Abstract: Methods for dialing an emergency telephone number from a teleworking client according to the invention include detecting at the teleworking client when an emergency number is dialed, disconnecting the teleworking client from the PBX/MLTS, connecting the teleworking client to the PSTN, and dialing an associated stored number. The apparatus of the invention resides in software that is installed in off the shelf hardware. Though the invention is described with reference to a teleworking client, it may also be applied to any other dialup network connection.

Abstract: A telecommunications call center includes a controller (301), graphical user interface (302), a database (304), and a query engine (306). The controller (301) stores call information in the database (304), such as call length, duration, party, time, and the like. The graphical user interface (302) subsequently allows a user to enter query fields for a query of the database. The query engine (306) reads the entries, generates a Structured Query Language (SQL) query, and returns results via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method for providing automatic restoration of network access for user lines within a communication system. The user lines interface with groups of transmission lines that include dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The method includes steps for making a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and for coupling each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The method may also include steps for delaying the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable guide includes first and second guide walls, one or more base support elements for connecting the guide walls, and a number of securing elements which extend from the guide walls along a top portion thereof. Each securing member preferably has a length which is shorter than the spacing between the guide walls. This difference in length substantially corresponds to the diameter of a fiber-optic cable. A fastener may be included on a bottom surface of one or more of the guide walls for attaching the guide to a mounting surface, which may be a printed circuit board. Furthermore, the guide walls may be conformed to traverse any desired path along the board.

Abstract: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) private network call rerouting or switching, substantially transparent to both the caller and the called party. IP private network calls (e.g., VoIP private network) are automatically switched over a Public Services Telephone Network (PSTN) such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) as the need arises. Alternate routing may occur because of, for example, network congestion, network outages, or detected poor Quality of Service (QoS) in the private network. Routing is over existing customer PSTN trunks and a dedicated Direct Inward Dial (DID) number, unlisted, that serves all users at a distributed system. Calls that may be switched to the PSTN (ISDN) are correlated with call associated information, such as a private calling user number, name, classmarks, Dialed Number Identification Services (DNIS), user group. VoIP calls made between users appear as intranetwork calls regardless of whether they are intranetwork calls or alternately routed.

Abstract: A telecommunications device able to automatically detect a pending change in an area code or numbering plan area (NPA) during the period when either the new area code or the existing area code may be used to dial a particular number. Such a telecommunications device is configured to read an ISDN connected party number or an H.323 connected party number during the permissive period and compare the connected party number with the called party number. If there is a mismatch of the area code and the numbers otherwise match, the telecommunications device knows that an area code update is pending and advises the user thereof accordingly. Alternatively, the telecommunications device may itself automatically update speed dialing lists, routing tables, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a program controlled switching system to setup a basic call directly to a specific B-Channel on an ISDN Primary Rate Interface (PRI) via a call initiated by line side equipment subtending the switch with the PRI and/or via a call initiated by equipment anywhere in the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and routed to the switch with the PRI. A primary application for such methods and apparatus is within Data Tandem Switches/Internet Concentrator Switches and End Office Switches with PRI connections for Internet Service Providers. For example, by facilitating a direct connection to a specific B-Channel using the invention, modem pool providers can quickly and efficiently verify the functionality of specific channels and their associated modems, as well as maintain and test other equipment and software associated a specific PRI B-Channel.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently assigning a plurality of channels among a plurality of nodes in a radio communications system. For each node in the system, a buffer zone is established. The members of a particular node's buffer zone are that subset of the plurality of nodes in the system that are prohibited from using a channel simultaneously with the particular node. When a particular node is in need of a channel assignment, the system will assign a channel to the particular node from a subset of channels that excludes channels assigned to nodes within the particular channel's buffer zone. A co-channel zone is for each particular node is also established which includes a subset of the plurality of nodes that is near the particular node, but excludes nodes outside the particular node's buffer zone.

Abstract: A proximity detector (111) is provided for causing automatic callback. The proximity detector (111) causes the called party's telephone (506) to send a signal to the telephone system indicating that the automatic callback may proceed. For example, the detector may cause an off-hook/on-hook event to be sent, or other specific signaling. The telephone system signals the calling party (502), who may then answer the automatic callback and be connected to the called party.

Abstract: A Local Area Network based on a parallel bus architecture is disclosed. The LAN provides a means of utilizing relatively low cost CMOS circuitry to obtain performance superior to LAN's utilizing more exotic high speed technology. The disclosed LAN is based on a parallel bus having n×8 data lines, ±power lines, and a clock line. The bandwidth of the LAN is the product of the number of data lines times the clock speed. Bandwidth is therefore scalable by increasing either the clock speed, the number of data lines, or both. Access to the bus is provided via ports which include transceivers, a clock receiver, and a configurable hardware interface. Each port is assigned an address based on a data line and a clock cycle. The invention features a network that becomes more efficient as usage increases, ports that can accept any medium, and an architecture that facilitates implementation of a true “STAR” LAN configuration which interfaces between two or more serial communications links.

Abstract: A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Abstract: The invention provides the user of a unified messaging mailbox with efficient, intelligent, media and device sensitive methods and apparatus for automatically summarizing messages stored in a unified multimedia mailbox. Additionally, the invention provides methods and apparatus that convert non-text messages to text to facilitate summarization utilizing predefined keywords and/or lists of keywords, where each list of keywords is linked to one of a message subject and a message sender. Further, the invention provides for the prioritization of messages via the application of filtering techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides users of either a unified messaging mailbox or simple plain text storage mailbox, with media and device sensitive methods and apparatus to convert messages from one medium to another (when necessary) taking into account the type of target device (for example, cell phone, PDA, pager, etc.), being used to access a stored message Additionally, the invention provides methods and apparatus for determining target device type and for summarizing message content based on target device type.

Abstract: Many portable computing devices include data based applications such as schedules, contact managers, and the like, which can be synchronized with another computing device, such as a desktop computer, whereby the data on both synchronized devices are conformed. The present invention discloses a method and apparatus that allows such data to be selectively synchronized, wherein the user can specify, on a record-by-record basis, which other databases receive or synchronize with each record. The present invention allows multiple users to synchronize portable computers with the same desktop (or other) computer without necessarily sharing all of their synchronizable data.

Abstract: A concealed telephone includes a telephone body that is hidden from view. Audio signals produced by the telephone are provided to an earpiece that is hidden in a pair of glasses, sunglasses, or jewelry. A microphone is incorporated into a tie tack, jewelry piece, or other location that is inconspicuous, such as in a pen. Signals between the earpiece and microphone are preferably transmitted wirelessly to the telephone by a Bluetooth™ or other short-range analog or digital wireless communication device. Alternatively, signals could be transmitted from the telephone to the earpiece and microphone via hidden wires.

Abstract: An in-line charge controller for controlling charging of a storage device such as a cell, battery or the like by a charging system, particularly a photovoltaic charging system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a cable assembly for a photovoltaic charging system including a photovoltaic module suitable for charging a battery, includes a wire assembly for coupling the photovoltaic module to the battery and a charge controller for controlling charging of the battery by the photovoltaic module. The charge controller is embedded in line within the wire assembly thereby reducing the risk of damage to the system or battery due to improper installation of the system.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing a warning alert to subscribers of a telecommunication system is disclosed. In one aspect, the warning system includes a central switch and a remote switch, each switch coupled to a different plurality of subscribers to be contacted by the emergency notification provider that issues the emergency warning alert. In another aspect, the warning system contains a ringing tones database having different ringing tones corresponding to different emergency conditions, where an appropriate ringing tone is select by the telecommunication system and routed to the subscribers depending on the type emergency for which the emergency notification provider is providing the warning.

Abstract: Methods for improving bus performance and bandwidth utilization in a Local Area Network (LAN) are disclosed along with methods fo adapting LANs for use with differing hardware interfaces. The LANs described are based on a parallel bus architecture. Performance superiority is gained by passing data between ports on parallel circuits that individually are relatively slow, but that, in the aggregate, provide bandwidth equivalent to or greater than serial LAN's of much higher frequency. The bandwidth advantage of the parallel architecture is extended by the logical advantage which permits efficient utilization of up to 99% of this bandwidth. This logical advantage rests in the capability of establishing glare and collision avoidance schemes that result in very little wasted bandwidth. The LANs described are adapted for use with differing hardware interfaces when provided with a plurality of bus ports, where each port has associated therewith a configurable hardware interface.

Abstract: A control interface for CSTA protocols utilizes ActiveX properties, methods, events, and pages to access all of the events and services provided by the CSTA protocols. Common paradigms such as Invoke_ID and timers are built in to the interface. The interface further provides statistics and diagnostics via property pages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically generating common paradigms in computer supported telephony applications (CSTA) protocols includes a control interface for CSTA protocols utilizes ActiveX properties, methods, events, and pages. Common paradigms such as Invoke_ID and timers are built in to the interface. The interface further provides statistics and diagnostics via property pages.