Abstract: The present invention relates to a long distance telephone communication system which is convenient and cost effective. This system advantageously combines or makes use of existing communication channels or networks. The system and method relies on an intermediate leg of the distribution network being an INTERNET segment. Conventional PSTN telephone communication is typically used for initial and final legs. Real time voice telephone communications are completed by the system. Telephone to telephone long distance communications use INTERNET between two commercial providers, with these commercial providers interacting seamlessly with conventional telephones, thereby making the system widely available to telephone subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for retrieval of information from a remote computer by a PC equipped with a facsimile modem where the PC initiates the communication. The method and apparatus in a preferred embodiment take advantage of the standard fields associated with facsimile transmission for exchange of information. The invention also provides a simple arrangement for changing the transmit mode of a facsimile modem to a receive mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unified messaging system and method which is more convenient and advantageously combines or makes use of existing communication channels or networks. Part of the system and method relies on a data communication network forming an intermediate leg of the distribution network. Telephone communication is typically used for initial or final legs. Voice mail, E-mail, facsimiles and other message types can be received by the system for retrieval by the subscriber. Communications may be centralized and retrieval of messages can be accomplished using one of a number of separate and distinct approaches. Thus, data communication networks such as the Internet can become global voice mail and facsimile mail systems.

Abstract: A system, according to the present invention, provides temporary facsimile services to facsimile machines provided in hotel rooms. The system includes an intermediary having a host of direct in-dial telephone numbers which can be selectively activated and assigned to any one facsimile machine of a plurality of facsimile machines. The facsimile machines can be selectively authorized by assigning thereto for a temporary period a direct in-dial telephone number from the host of direct in-dial numbers of the intermediary. The intermediary activates the direct in-dial number whereafter the authorized facsimile machine is capable of receiving transmissions sent to the direct in-dial telephone number via the intermediary. The system maintains the direct in-dial number activated until the expiry of the temporary period and thereafter deactivates the direct in-dial number.

Abstract: A coupler of the present invention advantageously renders the read/write head of a diskette drive of a computer a data transfer port and preferably an input/output port suitable for connection with a peripheral device. The coupler includes a data transfer element, preferably a read/write element for transferring data by coupling with the read/write head of the diskette drive. The coupler includes a suitable arrangement for connecting the data transfer element with a peripheral device thus expanding the applications of the diskette drive. The coupler is sized for receipt in the diskette drive and preferably places the stationary data transfer element in a position relative to the read/write head of the diskette drive to allow data transfer therebetween when activated and said coupler is received in the diskette drive.

Abstract: An improved data transmission system which uses the telephone system for transmitting information between data transmitting/receiving devices via a process intermediary is taught wherein at least some of the data transmitting/receiving devices can be actuated by a non-telephone actuation signal controlled by the process intermediary. Telephone number addresses are obtained by the process intermediately and assigned to uniquely identify non-telephone actuatable data transmitting/receiving devices. The telephone number addresses when used to transmit data to the assigned data transmitting/receiving device results in the transmitted data being received by the process intermediary and forwarded to the appropriate data transmitting/receiving device by actuating the device by means of a non-telephone actuation signal. This actuation signal causes the device to initiate a telephone communication with the process intermediary and thereby receive the transmitted data.

Abstract: An improved data transmission system which transmits data at least partially over existing telephone lines, the improvement comprising devices which, in addition to transmitting and receiving data and being actuated by a non-telephone signal, automatically complete a telephone communication with a predetermined computer. Once the device is connected to the computer, it receives information such as a particular telephone number which is used in the reception and/or transmission of data. The received information is preferably peculiar to the location of the device and can be used to appropriately program the device for carrying out a function in a manner specific to its location. The information specific to the location is determined in accordance with the telephone number of the telephone line connecting the device to the telephone system as the computer has the capability of Calling Number Identification.

Abstract: A delivery system for the selective dissemination of information to subscribers uses a non-telephone authorizing signal to authorize the subscriber stations for which information is to be delivered. The subscriber station, when authorized, dials up a predetermined number to form a telephone channel through which the information is delivered. The apparatus and method eliminate the need for a dedicated channel serving the station and preferably the subscriber station only seizes a telephone channel when available and therefore may share an existing telephone channel.

Abstract: A device is placed intermediate a data transmitter, such as a facsimile machine and the public switched telephone network, and selectively processes the calls in a predetermined manner. The signals sent by the transmitter are monitored by the process intermediary and when a particular type of signal is identified, the device processes this signal in a different manner. For example, a particular type of signal could be a long distance signal whereupon the device stores the long distance number, supplies a current back to the transmitting device indicating that the connection has not yet been made, and then completes a call to a data transmission network with the process intermediary then connecting the data transmission network with the transmitting device after the device has transmitted the long distance number to the data transmission system.