of allocating resources in a messaging system is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for centralized management of branding information for computer products are disclosed. The techniques are particularly well suited for use with software application to display branding information for various hardware and/or software components being utilized by the software application.

Abstract: A text-to-speech converter includes a text-to-speech engine receiving source text and converting the source text into speech data. A read mechanism reads speech data from the text-to-speech engine and writes the speech data to a buffer. A throttle mechanism reads speech data from the buffer and conveys the speech data to a playback operation. The throttle mechanism triggers the read mechanism to read data from the text-to-speech engine and writes the speech data to the buffer so that unread speech data in the buffer remains ahead of speech data read by the throttle mechanism by at least a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A messaging system to store and retrieve messages for playback in response to user input commands includes a telephony messaging application responsive to incoming calls. A directory stores addressing information concerning addressable entities within the messaging system. The telephony messaging application accesses the directory in response to caller address queries. A post office stores user messages and includes addressing information concerning addressable entities within the messaging system. A synchronization mechanism synchronizes the addressing information in the directory with addressing information in the post office.

Abstract: A telephone dialer for connection to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and to a station apparatus, for receiving digits dialed from the station apparatus and for adding digits or substituting digits for the dialed digits and for redialing digits to the PSTN wherein the redialed digits are comprised of the dialed and added digits or comprised of substituted digits, the dialer further comprising an adjustable hold circuit for connection to the PSTN during an interval when the redialed digits are being output, for holding a line associated with the PSTN in an offhook condition, the adjustable hold circuit having a load connectable to the PSTN line which is variable with PSTN line voltage at the dialer such as to draw a variable current sufficient to meet predetermined current and voltage criteria of the line at the dialer.

Abstract: A low quiescent current draw regulator comprising a low output conductance device for receiving a variable DC input voltage and for providing a first nominal quiescent constant current through a serially connected resistor and a reference diode, and a circuit coupled across the resistor and reference diode for providing a substantially regulated output voltage.

Abstract: A telephone series equipment line circuit for connection between a central office (CO) line and a terminal equipment (TE) line comprising a filter connected between the lines for blocking message signals from passing therebetween and for passing direct current (DC), a DC bypass circuit including a first series switch apparatus connected between the lines around the filter, series equipment connected via a DC blocking circuit and second series switching apparatus to the lines, the first switch apparatus being open and closed reciprocally to the second switch apparatus.

Abstract: A method of dialing digits using dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals comprised of generating a digit from a DTMF generator comprised of a first pair of signals forming a DTMF signal, one signal of the first pair of signals being in a low frequency band and one signal of the first pair of signals being in a high frequency band, and applying the DTMF signal to a telephone line connected to a central office, detecting the first pair of signals in an auxiliary circuit and immediately applying a third signal in either of the low or high bands to the telephone line at the same time as the first pair of signals, and detecting the presence of the pair of signals and the third signal at the central office and preventing processing of the DTMF signal at the central office as a result thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low frequency discriminator circuit comprised if apparatus for providing a rectangular wave input signal, apparatus for integrating the input signal, apparatus for detecting whether the integrated input signal falls between upper and lower thresholds respectively, and apparatus for providing an output signal indicating when the integrated input signal falls between the thresholds, whereby the frequency of the input signal may be determined to be between higher and lower limits.

Abstract: A charging circuit for a random access memory (RAM) backup battery for supplying a first charge current from a voltage supply to the battery for as long as the voltage supply is present, comprised of a first resistance apparatus for limiting the first charge current to a low predetermined value, a bypass conducting switch connected in parallel with the first resistance apparatus, and apparatus for detecting a low voltage condition of the voltage supply and for enabling operation of the bypass conducting switch thereby bypassing the first resistance apparatus and allowing discharge current to flow from the battery to the RAM.